2006 World Cup

England started very well but the heat destroyed them in the 2nd half, although Svens use of substitutes left a lot to be desired. Sweden looked very average yesterday against a poor 10 man Trinidad, who are probably the poorest team in Germany. They came into the tournament without a win this year. Although they had the majority of possession, until confidence comes back to the forwards, they will struggle. I expect both England and Paraguay to beat Trinidad convincingly. Looks like Sweden v Paraguay will determine who joins England into the knock-out stage. We desperately need Rooney, our only true world class player back on the pitch.
Last nights game showed 2 of the best teams so far in terms of quality. Ivory Coast are no mugs and will give Holland problems. Todays game of Holland v Serb&Mont will give us an insight of the Dutch teams capabilities in "the group of death". Their next 2 games are so difficult.

backfootbob wrote:

I´ll have to say that Rooney aint your only world class player BFB, Frank Lampard man, Frank Lampard.... Tooo bad he playes for Chelski.

The Ivory Coast are unfortunately typical african in their style. They have extremely good quality players who one on one can challenge anybody. And man it´s lovely to watch them play. Individually they where better than then Argentinians, but their tactics are poor. On several occasions you could see like only six of them in the box defending on a corner kick, six against six... Overall it seemed like they´re lacking the work-as-a-team-bit and depend too much on individual skills. Was the same thing with Camroon a few years back. Too bad cause I´d love to see an african team win the whole bit.

Holland will go far, I have no doubt about that.

So far so good:
(thanks to Prox.., from Germany!!)

I disagree about the African sides. The problem in the past with African sides was that they were good going forward but defended poorly. However, the top African sides have improved. Cameroon won the football competition at the Olympic games some years ago so they must have been playing well as a team. I don't think Ivory Coast's problem was team-play it was poor finishing by some of their players and a very average goalkeeper. They could have beaten Argentina if they had taken their chances. The coach should have started with Dindane and Bakari Kone. I wasn't impressed by Kalou at all.

It's a pity Cameroon and Nigeria aren't competing because they are 2 of the best teams in Africa and they both have incredible players. If Eto'o had been playing against Argentina he would have had a field day. Personally I would rather watch Nigeria than Angola because Angola are a very poor side.

Tomorrow it's the turn of Ghana who will cause Italy a lot of problems. They have Amoah up front who is a decent striker but probably not as great a striker as Yeboah or abedi pele. I think Ghana will win, it will be a good game much like the Argentina vs. Ivory Coast game. I'm sure the African sides will cause some upsets this year.

3-1




84 minutes of groaning...


then 3 goals in 8 minutes.


w00!T

hence his nickname "Guusje Geluk" (Dutch for "Lucky Luke")

Just when I was visiting then bathroom, thinking Japan will win...

Hoši dekujeme!!!

Czech 3 - USA 0

Good to see the czechs again. They played wonderful offensive football 2 years ago in the European Championship and seemed hot for the title. But they got knocked out by a destructive and boring Greek side in the semis. Back now with the same attacking style and it paid off today.

jappen wrote:

Can´t belive it!
Such a big Country with so many potential Players!
Don´t know much about the USA, but don´t they have a League like the Europeans have?

someone79 wrote:Over there soccer is a girl's sport...
Besides, they don't have a Dutch coach

All I can say is Arsenal have got a bargain with Risicky, by far the best player so far in the WC. Still haven't picked my winner yet but going on the matches so far you've got to fancy Argentina, Holland, Cezh and England (1st half) Got to say that cos I'm from England. Come on Rooney !!!!!

The Czechs looked good today but now that Koller is injured as well as Baros they might have problems. They were very impressive though, one of the best teams so far.

The Japanese will be kicking themselves for losing their game against the Aussies. They could have killed the game off but didn't take their chances.

Ghana played quite well tonight but the same old problem of dodgy defending returned. They also failed to take their chances in front of goal. Essien and Appiah worked like Trojans though and didn't deserve to be on the losing side. Toni for Italy had a really good game too and his shot that hit the crossbar was fantastic. I didn't think Italy would make the 2nd round but they're in such a strong position now that their qualification is almost guaranteed.

someone79 wrote:
Wellllll, there is a "League" in the USA ... called the MLS -- Major League Soccer. Currently has 12 teams. Most European leagues are FAR better. Also, IMHO most of the better yanks go play in the European Leagues, guys like Claudio Reyna (Midfielder, Manchester City), DaMarcus Beasley (Midfielder, PSV Eindhoven), and Brian McBride (striker, Fulham). So some of the US National team players play in the MLS, and some in European Leagues.

USA doesn't have a lot of the "lower leagues" in support of the top league, like Europe does. Also, a real lack of youth program and leagues ... but ... its gradually getting better ... I think.

Unfortunately the best player in the USA isn't allowed to play on the current National team ... because he only just turned 17 and you have to be at least 20 for the US. Yep, Freddy Adu, plays for DC United, already a few years experience in the MLS. My God, watch out for this kiid. Inter Milan, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man U., and others were all trying to get him to commit to their "youth programs" (he can't officially sign in Europe until he's 18 under FIFA rules). They even offered him more money than the MLS -- Inter Milan is rumored to have offered him $750K when he was 12 for fuck's sake -- but he's staying in the US for now. Expect him to go to Europe a year from now though. Born in Ghana, by the way.

It was hard to tell if the Czech Republic was really that good, or if the USA was really that bad. Or both. Early goal -- on a bad defensive lapse/marking -- really took the US out of it, and they never had a chance. CR looked pretty damn good, no doubt about it. I expect them to beat Italy if they play like that, but it might depend on the severity of Koller's hammy (but they don't play each other for 10 days). US will have to handliy beat both Italy and Ghana to advance. Scheiss.

Australia beat Japan? Holy crap. Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oy! Oy! Oy! And that should make Croatia pretty happy.

RM

yeah too bad ghana lost yesterday, it was a good match though. Ofcourse the chzechs (how do u spell that???) were impressive. Wander where they will stop. Being a dutch fan im content with the first win. The next matches against ivory coast and argentina will be difficult though. If portugal can grow in the tournament they are dangerous too. And what a legendary win from australia! England played average but sufficient, they wun in a professional way despite the bothering heat. I look forward to see how they play against trinidad. A few more strong sides to go, today france and brazil , tomorrow spain and the country of angels: UKRAINE!!!

well well well holland through too the second round!!! yeaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh
oranje boven!!
what a fantastic worl cup!!
all I can think of is football!
nederlandse collegas: we worden wereldkampioen! geloof me!!

Argentina are favourites by a country mile. I'm English but don't want to play Argentina, who were awesome today.