World Cup 2010

[QUOTE=Doggboy]Italy ousted and joins France as old guard European wannabees.[/QUOTE]Italy's loss today was the highlight of the World Cup for me.

I think that the strongest teams (based on what I have seen) are Brazil, Argentina and Portugal. I thought Germany looked beatable. I have not had a chance to see the Dutch play yet, but getting out of their group with 9pts says a great deal.

I can see a scenario with the US getting past Ghana and South Korea or Uruguay but it gets a little murky after that. While the US could have (and should have were it not for 'poor' (being generous here) officiating) finished at the top of their group (which I know they did anyway) with 7pts, I do not think that they have the 'mojo' to run with the big dogs of LatAm. Technically, they could stay close to the Netherlands or Germany (although I would wager that they would lose to either) but when the Hispanic (traditional not contemporary definition - a la lineage to hispania) teams (include Portugal in this group) start to spread them out.

[QUOTE=Wild Walleye]I can see a scenario with the US getting past Ghana and South Korea or Uruguay but it gets a little murky after that. While the US could have (and should have were it not for 'poor' (being generous here) officiating) finished at the top of their group (which I know they did anyway) with 7pts, I do not think that they have the 'mojo' to run with the big dogs of LatAm. Technically, they could stay close to the Netherlands or Germany (although I would wager that they would lose to either) but when the Hispanic (traditional not contemporary definition - a la lineage to hispania) teams (include Portugal in this group) start to spread them out.[/QUOTE]We don't agree much on politics, economics, etc. But I think here we pretty much agree. I think the US will have a psychological block to overcome to beat someone like Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, etc.

I think Argentina suffers from the same problem. In 2006, they lost to Germany, even though they had a better team. The seemed scared to death in the match. This year, they looked pretty crisp in group play, so we'll see.

Rooting for Chile tomorrow. I'd like to see Big Travel Guy's dream scenario of a southern cone final four play out at least a little further. Would also love to see Spain going home.

Enjoy!

[QUOTE=JuanCaminante]BTG.

Its USA vs England.

UK do not have a soccer team - four countries = four teams.

If you remember that there will be 5 milllion Scotsmen cheering for you next week![/QUOTE]Haha, so true Johnny Walker!

Jack

Before World Cup 2010 started, Brazil and Spain were the 2 top favorites. And now, the 2 teams could end up playing in the 2nd round. Brazil and Portugal will play earlier to decide the winner of Group G. In Group H, it looks like Switzerland is a shoo-in playing Honduras, leaving Spain with no option but to beat Chile who needs a tie to get through.

So where are the suitcases with the dollars? $200K for each Honduran player to beat Switzerland!

I'd love to see Chile beat Spain today. C'Mon!

A stat indicating what kind of history the USA has at the WC-they have not won two straight matches since 1930. They have a tremendous chance to do that now versus Ghana.

Schmoj points out that Argentina has had a bad case of the nerves in the past when they reach this level at the WC. I think most people who follow the game would agree, and also this seems to be the big difference made by Maradona. For all his negatives, he does deflect a helluva lot of focus away from the players, and he has also clearly been able to instill a loosey-goosey atmosphere. We will see if that holds up. Mexico always plays Argentina tough.

Now that was a great goal by Spain.

The second goal was very nice as well. Espana!

Some drooling games coming up, hope they live up to expectations. Germany and England resuming World War II, and the Koreans and Japanese trying to show that they can play as good as they make cars. USA & Mexico trying to say that the home front is not as bad as it looks. But it is the year of the South Americans, all 5 entries still aive and kicking. Holland, Spain & Portugal are the new European upstarts, they might make the spoil the ending.

Well, here we go. USA found a very physical Ghana to be extremely difficult to play against. Both teams had chances to win, but it was Ghana that found the magic at extra time with a superb goal. The other game followed a similar script as Chile scored late against South Korea. Both games were hard-fought games, I could actually feel the pain of the hard crunching tackles. The losers can go home with their heads held high.

Are you guys actually cheering for Maradona now? Be sure to use Argentina's success to get some generous bargains from the girls, I would use the euphoria to get some concessions from them.

This was a disappointing loss for the US. Sure, they made it out of their group, but this is a game the US could have (and probably should have) won. As I said before, the US seems to have a psychological barrier the prohibits them from performing in the WC. I didn't expect them to win the WC, but I did expect them to win this game.

The first half was horrible. They were slow getting to the ball and sloppy on defense, which Ghana took advantage of. They played well the second half, but then back to sloppy defense in the 1st overtime. Ghana again took advantage.

I guess this is really as much as we can expect from USA football.

Speaking of psychological blocks, we'll see how Argentina performs. Mexico is also known to choke in the WC. I predict Argentina will beat them and lose to Germany.

It's 2006 all over again. Well, except the France and Italy part.:-)

Here is an interesting article:

[url]http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/16/a-world-cup-mentality/[/url]

My favorite quote: "So this is my month to be a citizen of the world — and suffer through an unfair neurotic sport with everyone else."

Reaction to Donovan's goal against Algeria, in Nebraska of all places:

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfS9kbyfiMM[/url]

Here we go. Huge day of futbol. Mouth watering matchup between England and Germany. Can Argentina continue their impressive run against a Mexico squad that many are giving little chance?

I preferred the Argentina of two months ago that was being belittled by many. The Maradona that was criticized up, down and all around. Now, they are in the favorites role and Maradona has not been kind to today's opponent, with some disparaging remarks.

There are no walks in the park at this stage.

I repeat, who ARE these guys? The ball about a meter into the goal and neither the referee or the linesman can see it! And, England needs all the help they can get. Without Rio Ferdinand their backline is horrible.

[QUOTE=Doggboy]I repeat, who ARE these guys? The ball about a meter into the goal and neither the referee or the linesman can see it! And, England needs all the help they can get. Without Rio Ferdinand their backline is horrible.[/QUOTE]The ghosts of 1966 is back to haunt England.