So Algeria is going to seek revenge for the Non-aggression pact of Gijón on Monday against Germany, and then the USA will face Belgium on Tuesday. Can't wait!
Good games today. Brazil managed to move on and Colombia also got the win. So the first Quarter-Final match is shaping up to be great.
I also saw this posted today. It's the internet, so take it with a grain of salt :
Automatically Appended Next Post: And just some thoughts about how the different Confederations performed so far.
Percentage of each Confederation that advanced into the Final 16:
Asian Football Confederation (AFC): 0%
Confederation of African Football (CAF): 40%
Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football(CONCACAF): 75%
South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL): 83%
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA): 46%.
Well, they are still plenty good. They might just not be the only good teams in the World Cup anymore.
Europe and South America have been considered the only "real" powers in soccer with the other Confederations just maken a token appearance at the World Cup. And Europe still gets to send more teams to the World Cup than any other confederation with 13 teams going. North and South America combined only get 7 guaranteed spots.
Now, Europe does have a lot more teams in their Confederation and this year could always be a fluke with both CONMEBOL and CONCACAF playing closer to home than Europe. But if both Federations continue to do well in 2018 it might be realistic to look at the allocation of spots and maybe take a spot or two from UEFA and give it to the Americas.
FIFA has been talking about expanding to 40 teams, so that would also allow them to make some adjustements..
Edit: correction of automatic spots for North & South America
Europe and South America have been considered the only "real" powers in soccer with the other Confederations just maken a token appearance at the World Cup. And Europe still gets to send more teams to the World Cup than any other confederation with 13 teams going. North and South America combined only get 10 spots.
This doesn't seem all that odd to me really... There are far fewer nations in North/South America than there are in Europe. It's just that most of our Western Hemisphere countries cover larger portions of land than much of the European countries.
Europe and South America have been considered the only "real" powers in soccer with the other Confederations just maken a token appearance at the World Cup. And Europe still gets to send more teams to the World Cup than any other confederation with 13 teams going. North and South America combined only get 10 spots.
This doesn't seem all that odd to me really... There are far fewer nations in North/South America than there are in Europe. It's just that most of our Western Hemisphere countries cover larger portions of land than much of the European countries.
CONMEBOL is the oddball here, with only having 10 members. But UEFA really doesn't have that many more members than the other confederations.
CONMEBOL and CONCACAF combined have more member nations than UEFA, but get almost half as many guaranteed spots in the World Cup.
Here is the number of automatic spots per Confederation compared to the number of member nations (and the percentage that automatically qualifyies to the World Cup):
UEFA: 13 spots, 54 members (25%) CAF: 5 spots, 56 members (9%) AFC: 4 spots, 47 members (9%) CONMEBOL: 4 spots, 10 members (40%) CONCACAF: 3 Spots, 41 members (7%) OFC: 0 spots, 12 members, (0%). 1 spot for the host, 2 spots in a play-off between OFC/AFC/CONMEBOL/CONCACAF.
Now I realize that you can't just look at "each Confederation should be able to send 16% of their teams to make it fair", and that individual performances of the Confederations have to be taken into consideration. CONMEBOL has been a powerhouse for a long time, so even though they are a very small confederation they end up with a large percentage of members participating and they usually do well. They also ended up sending two more nations than their given allocations due to being the host and winning the playoff for one of the toss up spots (with CONCACAF getting the second spot when Mexico managed to get included). UEFA has been a powerhouse for a long time, so they send a lot of members to the World Cup and usually do very well. I think all World Cup winners have been from those two Confederations alone.
Personally, considering the performance out of the groups in this World Cup I would probably split it up like this:
1 host UEFA: 12 spots, 54 members (22%) CAF: 5 spots, 56 members (9%) AFC: 4 spots, 47 members (9%) CONMEBOL: 4 spots, 10 members (40%) CONCACAF: 4 Spots, 41 members (10%) OFC: 0 spots, 12 members, (0%).
1 playoff spot between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF 1 playoff spot between OFC and AFC
(I would advocate just taking a full spot away from CONMEBOL but the continent would burn )
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Breotan wrote: Doesn't North America get to send three at most? Does Cuba count?
We used to have 4 guaranteed spots, which got reduced to 3 for 2014 with the 4th being a playoff spot against Asia.
Lets get this out of the way right now.... England were gak... But, we did draw with the mighty Costa Rica, which Italy and Uruguay failed to do
Now, moving on. I'm glad Uruguay got beaten last night. Not because they beat England, but because of the outrageous way they attempted to defend Suarez. As for the rest of the games, Brazil were lucky but you need luck to win a world cup, so that's fine.
And as much as I'd like to see good old 'Murica beat Belgium, I just can't. Putting my seers hat on for a moment I think the other QF's will be France v Germany, Holland v Costa Rica and Argentina v Belgium.
Historically, European teams don't do that well in South American competitions, so I'm willing to put good money on an Argentina v Brazil final.
d-usa wrote: I don't know about Brazil. I think Colombia might manage to sneak past them.
It's possible yes. But Brazil have to hit top gear eventually, they can't keep stuttering through games like they have been. Speaking as a neutral, I'd love to see Brazil get to the final. It's always a good thing for the whole competition if the host nation does well.
That maybe closer to the truth than you realise! But it works both ways. South American imports in the Premier League have struggled in the past. Veron at Manchester United and Forlan at the same club prove that theory. Both brilliant players, but I guess playing against Burton Albion in the pissing rain on a November night in the cup is just not what they are used too... Another case in point is Gary Medel for Chile. Brilliant in the world cup, relegated with Cardiff from the premiere league....
Gutted I missed the Mexico game. Penalty in the final stages is a bit gak. Heard the ref wasn't that bothered about giving penalties up until that point. Should have let it go into extra time.
Happy the Mexicans lost. They played pretty aweful. They were pretty lucky we didn't get even more penaltys before the last goal. Pretty to see some of those asshat supporters cry actually. The Mexican fans are animals overall from what I have seen and heard.
Medium of Death wrote: Gutted I missed the Mexico game. Penalty in the final stages is a bit gak. Heard the ref wasn't that bothered about giving penalties up until that point. Should have let it go into extra time.
Nah, he did not give a valid penalty kick in the first half and the penalty kick he granted was justified as well. Robben was a pretty damn drama queen about it, but it was a foul nevertheless.
Honestly, the ref should have given the Dutch the penalty kick in the first half anyway so I had zero issue with his call at the end of the match. Yes, Robben was dramatic, but it was a foul in the penalty box and the ref made the right decision.
Happy the Mexicans lost. They played pretty aweful. They were pretty lucky we didn't get even more penaltys before the last goal. Pretty to see some of those asshat supporters cry actually. The Mexican fans are animals overall from what I have seen and heard.
Medium of Death wrote: Gutted I missed the Mexico game. Penalty in the final stages is a bit gak. Heard the ref wasn't that bothered about giving penalties up until that point. Should have let it go into extra time.
the ref should always try and make the right call regardless of the position of the ball and the time on the clock
Knight wrote: Marvellous game between Chile and Brasil!
Drama in the last minutes between Mexico and Netherlands. I hoped Mexico would go forward, they've showed more fighting spirit.
More fighting spirit? Their fighting spirit disappeared like snow before the sun after the Dutch changed tactics. The Mexicans played very well, and the Dutch were gak for a large part of the game, but after the Mexicans scored, the Dutch pulled themselves together, and in the final stages of the game the Dutch were simply better.
Of course, one can argue about the fairness of that penalty, but hey: We have WON And it was one of the most exciting, nerve-wracking games I've ever watched.
The World Cup is one of those rare times I am actually proud to be Dutch. Normally I just feel ashamed And of course, dressing in orange is fun.
I'm kind of bummed that Greece were knocked out. With such a shaky team (basically Mitroglou, Samaras, Papastathodopoulopoloubolos and Papadolopolopoloulopodolos), slipping through two games with last minute goals shows great spirit, sucks to be beaten by such a lottery as penalties.
shrike wrote: I'm kind of bummed that Greece were knocked out. With such a shaky team (basically Mitroglou, Samaras, Papastathodopoulopoloubolos and Papadolopolopoloulopodolos), slipping through two games with last minute goals shows great spirit, sucks to be beaten by such a lottery as penalties.
Greece really should have won that game. They just ran right over the exhausted Costa Ricans in the end. A pity they did not manage to get a goal out of it. Also, Greek names are hilarious.
shrike wrote: I'm kind of bummed that Greece were knocked out. With such a shaky team (basically Mitroglou, Samaras, Papastathodopoulopoloubolos and Papadolopolopoloulopodolos), slipping through two games with last minute goals shows great spirit, sucks to be beaten by such a lottery as penalties.
Greece really should have won that game. They just ran right over the exhausted Costa Ricans in the end. A pity they did not manage to get a goal out of it. Also, Greek names are hilarious.
That's a damned shame, and yes they are Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, too many damned vowels!
thenoobbomb wrote:It's lovely to see all the butthurt posts about Netherlands-Mexico on sites like 9gag
what was the butthurt about?
I haven't heard anything besides the score, but let me guess... Mexico played their hearts out, especially Ochoa, and they lost anyway?
That, and the penalty after Rovben fell. They especially like to think that he said he faked falling there, while that was referring to him "falling" in the first 45 minutes. I've also seen some stuff wishing every Dutchman dead.
thenoobbomb wrote: That, and the penalty after Rovben fell. They especially like to think that he said he faked falling there, while that was referring to him "falling" in the first 45 minutes. I've also seen some stuff wishing every Dutchman dead.
did he dive, or was it a legit penalty? Because Robben does win a lot of legit penalties by basically trying to be fouled. Dirty tactics, but not against the rules. Like not handing the ball back to the opposition if they kick it out to get an injured player seen to.
thenoobbomb wrote: That, and the penalty after Rovben fell. They especially like to think that he said he faked falling there, while that was referring to him "falling" in the first 45 minutes. I've also seen some stuff wishing every Dutchman dead.
did he dive, or was it a legit penalty? Because Robben does win a lot of legit penalties by basically trying to be fouled. Dirty tactics, but not against the rules. Like not handing the ball back to the opposition if they kick it out to get an injured player seen to.
From what I gathered and saw, the penalty was justified, and hell, they should've gotten one way earlier in the game.
thenoobbomb wrote: That, and the penalty after Rovben fell. They especially like to think that he said he faked falling there, while that was referring to him "falling" in the first 45 minutes. I've also seen some stuff wishing every Dutchman dead.
did he dive, or was it a legit penalty?
I think the line currently being taken by the "experts" on ESPNs coverage in the US, is that it was a legit penalty that was embellished slightly, combined with the ref "making up for" the missed penalty from the first half.
And yeah, some of the comments, especially those coming directly from the actual Mexican camp are hilarious.
thenoobbomb wrote: That, and the penalty after Rovben fell. They especially like to think that he said he faked falling there, while that was referring to him "falling" in the first 45 minutes. I've also seen some stuff wishing every Dutchman dead.
did he dive, or was it a legit penalty?
I think the line currently being taken by the "experts" on ESPNs coverage in the US, is that it was a legit penalty that was embellished slightly, combined with the ref "making up for" the missed penalty from the first half.
And yeah, some of the comments, especially those coming directly from the actual Mexican camp are hilarious.
If they lost out to a legit penalty decision after a close-fought game, they should just bow out saying they were against a superior opposition and gave it their all.
If they lost out to a legit penalty decision after a close-fought game, they should just bow out saying they were against a superior opposition and gave it their all.
Judging by "expert" opinion, it would seem that Mexico did lose out to a legit penalty (though I've no idea, seeing as how the only football rules I know are the American and Rugby Union variants.... well, that and offsides, I get that alot on the playstation game )
If they lost out to a legit penalty decision after a close-fought game, they should just bow out saying they were against a superior opposition and gave it their all.
Judging by "expert" opinion, it would seem that Mexico did lose out to a legit penalty (though I've no idea, seeing as how the only football rules I know are the American and Rugby Union variants.... well, that and offsides, I get that alot on the playstation game )
it'd be legit if the defender making the tackle made contact with the ball before he made contact with the player, basically.
It was a legit penalty in the Netherlands-Mexico game. Robben made it more dramatic, but it was an actual foul. I personally don't blame any of the players for diving, as I see it more as a problem with FIFA than a problem with the players. When you're competing at the national level with literally millions of dollars at stake, of course you're going to strive for every advantage possible to win. I blame FIFA for not doing enough to discourage players from diving. The reward far outweighs the risk because the players so rarely get caught or punished.
creeping-deth87 wrote:I personally don't blame any of the players for diving, as I see it more as a problem with FIFA than a problem with the players. When you're competing at the national level with literally millions of dollars at stake, of course you're going to strive for every advantage possible to win.
To be fair though, if you watched the England-Uruguay game (IIRC, might have been Costa Rica), Gerrard had a very possible foul in the box and didn't go down or call for a foul in any way, just carried on with the game. If you have probably one of the most driven, passionate men in football staying on his feet after a possible foul in a world cup match his country needed to win, then diving is clearly at least somewhat down to the player.
It's a similar thing with others- probably the best dribbler in the world at the moment, Messi, will stay on his feet and, if he physically can't, will scramble on all fours until the whistle goes.
Neymar and Robben, on the other hand, two other great dribblers, hit the deck if someone even looks like they're gonna stick a leg in.
Definitely still FIFA's fault for not punishing it, but it's also definitely down to the players themselves.
It's a similar thing with others- probably the best dribbler in the world at the moment, Messi, will stay on his feet and, if he physically can't, will scramble on all fours until the whistle goes.
Having seen a youtube clip of Messi in action, I have nothing but respect for the dude and his style of play.
It's a similar thing with others- probably the best dribbler in the world at the moment, Messi, will stay on his feet and, if he physically can't, will scramble on all fours until the whistle goes.
Having seen a youtube clip of Messi in action, I have nothing but respect for the dude and his style of play.
yeah. Still don't think he's the greatest player ever and I doubt I ever will, but I have great admiration for the guy and his determination to play until the whistle.
It's a similar thing with others- probably the best dribbler in the world at the moment, Messi, will stay on his feet and, if he physically can't, will scramble on all fours until the whistle goes.
Having seen a youtube clip of Messi in action, I have nothing but respect for the dude and his style of play.
yeah. Still don't think he's the greatest player ever and I doubt I ever will, but I have great admiration for the guy and his determination to play until the whistle.
I think he is a pretty good player. But I don't think his stats are ever really going to show it.
He plays beautiful soccer, he is unselfish, he works hard, he plays for the team and not for himself.
I will not be surprised if he never makes it near the top of any "goals scored" list or wins any Golden Boots, but he can win some Golden Balls together with his other "good player" awards.
He is the definition of a player that gives everything for his team, but that might not make all the highlight reels.
It's a similar thing with others- probably the best dribbler in the world at the moment, Messi, will stay on his feet and, if he physically can't, will scramble on all fours until the whistle goes.
Having seen a youtube clip of Messi in action, I have nothing but respect for the dude and his style of play.
yeah. Still don't think he's the greatest player ever and I doubt I ever will, but I have great admiration for the guy and his determination to play until the whistle.
I think he is a pretty good player. But I don't think his stats are ever really going to show it.
He plays beautiful soccer, he is unselfish, he works hard, he plays for the team and not for himself.
I will not be surprised if he never makes it near the top of any "goals scored" list or wins any Golden Boots, but he can win some Golden Balls together with his other "good player" awards.
He is the definition of a player that gives everything for his team, but that might not make all the highlight reels.
I respectfully disagree- he makes his way into loads of highlight reels. Some examples of players who don't make the highlight reel is someone like Toni Kroos or Andrea Pirlo, or in defense, folks like Carles Puyol or John Terry. Immensely important to their respective teams, but don't go around raking in the goals or pulling anything flashy.
Germany just needs to sort out their defensive issues. Lahm I'm still not sure why they still field as a midfielder when they have so many great players there to choose from anyway, and not many quality full backs. Mertesacker and Boateng aren't communicating well and Neuer's having to make up for it all by closing down attackers himself, which I can see going badly pretty easily. It just takes one well placed pass or one piece of misplaced footing and Algeria are a goal up.
On Algeria's side, I'd say their attackers are doing great, but in defense the team needs to watch out that they're not shattered 60-70 minutes in.
edit: Germany's been playing much better, Schurrle was a great choice, doing far more down the wing than Gotze. Could do with Klose as a target man IMO, lots of wing play but they don't have a good header to aim at in the box during open play.
very, very enjoyable game so far. Good, steady play from Germany, and great counter-attacking from Algeria. Really difficult to pick out a man of the match so far, could be Schurrle, Muller, Neuer, Lahm, Mbolhi, Slimani, Feghouli, Ghoulam...
great game, feel bad for Algeria who showed great spirit, but Germany kept attacking in extra time even after Schurrle's goal, so well done to them to not sit back.
annoyed that Ozil got the winner, he was one of the few in the German squad who didn't deserve it - Muller did especially.
Great game! Really gutsy performance from Algeria, loved the tempo they showed at the start of the game and certainly took it to Germany (who seemed a bit slow to get going).
To have a chance against France though they need to put the ball in the back of the net, I've never seen to many good chances go un-finished. The Algerian goalkeeper was great, but still..
Glad Costa Rica went through the other night, despite Greece very nearly diving their way into the quarter finals. The only problem now is that Costa Rica have about half of their team suspended due to the 19 (or so) yellow cards that got shown during the game.
d-usa wrote: We advanced, but won't have a chance against France if this same team shows up for that game...
To be fair, the only weak points in terms of players was Ozil, Gotze and the lack of full backs. The main weakness is in tactics- having the back line so high up the pitch against such a pacey team, with such a slow back line (four CBs, the only fast one of which was Boateng), was asking to concede on the counter attack. Against France, I reckon they'll have to do the following (bear in mind the only injuries I know of are Podolski and Reus):
- Lahm in RB from the offset
- Hummels
- Possibly field a LB (Jansen or Schmelzer)
- Keep a lower back four
- Schurrle
- Klose
I reckon that Germany will crush France, for the simple fact that they've done it so many times before (1914, and 1940 being prime examples )
It doesn't help that the US is not allowed to jump into the game during the second half and that Russia and England are already home. And South America is practically a "home game" for the Germans that beat them in 1940!
d-usa wrote: It doesn't help that the US pretended the game hasn't begin yeat for the first half and that Russia and England are already home. And South America is practically a "home game" for the Germans that beat them in 1940!
Good game so far. It will be helpful for the winner of the USA-Belgium match if they can finish in regulation time. Playing those extra 30 minutes can hurt you next round.
Automatically Appended Next Post: And what an exciting finish.
Is Argentina so good that they can just arrogantly slide through the whole game 0-0 until they just need to get that winning goal, or are they actually halfassed and just barely making it through?
Wilytank wrote: Is Argentina so good that they can just arrogantly slide through the whole game 0-0 until they just need to get that winning goal, or are they actually halfassed and just barely making it through?
I honestly think it's the latter. They haven't been very impressive to watch and haven't had a particularly difficult road ahead of them during the competition. If they make it to the semi-finals, they'll be knocked out by the Dutch I think.
That was a fantastic game to watch, kind of feel sorry for the US after how much of a performance Howard put in. green must also be really happy with himself despite the loss, first touch in the game and he put it in the net, great stuff to watch
I gotta say, the extra time was probably some of the best 30 minutes of soccer I've ever watched. Both teams were exceptional. Howard was practically a brick wall in front of the net.
I remember all the "feth Klinsmann, feth Green, we need Donavan, we are useless without him" talk before the first game.
But this team did awesome. Every player that Klinsmann got crap for did awesome. Those three young guys are going to make their mark on US soccer. Green is younger than Messi was when he scored his first World Cup goal. Yedlin was all over the place.
Belgium played great, they should be able to make it past Argentina.
Exceptional match. I think you're doing your national team an injustice by not supporting them.
Don't care much for the sport in general, but support USA teams in whatever sport it is (except basketball... but I have a special form of hatred for that "sport"... but that's another thread)
Seeing this kind of support for soccer makes me seriously wish we could generate this kind of support for Rugby as well. I'll admit, I'm jealous of you Brits and Kiwis and Aussies.
so Howard made 16 saves that game, more than any keeper in any world cup game, feel bad that he was on the losing side.
As with Algeria, the 'muricans can return come with their heads held high- put in a great performance this world cup despite playing some very strong opponents.
creeping-deth87 wrote: I gotta say, the extra time was probably some of the best 30 minutes of soccer I've ever watched. Both teams were exceptional. Howard was practically a brick wall in front of the net.
Absolutely agree, that last 30 minutes was some of the best football I have ever seen.
The drama! I feel sorry for the fans who now say 'well, that was a load of crap!' based on the fact that the US lost, rather than be proud of the manner in which they played in this tournament.
The US was never going to win the WC, but they fought damn hard and gave everything they had. Loved their team spirit, their lack of theatrics, and the never-say-die attitude.
The US was never going to win the WC, but they fought damn hard and gave everything they had. Loved their team spirit, their lack of theatrics, and the never-say-die attitude.
Funny thing is, IF... and that's a huge if... IFF the US had won that game, there'd be so many people out here saying that we were going to win it
@ Piston... Agreed. And they should buy that dude who scored the US goal a beer..... ohh wait, he's not old enough to drink in this country.
d-usa wrote: People in the US complaining about boring soccer were not at the same bar as I during that extra time!
I can only imagine. I'm looking forward to seeing how the play in September and will definitely be following their international matches a lot more closely. It'll be interesting to see what happens in 4 years when those very young and promising players have got more experience under their belts.
Tim Howard was a stud. He made Man of the Match, he is only the second player at this World Cup so far to get a perfect 10 rating on whoscored.com, and he set the record of saves at a World Cup (which shows how awesome he was, but also showed how horrible our defense was).
If we would have gotten that late equalizer I would have really liked our chances with him in the goal during a penalty shootout.
Sad news: It looks like he announced his retirement after the 17-18 season, so I hope he plays one more. But if this was his last World Cup game....then man what a performance to hang up your gloves with!
I actually think Belgium have got a good chance against Argentina. That was by far the best performance from them in the tournament, and it looks like the team is finally starting to gel well with each other.
We are definitely growing as a team... Now if we just manage to get past Argentina, we'll have the semi's everybody has been dreaming off against Holland!
It'll be good for the players to not start as favorites against Argentina as well... The pressure will be a bit less for the players. It's a game we can't really lose, we can only win it. Sort of like the situation the US was in against us. And that makes players bring their A-game.
I blame myself for that American defeat. Every time I've betted on a game involving the USA, something ends up going wrong. Because of the odds, I had my money on a USA victory.
I'm sorry America - please don't invade my house
In saying that, it was a gutsy performance from the USA. If Klinsmann is allowed time to oversee the grassroots transformation in US soccer, it will pay dividends in ten years time.
The American work rate and athleticism was exceptional. If they could get some quality in the final third, they could be a global force in the game, one day.
And finally, at least we know what team D-USA will be supporting now
The American work rate and athleticism was exceptional. If they could get some quality in the final third, they could be a global force in the game, one day.
That's the thing... If we can get more kids playing good, life altering sports like soccer and rugby, instead of nation-centric ones that don't really do much good for you like American Football, Baseball, and Basketball, we have such an extreme athletic pool that I believe we really could eventually put up teams to take on anyone at anytime.
The American work rate and athleticism was exceptional. If they could get some quality in the final third, they could be a global force in the game, one day.
That's the thing... If we can get more kids playing good, life altering sports like soccer and rugby, instead of nation-centric ones that don't really do much good for you like American Football, Baseball, and Basketball, we have such an extreme athletic pool that I believe we really could eventually put up teams to take on anyone at anytime.
That's why we established the American Empire. By building bases all over the world we can have our soldiers marry the local women, give birth to US citizens, let them grow up in soccer cultures where they learn to play the game, and then call them home to the fatherland to play for Team USA
Klinsmann brought a certain degree of professionalism to the US team and I'm sure that can get them really far in the future as well combined with their fighting spirit.
And hopefully, this will inspire American boys as well to play football more often. Countries like Brazil produce amazing teams because all kids there play the sport.
Klinsmann got a lot of crap during his short sting coaching in Bayern Munich, but when he coached the German team he did a lot of the same things: Focus on conditioning, focus on an attacking style of playing the game, focus on young guys vs. keeping around the old guard. And he did well there.
And hopefully, this will inspire American boys as well to play football more often. Countries like Brazil produce amazing teams because all kids there play the sport.
I doubt it, and a lot of the commentators on ESPN (former soccer players for the USMT, mind you) seem to agree that the US will have to advance much farther than this for it to have any major impact on boys playing soccer in the US. As it stands, most of our best athletes play basketball or football.
However, we do seem to be getting a huge influx of central american children these days, who perhaps could eventually be soccer players.....
always feel terrible for the keepers who concede those, one midjudged bounce and that's them being hounded for it all season, if not longer.
Boruc's been getting gak for the same thing at the beginning of the season, despite generally being a very good keeper and, statistically, the best in the league for save percentage (80%), minutes per goal conceded (142; second place is Szczesny at 95), and third for clean sheets.
back on topic, I think France-Germany's going to be interesting.
Low's defense did seem fundamentally weak in the Algeria game, but France have very few fast strikers, so they could well get away with pushing so slow a defense so high up this time around. I fancy Germany to go through there, but not by much. France have been consistent and their defense is very solid, but other than Benzema they don't have a whole lot in terms of strikers. Germany on the other hand have Muller, Klose, Podolski and Schurrle. I reckon Germany will edge it. Never know with the French though, they are prone to bouts of brilliant (especially Ribery and Pogba).
Some people think that America won't take football/soccer seriously because of the popularity of baseball and basketball, but I have one word that will change all that: China!
Watched a documentary the other day about China's efforts to grow the game over there, and they are pouring a ton of cash and resources into the sport.
The free world needs America to take on this red menace. The free world needs a strong, competitive, American soccer team!
America, we look to the skies for your football players to parachute in and save us. We look to the seas for your football players to hit the beaches
Anyway, can't wait for the France/Germany game tomorrow.
And hopefully, this will inspire American boys as well to play football more often. Countries like Brazil produce amazing teams because all kids there play the sport.
I doubt it, and a lot of the commentators on ESPN (former soccer players for the USMT, mind you) seem to agree that the US will have to advance much farther than this for it to have any major impact on boys playing soccer in the US. As it stands, most of our best athletes play basketball or football.
However, we do seem to be getting a huge influx of central american children these days, who perhaps could eventually be soccer players.....
The thing is though a lot of guys who have the physique for American football or basketball wouldn't suit football. Obviously it depends on position -- linemen would be useless in a football team. Receivers would probably do well. Perhaps you could convert basketball players to rowing.
And hopefully, this will inspire American boys as well to play football more often. Countries like Brazil produce amazing teams because all kids there play the sport.
I doubt it, and a lot of the commentators on ESPN (former soccer players for the USMT, mind you) seem to agree that the US will have to advance much farther than this for it to have any major impact on boys playing soccer in the US. As it stands, most of our best athletes play basketball or football.
However, we do seem to be getting a huge influx of central american children these days, who perhaps could eventually be soccer players.....
The thing is though a lot of guys who have the physique for American football or basketball wouldn't suit football. Obviously it depends on position -- linemen would be useless in a football team. Receivers would probably do well. Perhaps you could convert basketball players to rowing.
But there is enough of a population, enough infrastructure and money behind sports through college level to be good at all of those traditional US sports, and field a pretty good football/soccer team as well right?
Last I heard it was flu-like symptoms, not actual flu, and was reported a day or two ago. I can't find anything newer to suggest that it's evolved into "XYZ has the flu". According to the BBC the German team isn't concerned and said a few players had colds, but weren't complaining of tiredness and should have recovered by kick-off (so, 8mins ago).
Disappointed that France couldn't step up when they needed to, they were just lacking any sense of urgency.
Germany seemed happy to stay at 1-0, which is fair enough.
First half of Brazil Columbia was great! Think the ref needs to flash the yellow a couple of times though, there have been some bad fouls that have gone unpunished.
Don't pull the card out for 40 fouls and you won't be able to get control back no matter what you do. Surprised that there were not more players carried off the field.
But Brazil simply has not looked that dominating, they have a key suspension, probably an injury...Germany needs to capitalize on that!
d-usa wrote: Needs yellows for fouls, yellows for diving, yellows for pissing on the foam line...he just needs to grow a pair.
40 fouls, no card, that ref is just padding the game for the semi-finals.
I didn't watch the game, but from what matches I have seen a lot of the refereeing this world cup has been poor, with the exception of England-Italy and Germany-Algeria.
Croatia-Brazil, Mexico-Cameroon and England-Uruguay were all poorly officiated.
Fouls not called that should have been, fouls called that were legit, offsides given that were on, offsides not given that were off, cards not being given for fouls that deserve it... poor.
That guy managed to make all those other games look like high quality affairs.
I think he might have been the first guy to use the vanishing spray and go "okay guys, don't cross that...fine do whatever you want and charge the free kick...I don't care anymore"
Automatically Appended Next Post: And Neymar officially out for the semis...
I don't really care for him. But it sucks that a referee had such little control of the game that somebody ended up getting seriously hurt. Hell, somebody even thought he would get away with charging the goalie during a kickoff.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Update: Broken back.
A game that was non-officiated to such a degree that players are jumping knee-first into other players and break their backs, and don't get a card for it because "advantage"...
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:I can see Germany beating Brazil, but I fear for that German defence if they ever play Holland in the final with Robben's pace.
Yeah, Low had better change his tactics from the Algeria game, the only reason they didn't concede one or two goals in the first half was a mixture of luck, the sweeper role that Neuer was playing and the fact that, Algeria aren't a world class team. Against the likes of Robben, plus the quality of players feeding and being fed by him (Sneijder, Huntelaar, van Persie), they have to have a lower back line, and at least have one full back (I'd say it should be something like:
with Lahm being whichever side Robben will be, and maybe throw in Mertesacker to defend against Huntelaar's headers (though Hummels could do that too, I suppose)
Also, Costa Rica should be banned from ever playing football again. Their playstyle was just so downright horrible. They were aiming for the penalty shootout from the very beginning. They barely even tried to attack. They were constantly with 10 guys on their own half! That way football really is no fun at all to watch. There should be a limit to the number of defending players
Brilliant move from Van Gaal to bring in his reserve keeper though. And Tim Krul should get a statue and a festive day named after him
To be fair to the Costa Ricans, if you were a weak team in a world cup quarter final against one of the best attacking teams in the world, and ones who crushed the defending champions 5-1, you'd try for the lottery of a penalty shootout too.
One the flipside, great foresight and tactics from van Gaal to train up his substitute keeper in penalties Krul studying where the Costa Ricans shoot and telling them as they stepped up reminds me of that whole incident with Lehmann vs Argentina when he got the notes out of his sock
Sounds like the reserve keeper has been studying how everybody on the Costa Rica team takes penalty kicks and practicing for that. Stuff like "X is most likely to aim bottom right, Y is most likely to fake right and hit top left, etc.."
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:I can see Germany beating Brazil, but I fear for that German defence if they ever play Holland in the final with Robben's pace.
Yeah, Low had better change his tactics from the Algeria game, the only reason they didn't concede one or two goals in the first half was a mixture of luck, the sweeper role that Neuer was playing and the fact that, Algeria aren't a world class team. Against the likes of Robben, plus the quality of players feeding and being fed by him (Sneijder, Huntelaar, van Persie), they have to have a lower back line, and at least have one full back (I'd say it should be something like:
with Lahm being whichever side Robben will be, and maybe throw in Mertesacker to defend against Huntelaar's headers (though Hummels could do that too, I suppose)
There'd better be a Holland/Germany final - I've got money riding on it!
Automatically Appended Next Post:
d-usa wrote: Sounds like the reserve keeper has been studying how everybody on the Costa Rica team takes penalty kicks and practicing for that. Stuff like "X is most likely to aim bottom right, Y is most likely to fake right and hit top left, etc.."
I'm not buying that for a minute, and I doubt you are, either
It was pure gamesmanship from Van Gaal, nothing more, and it worked.
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:I can see Germany beating Brazil, but I fear for that German defence if they ever play Holland in the final with Robben's pace.
Yeah, Low had better change his tactics from the Algeria game, the only reason they didn't concede one or two goals in the first half was a mixture of luck, the sweeper role that Neuer was playing and the fact that, Algeria aren't a world class team. Against the likes of Robben, plus the quality of players feeding and being fed by him (Sneijder, Huntelaar, van Persie), they have to have a lower back line, and at least have one full back (I'd say it should be something like:
with Lahm being whichever side Robben will be, and maybe throw in Mertesacker to defend against Huntelaar's headers (though Hummels could do that too, I suppose)
There'd better be a Holland/Germany final - I've got money riding on it!
This is FIFA. If Brazil somehow plays bad enough for the Refs to fix it they will need Argentina to be the South American team in the final!
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:I can see Germany beating Brazil, but I fear for that German defence if they ever play Holland in the final with Robben's pace.
Yeah, Low had better change his tactics from the Algeria game, the only reason they didn't concede one or two goals in the first half was a mixture of luck, the sweeper role that Neuer was playing and the fact that, Algeria aren't a world class team. Against the likes of Robben, plus the quality of players feeding and being fed by him (Sneijder, Huntelaar, van Persie), they have to have a lower back line, and at least have one full back (I'd say it should be something like:
with Lahm being whichever side Robben will be, and maybe throw in Mertesacker to defend against Huntelaar's headers (though Hummels could do that too, I suppose)
There'd better be a Holland/Germany final - I've got money riding on it!
This is FIFA. If Brazil somehow plays bad enough for the Refs to fix it they will need Argentina to be the South American team in the final!
Such a low opinion of FIFA
Anyway, I can see Germany winning this - their nemesis Italy is out, and they don't have to worry about the Spanish passing them to death. This is their year!
Soladrin wrote: Does anyone have a high opinion of FIFA? They are genuinely worse then the devil.
They sign off on a brilliant video game (by that i mean EA Sports FIFA series)
As someone who probably averages around 4 hours a day on FIFA, it's not a brilliant game series by any measure, other than that it's the only half-decent one.
And that's when the servers aren't down. And when it doesn't crash. And when the people you're playing against aren't 12 year olds all spamming this year's new overpowered players.
Back on topic, I really want to see a Germany/Holland final. On the one hand, I want Holland to win because they really deserve a world cup, the quality of players they've had over the years.
On the other, they were dirty as sin in the last world cup and I like more of the krauts (Kroos, Lahm, Muller, Klose) than the Dutch (basically Sneijder and Krul).
Plus, that whole massive rivalry thing will make it really interesting.
Plus, Brazil and Argentina really don't deserve to win, the way they've been playing.
Soladrin wrote: brilliant video game... sports game... does not compute.
Lol, I get your point... but if you look at it this way: they set out to create the most realistic physics engine to date, which they have... They've improved the visuals to improve the look/feel of being "in" a real football match, etc.
I agree, it's still a sports game, which I don't think is all that hard to make, since often times you're simply building off of last years' game.. but as sports games go, I think FIFA is a pretty good one.
As to the Topic, I also am hoping for Germany/Holland to be in the finals, with Germany winning (sorry... I don't like orange)
Soladrin wrote: brilliant video game... sports game... does not compute.
Lol, I get your point... but if you look at it this way: they set out to create the most realistic physics engine to date, which they have... They've improved the visuals to improve the look/feel of being "in" a real football match, etc.
I agree, it's still a sports game, which I don't think is all that hard to make, since often times you're simply building off of last years' game.. but as sports games go, I think FIFA is a pretty good one.
As to the Topic, I also am hoping for Germany/Holland to be in the finals, with Germany winning (sorry... I don't like orange)
shame they never boost the opposing side when they give upgrades like that.
This fifa, for instance, they made through balls much more effective... but made defenders run towards them to leave a massive gap behind them.
They made shots curve if the player shooting is off-balance... and made keepers fail miserably at saving them, even though a shot with the same speed in the same place but travelling straight would be saved 90% of the time.
The boost they gave to heading is going backwards in terms of physics, apparently any player can time a jump and place a header decently, very hard to do in real life. Goalkeepers fall over and flail in the air when the ball's headed straight at them.
And dribbling is still all but impossible without using skills.
again, back on topic, I think I'll root for a German victory (sorry dutch dakkanaughts), because even though Holland deserve a WC, they're a pretty dirty team, and I'm kinda annoyed that they left van Dijk (Celtic defender) back in Scotland, when he's a very reliable and flexible player (and Holland really don't have a great defense) at just 23. Even as a substitute/reserve player, the experience will work wonders for him in the future.
Back on topic, I really want to see a Germany/Holland final. On the one hand, I want Holland to win because they really deserve a world cup, the quality of players they've had over the years.
On the other, they were dirty as sin in the last world cup and I like more of the krauts (Kroos, Lahm, Muller, Klose) than the Dutch (basically Sneijder and Krul).
Plus, that whole massive rivalry thing will make it really interesting.
Plus, Brazil and Argentina really don't deserve to win, the way they've been playing.
Kuyt is also a pretty awesome player for the Dutch. The way he can play in pretty much every position on the field is amazing.
I hope the Dutch win the World Cup, they usually play excellent games and they have been so close so many times, they really deserve finally getting that WC. The Germans have already won it thrice, the Argentinans twice and the Brazillians have won it so many times there barely is any place left for extra stars on their shirts And Argentina and Brazil don't really deserve it to win this year imo. Their games so far have been really disappointing.
Back on topic, I really want to see a Germany/Holland final. On the one hand, I want Holland to win because they really deserve a world cup, the quality of players they've had over the years.
On the other, they were dirty as sin in the last world cup and I like more of the krauts (Kroos, Lahm, Muller, Klose) than the Dutch (basically Sneijder and Krul).
Plus, that whole massive rivalry thing will make it really interesting.
Plus, Brazil and Argentina really don't deserve to win, the way they've been playing.
Kuyt is also a pretty awesome player for the Dutch. The way he can play in pretty much every position on the field is amazing.
I hope the Dutch win the World Cup, they usually play excellent games and they have been so close so many times, they really deserve finally getting that WC. The Germans have already won it thrice, the Argentinans twice and the Brazillians have won it so many times there barely is any place left for extra stars on their shirts And Argentina and Brazil don't really deserve it to win this year imo. Their games so far have been really disappointing.
oh, completely forgot about Kuyt, that ugly bastard yeah, he's great. I think I've seen him play once since he left Liverpool though
Soladrin wrote: brilliant video game... sports game... does not compute.
Lol, I get your point... but if you look at it this way: they set out to create the most realistic physics engine to date, which they have... They've improved the visuals to improve the look/feel of being "in" a real football match, etc.
I agree, it's still a sports game, which I don't think is all that hard to make, since often times you're simply building off of last years' game.. but as sports games go, I think FIFA is a pretty good one...
Do you get extra points for diving in this video game?
The world cup is becoming notorious for diving....Robin...Mueller....Rinaldo...etc.
Was that the Nintendo 8-bit game where the players look like constipated potatoes and were about as responsive? If so, I remember that being utterly crap even at the time it was released. Guessing if you played it now it would probably give you an embolism
Piston Honda wrote: Can a team pull their goalie if they suck like they do in hockey?
Because it needs to happen.
I dunno, he isn't being well supported by his defenders. I mean, Germany are getting a lot of relatively simple shots on goals by pushing up up up then cutting back a wee bit for the shooter. They've done it 3 times now or something. So I wouldn't blame the goalie, I mean he stopped one of the goal attempts really well, but then he was on the ground and couldn't stop the shot off his deflection. I think it's just a case of too many shots on goal, not enough defence, rather than gak goalie.
Piston Honda wrote: Can a team pull their goalie if they suck like they do in hockey?
Because it needs to happen.
I dunno, he isn't being well supported by his defenders. I mean, Germany are getting a lot of relatively simple shots on goals by pushing up up up then cutting back a wee bit for the shooter. They've done it 3 times now or something. So I wouldn't blame the goalie, I mean he stopped one of the goal attempts really well, but then he was on the ground and couldn't stop the shot off his deflection. I think it's just a case of too many shots on goal, not enough defence, rather than gak goalie.
It's a hockey reference. Usually when a goalie gives up that many goals be it because he sucks or his defense sucks he get pulled.
I really think they could've done with swapping Dante or Luiz with Alex. Germans don't have the pace for both of those two to be needed, and they're sporting a lot of poachers and target men, something Alex excels at defending against.
Just generally a poor display from the brazilian defense, the midfield's not compensating and there's only so much Cesar can do against such a strong team doing all that knocking about on the edge of the box with a defense that is a perfect embodiment of swiss cheese.
I went out to get a beer from the fridge and then when I came back in it was over.
Stopped watching, it's not a fun game, and I don't enjoy watching a massacre.
Most entertaining part on UK TV was Alan Shearer and Alan Hansen arguing whether it was Brazil's crap defense or Germany's attacking play responsible for the result. Think they are both right, but the whole thing did have a feeling of training ground kickabout about it.
Brazil went down 5-0 against Germany in the World Cup semi-finals, prompting speculation and quips that there would be riots after the rout.
There’s been no reports of rioting in the country or in Belo Horizonte due to the match. On Twitter, a large number of people were joking or commenting about Brazilians engaging in a soccer-related riot after the drubbing, leading to some misconceptions. Some users were spreading riot photos from months ago, saying they were happening outside or in the stadium.
A New York Times reporter, Simon Romero, tweeted a photo of fans gathered around in Sao Paulo burning a flag of Brazil during the match. “Brazil fans burn flag in São Paulo’s Vila Madalena district,” he wrote in the tweet.
According to The Mirror, the Brazilian government feared rioting if the team was knocked out of the World Cup match against Colombia last week. Brazil, however, prevailed but the government stationed military troops around the Estadio Castelao.
At the time of the Brazil-Colombia match, even the bomb squad was in Rio. ”Handling those types of bombs are the responsibility of the Armed Forces, but we have the training to deal with them,” said Ellington Cacella, who is an inspector with the Bomb Squad in Rio, according to the paper last week. ”In Brazil it’s more common to find IEDs and grenades. But we have to be ready for whatever comes our way.”
It’s unclear if the same level military or police presence in Belo Horizonte, where the Germany-Brazil match is located.
There were riots in mid-June after England lost to Uruguay, ending its World Cup dreams. Men in black threw explosives or fireworks into a bar with England supporters in Sao Paulo, reported the UK Telegraph on June 19. And a few hours later on the same day, about 2,000 Brazilian protesters carried out a demonstration over transportation.
I'm waiting for a heroic Neymar to come on - in full body cast - and score 7 in 5 minutes.
That's why there's no rioting; every Brazillian secretly knows that they made Neymar into a cyborg, and he's gunna come out at the last minute and demolish Germany 77-6.
Judging by the applause I don't think the Brazilians will be rioting. I hope they can remain great hosts and allow the German fans to celebrate tonight.
I'm waiting for a heroic Neymar to come on - in full body cast - and score 7 in 5 minutes.
That's why there's no rioting; every Brazillian secretly knows that they made Neymar into a cyborg, and he's gunna come out at the last minute and demolish Germany 77-6.
*77-7.
yet every challenge will still have him rolling around on the ground in "agony"
I'm waiting for a heroic Neymar to come on - in full body cast - and score 7 in 5 minutes.
That's why there's no rioting; every Brazillian secretly knows that they made Neymar into a cyborg, and he's gunna come out at the last minute and demolish Germany 77-6.
*77-7.
yet every challenge will still have him rolling around on the ground in "agony"
Only after they gain the lead; can't waste any time until then.
I'm waiting for a heroic Neymar to come on - in full body cast - and score 7 in 5 minutes.
That's why there's no rioting; every Brazillian secretly knows that they made Neymar into a cyborg, and he's gunna come out at the last minute and demolish Germany 77-6.
*77-7.
yet every challenge will still have him rolling around on the ground in "agony"
Only after they gain the lead; can't waste any time until then.
dive.exe and agony.exe are root programs that cannot be removed.
I think Germany deserve more credit than they are getting at the minute. Brazil were playing terribly, but Germany had the ability to utterly destroy them as soon as they showed weakness. It's amazing really.
Definitely highlights that perhaps Brazil should not have gotten this far.
Medium of Death wrote: I think Germany deserve more credit than they are getting at the minute. Brazil were playing terribly, but Germany had the ability to utterly destroy them as soon as they showed weakness. It's amazing really.
Definitely highlights that perhaps Brazil should not have gotten this far.
Germany was amazing this game. Brazil's defense was rather weak, and the Germans ruthlessly exploited that. BLITZKRIEG!!!
Medium of Death wrote: I think Germany deserve more credit than they are getting at the minute. Brazil were playing terribly, but Germany had the ability to utterly destroy them as soon as they showed weakness. It's amazing really.
Definitely highlights that perhaps Brazil should not have gotten this far.
Should've definitely been Colombia up against Germany tonight instead of Brazil. Probably would've been a much more entertaining game at least, if no closer.
Medium of Death wrote: I think Germany deserve more credit than they are getting at the minute. Brazil were playing terribly, but Germany had the ability to utterly destroy them as soon as they showed weakness. It's amazing really.
Definitely highlights that perhaps Brazil should not have gotten this far.
The commentators on the American broadcast were commenting on how this match makes America's match against the Germans look all the better
To be fair, there weren't any controversial decisions or close calls, but yeah, props to him for getting all of his calls right regardless.
I feel bad for Oscar and Gustavo especially. Only two players who properly tried after the 30th minute until the 90th. Dante and Luiz were too reckless about running forward and their marking was abysmal, Marcelo and Maicon were poor at marking and tracking back too. Fred was, well, Fred, and the Cesar couldn't have done much about most of the goals.
On the other side, Klose did his thing of popping up in the box (hats off to him for breaking Brazilian Ronaldo's record, just to rub it in), everyone else on the German team did exactly what was expected of them thoughout, except for Ozil who I didn't notice at all, and who should really have finished that 1vs1 when it was 6-0 (IIRC).
One thing I never get, is when Oscar scored the anti-riot goal, why Boateng (behind Neuer, trying to block it) only lifted a leg up whilst jogging. I don't get why defenders always do that, I'd take a leaf out of John Terry's book and hurl myself across the goal to improve my chances. When you're trying to block a shot behind your own goalie, staying on your feet is the least of your worries. Throw yourself in there.
shrike wrote: .
One thing I never get, is when Oscar scored the anti-riot goal, why Boateng (behind Neuer, trying to block it) only lifted a leg up whilst jogging. I don't get why defenders always do that, I'd take a leaf out of John Terry's book and hurl myself across the goal to improve my chances. When you're trying to block a shot behind your own goalie, staying on your feet is the least of your worries. Throw yourself in there.
I know Neuer was pissed about the goal, but it seemed like a couple of players were entering "it's okay, we are ahead by 7, just let this be..." mode. Same with the last goal we almost scored.
One thing I never get, is when Oscar scored the anti-riot goal, why Boateng (behind Neuer, trying to block it) only lifted a leg up whilst jogging. I don't get why defenders always do that, I'd take a leaf out of John Terry's book and hurl myself across the goal to improve my chances. When you're trying to block a shot behind your own goalie, staying on your feet is the least of your worries. Throw yourself in there.
In that situation, would it honestly be better to take a "handball" penalty than to concede a guaranteed goal? (is there such thing as a penalty goal, as there is a penalty Try in rugby, basically?)
One thing I never get, is when Oscar scored the anti-riot goal, why Boateng (behind Neuer, trying to block it) only lifted a leg up whilst jogging. I don't get why defenders always do that, I'd take a leaf out of John Terry's book and hurl myself across the goal to improve my chances. When you're trying to block a shot behind your own goalie, staying on your feet is the least of your worries. Throw yourself in there.
In that situation, would it honestly be better to take a "handball" penalty than to concede a guaranteed goal? (is there such thing as a penalty goal, as there is a penalty Try in rugby, basically?)
No the other team would just have to take a penalty, though anyone how stops a guaranteed goal with their hands should be banned for life.
d-usa wrote:I know Neuer was pissed about the goal, but it seemed like a couple of players were entering "it's okay, we are ahead by 7, just let this be..." mode. Same with the last goal we almost scored.
Neuer and Lahm should have been more vocal at that point. They're both leaders in the defense, they should have picked up on it and made their teammates stay sharp IMO.
One thing I never get, is when Oscar scored the anti-riot goal, why Boateng (behind Neuer, trying to block it) only lifted a leg up whilst jogging. I don't get why defenders always do that, I'd take a leaf out of John Terry's book and hurl myself across the goal to improve my chances. When you're trying to block a shot behind your own goalie, staying on your feet is the least of your worries. Throw yourself in there.
In that situation, would it honestly be better to take a "handball" penalty than to concede a guaranteed goal? (is there such thing as a penalty goal, as there is a penalty Try in rugby, basically?)
Definitely not, but why throw one leg in the way and stay on your feet when you can throw in both, a head and a body? Staying upright isn't important at all there, it's all about getting in the way of that shot (without giving away a handball)
I get that in most circumstances the situation isn't quite as desperate as England were in that scramble, but, y'know, at least jump for it and spread yourself.
shrike wrote: .
One thing I never get, is when Oscar scored the anti-riot goal, why Boateng (behind Neuer, trying to block it) only lifted a leg up whilst jogging. I don't get why defenders always do that, I'd take a leaf out of John Terry's book and hurl myself across the goal to improve my chances. When you're trying to block a shot behind your own goalie, staying on your feet is the least of your worries. Throw yourself in there.
I know Neuer was pissed about the goal, but it seemed like a couple of players were entering "it's okay, we are ahead by 7, just let this be..." mode. Same with the last goal we almost scored.
Thought Ozil had a couple of chances to put an extra goal away, and to put through a long pass, all of which seemed rather half-arsed.
I'm glad actually, almost like you sometimes get the 'run the clock down' when one team is crushing another in NFL, there was nothing to be gained once they went up 5 or 6-0.
Predicting, like last time, an all-European final.
d-usa wrote:I know Neuer was pissed about the goal, but it seemed like a couple of players were entering "it's okay, we are ahead by 7, just let this be..." mode. Same with the last goal we almost scored.
Neuer and Lahm should have been more vocal at that point. They're both leaders in the defense, they should have picked up on it and made their teammates stay sharp IMO.
I don't even think it was a lack of sharpness or "who cares if they score, we are up anyway".
I think it was more of a "we fething humiliated them. They should be able to have one goal in front of their home crowd before they leave for the 3rd place game" kind of thing.
Which still would have left Neuer pissed, since I'm sure he takes pride in a clean sheet against Brazil (even this Brazil), but a sympathy defense would be better than a lazy defense.
I hope somebody makes an audio track to go along with that using that god awful "Braaaaaziiiiiiiiil" song from ITV and interrupt it with a loud "NEIN!" as the glass smashes down. Would make my day.
I was at a pub here in Montreal for the second half.
That was a half anti-riot and half "please don't kill our tourists" goal if I ever saw one. Complete beat-down by Germany. Were they holding back all cup and are now showing what they got?
Any team that's overdependent on one or a few of superstars ended up this way. Portugal is a fine example where an entire team depends on C. Ronaldo and what happened to them? especially when he's not available in the match.
Football/Soccer is a sport of team. a handful of top dollars superstars can beat any weak team, but not against ones with average players but posesses strong teamworks.. .so look how Atletico Madrid won 2013-2014 La Liga champion regardless that team doesn't have top dollar players like Neymar, Christiano Ronaldo, or Lionel Messi... where the team possesses just average 'nameless' players with average skills of the league... it is teamworks... where everyone does its job at his/her best, and works together with the other towards the goal. the upcoming match... where Argentina VS The Netherlands. it will end the same way. and this time.. don't forget that the Netherlands players weren't nameless at all. top dollar Messi (p'rhaps the most expensive professional footballer in the world!) against an entire team of top players of top leagues like RVP, Kuyt, and more!!!
I say The Netherlands will win. and will face off against Germany in the Final.
Personally Brazil is overdependent on Neymar. and the coach 'lack of transparency' in the team.
Medium of Death wrote: I hope somebody makes an audio track to go along with that using that god awful "Braaaaaziiiiiiiiil" song from ITV and interrupt it with a loud "NEIN!" as the glass smashes down. Would make my day.
It does exist... kinda!
Just missing the NEIN! as the glass is brought down.
kronk wrote:Complete beat-down by Germany. Were they holding back all cup and are now showing what they got?
nah, they've been playing like this for the whole tournament, this game was just a combination of spectacularly poor marking from Brazil and everything the Germans tried worked.
44Ronin wrote:Haha, my prediction comes true!
I knew Brazil has no defense.
Well, they have some pretty good defenders in of themselves, but it's the fact that a) they have no communication and b) they're all the kind of unorthodox, fast guys who muck in with the attack, which is all well and good if there's only one or two (like at club level, Chelsea have Terry/Cahill to stay back, PSG have Alex, Bayern have Boateng), but when they're all together it's just asking for a counter attack or one incisive pass to tear the whole back line open. They need an anchor, someone who stays back and is good in the air, not a whole team of attacking defenders who rely far more on speed than on technical ability.
Lone Cat wrote:Any team that's overdependent on one or a few of superstars ended up this way. Portugal is a fine example where an entire team depends on C. Ronaldo and what happened to them? especially when he's not available in the match.
Football/Soccer is a sport of team. a handful of top dollars superstars can beat any weak team, but not against ones with average players but posesses strong teamworks.. .so look how Atletico Madrid won 2013-2014 La Liga champion regardless that team doesn't have top dollar players like Neymar, Christiano Ronaldo, or Lionel Messi... where the team possesses just average 'nameless' players with average skills of the league... it is teamworks... where everyone does its job at his/her best, and works together with the other towards the goal. the upcoming match... where Argentina VS The Netherlands. it will end the same way. and this time.. don't forget that the Netherlands players weren't nameless at all. top dollar Messi (p'rhaps the most expensive professional footballer in the world!) against an entire team of top players of top leagues like RVP, Kuyt, and more!!!
I say The Netherlands will win. and will face off against Germany in the Final.
Personally Brazil is overdependent on Neymar. and the coach 'lack of transparency' in the team.
It's a massive sweeping statement to make that Netherlands have a host of top-dollar players and Argentina don't. Netherlands have RVP and Robben, maybe Kuyt just about qualifies too. Argentina have Di Maria (I think he's injured though), Messi, Aguero and Lavezzi. Both teams have the same problem, and that's defense. Neither has a solid back line- they're both kinda slow and aging against some very fast forwards. Interesting to see how it plays out, but I think whoever has the better communication among the defenders and the better goalkeeper will win.
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