ethicalstrategy Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 So, the quarter finals are set and we get a couple of days off to catch up on a backlog of Eastenders and Corrie on Sky+. Maybe talk to the wife a bit. Reintroduce ourselves to the children. Time to reflect on the tournament so far and look ahead at what's to come. I have to say that overall I've been very disappointed with this world cup. Very few memorable matches and a lot of teams being stifled by well organised but limited "lesser" teams. England lived up to the expectations of a nation and failed miserably. France provided the most humorous moments of the tournament. Italy proved that it is no coincidence Inter had to play without any Italians in order to win the CL. I'm sure New Zealand are delighted that they out shone their antipodean cousins. Initially promising refereeing has reverted to type as the tournament has gone on. Culminating in the shambles on Sunday in both matches. The jabulani ball proved too much for most players, although as we have progressed it seems to be less of an issue as players have adapted. Still a nightmare for goalkeepers though. Looking forward, the quarters look promising. The line up is: Friday: Netherlands v. Brazil 15:00 BST Uruguay v. Ghana 19:30 BST Then Saturday sees: Argentina v. Germany 15:00 BST Spain v. Paraguay 19:30 BST Pick of the bunch is Holland and Brazil. Brazil have to be favourites with their very strong defence and a touch of magic up front. Holland should prove a stern test if they can get Robben on the ball. I think Brazil will have too much for them though. Argentina and Germany should also be good. A very hard one to call. Germany looked very vulnerable against England when we actually got on the ball and Argentina's forwards should cause them plenty of problems. Argentina haven't really been tested too much and are also defensively suspect but I think they ought to win. In the other two matches I expect Spain and Uruguay to have too much quality for their opponents. Ghana have been the best of the African nations but lack the cutting edge up front. How they must long for a Drogba or Eto'o. Paraguay will frustrate Spain but again don't really have the threat to win that match.
Mikstaw Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 Holland-Brazil-most interesting match! Argentina-Germany will be very interesting too!
Zola Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 (edited) I have really enjoyed it all. Few dull games, but not every match is going to be a cracker. Your always going to look at it a little more negatively/sourly when England have been hyped up to ungodly levels, then brought down to Earth with a crash. But in saying that the knockout stages are always better. High stake games! Edited June 30, 2010 by Zola
PloKoon13 Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 The prospect of Argentina - Spain makes my mouth water.
Mikstaw Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 The prospect of Argentina - Spain makes my mouth water. Yeah, it would be ABSOLUTELY fantastic semi-final!
Hutch Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 The prospect of Argentina - Spain makes my mouth water. Opal Fruits will do that for you. so will a mouth ulcer.
Nibs Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 Think this World Cup has been pretty poor to be honest with very few memorable moments like we have had in World Cups down the years. I think the reasons are numerous but the major one being too many of the teams relying on the typical modern day type player. You know the one, Athlete First, Footballer Second. Perhaps it's just the saturation we now get with football on TV. When I was a kid, the World Cup was one of the few occassions to see top players playing live on TV. Now you can see it all the time and as I get older, I actually resent wasting 90+ minutes of my time watching a complete bore of a game when I could have been doing something more productive. But I am looking forward to Brazil v Holland and Argentina v Germany and just maybe the 2010 Final will be one to remember in 20+ years time.
dkw Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 (edited) Its been sh*t, stupid world cup. making us lose and stuff. Premier league is better. and anyway, them other teams are all cheats and things. Edited June 30, 2010 by dkw
The Moos Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 The prospect of Argentina - Spain makes my mouth water. Germany - Paraguay is kinda neat as well :)
Zola Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 Think this World Cup has been pretty poor to be honest with very few memorable moments like we have had in World Cups down the years. I think the reasons are numerous but the major one being too many of the teams relying on the typical modern day type player. You know the one, Athlete First, Footballer Second. Perhaps it's just the saturation we now get with football on TV. When I was a kid, the World Cup was one of the few occassions to see top players playing live on TV. Now you can see it all the time and as I get older, I actually resent wasting 90+ minutes of my time watching a complete bore of a game when I could have been doing something more productive. But I am looking forward to Brazil v Holland and Argentina v Germany and just maybe the 2010 Final will be one to remember in 20+ years time. Interesting points. I think footballing standards globally have improved, as well as fitness and coaching etc... That's maybe why the games are more tight now, not as of a much gulf between the previously considered minnows and giants.
Liam Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 Think this World Cup has been pretty poor to be honest with very few memorable moments like we have had in World Cups down the years. I think the reasons are numerous but the major one being too many of the teams relying on the typical modern day type player. You know the one, Athlete First, Footballer Second. Do you remember the "Death of Football" midfield pioneered by none other than oursleves? This World Cup is proof that we are getting closer to that every day. Of course I blame the whole sorry mess on Mourinho. Highlights for me have been Robben's cameos and David Villa. I also thought the referee in the Spain/Portugal match was brilliant the way he ignored all those annoying push-the-ball-past-the-defender-and-then-run-into-him-looking-for-a-free moments. According to an angle shown on Irish TV he got the sending off spot on. One consolation for Ethicalstrategy must have been Germany's first goal against England. Now that's football as it should be played.
ace Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 As an American I will always enjoy the World Cup because it's one of the few times that most of my friends actually follow the sport, and all my built up knowledge about the players and sport is actually worth something. I've enjoyed this World Cup on a more personal note because the Americans at least made it out of the group stage. I know a lot of (American) writers who are dismissing that as not an accomplishment, that they should be doing that every year, but I always find the US to be vastly overrated and so any progress is a relief for me. Still, would've been nice to still be playing right now....
ethicalstrategy Posted June 30, 2010 Author Posted June 30, 2010 One consolation for Ethicalstrategy must have been Germany's first goal against England. Now that's football as it should be played. Pinpoint accuracy like that isn't easy you know. Agree about the ref in the Spain v. Portugal match. Excellent.
PloKoon13 Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 It's football yeah its good? Essentially my view on the World Cup.
Mikstaw Posted July 2, 2010 Posted July 2, 2010 Brazil coach, Dunga, before Friday's World Cup quarterfinal meeting with the Netherlands, said that in the team's most feared Orange Bayern Munich midfielder Arjen Robben. - Without a doubt, Robben is an exceptional player. If you analyze the games of Bayern Munich last season rapidly comes to the conclusion that it was his attitude determined the outcome. Such a player always makes the difference - Dunga said at a press conference. The coach expects good game on Friday. - Both teams play very well technically, the fans will have a lot of fun watching this meeting - announced coach. 46-year-old coach also explained Canarinhos the defensive style of play his charges. Many famous people, including Pele, Dunga Criticises despite success on the World Cup. - Each debate is positive, in football, too. If it is 1000 heads are always better than one, there are more arguments. But I make decisions - said the coach. - Everyone looks at football the other way and this is normal. I listen to my critics, some of their comments welcome, but many do not agree completely - added the Brazilian. from: www.onet.pl
Valerie Posted July 2, 2010 Posted July 2, 2010 Dutch tension and the appearance of orange clothing and paraphernalia are rising. I fear we may be in for a massive disappointment.
Randy36 Posted July 3, 2010 Posted July 3, 2010 I won't be surprised if it turns out to be an All European Final:- Netherlands versus Spain
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