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Post by Yossarian on May 30, 2006 20:22:30 GMT -5
Yes….its World Cup time!!! I can’t wait for the 9th and the start of this tournament, the biggest sporting even on the planet in terms of popularity.
Its generally a big deal in my family. I’m Canadian of Italian descent, and my wife was born in Campinas, Sao Paulo, in Brazil. When Canada can't take part (that's another story) I cheer for Italy, naturally. So as you can expect, there is usually a little tension during matches involving either team.
The favorites are Brazil, who are actually stronger team on paper than the one that won 4 years ago. Generally, a tournament like this is always won in the midfield. Whichever team has the capability to control the tempo of the game through the midfield most consistently through the tournament, usually wins, or goes far. Having said that here is my take on things:
Brazil: 4 legitimate superstars (Kaka, Ronaldinho, Adriano, Ronaldo) up front, with a dynamic supporting cast, but only one ball. Can they put aside their egos and mesh together to sweep away the world once again? A suspect (and aging) back line, with questions about their goaltending as well maybe the only weak links, for the few moments they may not have the ball.
Italy: As always, strong backline and powerful forwards, but a question in midfield bridging the gap, although potential is there in Pirlo and young player De Rossi, if he gets playing time over more experienced players. Problems in recent past with players playing for the name on the back of the jersey instead of the front, but their coach Lippi is a stronger tactician and motivator than most recent coach, which they will need to overcome the cloud over the team because of the scandels in Serie A. The last time the team faced similar adversity was 1982, when they won it all, so who knows….
England: I love their two midfielders who are talented and are hard workers(Lampard, Gerrard), and have the talent to carry this team far. My choice to upset Brazil, if anyone does. Rooney's injury hurts this team definately, but Owen and Rooney’s fitness won’t matter as much as the media is suggesting if the above midfielders can do their work.
Argentina: Big name, euro-based players (Samuel, Zanetti, Veron) left off the team for new blood…and some pretty dynamic new blood, especially Lionel Messi, who is only 18 and Riquelme and Tevez as well. I’m looking forward to seeing this team play, trying to make up for an extremely disappointing tournament 4 years ago.
Other Euro notables: France and Czech Republic (Zidane and Nedved’s last stand) with above average supporting casts. Could easily sneak into final 4 if things go their way. France has a pretty easy path to the Semi-finals, the Czech Republic much more difficult.
Spain, Portugal and Holland, all with decent talent trying to reverse big tournament fortunes. Another Euro darkhorse is Croatia.
African Nations: Traditional African soccer giants Cameroon, Nigeria and Senegal all failed to qualify. Can Ghana (tough group), and Ivory Coast fill the void? Both have players playing in top Euro leagues, so there is talent.
Others:
USA-Is their FIFA ranking a smokescreen?
Iran – Many don’t want them in the tournament for political reasons, but have 3 German based players that can lead them into the second round.
Serbia and Montenegro – Montenegro just voted for independence. The last time they will be playing together. The key Montenegran on the team is injured (Vucinic) which will hurt the team.
I will be in Sao Paulo and other parts of Brazil on July 14 for vacation so I’m hoping for a Brazil victory to revel in the post World Cup Victory (which should last about 6 weeks, or as long as the Caipirinhas are flowing!!!)
Anyway, lets here your comments, predictions, and who you are cheering for, even just for sentimental reasons, if you don’t follow soccer or are a fan every 4 years.
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Post by franko on May 30, 2006 21:42:00 GMT -5
Where's the poll? And where are the brackets? I've looked around the FIFA web site but there's nothing. [edit: it's here] USA's ranking is a bit of a joke. Greece is higher than I thought they'd be . . . they're doing nothing this year. I'm going  over  |
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Post by CentreHice on May 30, 2006 22:07:52 GMT -5
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Post by Toronthab on May 30, 2006 22:36:37 GMT -5
QUOTE:"Generally, a tournament like this is always won in the midfield. Whichever team has the capability to control the tempo of the game through the midfield most consistently through the tournament, usually wins, or goes far."
This suggests a couple of things to me and my best buddy is a Scottish (defunct protestant agnostic!!!!!) soccer fan and was/is a pretty good player, (and golfer)
If you wouldn't mind, and if it won't take the rest of your life on earth, maybe you could explain this critical midfield dimension or post a site
Thanks
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Post by Toronthab on May 30, 2006 22:43:20 GMT -5
QUOTE:"Generally, a tournament like this is always won in the midfield. Whichever team has the capability to control the tempo of the game through the midfield most consistently through the tournament, usually wins, or goes far." This suggests a couple of things to me and my best buddy is a Scottish (defunct protestant agnostic!!!!!) soccer fan and was/is a pretty good player, (and golfer) If you wouldn't mind, and if it won't take the rest of your life on earth, maybe you could explain this critical midfield dimension or post a site Thanks I like skill and daring ( I like what I lack?) and from what someone posted earlier, Brazil are the fun guys. So I'll take Brazil. |
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Post by Yossarian on May 31, 2006 18:29:06 GMT -5
Yes Franko, I’m sorry. I forgot to mention the German hosts in my post. Generally a traditional soccer power, but a team in transition, with many young players surrounding Michael Ballack, a true star. And I didn't even think of a poll, which would have been appropriate. Toronthab, regarding my point, sorry no link. I am by no means a technical expert in the nuances of the game, and I didn't mean to come across as one, this was just one of my observations over the many years o f playing, watching and coaching the game. Then again, read the first line of the report of today's WC prep game between Switzerland and Italy. Maybe I do know what I'm talking about...  goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=62309Generally, the attack is generated by midfielders (3-5 position players depending on the formation chosen by the coach), or even defenders who play the flanks and attack on the wings , or creative forwards who hang back a bit from the true strikers who wait for the passes and crosses. It is also the first real line of defence, through pressuring the ball carriers (pressing is the term footballers use) to thwart attacks. The forwards get all the goals and glory, but all the work is done in the midfield where the scoring changes are generated. Sometimes it isn’t even a question of pure talent, but more a case of who works hardest in midfield, like Greece in Euro 2004. A midfielder, Zagorakis, led his team to the title, earning tournament MVP with sheer hard work. In a game look for attacking runs with the ball, precise passes and crosses, and tireless running into space. There is usually one midfield player primarly devoted to assisting the back line in thwarting attacks, chasing down ball carriers. Owen Hargraeves, a Calgary born and trained player, with an English father, plays this role off the bench for England, and is also the designated marker, usually providing man-to-man coverage against the other team’s best attacking midfielder. A Guy Carbonneau of soccer, if you will. Look for a seamless flow from the defence to the attack, with precise passing and tireless running, for the sign of a strong midfield. If a team resorts to long volleys, by-passing the midfield altogether, or if the play consistently stalls with a constant loss of possession in the midfield, without an attempt into the penalty area, or a shot at goal, the team will likely won’t be playing for long in such a tournament, IMO. Basically, I believe you can have all the talent at forward and defence, but you need at least two technical proficient players in midfield (skilled at making accurate passes and crosses, retrieving passes efficiently with both feet, chest and head, and making quick, fluid turns and decisions with the ball, and the ability to take the occasional crack at the net with an accurate shot (in motion or from a set play), and have the fitness and will to run forever and press against the attackers. Pavel Nedved of the Czech Republic is one such player, whose play I've always admired. Hope this explanation helps a bit. |
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Post by Cranky on May 31, 2006 20:09:38 GMT -5
USA's ranking is a bit of a joke. Greece is higher than I thought they'd be . . . they're doing nothing this year. Hey! HEY! Watch how you dis Greece or I'll have someone recite you the Good Book Of Curses! Last time Greece wasn't "doing much", she won the Euro Cup....and she was ranked 37th. www.fifa.com/en/mens/statistics/index/0,2548,All-Feb-2006,00.html |
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Post by franko on May 31, 2006 21:55:51 GMT -5
USA's ranking is a bit of a joke. Greece is higher than I thought they'd be . . . they're doing nothing this year. Hey! HEY! Watch how you dis Greece or I'll have someone recite you the Good Book Of Curses! Last time Greece wasn't "doing much", she won the Euro Cup....and she was ranked 37th. www.fifa.com/en/mens/statistics/index/0,2548,All-Feb-2006,00.html I was ready and expecting that one. Last time they snuck up on the rest of the world with their trap and hard work. Twice in a row? Methinks not. Especially since they aren't in it!It's my wife's family's German blood that has me heading their way . . . homefield their advantage to get them through if they can. Unrealistic? Probably . . . but that team with the blue and white flag did indeed show the world that unrealistic does not mean impossible. |
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Post by Toronthab on Jun 1, 2006 0:01:11 GMT -5
Yes Franko, I’m sorry. I forgot to mention the German hosts in my post. Generally a traditional soccer power, but a team in transition, with many young players surrounding Michael Ballack, a true star. And I didn't even think of a poll, which would have been appropriate. Toronthab, regarding my point, sorry no link. I am by no means a technical expert in the nuances of the game, and I didn't mean to come across as one, this was just one of my observations over the many years o f playing, watching and coaching the game. Then again, read the first line of the report of today's WC prep game between Switzerland and Italy. Maybe I do know what I'm talking about... goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=62309Generally, the attack is generated by midfielders (3-5 position players depending on the formation chosen by the coach), or even defenders who play the flanks and attack on the wings , or creative forwards who hang back a bit from the true strikers who wait for the passes and crosses. It is also the first real line of defence, through pressuring the ball carriers (pressing is the term footballers use) to thwart attacks. The forwards get all the goals and glory, but all the work is done in the midfield where the scoring changes are generated. Sometimes it isn’t even a question of pure talent, but more a case of who works hardest in midfield, like Greece in Euro 2004. A midfielder, Zagorakis, led his team to the title, earning tournament MVP with sheer hard work. In a game look for attacking runs with the ball, precise passes and crosses, and tireless running into space. There is usually one midfield player primarly devoted to assisting the back line in thwarting attacks, chasing down ball carriers. Owen Hargraeves, a Calgary born and trained player, with an English father, plays this role off the bench for England, and is also the designated marker, usually providing man-to-man coverage against the other team’s best attacking midfielder. A Guy Carbonneau of soccer, if you will. Look for a seamless flow from the defence to the attack, with precise passing and tireless running, for the sign of a strong midfield. If a team resorts to long volleys, by-passing the midfield altogether, or if the play consistently stalls with a constant loss of possession in the midfield, without an attempt into the penalty area, or a shot at goal, the team will likely won’t be playing for long in such a tournament, IMO. Basically, I believe you can have all the talent at forward and defence, but you need at least two technical proficient players in midfield (skilled at making accurate passes and crosses, retrieving passes efficiently with both feet, chest and head, and making quick, fluid turns and decisions with the ball, and the ability to take the occasional crack at the net with an accurate shot (in motion or from a set play), and have the fitness and will to run forever and press against the attackers. Pavel Nedved of the Czech Republic is one such player, whose play I've always admired. Hope this explanation helps a bit. Thanks for taking the trouble Yossarian. I'll give it a good read and follow the cup with a little more grasp. Enjoy |
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Post by jkr on Jun 1, 2006 18:13:35 GMT -5
This suggests a couple of things to me and my best buddy is a Scottish (defunct protestant agnostic!!!!!) soccer fan and was/is a pretty good player, (and golfer) I guess that means he is a Glasgow Rangers fan rather than Celtic.  If I'm correct, religion is the dividing line between fans of these 2 teams. |
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Post by Skilly on Jun 4, 2006 10:38:04 GMT -5
Where's the poll? And where are the brackets? I've looked around the FIFA web site but there's nothing. [edit: it's here] USA's ranking is a bit of a joke. Greece is higher than I thought they'd be . . . they're doing nothing this year. I'm going over Great Britain doesn't have a team in the World Cup .... but I am picking  They have the best midfield in the World Cup : Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, and they have a Canadian on the roster (Owen Hargreaves). The World Cup has been played 9 times in Europe and only once did a non-European team win (1958 Brazil won in Sweden). 33% of the time the host country wins ... but I dont think it will be the case this time. Group A : Germany and Costa Rica Group B : England and Sweden Group C: Argentina and Netherlands Group D : Mexico and Portugal Group E: Italy and Czech Republic Group F: Brazil and Croatia Group G: Franca and Korea Group H: Spain and Ukraine |
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Post by Cranky on Jun 4, 2006 11:11:41 GMT -5
Hey! HEY! Watch how you dis Greece or I'll have someone recite you the Good Book Of Curses! Last time Greece wasn't "doing much", she won the Euro Cup....and she was ranked 37th. www.fifa.com/en/mens/statistics/index/0,2548,All-Feb-2006,00.html I was ready and expecting that one. Last time they snuck up on the rest of the world with their trap and hard work. Twice in a row? Methinks not. Especially since they aren't in it!What? WHAT? They are not in it? And I didn't get the memo?  It goes to show how much of a band wagon soccer fan I am. Something un-natural about watching man in shorts with braided leg hair.  |
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Post by franko on Jun 4, 2006 14:02:30 GMT -5
Great Britain doesn't have a team in the World Cup .... but I am picking I offer you my most humble apologies (none of this "my bad" garbage -- I blew it and posted the wrong flag). While you are probably right -- the odds are stacked against the home nation -- that won't stop me from cheering. After all, just about every team I pegged to move on to the Staley Cup finals was eliminated each round (maybe I should bet on England!). England and Brazil seem to be favourites . . . here's hoping the soccer gods smile as kindly on Germany as they did on Greece. Anyway, its's . . . over |
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Post by Rimmer on Jun 6, 2006 6:30:21 GMT -5
This suggests a couple of things to me and my best buddy is a Scottish (defunct protestant agnostic!!!!!) soccer fan and was/is a pretty good player, (and golfer) I guess that means he is a Glasgow Rangers fan rather than Celtic. If I'm correct, religion is the dividing line between fans of these 2 teams. you are correct, jkr. Rangers fans are protestants and Celtic fans are catholics, mostly descendants of Irish imigrants. though both clubs had and have players of different religion and nationality, the sectarianism is unfortunately still very much present among the fans R. |
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Post by Rimmer on Jun 6, 2006 6:41:53 GMT -5
here's my guess for WC:
Group A : Germany and Poland
Group B : Paraguay and England
Group C: Argentina and Netherlands
Group D : Mexico and Portugal
Group E: Italy and Czech Republic
Group F: Brazil and Croatia
Group G: France and Switzerland
Group H: Spain and Tunisia
next to Croatia, my favourite team has always been Brazil so I'm hoping for the 2 teams to meet again in the finals with Croatia winning, of course. but more realistically, I think the semi-finals will be Argentina vs Czech Republic and Netherlands vs Brazil with Brazil defeating Argentina in the final.
R.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 6, 2006 11:38:00 GMT -5
Yes….its World Cup time!!! I can’t wait for the 9th and the start of this tournament, the biggest sporting even on the planet in terms of popularity. Its generally a big deal in my family. I’m Canadian of Italian descent, and my wife was born in Campinas, Sao Paulo, in Brazil. When Canada can't take part (that's another story) I cheer for Italy, naturally. So as you can expect, there is usually a little tension during matches involving either team. The favorites are Brazil, who are actually stronger team on paper than the one that won 4 years ago. Generally, a tournament like this is always won in the midfield. Whichever team has the capability to control the tempo of the game through the midfield most consistently through the tournament, usually wins, or goes far. Having said that here is my take on things: Brazil: 4 legitimate superstars (Kaka, Ronaldinho, Adriano, Ronaldo) up front, with a dynamic supporting cast, but only one ball. Can they put aside their egos and mesh together to sweep away the world once again? A suspect (and aging) back line, with questions about their goaltending as well maybe the only weak links, for the few moments they may not have the ball. Italy: As always, strong backline and powerful forwards, but a question in midfield bridging the gap, although potential is there in Pirlo and young player De Rossi, if he gets playing time over more experienced players. Problems in recent past with players playing for the name on the back of the jersey instead of the front, but their coach Lippi is a stronger tactician and motivator than most recent coach, which they will need to overcome the cloud over the team because of the scandels in Serie A. The last time the team faced similar adversity was 1982, when they won it all, so who knows…. England: I love their two midfielders who are talented and are hard workers(Lampard, Gerrard), and have the talent to carry this team far. My choice to upset Brazil, if anyone does. Rooney's injury hurts this team definately, but Owen and Rooney’s fitness won’t matter as much as the media is suggesting if the above midfielders can do their work. Argentina: Big name, euro-based players (Samuel, Zanetti, Veron) left off the team for new blood…and some pretty dynamic new blood, especially Lionel Messi, who is only 18 and Riquelme and Tevez as well. I’m looking forward to seeing this team play, trying to make up for an extremely disappointing tournament 4 years ago. Other Euro notables: France and Czech Republic (Zidane and Nedved’s last stand) with above average supporting casts. Could easily sneak into final 4 if things go their way. France has a pretty easy path to the Semi-finals, the Czech Republic much more difficult. Spain, Portugal and Holland, all with decent talent trying to reverse big tournament fortunes. Another Euro darkhorse is Croatia. African Nations: Traditional African soccer giants Cameroon, Nigeria and Senegal all failed to qualify. Can Ghana (tough group), and Ivory Coast fill the void? Both have players playing in top Euro leagues, so there is talent. Others: USA-Is their FIFA ranking a smokescreen? Iran – Many don’t want them in the tournament for political reasons, but have 3 German based players that can lead them into the second round. Serbia and Montenegro – Montenegro just voted for independence. The last time they will be playing together. The key Montenegran on the team is injured (Vucinic) which will hurt the team. I will be in Sao Paulo and other parts of Brazil on July 14 for vacation so I’m hoping for a Brazil victory to revel in the post World Cup Victory (which should last about 6 weeks, or as long as the Caipirinhas are flowing!!!) Anyway, lets here your comments, predictions, and who you are cheering for, even just for sentimental reasons, if you don’t follow soccer or are a fan every 4 years. I've seen Pele play against Esubio, Benfica vs Flamengo in Maracana Stadium, and the kids on the street and Copacabana Beach. Brazil is clearly above the rest of the world in individual skill, but much like Tiger Woods is the best golfer, he isn't guaranteed to win every game and in a single elimination like the later rounds of the World Cup, it's hard to win, even when you are the best. Low scoring and fluke goals can be the downfall as well as a really motivated team. All things considered, Brazil is the favorite and should win. |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 11, 2006 6:52:23 GMT -5
Gary Bettman is leaving the NHL to take over as Commissioner and Emperor of the FIFA World Cup.
Among the changes he is proposing are:
1. Surround the field with mesh nets
2. Eliminate offside passes
3. Change the goaltenders penalty rectangle to an isocelese triangle
4. Call hooking penalties anytime two opposing players are near eachother
5. Two penalty shot majors for a yellow card where blood is drawn
6. Play overtime periods, four on four
7. Shootouts after penalty overtime, oops they already have them
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 11, 2006 6:52:43 GMT -5
Gary Bettman is leaving the NHL to take over as Commissioner and Emperor of the FIFA World Cup.
Among the changes he is proposing are:
1. Surround the field with mesh nets
2. Eliminate offside passes
3. Change the goaltenders penalty rectangle to an isocelese triangle
4. Call hooking penalties anytime two opposing players are near eachother
5. Two penalty shot majors for a yellow card where blood is drawn
6. Play overtime periods, four on four
7. Shootouts after penalty overtime, oops they already have them
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Post by Toronthab on Jun 11, 2006 10:25:53 GMT -5
Gary Bettman is leaving the NHL to take over as Commissioner and Emperor of the FIFA World Cup. Among the changes he is proposing are: 1. Surround the field with mesh nets 2. Eliminate offside passes 3. Change the goaltenders penalty rectangle to an isocelese triangle 4. Call hooking penalties anytime two opposing players are near eachother 5. Two penalty shot majors for a yellow card where blood is drawn 6. Play overtime periods, four on four 7. Shootouts after penalty overtime, oops they already have them Heh heh heh |
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Post by jkr on Jun 11, 2006 11:14:03 GMT -5
Gary Bettman is leaving the NHL to take over as Commissioner and Emperor of the FIFA World Cup. Among the changes he is proposing are: 1. Surround the field with mesh nets 2. Eliminate offside passes 3. Change the goaltenders penalty rectangle to an isocelese triangle 4. Call hooking penalties anytime two opposing players are near eachother 5. Two penalty shot majors for a yellow card where blood is drawn 6. Play overtime periods, four on four 7. Shootouts after penalty overtime, oops they already have them Heh heh heh It's not fair. I think HFLA has professional writers on retainer. I can hear it now: HFLA on the phone at 3AM - "I need 3 World Cup jokes now!! Come on, Come on, I'm waiting. Don't have all night you know. I've got to get them posted on Habsrus before those guys in the east wake up" |
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Post by Toronthab on Jun 11, 2006 12:40:39 GMT -5
It's not fair. I think HFLA has professional writers on retainer. I can hear it now: HFLA on the phone at 3AM - "I need 3 World Cup jokes now!! Come on, Come on, I'm waiting. Don't have all night you know. I've got to get them posted on Habsrus before those guys in the east wake up" I have long suspected the same pernicious reality, but attributed it to my usual churlish, and tenacious pen envy, which is but for a vowel and consonant, a concept, derivative of mechanistic materialsm, only in this instance, extant. I share your chagrin. Must be a Montrealer, one of the lost tribes.... |
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Post by jkr on Jun 26, 2006 17:40:13 GMT -5
I like soccer but this Cup is being plagued by low scoring games & poor refereeing. I watched that debacle yesterday between Portugal and Holland.
Today was the topper. An Italian player falls over a defender seconds away from OT & a penalty shot that decides a playoff spot is awarded.
Unfortunately, I watch a game expecting something untoward to happen - and it usually does happen.
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Post by franko on Jun 26, 2006 19:19:57 GMT -5
I like soccer but this Cup is being plagued by low scoring games & poor refereeing. I watched that debacle yesterday between Portugal and Holland. Today was the topper. An Italian player falls over a defender seconds away from OT & a penalty shot that decides a playoff spot is awarded. Unfortunately, I watch a game expecting something untoward to happen - and it usually does happen. Welcome to the new NHL. |
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Post by Skilly on Jun 27, 2006 7:55:47 GMT -5
I like soccer but this Cup is being plagued by low scoring games & poor refereeing. I watched that debacle yesterday between Portugal and Holland. Today was the topper. An Italian player falls over a defender seconds away from OT & a penalty shot that decides a playoff spot is awarded. Unfortunately, I watch a game expecting something untoward to happen - and it usually does happen. Watch the replay again. The Italy player tries to step over the Aussie (and let's face it, the Aussie's are reknowned for being the dirtiest team in soccer - this ain't Aussie rules football) and when it looks like the Italy player (Grosso) was going to step over him, the Aussie intentionally raises his left elbow and impedes the Italian. The Aussie deliberatley impeded him - to that there is no doubt, since not once did he try to cover his face or any other part of his body like most sliding for a tackle would. Do i agree with the call? No. But by strict definition of the rules the ref can not be blamed for making that call. It was impedement, and in soccer when inside the box impedement warrants a penalty kick. |
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Post by franko on Jun 27, 2006 8:33:06 GMT -5
I like soccer but this Cup is being plagued by low scoring games & poor refereeing. I watched that debacle yesterday between Portugal and Holland. Today was the topper. An Italian player falls over a defender seconds away from OT & a penalty shot that decides a playoff spot is awarded. Unfortunately, I watch a game expecting something untoward to happen - and it usually does happen. Watch the replay again. The Italy player tries to step over the Aussie (and let's face it, the Aussie's are reknowned for being the dirtiest team in soccer - this ain't Aussie rules football) and when it looks like the Italy player (Grosso) was going to step over him, the Aussie intentionally raises his left elbow and impedes the Italian. The Aussie deliberatley impeded him - to that there is no doubt, since not once did he try to cover his face or any other part of his body like most sliding for a tackle would. Do i agree with the call? No. But by strict definition of the rules the ref can not be blamed for making that call. It was impedement, and in soccer when inside the box impedement warrants a penalty kick. Naw . . . that was an iffy call all the way. The Italians are far from innocents when it comes to diving (heck, all the teams are trying to use the "new rules" to their advantage). the Aussies are most certainly dirty . . . but *sniff sniff* me smells conspiracy here . . . perhaps trying to make up for ted carding an Italian player earlier in the match? Perhaps just wanting to ensure a European victory? [mind whirs and buzzes with possibilities]. |
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Post by jkr on Jul 9, 2006 15:23:32 GMT -5
I'm watching the final ( among other things).
I can't believe what an idiot Zidane is. In O/T he head butts a player in the chest, knocks him flat & gets himself thrown out of the final. What was he thinking.
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Post by Skilly on Jul 9, 2006 17:49:06 GMT -5
Viva L'Italia!!!
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Post by Doc Holliday on Jul 10, 2006 11:43:12 GMT -5
All I can say is: Thank God it's over !
In North America, you never hear about soccer and all of a sudden it's everywhere in every show and everyone's a big fan !!! I can understand that people of recent European decent get excited about this but don't really get the big fuss the media are trying to make out of this...
Still: Congrats to Italia and their fans !
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Post by Polarice on Jul 10, 2006 12:27:29 GMT -5
All I can say is: Thank God it's over ! In North America, you never hear about soccer and all of a sudden it's everywhere in every show and everyone's a big fan !!! I can understand that people of recent European decent get excited about this but don't really get the big fuss the media are trying to make out of this... Still: Congrats to Italia and their fans ! Your not kidding, I tried to watch some of the games and it was more painful, than trying to watch the wifes soaps. |
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Post by Yossarian on Jul 10, 2006 14:47:00 GMT -5
I just re-read my initial post, and I did pretty well with my predictions: Question about Brazil's chemistry, Italy's ability to face adversity with master technician and motivator Lippi, as well as Pirlo's midfiled play, France's ability to reach final 4 (although they chose the more difficulty route by finishing second)....
It was a pretty sloppy final. Italy was fortunate their defence held them in 2nd half and OT, as it look like their midfield was spent, running in mud, although they carried the play in the first half, and were unfortunate not to be up.
Generally, Italy was the most consistent team throughout the tournament, riding stellar goaltending defence (not catenaccio style), and blending in a fluid attack and solid team play. Having followed Zidane throughout his career, save for a few minor indescretions, I don't know where that reaction came from. It may have affected the outcome of the penalties, given that France had already been forced to substitute Henry.
As anticipated, I enjoyed the tournament, and look forward to Euro 2008, and WC 2010 in South Africa.
Soccer isn't for everyone, and I gave up trying to convince the non-believers a long time ago.
Hopefully, Canada assigns a new head coach, and they take qualification a little more seriously for 2010. The MLS adding a Canadian franchise next year, at least gives some local players an outlet to develop and play if our European based players aren't available for qualifying.
Off to Brazil for vacation!!!
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