| Author | Message | ||
     Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
As we're mere hours away from kick-off I thought I'd start the ball rolling with some predictions of today's games (in case any of you footie fans are interested - 3pts correct score, 1pt correct result): 3.00 - South Africa v Mexico - 1-1 Draw 7.30 - Uruguay v France - 0-1 French win (the cheating #@%$ers!) Should be fun...  | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Hey Steve, Thanks for the email. No worries. Take your time. I've only just got back from three weeks away in the Scottish highlands, or thereabouts in time. So, I haven't much time to spend on the internet. Mate, do you know if the World Cup matches can be watched online. I don't have a telly. | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.55 |
Think yourself lucky - for the next couple of months there's only going to be Big Brother and the world cup showing. Still, it means I'm going to get a lot more reading done. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 195.166.117.210 |
SA v Mexico: 1-2 Uraguay v France: 0-2 | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.142.169.99 |
SA vs Mexico 1-1 Uruguay vs France 2-1 Frank: this site streams the games, and it's not UK viewers only (you're in Poland aren't you?) like the BBC http://www.justin.tv/directory/sports Mark S. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Mark - cheers, mate. Brilliant. I moved to Warsaw last year, and all my old football watching pals are on the other side of the country. Cheers again. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
SA v Mexico: 0-1 Uraguay v France: 1-1 Is there a prize for whoever gets it right?  | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.142.169.99 |
Caroline The prize is that you get a big kiss  from Weber. Meanwhile, I was listening to the radio last night and they played the USA official anthem. It's mad. Here's a sample of the lyrics--- We don't really care if you kick it with your feet. We don't really care if you're barefoot in the street. We don't really care if you invented the game. We call it soccer and that's its name. Blah blah blah Football. Blah blah blah Football. Soccer's what we play in the USA. Soccer's what it's called. USA, USA, Soccer is the game we play. And when you lose and we go through, you will call it Soccer too. If you want to hear it, it's here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGUpdxTDBBc Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Caroline, the crowing honours of being Champion Football Pundit of the site for the next 4 years!! A kiss from Weber for the runners-up, just to make the Final that much more tense (would you want to lose).  I also predict a Brazil v Spain final with Spain as Champions (5pt Bonus for predicting each finalist, 10pt Bonus for predicting champions). Just for the craic... | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.55 |
"A kiss from Weber for the runners-up, just to make the Final that much more tense (would you want to lose). " Your mum would | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
That was a good opening game. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.142.169.99 |
Yeh it was a good 'un, and me and Stevie got the result spot on. 3pts each... What I've found odd is the way some commentators are now saying that, what with Spain having finally won a major tournament (i.e. the Euro 2008) they've buried their tendency to crash and burn under pressure. People seem to forget Spain won the Euro 1964 tournament and then fell apart. Some other team won the World Cup in 1966. HURRAY!!!!!!!!! History will repeat itself...I know it's England O.D. over here, but out in South Africa we're well under the radar. Tomorrow will be a draw btw. England 1 USA 1. But we'll top the group by the end of it. Now going to watch Uruguay vs France. Tasty. Mark S. | ||
| Des (Des) Username: Des Registered: 06-2008 Posted From: 86.169.219.106 |
I've got South Korea in the TTA Sweepstake. I'm told they haven't lost a game yet. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.160.231 |
I think England will beat the US tomorrow, 3.1. I agree with Mark that they have a real chance this time of winning the tournament, or at least of getting to the semi-finals. As long as there aren't any more injuries or (shudder) it comes to penalties... My half-time prediction: Uruguay 1 France 1. Oh, and I predict S. Africa will hold Mexico to a 1.1 draw... ;-) | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.142.169.99 |
Crikey, that second game was dull. Huw: don't mention penalties !!!!!  Mark S. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
>>I've got South Korea in the TTA Sweepstake. I'm told they haven't lost a game yet.<< Ah, but they haven't played North Korea yet! (sorry, that was a little naughty of me, wasn't it?  ) | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
The South Africa goal was sublime. France looked tired. If there's a time for England to win the thing again, it's now: the big teams are past their best and we have a manager who's a strict disciplinarian. Unfortunately, our team is made pricks and prima donnas. | ||
| Ian Alexander Martin (Iam) Username: Iam Registered: 10-2009 Posted From: 64.180.64.74 |
I predict I shall watch not a single second of the event, Beautiful Game or no. Bloody hell, I'm a contrary old soak lately! | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.142.169.99 |
It's funny, that Capello thing isn't it? He really is as strict as he's made out to be. I saw an interview with Rooney today where he said Capello made the squad all leave the table at the same time after dinner and not before. No music in the dressing room, no mobiles, no fatty foods, & no wags. Even, get this: no bottles of brown or tomato sauce on the table...(Capello takes them away!) Have you also noticed the distinct lack of "Pissed up England player spotted falling out of at a nightclub at 2am" type newspaper stories in the run-up to the event? Mark S. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
Mark, I saw parts of that same interview - it's a good thing, I reckon. Get the fuckers playing for the shirt again rather than for their own status. It's there for the taking this time; proper players need to step up. Btw, Rio Ferdinand being out is a great piece of news. Now we just need Ashley Cole to die. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.142.169.99 |
Meanwhile, over in the Argentina camp, it's one big party under Maradona... And blimey, did you see that scary outro on the BBC coverage with what sounded like The Omen film music juxtaposed with El Diego images...? I find all this stuff fascinating. Mark S. | ||
| Simon Bestwick (Simon_b) Username: Simon_b Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 86.24.209.217 |
Somebody mention South Korea? http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/extra/video/p00897vt/ | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
>>>>no bottles of brown or tomato sauce on the table...(Capello takes them away!) Whaaaaaaaaaat? Right, that's it, I'm calling Amnesty International . . . | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 1 that's: SW (moi): 3 pts Mark: 3 pts Caroline: 1 pt Huw: ½ pt Zed: 0 pts ...everything still to play for and anyone can join in at any time. SA-Mexico was a cracking opener (Mexico deserved to win it but glad they didn't to give the hosts a good start), Uruguay-France was like watching paint dry (France shaded it despite looking like they didn't deserve to be there, strange that). Today's Predictions: 12.30 - South Korea v Greece: 0-0 Draw 3.00 - Argentina v Nigeria: 2-1 Argentine win 7.30 - England v USA: 1-1 Draw (don't underestimate the Yanks, they've come on leaps and bounds in recent years and are no longer the joke team they once were...) | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Des, I got Japan in our sweep... don't know which is worse! | ||
| Mick Curtis (Mick) Username: Mick Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.179.206.84 |
12.30 - South Korea v Greece: 0-1 SK to lose 3.00 - Argentina v Nigeria: 1-1 Draw 7.30 - England v USA: 0-1 USA to win I know nowt about football, me. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
12.30 S Korea v Greece: 2 - 2 3.00 Argentina v Nigeria 2 - 1 7.30 England v USA 3 - 0 And I don't take the USA lightly. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
You could be right, Mick. I've been contemplating a couple of quid on the USA to win because the odds seem too good to miss and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they do nick it. If England go out feeling at all cocky or expecting an easy first game they could be in for a shock! But Capello's too good a manager to let that happen... still.. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.44.73 |
South Korea 1 Greece 1 Argentina 3 Nigeria 0 England 3 USA 1 | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
England 0 USA 23,567,879 (plus 3 missed pens) | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.162.82 |
I think the Koreans might beat Greece, actually, so I'm going to change my prediction to: South Korean 2 Greece 1 It'll probably turn out to be a 1.1 draw now that I've changed that... | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
What time does the English vs American match kick-off? I can't make head nor tale of it here. Poland is one hour ahead, but is kick-off 8.30 British time, or 7.30 British time. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
7:30, mate. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Cheers, mate. Was having palpitations at missing the match. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.142.169.99 |
I've only just got out of bed! I've missed the first half of Greece vs Sth Korea... damn, too late for my prediction Other predictions: Argentina 2 Nigeria 2 England 1 USA 1 Mark S. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.162.82 |
Blimey - what a start to the Argentina game! | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Cracking football... this is what the World Cup's all about! You're on 1½ pts now, Huw. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.142.169.99 |
Messi was great, wasn't he? Quality stuff. Mark S. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
I see I have my finger on the pulse of the modern game. Hope to God my prediction for England doesn't go as awry as the other hopeless predictions I made. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
As Shakespeare put it with characteristic and uncanny accuracy: Poo. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.142.169.99 |
I expected a slow start from England. Mark S. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Well, after watching the England v. USA game, hubby tells me that England played out a lack-lustre draw in their first game in '66 too - so there's hope for us yet. I felt really sorry for that goalie though - poor lad.  I nearly nodded off to sleep in the second half .. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. | ||
| Simon Bestwick (Simon_b) Username: Simon_b Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 86.24.209.217 |
Zzzzzz... what? There was a football match on today? I never even noticed... >>>goes back to sleep/off to watch BLACK HAWK DOWN on DVD.<<< | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Simon - from flag waving sports to flag waving militaristic cock-ups, what's the difference? (That's me being smarmy and up my own arse). | ||
| Simon Bestwick (Simon_b) Username: Simon_b Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 86.24.209.217 |
No, you're absolutely right Frank... I just ignore the dodgy politics and bollocks-for-brains jingoism and appreciate it as one of the most technically accomplished action movies I've seen. Sort of like a 21st century version of 'Zulu', only without Michael Caine shouting 'Stop throwing those bloody spears at me!' | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.160.223 |
It was 1:1, after all - well prognosticated, Mark! I thought it was a pretty mediocre game. So far, the Argentina/Nigeria game has been the best. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 2: StevieW: 7 pts (3+1+3) MarkS: 6 pts (3+3) Huw: 2½ pts (½+1+1) Caroline: 1 pt Frank: 1 pt MickC: 0 pts Zed: 0 pts South Korea played their hearts out (as ever), Greece were woeful, Argentina were magnificent making Nigeria (a decent team) look completely out of their depth, England-USA was fairly entertaining with England shading it but both teams looked distinctly average imho. The lack of a world class goalkeeper is already evident as England's most serious deficiency. Being honest, I can't see them doing it... Today's Predictions: 12.30 - Algeria v Slovenia : 0-0 Draw 3.00 - Serbia v Ghana: 1-0 Serbian win 7.30 - Germany v Australia: 1-0 German win | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
I thought England had some positives: Gerrard played well, Heskey was solid, and Glen Johnson looks a class act. More to come, I hope. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Gerrard was man of the match for me but what happened Rooney?! | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.51.122 |
Algeria v Slovenia: 1-1 Serbia v Ghana: 1-1 Germany v Australia: 2-0 I don't think England played badly, but neither team created many chances. Gerrard, Lampard, Lennon and Johnson all had some good moments, but Rooney was pretty invisible. That US goal was painful to watch. So far Argentina have shown the most flair, I think. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Algeria vs Slovenia 2-1 Serbia vs Ghana 1-2 Germany vs Australia 0-1 (shock result!!!!) Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Australia were one of the joys of the last World Cup and I'd love to see them do well again. I still haven't forgiven the bloody Italians for cheating them out of it last time, grrrr... | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Simon - I do like BHD, and totally agree about it being one of the most perfectly made action/war films ever committed to the silver screen. BUT, I think it owes a lot to Saving Private Ryan in terms of technical brilliance. | ||
| Simon Bestwick (Simon_b) Username: Simon_b Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 86.24.209.217 |
Frank- agreed. But that's par for the course in some respects, by which I mean that a film comes along every so many years that redefines an approach to a particular genre or subgenre. Peckinpah's THE WILD BUNCH was possibly the last (Hollywood) film to revolutionise the depiction of violence and combat in that way- and promptly got imitated to death, usually in slicker vehicles that sanitised the violence and made it look cool instead. The same could be said of BLAIR WITCH PROJECT's use of shakycam. But this is probably in the wrong thread. Ahem. Back to football... (and me back to the DVD collection...) | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 3: StevieW: 8 pts (3+1+3+1) MarkS: 7 pts (3+3+1) Huw: 3½ pts (½+1+1+1) Caroline: 1 pt Frank: 1 pt Two rubbish games by four mediocre teams and then Germany set the tournament alight making Australia look more rubbish than they actually are. No one will be wanting to face that young German team after this! Tomorrow's Predictions: 12.30 - Holland v Denmark: 2-0 Dutch win 3.00 - Japan v Cameroon: 1-1 Draw 7.30 - Italy v Paraguay: 2-0 Italian win | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Germany were - I hate to admit it - brilliant! I haven't watched many matches so far (busy over weekend, which is why I haven't participated in this little competition again) but from what I've seen up till now, I'd fancy Germany to win the World Cup. Anyway, my predictions for today: Holland v Denmark 1-0 Japan v Cameroon 0-0 Italy v Paraguay 2-1 | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Good to have you back, Caroline. You could well end up in the lead with three correct scores so still all to play for... gives watching the matches a little added interest - I've yet to miss one! | ||
| Allybird (Allybird) Username: Allybird Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.104.140.73 |
England 1 USA 1. I get £10 back every time England score a goal. The telly cost £500 so it cost £490 now...what are the chances..... | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
England's next two games should be goal feasts for them, Ally... note I said should be. | ||
| Allybird (Allybird) Username: Allybird Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.104.140.73 |
I hope so Steve. When are they on? | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
England play Algeria at 7.30 this Friday and Slovenia at 3.00 next Wednesday. Both teams are very poor with terrible defences. England (and Rooney, if he hits form) should make mincemeat of them. | ||
| Allybird (Allybird) Username: Allybird Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.104.140.73 |
Thank you A little more off the cost of this one then. My husband wanted a big screen telly for years. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.51.238 |
Holland v Denmark: 3-1 Japan v Cameroon 1-2 Italy v Paraguay 2-1 | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Argh! Too late for the first game again! Anyway... Japan 1 Cameroon 1 Italy 3 Paraguay 0 Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 4: StevieW: 11 pts (3+1+3+1+3) MarkS: 7 pts (3+3+1) Huw: 4½ pts (½+1+1+1+1) Caroline: 2 pts (1+1) Frank: 1 pt Holland v Denmark was the most boring game of the tournament so far - suspiciously so - with Holland undeservedly flattered by the scoreline, Japan were loveable while Cameroon floundered & Italy typically underperformed in their first game against a decent, but far from great, Paraguay side. Tomorrow's Predictions: 12.30 - New Zealand v Slovakia: 0-1 Slovak win 3.00 - Ivory Coast v Portugal: 2-2 Draw 7.30 - Brazil v North Korea: 5-0 Brazilian win (just to outdo the Germans) | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
My predictions are rubbish! Steve is destroying me! Right, let's try & do better New Zealand 0 Slovakia 2 Ivory Coast 1 Portugal 1 Brasil 2 North Korea 1 Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
It's you not being able to get out of your scratcher has you behind, Mark. Game on... | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.45.21 |
I need to do better. too! Let's see... New Zealand v Slovakia: 0-2 Ivory coast v Portugal: 1-1 Brazil v North Korea: 7-0 | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
This is getting addictive! OK, try these: New Zealand v Slovakia: 1-1 Ivory coast v Portugal: 0-2 Brazil v North Korea: 4-1 | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
BTW I don't know what time the first match starts. If it's already started, I haven't seen it - honest. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Doesn't kick-off for another hour, Caroline. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Brazil vs North Korea / Half-time: Brazil 6 - North Korea threaten massive retaliatory strike, end result = draw. That's how accurate my predictions have been so far. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Join in, Frank, it's only a bit of fun... and you've only made three predictions so far and got one right. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Okay, mate. New Zealand vs Slovakia: 1 - 3. Ivory Coast vs Portugal: 2 - 0. Brazil vs N Korea: 4 - 0. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Well done, Caroline, you just got 3 points! | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
I've changed my predictions: Erm...NZ - Slovakia 1 - 1 Ivory Coast vs Portugal (wait a sec...let me have a look...okay) 0 - 0 (up till half-time, mind you)... | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
 That plonker Ronaldo is gonna get himself sent off. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
I'm starting to worry that this may well be the most boring start to a world cup I've ever seen. Is everyone playing for a draw in the first game???? Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
It's been dire so far, I agree!! | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
It's early days yet, folks. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Brazil vs. N Korea 0-0 at half time?!! I don't believe it!  | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Get in! North Korea pull one back! Spot on with the Samuels prediction! (for once ) Mark S. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
OK, here's the next batch of predictions from me: Honduras 1 Chile 1 Spain 1 Switzerland 1 South Africa 1 Uruguay 0 Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 5: StevieW: 13 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1) MarkS: 11 pts (3+3+1+1+3) Huw: 6½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1) Caroline: 6 pts (1+1+3+1) Frank: 2 pts (1+1) New Zealand-Slovakia was unexpectedly entertaining with both teams looking solid, Ivory Coast-Portugal was a disgrace and the most cynically boring match yet & Brazil were taught a lesson in humility by the incredible spirit of North Korea - the tournament's big surprise package so far - great prediction, Mark! Tomorrow's Predictions: 12.30 - Honduras v Chile: 0-0 Draw 3.00 - Spain v Switzerland: 2-1 Spanish win 7.30 - South Africa v Uruguay: 1-1 Draw ...our little contest is getting interesting! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Wey-hey! I have more points! OK here are my predictions for today: Honduras 0 Chile 1 Spain 2 Switzerland 1 South Africa 1 Uruguay 2 | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
This is more exciting than the matches themselves!  Mark S. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.201.176 |
It has been disappointing so far, hasn't it? Nice to see North Korea scoring against Brazil, though - a real David & Goliath moment there! Honduras v Chile: 0-2 Spain v Switzerland: 3-0 South Africa v Uruguay: 1-2 | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 195.166.117.210 |
The World Cup always starts poorly these days. The knock-out stages are best. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Wow, Caroline is on fire these days!! | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.55 |
There's never a bucket of water when you need one. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Have I got some more points then? I haven't watched any of today's matches as I've been out most of the day. Hubby tells me Switzerland beat Spain! Lovely!! (although I didn't predict that) | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Well, I royally screwed up with my predictions this time around... You're da woman, Caroline. I'll take you out on a date: William Hill's or Ladbrokes OK with you? Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
You and me both, Mark... After DAY 6: StevieW: 13 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1) MarkS: 11 pts (3+3+1+1+3) Caroline: 10 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1) Huw: 8½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) Frank: 2 pts (1+1) Chile looked the dark horses to watch against a good Honduras side, Switzerland produced the biggest upset of the tournament so far with Spain looking nervous and unconvincing & poor South Africa had their bubble well and truly burst by rejuvenated Uruguay. Tomorrow's Predictions: 12.30 - Argentina v South Korea: 3-1 Argentine win 3.00 - Greece v Nigeria: 0-2 Nigerian win 7.30 - France v Mexico: 1-1 Draw | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
For me, I think: Argentina 1 South Korea 2 (South Korea turn to taekwondo & El Diego goes loco) Greece 0 Nigeria 1 France 1 Mexico 1 Mark S. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.46.95 |
Argentina v South Korea: 2-1 Greece v Nigeria: 0-1 France v Mexico: 2-1 | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
This is more luck than judgment, boys! Argentina v South Korea: 2-0 Greece v Nigeria: 0-1 France v Mexico: 0-1 | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
That's a brave prediction, Mark... though I could see South Korea being fired up by their neighbours exploits against Brazil. Has the makings of a classic encounter! | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.46.95 |
How does the points system work, Stevie? I'm assuming it's 3 points for getting the score right, 1 point for getting the overall outcome right. What about the half-point? | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.55 |
Do I get points for my predictions on the other thread? | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
I was wondering when you would ask that, Huw. It was me being kind when you made a half-time prediction on the Uruguay-France game being a draw last Friday. You said 1-1, it ended 0-0. 3 pts for a correct score. 1 pt for a correct result (your record is 9 correct, better than anyone else) Also a 5 pt Bonus for predicting each Finalist & a 10 pt Bonus for picking the World Champions (if you pick em now). I went for Brazil v Spain final with Spain to win - which is looking pretty hopeless after yesterday lol. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Weber, 5 pts every time England play "shit" 3 pts every time you witness a world cup inspired drunken fight 3 pts for every world cup inspired drunken party thrown by your neighbours 2 pts every time you avoid going out in Manchester because of drunken world cup (I'm assuming England) football fans 1 pt every time someone tells you how they would have organised the England team 1 pt for every time someone tells you how boring the world cup is (you'll have earned a hatful this week). I'll have to rely on your honesty in reporting back but so far you've got 5 pts for a "less than great" England performance on Sat. Isn't it great how everyone can find something positive to take out of the World Cup. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
"Come and join us, come and join us, olé, olé, olé. We love you Weber, we do, oh Weber, we love you." If England make the final, I don't care if they play like shit all the way there... Hurray! Mark S. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
I'm going for an England (1) vs Germany (1) final with England to win on penalties. Because I'm Mark S. | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.55 |
I've already got 20 points just for people trying to tell me how they'd organise the England squad. And another 30 at least for people saying how boring it is (5 of those from this board) | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
If England win on penalties in the Final make that an extra 20 Bonus pts!! | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.55 |
There were 7 full blown fist fights outside my sister's house on saturday and my neighbours have had 2 parties so far. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Weber wins! The rest of us are all playing for a UEFA Cup place. | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.55 |
Another 2 points for the "world cup is boring" conversation. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 7: StevieW: 14 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1) Caroline: 12 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1) MarkS: 11 pts (3+3+1+1+3) Huw: 9½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) Frank: 2 pts (1+1) Argentina look like they belong in the final with Germany while South Korea went down fighting, Greece regained some pride against self-defeating Nigeria, with their typically African lack of discipline & Mexico gave the French exactly what they deserved and showed the world what this tournament is missing - Ireland! Tomorrow's Predictions: 12.30 - Germany v Serbia: 2-0 German win 3.00 - Slovenia v USA: 0-1 USA win 7.30 - England v Algeria: 2-0 England win | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Oh dear. My decline down the rankings continues apace... it's all gone horribly wrong. Still, I'm known for "bouncebackability" so I'll go with: Germany 2 Serbia 0 Slovenia 1 USA 1 England 4 Algeria 0 Oh yes. Mark S. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.163.18 |
For a while there I thought I was going to get my 3 points, but then Argentina had to go on and score another couple of goals and ruin my prediction! France have been dire, haven't they? Ireland should be there instead, by all rights. As for the next three games: Germany v Serbia: 2-1 Slovenia v USA: 1-2 England v Algeria: 3-0 Hopefully at least one of us will have that last one right! Haven't decided who's going to be in the final, but I'll post it later today, after I've slept a bit. | ||
| Coral (Coral) Username: Coral Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 90.216.127.11 |
Oh, is there a football match happening... | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Hi Coral - haven't seen you anywhere for ages! How ya doin'? So, looking at the score board, I've leap-frogged over both Huw and Mark in a couple of days - proving that the bloke who said girls don't know anything about football was talking nonsense. Watch out Stevie, I'm hot on your tail! OK, for Friday: Germany 3 Serbia 1 Slovenia 0 USA 0 England 2 Algeria 1 How about we make it interesting and give bonus points if we correctly predict who scores for England? I reckon it'll be Gerrard and Crouch. As for the final I really think it's going to be Germany vs. someone with Germany winning. I guess the obvious "someone" is Argentina, but that's a bit too obvious. So, I'll say Germany 2 Brazil 0 in the final. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Yep, Ireland should have been there. I've long rated Kevin Doyle as a quality player, and the team spirit is always right with them. I think Rooney will get a brace tomorrow, with the other coming from Lampard and Defoe (on as a sub perhaps?). Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
I say 2 goals for Rooney... | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.45.83 |
Well, we all got that last game wrong! There have been some really unexpected results so far - Brazil scraping through against North Korea 2-1, Spain losing to Switzerland, and now Germany losing to Serbia (and missing a penalty - see that, Mark?!). I'm going to boldly predict an England vs Argentina final, with England winning as revenge for 1986! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
And can I change my mind about Germany winning the World Cup ...? Only kidding - I'll stick with them. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
There are certain finals which simply cannot happen due to the paths the teams have to take there. England / Germany is impossible, I think. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.167.74 |
I think it depends on whether they end up encountering each other on the way. If England came first in their group and Germany second in theirs (or vice versa), they'd end up facing each other in the round of 16, which would mean only one of them could make it to the next stage. If the placements are different they could eventually face each other in the finals, according to my calculations (which could be wrong, of course). | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Mebbe you're right, mate. I can't get my ageing head around it all, so will sit back and let the Motties of this world figure it out for my ease and satisfaction. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.167.74 |
I was trying to work it out with this big World Cup chart someone gave me, and it gave me a headache too! Just 20 minutes to go until the England-Algeria game. I hope there are no goalie gaffes in this one... | ||
| Allybird (Allybird) Username: Allybird Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.104.140.73 |
4-0 and £40 off my telly. | ||
| Allybird (Allybird) Username: Allybird Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.104.140.73 |
Okay...£10 off the telly. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Oh no, that was a dire performance from England. Even Capello looked like he hadn't a clue what was going wrong. Why, oh, why aren't they playing Gerrard in the centre? I could cry ... | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.167.74 |
Just finished watching the England match - what a hopeless performance! Sloppy passing, no creativity, giving the ball away as soon as they get it - it's as if they don't care if they win or not. I remember one of their games in the last World Cup was very much like this... thoroughly uninspired. They'll be lucky to get to the next round playing like this! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Here are my predictions for tomorrow: Netherlands 2 Japan 2 Ghana 0 Australia 1 Cameroon 1 Denmark 1 | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Hey, Prof Fry: an England Germany final wasn't impossible when I made the call. I worked it out on the BBC predictor, which has squiggly lines and everything. Admittedly it was before the last game Germany played... And hey (again), about tonight folks. C'mon. Those of us of a certain age have all been here before with England in past world cups. As things stand it's all down to the last group game; which we have to win. Can we do it? Yes, we can. Keep the faith. We only need a win against Slovenia and then we're in a completely different mind-set. Mark S. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Oh crikey. Tomorrow's predictions! Here goes: Holland 2 Japan 0 Ghana 1 Australia 0 Cameroon 1 Denmark 1 Mark S. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
On the positive side: David James looked pretty solid, didn't he?  Mark S. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Stop posting replies to yourself, Mark. You're turning into Des Lewis.... Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 8: StevieW: 14 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1) Caroline: 13 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1) MarkS: 12 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1) Huw: 9½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) Frank: 2 pts (1+1) A mixture of spot-on tactics and the German luck spectacularly desserting them gave Serbia what could well be the shock win of the tournament, Slovenia-USA produced by far the most exciting game yet, a world cup classic & the less said about England-Algeria the better, oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.. I really fear for next Wed now... apologies to Ally for promising a goal feast. Tomorrow's Predictions: 12.30 - Holland v Japan: 3-1 Dutch win 3.00 - Ghana v Australia: 0-1 Australian win 7.30 - Cameroon v Denmark: 0-1 Danish win | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.49.164 |
Holland v Japan: 2-1 Ghana v Australia: 1-1 Cameroon v Denmark: 1-1 I would like to see Japan winning their game, although I think Holland will probably beat them. Ghana-Australia should be interesting - I liked the fast pace of Ghana against Serbia, and Australia will be desperate for a win. The England game was very disappointing. They seem to play at least one dismal game in every World Cup tournament I've seen - I remember last time and the time before there were matches with the same sloppy, uninspired style as we witnessed earlier today (or yesterday, depending on where you are). I really hope they are on form in a few days, because they have to beat Slovenia (who only need a draw to go through). | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
England are a one-man team, and that one man is playing like a sack of porridge suspended on puppet strings and manipulated by an arthritic octogenarian who's just smoked a doobie in order to alleviate the pain of her inexorably declining condition. While listening to Leonard Cohen. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
Anyone who knows anything about football realises that England haven't gelled as a team since the 1990 world cup. No heart; no spirit; no chance. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
They nearly did it in 1996. Gazza's brillness, Shearer getting a hat-trick against the Dutch. Good days. All shit since, mind. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
I stand corrected, mate...but yes, shite since then. And that's a lot of shite. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.49.164 |
The matches haven't started yet, so I'm going to update my predictions: Holland 2 Japan 1 Ghana 2 Australia 1 Cameroon 1 Denmark 1 | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Given Huw's performance thus far (slightly more impressive than England's, though only slightly), I'll say exactly the reverse of his latest predictions. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Holland vs Japan: 1 - 2 Ghana vs Australia 2 - 3 Cameroon vs Denmark 1 - 0 I haven't got a fecking clue, which is why such spurious predictions just flew from my fingers into the keyboard, and hey presto, up onto the screen of RCMB. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Gary, I'll take that as: Holland 1 Japan 2 Ghana 1 Australia 2 erm... what's the opposite of 1-1 Good to see you back, Frank, but do you really think Japan will beat Holland?! Then again, Gary agrees with you, so... | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
The Germans were showered with custard pies from the stand, and the Ref did nothing - shame! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
And England were showered with booze .. er, sorry, I mean boos. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
If they'd been showered with booze they probably would have played better! Maybe Capello's strict disciplinarianism is having the opposite effect? Could that explain Rooney's unhappiness on the pitch? No excuse mind... | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.49.164 |
FFS, why did I go and change my prediction for that Ghana-Australia match? It would have been the first one I'd got right! Gary, I'll have you know I now have a grand total of 10 and a half points, sir. Much better than England... | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
| ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
The most entertaining-to-watch match of the tournament so far on at the moment - Cameroon vs. Denmark. This is how I best remember the World Cup from previous years. (Doctor Who is going to have to wait ) | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
And I missed it. Just been to a Beethoven concert. Well, Beethoven wasn't there, of course. But his music was. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.166.191 |
Italy 3 New Zealand 1 Slovakia 1 Paraguay 2 Brazil 2 Ivory Coast 1 | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Italy 2 New Zealand 0 Slovakia 0 Paraguay 2 Brasil 1 Ivory Coast 1 Mark S. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
My thoughts for today: Italy 1 New Zealand 0 Slovakia 0 Paraguay 0 Brazil 2 Ivory Coast 0 | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 9: StevieW: 16 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1) Caroline: 13 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1) MarkS: 13 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1) Huw: 10½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) Frank: 2 pts (1+1) Holland again failed to convince against a spirited Japan and in no way deserve their 6 pts imo, rejuvenated Australia were wild unlucky not to win against Ghana & Cameroon-Denmark was the second end-to-end classic of the tournament so far. This World Cup has finally heated up! Today's Predictions: 12.30 - Slovakia v Paraguay: 1-1 Draw 3.00 - Italy v New Zealand: 2-1 Italian win 7.30 - Brazil v Ivory Coast: 3-2 Brazilian win | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Fantastic result for New Zealand - talk about playing out of their skins! We have a World Cup to watch now, folks!! And Mark has just caught me on points - come on 3-2 for Brazil... | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.165.22 |
I'm still kicking myself for changing my Ghana-Australia prediction! I want 3 points for once - not 1 bloody point every time, like England. I agree, Stevie. It's great to see so many unexpected results, with the underdogs doing better than expected. The Brazil game has the potential to be very good, as long as both sides let go and don't just try to play it safe. I think Brazil will win, but part of me hopes Ivory Coast will do it. My predicted scores are often not the results I actually hope for, come to think of it. The best games so far for me have been the rollercoaster-type matches, like USA v Slovenia. You don't always need one of the 'big' teams to have a really exciting match. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
If Brazil win I stay in the lead by a point but if it finishes a draw Mark takes the lead for the first time... we're in for a rollercoaster ride alright!! | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.165.22 |
I'm still hoping England will improve and go through all the way to the final, but I'm thinking more and more that it's going to be Brazil-Argentina. That's my prediction from now on - hopefully it's not too late to count since we're still in the early pre-knockout stages... | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Hmmph! I've lost my hard-earned 2nd place to Mark again. Perhaps I should just give his shirt a little tug, or put my foot out to trip him ... | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Oooo, I'd better make my predictions for tomorrow now as I probably won't be online again later or early tomorrow: Portugal 2 North Korea 0 Chile 1 Switzerland 1 Spain 2 Honduras 0 | ||
| Skunsworth (Skunsworth) Username: Skunsworth Registered: 05-2009 Posted From: 92.16.93.143 |
My prediction is, I'm gonna watch Wimbledon instead! S | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.165.22 |
Damn, the Brazil game should have been 2-1 - the second Fabiano goal was clearly handball. Portugal 2 North Korea 0 Chile 2 Switzerland 1 Spain 2 Honduras 0 | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.165.22 |
You know what, to hell with it - I'm so pissed off with Brazil for that blatant handballing (twice!) that led to the second goal that I'm going to stick with England. England-Argentina for the final! Of course, England will still have to be a game of halfway decent football on Wednesday for that to happen... | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.165.22 |
'be a game' = 'play a game' Need sleep.. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
France will probably tonk SA now ... anyway Portugal 1 North Korea 1 Chile 1 Switzerland 1 Spain 3 Honduras 1 Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
After DAY 10: StevieW: 17 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1) MarkS: 16 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3) Caroline: 14 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1) Huw: 12½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) Frank: 2 pts (1+1) Paraguay made Slovakia look second rate with an impressive win, Italy-New Zealand was fabulous entertainment and my game of the tournament so far with New Zealand playing like men possessed against the rattled world champions, a wonderful game & Brazil were devastatingly good against a much improved Ivory Coast who still couldn't live with them, on this evidence it should be a Brazil-Argentina final to dream about! Today's Predictions: 12.30 - Portugal v North Korea: 2-1 Portuguese win 3.00 - Chile v Switzerland: 1-1 Draw 7.30 - Spain v Honduras: 2-1 Spanish win | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Portugal vs N Korea - 2:1 Chile vs Switzerland - 0:0 Spain vs Honduras - 2:0 Those are my desperate guesses, bolstered by double colons in the mistaken belief it might yield more promising results. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Three correct scores (it could happen) and you're right back in it again... | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Always the optimist, Steve, always the optimist | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.55 |
My prediction - the next England game is their last of this tournament and life can go back to normal without the tons of England flags everywhere. Yipee. But I think you're only going to get a maximun of £20 off your telly Ally | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Wow, the Portuguese looked great. Portugal v Brazil should be a corking match. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
North Korea, Gary, it was only North Korea. They weren't anywhere near as formidable as Algeria or the USA. Though IF England go through, IF, I'd prefer to see Brazil knocked out. And one certain smug Portugese sent off and banned from any further games. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Spain looked good, didn't they? Mind you, they did remind me of Arsenal: pretty patterns but not equipped with the killer touch esp with Torres mis-firing. And they've still got a big job on to get out of their group. Elimination in round 2 for me. Portugal! Pah! They've peaked too early. No team scores 7 goals in one game and goes on to win it... Next up Mexico 0 Uruguay 0 (!) France 3 South Africa 0 (au revoir Le France) Greece 0 Argentina 1 Nigeria 2 S.Korea 1 Mark S. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.167.18 |
I finally got the score right for one of these games (as did Frank)! Mexico 1 Uruguay 2 France 1 South Africa 1 Greece 0 Argentina 3 Nigeria 1 South Korea 2 | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Did I? That was clearly a fluke. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Aoww, my aching head... one of those nights. After DAY 11: StevieW: 19 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) Huw: 17½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3) Well done, sir! MarkS: 17 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1) Caroline: 16 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) Frank: 6 pts (1+1+1+3) Onward and upward... Portugal finally came alive in a magnificent annihilation of poor punctured North Korea, Chile again looked good, deservedly beating well organised Switzerland & Spain were almost as impressive as Portugal running rings around befuddled Honduras, it was a much better performance than only 2 goals suggests, so maybe my champions prediction is back on again... Today's Predictions: 3.00 - France v South Africa: 1-1 Draw 3.00 - Mexico v Uruguay: 2-2 Draw 7.30 - Greece v Argentina: 0-4 Argentine win 7.30 - Nigeria v South Korea: 1-2 South Korean win | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
France 2 SA 1 Mexico 2 Uruguay 2 Greece 1 Argentina 3 Nigeria 1 S Korea 2 Indeed, Steve, onwards and upwards. Actually, I was just biding my time. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Oh heck! I'm slipping right back down to the bottom again. I think, like Portugal, I must have peaked too soon as well. OK, try these: Mexico 1 Uruguay 2 France 2 South Africa 1 Greece 0 Argentina 2 Nigeria 1 South Korea 1 | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Well, that looks like France are out. Only hope to God England don't go the same way. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.45.95 |
France seem to have imploded during this World Cup tournament. Maybe it's karma? | ||
| Seanmcd (Seanmcd) Username: Seanmcd Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 86.153.167.211 |
There IS a god ! France got exactly what the cheatin' bastards deserved. Total and utter humiliation every game and a good old fashioned beatin' by the hosts to send them home. FIFA officials conspired to keep Ireland out of the World Cup for this talentless mob? Justice is served! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Quite, Sean. Hey, can I change my prediction above to France 1 South Africa 2? (sorry, only kidding ) | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
These recent scores are barmy. Now Mexico has lost. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.45.95 |
I think that puts you in the lead now, Caroline, with me just half a point behind Stevie! Maradona seems to be enjoying this World Cup more than all of us combined! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
>>I think that puts you in the lead now, Caroline, with me just half a point behind Stevie!<< Aw, thanks, Huw, but my original prediction was 2-1 to France, not South Africa. I'm *way* behind. If I'm not careful, Frank will be catching me up! | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
ARRRGHGHGHGHGH!!!!! Now it's time for the next batch and I have to include England. I'm tempted to go for a Slovenian win, since my predictions have nose-dived so much it's the only sure way Ye Three Lions might win... but, but, just don't blame me... England 3 Slovenia 0 USA 0 Algeria 0 Australia 0 Serbia 2 Germany 0 Ghana 1 (!!! shock!) Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
There IS a god ! France got exactly what the cheatin' bastards deserved. Total and utter humiliation every game and a good old fashioned beatin' by the hosts to send them home. FIFA officials conspired to keep Ireland out of the World Cup for this talentless mob? Justice is served! Never a truer word said, Sean!! You mess with the Irish that's the kinda luck you get in return... | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Thierry Henry bloody hand-balled AGAIN in that match against SA too!! The swine has no shame. Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 12: Caroline: 21 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1) Go girl!! StevieW: 20 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) 1st time knocked off the lead... this means War! Huw: 19½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1) MarkS: 18 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1) Frank: 7 pts (1+1+1+3+1) A day of high drama... France reaped the reward of having every Irishman & woman praying for justice and was nice to give the hosts a win into the bargain, a scrappy end to an undignified misadventutre, Mexico-Uruguay was an entertaining game of quality football with the winners just about deserving it, two good teams who both deserved to go through from this group, Argentina strolled past deflated Greece and really do look the team to beat in this world cup & Nigeria-South Korea is the new game of the tournament, one of those blistering classics in which neither team deserved to lose, the draw was fair and it was just a shame only one of them could go through but I'm glad it was SK as they're always a joy to watch imo. This world cup has come alive with a vengeance!! Tomorrow's Predictions: 3.00 - Slovenia v England: 1-3 English win - have a feeling they'll progress then go out in the next round 3.00 - USA v Algeria: 2-0 American win 7.30 - Australia v Serbia: 2-1 Australian win 7.30 - Ghana v Germany: 0-3 German win | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Eh? Huw was right - I'm in the lead now! Are you sure you've totted the scores up correctly, Stevie? I really thought I was going way behind again. I'm afraid I haven't been watching as many of these matches as I'd have liked to watch. Anyway, try these for tomorrow: Slovenia 0 England 2 (more in hope than expectation) USA 1 Algeria 0 Australia 1 Serbia 1 Ghana 0 Germany 2 | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
You got 5 pts from three games, Caroline. The Uruguay win, Greece-Argentina correct score & Nigeria-South Korea draw. Well done! Now tell me what ya thought of the last few 'Doctor Who' eps lol. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.48.114 |
England 3 Slovenia 0 USA 1 Algeria 0 Australia 1 Serbia 2 Ghana 2 Germany 2 | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
England 1 - Slovenia 2 (Hope I'm wrong as usual) USA 2 - Algeria 0 Austrailia 1 Serbia 3 Ghana 0 Germany 1 | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
>>Now tell me what ya thought of the last few 'Doctor Who' eps lol.<< I will do, Stevie, I promise - and Des too, who I know is also waiting to hear my thoughts on Vincent and The Doctor. Thing is, we're on holiday this week and we keep popping out and going places. I'm hardly on the computer at all! Hey, I must be going through a winning streak at the moment. Not only am I topping the leader board here at the mo, but I've just won a Doctor Who comp at the BFS. More about what I've won later ... | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Put your house on England winning this afternoon!! Only kidding... | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Thank Christ, for that. Talk about edge of your seat stuff towards the end. Poor Slovenia, knocked out at the last minute by a late goal by the Americans. Though to be honest, I'm chuffed for the Americans. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.48.35 |
Me too, though I do feel a bit sorry for Slovenia - they must have thought they were through right up until that last minute. Hey, another 4 points each for me and Caroline - we're on a roll! | ||
| Allybird (Allybird) Username: Allybird Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.104.140.73 |
The second half was good...sat on the couch with my daughter and a bowl of popcorn. If they could go home, they were allowed out at 2.45.p.m. today. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
I'm a bit blitzed, but glad we're there. Hopefully we'll go on. This is worth seeing. Well done you Yanks. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8757075.stm Mark S. | ||
| Steve Bacon (Stevebacon) Username: Stevebacon Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 90.204.111.249 |
Bring on the Germans! | ||
| Allybird (Allybird) Username: Allybird Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.104.140.73 |
We are...:.). | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Don't panic!!! (Sorry, but I couldn't resist the Dad's Army wotsit) Mark S. | ||
| Steve Bacon (Stevebacon) Username: Stevebacon Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 90.204.111.249 |
Don't tell him, Samuels! | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Mark S. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Ok, here we go with the next batch: Paraguay 2 New Zealand 0 Slovakia 0 Italy 1 Denmark 1 Japan 1 Cameroon 0 Holland 2 Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 13: Caroline: 26 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1) StevieW: 26 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1) Huw: 23½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3) MarkS: 19 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1) Frank: 11 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3) Reborn England played with pace and style to put away Slovenia well but not without giving the fans a nerve-shredding time right to the last minute, they can only get better after this with the team spirit rekindled but it is Germany next, never say die USA got the win they deserved against Algeria by the skin of their teeth but should have had a hatful, really chuffed to see them go through, Australia played out of their skins against Serbia and deserved to progress but sadly it wasn't to be due to their thumping by Germany coming back to haunt them & Germany had a similar nerve-wracker to England by outclassing Ghana (lucky to progress imo) but only winning by one goal that seemed to take an age coming, the tournament would have been a lot poorer without them but England won't be thinking that. More drama than you could shake a big stick at! Tomorrow's Predictions: 3.00 - Paraguay v New Zealand: 0-1 New Zealand win 3.00 - Slovakia v Italy: 1-2 Italian win 7.30 - Denmark v Japan: 1-1 Draw 7.30 - Cameroon v Holland: 0-1 Dutch win | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.47.192 |
That was a great day of football. The next few days should be interesting, to say the least! England v Germany - bloody hell! Paraguay 2 New Zealand 0 Slovakia 0 Italy 1 Denmark 1 Japan 2 Cameroon 1 Holland 2 | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
If it goes to penalties, I'm not watching, no way. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.47.192 |
And if England win, guess who the next team they face (in the quarterfinals) will likely be? Yep, Argentina. So and England-Argentina final is now out of the question, as is an England-Germany final, obviously. Maybe we'll get lucky and face Brazil or Spain... You know, I reckon all of these games will feel like finals! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Tough route. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Paraguay 1 - NZ 2 Slovkia 2 - Italy 0 Denamrk 1 - Japan 0 Cameroon 2 - Holland 0 My predictions are completely crazy, unrealistic and foolishly optimistic, but even if I get one right, I'll be a happy bunny. But if England are forced to penalties, I also will not be able to watch. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
With a route like that to the Final, which couldn't be any tougher, the Algeria debacle, and letting USA top the group, is gonna haunt England's progress every step of the way. Even getting to the Semi-Finals is going to be some achievement! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Wow! That was a much better England match to watch - I enjoyed that. A bit nerve-wracking towards the end, but that's all part of the fun. But I predicted (above) Germany as overall World Cup winners. I hope I'm wrong now! Anyway, my predictions for today: Paraguay 1 New Zealand 1 Slovakia 0 Italy 2 Denmark 1 Japan 2 Cameroon 0 Holland 2 | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Best game of the tournament so far: Italy vs Slovakia. Cracking match! Mark S. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Gotta larf, aven't ya? Italy and France gone. Oh, ho ho ho. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
I'm glad to see the back of both of them. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 14: Caroline: 29 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1) Huw: 27½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3) StevieW: 27 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1) MarkS: 20 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1) Frank: 12 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1) Paraguay-New Zealand saw another magnificent display by the "no hoper" Kiwis who sadly leave the tournament, though bloody undefeated, Slovakia-Italy was an end-to-end, pulse pounding classic that saw the world champions sensationally knocked out, a stunning game and best of the tournament so far, Japan raised their already quality game to heights never before seen by an Asian team, destroying Denmark, on this evidence they deserve to at least make the Quarter Finals (and I have them in the works sweep!) & Holland raised their game enough to break battling Cameroon's hearts, their best performance so far but I still don't fancy them to go all the way. Another great day's football! Tomorrow's Predictions: 3.00 - Portugal v Brazil: 2-3 Brazilian win 3.00 - North Korea v Ivory Coast: 1-2 Ivory Coast win 7.30 - Switzerland v Honduras: 1-0 Swiss win 7.30 - Chile v Spain: 2-2 Draw | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.167.61 |
Portugal 2 Brazil 2 North Korea 0 Ivory Coast 3 Switzerland 1 Honduras 0 Chile 2 Spain 1 | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 195.166.117.210 |
Delighted to see Japan win yesterday, and in such thrilling style. They were a credit to the game. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Aye. Portugal 0 Brasil 2 North Korea 0 Ivory Coast 2 Switzerland 2 Honduras 0 Chile 2 Spain 2 Mark S. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Just seen highlights of the Japan game - looks like they played their hearts out. That's what I love about the World Cup, seeing the smaller teams like this show everyone what football is really about. My predictions for today: Portugal 2 Brazil 2 (should be a cracking game) North Korea 0 Ivory Coast 3 Switzerland 1 Honduras 0 Chile 1 Spain 0 Hope I get a few right today or Huw will be overtaking me! Well done Huw - you're doing great here. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Portugal 1 Brazil 4 N Korea 1 Ivory Coast 2 Switzerland 0 Honduras 2 Chile 2 Spain 1 | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Our brave boys were robbed ! We all backed the silky skills and wild tackling of the mighty Chile:  Mark S. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Uruguay 2 South Korea 1 USA 0 Ghana 1 I really am rubbish at this, now! Mark S. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.45.143 |
Uruguay 2 South Korea 1 USA 2 Ghana 1 | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
I can't believe you guys all thought Chile would win! | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 15: Caroline: 31 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1) Huw: 29½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+1) StevieW: 28 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1) MarkS: 21 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1) Frank: 13 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1) Portugal-Brazil was a disgrace, what should have been a nailed on classic turned into the biggest disappointment of the competition with both teams settling for a boring scoreless draw, that’s football for you, underperforming Ivory Coast failed to take advantage of shattered North Korea with the scoreline flattering to deceive, a better team would have had double figures, despite no goals Switzerland-Honduras was a more entertaining affair than that earlier shambles but neither team really deserved to progress & Chile-Spain was more like it, a cracking game of pure quality played in magnificent spirit by two teams who should both go far in this world cup. Bit of a schizophrenic day’s football and that’s the group stage done and dusted! Now we’re into the knockout stages, predictions can include extra-time wins or going through on penalties if you think it will end a Draw after 90 mins. You must specify if the game is won in extra-time. Hmm, 2 bonus pts for predicting score correctly after extra-time, 1 bonus pt for predicting a team’s win on penalties. So if it goes to extra-time a potential 3 bonus pts are up for grabs but you have to predict the 90 min Draw first and the Draw score at the end of extra-time. If you predict the extra-time Draw result but not the correct score you get 1 bonus pt (this is getting more complicated than the off-side rule!). Okay, folks? Today's Predictions: 3.00 - Uruguay v South Korea: 1-1 Draw (Uruguay win 2-1 in extra-time) 7.30 - USA v Ghana: 2-1 American win (after 90 mins) You guys can change your minds if you like or stick with those for 90 min wins? | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Just want to check if I have everyone's Final predictions right? 5 pts for each finalist and 10 pts for World Champions. Caroline: Brazil v Germany - Germany to win Huw: Argentina v England - England to win (can't happen but one team could make it and England can still win) Mark: England v Germany - England to win (ditto) Frank: I don't think you made one? I went for Brazil v Spain - Spain to win | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Final: Argentina versus Brazil - Argentina to win. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
That's a probable 20 pts right there! | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.167.31 |
Stevie, I don't think England-Argentina is a real possibility any longer, the way the groupings have worked out. I think it will probably be Brazil-Argentina, and I think Argentina deserve to win it - they've played some of the best football this time, in my opinion. So, although I'd really like to say England-Argentina or England-Brazil, I'll go with Brazil-Argentina, with Argentina to win. As for today's games, some slight adjustments: Uruguay 2 South Korea 1 (after 90 mins) USA 1 Ghana 1 (2-1 after extra time) | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Uruguay 1 - S Korea 2 aet USA 0 - Ghana 2 aet | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Frank, you'll need to specify the 90 min scores first or it won't work. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
I'm a dick... that would be 0-0 and 0-0 obviously, doh!! | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Double dick lol... 1-1 and 0-0 !!!! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
I'm getting a bit confused by the scoring system here - but it's just me being thick as I've only skimmed through what you said quickly (in a hurry, dashing off as usual). Anyway, today I'll go for: Uruguay 2 South Korea 0 (after 90 mins) USA 1 Ghana 0 (90 mins) Yup, you've got my predictions for the final right, Stevie - although I hope I'm wrong now about Germany! Can I ask, if we think a game will go to penalties, do we need to predict the precise no. of penalties scored, or is it OK to just say "won on penalties"? | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Steve - you're destroying any chance of my leap-frogging to the top by making vague predictions which cannot be nailed down with any reasonable accuracy. Okay, Uruguay 1 SK 2 ( 90 mins) USA 0 Ghana 2 (90 mins) Therefore nothing is needed after 90 mins. I mean, in extra time the score will remain the same. | ||
| Des (Des) Username: Des Registered: 06-2008 Posted From: 81.153.251.53 |
I've got South Korea in the TTA Sweepstake. Uruguay 0 South Korea 8 | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
>>I've got South Korea in the TTA Sweepstake. Uruguay 0 South Korea 8<< Aw, sorry Des. | ||
| Des (Des) Username: Des Registered: 06-2008 Posted From: 81.153.251.53 |
It was exciting match. But thanks Caroline. And the rain... | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
>>It was exciting match. << It was indeed. I must admit, I was wanting them to win - despite my prediction above that Uruguay would. They're a plucky team, real enthusiasm. I love the "little" teams like that. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
GHANA!!!!!! QUARTER FINALISTS!!!! PRIDE OF AFRICA!!!!  | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Meanwhile Big time predictions coming up: England 2 Germany 0 (in normal time) Argentina 1 Mexico 1 (Argentina win 2-1 in extra time) Am I doing this right? Mark S. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.162.90 |
Stevie, do I get extra points for guessing how many offsides and yellow cards in a given match? England 2 Germany 2 (3-2 after extra time - no need for penalties!) Argentina 2 Mexico 1 (after 90 mins) If England win this match, I reckon they'll be up against Argentina in the quarterfinals, then maybe Portugal or Spain in the semis... tough road! | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.162.90 |
Stevie - shouldn't Caroline and I have been given 3 points each on Day 15 for getting the North Korea-Ivory Coast result (0-3) right? We only seem to have got 1 for it.... | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
We'd better ask the assistant referee . . . | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.162.90 |
I'll probably get a yellow card now for questioning the ref... | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
I hadn't noticed that, Huw. Nice one! I've been agonising over today's predictions, but here they are: England 2 Germany 1 (1 - 1 at full time, going to extra time - England scores, no need for penalties!) Argentina 3 Mexico 1 (90 mins) These should be exciting matches today! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
England 0 Germany 1 I just know it. Behold. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.46.58 |
Oh ye of little faith... | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Vindication shall follow as surely as an England loss in a penalty shoot-out. It is written. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
I must admit, I really do think too that Germany will win (and will go on to win the World Cup), but I just can't bring myself to put that as my prediction for today. Hey, where's Stevie today? It's no good if the ref goes missing ... | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
He exploded after watching an episode of Psychoville. He got a little too excited. | ||
| Allybird (Allybird) Username: Allybird Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.104.140.73 |
England 2 Germany 2. Then penalties. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Ha ha.. actually I'm a little bit hungover, as in very ill, uurrggg... (pay day weekend) After DAY 16: Huw: 35½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+1+3+3) Well done, Huw!! Caroline: 32 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) StevieW: 28 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1) MarkS: 24 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3) Frank: 13 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1) Uruguay-South Korea was a cracking game with the Koreans again a credit to Asian football but the better team still won & USA-Ghana produced another nail-biting classic with African dreams sensationally kept alive after extra time, a fairy-tale result for them but was sorry to see the Yanks go home - they were brilliant in this world cup. Today's Predictions: 3.00 - Germany v England: 2-1 German win (after 90 mins) 7.30 - Argentina v Mexico: 3-1 Argentine win (after 90 mins) Phew, just about made it... Caroline, just "to win on penalties" will do. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Yeah, I think Caroline & Huw are owed points, sorry about that. I'll work it out after today's matches. The drink must have addled my brains lol. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Huw is on 37½ pts and Caroline 34 pts. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
This is equal opps gone mad: they're employing blind refs now. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.46.58 |
That wasn't just over the line, it was a good couple of feet over the line! They really should have a video ref syatem like rubgy so that injustices like this can be overturned.  Kick their arses, England! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Shocking. Embarrassing. The manager can't even speak fucking English. Friggin joke. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear ... I just don't know what else to say. Still, well done Huw for being on top of the table here. I should have stuck with my instincts and said it would be a German win rather than being hopeful that England could beat them. I'd never have predicted that scoreline though - dreadful. Would it have been any different if Lampard's goal (and it definitely WAS a goal) had been allowed? We'll never know ... | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
No. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.46.58 |
The result definitely flatters Germany, although they did well to make the most of their attacks and find empty spaces, unlike England. England played well and were very unlucky to lose like this, I think. Oh well... another four years! Maybe England should get a German coach next? | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
I think we're still in with a chance (message delivered at 18.23) | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
>>>The result definitely flatters Germany, although they did well to make the most of their attacks and find empty spaces, unlike England. England played well and were very unlucky to lose like this, I think. Were we watching the same game, mate? I thought we were dreadful throughout. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
England were apalling:, no drive, no creativity, couldn't even defend against basic football moves. The Germans barely had to come out of second gear to beat us. Everything - the performances, the tactics, the formation, the levels of desire (basically zero) - was sub standard. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
Still, they did better than I thought - I predicted an exit at the group stage. | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Isn't it time to bury this thread? Put it in a capsule and shoot it into deepest, darkest space, where nobody can hear you scream? | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
It just leaves me with an empty feeling of waste. I must admit, I thought this bunch of players could really do something under what was the best available coach and, yet, in the end: another rubbish performance in the knock-out stages against one of the big teams. Same old. Oh well. Chile are still in it Mark S. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.46.58 |
I thought England played pretty well, really. There were a few very close misses, and that goal shouldn't have been disallowed. The defence was bad, I agree, but there was a lot more spark and attack in this game than in the previous three games combined, in my opinion. Zed, earlier on you were saying that the cup was England's for the taking! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Well, he actually said . . . >>>If there's a time for England to win the thing again, it's now: the big teams are past their best and we have a manager who's a strict disciplinarian. Unfortunately, our team is made pricks and prima donnas. And he was right. | ||
| Allybird (Allybird) Username: Allybird Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 88.104.140.73 |
That goal that wasn't a goal! Hello.....goal line technology? | ||
| Steve Bacon (Stevebacon) Username: Stevebacon Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 90.204.111.249 |
Blatter must face facts. We need to use the technology. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
That disallowed goal shouldn't paper over the cracks. Anybody who knows the slightest thing about football has to agree that England simply did not perform over the tournament (apart from David James, who did little wrong). Wayne Rooney one of the best in the world? Do me a favour...compare him with the sublime Messi this evening. No contest. We are an average team with two world class players and no team ethic. This so-called "Golden Generatrion" of players is nothing more than a golden shower. I'd rather see a bunch of championship tryers play for the country (at least they'd show some pride in the shirt). | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.161.230 |
I still think Argentina are the team to beat. They're the most consistently on form and creative of all the teams -- Maradona really seems to have them motivated. Argentina-Germany should be a great quarterfinal. | ||
| Steve Bacon (Stevebacon) Username: Stevebacon Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 90.204.111.249 |
Regarding the England game, I can't remember seeing a team at that level ever defend so poorly. It was a total embarrasment. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
Argentina-Germany should be a great quarterfinal. Yes, I'm really looking forward to that one - Mexico actually played well tonight but Argentina were a class above. Lovely stuff. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 17: Huw: 38½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+3+3+3+1) Caroline: 37 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+3) StevieW: 32 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+3) MarkS: 24 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3) Frank: 15 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+2) 2 pts for the changed prediction on the USA-Ghana game Sorry, people, but that England display was absolutely shambolic, every one of them (apart from David James) should hang their heads in shame and Capello is a clown ("I thought we played well"), Germany look damn good but the final score, against a frankly amateurish defence making every schoolboy error in the book, does flatter them & Argentina-Mexico was a fabulous game full of excitement and genuine world class flair, Tevez goal has to be the strike of the tournament, Mexico were very good but Argentina were exceptional! Tomorrow's Predictions: 3.00 - Holland v Slovakia: 0-0 Draw (Holland win 1-0 in extra time) 7.30 - Brazil v Chile: 2-2 Draw (3-3 aet - Brazil to win on penalties) Cheer up everyone, we got a cracking game in prospect tomorrow evening and the promise of a stonking Argentina-Germany Quarter Final to come... lots of life in this World Cup yet! | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Holland 2 Slovakia 0 (in normal time) Brasil 1 Chile 2 (after extra time) The problem with the England defence was that it was an accident waiting to happen. In the lead-up the combination was Terry/Ferdinand, which became Terry/King and then ended as Terry/Upson. Admittedly, the changes were due to injury. Even so, you can't monkey around with the two centre backs to that degree. An understanding born of long-term familiarity with one another's game and positioning is the only way a centre-back partnership works. They were all over the shop, and couldn't keep their shape. Terry probably knew where Ashley Cole was going to be, but he's the left-back. Right-back Glen Johnson didn't have a clue. And we've changed right-back over and over again. How often have Johnson and Upson played together? Hardly ever... How often does Gerrard play wide on the left for his club? Does Rooney play up front for Man Utd alongside a nippy little striker a la Defoe? You need (1) to play players in positions in which they're comfortable (2) you need a manager with flexible tactics and not one whose only plan B is to change the personnel on the pitch rather than change the formation itself. This whole debacle requires radical action. Get rid of all the over-30s (the "Golden Generation") for good. Sack Crapello. Employ Hodgson or Redknapp on a long term deal. Make a public statement that England are in a process of long-term rebuilding and think any chance of winning Euro 2012 or World Cup 2014 is highly unlikely. Aim entirely for Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018 and build a team for those competitions. Mark S. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Well, I didn't expect to find myself cheering on Maradona's boys to win 3-1 as I predicted, but by golly they delivered for me! For tomorrow (or, rather, today as it's now past midnight): Holland 1 Slovakia 1 (Holland win on penalties - it's about time we had a penalty shootout!) Brazil 2 Chile 1 (after 90 mins) | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Blimey! I've gone and forgotten Terry/Carragher in my list of revolving door England centre-backs ... Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
That's a fine analysis, Mark, and I agree entirely with your suggestions for radical action. There is a desperate need for unflinching honesty and much soul searching in the England set-up over the next few years and a complete shake-up of the system is long overdue - with no shying away from brutal decisions. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.200.163 |
Holland 1 Slovakia 1 (2-1 after extra time) Brazil 2 Chile 1 (after 90 mins) | ||
| Frank (Frank) Username: Frank Registered: 09-2008 Posted From: 85.222.86.72 |
Have England played yet? I ask because of the POD people appear to have taken over their identities, and played a mock-up of 'what might go wrong if we leave the full-backs flapping in the wind'. Here's to the real match? | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
My analysis: I reckon the players' missuses got pissed off cos they got excluded from the fun, gave their blokes an ard time, and the blokes then sulked with the boss. It happens in all forms of working life. Shopfloor morale at a new low, innit. Can't go down the boozer cos it violates contracts. Nowt to do but brood. Innit. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Mind you the England supporters have come out of the tournament with their reputation further enhanced. And it's been on the up since 2002. So that's a big positive. The only bit of "hooligan chaos" the papers can come up with is this typical piece of hype about scuffles in Leicester Sq and somewhere in Oz from the joke that is the Daily Mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1290104/WORLD-CUP-2010-Violence-flares-L eicester-Square-Englands-defeat.html Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
I suspected, further up the thread, that Capello's strict disciplinarianism was having the opposite effect and causing the players to sulk. John Terry's outburst hinted at that too. But that makes no excuse for playing people out of their established positions and sticking with a rigid formation when it clearly wasn't working. Even El Diego (great value!) took on board that basic management lesson during Argentina's qualifying campaign. So that's it, a mixture of player petulance and managerial stubbornness did for England's world cup. Time for a radical shake-up... | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
In case anyone's wondering I haven't watched the 'Doctor Who' finale yet and have it taped. So I daren't look at the DW thread... | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
I think we needed Capello ten years ago, and he might have a chance to knock the individuals into a team over half a dozen years. Now it's too late. They're won't knuckle under, the fag-end of "the golden generation" regarding themselves as a "self-governing" bunch of individual stars who know better than the manager. So they've all got to go. And that goes for most of the FA too. Frankly, I'd put the best and most promising England players on central contracts like they do in cricket. And if the Premier League don't like it: they can fuck off. To be blunt. It's their fault we're in this mess with millionaire egomaniac players talking up their own "world class" status. Mark S. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 195.166.117.210 |
Hear-hear, Mark. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
But why do some of the Premership's overpaid self-regarding stars play so well for other countries? Look at Tevez: awesome. Is it something about British egocentrism, then? | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 195.166.117.210 |
I think it is - the famous English lion spirit is a myth: we're a bunch of whining losers. Gary Linekar said that the players looked "haunted by the shirt" after the Algeria game. Why is that, when most other the nations players look proud to be wearing theirs? | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
It's Tony Blair's fault. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
All that Cool Britannia rebranding the country shite. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
It's because the English players now care more about their clubs (and wages) than they do about their country. That's what the Premiership has done to football here. I suspect Tevez cares much more about his country than his club (whichever part of Manchester he's playing in). The "golden generation" will be comforted by the fact that their supermodel wags will be waiting for them on the beaches of Barbados, and that the start of the domestic season is only a few weeks away. And then their lives will get back to normal where they'll feted by their clubs as superstars once again... Mark S. | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.55 |
Just think about Rooney's outburst at the fans for booing a bad performance by the England players - they're entitled to have a go at the players for being shit. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
>>>I suspect Tevez cares much more about his country than his club Yes, but why? Do Argentinians have a greater sense of national identity? | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
You may have hit the nail on the head, Gary... the Irish play for Ireland, the Scots play for Scotland, the Welsh play for Wales but can it be said that the English really play for England (rather than their own over-inflated egos)??? | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Good point Weber. Can you imagine Rooney reacting like that to Man Utd supporters booing? I can't. Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Then again... they do a bloody good job in the rugby. So, yeah, it probably is a football problem. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Maybe 'tribalism' is satiated at a club level in England more effectively than in other countries. You can belong to only one club, properly. Maybe Tevez and co, not playing in their native country, remain affiliated to the country as a source of their true identity. After all, very few British players play outside of Britain. So seeking recourse to national identity is not required because it's established at a club level. And maybe I'm talking shite and they're just a bunch of prancing numpties. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Well, all of the German team play in the Bundesliga. None of them for clubs outside their own country. Mark S. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
And the German national team is just as ethnically diverse as the English one. I think they just care more for their country than we do. Mark S. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Yes, that's true, isn't it? They're just feckless wankers, then. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Oh well, you've got to laugh or you'll cry. This one's especially for our Caroline...but you can all watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvxsKlKESC0 Mark S. | ||
| Colin Leslie (Blackabyss) Username: Blackabyss Registered: 02-2010 Posted From: 81.157.238.239 |
 | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.154.208 |
Ha ha! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Mark, Colin - you've just cheered me up no end! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Ah-ha! This is it! This is the reason for England's poor showing in the football: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1290232/WORLD-CUP-2010-Is-Wayne-Rooney-E nglands-Samson.html | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
My predictions for today: Paraguay 1 Japan 1 (FT Paraguay win 2-1 in ET) Spain 0 Portugal 3 (FT) | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
After DAY 18: Huw: 39½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+3+3+3+1+1) Caroline: 38 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+3+1) StevieW: 32 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+3) MarkS: 25 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1) Frank: 15 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+2) Holland again did just enough to knock out solid Slovakia, the Dutch have some record in recent years and keep on winning but I can’t see them getting past their next opponents because while Chile played a blinder they were still comprehensively thumped by a mesmerising Brazil side who have raised their game to a whole new level, the dream Final of Argentina v Brazil beckons… Today's Predictions: 3.00 - Paraguay v Japan: 1-1 Draw (Japan win 1-2 after extra time) 7.30 - Spain v Portugal: 2-1 Spanish win (after 90 mins) | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Paraguay 1 Japan 1 (1-1 end of 90 mins, Japan win on penalties) Spain 2 Portugal 2 (1-1 end of 90 mins, 2-2 end of ET, Portugal win on penalties) There has to be some pens by now... Mark S. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.200.248 |
Paraguay 1 Japan 2 (after 90 mins) Spain 2 Portugal 2 (3-2 after extra time) I'm looking forward to the quarterfinals: Uruguay-Ghana, Brazil-Holland, and especially Argentina-Germany. I hope Argentina continue to win - I haven't been a huge fan of theirs in the past but they have so much skill and spirit (not just the team - old Diego too) this time that you can't help liking them and cheering them on. Spain-Japan would make a great forth quarterfinal, I think. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
After DAY 19: Huw: 39½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+3+3+3+1+1) Caroline: 39 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+1) StevieW: 34 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+3+1+1) MarkS: 27 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+2) Frank: 15 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+2) Paraguay-Japan gave us the penalty shoot-out we all wanted by what a boring match to get there, both teams tactics may have been understandable but will have won them no friends (that's Japan beaten in the sweep...) & Spain-Portugal was a fascinating game of real quality in which both sets of players largely cancelled each other out apart from a match-winning flash of brilliance from Spain (...and that's the champions prediction still on!) No more football until the Quarter Finals start at 3.00 on Friday. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Hey, guys. Can any of you tell me which teams are playing Friday/Saturday/Sunday? I won't have internet access for a few days so I'll need to get my predictions for those matches in early (or risk my place hot on the heels of Huw!) | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/fixtures_and_results | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Quarter Finals 3.00 Fri - Holland v Brazil - can't see the Dutch doing it but should be a great game and they are bound to test Brazil, who, if they raise their game again, should make this one to relish. 7.30 Fri - Uruguay v Ghana - could go one of two ways; dour 0-0 draw playing for penalties or blistering end-to-end nerve-shredder, knowing African enthusiasm I fancy the latter. 3.00 Sat - Argentina v Germany - if it's anything like their last world cup clash (and all the pointers say it will be) then we're in for one hell of a game, has EPIC written all over it. 7.30 Sat - Paraguay v Spain - I have a feeling this will be a cagey affair and could well go to extra time and penalties, I fancy Spain but an "upset" wouldn't be at all surprising. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
No matches on Sunday, Caroline. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Thanks, chaps! You're giving me a lot of clues there, Stevie. Or are you cheekily trying to point me in the wrong direction so that you can leap-frog over me again? OK, I'll go for: Holland 1 Brazil 3 (FT) Uruguay 1 Ghana 1 (at FT - 2-1 to Ghana after ET) Argentina 2 Germany 2 (FT - no goals in ET, Germany win on penalties) Paraguay 0 Spain 2 (FT) Thus paving the way - I think - for the Brazil vs. Germany final which I predicted! | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Drat... busted!! Or am I...  | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
It coulda been us playing Maradona . . . if we weren't so shit, that is. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
And boy would he have loved that... | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.49.116 |
Holland 1 Brazil 3 Uruguay 1 Ghana 1 (2-1 to Uruguay after ET) Argentina 2 Germany 1 Paraguay 0 Spain 2 | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Today's QF Predictions: 3.00 - Holland v Brazil: 1-3 Brazilian win (after 90 mins) 7.30 - Uruguay v Ghana: 1-1 Draw (1-1 aet - Uruguay to win on penalties) | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.44.118 |
The match is just about to start, and I have a strange feeling it'll be closer than I originally thought, so if it's okay I'd like to change my first match prediction to: Holland 2 Brazil 3 Should be a great game! | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.44.118 |
Sorry, just to clarify: Holland 2 Brazil 2 (2-3 to Brazil after ET) Hope it's not too late - the match has been on for about 5 minutes... | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
Well, who'd have thought it . . . ? | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.44.118 |
I knew it was going to be close, but I wasn't expecting that outcome. Another big upset! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
God, the British are useless at sport. Murray just got smashed off the court by Nadal. Embarrassing. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
Get in there, Ghana! | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
Brilliant game, this one. Come on Ghana (bhowever Forlan is fucking immense). Great game. Both of these teeams make England look like the shower of shit they are. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
Aye. Gonna be penalties . . . | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
I cannot believe that! Now penalties . . . | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
Pah! | ||
| Des (Des) Username: Des Registered: 06-2008 Posted From: 81.153.251.53 |
Hand ball pays dividends. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
About the only thing that does these days. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
Gutted. But what a fucking game. As Stevie might say, it was a masterpiece of football prowess. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
ps - I called Mensah missing as he walked to the spot: the curse of Sunderland AFC. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
Did you see all those highly intelligent people who joined him after the game? | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
Oh, dear...(it took me hours to get that joke, btw). | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
What an incredible day's football!! I feel quite guilty at getting that Uruguay-Ghana result right... still, six points is six points. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.202.195 |
Well done, Stevie! That makes you, me and Caroline really close on points now. Only a few matches to go... who will win?!? I hope you've got some kind of trophy ready! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.20.11 |
>>>it took me hours to get that joke You just failed to joined Mensah. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.204.243 |
Stevie, you only have an hour or so to make your predictions for Germany-Argentina and Paraguay-Spain... you too, Mark! | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 22: Huw: 42½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+3+3+3+1+1+3) Caroline: 42 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+1+3) StevieW: 40 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+6) MarkS: 27 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+2) Frank: 15 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+2) Today's QF Predictions: 3.00 - Argentina v Germany: 2-2 Draw (Argentina win 3-2 after extra time) 7.30 - Paraguay v Spain: 0-0 Draw (Spain win 0-1 after extra time) Good luck, everyone! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.15.37 |
It's all going to get bad tempered . . . | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.15.37 |
At least we got a goal against em . . . Brilliant. Simply brilliant. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
The Germans played simple football to perfection - no fancy flicks, no camera-hogging moves. Just brilliant basic football, and they played as a team. Bravo. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.15.37 |
Indeed. None of the team is a household name and that's significant, I think. They all subsume and expand on each other and become one ruthless organism: quick, neat, devastating. | ||
| Des (Des) Username: Des Registered: 06-2008 Posted From: 81.153.251.53 |
That means England is a better team than Argentina. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.15.37 |
Yeah, I was thinking that. The Argies didn't even get close to scoring. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.240.106 |
Well, we all know that football doesn't work that way... | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.15.37 |
It does. Alan Hanson told me. So it must. Lee Dixon backed him up, too - made the case watertight, like. And when Shearer weighed in with a similar opinion, the issue grew pretty much inarguable. I mean, these are like the creme de la creme of punditry, aren't they? No peers. Nowt to touch em. Top of the league, as it were. Nous personified. Pitch-and-boot know-how coursing through their veins. The bizz. The guvs. The eavyweights. Think it over, and come back to me in a better frame of mind. You know it makes sense. You just know it. | ||
| Matthew Fryer (Matthew_fryer) Username: Matthew_fryer Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 90.195.182.104 |
I almost felt sorry for the dejected Maradona for a moment, but then I remembered the Hand of God, and also realised that they'd just made England look slightly less crap in the stats, and did a little dance instead. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.15.37 |
Nice to see that a healthy ability to quickly move from cross cultural empathy to nationalistic glee burns brightly in you, Mr Fryer! | ||
| Matthew Fryer (Matthew_fryer) Username: Matthew_fryer Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 90.195.182.104 |
I suspect my cross cultural empathy will be heartily restored when I crack open this bottle of Argentinian red. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Balls. I've missed out on QF predictions! Rather like England, I went to blazes in the 2nd round... Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 23: Huw: 43½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+3+3+3+1+1+3+1) Caroline: 43 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+1+3+1) StevieW: 40 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+6) MarkS: 27 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+2) Frank: 15 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+2) Now that's what I call dramatic Quarter Finals! Holland-Brazil provided what must be the shock upset of the tournament, no one could have predicted the mighty Brazil defeating themselves, by completely losing the plot, in the face of bad luck and sturdy Dutch patience, a game of two halfs or what! But even that paled beside the jaw-dropping drama of Uruguay-Ghana, a game that had everything except a fairy-tale ending, Ghana played their souls out for all Africa while rattled Uruguay rode their luck with the hand of destiny ultimately on their side, probably the game this world cup will be remembered for... But what about Argentina-Germany! The expected epic instead turned into a textbook display of machine-like efficiency and teamwork from the Germans destroying, humiliating even, the supposedly invincible and, prior to this, frighteningly in-form Argies, a game to put the fear of God into every other nation that will have to play this new young team over the next lot of years, devastating football. We'd been spoilt up to then so Paraguay-Spain could only seem like an anti-climax despite being another fascinating tactical game of real quality with the Spanish again doing just enough to progress. The Semis have a lot to live up to after this weekend! First Semi-Final, Uruguay v Holland, is at 7.30 on Tuesday. | ||
| Matthew Fryer (Matthew_fryer) Username: Matthew_fryer Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 90.195.182.104 |
A succinct and bang-on synopsis. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Hi guys, I'm back - briefly! My prediction for Tues: Uruguay 0 Holland 2 | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
I don't know why I'm still doing this: glutton for punishment, I suppose. Anyway, Uruguay 2 Holland 1 (after extra time) Germany 0 Spain 0 (0-0 aet, Germany win on pens 3-1) Mark S. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Today's Semi-Final Prediction: 7.30 - Uruguay v Holland: 1-2 Dutch win (after 90 mins) | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Oh yes, sorry, forgot to say ... my prediction is a full-time score too. I don't think this'll go to extra time. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.200.215 |
I'll go with: Uruguay 1 Holland 2 (full time) I'm finding this a hard one to predict. From the form they've shown in previous games, Holland certainly seem clear favourites, but Uruguay have shown themselves to be very tough opponents with a lot of fighting spirit. I really can't decide whether it'll be 2-1 or 3-1 to Holland, or whether it'll be a draw and then one team will just scrape through to seal a victory in extra time. I wouldn't be that surprised if Uruguay won it - we've seen a few upsets already in this tournament. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
You can say that again, Huw, and although everyone is expecting Germany to tank Spain I have a sneaking suspicion another upset is on the cards in that game. Tonight's could go either way but on form the Dutch should win. | ||
| Matthew Fryer (Matthew_fryer) Username: Matthew_fryer Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 90.195.182.104 |
Shame for Uruguay, but we saw some belting goals, and the last 2 minutes were incredibly exciting. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 26: Huw: 44½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+3+3+3+1+1+3+1+1) Caroline: 44 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+1+3+1+1) StevieW: 41 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+6+1) MarkS: 27 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+2) Frank: 15 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+2) What a brilliant match, with just the right mixture of world class skill and nervous mistakes making for a classic 5 goal stunner! Holland just about deserved the win, shading it over impressive Uruguay, in a brilliantly fought battle between two of the best teams in the world, both clearly worthy of their Semi-Final places. So we have an all European Final in store with everyone fancying the Germans but, in truth, the way this World Cup has gone any of the three teams left could realistically win it. My money is still on Spain! Tomorrow's Semi-Final Prediction: 7.30 - Germany v Spain: 2-2 Draw (Spain win 2-3 after extra time) Going out on a limb here, folks, but I need the points. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Here's mine: Germany 1 Spain 1 (after 90 mins - Germany win 2-1 after ET) | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.206.100 |
Germany 2 Spain 2 (Germany 3 Spain 2 after ET) | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
Bear in mind that if Germany win tonight then Caroline gets 5 bonus points for them as Finalists, and the same for me if Spain win. Huw, you need to hope for Holland to win the Final. It's gonna be a tense finish, whatever happens! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
I was wondering how we all stood in relation to points available. This could be more tense and nail-biting than the final itself! C'mon Germany .... (hmmm, I never thought I'd hear myself say that!) | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Bugger. That's ruined my chances of World Cup glory. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
I know how the England team felt when they were knocked out now ... | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
Hey, Caroline don't feel too bad. I had a bash at speaking in Spanish to a fan close to the pub wherein I watched the match and told him how well they'd played and good luck for the next game. He looked at me blankly and said in English he didn't understand a word of what I was saying. Quite crushing it was. Mark S. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Don't worry, it's only a game. I'm not feeling bad about it really. Anyway, I'm playing for pride now even if I can't win .. | ||
| Mark_samuels (Mark_samuels) Username: Mark_samuels Registered: 04-2010 Posted From: 86.133.23.20 |
I'm rooting for you anyway Caroline! Amazing comebacks are always the most glorious of victories... Mark S. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.47.229 |
Stevie, that Spain win must put you in the lead now (and another 10 points if they win)! Only two matches left now... | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 194.32.31.1 |
After DAY 27: StevieW: 46 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+6+1+5) Huw: 44½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+3+3+3+1+1+3+1+1) Caroline: 44 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+1+3+1+1) MarkS: 27 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+2) Frank: 15 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+2) Germany-Spain produced a riveting game of football, okay, not as exciting as the first Semi, but the overall quality and skill levels of both teams was a joy to behold. One of the best, and most evenly matched, tactical battles I've seen on a pitch in years with Spain just deserving the win for their glorious passing game. Bad luck last night, Caroline, but it didn't half make for an exciting game! Our wee competition has gone right to the wire with all three of us still able to win depending on the Final result. If Spain win I'm plain sailing but if the Dutch win it'll come down to who can get the correct score(s) in the remaining two games. All still to play for... Third Place Play-Off, Uruguay v Germany, is at 7.30 on Saturday. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Here are my predictions for the weekend's matches: Uruguay 1 Germany 3 (FT) I reckon this should be a high-scoring game. There isn't as much at stake for either team so they don't have to play it cautiously. But pride will make each team keen to win. Should be an interesting game. Holland 1 Spain 0 (FT) I actually think Spain will win, but I can't bring myself to predict this. If I did, I'd have to be cheering on a nation which engages in bullfighting and other organised animal cruelty, and that's against my nature. Also, my dad has Holland in his housing complex sweep, so I have to cheer them on! | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Today's Third Place Play-Off Prediction: 7.30 - Uruguay v Germany: 0-2 German win (after 90 mins) I totally agree with you on the animal cruelty issue, Caroline, to the point that I could feel nothing but a grim sense of justice every time one of those spangly pricks is gored to death. But this is football and the Spanish play a beautiful game, plus I predicted them as World Champions from the beginning, so - even though tactically it would be wiser, though morally indefensible, for me to predict Holland - I'll be sticking with them for tomorrow's prediction. Game on!! | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.45.27 |
I agree that Uruguay-Germany should be a high-energy, (hopefully) high-scoring game. My prediction: Uruguay 2 Germany 2 (3-2 to Uruguay after extra time) I haven't decided about the final yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Holland win (despite what that octopus says), so that Stevie doesn't get 10 extra points and I'm still in with a chance! | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
That's one talented cephalopod... he'd have wiped the floor with any of us! Thinking about it I was probably a bit too generous in awarding 5 & 10 pts for the Finalists/Winners but then we all played by the same rules and can't change it now. Next time we run one of these competitions I might just dispense with the bonuses. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 30: StevieW: 47 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+6+1+5+1) Caroline: 45 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1) Huw: 44½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+3+3+3+1+1+3+1+1) MarkS: 27 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+2) Frank: 15 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+2) Uruguay-Germany, what a cracking game!! One might even be tempted to say game of the tournament - you were so right, Caroline. Played at blistering pace with sublime quality throughout the pitch and plenty of great goals this has left the Final a virtually impossible task to live up to... Today's Final Prediction: 7.30 - Holland v Spain: 1-2 Spanish win (after 90 mins) That just about makes the 10 pt bonus academic, though I've a feeling that ½ pt may yet come back to haunt me. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.44.83 |
I thought it was going to be 2-2 right up until the last ten minutes or so, when Germany scored their third. Great game - Forlan has been terrific through the whole tournament, hasn't he? His long shots and free kicks have put the likes of Ronaldo to shame. Today's final: Holland 2 Spain 2 (Holland win on penalties) The curse of the half point lives on! | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Huw, are you saying 2-2 after 90 mins? Forlan gets my vote for player of the tournament. He's played like a man possessed. If it's a tie for top goalscorer he should get it on the sheer quality of the goals he's scored. His passion and committment has been an inspiration as well - that's how to play for your country (nobody mention Man Utd lol). Game on indeed... | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.15.37 |
Spain will win. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.164.94 |
Don't believe everything that bloody octopus says, Gary! Stevie, yes, I should have been specific: 2-2 at 90 minutes, then Holland by penalties after extra time. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Just to reiterate, as it was a few posts ago, I reckon it'll be Holland 1 Spain 0 after 90 mins. Actually I was kicking myself after last night's match - I was going to say 3-2 to Germany and then changed it to 3-1 at the last minute. I'd have been top of the table if I'd stuck with my original prediction! My husband reckons you guys have made me extremely competitive. Anyway, c'mon The Netherlands ... | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.161.242 |
Not the best game of the tournament, but not bad, and quite dramatic. I feel a bit sorry for Holland, as they had some really great chances (then again, so did Spain), but on the whole I think the more appealing team won. I would have been happy for either team to have won, as neither of them have done it before. Well done, Spain! Well done Stevie, too! It was a close contest between the three of us right up until the end. | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 220.138.161.242 |
I've just seen that Diego Forlan has been named 'best player' of the tournament. Thoroughly deserved! | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Thanks, Huw. I'll post the final table in the morn (a wee bit pissed just now). Glad to have put a bit of fire in your blood, Caroline! Forlan was brilliant! I came to love the intensity on his face as this tournament progressed and his goals were just sublime. Very well deserved! | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
Well done for winning our little competition, Stevie - though I still don't like the idea that Spain won the World Cup. Still, I guess if they're interested in football for a while it will stop them torturing bulls! What a match! It reminded me of that story in one of the Black Books of Horror - "No Such Thing As A Friendly". I didn't realise Holland were so "physical" too. Spain did deserve to win, I guess. Holland will have their day one day too, I'm sure. Anyway, thanks for an enjoyable competition guys. BTW did I come out 2nd or 3rd? Hubby wants to know ... | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
After DAY 31: StevieW: 57 pts (3+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+6+1+5+1+10) Huw: 45½ pts (½+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+3+3+3+1+1+3+1+1+1) Caroline: 45 pts (1+1+3+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1) MarkS: 27 pts (3+3+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+1+2) Frank: 15 pts (1+1+1+3+1+1+3+1+1+2) I found that Final just about the most exciting 0-0 draw I've ever watched and was literally screaming for Spain to score in extra time, no longer for my sake, but because they damn well deserved it by the way they kept their heads and continued to play their way in the face of cynical bully-boy tactics by Holland. I'm over the moon that the better team won, and won well, and we have a fitting new nation on the Golden Trophy. Great drama and the right ending to a marvellous tournament! Thanks for taking part in my wee competition, folks, it was good craic. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Sorry, Caroline, but the ½ pt and draw after 90 mins just edged Huw into 2nd Place. If it's any consolation I find your uncanny football nous and expert knowledge of 'Doctor Who' an irresistible combination, your hubby is a very lucky man! | ||
| Huw (Huw) Username: Huw Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 61.216.202.152 |
Stevie, I think maybe it would be best if we got rid of that half-point you generously awarded me - I was being a bit cheeky predicting the score at half-time, and wasn't really expecting any points! That would put me and Caroline in joint 2nd place with 45 points each, which seems fair given how close it's been. I agree that the more attractive, less foully (I think I just made that word up) team won. I would have been happy for either team to win it really, but for the past few World Cup tournaments I have always felt that Spain were unlucky not to go further than they did, so I'm glad they have done it at last. Let's do this again in 2014! In the meantime, I think I'll be getting a pet octopus... | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
>>I find your uncanny football nous and expert knowledge of 'Doctor Who' an irresistible combination, your hubby is a very lucky man!<< Stevie, you just made me blush and chuckle at the same time! Huw - I was wondering what I could offer Stevie for an extra half a point - money, some horror books, sex? Not sure if he'd go for it though ... Seriously, don't worry about the half a point (I'd forgotten what you got it for!) - it was a fun competition. And let's not forget Mark and Frank too. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Now if you were a single woman that would be a no-brainer, Caroline, but I guess I'll have to settle for horror books... We'll call it a tie for 2nd place! Only 2 years to wait until Euro 2012 and our next (bonus free) contest lol. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.23.15.37 |
Funny how the organisation won the prize, innit? Fix! Fix! | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
The game's up... I had a hotline to Paul the octopus! | ||
| Weber (Weber_gregston) Username: Weber_gregston Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 194.176.105.55 |
Or were you watching on channel Sky Sports Minus One? | ||
| Matthew Fryer (Matthew_fryer) Username: Matthew_fryer Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 90.195.182.104 |
Well done Stevie. I want my octopus back now. I was completely objective when the final began, but within a few minutes of the second half I was hopping for Spain to win. Shame for Holland's fans, but the team were indeed cynical and not befitting that stage of the competition. I thought ref Webb did a pretty good job, all things considered. The Dutch may whine, but he could've been much harsher with them. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
>>I thought ref Webb did a pretty good job, all things considered. The Dutch may whine, but he could've been much harsher with them.<< The Dutch player who got the Spanish one in the chest with his studs should've got a red card straight away. I wonder if the officials are a bit wary about giving straight red cards in a World Cup final? I'm reminded of Zidane's infamous head-butting incident [I still can't believe he did that - I had a bit of a thing about Zidane at the time ]. The ref in that case had no option but to give Zidane a red card, but I wonder if they try not to do so in a World Cup final unless they absolutely have to? It shouldn't be that way of course. If it deserves a red card, that's what they should get. | ||
| Stevie Walsh (Stephenw) Username: Stephenw Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 82.17.252.126 |
Agreed. Robben was quoted before the match that he would be happy to "win it ugly" as long as they won. It was clear Holland recognised Spain's footballing superiority and cynically went in to out-physical them. All respect to Germany for not employing the same "tactics" in the Semi-Final! The right team won in the end and I feel no sympathy for Holland's whinging. Well done, Spain!! | ||
| Matthew Fryer (Matthew_fryer) Username: Matthew_fryer Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 90.195.182.104 |
Refs try not to dish out reds in the final. Flow, atmosphere, etc. I suspect Webb held off with the studding because he'd already handed out several yellows. But then at the same time, you can't let players get away with ugly play. It's a fine line I guess, and not a job I'd want. It was definitely the right result anyway. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 82.38.75.85 |
>>It's a fine line I guess, and not a job I'd want.<< That ref's a police officer from South Yorkshire, and it was all over the local news here when it was announced that he'd be doing the final - they were interviewing his mum about how he felt about it, that kind of thing. It was one of those rare occasions when I was rooting for the ref too! It was a shame the officials got booed when they went up to collect their medals after the match. I hope that didn't spoil the occasion for them. My husband is an amateur snooker referee, and he's really proud of the medals and things he gets for doing local and regional finals. Refs are only human too! |