World Cup South Africa, 2010 Thread

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by PIMking

I would love to see 1974 final all over again.

Yep, I would like to see some redemption also.

[GirlySports]

Wow..

http://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer...world-cup?bn=1

After Suarez’s blatant cheat, former Uruguayan international Gus Poyet twisted himself in logical knots trying to explain it for everything but it what it was.
“I was a little bit disappointed with some people talking about cheating. I think that is absolute rubbish. That is taking one for the team,” Poyet told BBC.

Let’s stop and pause for breath here, before we start screaming.
“You are telling me the player had to let the ball go in?”


Well, yes.


“Is that football?”


According to the rules, yes.

That's why Canada's no good. We'd just let the ball fly in.

[Jagger]

Does anybody else think that this has been a cracking World Cup since it got to the knockout stages? It was a bit dull in the group stages but since then it has been full of drama, excitement, and controversy. I think it has been absolutely thrilling after the group stage was done.

I'm really enjoying The Score's recap show every night too. Much better than CBC's coverage. Those guys actually show passion for the game. The Subbuteo table soccer "Formation Geek" is awesome.

[NBC]

Not sure why, but the last few tournaments that have been held in non-traditional footballing nations, (1994, 2002, 2010) have been rife with controversy - blown calls, dramatic red cards, and strange decisions.

I like tension and drama in sport as much as the next guy, but not cheating handballs, goals that were not given and incompetent match officials that can't get the simplest of calls right.

The post hoc justification coming out of the Uruguay camp is startling. Rules need to be in place to prevent something like this from ever happening. I'd be in favour of goal line technology and the match officials to have the ability to award a goal in instances like this.

[united]

It's the way soccer is these days. Every game is partially decided by incompetent officiating. Sometimes your team benefits, other times it gets screwed. I'm not saying it's right, but it's the way it is.

[Dan02]

Originally Posted by NBC

I like tension and drama in sport as much as the next guy, but not cheating handballs, goals that were not given and incompetent match officials that can't get the simplest of calls right.

The post hoc justification coming out of the Uruguay camp is startling. Rules need to be in place to prevent something like this from ever happening. I'd be in favour of goal line technology and the match officials to have the ability to award a goal in instances like this.

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.

I think the rule is well crafted and benefits intelligent players who understand the condequences and benefits in the situation. Well played Suarez, well played.

In hockey we can this a smart penalty. There are many times a year in hockey a sure goal is blocked by someone taking a penalty, whether they knock the net off, taking the player down or a player covering the puck in the crease. The result? More often then not just a 2 minute penalty, occasionally a penalty shot. A lot of people are just bitching because Suarez made the right play given the situation and the rules.

I say this as a person who couldn't have given a crap who went through to lose to my dutch in the semis.

haha was just reading this article,

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sport...070/story.html

Author literally says exactly what I just did.

[PIMking]

[nemanja2306]

Still waiting on Spain to play like I know they can.

[Rubicant]

Originally Posted by PIMking

That sign is awesome

[Locke]

Finally back in town and able to check out some updates and news not on my BB, but the Calgary Sun finally printed a punny headline that made me chuckle!!

"Maragona" Hahahahaha!!!! I hate that doofus.

Watching him look like a tool on the touchline while his precious albiceleste got thoroughly dismantled was priceless!

I'm loving some of the German love right now, and I have to say, as critical as I have been in the past, I've been talking to some truly down to earth English fans who are thinking that they have to start emulating the Germans in the process of advancing youth rather than sheltering them.

It was interesting watching the Germany/Argentina game with a crowd full of Ex-Pat Brits while I'm sitting there wearing a Germany jersey, they'd rather die than cheer for either nation especially after being humbled by Ze Germans, but huge Kudos, they're giving Deutschland some (well deserved) respect.

I've read the Messi/Schweinsteiger comparisons. I disagree with those mainly because Bastian is a vastly different type of player. However, in the capacity of them being game-breaking players, I'd say hes earned some props and consideration.

Watching English fans cheer with me in support of Germany was pretty priceless. My GF is English, so she was glad for the familiar backing, but I'm also not an overly arrogant fan but quite knowledgeable, which helps, it builds the bridge of smart fan to smart fan rather than arrogant jackass who supports a winning team. It was a lot of fun, I watched the game in downtown Vancouver, lots of Brits there, the Argie fans quietly slinked out after 75 minutes....

Although, the Argie fans didnt like my comment in regards to the (vastly obvious) offside goal: "that only works against Mexico."

As for Suarez, its gamesmanship, its the game within the game, and a player had to make one of the single most difficult decisions of his career, if not his life, in a heartbeat, he could have just as easily become a national pariah if it hadnt worked out the way it did. Thats the way the game is played, the rules were followed as they're laid out, and unfortunately the Ghanaians didnt cash in. They had their shot. Literally.

Unfortunately, our dream is once again dead, there shall be no single elimination match to determine the 'Guayest' nation on earth. We shall have to patiently endure waiting until the opportunity once again presents itself.

[Locke]

Oh, and France's World Cup disaster is like a gift that just keeps on giving!

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Locke

I'm loving some of the German love right now, and I have to say, as critical as I have been in the past, I've been talking to some truly down to earth English fans who are thinking that they have to start emulating the Germans in the process of advancing youth rather than sheltering them.

Don't worry it is not just the English fans that are thinking they should emulate the Germans policy of giving the youth a shot.

The Italians are aiming to follow this method and fans are pleading for not only the Italian National team to have some faith in the young players but also for the Serie A to finally turn to young Italians as opposed to bringing in older foreigners while the youngsters rot on the bench.

The role that the teams of the Bundeslega and the German U-20 system have had on this team cannot be overlooked. If teams such as Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen did not turn to young players domestically this German team does not have a shot at succeeding at this level this season.

England, Italy, and the same will probably happen with Spain in the future, have risked the development of their own young players to be seen as one of the top leagues in the world, and to have strong teams in the Champions league, but now they are paying for it on the National team level.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Don't worry it is not just the English fans that are thinking they should emulate the Germans policy of giving the youth a shot.

The Italians are aiming to follow this method and fans are pleading for not only the Italian National team to have some faith in the young players but also for the Serie A to finally turn to young Italians as opposed to bringing in older foreigners while the youngsters rot on the bench.

The role that the teams of the Bundeslega and the German U-20 system have had on this team cannot be overlooked. If teams such as Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen did not turn to young players domestically this German team does not have a shot at succeeding at this level this season.

England, Italy, and the same will probably happen with Spain in the future, have risked the development of their own young players to be seen as one of the top leagues in the world, and to have strong teams in the Champions league, but now they are paying for it on the National team level.

To be totally honest, the Italians dont have a choice. They've squeezed every ounce and more than they could get out of their vets, they might be going to the wrong direction again. Its got to be a good mix, not just a bunch of kids.

[Ark2]

Must feel pretty good to be a German supporter right now. The team looks unstoppable and will probably continue to look that way for years. Good on them. I can't say that I am a fan of Germany, but you have to give respect where it is due.

[NBC]

Now this is funny.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by Ark2

Must feel pretty good to be a German supporter right now. The team looks unstoppable and will probably continue to look that way for years. Good on them. I can't say that I am a fan of Germany, but you have to give respect where it is due.

w00t w00t

Go Deutschland!

So happy the Germans are winning. My ancestry for the win!

[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.

[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.

[GirlySports]

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.

After reading soccernomics, do you think Germany and Holland are successful this year because members of their national teams play in their own leagues and their league does not have as many imports as other leagues.

England has decided to go for the money and become the largest/greatest league in the world. Each big club has maybe 3 English guys? I'm not convinced that winning Euro or the World Cup is the main priority for the English FA anymore. Their goal is to make as much money as possible every season through tv contracts for league and FA Cup matches and prize money in Champions League.

[North East Goon]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

After reading soccernomics, do you think Germany and Holland are successful this year because members of their national teams play in their own leagues and their league does not have as many imports as other leagues.

England has decided to go for the money and become the largest/greatest league in the world. Each big club has maybe 3 English guys? I'm not convinced that winning Euro or the World Cup is the main priority for the English FA anymore. Their goal is to make as much money as possible every season through tv contracts for league and FA Cup matches and prize money in Champions League.

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.