***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

I thought one of the talking heads made a good point today about Jozy. If he hopes to have a recovery in time to return during the WC, why take on 8 hours of plane flight when you can be rehabbing in a better environment?

 

[The Gator]

Why have a left footed player take that set piece from that angle? Rather have the ball curling in towards goal, no?

An accurate ball is more important than threatening a low chance shot.

I didn't say shot...seems easier to get a glancing touch on the ball headed near the goal than a direction changing header.

The choice of in-swinger or out-swinger is really not important.

It is imoOne you can barely get a piece of and send it into goal, the other takes solid, less likely contact.

Eta lol

Location and pace are so much more important its hardly worth mentioning.

I read an article on a guy Manchester City employs who does studies on this sort of thing. Significantly higher percentage of goals on "in-swinging" corner kicks than out.

Of course, every time I watch them and they take an out-swinger I think "typical city"

Ill see if I can dig up the article.

Cool, love reading up on stuff like this.

Also,I'm not saying inswingers are the only way to go, but they make a lot of sense on certain areas of the field. Liverpool's first goal against arsenal was a prime example. That ball's going in regardless, makes it a very tough decision for the keeper

 

[Sand]

Was definitely offside, would like to see about the hand decision.

I guess due to the "involved in the play" part of the rule. Interestingly when the shot was taken that hit the crossbar he was behind the ball, so onside that way.

Great to see Ecuador get a win (lived in Quito a couple years). First win away from home since Sept. 2009 (!!). Valencia is the real deal and is showing to be an elite goal scorer in this. Every bit as good as anyone else in the tourney not named Suarez.

Oh, and the Uruguay-Italy game looks to be absolutely epic. Can't wait.

 

[TenTimes]

Was definitely offside, would like to see about the hand decision.

I guess due to the "involved in the play" part of the rule. Interestingly when the shot was taken that hit the crossbar he was behind the ball, so onside that way.

Great to see Ecuador get a win (lived in Quito a couple years). First win away from home since Sept. 2009 (!!). Valencia is the real deal and is showing to be an elite goal scorer in this. Every bit as good as anyone else in the tourney not named Suarez.

Oh, and the Uruguay-Italy game looks to be absolutely epic. Can't wait.

About Ecuador-

1) what was the reason?

2) what was it like?

 

[NewlyRetired]

TenTimes, was it you earlier in the thread who said the WC is becoming one of your favorite sporting events?

If so and you don't want to wait 4 years between events, lets us know, we can suggest other tournaments you might like (there are 2 huge ones coming up in 2016 that should be great).

Also, WC Qualifying itself is really fun to follow and makes the WC itself even more interesting.

If I am mixing you up with some one else, please ignore

 

[Ilov80s]

TenTimes, was it you earlier in the thread who said the WC is becoming one of your favorite sporting events?

If so and you don't want to wait 4 years between events, lets us know, we can suggest other tournaments you might like (there are 2 huge ones coming up in 2016 that should be great).

Also, WC Qualifying itself is really fun to follow and makes the WC itself even more interesting.

If I am mixing you up with some one else, please ignore

Copa America is going to be huge- just what US Soccer needs to sustain interest.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Okay let me do the Group E Scenarios.

France are through with:

1) a win or tie (and the win the group as well)

or 2) a loss and a Switzerland loss or tie

or 3) a loss by 3 goals or less

or 4) a loss by 4 goals or more and a Switzerland win and the combined margin is less than 8 goals

or 5) a loss by 4 goals or more and a Switzerland win and the combined margin is exactly 8 goals and Switzerland fails to score 5 or more goals more than France does

Ecuador are through with:

1) a win or tie and a Switzerland loss or tie

or 2) a win by 4 goals or more

or 3) a win, a Switzerland win and Switzerland fails to win by more than 1 goal greater than Ecuador's margin of victory

or 4) a win, a Switzerland win and Switzerland wins by exactly 2 more goals than Ecuador does and Ecuador scores 2 or more goals than Switzerland does

or 5) a loss, a Switzerland loss and the combined margin of loss for Switzerland and Ecuador is 3 or less

or 6) a loss by exactly 3, a Switzerland loss by exactly 1, and Ecuador scores at least 2 more goals than Switzerland

or 7) a loss by exactly 2, a Switzerland loss by exactly 2, and Honduras fails to score at least 3 more goals than Ecuador

or 8) a loss by exactly 1, a Switzerland loss by exactly 3, and Honduras fails to score at least 3 more goals than Ecuador

Switzerland are through with

1) a win and an Ecuador tie or loss

or 2) a tie and an Ecuador loss

or 3) a win, an Ecuador win and Switzerland wins by 3 or more goals more than Ecuador does

or 4) a win, an Ecuador win and Switzerland wins by exactly 2 more goals than Ecuador does and Ecuador fails to score 2 or more goals more than Switzerland does

or 5) a win, an Ecuador win and the combined margin of victory is 9 or more goals

or 6) a win, an Ecuador win and the combined margin of victory is exactly 8 goals and Switzerland scores at least 5 more goals than France does

or 7) a loss by exactly 1 and an Ecuador loss by 4 or more

or 8) a loss by exactly 1 and an Ecuador loss by exactly 3 and Ecuador fails to score at least 2 more than Switzerland does

Honduras are through with

1) a win by at least 2 and an Ecuador loss and the combined margin is at least 5 goals

or 2) a win by at least 2 and an Ecuador loss and the combined margin is exactly 4 goals and Honduras scores at least 3 more goals than Ecuador

So there you go

-QG

 

[cstu]

TenTimes, was it you earlier in the thread who said the WC is becoming one of your favorite sporting events?

If so and you don't want to wait 4 years between events, lets us know, we can suggest other tournaments you might like (there are 2 huge ones coming up in 2016 that should be great).

Also, WC Qualifying itself is really fun to follow and makes the WC itself even more interesting.

If I am mixing you up with some one else, please ignore

Copa America is going to be huge- just what US Soccer needs to sustain interest.

I'm not a soccer fan and even I would be interested in seeing the U.S. team in Pasadena.

 

[El Floppo]

Can someone explain what happened at the 25:58 mark of the Italy- Costa Rico game earlier.

Bump for any of the soccer experts.

Screen shot of 25:58

I see BOOBS!@

right? no idea.

 

[El Floppo]

Is there any other sport where they can complain to the refs like this? Watching Honduras swarm the ref at the end of the first half, it's pathetic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzGV06OKZTk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7jahYyhtBk

:Bradyswarm:

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I thought one of the talking heads made a good point today about Jozy. If he hopes to have a recovery in time to return during the WC, why take on 8 hours of plane flight when you can be rehabbing in a better environment?

Guessing it's because he's out for weeks and probably won't make it back.

 

[Premier]

How bad are the Argentines going to put it on Iran today?

 

[DiStefano]

How bad are the Argentines going to put it on Iran today?

I'm guessing Iran will go Jihad on them. Argentina wins 1-0 but Iran gets 11 yellow cards.

 

[TenTimes]

TenTimes, was it you earlier in the thread who said the WC is becoming one of your favorite sporting events?

If so and you don't want to wait 4 years between events, lets us know, we can suggest other tournaments you might like (there are 2 huge ones coming up in 2016 that should be great).

Also, WC Qualifying itself is really fun to follow and makes the WC itself even more interesting.

If I am mixing you up with some one else, please ignore

Yep that was me and I'm all ears. From following this thread I'm getting the sense I should have followed the qualifying. I didn't even know it was going on until it was over.

 

[roadkill1292]

TenTimes, was it you earlier in the thread who said the WC is becoming one of your favorite sporting events?

If so and you don't want to wait 4 years between events, lets us know, we can suggest other tournaments you might like (there are 2 huge ones coming up in 2016 that should be great).

Also, WC Qualifying itself is really fun to follow and makes the WC itself even more interesting.

If I am mixing you up with some one else, please ignore

Yep that was me and I'm all ears. From following this thread I'm getting the sense I should have followed the qualifying. I didn't even know it was going on until it was over.

It sneaks up on you fast. The minnows of Asia are probably already in the middle of the first round of 2018 qualifying.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

TenTimes, was it you earlier in the thread who said the WC is becoming one of your favorite sporting events?

If so and you don't want to wait 4 years between events, lets us know, we can suggest other tournaments you might like (there are 2 huge ones coming up in 2016 that should be great).

Also, WC Qualifying itself is really fun to follow and makes the WC itself even more interesting.

If I am mixing you up with some one else, please ignore

Yep that was me and I'm all ears. From following this thread I'm getting the sense I should have followed the qualifying. I didn't even know it was going on until it was over.

2016 will be two fantastic tournaments.

--The European Championship -- basically a 16-team mini-World Cup with only European teams, and

--Both "Americas" will join together for a similar tournament. Usually South America and North America (including Central America and the Carribean) hold their continental tournaments separately, but this time around they're combining them. Brazil, US, Mexico, Argentina, etc

 

[jonessed]

Was definitely offside, would like to see about the hand decision.

I guess due to the "involved in the play" part of the rule. Interestingly when the shot was taken that hit the crossbar he was behind the ball, so onside that way.

Great to see Ecuador get a win (lived in Quito a couple years). First win away from home since Sept. 2009 (!!). Valencia is the real deal and is showing to be an elite goal scorer in this. Every bit as good as anyone else in the tourney not named Suarez.

Oh, and the Uruguay-Italy game looks to be absolutely epic. Can't wait.

Or Muller or RVP or Benzema...

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. There are a lot of good players out here.

 

[TenTimes]

What's would you all consider the highest level of soccer. I heard mentioned here that the top club teams would probably have no trouble with Brazil/Argentina (hypothetically), so I'd think the euro league playoffs (champions league?), when does that start up again?

 

[QuizGuy66]

FIFA clearly has it own theory why CONCACAF is doing so well. Will be sorely disappointed:

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/20/fifa-tries-to-explain-why-seven-costa-ricans-were-drug-tested-after-win-over-italy/

-QG

 

[Abraham]

What's would you all consider the highest level of soccer. I heard mentioned here that the top club teams would probably have no trouble with Brazil/Argentina (hypothetically), so I'd think the euro league playoffs (champions league?), when does that start up again?

I really got in to EPL this year on Saturday and Sunday mornings on nbc sports. Some really good matches and overall play in the EPL.

 

[boubucarow]

What's would you all consider the highest level of soccer. I heard mentioned here that the top club teams would probably have no trouble with Brazil/Argentina (hypothetically), so I'd think the euro league playoffs (champions league?), when does that start up again?

It starts again in the fall with some minnow league champions in playoffs late this summer. It basically coincides with the European domestic leagues and lasts all winter into the spring. Otherwise the English, Spanish, German, and Italian leagues are considered the best leagues so look for the heavyweight match ups in each. Barcelona/Real Madrid, Bayern Munich/Borussia Dortmund, Juventus/Roma, etc.... The EPL is typically thought of as the deepest league with the most quality in the middle and bottom and have a collection of big matches each year between Man U, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, & Arsenal.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Side note - I think everyone's pipe dreaming about allotments changing in a way that is favorable for CONCACAF, especially when you consider the deeper politics of the potential of stripping a World Cup from Asia.

I think they'll try to excuse CONCACAF's success as hemispheric and make some long-term crap about "long-term" results or some such.

I think the results have protected our 3.5 and that's it. In fact, I think the only shift will be from CONMEBOL to UEFA (the host spot, that is is CONMEBOL will got back to 4.5 and UEFA will keep 13 regular spots). I'm very cynical about it all.

The one break we MIGHT get is in the pots. They'll probably go back to just seeding Brazil, Argentina, and 6 Euros. While we only have 7 spots for a pot with CONCACAF/leftover CONMEBOL (assuming playoff wins) I can see a POT X amongst the African teams (or a straight putting of the highest African team into our pot) and then just assuring that two African teams won't be drawn together.

-QG

 

[Premier]

http://screamer.deadspin.com/costa-rica-ecuador-announcers-issue-open-challenge-to-1594193380?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

This is so amazing. I've listened to it like 5 times in a row now.

 

[NewlyRetired]

TenTimes, was it you earlier in the thread who said the WC is becoming one of your favorite sporting events?

If so and you don't want to wait 4 years between events, lets us know, we can suggest other tournaments you might like (there are 2 huge ones coming up in 2016 that should be great).

Also, WC Qualifying itself is really fun to follow and makes the WC itself even more interesting.

If I am mixing you up with some one else, please ignore

Yep that was me and I'm all ears. From following this thread I'm getting the sense I should have followed the qualifying. I didn't even know it was going on until it was over.

WDCROB described the two tournaments you might like.

For qualifying, if you are a US fan, they are a fun follow.

The US will go through two rounds of qualifying starting in 2016.

The first round is a group of 4, where the top two advance. This is home and home, so 6 games for US

The final round of qualifying involves 6 teams, again home and home so a total of ten games for US, this runs mostly in 2017 I think.

The 16 games make up the qualifying process for US. It is very fun to follow especially with the general craziness of the Concacaf region.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Was definitely offside, would like to see about the hand decision.

I guess due to the "involved in the play" part of the rule. Interestingly when the shot was taken that hit the crossbar he was behind the ball, so onside that way.

Great to see Ecuador get a win (lived in Quito a couple years). First win away from home since Sept. 2009 (!!). Valencia is the real deal and is showing to be an elite goal scorer in this. Every bit as good as anyone else in the tourney not named Suarez.

Oh, and the Uruguay-Italy game looks to be absolutely epic. Can't wait.

Or Muller or RVP or Benzema...

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. There are a lot of good players out here.

Plus, they're European, amirite?!

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

http://screamer.deadspin.com/costa-rica-ecuador-announcers-issue-open-challenge-to-1594193380?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

This is so amazing. I've listened to it like 5 times in a row now.

The Costa Rican one is awesome. I know some people hate these, but I can't get enough. It's great to hear how important every WC goal is for these guys. For as long as he lives, Costly will be known as the Honduran who scored in the World Cup.

 

[Sebowski]

FIFA clearly has it own theory why CONCACAF is doing so well. Will be sorely disappointed:

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/20/fifa-tries-to-explain-why-seven-costa-ricans-were-drug-tested-after-win-over-italy/

-QG

I actually don't remember seeing it in here, but this thing is moving so fast there's no way I've read it all: Brooks got drug tested after our win as well.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

The 16 games make up the qualifying process for US. It is very fun to follow especially with the general craziness of the Concacaf region.

Don't expect the US to dominate though -- especially in the away games. They go to some very very hard places to play. As the European teams are finding out in this tournament when you go into a truly foreign and hostile environment it's harder to get results no matter how good you are. Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico are no pushovers at home.

 

[Ignoramus]

So we'really pretty much German fans today, right?

 

[Premier]

So we'really pretty much German fans today, right?

For sure. Hope they win by 8 goals.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

So we'really pretty much German fans today, right?

100% -- we're pulling for 4-0.

 

[Abraham]

The idea being that if Germany wins and we win tomorrow we are through?

 

[Christo]

What's would you all consider the highest level of soccer. I heard mentioned here that the top club teams would probably have no trouble with Brazil/Argentina (hypothetically), so I'd think the euro league playoffs (champions league?), when does that start up again?

League-wise the EPL has the combination of the highest level/most competitive from top to bottom. Tournament is the Chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaampions!

 

[Sebowski]

Looks like Sabella quit ####### around and is starting the right lineup today. A little Messi show in the morning will be fun. Fernet for breakfast actually sounds pretty terrible though. I don't think it will pair well with my breakfast quesadilla.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

The idea being that if Germany wins and we win tomorrow we are through?

If we win tomorrow we're through (not mathematically, but in reality). A German pummeling of Ghana and a US tie means we're probably through (but not for certain).

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

For the new US fans...

Here's arguably the moment when modern soccer in the US started -- when Paul Caligiuri scored a goal in 1989 that qualified the US for the 1990 World Cup. Combined with the US hosting the World Cup in 1994, and MLS starting in 1996 it's what got us going again after 40-years of not being in the World Cup.

Also, here are all of the goals the US has scored in the World Cup since 1990. (Turn the music off.)

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

The idea being that if Germany wins and we win tomorrow we are through?

Certainly, but just as important it takes Ghana out of the mix for advancing if the US only manages draw.

That plus the huge goal differential the US currently has on Portugal would put them in great shape to advance

 

[NewlyRetired]

The idea being that if Germany wins and we win tomorrow we are through?

If we win tomorrow we're through (not mathematically, but in reality). A German pummeling of Ghana and a US tie means we're probably through (but not for certain).

If we draw with Portugal, the goal difference in the Germany - Ghana game is meaningless if Germany wins.

Germany could win 5-0 or 1-0, the result is the same, Ghana can only get 3 points total which means they can never pass the US if the US draws with Portugal (US would have 4 points).

Germany putting a hurt on Ghana helps if we lose to Portugal though.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The 16 games make up the qualifying process for US. It is very fun to follow especially with the general craziness of the Concacaf region.

Don't expect the US to dominate though -- especially in the away games. They go to some very very hard places to play. As the European teams are finding out in this tournament when you go into a truly foreign and hostile environment it's harder to get results no matter how good you are. Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico are no pushovers at home.

Remember how lucky we were to get out of even little Antigua alive?

It is a shame Europeans will never respect this though. They think their luxury vacations to Malta, Faroe Islands, Lichenstien etc are the equivalent of CONCACAF minnows and it is not even close.

 

[Christo]

EPL starts back up 8/16.

 

[Christo]

Looks like Sabella quit ####### around and is starting the right lineup today. A little Messi show in the morning will be fun. Fernet for breakfast actually sounds pretty terrible though. I don't think it will pair well with my breakfast quesadilla.

Higuain-Messi-Aguero

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like Bruno Alves will be fit for the US game tomorrow

http://www.ojogo.pt/mundial2014/grupo_g/Portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=3984090

 

[guru_007]

ugh had a long write up when I lost connection and had to reboot.

Early game played Argentina ht/ft -175

Would be shock of tournament if Iran got a result today, so basically this is a bet that Argies get a first half goal, and then it will be money in the bank.

Not gonna play -660, and not going to lay a 2 goal handicap in a WC match (although in this tournament, goals have been put in by the bucketful).

Also think that there is a bit of value on o2.5 (-165) small, as I see Argie win/o2.5 goals at -170/-175, so you save a few cents playing just the over. Nothing would suit Argentina better than getting up 2, 3 goals early and subbing off Messi, Arguero, Di Maria and saving them for later in the tournament. This is a game Argentina should win, will win, and hopefully put it to bed early on.

g'luck

 

[Ignoramus]

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

The 16 games make up the qualifying process for US. It is very fun to follow especially with the general craziness of the Concacaf region.

Don't expect the US to dominate though -- especially in the away games. They go to some very very hard places to play. As the European teams are finding out in this tournament when you go into a truly foreign and hostile environment it's harder to get results no matter how good you are. Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico are no pushovers at home.

Remember how lucky we were to get out of even little Antigua alive?

It is a shame Europeans will never respect this though. They think their luxury vacations to Malta, Faroe Islands, Lichenstien etc are the equivalent of CONCACAF minnows and it is not even close.

I'm enjoying the eye-opener they're getting right now plenty. And it'll only get better if the US, Costa Rica, Uruguay and Chile advance while Spain, Italy, England and Portugal go home.

 

[guru_007]

Was thinking with Pepe, Coentrao and Jozy out, U.S. actually has a punchers shot to get a result tomorrow. I don't like Portugal to begin....that's gonna be a fun, match - may need to hit a bar for that one.

 

[otello]

Vamos Vamos!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yaya and Kolo Toure's 3rd brother died of cancer on Thursday. It sounds like they will remain with the team. He was also a pro soccer player.

 

[TenTimes]

We're going to play who, coach?

 

[Sinn Fein]

What's would you all consider the highest level of soccer. I heard mentioned here that the top club teams would probably have no trouble with Brazil/Argentina (hypothetically), so I'd think the euro league playoffs (champions league?), when does that start up again?

League-wise the EPL has the combination of the highest level/most competitive from top to bottom. Tournament is the Chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaampions!

I'm a fan of the PL, but you would get plausible arguments from German and Spanish fans.

Also, the PL is not as competitive past the top 6-7. At the top you'll have Man City, Man U, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, but you'll also have bottom feeders in the league like QPR, Leicester, and Burnley