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

[Sammy3469]

I thought Portugal looked dangerous early against Germany. Maybe even having the better of play before letting the first goal in and still looking a threat to score before Hummels' header. But once they went 2-0 down and Pepe reminded us that he's Pepe, all bets were off. Of course, that was with Coentrao, and I don't see Portugal having another player they can trust covering Ronaldo (I'd consider playing Ronaldo on the right and benching Nani for Varela, who I think is at least a little better two way player).

Hard to know what the absence of Muntari will do. One reason why I think the criticisms of Bradley from Sunday are weird is that I thought it was obvious that the US really destroyed Portugal's control in the middle of the field. Portugal completed a high percentage of passes, but very few incisive ones. Moutinho was passing sideways all night. Muntari did a great job pressuring Bradley, Lahm and Khadira in the first two games, so its safe to assume he could have taken Moutinho out of his comfort zone. I don't think 2014 Essien has that in him (but I didn't think 2014 Muntari had that in him before the cup, based on his club form).

FWIW, ZonalMarking has some interesting tidbits that I think we'll see again.

1. Germany wanted a slow game against Ghana. I assume the same will be true against us

2. Germany's LB is a big weakness. Hummels has to provide continued support out on the left which opens up space. Both of Ghana's goals were exploiting him

3. Lahm doesn't look that comfortable with the international game as a holding MF and may turn the ball over.

4. Ghana was allowing Germany tons of space, so I wouldn't be shocked if Moutinho has a ton of time.

5. The US really exploited Portugal's LB, so I'd expect Ghana will as well.

6. Per points 2 and 5, I'd expect the right side of the US starting 11 to stay the same to exploit the German LB

 

[Jaysus]

In a perfect world US and Ghana would advance, but that is not likily. I like The Ghana team.

In a perfect world US and Ghana would advance, but that is not likily. I like The Ghana team.

In a perfect world US and Ghana would advance, but that is not likily. I like The Ghana team.

In a perfect world US and Ghana would advance, but that is not likily. I like The Ghana team.

go back to russia, commie!

 

[The Z Machine]

BTW, I probbaly missed all the talk, but Yedlin has a motor. Damn, that kid is fast. I could see him as a late sub again simply for pace and trying to peg Germany back a bit.

 

[Tom Hagen]

2. Germany's LB is a big weakness. Hummels has to provide continued support out on the left which opens up space. Both of Ghana's goals were exploiting him

3. Lahm doesn't look that comfortable with the international game as a holding MF and may turn the ball over.

I'm no expert, but doesn't it seem like there is a pretty easy solution to these two problems. Why don't they move Lahm to LB and start Schweinsteiger?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Hard not to like Ghana.

pretty easy actually.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

BTW, I probbaly missed all the talk, but Yedlin has a motor. Damn, that kid is fast. I could see him as a late sub again simply for pace and trying to peg Germany back a bit.

Is he strictly a RB? Or can he play midfield too?

 

[Sammy3469]

2. Germany's LB is a big weakness. Hummels has to provide continued support out on the left which opens up space. Both of Ghana's goals were exploiting him

3. Lahm doesn't look that comfortable with the international game as a holding MF and may turn the ball over.

I'm no expert, but doesn't it seem like there is a pretty easy solution to these two problems. Why don't they move Lahm to LB and start Schweinsteiger?

There was a Yahoo article saying he'd start next to Lahm in midfield (I guess that means Kheidra sits). Of course Ballack agrees with you, so who knows.

 

[The Gator]

BTW, I probbaly missed all the talk, but Yedlin has a motor. Damn, that kid is fast. I could see him as a late sub again simply for pace and trying to peg Germany back a bit.

I'll take brains/soccer IQ over motor.

He should have tried to kill the game off instead of putting a cross in in the 94th minute.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

2. Germany's LB is a big weakness. Hummels has to provide continued support out on the left which opens up space. Both of Ghana's goals were exploiting him

3. Lahm doesn't look that comfortable with the international game as a holding MF and may turn the ball over.

I'm no expert, but doesn't it seem like there is a pretty easy solution to these two problems. Why don't they move Lahm to LB and start Schweinsteiger?

Mourinho wondered the same thing. Schweiny doesn't appear to be back to full fitness though, and some thought he even faded as a sub against Ghana (he definitely changed the game when he first came on). Khadira is also clearly not at full fitness and is being challenged to go 90 in the conditions they've faced (average temperature for Germany's two games has been 85 degrees, hotter than the US's two).

 

[The Gator]

BTW, I probbaly missed all the talk, but Yedlin has a motor. Damn, that kid is fast. I could see him as a late sub again simply for pace and trying to peg Germany back a bit.

Is he strictly a RB? Or can he play midfield too?

He basically played RM when he came on for Bedoya and Fab stayed on at RB. Got caught you far upfield after losing the ball for a throw in. Don't think he fits there

 

[QuizGuy66]

So... before the game kicks off tomorrow...

Would you rather see the US park the bus, Italy-style, and go for a 0-0 draw? Which could potentially have the advantage of convincing the Germans that 0-0 is a good result for them too and why rock the boat?

Or do you want to see attacking tactics and the US go for the win?

I'm sort of on the fence, but feel like attacking is a little naive. Wouldn't mind seeing something like...

--------Howard

Fab Cameron Besler DMB

----Beckerman Jones

Zusi--Bradley--Bedoya

-------Dempsey

Where Jones and Bedoya are asked to stay at home more, and we're not as aggressive with our fullbacks. If Bradley, Zusi and Dempsey can steal a goal -- great. But basically adopt a conservative posture while the game is tied.

No, to be honest I wouldn't mind seeing something similar to Portugal except eschewing the handful of stupid mistakes - parking the bus for 90 minutes in this World Cup is a near-impossible task and when you consider that the main concern for us is a worrisome backline it's hard to see us not getting broken down at some point.

I also think Germany is going to play normal - when you really break down the scenarios they have nothing to lose really - even if they lose the game it would take a miracle for them to get eliminated. Germany playing positive, however, gives the Germans the benefit of keep their momentum going. If the game is getting into the 83rd minute and a tie is the only way we are going through b/c of the state of the other game, then I think we are more likely to park the bus and hang on.

I'm not saying we should be wreckless bringing guys forward - I just think that positive possession is going to be the better strategy all the way around for us. And if a tie is all we really need, getting the first goal makes things safer for us.

-QG

 

[Eephus]

2. Germany's LB is a big weakness. Hummels has to provide continued support out on the left which opens up space. Both of Ghana's goals were exploiting him

3. Lahm doesn't look that comfortable with the international game as a holding MF and may turn the ball over.

I'm no expert, but doesn't it seem like there is a pretty easy solution to these two problems. Why don't they move Lahm to LB and start Schweinsteiger?

Mourinho wondered the same thing. Schweiny doesn't appear to be back to full fitness though, and some thought he even faded as a sub against Ghana (he definitely changed the game when he first came on). Khadira is also clearly not at full fitness and is being challenged to go 90 in the conditions they've faced (average temperature for Germany's two games has been 85 degrees, hotter than the US's two).

Boateng and Khedira both are carrying knocks from the second game

 

[QuizGuy66]

I thought Portugal looked dangerous early against Germany. Maybe even having the better of play before letting the first goal in and still looking a threat to score before Hummels' header. But once they went 2-0 down and Pepe reminded us that he's Pepe, all bets were off. Of course, that was with Coentrao, and I don't see Portugal having another player they can trust covering Ronaldo (I'd consider playing Ronaldo on the right and benching Nani for Varela, who I think is at least a little better two way player).

Hard to know what the absence of Muntari will do. One reason why I think the criticisms of Bradley from Sunday are weird is that I thought it was obvious that the US really destroyed Portugal's control in the middle of the field. Portugal completed a high percentage of passes, but very few incisive ones. Moutinho was passing sideways all night. Muntari did a great job pressuring Bradley, Lahm and Khadira in the first two games, so its safe to assume he could have taken Moutinho out of his comfort zone. I don't think 2014 Essien has that in him (but I didn't think 2014 Muntari had that in him before the cup, based on his club form).

FWIW, ZonalMarking has some interesting tidbits that I think we'll see again.

1. Germany wanted a slow game against Ghana. I assume the same will be true against us

2. Germany's LB is a big weakness. Hummels has to provide continued support out on the left which opens up space. Both of Ghana's goals were exploiting him

3. Lahm doesn't look that comfortable with the international game as a holding MF and may turn the ball over.

4. Ghana was allowing Germany tons of space, so I wouldn't be shocked if Moutinho has a ton of time.

5. The US really exploited Portugal's LB, so I'd expect Ghana will as well.

6. Per points 2 and 5, I'd expect the right side of the US starting 11 to stay the same to exploit the German LB

The one constant of this group seems to be weakness at LB attacked by all teams with strong players on the right on all teams. It's kinda funny - like all 4 teams running toss sweeps or something.

-QG

 

[The Z Machine]

BTW, I probbaly missed all the talk, but Yedlin has a motor. Damn, that kid is fast. I could see him as a late sub again simply for pace and trying to peg Germany back a bit.

I'll take brains/soccer IQ over motor.

He should have tried to kill the game off instead of putting a cross in in the 94th minute.

Oh, no ####. That's impexperience and brains, but you can't buy a guy with that closing speed to bring on in the 80th to run an entire side of the opposition into the ground like Yedlin did. He needs to learn to kill a game through possession, tackling, taking a yellow, and yes, gamesmanship.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

BTW, I probbaly missed all the talk, but Yedlin has a motor. Damn, that kid is fast. I could see him as a late sub again simply for pace and trying to peg Germany back a bit.

Is he strictly a RB? Or can he play midfield too?

He basically played RM when he came on for Bedoya and Fab stayed on at RB. Got caught you far upfield after losing the ball for a throw in. Don't think he fits there

I think that's a bit outcome oriented. He tried a cross where he maybe should have kept the ball in the corner. We can quibble with that decision, but the ball came right back to him. He then posted up strong in the corner and kept the defender at bay for several seconds (with the ref allowing some pretty spirited pushing) before conceding the throw.

On the throw, Klinsmann wanted the defense to press high, so the US kept a high attacking triangle (we can agree or disagree with that, but Ballack liked that decision). The pressing prevented Portugal from easily playing out of the back, which caused a long boot that was headed to midfield, where Bradley's touch was poor and we know what happened.

 

[Ignoramus]

Hard not to like Ghana.

pretty easy actually.

Probably roots for the North Korean squad, too.

 

[QuizGuy66]

So Ghana's government has averted a last-minute crisis and is airlifting $3m to Brazil to pay its players per yahoo.

Not sure why they'd want to walk around Brazil with all that cash (much less tell everyone they have it) but then again given all of the trouble that Nigerian princes seem to have wiring money, I can see their trepidation with that method of payment.

-QG

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

There's also a match-fixing scandal buzzing around Ghana (a Ghana FA official is apparently on tape arranging to fix post-WC friendlies). I wish I believed in "distractions."

 

[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

Bumpity for today This was 63 pages ago

-QG

 

[roadkill1292]

Hard not to like Ghana.

pretty easy actually.

Probably roots for the North Korean squad, too.

As usual, I don't get it.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Here's your Group F scenarios:

Argentina win the group with a win or a tie vs Nigeria

Nigeria are through with:

1) a win (also win the group) or tie

or 2) an Iran loss or tie

or 3) a loss by exactly 1 and a win by Iran by exactly 1 and Nigeria scores at least the same number of goals as Iran does.

or 4) a loss by exactly 1 and a win by Iran by exactly 1 and Iran scores exactly 1 more goal than Nigeria and Nigeria wins the drawing of lots.

Iran are through with:

1) a win by 2 or more and a Nigeria loss

or 2) a win by 1 and a Nigeria loss by 2 or more

or 3) a win by exactly 1 and a Nigeria loss by exactly 1 and Iran scores at least 2 more goals than Nigeria does

or 4) a win by exactly 1 and a Nigeria loss by exactly 1 and Iran scores exactly 1 more goal than Nigeria and Iran wins the drawing of lots.

-QG

Bumpity for this scenario as well

This has to be the best chance we've had for the drawing of lots deciding a spot in quite some time.

Slightly easier to follow explanation of when lots would be drawn:

If Argentina and Iran both win by 1 and win by the exact same score (e.g. both win 2-1 or both win 3-2 etc) then it's time to break out the ping pong balls!

-QG

 

[Tom Hagen]

So Ghana's government has averted a last-minute crisis and is airlifting $3m to Brazil to pay its players per yahoo.

Not sure why they'd want to walk around Brazil with all that cash (much less tell everyone they have it) but then again given all of the trouble that Nigerian princes seem to have wiring money, I can see their trepidation with that method of payment.

-QG

I hope they gave everyone the flight number and ETA. What could go wrong?

 

[Mjolnirs]

Müller and Bierhoff talk about the USA match

THOMAS MÜLLER ON...

... the match against the USA: We want to play well and concede fewer goals. We want to make sure we win the group and we’re focused on that. We’ve got to be extremely careful, as the tournament can be over more quickly than you realise, and we’ve always got to be aware of that.

... the key to success: The best approach is to keep the ball as much as possible and make sure we do not give up possession needlessly. We’ve got to play passionate, aggressive and smart football.

... the World Cup Golden Boot: I’m very relaxed about that. I want to be a world champion. I’ve already won a Golden Boot so I have no idea what I’d do with a second one, but I haven’t got a World Cup title yet.

... his expectations for the match: We’ll seek to have greater possession but we’ll also try to launch quick counterattacks whenever we win the ball. We have our own way of playing football and we certainly won’t change that. We’ll try to dominate the match, both in attack and defence.

... Jürgen Klinsmann: I owe my early professional development and my first Bundesliga appearance to him. As a young player, it’s always good when you’re handed a chance in football, but we’re playing against the USA this week, not Jürgen Klinsmann.

.... Klinsmann’s influence on the current national team: Of course, he brought in several elements such as the fitness team, for example, but everything else now carries the hallmark of Jogi Löw. He has shaped our philosophy since then.

OLIVER BIERHOFF ON...

... the squad situation ahead of the USA match: All our players are fit and have completed full training. The coach can call on any of them.

... the encounter with the USA: It’s a crucial game for the USA, and Jürgen Klinsmann will certainly fire up his team.

.... the quality of the USA: They’re very well disciplined and organised on the pitch, and they use their immense determination and athleticism to get themselves back into matches. They’ll try to restrict our combination play by using two or three players in their build-up play when attacking.

... meeting up with Jürgen Klinsmann: I always prefer to look ahead rather than back, so in that respect it won’t be a journey into the past. I’ll always associate him with the great times we had together as players and particularly the intense and successful experience we had at the 2006 World Cup. We haven’t had any contact in the build-up to this tournament because each of us knows we have to focus here. We’ll greet each other warmly but then we’ll go back to concentrating on what each of us has to do.

... Jürgen Klinsmann’s reputation as a great motivator: It’s not fair to simply refer to him as a motivator. He gave German football a spark that has ultimately spread to the Bundesliga too. He has unbelievable energy and a real instinct for situations. He doesn’t shy away from confrontation and has the courage to insist upon or implement things he is convinced about. He has become much more of a coach than a motivator over the years.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Hummels - I didn't expect the USA to be so strong

MATS HUMMELS ON...

... the USA’s playing style: It’s important we don’t become too passive against them as we must take full advantage of our possession. The USA really surprised me; I knew they had good players but I didn’t expect them to play so strongly, particularly against Portugal. That said, our Miami trip last year showed that they have what it takes.

... the possibility of playing for a draw against the USA: We don’t want to play for a draw, but if it’s 1-1 after 90 minutes then we naturally won’t be going in for any big tackles.

... Philipp Lahm’s midfield position: We haven’t discussed the idea of a favoured position for Philipp within the camp. He does a great job in both positions, so for me it doesn’t matter too much whether he plays in defence or midfield.

... the summer of 2006: Like almost everybody else, I followed the 2006 World Cup as a football fan. It was an incredibly intense period of football; I couldn’t think about anything else. I’ve never met Jürgen Klinsmann but I’ve heard good things about him.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Hard not to like Ghana.

pretty easy actually.

Probably roots for the North Korean squad, too.

As usual, I don't get it.

Ghana knocked America out of the last two World Cups and you somehow find it easy to like them?

 

[The Gator]

BTW, I probbaly missed all the talk, but Yedlin has a motor. Damn, that kid is fast. I could see him as a late sub again simply for pace and trying to peg Germany back a bit.

Is he strictly a RB? Or can he play midfield too?

He basically played RM when he came on for Bedoya and Fab stayed on at RB. Got caught you far upfield after losing the ball for a throw in. Don't think he fits there

I think that's a bit outcome oriented. He tried a cross where he maybe should have kept the ball in the corner. We can quibble with that decision, but the ball came right back to him. He then posted up strong in the corner and kept the defender at bay for several seconds (with the ref allowing some pretty spirited pushing) before conceding the throw.

On the throw, Klinsmann wanted the defense to press high, so the US kept a high attacking triangle (we can agree or disagree with that, but Ballack liked that decision). The pressing prevented Portugal from easily playing out of the back, which caused a long boot that was headed to midfield, where Bradley's touch was poor and we know what happened.

I thought Klinsmann was waiving for them to get back? I might be confusing the tv/field field views though..either way, I agree with you it was wrong. It's pointless press with so few forward players. That effectively left us with only two guys pressing and in a 6-2-2 with Bradley/Beckerman outnumbered in midfield.

 

[B Maverick]

For those comparing Suarez to Cantona and Keene keep in mind that this is a different time. Social Media, cameras, connectivity are all greater so there can be greater outrage. Also the game allowed for more of that type of play then it does now.

NO I AM NOT DEFENDING CANTONA OR KEENE

However, Cantona served an 8 month suspension for his actions. 8 MONTHS. Pretty good ban. What has Suarez served?

Keene should have been banned for life for trying to hurt a player intentionally. But again it was a different time and these things happened.

Very often players will tell you that the most insulting thing you can do to someone else is spit on them. Lalas would rather get punched in the face then spit on (I know its lalas but the point is the same). Biting to me is lower then spiting. And its his third time doing it. 3! If you give him a significant ban and he is welcomed back then there is nothing anyone can say about it. If you dont ban him, then comparing him to Cantona and asking how can you be outraged at his coming back when you welcomed Cantona back doesnt work.

Twellman says ban him for life, I think Lalas said 2 years. I say ban him for a year all competitions. Was reading Eurosport with comments from columnists in other countries wanting him banned from anywhere from 1 game to life. One even said it should have only been a yellow card so nothing further should happen. Opinions are all over the place.

OK off my rant now.

And yes it was a clear penalty that gave Greece the win. Despite what certain outlets want to say (bleacher report).

 

[TenTimes]

So Ghana's government has averted a last-minute crisis and is airlifting $3m to Brazil to pay its players per yahoo.

Not sure why they'd want to walk around Brazil with all that cash (much less tell everyone they have it) but then again given all of the trouble that Nigerian princes seem to have wiring money, I can see their trepidation with that method of payment.

-QG

Exchange rate*. $3m gets you 6 million underaged prostitutes in Brazil.

*- I'm assuming this is the reason. Not sure what $3m gets you in Ghana.

 

[Sammy3469]

Germany certainly sounds like they will be parking the bus at some point.

 

[The Gator]

For those comparing Suarez to Cantona and Keene keep in mind that this is a different time. Social Media, cameras, connectivity are all greater so there can be greater outrage. Also the game allowed for more of that type of play then it does now.

NO I AM NOT DEFENDING CANTONA OR KEENE

Spoiler

 

[TheIronSheik]

I have this strange urge to pull for Iran to go through.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Germany certainly sounds like they will be parking the bus at some point.

Thought the same thing. Convinces me that the US should send very few guys forward while the game is tied. Play 3-4 man counters and keep everyone else back.

Would gladly sign up right now for a 0-0 game that draws howls of derision from Ghana and Portugal, and three days of HSTs from soccer newbies.

 

[B-Deep]

HST...did i miss that? what is it

 

[NewlyRetired]

BTW, I probbaly missed all the talk, but Yedlin has a motor. Damn, that kid is fast. I could see him as a late sub again simply for pace and trying to peg Germany back a bit.

Is he strictly a RB? Or can he play midfield too?

He basically played RM when he came on for Bedoya and Fab stayed on at RB. Got caught you far upfield after losing the ball for a throw in. Don't think he fits there

There would not have been a game to kill off if he did not sub in for Bedoya. He did more in his short time offensively, including playing a huge part in the go ahead goal, than Bedoya did offensively his entire time on the field.

Yedlin is pretty much the only player we have that can get behind a defense with his pure athletic ability, outside of Fab. I would be more than happy to see him sub in at right half again. There is no one on the German left side that can run with him, and when you add in tired legs and lots of heat, that could play into the US hands.

He is not ready to play RB at this level. He is a fantastic offensive RB in MLS but even there his defensive deficiencies are pretty evident.

People sometimes forget how little experience he has. He has come a long way extremely fast.

 

[Sammy3469]

Germany certainly sounds like they will be parking the bus at some point.

Thought the same thing. Convinces me that the US should send very few guys forward while the game is tied. Play 3-4 man counters and keep everyone else back.

Would gladly sign up right now for a 0-0 game that draws howls of derision from Ghana and Portugal, and three days of HSTs from soccer newbies.

For Hummel's to admit they'll basically stop playing at 1-1 in the 90th minute and for Muller to say they need to be extremely careful and to look for counters tells you all you need to know. I'll gladly give them 100% of the possession if they'll just pass the ball back and forth to each other for 90 minutes.

 

[NewlyRetired]

HST...did i miss that? what is it

Hot Sports Take. There is a thread for it.

It appears to be a combination of strongly opinionated pieces sometimes back up with correct facts, other times backed up with things that look purely made up.

 

[B-Deep]

HST...did i miss that? what is it

Hot Sports Take. There is a thread for it.

It appears to be a combination of strongly opinionated pieces sometimes back up with correct facts, other times backed up with things that look purely made up.

ahhh got it

kids these days

 

[sporthenry]

Studs up on Mascherano. Guess he should have gotten a red.

 

[NewlyRetired]

If this is going to be one big game of keep away, the US has to be extremely careful not to give away set pieces. The Germans will be more than happy to get looks at goal on free kicks or corners where they excel.

 

[sporthenry]

Guess Argentines will start to like Messi now.

 

[Worm]

Lol at this match

 

[The Gator]

BARN BURNER

 

[Sammy3469]

1-1 already...jeez

 

[B Maverick]

For those comparing Suarez to Cantona and Keene keep in mind that this is a different time. Social Media, cameras, connectivity are all greater so there can be greater outrage. Also the game allowed for more of that type of play then it does now.

NO I AM NOT DEFENDING CANTONA OR KEENE

However, Cantona served an 8 month suspension for his actions. 8 MONTHS. Pretty good ban. What has Suarez served?

Keene should have been banned for life for trying to hurt a player intentionally. But again it was a different time and these things happened.

Spoiler

Whys that?

 

[NewlyRetired]

I think that Argie goal means no possible drawing of lots now, thankfully.

The big name players have been front and center this first round. Come on CRo, don't let the spot light be taken away from you.

 

[roadkill1292]

Hard not to like Ghana.

pretty easy actually.

Probably roots for the North Korean squad, too.

As usual, I don't get it.

Ghana knocked America out of the last two World Cups and you somehow find it easy to like them?

Sure, it's not personal. I like their style.

 

[B Maverick]

1-1 already...jeez

5 mins in? wtf?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Hard not to like Ghana.

pretty easy actually.

Probably roots for the North Korean squad, too.

As usual, I don't get it.

Ghana knocked America out of the last two World Cups and you somehow find it easy to like them?

Sure, it's not personal. I like their style.

I love their play as well. If it wasn't for the damn tie breakers I would happily root for them to pound Portugal.

 

[The Gator]

For those comparing Suarez to Cantona and Keene keep in mind that this is a different time. Social Media, cameras, connectivity are all greater so there can be greater outrage. Also the game allowed for more of that type of play then it does now.

NO I AM NOT DEFENDING CANTONA OR KEENE



However, Cantona served an 8 month suspension for his actions. 8 MONTHS. Pretty good ban. What has Suarez served?

Keene should have been banned for life for trying to hurt a player intentionally. But again it was a different time and these things happened.

Spoiler

Whys that?

I didn't edit enough of your post, sorry...Was calling BS on defending Cantona

 

[sporthenry]

I think that Argie goal means no possible drawing of lots now, thankfully.

The big name players have been front and center this first round. Come on CRo, don't let the spot light be taken away from you.

Drawing of lots can still happen but less likely. Iran needs to win and Nigeria lose while Iran scores 1 more goal than Nigeria.