BigIzz

I realize the color of Santa's suit is red and we hate red around here (except for the collar of our new kits) but I am speaking English. US won group C so these are now the official spellings for the indefinite future.

This thread is like complaining on Christmas Eve that Santa hasn't brought anything

I know they sing Carefree too. I was reading FIFA 11 will have custom chants and music (we can come out to Liquidator)

We didn't have to beat City last year though. Not to say I'd bank on that again. I'd have a hard time saying that the World Cup will be very draining in our squad, we didn't get anyone past the Round of 16. some of our players are old but to say they're past it isn't accurate (Drogba is past it?). I'm sure we will make signings to improve things. I'm not convinced we need big splashes to improve the team as necessary. BTW Lampard scored the second goal at Liverpool that basically clinched the title.

I certainly saw it. They had chances against the Dutch but couldn't finish. All their shots were pretty much right at the goalkeeper. Not to say the saves were easy but... I was talking more about the totality of their three games against New Zeland, Paraguay and Netherlands. Their attack was non existent for 95% of those matches.

I think Japan has played the same eleven for all four matches, I wonder what effect fatigue will have on the squad as this game goes on?

I agree, it would have been refreshing if Blatter had publicly supported adding such technology and vowed to back it among the other powers that be rather then just saying it will be discussed again. In all honesty, these calls are doing serious damage to the sport here in the United States. FIFA should be thankful that the US beat Algeria or else the American publics view of this World Cup would be that the US was screwed by their two disallowed goals. Not a real good way to build the sport in this country. In 2014, I wonder how many people who watched this World Cup will look forward to watching 90 minutes, seeing their team score a single goal only to have it be incorrectly disallowed. People outside the game quite rightly think this whole thing is foolish. Goals come at such a premium that the calls have to be correct. I can think of six off the top of my head they got wrong at this tournament (US vs Slovenia & Algeria, England vs Germany, 2 in Italy vs Slovenia, Mexico vs Argentina).

I thought FIFA had already fixed this problem and banned replays from being shown at the stadium?

After watching Slovakia play four games, how the heck did Italy concede three goals to this team? Other than that match their attack has been nearly nonexistent.

Well that's my point. Why not give him a hard foul when he's cutting in like that? Sure you'll give up a free kick in a very dangerous spot and maybe pickup a yellow but it might be better than the alternative. He almost scored again on the same move in the 50'.

I'm sure it's easier said than done but you'd think Slovika would do everything to take that move away from him.

Pretty drab first half, the Dutch seem content with a one goal lead. The Dutch and Brazil both seem to have given up their attacking, fluid ambitions for a more pragmatic and defensive approach. Let's see how it works. I must say, I haven't been particularly impressed with Hamsik this tournament, I don't get what all the fuss is about.

FIFA have announced the ref got the call right after all and have produced photographic evidence to support their ruling:

Barry is needed because of the US game where he didn't play and the English midfield was non-existent. Not to say he played well but they really didn't have anyone to replace him. As for Terry, Englands problems go far beyond who was captian. Their defense was not good enough. Blame Rio's injury if you want, personally I don't think he would have made much difference. The King gamble backfired. So did Carrigher. England don't have a goalkeeper. Rooney had a pathetic tournament. Heskey couldnt hit the ocean if he fell off a boat. Lampard and Gerrard don't play well together. The wide midfield doesn't contribute anything. This team was seriously overrated by many. It wasn't an Italian/French debacle because I think England finished about where they should have (round of 16, quarters at best).

Sounds good to me

Maybe, but you have to say the Germans are deserved winners.

Who has contributed to England more this World Cup: Rooney or Beckham?

Over the next forty matches maybe

I feel like I've seen this movie before

He's here, he's there, he's every f'ing where...

What is wrong with Rooney? He is a shadow of his former self. Here's hoping this form for him continues long into the season.

England still have serious issues. The players don't space themselves and position themselves properly. Their back line is terrible. It'll be impressive if they pull this out.

What a joke. That made Edu's disallowed goal look good. How can they get that wrong?

I agree but I doubt we see the diamond again anytime soon.

Oh call me a cynic but no matter how much he wants to go to United, I bet he'll end up with whomever paying the most.