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FIFA World Cup Second Stage

Willets Point Jun 23 2006 05:12 PM

I figure we can go down to just one all-purpose thread for the rest of the tournament. 24 June 2006 Munich Germany v. Sweden 11 am 24 June 2006 Leipzig Argentina v. Mexico 3 pm 25 June 2006 Stuttgart England v. Ecuador 11 am 25 June 2006 Nuremberg Portugal v. Netherlands 3 pm 26 June 2006 Kaiserslautern Italy v. Australia 11 am 26 June 2006 Cologne Switzerland v. Ukraine 3 pm 27 June 2006 Dortmund Brazil v. Ghana 11 am 27 June 2006 Hanover Spain v. France 3 pm (all time EDT)

Nymr83 Jun 23 2006 05:39 PM Re: FIFA World Cup Second Stage

="Willets Point"] 24 June 2006 Germany v. Sweden 24 June 2006 Argentina v. Mexico 25 June 2006 England v. Ecuador 25 June 2006 Portugal v. Netherlands 26 June 2006 Italy v. Australia 26 June 2006 Switzerland v. Ukraine 27 June 2006 Brazil v. Ghana 27 June 2006 Spain v. France (all time EDT) lets see if i can go 8 for 8. i'll be rooting Australia and if they get bounced i know a guy from Sweden so i guess they are next.

Willets Point Jun 23 2006 06:10 PM

Good idea. I pick Germany, Argentina, Ecuador, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Brazil and Spain to advance to the quarters. All conservative picks except for England falling flat on their faces before Ecuador. I really want to pick Australia over Italy too, because I don't think Italy is that good, but they're playing in Europe and they dive all the time and that will help them win.

Rotblatt Jun 23 2006 10:26 PM Re: FIFA World Cup Second Stage

Germany Argentina England Netherlands Australia Ukraine Brazil Spain Then Argentina England Ukraine Spain Argentina Spain Spain I think this is the year they permanently remove the "underacheiver" label. They've looked great so far.

Elster88 Jun 24 2006 10:53 AM

Australia ain't beating Italy.

Nymr83 Jun 24 2006 11:16 AM

of course not, because Italy will be jumping on the floor like Dennis Rodman and the ref will be buying it. Germamny/Swden is already 2-0 in the 12th minute, talk about deflating a game

Willets Point Jun 24 2006 11:19 AM

Very quickly this game is zwei-null (2-0) in favor of Germany. Two goals for Podolski.

Nymr83 Jun 24 2006 11:31 AM

these players take the biggest bullshit dives in any sport...a guy was just holding his ankle like he was jason kendall with the bone sticking out and then promptly stood up and walked it off.

Willets Point Jun 24 2006 11:34 AM

Sweden is pwn3d.

Nymr83 Jun 24 2006 11:36 AM

the bullshit ref just kicked a guy out of the game for barely holding someone. thats pretty gay and i know it wouldn't have happened to a German player.

Willets Point Jun 24 2006 11:36 AM

And Teddy Lucic is sent off! Sweden is playing with 10 players with almost an hour to go. They are so dead.

Willets Point Jun 24 2006 12:11 PM

Is Sweden just throwing this game?

Nymr83 Jun 24 2006 12:11 PM

Sweden missed a penalty kick! this is like watching the '03-'04 Mets

TheOldMole Jun 24 2006 12:43 PM

I have the game on but not really watching. But every time I walk through the room and look at the TV, there's someone lying on the ground in agony.

Elster88 Jun 24 2006 12:44 PM

My sister is at this game.

cooby Jun 24 2006 12:46 PM

Elster88 wrote: My sister is at this game. I've been wondering all morning if my son might be at it

Willets Point Jun 24 2006 12:53 PM

Sweden plays better with 10 men than with 11 but still fall to Germany. The hosts will play the winner of this afternoon's Argentina-Mexico game on June 30.

Frayed Knot Jun 24 2006 01:16 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jun 24 2006 05:15 PM

* Germany v. Sweden 'We left you alone during WWII (in exchange for selling us machine parts) but we're not going to do so now. Especially since we're home'. * Argentina v. Mexico The land of hidden Nazis beats the one for early exiled Russians * England v. Ecuador One invented the game and the other ... is Ecuador * Portugal v. Netherlands The Dutch would so kick ass if this were played on ice skates. It's not. * Italy v. Australia The Aussies are just happy to be there ... and be drunk. Waltzing Matilda ... * Switzerland v. Ukraine 'Ukraine is Weak, they're a sitting duck'. The Swiss will take advantage of their - (wait for it) - precision timing to outscore the Ukraine. * Brazil v. Ghana NEXT!! * Spain v. France The battle of the Pyrenees is on ... winner gets custody of Andorra. The Spaniards score a lot and the Franch can't seem to at all. The reign by Spain will cause the Frenchmen much pain.

Johnny Dickshot Jun 24 2006 05:42 PM

Argentina wins an overtime thriller against Mexico, who didn't have the depth or stamina to last 120 minutes. I was rooting for Mexico. Gorgeous game-winner from long-range for Argentina.

Rotblatt Jun 25 2006 10:57 AM

Johnny Dickshot wrote: Gorgeous game-winner from long-range for Argentina. That was maybe the most amazing goal I've ever seen. Just crazy. ]Australia ain't beating Italy. Yeah, I know, but a boy has to dream, right? I think it will be kind of a hilarious match, as the Aussies play rough and the Italians dive like Rosie O'Donnell.

Frayed Knot Jun 25 2006 11:16 AM

Ecuador misses a golden opportunity to take an early lead as one of their players essentially goofs up his own breakaway and has his shot deflect off an English defender just enough to clang off the crossbar.

MFS62 Jun 25 2006 11:38 AM

England against Ecuador on TV now. The fans are chanting what sounds very much like the "Tomahawk chop" thing the fans in Atlanta chant. I may have to root against the team those fans are chanting for. LAter

Rotblatt Jun 25 2006 01:02 PM

Beckham was nonexistent in this match until that insane free kick. Rooney looked like the best player on the pitch. He's so fast and has got some serious skill--he was really able to capitilize on the openings created when Ecuador brought another man up to try and equalise. Kind of a shit game for England again. I can't believe they keep advancing, but they're defense has looked pretty good. Ashley Cole did a marvelous job getting back to block that shot that Frayed mentioned. He and John Terry have eached saved England a goal . . .

Nymr83 Jun 25 2006 01:06 PM

who the hell names their son Ashley? "Ashleigh" would i guess be a guy's namw (even though i'd never use it)

Frayed Knot Jun 25 2006 04:09 PM

]who the hell names their son Ashley? Why Mr. & Mrs. Wilkes of course. Hey listen punk, it was a manly enough name for Scarlett to want to sleep with me. She ever try to get YOU into bed, Huh? I didn't think so.

Edgy DC Jun 25 2006 04:50 PM

Ashley goes along with Lesley and Evelyn as a perfectly manly English name until the Americans got a hold of it.

cooby Jun 25 2006 05:01 PM

Interesting you should say that, since Ashley Wilkes was played by a guy named Leslie Howard. But at least his last name is a guy's name.

Nymr83 Jun 25 2006 06:03 PM

cooby wrote: Interesting you should say that, since Ashley Wilkes was played by a guy named Leslie Howard. But at least his last name is a guy's name. if i were him i'd have gone to court and reversed my names! ="Edgy"]Ashley goes along with Lesley and Evelyn as a perfectly manly English name until the Americans got a hold of it. Which just goes to show that we ARE smarter than them. Manly names don't end in "Y" (tommy, johnny, larry etc are all abbreviations)

Edgy DC Jun 25 2006 06:20 PM

Roy

Nymr83 Jun 25 2006 06:24 PM

damnit. definrtaly a guy's name, though arguably not a "manly" one.

Edgy DC Jun 25 2006 08:47 PM

Please. It's a name of men. Manly men. An unimpeachable name. How'd that get in there?

cooby Jun 25 2006 08:56 PM

"Eat poop, Denis Leary"

Frayed Knot Jun 25 2006 10:07 PM

Leslie Howard was a friend of Humphrey Bogart and helped Bogie early in his career. So as a tribute to his male briend Bogie & Bacall named their daughter after him. They named their son Steve for the character Bogie played in 'To Have and Have Not', the movie where he and Bacall met. "You know how to whistle don't you Steve? Just put your lips together and blow" Back to soccer: Portugal beat the Netherlands in a virtual bloodbath today. A few more cards and I thought a basketball game would break out: y'know, five-on-five. That would have been fun.

Methead Jun 25 2006 10:56 PM

I didn't see the Beckham goal live, but it was awesome, even in highlight reel form.

metirish Jun 26 2006 09:28 AM

England are horrible to watch, they play not as a unit but as individuals, the coach seems to not have a clue and sends the team not out to win but not to lose, why drop Crouch and play Rooney up front on his own?,Rooney is best when playing with a partner as a foil....or in front of the midfield and behind two forwards, in dropping Crouch yesterday England were supposed to play football yet they ended up playing the long ball anyway....hard to change tactics at this stage.. As for the other game the ref ruinrd it, although it was an ill-tempered match, I hope Ronaldo is fit for the Engalnd game.

Elster88 Jun 26 2006 09:40 AM

Where can I see the bracket online? I like brackets.

Willets Point Jun 26 2006 09:55 AM

Bracket.

Nymr83 Jun 26 2006 10:20 AM

]Please. It's a name of men. Manly men. An unimpeachable name. Fine, but Ashley is still a girl's name.

Frayed Knot Jun 26 2006 10:39 AM

Last night's starter and winner for the Marlins Anibal Sanchez wants a word with you. Methead wrote: I didn't see the Beckham goal live, but it was awesome, even in highlight reel form. And, as we know, no one can bend it like Beckham

Willets Point Jun 26 2006 11:12 AM

Australia & Italy scoreless. So far in the Round of 16 previous winners of the World Cup have won. Italy hopes to continue that trend. The Aussies want to create an upset. Interestingly only 7 nations have ever won the World Cup. Brazil, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England and France may all advance to the next round. The other winner Uruguay did not qualify for the tournament this year.

Elster88 Jun 26 2006 12:54 PM

An Italian defender received a red card right before half-time. The score was still 0-0 until the 90th minute, when Italy scored on a penalty shot(!) 1-0 is your final.

Edgy DC Jun 26 2006 01:01 PM

Any guy who wins the game in the 90th minute on a penalty kick (the call was more or less legit, but his dive was still pure Victorian melodrama) and celebrates by running up the sideline sucking his thumb deserves a whole deck of red cards. Put me down as rooting against Italy the rest of this cup and maybe beyond. The refs missed a handball by Itlay in the box five minutes earlier.

Elster88 Jun 26 2006 01:04 PM

Not all handballs are called. Was it one of the unintentional variety?

Willets Point Jun 26 2006 01:05 PM

Surprise! Italy dives and puts on a performance, earn a bullshit penalty call, and win on a penalty kick. I'm with Edgy. Down with Italy.

Willets Point Jun 26 2006 01:10 PM

Would it be too American of me to suggest that they have TWO referees on the field to better catch infractions?

Edgy DC Jun 26 2006 01:14 PM

]Not all handballs are called. Was it one of the unintentional variety? I don't know, but it took the ball away from Austrailia in the box. A cross from the right side had the Aussie striker (strikeroo?) with his back to the net and he elevated into a beautiful athletic bicycle kick that might have been even prettier if he didn't whiff. The defender was coming toward him and watching him and after he missed, clearly took the ball on the arm, deflecting it upfield to another Italian defender. Australia had another open man on the wing that the cross was heading towards, but everybody had their eye on the bicycle kick guy and the goal that the ball was pressumed to be heading toward. Intentional or unintentional, it took an advantageous goal-scoring opportunity away and should have been called.

metirish Jun 26 2006 01:21 PM

] Would it be too American of me to suggest that they have TWO referees on the field to better catch infractions? I don't think that is needed but what I would do is send all refs that will be officiating at the WC to a 2/3 week long clinic over-seen by Pierluigi Collina, he was regarded as perhaps the best ref ever.

MFS62 Jun 26 2006 01:21 PM

From Today's NY DailyNews. ]NUREMBERG - Believe it or not, they actually played some soccer here last night. Some, but not much. Between a World Cup-record four red cards and a record-tying 16 yellows awarded by Russian referee Valentin Ivanov, Portugal managed to survive an ill-tempered match to register a 1-0 second-round victory over the Netherlands. The Portuguese booked a quarterfinal meeting with England in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday, but they will have to do so without two team members - playmaker Deco and Costinha - red-carded by a game official who turned the match into a farce at Franken-Stadion. "The referee did not have a good game," said Maniche, whose 23rd-minute goal proved to be the difference, three minutes after he himself received a yellow card. "He did not try to dignify football." Maniche got no argument from both coaches and even FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who chimed in on the incompetent officiating. The previous record of three red cards had been tied in the U.S.'s 1-1 draw with Italy on June 17. "I consider that today the referee was not at the same level as the participants, the players," Blatter told a Portuguese TV station. "There could have been a yellow card for the referee." Portugal coach Felipe Luiz Scolari, who increased his personal Cup record winning streak to a record 11 games, was just as adamant. "FIFA talks about fair play," he said. "There was no fair play." Ivanov started his imitation of a human traffic light in the second minute when he awarded Dutch midfielder Mark Van Bommel a yellow card. "It is a pity the referee made a mess of this game," Dutch coach Marco Van Basten said. It got progressively worse, although the Portuguese found time to score. Miguel's throw-in on the right side found Cristiano Ronaldo, who broke though three Dutch players and sent the ball to Deco, who crossed it into the penalty area to Pauleta. Pauleta shuffled off a short pass back to Maniche at the top of the area. Maniche took a couple of steps before beating goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar from 14 yards to the near right corner. Portugal lost Ronaldo to a leg injury in the 34th minute after a touch tackle. Scolari is hopeful he can play against England. Maniche was named the player of the match, although it was Ivanov who stole the spotlight. Costinha was the first to go, receiving his second yellow on a handball a minute into first-half stoppage time. The Dutch enjoyed a man advantage until the 63rd minute, when Khalid Boulahrouz was given his marching orders (his second yellow) for elbowing Figo. Another second yellow led to Deco's 78th-minute ejection, when he and Dutch midfielder Phillipe Cocu were in a tug-for-war for the ball. Again the Dutch were a man up, until Giovanni Van Bronckhorst was ejected for his second yellow five minutes into second-half stoppage time. Both benches were ready to empty onto the field several times - a World Cup rarity - only to be restrained by the fourth official. Scolari, a Brazilian who directed his home country to the 2002 world title, said the game reminded him of the sometimes raucous Libertadores Cup, South America's version of the European Champions League. "It's a war," he said. "Victories like this, there's a lot of suffering, magnificent results." Later

Elster88 Jun 26 2006 01:23 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jun 26 2006 01:28 PM

Willets Point wrote: Surprise! Italy dives and puts on a performance, earn a bullshit penalty call, and win on a penalty kick. I saw a replay. It wasn't bullshit.

Elster88 Jun 26 2006 01:28 PM

So now we've gone from soccer is lame because players take dives all the time to it being only the Italian team? I must have missed the memo.

Edgy DC Jun 26 2006 01:30 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jun 26 2006 02:10 PM

It's certainly not the Italian team exclusively, though they put on quite a show there. I thought the call was fine. It could have gone either way, but I'd have called it. His dramatic attempt to sell it, on the other hand...

Willets Point Jun 26 2006 02:01 PM

Elster88 wrote: ="Willets Point"]Surprise! Italy dives and puts on a performance, earn a bullshit penalty call, and win on a penalty kick. I saw a replay. It wasn't bullshit. The defender was on the ground and the attacker ran into him and then pretended to be tripped. That's bullshit.

Rotblatt Jun 26 2006 02:45 PM

I think it was a questionable call--I don't think Neill made much, if any, contact-- but IMO, it didn't matter. Australia looked slow and predictible on the offense and Italy looked incredibly dangerous on the counterattack, even with a man down. Now, maybe Australia could have tired out Italy over 30 minutes of over time and found a way to poke a goal in there, but I think it was pretty obvious who the more dangerous side was. I caught the non-call of the handball too, Edgy, but I think there's a tendency to ignore handballs when the arms are at a players' side--at least in the penalty box. A very entertaining game, although I desperately wanted Australia to win.

Edgy DC Jun 26 2006 02:51 PM

He tried to make a scissor tackle, the attacker pushed the ball around him improbably. The defender, knowing he had been beaten, seemed to lift his torso and roll it toward the attacker's legs. Seemed to... it could be interpreted either way. Italy had a tough attack chance and Neill was being too overagressive relative to the threat. He had taken the guy's angle away and that was his job.

Nymr83 Jun 26 2006 03:17 PM

As i said earlier, Italy are the biggest whiners of all. They all studied under Dennis Rodman. That said, I'd have called it. I'd also have called the handball on Italy. I hope the Italians get slaughtered in a future round, with Australia out I'm rooting England

Willets Point Jun 26 2006 04:47 PM

The Guardian commentator - presumably a UK soccer fan - makes the Switzerland-Ukraine match sound like the most boring thing ever. So either an American infiltrated the website or it's dullest game of all time. 0-0 heading toward extra time.

Willets Point Jun 26 2006 08:00 PM

Ukraine advance on penalty kicks and get the honor of losing to Italy in the quarterfinals. Not bad for a side that's only existed for 15 years and are playing in their first ever tournament. By the way, Metirish I forgot to comment that I love Collina. Too bad he can't officiate these games anymore.

metirish Jun 26 2006 08:10 PM

What do you think of my idea willets?,Collina is doing fine on the speech circut.

Willets Point Jun 26 2006 08:17 PM

A good idea, although some things can never transfer from teacher to student.

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 11:08 AM

Goal for Ronaldo sets a record (15 all-time WC goals) and puts Brazil up 1-0 five minutes into the match with Ghana. The defense and goalkeeper were totally faked out. Ghana have been giant-killers eliminating the #2 (Czech Republic) and #5 (USA) ranked teams in the world. They call themselves the Brazil of Africa. If they beat Brazil it will automatically be the greatest upset ever. But that's not going to happen.

metirish Jun 27 2006 11:10 AM

Congrats to Ronaldo, he apparently ahd a lot to prove this World Cup, safe to say he's proven himself once again to be pure world class.

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 11:10 AM

All the goalies say he's pretty spry for a fat guy.

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 11:13 AM

300 yellow cards issued in this World Cup. Oops there's 301 - and it's for diving!

ScarletKnight41 Jun 27 2006 11:14 AM

Willets Point wrote: All the goalies say he's pretty spry for a fat guy. Is that like being Fly for a White Guy (or, if you listen to Weird Al, Fly for a Rabbi)?

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 11:17 AM

ScarletKnight41 wrote: ="Willets Point"]All the goalies say he's pretty spry for a fat guy. Is that like being Fly for a White Guy (or, if you listen to Weird Al, Fly for a Rabbi)? Yup.©

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 11:46 AM

Ghana are playing very aggressively and getting a lot of good chances. Awesome save by the Brazilian keeper prevents this one from getting tied up. This is a fun game. And just now Brazil scores a second goal.

metirish Jun 27 2006 11:46 AM

Damn this game sounds like a cracker..Brazil go two up with a goal from Adriano, Ghana were starting to get chances , wish I could watch this one. EDIT...from the text I am reading on the Guardian and the Audio online that goal was offside....

MFS62 Jun 27 2006 11:51 AM

Re; Ronaldo Isn't there another good player named Ronaldo playing for another South American team in the WC? And isn't there someone on the Brazil team named Ronaldhino (sp?)? Ronald. Good name. (I'm prejudiced) Later

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 11:52 AM

Ronaldo, just Ronaldo, plays for Brazil. Christiano Ronaldo plays for Portugal.

metirish Jun 27 2006 11:53 AM

Christiano Ronaldo plays for Portugal, Ronaldhino means "little Ronaldo"...why do Brazilian players go by one name...read here. http://www.slate.com/id/2143404

MFS62 Jun 27 2006 12:01 PM

Interesting article. Its woven into their culture. I just thought they were copying Pele. Honestly. Later

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 01:04 PM

The thing they say about Brazil is that they play defense by always playing offense and controling the bowl. But in this game Ghana really kept the pressure on the Brazilian side of the field for almost the entire game and Brazil had to play tough defense and Dida made some great saves in goal. Of course, Brazil still wins 3-0. Great game for Ghana and beautiful passing all around.

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 03:18 PM

Hola! Salut! It's the Battle of the Pyrenees. No score in the 18th minute.

A Boy Named Seo Jun 27 2006 03:20 PM

Arsenal well represented in this match.

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 03:22 PM

Just on name alone I want Jose Reyes to score a goal.

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 03:29 PM

Espana now ahead on a penalty kick by Villa.

Nymr83 Jun 27 2006 03:41 PM

i saw the second half of Brazil's game, Ghana's goal keeper looked like a Knicks defender when he came out past the box and had the guy dribble around him.

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 03:47 PM

Damn, I missed the French goal.

Nymr83 Jun 27 2006 04:17 PM

Willets Point wrote: Damn, I missed the French goal. Damn, there was a French goal.

Willets Point Jun 27 2006 04:44 PM

Nymr83 wrote: ="Willets Point"]Damn, I missed the French goal. Damn, there was a French goal. Damn there's another French goal. Looks like there will be 6 previous champions in the final 8.

Frayed Knot Jun 27 2006 04:49 PM

Zidine Zidane says "I'm not Ze-done yet"

Rotblatt Jun 27 2006 04:52 PM

Shit. I was really rooting for Spain. Apparently Henry took a serious dive to get the free kick that led to the second French goal. Dude over at worldcupblogs is calling him Dirty Henry.

A Boy Named Seo Jun 27 2006 04:59 PM

It was a good bit of acting by Henry and directly led to the go-ahead goal. Crap way to lose, but sadly, players are going to keep diving if the refs are going to keep rewarding them with yellows for it. Bring on Brazil! Uh, oh.

metirish Jun 29 2006 10:00 AM

Two of the worst refs get the boot from the WC,Graham Poll, who issued three yellow cards to one player in a match and Valentin Ivanov holder of the record for most cards in a game are gone.

Willets Point Jun 29 2006 10:02 AM

There are only 8 games left they'd have to weed out the referee pool anyhow. I'd like to see more effective repurcussions for bad officiating.

Nymr83 Jun 29 2006 01:00 PM

Willets Point wrote: There are only 8 games left they'd have to weed out the referee pool anyhow. I'd like to see more effective repurcussions for bad officiating. like never being invited back? i'd like to see that in the baseball playoffs too, the guy who had the plate in the game Livan pitched in the '97 NLCS for example.

metirish Jun 29 2006 01:03 PM

I think that ump just died.

metirish Jun 29 2006 03:09 PM

Check this out.. ] Live Soccer Online Q. I am mired in a corporate office during the World Cup this year. I occasionally leave the building and go watch the games, but sometimes I actually have to be at work. Is there any way that I can use the power of the almighty Internet to see the games live? A. There are plenty of places around the Web to keep up with the latest World Cup news until the international soccer tournament ends on July 9. ESPN360 is streaming many matches live at http://espn.go.com; while the service is ordinarily available only to subscribers to certain broadband providers, it is being offered without restriction through July 19. Corporate firewalls may be an issue. The BBC (www.bbc.co.uk) plans to stream all 64 World Cup matches over its Web site; it says the service is available only to those living in Britain, though some blogging soccer fans have reported success with proxy servers that can evade this restriction. If you can't find a compatible source for streaming, there are other ways to keep up with the games. For example, Yahoo is host of the official World Cup site at http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com, and Firefox users can download the Joga.com Companion extension (http://www.mozilla.com/add-ons/jogacompanion/), which pops up news of all the latest goals, yellow cards and match developments right in the browser window.

Willets Point Jun 29 2006 03:21 PM

Anyone have any QF predictions? Here's mine: Germany v. Argentina (Friday 11 AM) - the host team keeps getting better with each game and Argentina are arguably playing the best soccer in the tournament so this should be a great game. I'll pick Germany since I think home field advantage will give them the edge. Italy v. Ukraine (Friday 3 PM) - Ukraine advances after beating Switzerland on penalties in what's been dubbed the most boring match of the Cup. Italy also played a low-scoring game to defeat Australia. Italy is one of the all-time great soccer nations and Ukraine are debutantes so I expect Italy will win easily albeit in a low-scoring game. England v. Portugal (Saturday 11 AM) - I'm rooting for Portugal since I wrote the Know Thy World Cup team article about them. England hasn't been playing well despite winning and I think there luck runs out here. Commentators are expecting a physical game. Brazil v. France (Saturday 3 PM) - A rematch of the 1998 final. France is also succeeding above their performance and Brazil is Brazil so I expect the South Americans to win, but it should be a good game.

Johnny Dickshot Jun 29 2006 05:16 PM

All I really want anymore are good games, but I'll root for my own hemisphere where I can (this is sorta like rooting for NL when it comes down to the WS and you're not in it).

Edgy DC Jun 29 2006 05:39 PM

England have gotten a lot of criticism for their less-than-dazzling advancement. But I'm far less impressed by Italy. Plus an incredibly wide range of their top league are going to court (starting today, I think) under accusations of game fixing. I think it's like four premier teams and 26 officials. I'll root for Ukraine for voluntarily giving up all the nukes they inherited when the Soviet Union broke up.

Willets Point Jun 29 2006 11:52 PM

Johnny Dickshot wrote: All I really want anymore are good games, but I'll root for my own hemisphere where I can (this is sorta like rooting for NL when it comes down to the WS and you're not in it). Which hemisphere are you rooting for: Western or Northern? :) If we're going for who we're rooting for I'd like to see Portugal & Ukraine in the final and Germany take 3rd place.

HahnSolo Jun 30 2006 08:29 AM

Just out of curiosity: do host nations usually get "home-cooking" from the officials?

metirish Jun 30 2006 08:51 AM

I really don't think home teams get "home-cooking" from the refs, maybe they used to but I don't think any of the German games have been high on controversy, meanwhile this French idiot fans the flames in France. [url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/story/0,,1809453,00.html]We are Frenchmen says Thuram, as Le Pen bemoans number of black players[/url]

Elster88 Jun 30 2006 09:35 AM

Edgy DC wrote: But I'm far less impressed by Italy. Agreed, though Italy's national team usually plays this way. Defensive minded, low scoring games. Edgy DC wrote: Plus an incredibly wide range of their top league are going to court (starting today, I think) under accusations of game fixing. I think it's like four premier teams and 26 officials. Not sure what this has to do with anything. Are any of those individuals who are going to court involved in the Cup? What are the details of the court case? I guess it is a nice way of finding something extra to bash the Italians with. You could also bring up how they switched allegiances during World War II.

metirish Jun 30 2006 09:38 AM

Elster this is a huge deal in Europe, Juventus the most storied team in Italy is accused of match-fixing and other shady stuff, the board resigned recently, the GM of the club tried to commit suicide this week...read here.. http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1809323,00.html EDIT: the wole of Italian football is on trial really.

Elster88 Jun 30 2006 09:39 AM

I know the big picture of what's going on with them...I just don't really see how it relates to today's matches. Why not put it aside for the week and enjoy the Cup? Unless the idea is that a win would be tainted because of what's going on in the league. Are the Italians going to fix today's match too?

Edgy DC Jun 30 2006 09:44 AM

]I just don't really see how it relates to today's matches. I don't know enough to know which players, beyond a handful, are linked to which teams, but I wonder if it might be a morale-suppressing distraction for both the team and the supporters.

Elster88 Jun 30 2006 09:45 AM

I hope not. But I don't think it will be, the way those crazy Europeans get into this event.

metirish Jun 30 2006 09:47 AM

Ahh ok, sorry I thought maybe you didn't know about the scandal, it's debatable as to weather this stuff has any effect on the national team.

Johnny Dickshot Jun 30 2006 09:52 AM

Elster88 wrote: I know the big picture of what's going on with them...I just don't really see how it relates to today's matches. Why not put it aside for the week and enjoy the Cup? Unless the idea is that a win would be tainted because of what's going on in the league. Are the Italians going to fix today's match too? Well, it's not like the WC is happening in a vacuum, and I don;t think anyone was suggesting there was cheating to go on in the next game or whatever. I will say what little I know about pro soccer in Italy came from a book I read on a team in their C league ('The Miracle of Castel DiSangro' by Joe McGuinness). The author was convinced that a certain amount of corruption was just a natural expectation of the pro game there; so much so that things that might raise an eyebrow elsewhere is just biz as usual.

metirish Jun 30 2006 01:42 PM

Germany go through on penalties, 4 to 2 on the spot kicks, Lehmann saved two of them.

Edgy DC Jun 30 2006 01:48 PM

Weird second half. Argentina actually got a yellow for diving in Germany's box, but the funny thing was, it was hardly the most egregious dive of the game. The defender really did play the guy's body and not the ball on the tackle. The problem was that the attacker took the dive before the contact was made. 'Tina's goaltender was hurt on an inadvertant cleating. He stayed in the game for about ten minutes before getting pulled when the bleeding wouldn't stop. The replacement was beaten five minutes later on a header goal set up by a header pass of a cross. Germany really plays the ball in the air well. It almost seeemed like they preferred it that way. I couldn't watch overtime. I had to get back for work and I can't stand watching both teams play for penalty kicks.

Rotblatt Jun 30 2006 01:56 PM

I kept trying to leave work to catch the second half, then OT, then PKs but everything's on fire today, and I couldn't get away. I can't believe Argentina didn't use Messi. That's just crazy talk right there. Sounds like a good match. Sigh. I should get to watch Ukraine-Italy unless my fire-dousing techniques have been completely inadequate..

Elster88 Jun 30 2006 02:03 PM

It's rough to see a team lose on penalty kicks, but a lot of those guys are exhausted. Even if they played on forever....someone would only score because the other team was "more exhausted". It would be rough for a team to lose that way too. Only possible thing I can think of that would help is allowing more subs.

Willets Point Jun 30 2006 02:14 PM

Exciting game. Both goals were really sweet. Franco looked out of his element on the penalty kicks. I wonder if Argentina would have had a better shot if their #1 goalkeeper didn't get injured. Why have they eliminated the golden goal? I think without it the teams lose the impetus to take some risks on offense if they know they can just hold out for penalty kicks. Overtime was relatively dull compared to regulation time. Of course that also may be due to exhaustion

Willets Point Jun 30 2006 03:07 PM

Italy up 1-0 on Ukraine 5 minutes in on a nice long-distance strike. Whoever wins this game is toast when they face Germany.

Elster88 Jun 30 2006 03:37 PM

When are the semis anyway. I'm hoping on a weekend.

Frayed Knot Jun 30 2006 03:40 PM

I generally root against whichever team whose loss will cause the greatest amount of national angst back home. Of course I can't always figure out who that'll be - but Argentina is a good guess and their coach has already resigned. The spectre of Italy losing promises some fun too.

Willets Point Jun 30 2006 03:44 PM

="Frayed Knot"]I generally root against whichever team whose loss will cause the greatest amount of national angst back home. That's hillarious. Seeing that England's fans and media are angry about how England is winning they'll probably have a lot of angst if they lose. Then again maybe that's just what they expect.

Elster88 Jun 30 2006 04:07 PM

]47:00 Cannavaro is down holding his...delicates after taking a ball fair and square in the most sensitive region around. What a fucking faker. Fucking Italians.

Willets Point Jun 30 2006 04:15 PM

Two great shots by Ukraine, two great saves by Italy. Wow!

Willets Point Jun 30 2006 04:17 PM

Italy comes right back down the other end and Lucatoni scores. Italy 2-0.

metirish Jun 30 2006 04:17 PM

Italy go two up, the english blokes are very understated in the commentating.

Willets Point Jun 30 2006 04:21 PM

Ukraine get another shot that's blocked by the cross bar. They just have no luck.

Elster88 Jun 30 2006 04:30 PM

Elster88 wrote: When are the semis anyway. I'm hoping on a weekend. Last two quarterfinals are tomorrow at 11 AM and 3 PM ET. Match 61 (Germany v. Italy/Ukraine winner [Italy]) Independence Day, 3:00 ET Match 62 (England/Portugal winner v. Brazil/France winner) Wed, July 5th, 3:00 3rd place Sat, July 8th 3:00 Final Sun, July 9th 2:00

Elster88 Jun 30 2006 04:31 PM

3-0. Match effectively over.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 01 2006 04:18 PM

Henry! France jumps ahead of Brazil 1-0 and are now looking for a big freaking upset!

OlerudOwned Jul 01 2006 04:53 PM

France wins! Ronaldo looks like Alay Soler!

A Boy Named Seo Jul 01 2006 04:53 PM

Rolando flopped and drew a yellow late, but Ronaldihno just overshot the free kick. Brazil really applied a lot of pressure offensively the last few minutes, but France played with great urgency and held them off. 1-nil's your final. An exciting match and a hard-earned victory fro France.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 01 2006 05:10 PM

A couple of Brazil guys -- including their captain -- just weren't getting it done. A shame cuz in the first half and late in the second you could see how dangerous they could be. Anyway, granted I haven't seen nearly enuf matches to say this, but from what I've seen, Zidane is the best player in the world. France earned & deserved victory.

metirish Jul 01 2006 06:49 PM

Zidane is one the great players all time, fucking great to see England lose.

Nymr83 Jul 01 2006 07:00 PM

whether you like England or not (and being Irish you obviously don't) i hate to see such a good game end in penalty kicks. oh and F*** i hate france, i missed that game though.

Willets Point Jul 01 2006 09:37 PM

We watched the game at the French Library and Cultural Center in Boston in a room packed with screaming, clapping French people. It was a lot of fun. I've never really watched France play before and I was really impressed by Zidane. He just has a gazillion ways of keeping control of the ball and always finds the right guy who is open to pass to.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 01 2006 09:39 PM

I've seen the last 2 France games.They have a very good team, and they're a little light on the drama too.

Willets Point Jul 01 2006 09:42 PM

First all European final four since 1982.

Elster88 Jul 01 2006 10:13 PM

Edgy DC Jul 01 2006 11:14 PM

Zidane, based on very limited data, also has seemed like a non-jerk.

Frayed Knot Jul 01 2006 11:58 PM

Did anyone hear that the next French loss - or their ultimate victory - will be Zidane's last game. I heard that while watching the telecast when the announcers mentioned it once every 35 or 40 seconds. - Zidane's got the ball in the box, it might be hislast scoring chance ever - here's Zidane making what could be his last throw-in for his career - ooh look, Zidane just kicked an opponent in the nuts ... maybe for the last time ever on the world stage

Willets Point Jul 02 2006 10:36 PM

Well it will be September at the earliest that they can start the "This may be Clemens' last game" spiel again so they need some filler.

metirish Jul 03 2006 09:29 AM

Zidane retired after Euro 2004 but as France struggled through the qualifiying campaign for the WC he along with Lillian Thurman and Claude Makélélé came out of retirement and propelled them to the top of the group, Ireland were in the same group as it happens and they beat us in Dublin in a huge game, it's fair to say France miight not be in Germany had those guys stayed retired.

TheOldMole Jul 03 2006 11:59 AM

[url=http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060703/1/8irq.html]You like to know that someone cares about the kids.[/url]

metirish Jul 04 2006 06:00 PM

Italy stuns Germany with two late goals in extra time,good game.

Frayed Knot Jul 04 2006 06:14 PM

I was beginning to think that those teams could have played for 5 hours before anyone would score. Tough luck for the home squad

Willets Point Jul 04 2006 06:57 PM

As much as I wanted Germany to win (and more so, wanted Italy to lose), I have to admit that I'm glad this game did not go to PK's and that Italy's first goal was beautiful, probably the best goal I've seen this tournament.

Willets Point Jul 05 2006 03:39 PM

Henry taken down in front of the Portugal goal, penaly kick awarded, Zidane puts it in. France 1-0. Totally off-topic, but I wanted to note that the ref for the Italy-Germany game was really good.

metirish Jul 05 2006 03:47 PM

Yes the ref yesterday had a great game, for no other reason than to see more of Zidane I want France to win.

Willets Point Jul 05 2006 04:52 PM

I can't believe Portugal haven't scored. They've had so many good chances. I've been rooting for Portugal as underdog since the beginning ot the Cup but France and Zidane are winning me over with their style of play.

Willets Point Jul 05 2006 04:54 PM

France v. Italy in the championship game on Sunday. Whodda thunkit?

Elster88 Jul 06 2006 09:04 AM

Willets Point wrote: As much as I wanted Germany to win (and more so, wanted Italy to lose), I have to admit that I'm glad this game did not go to PK's and that Italy's first goal was beautiful, probably the best goal I've seen this tournament. Incredible game. Watched it with the extended family, most of whom were born in the old country, so obviously the atmosphere was exciting. That game is exactly when soccer is at its best. Lots of missed chances on both sides, so the game was exciting despite the 0-0 score, and then a beautiful goal right at the end. No bullshit, no screw-up by the goalie or the defense, just great soccer. Avoiding PKs was HUGE, too, given Italy's history. I had no confidence in them to win on PKs, 1994 still leaves scars, though in reality it was probably 50-50.

Elster88 Jul 06 2006 10:39 AM

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