|
|
Post by Yossarian on Jun 12, 2010 21:19:24 GMT -5
OK, who is everyone rooting for, and why (or will you even watch)?
My parents were born in Italy, and my wife was born in Brazil (she and both my daughters hold Canadian and Brazilian passports). So my allegiance is torn, since I grew up an AS Roma and Azzurri follower as religion. However, too many older holdovers from the 2006 team, without a fresh injection of youth and skill likely means an early exit for Italy. Brazil left behind some flashier players, to focus on winning rather than playing pretty this time. Solid qualifying run, with a hard-nosed coach, and 2 deep at every position means a likely deep run for Brazil.
If neither of these two can win, I'm pulling for Spain and Holland because both are young and skilled and I'm a fan of many of their players. Both have their big tournament demons, though. My dark horse teams are Uruguay and Ivory Coast.
|
|
|
|
Post by franko on Jun 12, 2010 22:09:58 GMT -5
Canada. What do you mean we're not in it?If I cared about soccer, my wife's family is from Germany, so I might cheer for them. If I cared about soccer, my Grandfather is from England, so I might cheer for them. But since I don't care about soccer [sacrilege to some, I know], I'll pay attention to the World Cup because it is a fairly big event. I hear Spain is supposed to be pretty good this year. And that South Africa is hosting but isn't good enough. And that the States scored on England [or did England score on England -- not sure]. So I'm going Portugal with an upset. Ghana as the African dark horse. England's egos will get in the way so Germany in the top four but going no further. Other than that . . .  |
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jun 13, 2010 1:08:11 GMT -5
I was born in Italy, so I don't have any choice, but beyond that, I usually latch on to the teams that play a possession game, with creativity offensively and smarts defensively. England usually fails on the skill and creative part. Brazil is awesome offensively, but sometimes fail on the defensive part. Spain has all the ingredients, but until Euro 2008, they tended to choke. I've loved many of the African teams because of their athleticism and speed, but (there's always a but), they're usually anything but disciplined defensively. Good example today, where a Nigerian player was a spectator while his man, Heinze, was left all alone to head in Argentina's only goal. The Nigerian totally ignored Heinze, even while the ball was hitting the twine. Can't do that in rec league, much less the WC.
I'm going to pay attention to Chile. If they play like their U23 team from a few years ago, they'll be hugely entertaining. Whatever happens, it should be fun.
My pet peeve? Those stupid horns that sound like a thousand hives. Aggro, bigtime.
|
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jun 13, 2010 8:18:58 GMT -5
I simply can not watch soccer .... I'll follow it in the highlight packages, and I usually enter a World Cup pool (however not this year unfortunately). But it is just too slow for me .... a case in point, I was watching a little of one game yesterday (I believe it was Argentina vs Nigeria - but don't quote me on that). Anyway, the teams aren't important. When it was over, they put up a graphic ... Shots AT net - 20 for one team, 7 for the other. Shots ON goal - 7 for one team and one for the other. I just can't sit down (even if Canada was playing) for 90 + minutes for one shot on net ...
|
|
|
|
Post by CentreHice on Jun 13, 2010 20:01:37 GMT -5
The constant drone of the vuvuzelas.....sounds like a giant hive of bees. Very annoying. How is that even appealing?
|
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 13, 2010 20:14:15 GMT -5
Deuchtesland ... I was living in Germany from 86 to 91 and I saw some excellent football. I see they won over that soccer juggernaut, Australia, 4-0 today. I don't really care if they're one of the favourites or not, I normally route for them.
I grew up getting a lot of English games, Chelsea more specifically. Therefore, sentimentally I also like England. I was surprised to see them tie the USA 1-1. I didn't see the game but I did see the US goal and there's no way that should have gone in. Still, I find England usually self-destructs at tournaments like this.
Was watching Nigeria and Argentina the other day. I was very impressed the way Nigeria played. Six/seven passes in succession at a time and they came close a few times as well. Don't like any South American football at all. Like a lot of young kids I liked Pele when I was growing up. However, I just find South American football to be very over-hyped. It seems it's all about the stars.
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 14, 2010 0:38:06 GMT -5
brazil, with a little b.
Boring sport with a big B!
Watching teams pass the puck backwards shows they need a shot clock like in basketball.
I've seen 5 year olds that don't drop to the ground clutching their shins after a slight tap the way soccer players do! John Ferguson vs Eddie Shack?
Brazil or the US, but I care more who wins Americas next top model and I don't watch that either.Croatia vs Ghana........................yawn!
|
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jun 14, 2010 1:05:36 GMT -5
Deuchtesland ... I was living in Germany from 86 to 91 and I saw some excellent football. I see they won over that soccer juggernaut, Australia, 4-0 today. I don't really care if they're one of the favourites or not, I normally route for them. Germany is usually a competitive team and often a threat to win it all. They deserved to win today, but they had some luck in the process, courtesy of the officials. The first half linesman chose not to call an offside on the first goal. He must have ruled that the German forward, who was clearly in front of the Assie defender, 'was not involved in the play'. Strangely, a second later, he was involved in the play, forcing a defender to cover him. Then the crew missed a handlball on a German defender in the box. That's a swing of two goals. Thirdly, the referee was very harsh on an Aussie tackle, red carding the player when it was clear he didn't have his spikes up and it looked like he was pulling back. Other players have done much worse and gotten either a yellow, or just had a free kick called against them. I don't doubt Germany would have won the game anyway, but those were three huge helping hands. It's a fairly easy group for Germany, but sometimes that can hurt you, making you think you're at the top of your game, when really, you're just a big fish in a small pond. |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jun 14, 2010 6:44:58 GMT -5
That's a swing of two goals. 2 goals in soccer = 10 goals in hockey = 40 points in basketball = insurmountable odds. |
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 14, 2010 7:11:18 GMT -5
Deuchtesland ... I was living in Germany from 86 to 91 and I saw some excellent football. I see they won over that soccer juggernaut, Australia, 4-0 today. I don't really care if they're one of the favourites or not, I normally route for them. Germany is usually a competitive team and often a threat to win it all. They deserved to win today, but they had some luck in the process, courtesy of the officials. The first half linesman chose not to call an offside on the first goal. He must have ruled that the German forward, who was clearly in front of the Assie defender, 'was not involved in the play'. Strangely, a second later, he was involved in the play, forcing a defender to cover him. Then the crew missed a handlball on a German defender in the box. That's a swing of two goals. Thirdly, the referee was very harsh on an Aussie tackle, red carding the player when it was clear he didn't have his spikes up and it looked like he was pulling back. Other players have done much worse and gotten either a yellow, or just had a free kick called against them. I don't doubt Germany would have won the game anyway, but those were three huge helping hands. Even in soccer, bogus officiating can ruin a game for me. I'm glad I didn't see the game because I would have been disappointed. Where I feel for the officials in soccer is when they have to make calls on diving. The teams are so good at it now that the only way you can tell if it was a legitimate trip or dive, is to watch the replays. It's one of the reasons I dislike Portugal actually. I'm wondering if England felt this way when they didn't take out the USA. I didn't see the game, so I don't know, but this was a team that England simply had to beat. Cheers. |
|
|
|
Post by jkr on Jun 14, 2010 11:49:39 GMT -5
The constant drone of the vuvuzelas.....sounds like a giant hive of bees. Very annoying. How is that even appealing? I turn off the game sbecaus eof the noise from the TV. How can peopel sit through it? There have been a lot of complaints, especiallt from players, that the nosie is just too great. FIFAis considering a ban. I hope they do it. |
|
|
|
Post by franko on Jun 14, 2010 13:03:06 GMT -5
And SA's are already complaining racial prejudice . . . it's part of their culture, deal with it.
As if I didn't need another excuse not to watch the game [though to be honest, I occasionally tune in just because it is a world sporting event. Occasionally. And not for long (sorry, soccer-lovers). Longer, though, than I tune in golf or tennis].
|
|
|
|
Post by CentreHice on Jun 14, 2010 15:13:27 GMT -5
The constant drone of the vuvuzelas.....sounds like a giant hive of bees. Very annoying. How is that even appealing? I turn off the game sbecaus eof the noise from the TV. How can peopel sit through it? There have been a lot of complaints, especiallt from players, that the nosie is just too great. FIFAis considering a ban. I hope they do it. I did some research on those vuvuzela horns.....basically, the footballers (and all other non-"musicians") are subjected to hearing thousands of instruments playing a Bb. Such sound intensity can leave the unprotected ear with noise-induced hearing loss. And SA's are already complaining racial prejudice . . . it's part of their culture, deal with it. I guess everyone else should be happy that part of the culture doesn't entail shining a bright light in their eyes as they're trying to watch (and play) the game. It's damaging....and it's affecting the footballers. Earplugs for the visitors, as the usual sounds of the game are drowned out anyway....why risk the hearing loss? Too bad....I bet we hear more about it. Or not. |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jun 14, 2010 16:15:12 GMT -5
They will make their way into the Bell Center just like that foolish "Ole" song.  |
|
|
|
Post by CentreHice on Jun 14, 2010 20:13:54 GMT -5
They will make their way into the Bell Center just like that foolish "Ole" song. Why is that song foolish? |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jun 14, 2010 21:34:59 GMT -5
They will make their way into the Bell Center just like that foolish "Ole" song. Why is that song foolish? Because nothing beats "Go Habs Go" which isn't sung nearly enough anymore. Most non-Habs fans take that song to be akin to "hey hey goodbye". We all know it is a European-soccer rally cry, why try to make it a hockey cheer when we have IMO a great one already. The "Ole" song is sung in many many soccer venues ... but in only one hockey venue. It will always be a soccer rally song to me .... just one man's opinion ... I hate it, and turn the volume down and cringe when it is sung. I long for the ol GO HABS GO days .... And what exactly does it mean? It's a spanish cry of approval or triumph. So singing it in the first and second period, is like singing the "hey hey goodbye" early ... if you take the triumph connotation of the meaning. Why not just sing "oui, oui, oui, oui, oui"?  Anyway, Philly fans certainly had a grand time singing it in a mocking way to us .... |
|
|
|
Post by CentreHice on Jun 15, 2010 5:24:10 GMT -5
Was/is there a "GO HABS GO" song that I'm forgetting? All I can think of is the cheer that's very common throughout team sport. GO (insert team name here) GO. It was raining down way more often than "Ole Ole" during the playoff game I attended. That's alive and well. The towels they handed out to everyone: "GO HABS GO". "Ole Ole" doesn't bother me....approval, encouragement.....and Quebec has a European flair for sure. Other fans will always find ways to mock 24 Cups.  |
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jun 15, 2010 6:23:13 GMT -5
Was/is there a "GO HABS GO" song that I'm forgetting? All I can think of is the cheer that's very common throughout team sport. GO (insert team name here) GO. It was raining down way more often than "Ole Ole" during the playoff game I attended. That's alive and well. The towels they handed out to everyone: "GO HABS GO". "Ole Ole" doesn't bother me....approval, encouragement.....and Quebec has a European flair for sure. Other fans will always find ways to mock 24 Cups. sung ... not as in sing ... but as in sung out ... a newfie-ism for yelling |
|
|
|
Post by CentreHice on Jun 15, 2010 6:37:11 GMT -5
Then rest assured, Skilly... . "Go Habs Go" is very much alive.... ....as are the vuvuzelas. FIFA will not ban them (as per TSN this morning). |
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 15, 2010 7:29:20 GMT -5
Paraguay ties Italy 1-1. Didn't see the game but ... MAN ... what the frig!
I heard on the radio this morning that some feel the young English goalkeeper had an excuse for letting in a soft goal against the USA. According to this radio dude the young man had recently broken up with some international super model and that affected him.
I don't have a link for it but as soon as I do I'll post it. Mind you, I won't be looking too terribly hard.
A lot of people I've talked here in K-town are routing for Ivory Coast.
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by CentreHice on Jun 15, 2010 8:59:16 GMT -5
A lot of people I've talked here in K-town are routing for Ivory Coast. Cheers. That would be sacrilege here in Cambridge. A huge Portuguese community with roots in the Azores. The horns honk like crazy with every Portugal win. |
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 15, 2010 9:31:03 GMT -5
A lot of people I've talked here in K-town are routing for Ivory Coast. Cheers. That would be sacrilege here in Cambridge. A huge Portuguese community with roots in the Azores. The horns honk like crazy with every Portugal win. I have a few Portuguese friends here in town, CH. They get these frowns on their faces when I tell them I just can't route for Portugal. I know diving seems to be part of the game now, but I find Portugal to be the poster team for that. Might be different this time around, but I haven't had any time to tune them in. Cheers. |
|
|
|
Post by blny on Jun 15, 2010 10:12:55 GMT -5
CBC's streaming content is horrid. Pretty sad really. It's not a hard thing to do, but they've managed to screw it up.
|
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 15, 2010 10:28:31 GMT -5
I see New Zealand tied Slovakia 1-1 and they scored the tying goal in injury time.
I read on TSN that the Slovaks are somewhat deflated; the Kiwi's elated.
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rimmer on Jun 15, 2010 10:32:09 GMT -5
I see noone mentioned Argentina. while I, like many others, doubt Maradona's tactical knowledge and, at the very least, questionable selection of players, one cannot underestimate the motivation his players get when they see him on the bench. to them he is a God and they will play their hearts out for him. will that be enough, it's hard to say right now, but I wouldn't be surprised if they go far. and let's not forget Messi....
my favourite team has always been Brazil if Croatia isn't playing, though Spain looks like the best team in the tournament. as for African teams, as someone already mentioned, Ghana and Ivory Coast have good teams, but Ivory Coast will have a hard time advancing against Portugal and Brazil.
my dark horse would be the Dutch. I always liked their style and I really hope they do well at this WC. One of the best games I have ever watched to this day remain their quarterfinal match with Brazil at the 1994. WC.
r.
|
|
|
|
Post by clear observer on Jun 15, 2010 11:01:34 GMT -5
Because of Pele, as well as their Montreal Canadien-esque-like history, I've always been a Brazil fan. Of course, if and whenever Greece is involved.....
|
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 15, 2010 11:15:28 GMT -5
I can still envision that pitch-length rush Maradona made years ago, Rimmer. I think he's not only a diety with his club, but in his country as well. I'm actually glad he was able to sort out his issues finally.
That said, I also remember the rope-a-dope game the had against Brazil a few years back as well. Brazil was the favourite and Argentina wasn't even supposed to be anywhere near the later rounds. Brazil was loaded with stars and dominated the game, but Argentina got one chance and the cashed in on it. Final Argentina 1 Brazil 0.
I said earlier that I really don't like South American football. Well, that's no entirely true I have to admit. A lot of positive triggers over the years have come from Brazilian football actually. The first time I ever saw a bicycle-kick goal was on a replay of Pele. That image still stays with me today.
The Netherlands? I was following them when they had Marco Van Basten and Rudd Gillett. It made for some interesting 'friendly matches' with Germany, who had Jurgen Klinsmann, Lothar Matthäus and Rudi Völler. I remember some of the players spitting on each other. It got very personal sometimes.
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rimmer on Jun 15, 2010 11:47:35 GMT -5
The Netherlands? I was following them when they had Marco Van Basten and Rudd Gillett. It made for some interesting 'friendly matches' with Germany, who had Jurgen Klinsmann, Lothar Matthäus and Rudi Völler. I remember some of the players spitting on each other. It got very personal sometimes. Cheers. oh yes, I remeber those years and their rivalries. Van Basten, Gullit, Rijkaard (Netherlands/Milan) vs. Matthaus, Klinsmann, Brehme (Germany/Inter). the former 3 had more success as Milan ruled the Italian league and European Champions Cup in that period and Netherlands won Euro 1988. on German soil. Being a big fan of Inter and Lothar Matthaus, those were not very good years except for the 1990. WC in Italy. r. |
|
|
|
Post by Yossarian on Jun 15, 2010 21:24:00 GMT -5
The best right-back in the world, Maicon, scored the goal of the tournament today (so far). Either attacking or defending, he owns the right flank, and that goal he scored was magnificent. Kind of reminiscent of the spin Roberto Carlos used to put on the ball. It is no wonder Mourinho considers him a must to follow him from Inter to Real.
|
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 15, 2010 21:38:46 GMT -5
The best right-back in the world, Maicon, scored the goal of the tournament today (so far). Either attacking or defending, he owns the right flank, and that goal he scored was magnificent. Kind of reminiscent of the spin Roberto Carlos used to put on the ball. It is no wonder Mourinho considers him a must to follow him from Inter to Real. Any chance of putting a vid up of it, Yossarian? Cheers. |
|
