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Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Gwreck Jun 04 2010 09:40 PM

Group G Portugal The Portugese team is nicknamed "Selecção das Quinas" (the Team of Five Shields), which is the emblem on the Portugese flag and the represents the five kings that King Alfonso I conquered. Portugal is in the so-called "Group of Death," with Ivory Coast (the top African team), Brazil (the Yankees of international soccer) and North Korea. Portugal World Cup History Portugal qualified for the World Cup in 1986 and 2002 but lost in the first round each time. In 2002 you may recall a memorable defeat of the team by the US, who at one point led the game 3-0. In 2006, Portugal reached the semifinals, losing to France. They had allowed only 1 non-shootout goal up to that game and after losing, also lost the 3rd place game to Germany. Players to Watch Forward Cristiano Ronaldo. Team captain and plays for Real Madrid. Even if you never watch a minute of soccer outside the world cup (like me) you may have heard of this guy. Formerly of Manchester United (the Yankees of British Soccer), he was the FIFA Player of the Year in 2008 and the "Player of the Tournament" in 2008 when his team won the UK Championship. Set a record with a $132 Million transfer fee when his contract was sold to Real Madrid. Quotable Ronaldo: "I do not play alone and I do not perform miracles." Midfielder Anderson de Souza ("Deco"). Brazilian native who because a Portuguese citizen in 2002. Plays for Chelsea. Retiring from International play after this World Cup. Defender Ricardo Carvalho ("Carvalho"). Plays for Chelsea. Experienced player who may have faded a bit. Goalkeeper Eduardo dos Reis Carvalho ("Eduardo") Strong performer in limited international experience. Schedule: v. Ivory Coast - June 15 v. North Korea - June 21 v. Brazil - June 25 Outlook: Portugal has a strong offense and is likely to qualify out of the group. With so many strong teams, an upset of Brazil (ie. them failing to advance) is certainly possible, particularly if Portugal beats them. Portugal needs to start strong, particularly in their opening game against the Ivory Coast.

A Boy Named Seo Jun 06 2010 10:28 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Nice work, man. Ronaldo my least favorite player in the world, I guess. That picture of him of the cover of Vanity Fair w/ Drogba this month, six-packing his abs and his perfect hair all over the place, didn't help his cause with me any. Brazil's not as strong as they've been in years past, I wouldn't guess. Drogba's not 100%. It's not crazy to say Portugal could be the best team in this group.

metirish Jun 06 2010 11:35 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Nice job. I think Portugal in many ways are what Spain used to be before they finally] fulfilled their promise when they won the Last Euros, a team packed with talent in every tourney but never doing anything(2006 not withstanding) It would be mouthwatering if the last group game against Brazil had meaning for both teams . I'm still trying to gather information on North Korea.

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2010 12:45 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="metirish":2g59wn0l]I'm still trying to gather information on North Korea.[/quote:2g59wn0l] Don't feel bad. So is the State Dept.

metirish Jun 08 2010 10:07 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Jun 09 2010 10:01 AM

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Nickname- "Chollima” (roughly: “Pegasus”) World Cup schedule June 15: vs. Brazil (Johannesburg) June 21: vs. Portugal (Cape Town) June 25: vs. Ivory Coast (Nelspruit) Home Shirt Korea DPR have appeared in one WC , in 1966 they got to the Quarter-finals, todays NK is probably vastly different that the 1966 model. If North Korea has a league then very little is known about it, there is a rumored league of 15 teams, 2007 is when the last champion was crowned. Only three players ply their trade outside of the country , they play in Japan ,Russia and Switzerland. I am getting conflicting data on that though. The captain Yong-Jo Hong plays for Rostov in the Russian league, didn't have a good season by all accounts. Look , they are cannon fodder in this group, watching the coaches press conference after the game if he gives one might be fun, how does one answer to Kim Jong-il? How They Qualified In an interesting and controversial qualifying campaign North Korea got the last Asian spot behind South Korea, qualification was secured on the last day against Saudi Arabia courtesy of a 0-0 draw in Riyadh, superior goal difference got them in.South Korea topped the group with 16 points , North Korea and the Saudis both had 12.....Iran had 11..... During the campaign after a 1-0 loss in Seoul they claimed that the team had been poisoned, they then refused to let the South to come play their away leg in the North, FIFA got involved and the game was played in Shanhai ending in a 0-0 draw. More information on the captain Jong Tae-Se (North Korea)Born in Japan to South Korean parents, the striker somehow ended up becoming the star of the North Korea team who hope to match the glories of 1966, when they somehow made the quarter-finals. Known as 'The People's Rooney'.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 08 2010 10:35 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Why are they in? Didn't they have to play some intl matches to qualify?

Frayed Knot Jun 08 2010 10:52 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) I learned when I was quite young that the more the name of a country included terms like; "democratic", "people's" and "republic" in it, the less likely it was to actually be a democratic republic where the people had any say.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 15 2010 08:04 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

COTE D'IVOIRE Nickname: The Elephants Old Coolest Patch in International Football: New Coolest Patch in International Football: Will he lead them? Will he play to his talent this time around? Will he-- OH GOD, HE'S HURT! HE'S OUT! OH, HOLY CHRIST, I CAN'T-- Wait, he's NOT out? Surgery? NOW Will he play? Will the cast be allowed? He's cleared! HE'LL PLAY! But is he starting? Will he be good? I'M IN UR THRONE ROOM, DIVIN IN UR TREASUREZ You'd be forgiven for thinking that Cote D'Ivoire only brought one player to this World Cup... but there is a team beyond intermittently unstoppable, eminently hateable, civil-war-mending all-world striker Didier Drogba and his wonder cast (the short story: fractured right arm/elbow in tuneup with Japan 8 days ago; had emergency surgery and obtained soft cast; approved for play, but not starting against Portugal). A good team at that, with the potential to be very good. You've got the Toure brothers (former Barca attacking midfielder Yaya, reliable defender Kolo), you've got emerging Lille attacker/chihuahua impressionist Gervinho, Drogba's stylish Chelsea running mate Salomon Kalou, strong tactical defensive midfielder Didier Zokora and versatile wing Abdul Kader Keita. Gervinho gusta la pelota... y Taco Bell But they're not dangerous-- not serious-WC-contender dangerous, anyway-- without an in-form Drogba (especially when you take into account a backline that-- outside of rock-solid Kolo Toure-- isn't the steadiest one in the tournament). He's back... but how much can he give them? And can the offensive-firepower-loaded Ivoirians play steely D at "home"... or at least steely enough D to get through a deadly group and make a run for the Cup? How much will newly-hired former England manager/loverman Sven-Goran Erikssencalm what has been at times a tumultuous locker room? This is the second WC Finals run for the Elephants. After getting locked in last tournament's Group of Death (losing out to Argentina and the Netherlands, but notching a win Barring some shock or other involving North Korea, this first game may very well determine who goes forward, the Portuguese Diving Team or the Elephants. For that reason, and for the fact that it promises to be the most fast-paced, entertaining, quality match of the first round (excepting any other match in the group), you want to pay attention*. *Not to mention that it might be interesting to see whether Chelsea teammates Deco and Carvalho play nice with Drogba should he get in the game. Whack the arm? MATCH SCHEDULE 6-15: Portugal (Port Elizabeth) 6-20: Brazil (Johannesburg) 6-25: North Korea (Nelspruit)

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 15 2010 09:00 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jun 15 2010 09:23 AM

Portugal has done nothing, save a nicely-set-up Crissy Ronaldo whack off the post from outside the penalty area (and a whole lot of ankle stomping/diving). The Ivoirians are looking a little better, but still pretty damn conservative. Kalou's made some interesting runs. Kind of "bleh," so far.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 15 2010 09:23 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Drogba's on in the 65th minute for Kalou. Portugal's opened up a bit in this half, but it's mostly been counterattacks-- the Elephants have held the ball for at least three-quarters of the time so far. Gervinho's been especially es-picy.

metirish Jun 15 2010 10:02 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

A horrible game by all accounts, if these two teams can't produce a game worth watching then it doesn't bode well for the tournament.

Willets Point Jun 15 2010 10:13 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

This World Cup is getting tie-rsome.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 15 2010 10:30 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="metirish":2kpfwsog]A horrible game by all accounts, if these two teams can't produce a game worth watching then it doesn't bode well for the tournament.[/quote:2kpfwsog] There were some late opportunities for the Ivoirians. And Gervinho was jitterbugging around defenders like he was wearing a zoot suit. But yeah-- poop on this one. Apparently, North Korea's defense will decide the group order.

Willets Point Jun 15 2010 01:08 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Dang! North Korea is holding their ground and actually attacking Brazil.

metirish Jun 15 2010 01:19 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="Willets Point"]Dang! North Korea is holding their ground and actually attacking Brazil.

Sounds like a good game, from the minute by minute I am reading

Half-time: A no-goal sensation! It's a victory for Korea so far. They thoroughly deserve to be level. It's not that Brazil have been bad, it's that the underdogs have risen to the challenge superbly. The second half promises to be intriguing . Portugal and Ivory Coast won't be happy watching this ... "Why is anyone surprised at the shape and discipline in the North Korea side?" blathers Sean Cassidy. "Have they not seen a May Day parade?"

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 15 2010 01:28 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

There's some counterattacking, but that's been primarily borne of Mr. People'sRooney going all One Man Gang after long clears. The Koreans are focused on the back end like Sir Mix-a-Lot. They've got 8-9 men spaced within 30 meters of the goalmouth-- they might as well have mined the box.

metirish Jun 15 2010 01:30 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

There's at least one person watching the game in North Korea

Willets Point Jun 15 2010 01:36 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Kim Jong-il, of course.

Willets Point Jun 15 2010 01:42 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Brazil finally scores the first goal everyone expected they would have scored 50 minutes ago. And it was kind of flukey too. Looked like a cross that just decided to go in the net instead.

Frayed Knot Jun 15 2010 01:43 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Brazil scores in the 56th minute - but to be fair all the North Korean players are underfed.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 15 2010 01:45 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Maicon hit it nicely, though-- it beat the goalie inside his near post, which is kinda tough to do.

metirish Jun 15 2010 01:45 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="Frayed Knot":25dhk0lz]Brazil scores in the 56th minute - but to be fair all the North Korean players are underfed.[/quote:25dhk0lz] LOL.....I have to laugh.....

Willets Point Jun 15 2010 02:20 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Pretty good game. North Korea proves that they're won't roll over and score a goal in the final minutes. 2-1 final to Brazil.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 15 2010 02:20 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

After a second Brazilian goal from Elano (off a beautiful lead pass from Robinho), Ji Yun Nam strikes, firing a shot from close range past one of the world's best keepers. How odd would it be if a bunch of ties followed, and Brazil got left back in the group on goal differential?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 16 2010 02:36 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

So, those North Korean fans at yesterday's game, looking all smiling and happy and well-fed? Yeah, they're Chinese. Maybe.

Ashie62 Jun 16 2010 05:12 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr"]So, those North Korean fans at yesterday's game, looking all smiling and happy and well-fed? Yeah, they're Chinese. Maybe.

And they all will be incarcerated if they step one foot into North Korea

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 20 2010 12:34 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Did I mention that the Ivoirians have the sharpest "cutaway" kit in the tourney? They're flaunting it today against Brazil.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 20 2010 01:00 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Mostly Elephant pressure in the first half so far. But when Brazil gets an opportunity, Luis Fabiano buries it from the right corner of the six-meter box past a blown-away Boubacar Barry. 1-nil, Brazil Nuts.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 20 2010 01:40 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Fabiano fights his way through traffic (and sloppy clears from CIV) to bury another point-blank shot. He did use his shoulder/upper arm very deliberately to corral the ball pre-shot, but hey-- who's counting?

A Boy Named Seo Jun 20 2010 02:03 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":7a1g5ysb] Brazil's not as strong as they've been in years past, I wouldn't guess. Drogba's not 100%. It's not crazy to say Portugal could be the best team in this group.[/quote:7a1g5ysb] Not on point.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 20 2010 02:14 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Three hard fouls and two cards in less than a minute. Things may get a little hairy from here on in.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 20 2010 02:16 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1o01h5vk]Three hard fouls and two cards in less than a minute. Things may get a little hairy from here on in.[/quote:1o01h5vk] Like-- holy shit!-- Kaka catching a second yellow card a minute later for dissent, and getting tossed. (He'll be gone until the quarters, assuming Brazil makes it there without him.)

A Boy Named Seo Jun 20 2010 02:35 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Whoa, I turned off.

The Second Spitter Jun 20 2010 04:16 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1gkhkvc6][quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1gkhkvc6]Three hard fouls and two cards in less than a minute. Things may get a little hairy from here on in.[/quote:1gkhkvc6] Like-- holy shit!-- Kaka catching a second yellow card a minute later for dissent, and getting tossed. (He'll be gone until the quarters, assuming Brazil makes it there without him.)[/quote:1gkhkvc6] Um, no he'll only misses Brazil's final group game. Keita is the early favorite for the Klinsmann Trophy (awarded to the biggest cheat of the World Cup) Nice double-handball goal by Elano - (the ref was French, I guess double-handball goals are now accepted in France).

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 20 2010 07:57 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="The Second Spitter":2vpnbh1b][quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":2vpnbh1b][quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":2vpnbh1b]Three hard fouls and two cards in less than a minute. Things may get a little hairy from here on in.[/quote:2vpnbh1b] Like-- holy shit!-- Kaka catching a second yellow card a minute later for dissent, and getting tossed. (He'll be gone until the quarters, assuming Brazil makes it there without him.)[/quote:2vpnbh1b] Um, no he'll only misses Brazil's final group game. Keita is the early favorite for the Klinsmann Trophy (awarded to the biggest cheat of the World Cup) Nice double-handball goal by Elano - (the ref was French, I guess double-handball goals are now accepted in France).[/quote:2vpnbh1b] Could have sworn I'd heard that FIFA had amended the red-card match suspension rules for this World Cup... I must have heard erroneously. (Maybe during the discussion about the Cahill red card against Germany.) The card and penalty are appealable, though... given the evidence, and the fact that doing so wouldn't change a game result, isn't it possible that Kaka could get reinstated in time for Portugal?

The Second Spitter Jun 20 2010 08:18 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

FIFA rarely (if ever) allow appeals -- sets a bad precedent, apparently. Brazil won't appeal, though, they're already through, and Dunga would probably have rested Kaká v Portugal. The suspension also wipes Kaká's disciplinary record -- if Brazil successfully appeal, he plays against Portugal and picks-up another yellow card, he'll be suspended for the second round match (which, there's a good chance will be Spain.)

Willets Point Jun 21 2010 07:19 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Portugal is up 6-0, make that 7-0 on North Korea. Dear Leader is going to be very, very unhappy. Portugal better watch out for nuclear devices.

metirish Jun 21 2010 07:23 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="Willets Point":2o0r7u45]Portugal is up 6-0, make that 7-0 on North Korea. Dear Leader is going to be very, very unhappy. Portugal better watch out for nuclear devices.[/quote:2o0r7u45] Shoot , I had them picked for 4-0 then changed that yesterday to 3-0 on account of DKP's organised showing in their last games. How does the Dear Leader spin this result I wonder.

Frayed Knot Jun 21 2010 10:15 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

That was quite a barrage considering that the game was only 1-0 until nearly the 60 minute mark. It puts Cote d'Ivoire in the position of not only needing a win but also having to make up like a 9 goal differential with Portugal in order to advance. IOW, buh-bye elephants.

metirish Jun 21 2010 10:21 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

It's been a bad showing by African teams so far , Ghana look like the only one that might go through.

Willets Point Jun 24 2010 06:07 PM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Preview of tomorrow's Portugal v. Brazil game, which is essentially a battle for 1st place as both teams have enough points to advance. It should be an interesting game nonetheless. Add the word "Lusophone" to things I never knew before.

MFS62 Jun 25 2010 09:15 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

The Danbury area has large Brazilian and Portugese populations. http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/C ... 536110.php This is going to get interesting. Later

Willets Point Jun 25 2010 09:34 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

Eastern Massachusetts has a large number of Portuguese and Brazilian people as well. My old neighborhood was quiet after the Patriots won the Super Bowl and the Red Sox won the World Series but was in a state of pandemonium after the 2002 World Cup.

Nymr83 Jun 25 2010 09:54 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

didnt have to work today so i was watching Brazil-Portugal... games where both teams just need a draw can be very boring

Willets Point Jun 25 2010 10:20 AM Re: Know Your World Cup Group G Teams

[quote="Willets Point"]Preview of tomorrow's Portugal v. Brazil game, which is essentially a battle for 1st place as both teams have enough points to advance. It should be an interesting game nonetheless.

Or it could be dreadfully boring. Thanks for nothing you Lusophones.