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General Forums => Generic Discussion => Topic started by: Albert on June 04, 2006, 04:17:43 PM

Title: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on June 04, 2006, 04:17:43 PM
In order to begin talking about this event, here are my personal predictions about the first round.

For all those who do not know how it works, the 32 teams are divided in 8 groups and the first two of each group reach second turn.

Check it out.  :)

Group A
1. Germany
2. Poland
3. Ecuador
4. Costa Rica

Group B
1. England
2. Sweden
3. Paraguay
4. Trinidad&Tobago

Group C
1. Argentina
2. Holland
3. Ivory Coast
4. Serbia

Group D
1. Mexico
2. Portugal
3. Islamic Republic of Iran
4. Angola

Group E
1. Italy
2. Czech Republic
3. U.S.A.
4. Ghana

Group F
1. Brazil
2. Australia
3. Croatia
4. Japan

Group G
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. South Korea
4. Togo

Group H
1. Spain
2. Ukraine
3. Tunisia
4. Saudi Arabia
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Dan on June 04, 2006, 05:19:43 PM
Quote from: Albert on June 04, 2006, 04:17:43 PM
Group F
1. Brazil
2. Australia
3. Croatia
4. Japan


I'd say Brazil & Croatia
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 04, 2006, 06:17:43 PM
Quote from: Dan on June 04, 2006, 05:19:43 PM
I'd say Brazil & Croatia

I'd agree with that one.  I'm hoping Group E doesn't turn out as Albert predicted, but I'd have to say Italy and Czech would be the most likely.  Tough group.

Either way, my TV will get a workout.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 05, 2006, 01:46:57 AM
Now Ghana beats South Korea 3-1.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/story/0,,1790447,00.html

I don't think Group E is too easy.  Group C, either.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 05, 2006, 03:51:56 AM
Quote
Group E
1. Italy
2. Czech Republic
3. U.S.A.
4. Ghana
I do hope that Italy wins in this group, because if they end second and Brazil wins in his group Italy's gonna play with Brazil in the next match :P

Quote
Group F
1. Brazil
2. Australia
3. Croatia
4. Japan
I also think we shouldn't underestimate Croatia
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 05, 2006, 12:28:35 PM
Quote from: Alberto_Kravina on June 05, 2006, 03:51:56 AM
I do hope that Italy wins in this group, because if they end second and Brazil wins in his group Italy's gonna play with Brazil in the next match :P

Adding a little more to the difficulty level of Group E...
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Borek on June 05, 2006, 12:55:54 PM
Quote from: Alberto_Kravina on June 05, 2006, 03:51:56 AM
I also think we shouldn't underestimate Croatia

I hate to say that but we also shouldn't overestimate Poland. I wish them best but somehow I find it hard to believe they will leave group. IMHO Polish soccer was not as weak as it is now in the last 30 years.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Will on June 05, 2006, 05:12:11 PM
Quote from: Borek on June 05, 2006, 12:55:54 PM
Quote from: Alberto_Kravina on June 05, 2006, 03:51:56 AM
I also think we shouldn't underestimate Croatia

I hate to say that but we also shouldn't overestimate Poland. I wish them best but somehow I find it hard to believe they will leave group. IMHO Polish soccer was not as weak as it is now in the last 30 years.

I remember seeing the highlights of the Poland vs. Columbia match (30th May)  and feeling very sorry for Poland, I think they deserved to do better than losing 2-1. One of the goals was extremely funny though. You can see them on YouTube.
Match highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkLNtF5tpTs
Columbia goalkeeper scores: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2HnMwvJHBY (Borek: please translate commentators' comments!)

Poland have since beaten Croatia 1-0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yiacIwK6Qg, Smolarek scored) so maybe you should overestimate Poland and underestimate Croatia ;).
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Borek on June 05, 2006, 06:05:37 PM
Quote from: will17 on June 05, 2006, 05:12:11 PM
Borek: please translate commentators' comments!

Hardly anything worth my effort :)

Younger of two commentators is IMHO a complete idiot, whenever I hear him commenting I am either completely muting or making comment as quiet as possible. The older one (his name is Szpakowski) is much better, but he didn't shine in the moment either ;)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Donaldson Tan on June 06, 2006, 08:16:10 AM
Where are the book keepers? LOL
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on June 06, 2006, 12:48:21 PM
I made these predictions before all the friendly matches you're talking about, because I didn't want to be influenced by them.

I think Australia can be the surprise team of this edition because of their coach. Guus Hiddink is a class of his own, when it comes to underdog national teams because of his international experience. Moreover Australia have talented players such Bresciano, Cahill and Kewell.
Croatia may overcome their lack of talent with their fighting ethos. But, still, I would bet on Australia moving up to second round. :)

Poland are in an easy group. That's it. I'm looking forward to watching Smolarek playing. Ecuador have little international experience and no great player.
Poland will have extra energies from their supporters (on the other hand, I read dreadfull things about Polish hooligans).
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Will on June 09, 2006, 09:00:19 PM
Quote from: Albert on June 06, 2006, 12:48:21 PM
Poland are in an easy group. That's it. I'm looking forward to watching Smolarek playing. Ecuador have little international experience and no great player.
Poland will have extra energies from their supporters (on the other hand, I read dreadfull things about Polish hooligans).

Ecuador did very well then, considering...

Quote from: the Shout Box by Borek (Mr. -log[H[sup]+[/sup]]) on June 09, 2006, 04:52:09 PM
  >:( Told you to not overestimate PL

Yeah you did. :-[

I think Poland now have no chance of leaving the group, as Borek said, which is a shame.

Poland will be lucky if they come 3rd in their group. :P
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on June 10, 2006, 06:27:15 AM
This afternoon, England will make their debut. I won't be able to see the match (because of studying for the approaching exams), but I think you may enjoy a match of higher quality, compared to the previous two ones.
Not to mention tonight, when Argentina will face the latest phenomenon of African football: Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast.
Luckily, I won't miss it. :P

Group 1 is the typical group designed for the host nation: easy and boring.

Quote
Ecuador did very well then, considering...
It wasn't actually Ecuador that won the match, but Poland that didn't make anything to win it (as Borek pointed out).
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 10, 2006, 07:05:38 AM
I'll also miss the first 45 minutes of England-Paraguay...hope that it won't be a slow match, though
Looking forward to seeing Argentina-Ivory coast 8)

Quote
Group 1 is the typical group designed for the host nation: easy and boring.
Yeah, it's much better to be in a hard group, like Italy's....if you play in such a tough group it's not so boring  :P :P :P

Quote
It wasn't actually Ecuador that won the match, but Poland that didn't make anything to win it (as Borek pointed out).
Yeah, there were only 3 real chanches for Poland (all of them in the last 10 minutes of the mach)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Borek on June 10, 2006, 07:34:09 AM
Quote from: Alberto_Kravina on June 10, 2006, 07:05:38 AM
Yeah, there were only 3 real chanches for Poland (all of them in the last 10 minutes of the mach)

No - Krzynówek scored once earlier. And IMHO there was no offside. But it doesn't change much - we deserved to loose :(

The most ironical thing is that we lost second goal when Polish fans started to sign Polish anthem. What a shame.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Will on June 10, 2006, 08:26:07 AM
Quote from: Borek on June 10, 2006, 07:34:09 AM
But it doesn't change much

Well if Poland finish 3rd place in their group due to GD it probably would change a lot. ;)

Quote from: Albert on June 10, 2006, 06:27:15 AM
Quote from: will17 on June 09, 2006, 09:00:19 PM
Ecuador did very well then, considering...
It wasn't actually Ecuador that won the match, but Poland that didn't make anything to win it (as Borek pointed out).

I did only watch the last part of the match (so I don't know as much as you about their overall performance), but I was impressed with Ecuador's defence and how they managed to get the ball off Poland, even though that may have been due to Poland's sloppiness, they did well to take advantage of it especially considering  the points you brought up about Ecuador's lack of international experience etc.
I hope I don't sound bitter or anything, but I just don't think you should take any credit away from Ecuador because Poland underperformed :). Maybe  if Poland performed better then so would've Ecuador...
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 10, 2006, 11:10:41 AM
Does anybody know the exact tiebreakers for teams that tie on points in group play?
I looked around the FIFA site but couldn't find this.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on June 10, 2006, 01:03:48 PM
Check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_FIFA_World_Cup#Tiebreaking_criteria
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 10, 2006, 02:14:26 PM
That's it, thanks!
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on June 12, 2006, 01:11:33 PM
Tonight Italy make their debut. Let's see whether the Calciopoli scandal will produce a negative effect or not.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 12, 2006, 02:49:11 PM
They can't do worse than the USA did.  Now the USA *MUST* beat Italy to have any hope of advancing.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Borek on June 12, 2006, 02:56:40 PM
Quote from: Mark K on June 12, 2006, 02:49:11 PM
They can't do worse than the USA did.  Now the USA *MUST* beat Italy to have any hope of advancing.

Just like we have to beat Germany. Welcome to the club ;)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 12, 2006, 03:16:17 PM
Quote
Now the USA *MUST* beat Italy to have any hope of advancing.
Good luck.... :P
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 15, 2006, 09:58:41 AM
BTW, the tiebreakers are:

From the FIFA WC 2006 Regulations Book (http://eur.i1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/i/eu/fifa/regen.pdf)

If teams are even on points at the end of group play, the tied teams will be ranked as follows:

   1. Goal difference in all group matches
   2. Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches
   3. Greater number of points obtained in matches between the tied teams
   4. Goal difference in matches between the tied teams
   5. Greatest number of goals scored in matches between the tied teams
   6. Drawing of lots (last resort)

Interestingly, at the time you posted the link, Albert, the Wikipedia page was wrong.  (It omitted step 5).  It's fixed now though.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Dude on June 15, 2006, 12:31:07 PM
Based upon the way the US played the Czech R, I expect a 2-0 loss to Italy and probably a loss or a tie against Ghana.  That is, unless something drastically different happens.  Maybe it was just jitters.  We'll see Saturday.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: cuongt on June 23, 2006, 07:17:23 AM
LOL. AUSTRALIA is in the scond round it was like soooooooooooooooooooooooo crazy here in aus. if any1 saw the match do u reckon the camera man kept aiming at that crotian chick too much. it was so suss
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Donaldson Tan on June 23, 2006, 07:52:37 AM
ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND ENGLAND
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 23, 2006, 12:26:47 PM
Quote from: cuongt on June 23, 2006, 07:17:23 AM
if any1 saw the match do u reckon the camera man kept aiming at that crotian chick too much.

Yeah, I agree.  BTW - Did a Croatian player really end up with 3 yellow cards??

The Italy-Australia game ought to have interest with the readers on this board :)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 23, 2006, 12:30:06 PM
Quote
BTW - Did a Croatian player really end up with 3 yellow cards??
Yeah - it was a pretty funny match. The player (Simonic) wanted to go out after the 2nd yellow card, bu soon he recognized that he didn't get sent off and continued to play :)

Quote
The Italy-Australia game ought to have interest with the readers on this board Smiley
Yes...It won't be easy for Italy, I think :P
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Donaldson Tan on June 23, 2006, 12:30:51 PM
He got the 3 Yellow Cards. The ITV presenter commented this will be the last time the English Referee will be making his debut on the World Cup. LOL.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 23, 2006, 05:12:38 PM
Albert made only two mistakes....good job :)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 23, 2006, 06:15:10 PM
For fun, I sorted all 32 teams by the official rankings, namely:
1 - Points
2 - Goal Differential
3 - Goals Scored

It just happened by coincidence that the group winners came out 1-8, and the runner ups came out 9-16.

Serbia and Montenegro, in last place, win the booby prize and their nation is to be dissolved.

Rank - Nation - Points - Goal Differential - Goals Scored

 1, Spain,        9, +7, 8
 2, Germany,      9, +6, 8
 3, Brazil,       9, +6, 7
 4, Portugal,     9, +4, 5
 5, Argentina,    7, +7, 8
 6, Italy,        7, +4, 5
 7, Switzerland,  7, +4, 4
 8, England,      7, +3, 5
 9, Netherlands,  7, +2, 3
10, Ecuador,      6, +2, 5
11, Ukraine,      6, +1, 5
12, Ghana,        6, +1, 4
13, France,       5, +2, 3
14, Sweden,       5, +1, 3
15, Mexico,       4, +1, 4
16, Australia,    4,  0, 5
17, Korea,        4, -1, 3
18, Paraguay,     3,  0, 2
19, Ivory Coast,  3, -1, 5
20, Czech,        3, -1, 3
21, Poland,       3, -2, 2
22, Croatia,      2, -1, 2
23, Angola,       2, -1, 1
24, Tunisia,      1, -3, 3
25, Iran,         1, -4, 2
25, USA,          1, -4, 2
27, Trinidad,     1, -4, 0
28, Japan,        1, -5, 2
28, Saudi Arabia, 1, -5, 2
30, Togo,         0, -5, 1
31, Costa Rica,   0, -6, 3
32, Serbia and Montenegro, 0, -8, 2
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: cuongt on June 23, 2006, 08:11:50 PM
AUS goal keeper was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO s#*$. he mad we wana killl him so many times he droped a simple catch luky redeemed it and second goal was so s#*$. viduka shouldve so got penalty in beginning no. 3 croatia so holding him bak. btw my friends even though their italian says that aus gona win cause italian playing so s#*$
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 24, 2006, 04:55:22 AM
Quote
btw my friends even though their italian says that aus gona win cause italian playing so s#*$
It won´t be easy for Italy, however, Italy played a good match against Czech republic, although the match against the USA was horrible. Italy is not playing that bad though . :P Well we´ll see it on monday :)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on June 24, 2006, 06:32:56 AM
Ok, it's time for second round matches.

Here are my previsions:

Germany - Sweden => Germany

Argentina - Mexico => Argentina

England - Ecuador => England

Portugal - Netherlands => Netherlands

Italy - Australia => Italy

Switzerland - Ukraine => Ukraine

Brazil - Ghana => Brazil

Spain - France => Spain
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 24, 2006, 10:12:23 AM
Quote
Portugal - Netherlands => Netherlands

Hmmm... that is the only one that I'm not sure, I agree with all the other previsoins though
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 24, 2006, 10:22:21 AM
I'll pick Switzerland over Ukraine, and I'd probably pick Portugal over Netherlands (although I am definitely rooting for the Netherlands.)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Donaldson Tan on June 24, 2006, 04:55:21 PM
LOL. Chemistry plays an important role in World Cup too.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: cuongt on June 24, 2006, 06:35:45 PM
equador will beat england and aus will beat italy. lol  :D
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: CGB_Spender on June 25, 2006, 05:41:31 AM
Quote from: cuongt on June 24, 2006, 06:35:45 PM
equador will beat england and aus will beat italy. lol  :D

Nothing is impossible in football. You never know what will happen.  ;) I am not telling that it will happen, but you never know...

However, we have the first couple of the phase of 8. Germany - Argentina. I believe it will be a great match.  :)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on June 25, 2006, 06:59:20 AM
Quote from: CGB_Spender on June 25, 2006, 05:41:31 AM


Nothing is impossible in football. You never know what will happen.  ;) I am not telling that it will happen, but you never know...


That's how a real punter talks. ;D

Thus, if you all like betting and money (how can I blame you? ;)), bet on plucky Australia kicking out of the cup Italy and France beating currently-on-fire Spain's Invincibile Armada.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 25, 2006, 04:58:51 PM
Quote
Portugal - Netherlands => Netherlands
Mmmmm...Portugal won...but did you see the match: 4 red cards, lots of yellow cards, agressive game....the players were pretty similar to gladiators IMHO :P
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Will on June 25, 2006, 05:07:02 PM
Quote from: Alberto_Kravina on June 25, 2006, 04:58:51 PM
Quote
Portugal - Netherlands => Netherlands
Mmmmm...Portugal won...but did you see the match: 4 red cards, lots of yellow cards, agressive game....the players were pretty similar to gladiators IMHO :P

Good thing I put money on Portugal winning ;D. I think there should've been more reds and less yellows ;).
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 25, 2006, 05:08:30 PM
The first world cup match in history with 4 red cards
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 25, 2006, 05:45:44 PM
I was hoping for Netherlands to score to send the game into overtime.
The way it was going, it would have finished 3-on-3 or something.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: cuongt on June 26, 2006, 07:23:53 AM
lol Mark. i wanted equador to win, they missed a realli early goal. Australia will win,bet australia easy money to win. lol.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 26, 2006, 01:02:48 PM
Quote
Australia will win,bet australia easy money to win.

Quote
Nothing is impossible in football. You never know what will happen. I am not telling that it will happen, but you never know...
::)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: cuongt on June 27, 2006, 05:28:23 AM
OMG soooooooooooooooo GAY australia lost to italy in the last few seconds by a stupid penalty decision by referee. WHY AUSTRALIA ALWAYS GOT STUPID referees  >:( :( :'(
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: CGB_Spender on June 27, 2006, 06:00:03 AM
Quote from: cuongt on June 27, 2006, 05:28:23 AM
OMG soooooooooooooooo GAY australia lost to italy in the last few seconds by a stupid penalty decision by referee. WHY AUSTRALIA ALWAYS GOT CRAP referees  >:( :( :'(

It was a wrong dessision from the referee. It was not a penalty. Looks like that the big teams always find a way for win a game, with or without the help from the referees...
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on June 27, 2006, 07:00:02 AM
Both sides didn't play great football. I agree with you about the penalty: there are lots of fouls like that in box.

I disagree about Italy being helped by the refs. Do you remember what either Blatter and Kaiser Franz said about Italy before the beginning of the world cup?
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: cuongt on June 27, 2006, 07:20:44 AM
my dad says that italy and england are sly countries and they fake ALOT. he says that italy teams in italy have been screwed because they have been buying umpires, to control games in italy because of the betting and stuff. if only kewl wasnt injured they would have won the game easy if he was playing.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: pantone159 on June 27, 2006, 12:01:14 PM
The bad calls did go both ways.  The Italian player shouldn't have been sent off earlier, either.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: dfx- on June 29, 2006, 06:00:01 PM
I'd like to make known my allegiances at this point to AAABE: Anyone At All But England! :P ;D
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Will on June 29, 2006, 09:14:52 PM
Quote from: dfx- on June 29, 2006, 06:00:01 PM
I'd like to make known my allegiances at this point to AAABE: Anyone At All But England! :P ;D

Why anyone but England? Do you have something against England, or are you just a supporter of the remaining 7?

The only reason I am supporting England is because my mom walks the dog with Peter Crouch's mom. Otherwise I would support the underdog(s).

Good world cup news is Graham Poll has gone back home ;D.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on June 30, 2006, 05:52:21 AM
my previsions for the next matches :P

Germany - Argentina => Argentina (I hope so)

Italy - Ukraine => Italy

Portugal - England => England

France - Brazil => Brazil
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on June 30, 2006, 08:06:34 AM
Quote from: Will on June 29, 2006, 09:14:52 PM
Quote from: dfx- on June 29, 2006, 06:00:01 PM
I'd like to make known my allegiances at this point to AAABE: Anyone At All But England! :P ;D

Why anyone but England? Do you have something against England, or are you just a supporter of the remaining 7?

He's Irish...
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Will on June 30, 2006, 08:17:17 AM
Quote from: Albert on June 30, 2006, 08:06:34 AM
Quote from: Will on June 29, 2006, 09:14:52 PM
Quote from: dfx- on June 29, 2006, 06:00:01 PM
I'd like to make known my allegiances at this point to AAABE: Anyone At All But England! :P ;D

Why anyone but England? Do you have something against England, or are you just a supporter of the remaining 7?

He's Irish...

I still don't get what the Irish have against the English. There are so many Irish people in England, and often English people go on and on about how Ireland is such a beautiful country. I don't see why there should be any hatred. The Irish saying bad things about the English just makes the situation worse. Irish people should set an example to the English by being the polite ones. I remember being in Hyde Park on St Patrick's Day and many English people joined the celebrations, so generally speaking the English have nothing against the Irish, and they should have no reason to.

I need to calm down. 8)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: P on June 30, 2006, 09:32:03 AM
It's to do with Northern Island.  The British Army has occupied it for years due to the continued civil unrest between Protestent and Catholic people.   They have had several referendums in NE and they always vote for a British army pressense.   The ones that don't want British rule get nasty about it, even though the majority votes for the army to stay - thast's what the IRA terrorists were about.

At least this is what it's about from what I can tell  -  I'm sure there would be Irish people out there who could tell the story alot better than I can.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on June 30, 2006, 11:06:39 AM
Quote from: Will on June 29, 2006, 09:14:52 PM
my mom walks the dog with Peter Crouch's mom.

That's fantastic! Why don't she ask her why her boy celebrates goals dancing like a robot even if this makes him looking rather stupid? :D

lol. No, I'm kidding. I like him: he is good chap. :)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: dfx- on July 01, 2006, 11:01:02 PM
Good Boys Portugal! 8)

Why anyone but England? Well...

There is obviously the fact I'm Irish, but that has less to do with it than you might think. It's to do with the hype and rubbish about them going to win the World Cup. If they are to win it, we'll NEVER hear the end of it. We still hear about 1966. About the Ashes win, the rugby World Cup win et al. How the fans seriously believe despite everything to the contrary still continue to believe they'll win it, it being 1966 all over again...yet again.

Already on other forums, they are complaining that there was never a red card today, that the ref was biased and that everything was against them. The simple fact was they were poor throughout the whole tournament, fluking their way through it and yet they just won't admit to that.

Anyway, roll on the rest of the Enjoyable World Cup! 8)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: dfx- on July 01, 2006, 11:07:26 PM
Quote from: P on June 30, 2006, 09:32:03 AM
It's to do with Northern Island.  The British Army has occupied it for years due to the continued civil unrest between Protestent and Catholic people.   They have had several referendums in NE and they always vote for a British army pressense.   The ones that don't want British rule get nasty about it, even though the majority votes for the army to stay - thast's what the IRA terrorists were about.

At least this is what it's about from what I can tell  -  I'm sure there would be Irish people out there who could tell the story alot better than I can.

I wouldn't say that's the case, particularly the reasons for occupation and the non-existence of any such referenda that I'm aware of, but this isn't a thread for anglo-Irish history..  ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on July 02, 2006, 03:05:50 AM
Brazil eliminated by France....in a way they deserved to be eliminated, Brazil didn't play good football from the beginning of the world cup ::)

My previsions for the semifinals:

Italy - Germany => Italy (I hope so, although it's gonna be tough for Italy... :P )

Portugal - France => Portugal
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Borek on July 02, 2006, 05:01:58 AM
All-european semifinals :)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Borek on July 02, 2006, 05:13:23 AM
Quote from: dfx- on July 01, 2006, 11:01:02 PM
Already on other forums, they are complaining that there was never a red card today

Not defending them I tend to agree - I don't understand referee decision. And while they could definitely play better (only six shots on goal in 90 minutes, almost none from the distance - and they have several players that know how to shot from the distance) IMHO they didn't deserved to loose (which doesn't mean they deserved to win ;) ).

But Portugal didn't deserved to win either.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Borek on July 02, 2006, 05:21:43 AM
Quote from: Alberto_Kravina on July 02, 2006, 03:05:50 AM
Italy - Germany => Italy (I hope so, although it's gonna be tough for Italy... :P )

Portugal - France => Portugal

Since the end of the group phase I feel like Germans are favorites. They have a strong team, they have 12th player (fans) and they play on their own soil - there is a saying in Polish that even walls help the host :)

Hopefully it will not look like in 2002 - where you have to kick in three to score one playing against Korea ;)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on July 02, 2006, 06:15:00 AM
Quote
But Portugal didn't deserved to win either.
Yeah, but I have to say that Ricardo (Portugal's goalkeeper) was very good.

You're also right about the 12th player Borek :P
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Borek on July 02, 2006, 06:20:22 AM
Quote from: Alberto_Kravina on July 02, 2006, 06:15:00 AM
Yeah, but I have to say that Ricardo (Portugal's goalkeeper) was very good.

I am not referring to individual performances - just IMHO overall none of the teams showed anything spectatcular.

But that's nothing unusuall - all teams in this phase are more concentrated on not loosing than on winning. Thus there is no open, fast, interesting game, boring tactics is what dominates.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on July 02, 2006, 06:24:22 AM
Quote
Thus there is no open, fast, interesting game, boring tactics is what dominates.
Yes, although I was very surprised by Italy: normally, they score a goal and do nothing afterwards, this time they did a bit better....

Brazil vs. France was one of the most spectacular matches so far. Did you see Zidane: omg was he good  :o  :)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on July 04, 2006, 11:08:17 AM
I wouldn't be surprised at all by a Germany versus France final. Just a simple question: what is the German technical sponsor of these two teams?... ::)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on July 05, 2006, 09:23:38 AM
mmm....Italy won...I think that the final will be Italy - Portugal.
I also think that the german team is so depressed that they'll loose and end on the 4th place :P
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on July 05, 2006, 09:57:32 AM
Quote from: Alberto_Kravina on July 05, 2006, 09:23:38 AM
mmm....Italy won...I think that the final will be Italy - Portugal.

I think (and hope) the final will be Italy vs. France.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Alberto_Kravina on July 06, 2006, 01:28:22 PM
Quote
I think (and hope) the final will be Italy vs. France.
Your thought was correct ;)

My previsions:

1. Italy
2. France
3. Germany
4. Portugal
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on July 10, 2006, 03:14:33 AM
(https://www.chemicalforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.repubblica.it%2F2006%2F07%2Fspeciale%2Fmondiali%2Fgallerie%2Fcannavaro-coppa%2Fcannavaro-coppa%2Freuters84963990907231301_big.jpg&hash=acb501d8d6d2a95c4fcae9be071023ed4d6329b3)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Donaldson Tan on July 10, 2006, 06:39:11 AM
Italy does not deserve the World Cup.

All hail France! All hail France! All hail France! All hail France! All hail France!
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Will on July 10, 2006, 07:19:26 AM
Quote from: geodome on July 10, 2006, 06:39:11 AM
Italy does not deserve the World Cup.

All hail France! All hail France! All hail France! All hail France! All hail France!

I think what Zidane did means that France doesn't deserve to win the World Cup more than anyone else. Also I think that there shouldn't have been a penalty given to France.

Hmmm... I wonder if they will show Euro 2008 in Canada, or maybe that'll be a good excuse to go to Austria & Switzerland for a holiday. ;D
Then, if I can afford it, I'll go to Beijing for the Olympics. 8)
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Albert on July 10, 2006, 09:57:49 AM
Quote from: geodome on July 10, 2006, 06:39:11 AM
Italy does not deserve the World Cup.

All hail France! All hail France! All hail France! All hail France! All hail France!

I'm surprised to hear this from an Englishman like you, geo.  ;)

By the way, I thought the same after Cannavaro-Henry accident. I mean, I found that foul vulgar and unfair. I thought Cannavaro should have sent off. After that, however, the ref, who I didn't like, gives France that ridiculous penalty and I'm back supporting Italy.

The most positive aspect of the all story, anyhow, is that, finally, we won't have to watch anything about Italy's victory in 1982 any more. What a relief...
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: Donaldson Tan on July 10, 2006, 12:27:32 PM
When Materazzi twisted Zidane's Nipple, Materazzi actually held Zidane back from chasing the soccer ball which was in his vincity.

At least France is the lesser evil of the 2. LOL.
Title: Re: 2006 FIFA World Cup
Post by: lemonoman on July 10, 2006, 10:46:50 PM
I'm not even gonna start with what I thought of this year's world cup.  You all see my posts in the Shoutbox, and I don't want to get myself into trouble.  But let's just say I hate Materazzi more than you can imagine.  Seeing the footage of what Materazzi was doing to Zidane beforehand...even without sound...he's clearly being the *sshole he's always been.  For that, and his cumulative effort to make soccer a game of cheating - I wish Zidane had have been rougher than he was.

That is all.