think this is going to be a great game. Germany does what it does best, score from a set piece but I think Argentina will answer
They kept the Vuvuzelas out of the Brazil-Ned game and the typical futbol crowd noise was was great. Now they are back and it is horrific. Why do they allow it? Anyone know why they took them out of the B-N game?
argentina trying to be too perfect when it threatens. stop looking for the perfect pass and let her rip
argentina is getting some chances to exploit the flanks. they havent yet been able to time it right though
Perfect game for Germany - not just on the scoreboard. But, the form of the game went exactly as expected - Argentina with ball control against the German counter attack. The youth, speed and energy of the Germans just too much for the south american cowboys. I expect Spain to go through. Will be interesting to see that matchup (Ger-Spa). I think Spain has better attackers than Argentina; and better defenders. Still the Germans are in great form. Will also be intriguing to see how the substitute for Muller performs.
I don't think he was that bad - he controlled the ball and occasionally would beat two players only to have a 3rd on top of him. The German defense was superb and they gave him no room to operate. Their midfielders came back and there were always 6-8 defenders. And, no other Argentines stepped up to get open. Nor did their midfielders serve Messi any great balls. The real culprit was the Argentine D.
There are not two players in the last 12-16 years who elevate their game from the club level to the national level better than Klose and Podolski. Both are incredible on the national level. The best thing about this win is that we don't have to see Maradona run naked through the streets of Buenos Aires!
I love it....Germany makes another good team look stupid on the counter attack...Argentina won the TOP, however Germany is just stunning on the counter attacks......I knew they could do it... Me thinks people will finally accept that Germany isnt some bump in the road for one of these "dominate" South American teams, and in fact a legit contender to take this thing......until then I will take my 250 bucks I just won and wait for the next game....
German Football is what US Soccer should aspire to be. Perfect in technique, Intelligent in design, Lethal in the final third, a Counter that won;t quit...add that to American Grit, Determination and Heart..mix it all together. Back to the Lab. For all of German heritage..let me be the first to bow...Your selection is LETHAL. I don't remember EVER being so impressed. Now..let's get Klose to pass Ronaldo.
man , i´m so proud of my team, what a performance, scary i have a buddy who i watched 3 germany games so far, against australia, england and now argentina and guess what, we scored 4 goals all the time.....
Only thing Section: IIRC, Brazil made their first 4 kicks. Italy had made 2 of 3 with Baggio coming up to kick. (Massaro had missed for Italy before) If Baggio would've converted they still would've lost had the next Brazilian hit his kick. I do understand that Baggio was Fifa player of the year and it was his kick that clinched Brazil winning, which is why everyone remembers it. But even if he converted, Brazil still wins 30 seconds later.
Absolutely brilliant performance by Germany. I think everybody played extremely well for them but one guy I will continue to single out is Muller. He's so good, yet so young. Once he fully develops, he's going to be an absolute nightmare to play against. He's been so consistent and done so much for them.
I'm glad Maradona's out only because of his arrogance. IMO, Cambiasso and J. Zanetti could've been pretty useful today. Guys like Burdisso, Heinze, Gutierrez, and Ottamendi couldn't tie Zanetti's shoes.
Have to hand it to the Germans, that was as dominating performance as I've seen at this level against a "contender." I suppose Lalas thinks Messi and the rest of the Argentinians aren't "world class" either? (remember what he said about England) Germany have to be considered the favorites now that Brazil is out. Out-pacing England is one thing, but to out-pace Argentina, that's impressive. More energy, tactically wonderful. They will miss Muller in the semi though. He has been as good as anyone on that team. Amazing to think that Ballack going out has helped Germany as much as it has. But it has... they've gotten younger, faster, more energetic... more creative... better....Have to wonder what an England side would look like without Lampard. If the US wants to be like Germany, they'll need to bring in a German coach. Europe 2... South America 0! soon to be 3 - 0... and an all European final looks very likely with Uruguay missing their top striker.
Just some quick points on the last few pages; 1. BDH, there is not British team. Capello will stay on as the England manager. 2. Sect, you're a hard guy. Asamoah Gyan has been one of the players of the tournament, his strength and ability to hold the ball up is immense, epecially given the system and given the situation - last minute of extra time to go to the semis, further than any team from thqat continent and with a billion Africans behind him he hits the bar. Tough to call him a goat. 3. Firesole is dead on. The rules are the rules. They're the rules of the world's biggest and most popular game. We don't have a 10 second walkoff or a 2 minute warning for more adverts, etc., etc. It is what it is. 4. I defy ANYONE in that situation NOT to use their hands. 5. Germany were awesome. England scored 2 against them, Argentina none. I think that puts our performance in perspective. 6. How about those weak European teams huh? 7. Bastian Schweinsteiger is the best player in this tournament. And he's long been world class. But Messi, Ronaldo, Rooney, Ribery, Kaka, Torres. All world class players with sub standard competitions. Yet Slovakia's Robert Vittek has 4 goals. So does that make him one of the best players in Europe? No.
Boom...If I were a partisan for Ghana, I would have jumped out of a ****ing window. Any act on the pitch that can induce a suicide attempt deserves goat status.
I love Spain and Torres and Reina play for Liverpool, Arbeloa and Alonso used to. But as I said about 40 pages ago, their tippy tappy style is beginning to irritate.
Spain have too much for Paraguay regardless of who scores. If it stays nil nil, they'll take off a couple of the tippy tappers and bring Mata or Navas or Silva on and stretch the game.
paraguay is the best defensive team left in this tourney. they've only allowed one goal the entire tourney. if paraguay scores first i think spain will be shut out
agreed but i think if parguay scores first they will just run out the clock. if spain scores first i could see them doing what germany did and winning 3-0 as paraguay would have to give up playing defense and take chances
Paraguay just got robbed a goal. I am going for Spain kinda though. Worst officiated WC I can remember.
Course they didn't get robbed. Cardozo is offside when the ball's played in and he makes himself active by jumping for the ball and trying to flick it on. Therefore, the linesman was 100% correct.
thing is, the US will never be flashy like other teams. but the guys need to learn organization. they are also lost on what to do with the ball at times and have no closers. they are more hopeful about scoring goals than knowing they will score. its not really about creating chances, imo. they have no idea how to finish them we cant transform the american athlete into something he is not. another run at klinsmann? us chief says that bradley is expected to be around for the august friendly against brazil
I guess, but I've seen offside active players not influence the decision. It was close. They just got awarded a pk and can't convert. Wow. And now they give Spain a pk on a dive. Good job villa.
There were no Spaniards in the area when Alonso makes contact with the ball and even if there were, the keeper was well off his line. Then on the re-take, Fabregas is taken down by the keeper for the most stonewall penalty you'll ever see.
