World Cup 2010...South Africa

[sillywilly]

the song is hilarious as well

[mpare]

I agree with you completely. As for FIFA changing the rules, that would require a degree of introspection, candour and forward thinking that I don't think they have. In short, we won't see the rule changed - not by this arch-conservative leadership.

Fifa really needs to change their motto. The "Fair Play" claim has become nothing but a mockery. Soccer has become the least 'fair' of all the major sports. Diving, injury faking, and referee intimidation have become integral parts of the game. The caretakers of the game (who seem to think the game only exists for their own self aggrandisement) have taken an active role in preventing the evolution of the sport to allow for video replay and improved officiating. It has been a long time since Fifa has actually looked out for the good of the sport.

Granted, the call in the Ghana game was the correct call. But, everyone knows that, were it not for that handball, the game was won for Ghana. I sincerely hope Fifa has the common sense to revisit that rule, and turn intentional handballs on the goalline into automatic goals.

Thus far, this World Cup has been a showcase for everything that is wrong with the game.

[rezadue]

On cloud 9 right now! Germany destroyed Argentina.
2 more wins left!

[fundonny]

Tears of joy my friend. Klose!!!! Today wore my 1994 world cup jersey and my 2002. Germany and Holland in the final. Germany wins 3-1.

[nokids]

Argentina = overrated.

[nokids]

Here's what i'm thinking for wednesday, call in sick to work, play golf in the morning (8am), then come home around 1pm to get ready for the semi final game Germany vs Spain.

I just hope the boss isn't reading this thread.

[fundonny]

lol i'll be leaving work early. GO GERMANY!!!!!!!!!

[DenisO]

Genius idea, but I think its raining/thundering Wednesday

Here's what i'm thinking for wednesday, call in sick to work, play golf in the morning (8am), then come home around 1pm to get ready for the semi final game Germany vs Spain.

I just hope the boss isn't reading this thread.

[golfinteg]

Fifa really needs to change their motto. The "Fair Play" claim has become nothing but a mockery. Soccer has become the least 'fair' of all the major sports. Diving, injury faking, and referee intimidation have become integral parts of the game. The caretakers of the game (who seem to think the game only exists for their own self aggrandisement) have taken an active role in preventing the evolution of the sport to allow for video replay and improved officiating. It has been a long time since Fifa has actually looked out for the good of the sport.

Granted, the call in the Ghana game was the correct call. But, everyone knows that, were it not for that handball, the game was won for Ghana. I sincerely hope Fifa has the common sense to revisit that rule, and turn intentional handballs on the goalline into automatic goals.

Thus far, this World Cup has been a showcase for everything that is wrong with the game.

CBC Sports got it down pat with 'The Diving Instruction Manual'.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/fifa...-handbook.html

Noting that;
1. IMO the Dutch has become masters of 'Diving' & perfecting the 'scam' especially grandmaster Robben (he has been yellow carded for diving before viz Chelsea vs Porto CL match) conning the Officials. van Bommel 'worked' on the Japanese referee and rightfully should have been send off for his numerous tackles. Sad to say van der Weil was the only one carded for 'cheating'.
2. The Brazilian team was the author of their 'misforune'. They had total disrespect for the Japanese referee.
3. Germany deserves to be in SF. They draw first blood against Argentina. Only question is can they prevail over Spain if Spain scores first to wit Germany vs Serbia. Germany's forte is their fast rapid counterattack.
4. Messi & Tevez are true honourable players who did not resort to diving to receive free kicks against Germany.
5. Lastly, our Canadian soccer females players should be highly commended - see comments per CBC post above.

[nokids]

My Spain - Germany analysis.

Goalies: advantage Spain.
Defense: Draw. I think they are both above average, but not great defenses.
Midfield: slight advantage Spain.
Attack: advantage Germany.

Spain is going to dictate the tempo of the match because they will have the ball more often than Germany. Germany won't get frustrated, they'll stay disciplined and will counterattack off Spanish mistakes and put pressure on Spain's defense in a way they haven't been tested yet this world cup. I predict an exciting game that ends in a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes with the winner decided by penalty shootout. It sucks but I think Germany will advance in PK's.

[Arrt]

If Torres can do something the match should be close.

[mpare]

The more I watch of the World Soccer Cup, with all its cheating, diving, acting and conniving, I think it should be renamed to the World Sucker Cup. Only a sucker would bet on the outcome based on the respective athletic skills of each team.

[nokids]

The more I watch of the World Soccer Cup, with all its cheating, diving, acting and conniving, I think it should be renamed to the World Sucker Cup. Only a sucker would bet on the outcome based on the respective athletic skills of each team.

do you know how much skill is required to make a perfect dive and fool the ref into giving the other guy a red card? it's a science!

[goochy]

Only a sucker would bet on the outcome based on the respective athletic skills of each team.

I resent that!

please see post number 59...I only had one bet this world cup...I took Holland to win at 12-1 with William Hills back at the start of June.

Could be a tidy pay day come Sunday

[fundonny]

And look at my post just above it too. Don't forget me goochy! lol

[golfinteg]

Its a Penalty. Referee didn't have the Bottle to give it!

[nokids]

germany on the ropes.

[nokids]

carlos the barbarian!

[golfinteg]

Yes, Spanish Armada drew First Blood. Can the Germans come from behind?

[nokids]

Good game Germany. I think Spain dominated that one.

[fundonny]

Worst game i've seen all world cup. Why Germany played like panzies I'll never know. Way to stick with what brought you there guys. Dammit. Euro 2012...

[golfinteg]

Kudos to the Germans & the Spaniards for a beautiful game. Two contrasting styles. No shenanigans displayed or cards given!

This game shows that the Germans forte is their fast counterattack deployment squad & record shows that they win when they draw first blood. Too bad the referee didn't have the courage to give the penalty for Ozul's being clipped from behind. If he was a robben (rolling in agony & playacting etc.), I'm convinced Germany would be in the final.

[nokids]

Worst game i've seen all world cup. Why Germany played like panzies I'll never know. Way to stick with what brought you there guys. Dammit. Euro 2012...

Every team Spain has played has dropped back and played like panzies. I think the reason is that Spain's passing is so good that if Germany opened the game up, their defense would be exposed. The Germans and every other team that has faced Spain has been unwilling to take their chances in an open game vs Spain.

The thing I find interesting is that once Germany got the ball, Spain clogged up the passing lanes, puts pressure on the ball carrier, and creates a bad pass/turnover. Yet Spain can control the ball forever without giving up possession. I think again, this is because Spain's passing is so good.

I'm living a dream because I never thought in my life I'd see the day where Spain were not chokers. We're actually damn frickin good at soccer. As good as anyone in the world. It would really have been a pleasure for Spain to play Brazil in the final. Oh well, Netherlands it is. I think we're going to dominate that game just like the German game. They'll have to capitalize on the few chances they get if they want to win. The Spanish defense is better than I gave them credit for

Vamos Espana!

[nokids]

Too bad the referee didn't have the courage to give the penalty for Ozul's being clipped from behind. If he was a robben (rolling in agony & playacting etc.), I'm convinced Germany would be in the final.

I'm glad the ref didn't buy it. It was incidental contact and a weak dive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ_kkj7P7rE

[fundonny]

Go Holland.

[goochy]

So....there will be a new name on the World Cup. Either Holland or Spain will join the elite 7 nations who have previously won....

Sorry NoKids but..... HUP HOLLAND!

[goochy]

And look at my post just above it too. Don't forget me goochy! lol

you're a shrewd man fundonny....comisserations mate on the German loss today. If the Dutch win, we'll at least have a beer with our winnings to drown the sorrows of our own teams

[nokids]

Germany should beat Uruguay.

[nokids]

these spanish commentators crack me up.

Spain-Paraguay goal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtUWZ...eature=related

Spain-Germany goal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ehTl0nljwc

[golfinteg]

Paul the Octopus says Visca Espana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya85k...layer_embedded