The World Cup 2014

[Tink]

You would be happy, dutchie, the Netherlands thrashing Spain, well done.

Bad luck to the Socceroos, but a great effort, especially the second half.
We are proud that they are there.

Looking forward to the England v Italy game tomorrow.

 

[McLovin]

You would be happy, dutchie, the Netherlands thrashing Spain, well done.

Bad luck to the Socceroos, but a great effort, especially the second half.
We are proud that they are there.

Looking forward to the England v Italy game tomorrow.

Agree, Tink. They looked a bit "deer in the headlights" early on, but once they found their rhythm they showed they deserved to be there.

It's not often I support the Poms, but against those cheats, the Italians, I'll support any other team.

 

[pavilion103]

Can't wait for this one tomorrow.

Being half Italian I'll be going for them.

I'm not a huge soccer fan but will watch the big games.

 

[Tink]

McLovin, there hasn't been a game since this tournament started that they haven't yelled out 'cheat' to the team, and Italy haven't played yet, that happens in every sporting code.

I will be supporting Italy in the England v Italy game.

 

[McLovin]

McLovin, there hasn't been a game since this tournament started that they haven't yelled out 'cheat' to the team, and Italy haven't played yet, that happens in every sporting code.

I will be supporting Italy in the England v Italy game.

The Italians are pretty well known divers. They even beat Australia in 2006 in stoppage time by pretending to be tripped and winning a penalty. It's a terrible way to play any sport and it's cheating.

The worst bit is that the Italians don't even think it is cheating to dive in the penalty area.

Italy were rated as the team most likely to cheat at the World Cup finals, while Diego Maradona's Argentina came in second place, with Portugal third.
Countries such as Denmark, Switzerland and the USA were among those viewed as the fairest teams, while just 1% of supporters felt that England would cheat in the tournament.

...

Faking injury and diving in the penalty area were also highlighted as the forms of cheating on the football pitch that are most disliked by fans, with 80% of fans disapproving of players who pretend to be injured.
This was closely followed by players diving in an attempt to win a penalty (75%), using their hand to score a goal (74%) and exaggerating an injury received in a tackle (70%). However, perceptions varied by nationality, with Italian and Spanish supporters the least likely to consider diving in the penalty area as cheating.

I'd agree with the Argies being big cheaters too. Then again, they're just Italians who speak Spanish.

 

[pavilion103]

It is up to the refs to officiate that.

 

[McLovin]

It is up to the refs to officiate that.

how can they when the Italians prepare so well...

 

[dutchie]

You would be happy, dutchie, the Netherlands thrashing Spain, well done.

Bad luck to the Socceroos, but a great effort, especially the second half.
We are proud that they are there.

Looking forward to the England v Italy game tomorrow.

Hi Tink

Yes it was an awesome game. Van Persies' header was the best heading goals I have ever seen. Immaculate timing and finesse.

They did start off slow but grew in momentum and it was a massacre in the end. Hope they can keep that second half form up. Van Persie and Robben are going to worry a lot of defenses.

Australia had the same problem in a slow start to their match and conceded two goals early but their pride and guts shone through. Their second half effort was excellent. They deserved a draw and even a win with the momentum they had in the second half.

Did not see much in the Italy vs England game that would worry the other contenders much.

Marking of the wall position and free kick spot seems to be working well.

Pity about all the pulling and tugging that still goes on, especially in the penalty areas.

Wonder if anyone is attempting to watch all games (I'm not!).

 

[McLovin]

Did not see much in the Italy vs England game that would worry the other contenders much.

The Europeans are going to struggle with the heat and humidity. The pace in the Costa Rica game was much faster even into the second half, whereas in the Eng v Ita match they had guys going down with cramp at the hour mark and the pace really slowed in the second half. Maybe one advantage for Australia is having so many domestic league players whose season is through summer.

 

[McLovin]

This Japan, Ivory Coast game is great. Honda's goal is the best I've seen yet.

 

[DB008]

Some small bets I put on to make it interesting

Brazil - 3.50 : 1 ($20 bet)
Argentina - 4.75 : 1 ($10 bet)
Netherlands - 10 : 1 ($20 bet)

 

[Tink]

Exactly, Pav.
If it makes you feel better, McLovin.

That happens in every sporting code, including here in Australia.
Teams buying their Premierships, and other teams being robbed .

 

[McLovin]

Exactly, Pav.
If it makes you feel better, McLovin.

That happens in every sporting code, including here in Australia.
Teams buying their Premierships, and other teams being robbed .

And? Two wrongs make a right?

You must be Italian.

 

[Tink]

You are the one saying about italians cheating, its the ref that picks these things up, its not up to the team.
If it makes you feel better to say that, then good for you.

As said, there hasn't been a game since this tournament started that they have complained about cheating, and thats not just at the italians.

 

[McLovin]

You are the one saying about italians cheating, its the ref that picks these things up, its not up to the team.

Yeah. The idea of fair play should be usurped by "get away with whatever you can". Diving is a disease in Italian football. It's flat out cheating. To claim that it only matters if the ref notices is like telling a kid it's ok to cheat on an exam as long as the teacher doesn't notice.

Here we go, some fair play Italian style. It doesn't matter because the ref made the error.

As said, there hasn't been a game since this tournament started that they have complained about cheating, and thats not just at the italians.

Really? Can you provide me with a link to these allegations of cheating at every game?

 

[Tink]

Whatever you recon, McLovin.
We are not going to agree, and if you have been watching the games you would have seen the 'cheating' being called out.

As said, if it makes you feel better...

 

[McLovin]

Whatever you recon, McLovin.
We are not going to agree, and if you have been watching the games you would have seen the 'cheating' being called out.

I've missed two games so far. Apart from Cahill claiming the Chileans were cheating I haven't heard anyone else say anything. If it is happening at every game surely it's not hard to provide a newspaper report. Or maybe you're just making stuff up because as you say "if it makes you feel better".

 

[Tink]

Aaah good to see you found one, now enjoy the games.
Every time you lose a game, do you blame the other team?
They are all there to win.
You can see it whatever way you want, but the scoreboard talks.
Lets move on..........

A strong win by Germany tonight. There has been a few thrashings in this tournament.

 

[dutchie]

A strong win by Germany tonight. There has been a few thrashings in this tournament.

Agree Tink, Germany looked good.

Also good to see that there have not been many draws, especially 0-0 (one this morning).

Seems like most of the teams are willing to attack, even against higher ranked teams.

 

[McLovin]

Agree Tink, Germany looked good.

Also good to see that there have not been many draws, especially 0-0 (one this morning).

Seems like most of the teams are willing to attack, even against higher ranked teams.

It's the longest run of no drawn games since group stages were introduced to the WC. And it's great.

Germany look the goods.