The official 2010 world cup soccer thread

Germany is the only team so far that looked like a champion. We'll see how Brazil and Spain look when they play

 

Anyone else excited for Japan-Cameroon? I like Japan's team name, the Samurai Blue. I'm taking Japan for the win. They scored 3 goals against England....it's just that two of them were own goals. Better not do that in the WC!

 

sooooooooo if the us didn't have a goalie

 

i really hate these start times. 7 am on a sunday is absurd.

 

Its to cater for the European audience. Those games start at 12.30 over here. But in fairness I dont think there is much anyone can do about. They have to suit local time in South Africa which is the same as it is in Europe, so it just works out better for the Europeans.

Because there is also three games a day, they dont want the games to clash so they have to put them on that early.

After experienceing the World Cup in the US and South Korea, I do know it sucks, but just have to deal with it.

 

Apparently they might be banned. Lets ****ing hope so!!!!!!!!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...uzela-noise-complaints.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

 

We had no answers for Ozil. The Germans tore us a new butt hole. Good win for you guys.

The aussies are too old, too slow and out coached. We need a mirale to beat Ghana and Serbia. Sooo ashamed to be an aussie right now.

 

Netherlands impressive today and that was probably there toughest game in that group.

I chose to support the Dutch for this WC and I think they can go along way if they can hold up at the back. There as good as anyone going forward.

 

i'm on a cold betting streak so far. almost got the over at the end

 

I am going to go out on a limb and say that if nobody plays their keeper vs. the US that we will win the World Cup.

 

Quite a bold statement right there

 

well..it keeps being said that if the US didn't have Howard.....



BTW, Cameroon needs an adjustment of tactics..they seem like they don't understand what they are being asked to do.

This is the biggest upset so far.

Japan wins vs. a top african nation in africa?

 

All driven by the English media. Fact is England could not put away their chances, be it because of poor finishing or great work by Howard. They are just looking for an excuse for what they feel is an embarrasment

It just proves how important it is to have a top class goalkepper. While Howard was playing at a high level, Robert Green was somehow letting a ball role past him into the net.

The game ended 1-1, time to get over it IMO.

Didn't rate Cameroon coming into this tournament. They are not as tactically or fundementally as sound as the Ivory Coast or Ghana. They are also always over-rated and I though Japan would get something from that game. For them to get a win surprised me though.

 

Nice I predicted that Japan win. Asian countries like Japan and South Korea are good ones to pick as underdogs. They're speedy and you never know when they might score.

 

Italy could find it hard to get back into this one. No Pirlo and the strikers are not the greatest quality. Maybe Pepe can produce some quality or Di Rossi in midfield, but I dont know, I think Italy are in trouble. Italy are working hard and started off well, but allowed Paraguay to come back into and then take the lead.

I really doubt Italy get back into this. Really missing Pirlo.

 

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooallllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The Azzurri is playing like they KNOW they will get another goal.

paraguay is hanging on for dear life.

 

Holly ****!

I sat down to watch the azzurri play and interesting game broke out.

 

Italy got a little bit of the USA's luck with that goal, surprised the Paraguay keeper couldn't swat that away or grab it he was there and it wasn't that high.

 

Asia has come out strong in the first games. Impressive showings by Japan and Korea. I think Asia is where the US was twelve to siixteen years ago

 

I think the Paraguay score was talent, not luck. Italy's goal however, was more luck. Paraguay is playing real well against a better team.

Italy is playing hot right now. The Paraguay defense suprised me.

 

Better performance by Italy in the 2nd half, but still problems there. Camoranesi made a big difference and with Pirlo to come back, I think they will be ok in midfield. But still problems up front. I think Di Natele looked good when he came on and you would think is a better option than Gilardino. Dont understand why Lippi has persisted with Gilardino. Buffon also going off looks bad.

I dunno, not impressed with Italy tonight, but they are usually slow starters and will have Pirlo to come back so not counting them out yet. But I really worry about them up front.

 

Well said emeraldfin. I'm worried first about their midfield. They can't string passes together. Forwards we knew wewn't gonna blow games open. Gilardino and Iaquinta dissapointed. I'm hoping to see Di Natale and Pazzini start next game to give them more pace. As usual Italy played a strong defensive game and only gave yp two scoring chances, one being the goal. Paraguay had one excellent set piece and Italy had the pressure in the second and a little bit of luck. Little bit of luck.

To be an Italian fan is like being a Dolphin fan, a lot of heartbreak. In the end I know without a doubt better football is to be played by Italy, much like England

PS. I still wish we brought Rossi!

 

I really dont understand why Lippi is keeping faith with Gilardino,when the top scorer in Italy is sitting on the bench.

I think you will be ok in midfield though Tone, Cameronesi made a difference when he came on, brought more urgency to Italy in an attacking sense. And you still have to welcome back one of the best creative midfielders in the game.

But, I think the big worry is who is coming through for Italy. Montolivo and Marchisio were very disappointing for me tonight and the fact Lippi had to go back to Cameronesi would be very worrying. I dont see the talent coming through for Italy, unlike Germany who seem to be in great shap for the future. Tough times ahead for Italy maybe.

 

Well, Montolivo was utterly useless except for his long range effort and the multiple other attempts blocked - he really does have a cannon. I'm not worried about the next guard for the Azzurri at all. It is apparent that our playing style requires Pirlo. As for the midfield, Marchisio has 5 caps. He could come around.

Why the Serie A leading goal scorer was on the bench has us all up in arms...trust me.

I'm not pleased but at the same tim not too worried yet, Italy always does this to their faithful.

 

The reason I'm concerned about midfield is it has also been lackluster even with Pirlo and Camoranesi. Pirlo will help but I don't like the reliance ont the long ball with them two in the game.

 

Eh, I can't really complain with the omission of Di Natale in the starting lineup. Guy never shows up in the spot light. Scores tons of goals against smaller teams in Serie A.

What I am baffled over is Gilardino continually getting the nod over Pazzini!

I think Lippi will correct this though and we'll see Pazzini in the starting lineup on Sunday.

I'm content with the 1-1 draw. Italy never really threatened Paraguay's goal and vice versa. That foul that led to the free kick scoring goal was garbage though. Horrible call on Chiellini.

Hopefully Pirlo's back for next game because as you all have already stated, this is a different team without him.

If I had my way, I'd play Gattuso - Pirlo - De Rossi - Pepe in the midfield

 

Minus that WC and all you have is a similar situation but I hear ya.

 

it was a nice match to watch...except for paraguay's god-awful unis