World Cup 2010 - General Chat, Predictions and Friendly Rivalry...

[dinosaurJR]

Hey everyone!!

I was just perusing the site and I saw that there was no South Africa 2010 thread...

Now, being a red blooded, hairy chested Scotsman, I though "this cant be right?" - Especially since the Socceroos have made it to South Africa (as well as your less cool neighbors, New Zealand (It IS a real country) so I have taken it on myself to open the World Cup 2010 - General Chat, Predictions and friendly rivalry.. thread...

Welcome!!

Just, lets keep it friendly, don't mention Sunday Night *ahem 4-0* and we wont mention the war etc...

Anyways, What are your predictions??

Who will be the top scorer?
Who will be the Grisespiller, as they say in Norwegian (thats the dirtiest player, most red and yellow cards...)?
Which team will embrace the spirit of the game and be presented the Fair Play Award (i.e. the team with the least red and yellow cards)?
And who will ascend in to the history books and be the first world champion crowned on African soil??

I'll go first;

Top Scorer - David Villa (Spain)
Grisespiller - Nicolas Budisso (Argentina)
Fair Play Award - New Zealand
Champion - The Netherlands

any one else have any predictions??

Oh, and please, feel free to post any World Cup chat here - I certainly will...

 

[thunderfoot]

I have been following the World Cup this time as well. Not all us Yanks are babarians, lol. The games have been exciting and the play has been spectacular. I was surprised when USA tied England. All that Premier League talent should have mopped the pitch with those upstart Colonials, hahaha.
One of the things I have been a little irritated by is all the complaining caused by the vuvuzelas. Sounds a lot like whining to me. Anyone who's ever been to a college basketball game in the States has been barraged by overzealous fans who've brought far too many airhorns. Anyone who's ever been to a drag race has left deafened by the rumble from all those engines. The vuvuzelas are how people in Africa cheer on their team and announce loudly their approval of good play on the pitch. South Africa is the host country and all of us are guests, whether we attend in person or thru ESPN. To complain about how our hosts celebrate one of the few truly world wide sporting events is rude and thoughtless. Guests should not do such a thing. Else they risk not being asked to return.

 

[dinosaurJR]

Agreed - the "horn thingys" as Ive been calling them arent that bad - the only draw back that I can think of is that it might make it hard for the players to hear the referee's whistle...

But other than that its not a problem - it adds flavor to the atmosphere.

But yeah - I admit that I had England down as 2-1 victors over the USA... But the Scotsman in me is well pleased that the USA put up a good fight.

As for the other colonials... Well - I think Australia were unlucky to lose by so many goals - Cahill should never have been dismissed from the game for such a foul - it was a yellow card at worst... The referee was more than a little card happy, in my opinion... Moore was booked for what looked like nothing too... So, yeah - the referee was a big help to Germany.

As for New Zealand... well, we will see in little over an hour and a half... I wish them all the best against Slovakia... Although I have them tipped to lose...

 

[thunderfoot]

If the Kiwis perform the haka just prior to the match, they may win by default.

 

[Chiletrek]

Hello:
Due to classes I have been unable to see any matches, but I will still try and manage to see tomorrow's match between Chile and Honduras.
You may guess which selection should win the match

 

[dinosaurJR]

Well, Im shocked - like really really shocked... Switzerland 1 - Spain 0...

How on earth did that happen...? Did anyone catch the game? I was at training, so I didnt...

I guess the Euro 2008 was just a blip, and now normal service has been resumed, huh??

Oh well, at least Ive tipped Holland to win...

Oh, yeah and Congrats Chile - for defeating Honduras - If I am thinking correctly, Chile's first World Cup win...?

 

[Amateur]

Unfortunately I missed it; but I heard next door's incredulous shouting at Fernandes' goal...

Yeah, 'twas a bit of a shock when I found out - but from what I've seen so far there's quite a few shocks this year. North Korea holding Brazil for a full half is a good example, as is ITV1HD going down just as Gerrard scored... :x

England will be the winner's though, definitely . Forty-four years is a long time to wait for another star

If not, I'd like to see one of the nation's who have never one before get the trophy; make it quite symbolic on the first Africa game and whatnot...

 

[dinosaurJR]

It would be nice if an African team won, but I cant see South Africa doing it - And the Ivory Coast seemed to be a bit toothless against Portugal... As for the Cameroon... nah - they only really have Eto'o and even then he isnt playing too well... Nigeria were very poor defensively against Argentina, and Algeria really struggled against Slovenia... so I think that only leaves Ghana...

If they are lucky... Just maybe... they looked strong against Serbia and with Mensah at center back, I think they are good enough to really trouble some of the Europeans / South Americans...I tipped them to progress to the last 16 but then be eliminated... But I think I was wrong... maybe quarter finalists... possibly semi - finalists... but not winners...

I still firmly believe the World Cup will be won by a European team this year... possibly the Netherlands...

 

[Terra_Inc]

I still firmly believe the World Cup will be won by a European team this year... possibly the Netherlands...

The German team is preparing for some epic win... *leaves to get his black-red-gold*

 

[dinosaurJR]

Lets just see after the Ghana game... remember, you DID beat a ten man Australia...

I do reckon the Germans will progress to the second round - even to the Semi finals... But I have a hunch that they will be playing for third place in the end, not the Cup... Sorry...

 

[thunderfoot]

2-2?! We wuz Robbed! Booooooo! USA! USA!

 

[Amateur]

At least you managed to get a goal (or two)...

Terrible form from England; we did so much better in the qualifiers!

0-0...We need to step our game up if we want to pass out of the so-called 'E.A.S.Y' group, as some papers called it...

 

[Terra_Inc]

I do reckon the Germans will progress to the second round - even to the Semi finals... But I have a hunch that they will be playing for third place in the end, not the Cup... Sorry...

Seems like they won't even get that far. Germany-Serbia was horrible. The referee was horrible. Our kickers played quite horrible.

 

[thunderfoot]

I became a 'football' fan when I was stationed in Germany back in the Eighties. This is real football. At the casino my wife works at, people from the Caribbean nations come and work during the summer. One summer there was a group of Jamaicans who were a real joy to be around. They played football every chance they had. We got to be pretty good friends with them over the summer. A few of us took them to one of the local high schools to watch an American football match. They seemed quite confused by the huddle. One of them asked my friend a question: "How can you call it a game when you have a team meeting after every play?" This has been one of the better World Cup tourneys so far. Excellent play from all the teams and some very interesting surprises.

 

[Knight]

0-0 for the england game, and 2-2 for the USA. So much for the easy group. is there a clear winner in the group yet? slovenia, as the only team to win a game. *sigh* So basically, england need to win their last game, and hope that the USA loses theirs to go through. Not that we deserve it the way we've been playing

Our problem is, when we concede a goal, we go to pieces, and can't claw it back from there, unlike other teams that rally themselves, and get themselves back in the game.

 

[dinosaurJR]

I think yesterday settled it - It will either be Netherlands, Brazil or Argentina to lift the World Cup this year...

These, in my opinion are the only teams that have not disappointed so far (that have the strength and skill to go on and win)...

But what about New Zealand, eh?? If it wasn't for the referee being conned by De Rossi's dive, the All Whites would have recorded an historic victory!

Good going New Zealand!!

Although they must beat Paraguay in their last game and hope that Italy lose to Slovakia...

And -MORE DRAMA!!! the France team refused to train after Anelka was sent home in disgrace for verbally abusing Raymond Domenech!! It doesn't matter how much bad a day you have at the office, you cant just unload a bunch of abuse at the boss... That's just bad form... Also, due to this farce, the head of the FFF has resigned... Dark days for Les Bleus...

Oh, and GO GHANA!!!!!

I guess France will be leaving early again... huh??

 

[thunderfoot]

I wonder if all of the overwrought melodrama surrounding the French team could have been avoided by everyone keeping what goes on in the clubhouse inside the clubhouse? No need for someone to run tell the press about someone on the team being unhappy with events as they are. Seems silly. IMO, all of them should have remembered they are not representing themselves, but France. What a shame they forgot this small point. Even sadder for the loyal fans back home. Instead of covering themselves with glory, the players chose a different substance.

 

[thunderfoot]

Watched the game. Was delighted to see USA make it this far. Was disappointed when Ghana scored in extra time. It was an excellent match anyway. I may have to side with DJ here and start hollering, "GO! GHANA!" I've been reading the webs and it looks like the Black Stars have become the Pan African team. Good. Glad to see it. USA is out of it, but I am still interested and intend to continue watching.

Even though I am a Yank, does this make me some sort of football fanatic? Or will I become a soccer hooligan if I take it too far? Ah, who cares. Gha-na! Gha-na! Gha-na!

*Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...*​

Jeez, gets kinda loud in here when I blow my vuvuzela, doesn't it?

 

[Amateur]

Just watched Germany v. England and I have to say that Germany did indeed deserve to win. These English players are (supposedly) some of the best in the world but they just played appallingly...

Although there's bound to be arguments over Lampard's goal even that wouldn't have made a difference. Disappointing to say the least - I just hope that the next world cup sees a team of players sent on ability rather than renown.

World done Germany, by the way - you've got a good team so lets see how far you can go

 

[Hellkite]

Yes it good to see US "Barbadians" made it this far, even with our indifference to the world's favourite sport


With at said Thunderfoot to be a true soccer hooligan you will need to be trained by Sottish master the art LOL you mite want to PM Paul for has as a opening.

 

[Terra_Inc]

Just watched Germany v. England and I have to say that Germany did indeed deserve to win. These English players are (supposedly) some of the best in the world but they just played appallingly...

Although there's bound to be arguments over Lampard's goal even that wouldn't have made a difference. Disappointing to say the least - I just hope that the next world cup sees a team of players sent on ability rather than renown.

World done Germany, by the way - you've got a good team so lets see how far you can go

Yeah, we're all mighty proud of our team.

 

[thunderfoot]

"Barbadians"? The US team is all related to Rhianna? lol.

Gha-Na! Gha-Na! Gha-Na!

* takes a deep breath and - Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...*​

 

[dinosaurJR]

Sadly, I was traveling and didn't get to see the England game (I nipped back to Scotland for the weekend...)

I only caught the last two minutes - enough to catch the score... I cant believe it - what were England doing, exactly?

And as for the disallowed goal - all I can say is that the balance of '66 is now corrected...

I too am glad that Ghana are in the last 8 - the Black Stars are a good, entertaining team to watch - I look forward to their next match. It IS a little sad that the USA are out though - especially after how happy everyone was when they won in time added on int he last match...

I have tipped Uruguay to be the dark horse of this world cup, and I am relieved to see they beat South Korea (who are a good team in their own right...

As for who is going to win overall...?? I still say the Netherlands...

 

[Amateur]

what were England doing, exactly?

Whatever it was, it wasn't playing football; that's for sure.

I think I'd like to see Ghana win now; African country in the first African World Cup and all that.

Plus they seemed to be genuinely proud to represent their country. You look at some of the big teams like France and England and they don't seem to care that they are at the pinnacle of the game and that however many millions of people are behind them. The 'smaller' countries have a passion and pride that is refreshing and that I'd like to see in the final.

 

[thunderfoot]

I too like the smaller teams. All these 'stars' from the professional leagues seem to be disconnected from whatever country they are 'representing'. I think some of them would have been happier not participating at all. I also think some of them saw this as another endorsement opportunity.

I also think the best game of the entire Cup will be Netherlands vs. Ghana. Regardless of when they meet.

 

[dinosaurJR]

I agree - that whole debacle with Les Bleus was a disgrace - they made the other French people look like idiots just by association...

I loved the determination North Korea showed against Brazil, regardless of the countries political standing (this is what I love most about football - it has the ability to transcend culture, war, religion etc and really bring people together) they were so nice - even the North Korean goalkeeper clapped when Maicon scored that first goal - good sportsmanship is something that is clearly missing from the modern game - and another reason I am glad that France (and Italy) did not get further in the tournament.

I cannot wait for today's matches - Netherlands - Slovakia and Brazil - Chile

Two great prospects for entertainment... I say Netherlands and Brazil will go further... Sorry Chiletrek...

Oh - and I forgot to say - congrats Germany for finally getting revenge for '66 (sorry English guys)

 

[Knight]

It's only truly revenge if they go-on to win the thing lol.

Still, disappointing result for us. But then, we played terribly. From what I understand of the Lampard goals placement, it would have taken the game to 2-2 - the end result probably wouldnt have changed, but given that our team seems to get thoroughly demoralised and fall apart when we concede a goal, we might have stayed in the game with the equalizer. Poor refereeing job there. oh well. we didnt deserve to win at the end of the day, it was a frakkin shambles.

 

[thunderfoot]

Just got done watching the highlights of Spain vs. Portugal. I really do not know very much at all about football, but MiGawd! That was a beautiful series of passes to score. Grace, speed, power. All done with a magnificent sense of style. I think I am beginning to really like this game a whole lot.

 

[Chiletrek]

Hello:
Well, yes, Chile lost against Brazil, but Chile was the youngest team in the World Cup, so they now won the experience and they may fare much better in the next World Cup.
And now Brazil lost... so Ghana lost too. A cool match to see woill be Argentina vs Germany. And I'd like to see Germany winning, they seems to have a better team as Argentina barely made it to the World Cup.

 

[dinosaurJR]

See, for me, Brazil losing was no shock - Holland have finally re captured the spirit of the 70s - and I believe they will go all the way!!