World Cup South Africa, 2010 Thread

[Hades]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

I used to hate Germany, but I have really come around on that countries development programs and most of all there talent/iron nerve resolve! I am also in awe of the Netherlands ability to produce raw talent, hopefully this will be the final.

Since 2002, I think Germany has had the most consistant showing internationally (except for Euro 04), reaching at least the semi's now in all major tournies. And, if anything, they look to only be getting better!

Holland has always had good talent, they just haven't been able to put it together for whatever reason (kinda like the flames ). Things seem to be coming around though, they just need to prevent blowing things like in Euro08.

I hope the final is Holland vs Germany; the Dutch would seem to have the easier path but nothing is for sure. Though Uruguay might have more important (or less replacable) players suspended, especially with Suarez. And I almost wonder if Spain shouldn't take out Torres as it's been suggested, maybe the last major match with Germany in the Euro will inspire him? Unless he's still suffering from the injury, in which case better to replace him.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

The reduced work-load is what really stands out to me. The big money clubs simply play too much causing nagging injuries as well as exhaustion. I really believe you need to cut seasons short for the World Cup and Euro seasons. I know this will never happen, cash trumpets all. I think this is also the reason behind Brazil not fairing as well lately - there top players are over worked. Definitely English nationals need to start participating in these so called lower leagues at a much greater rate.

Speaking of long seasons. Looking back, I believe Brazil made the mistake of sending a full-strength team for the Confederations Cup last year. Players were already tired from a long enough season they didn't need to go play 5 more matches. Brazil usually takes and 2nd string team for Confederations Cup or when they are invited to the Gold Cup. They only care about Copa America and World Cup.

Spain took a fairly deep squad too but they really didn't play that hard. Easy group followed by a lackluster loss to the US.

Italy too should have sent a younger team to try out a few things. Instead they were old in 2009 and older in 2010.

Brazil can't play half-assed, they are pressured to win everything. If they had lost that match against the USA, Dunga might have been fired back then (since everyone hates him)! So they played all out and had rough games against Egypt, USA in the final and even South Africa in the semi which went down to the wire. Kaka was tired even before he got to Madrid and had a miserable season carried over to a miserable World Cup.

Looking at Brazil's schedule for whoever will be the new coach.
They have Copa America in 2011 in Argentina, they will want to win that one on enemy soil. They have Confederations Cup at home in 2013 and then the World Cup at home in 2014. At least they don't have to play qualifers this time buthe new manager will have to be very careful about using players continuously after each long European season.

[Regorium]

Originally Posted by Dan02

I guess that's just where we differ, I see Suarez's handball as a brilliant play, he took heavy consequences to give his team another shot, albeit small, at life and it paid off. It's not like he cheated and avoided getting caught. The penalty was stiff and properly applied. Ghana failed to convert the penalty, the fingers only need to be appointed at one person here.

The only reason it's controversy at all is because it was in the 120th minute and Ghana failed to capitalize. Had it been the 5th minute and Ghana converted we'd all be talking about how much of a moron Suarez is because not only were they down a goal but down a man as well.

Great post.

I'd just say the controversy only exists because Ghana failed to capitalize rather than the timing at all. Had they converted the kick, it'd be a non-issue. The fact of the matter is that the penalty WAS called, unlike many of the other instances in the tournament, which includes dives, handballs, non-offsides, offsides, goals not being seen, etc.

[Matty81]

Finally some more soccer coming up, feels like it's been forever .

Looking forward to seeing if Netherlands can pull through, they are heavy favorites but you don't get to the world cup semis by accident and I think Uruguay can make a game of it. Having Suarez out hurts bigtime though meaning Netherlands can focus pretty heavily on Forlan. Thought this was funny from the dutch keeper though (apologies if fata, I haven't been in the thread for a day or two)

http://www.skysports.com/football/wo...245919,00.html

[GirlySports]

I think URGAY got to the semis by accident. Haven't beaten anyone really.
Dutch midfield should control the game fairly comfortably.

[Matty81]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

I think URGAY got to the semis by accident. Haven't beaten anyone really.
Dutch midfield should control the game fairly comfortably.

I think they're gonna lose too but I've seen stranger things than them beating the dutch. All it would take is Forlan converting a dead ball, which we know he's more than capable of and that game is wide open. That said I am expecting at least a two goal margin the other way. I think I just don't want to get too excited about my early money on the dutch is all, something of a pessimist in me after the last couple decades of Flames fandom.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Matty81

I think they're gonna lose too but I've seen stranger things than them beating the dutch. All it would take is Forlan converting a dead ball, which we know he's more than capable of and that game is wide open. That said I am expecting at least a two goal margin the other way. I think I just don't want to get too excited about my early money on the dutch is all, something of a pessimist in me after the last couple decades of Flames fandom.

Yeah I see it that way.

The strangest thing will be an entire Stadium of South Africans cheering for Holland! Since Uruguay is now the hated enemy.

[joe_mullen]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

Anyone here read Soccernomics - I am into it right now, what a fascinating read. It actually convinced me England is slightly overachieving at the international stage as of the last 20 years. Everything I complained about England was completely wrong before reading this. It doesnt only touch on England as well, it goes into club football and many other countries situations as well. I definitely reccommend this book to all.

agreed, outstanding read.

[Locke]

Fergie backs Rooney to be the star of 2014

Ferguson explained: "I think there was such expectation on him. There was talk he was going to be the player of the tournament. Don't forget, that was the prelude to the whole thing - he was going to be the star, he was going to outshine them all - (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo. So that level of expectation comes into it. And he's not got great experience of [playing in] the World Cup really. You wait, in four years' time you'll see a different player.''

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...901&ver=global

Funny, that sounds a lot like what they said in.....2010?

The 'White Pele' is looking like a huge bust, I think almost all of the major English players are hugely overrated.

"It's about order on the pitch," he said. "That is the most important condition for good football. The players should know their place in the basic structure of the team, so that no-one thinks he can run all over the pitch. Certain rectangles must always be covered."

Low also demands that his players constantly search out space while the team is in possession. "I want to see players getting into space and asking for the ball. This makes the game more fluid and dynamic.

"I knew that some of our players are extremely good at that - Ozil, Poldi, Muller, Kroos - and I said to the team, 'If you don't move around the pitch, you're not even going to beat teams like Canada!' That was our golden rule from day one. We go over it in theory and in practise every day."

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...901&ver=global

Why Jogi? Why? Has Canadian Soccer not suffered enough? I love the Germans, but come on. You could have said: American Samoa and gotten the same result.

[Phaneuf]

How does one buy a vuvuzela here in Calgary? Any stores have it?

[Jagger]

Originally Posted by Locke

Fergie backs Rooney to be the star of 2014


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...901&ver=global

Funny, that sounds a lot like what they said in.....2010?

The 'White Pele' is looking like a huge bust, I think almost all of the major English players are hugely overrated.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...901&ver=global

Why Jogi? Why? Has Canadian Soccer not suffered enough? I love the Germans, but come on. You could have said: American Samoa and gotten the same result.

Ferguson is so full of it, it's not even funny. This World Cup's not even over yet but he's already building up Rooney for the next one. Unbelievable. Talk about putting pressure on someone. Let's start it already.

Rooney looked uninterested, unfit, and somehow had forgotten how to control a ball let alone shoot it. He was really really bad.

As for the Canadian jibe, who knows? There surely were better teams to pick on but then maybe he's choked at the Canadian hockey team or something. You see, Locke, this is the team you hanged your hat on and this is how they repay you. The Spaniards have never skitted at your home country and that's a fact.

[NBC]

Originally Posted by Regorium

Great post.

I'd just say the controversy only exists because Ghana failed to capitalize rather than the timing at all. Had they converted the kick, it'd be a non-issue. The fact of the matter is that the penalty WAS called, unlike many of the other instances in the tournament, which includes dives, handballs, non-offsides, offsides, goals not being seen, etc.

While the proper call(s) were made regarding the handball, the biggest question is whether the penalty and red card are sufficient. A defender can get a red card and a penalty awarded when a clear goal scoring opportunity has been prevented. This situation was different simply because a clear goal was prevented, not just the opportunity to score one. According to former World Cup referee Graham Poll,

"The clause in the law under which Suarez was dismissed was the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. The problem is that Ghana were denied a goal, not just the opportunity to score one. A penalty-goal in these circumstances would be appropriate." While some argued Suarez acted instinctively, Poll said that should not affect the punishment against his team. "If that is true then awarding a penalty-goal and a yellow card seems more appropriate. Then the wronged team would not be denied a goal and the instinctive act less harshly punished."The denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity was seen in the Paraguay-Spain quarter-final, when Antolin Alcaraz brought down David Villa. No striker converts every chance, so awarding a penalty seems fair. Referee Carlos Batres failed to dismiss the Paraguay defender, but it was only an opportunity denied and not a certain goal."

While the proper call was made on the Suarez handball, it highlights that the rule itself may be in need of a thorough re-evaluation.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...739?ver=global

However, FIFA was been reluctant at the very least to introduce legislation or technology that will help prevent blatant cheating from proliferating.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Locke

Why Jogi? Why? Has Canadian Soccer not suffered enough? I love the Germans, but come on. You could have said: American Samoa and gotten the same result.

Just another reason Germany can go to hell. Come onnnnn Spain!

Although the only team that I think has a shot at beating them this year is Holland....and even that would be tough. Those Pol---errr, I mean Turk---errr, I mean Germans, are just playing perfect right now. Gotta admire their team-first concept.

[NBC]

South Africa may very well be the Rainbow Nation, but Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft, wins the title of the Rainbow Football Team!

[Table 5]

haha mann schaft.

[Komskies]

You guys ready for the game this afternoon? I wish I could take the afternoon off work to watch it.

[NBC]

I sure am. Even though I support my adopted home country (England) I have a real soft spot for the Dutch. I grew up in a town that had a large number of Dutch people. In the 70s they were the ones playing and following football - more so than any other nationality. I had a lot of Dutch friends and they all seemed to be football mad.

I always like to see Holland do well in tournaments. Plus I've placed a cheeky punt on Holland at the beginning of the tournament with odds of 11-1.

HUP HOLLAND!

[NBC]

Originally Posted by Table 5

haha mann schaft.

Splendid language German.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by NBC

While the proper call(s) were made regarding the handball, the biggest question is whether the penalty and red card are sufficient. A defender can get a red card and a penalty awarded when a clear goal scoring opportunity has been prevented. This situation was different simply because a clear goal was prevented, not just the opportunity to score one. According to former World Cup referee Graham Poll,

"The clause in the law under which Suarez was dismissed was the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. The problem is that Ghana were denied a goal, not just the opportunity to score one. A penalty-goal in these circumstances would be appropriate." While some argued Suarez acted instinctively, Poll said that should not affect the punishment against his team. "If that is true then awarding a penalty-goal and a yellow card seems more appropriate. Then the wronged team would not be denied a goal and the instinctive act less harshly punished."The denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity was seen in the Paraguay-Spain quarter-final, when Antolin Alcaraz brought down David Villa. No striker converts every chance, so awarding a penalty seems fair. Referee Carlos Batres failed to dismiss the Paraguay defender, but it was only an opportunity denied and not a certain goal."

While the proper call was made on the Suarez handball, it highlights that the rule itself may be in need of a thorough re-evaluation.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...739?ver=global

However, FIFA was been reluctant at the very least to introduce legislation or technology that will help prevent blatant cheating from proliferating.

I'm reluctant to give refs like Blind-as-a-bat Batres more things to interpret. Would you give Ghana a goal in the Kewell handball situation and keep Kewell on the field? If one handball on the line is a goal than every handball on the line has to be a goal.

I'm more concerned about the Henry like cheating in the other penalty box. If Henry had gotten caught, all he gets is a yellow card. The other team gets nothing, just a free kick 120 yards away!

A red card and a penalty is more of a punishment than a yellow card and a goal IMHO.

[Hades]

Originally Posted by Komskies

You guys ready for the game this afternoon? I wish I could take the afternoon off work to watch it.

That's what live streaming is for
But yeah, definiately excited! Wore my dutch jersey to work...though you know its a little sad when my co-worker sees me and asks "oh are they playing again today?"