The Official 2010 Football & World Cup Thread
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Topic: The Official 2010 Football & World Cup Thread
Posted By: Atkingani
Subject: The Official 2010 Football & World Cup Thread
Date Posted: September 05 2009 at 19:41
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Well, I think it's time to start one, no?
In this moment Argentina and Brazil are playing for Conmebol (South America League) qualifyings... let's wait to see what happens.
Meanwhile, we had several games in Europe today. My surprise was to know that Liedson, a dude I just watched last year playing here, anchored in Portugal, got quickly a new nationality and scored an important goal for the Lusitanians.
 Any more comments, folks??? ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Replies:
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 05 2009 at 20:42
Due in no small measure to both UEFA and FIFA's bumbling largesse, nationality now appears to be negotiable. There are scores of Brazilians currently plying their trade in Qatar (attracted by the high wages offered by the clubs) who are shamelessly induced by cash to become naturalised Qataris and therefore eligible to play for the national team. Although considerably less transparent, the situation in France where their leagues have many North African players from the former colonies, it could be argued that many of the most distinguished French internationals ain't French at all: Patrick Vieira was born in Senegal Jocelyn Angloma was born in Guadaloupe Ibrahim Bas was born in Senegal Basile Boli was born in the Ivory Coast Jean-Alain Boumsong was born in Cameroon Pascal Chimbonda was born in Guadaloupe etc etc (the list goes on) I think the current international eligibility rules are hopelessly convoluted, with various yawning loopholes created by national associations who claim that playing for a country below a certain age or in a non-competitive match somehow supplants the concept of 'place of birth' or the player's original choice. Add to this the bureaucratic bolt-holes of ancestry i.e. your grandparents, parents, best friends, drinking buddys, golf partners nationalities and you got yerself one mighty big can of worms for sure. Although all the UK nations have been guilty of assimilating 'ringers' into their teams over the years, it is perhaps the Republic of Ireland who take the proverbial biscuit for such expediency. They had a striker called Tony Cascarino from Kent, England who was deemed eligible for the Republic by virtue of an Irish grandfather. There was no Irish grandfather, it was a complete tissue of whoppers confirmed as such by Cascarino's subsequent autobiography. People in Britain used to joke that the initials of the Irish Football Association (FAI) stood for 'Found Another Irishman' ------------- 
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Atkingani wrote:Posted By: The T
Date Posted: September 05 2009 at 21:29
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My country lost to Colombia. We're out. Three world cup finals in a row would've been too much...
------------- 
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Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 05 2009 at 21:30
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Argentina 1 x Brasil 3 Brasil is now fully qualified for the World Cup 2010.
 Later, I'll return to this nationality issue.
 ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: September 06 2009 at 05:18
As an ENglishman I take no joy from this image.......
......  ha ha ha  ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: Diaby
Date Posted: September 06 2009 at 05:57
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We lost (deservedly) in the 93rd minute against Sweden. What a f*cking way to get beaten.
------------- yeah |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: September 06 2009 at 06:10
It's all abit tight in your group. But you've got to play Portugal twice now I think - and they are a worried nation! Good luck!!  ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 06 2009 at 10:11
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True to type, the Scots have now engineered their own struggles by being stuffed mercilessly by a very mediocre Norway away (0-4) Although the dark blue dwarves (with 'Bashful' up front) managed to slay the combined might of Macedonia 2-0 on Saturday, it just leaves the rather onerous chore of beating HOLLAND in Glasgow to sneak ourselves into the play-offs. Call me a cranky old doom-monger if you like but I can envisage this ever cyclic scenario: 88 minutes in Scotland 1 - 0 Holland. The fans start baying for the final whistle as droves of orange shirts swarm around the Scottish goal like flies round some discarded roadkill. Dirk Kuyt attempts a cross to one of his forwards but slices the ball towards a statuesque Scottish defender (probably 'Caldwell the Domitable') whereupon the white orb ricochets off his chest and gets deflected into the net via Robin Van Pervy's backside. Scotland 1 - 1 Holland. Yet more tear welling heroic failure for a country who can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Still, as long as those complete poofs (the English) don't win the World Cup, we'll be happy again till the next debacle. -------------
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Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: September 06 2009 at 10:58
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That CONMEBOL eliminatory is very interesting, as Guigo said Brazil is almost there, and Chile is also doing a great work, seems that Maradona´s days should be counted since Argentina is playing really bad and they are risking their place on the World Cup. Regarding my country, yesterday Mexico defeated Costa Rica 0 -3 which was a very important win, they are gaining in confidence and with a nice match against Honduras next wednesday, they will have one foot in the WC.
And about UEFA, i followed the match between Hungary vs Sweden, it was pretty cool and that group is very close and interesting, for now it seems that Denmark could take it, so the battle for 2nd place will be tough! ------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 06 2009 at 11:07
Dramatic!
 It's like an epic screenplay!!!
 Anyway, for the South American Zone, Brazil is there while Chile & Paraguay are almost there. The 4th direct qualified is among Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Uruguay... no more chances for Bolivia and Peru. ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: September 06 2009 at 11:17
You are a 'Cranky Old Doom-monger' of the haggis eating variety.
This is typical Scottish Drivel more interested in the end, in our failure than your own success.
As far as I know though the Dutch don't need anything from this match so if your going to beat them then now's the time! ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: martinprog77
Date Posted: September 07 2009 at 03:52
 ------------- Nothing can last there are no second chances. Never give a day away. Always live for today. |
Posted By: mrcozdude
Date Posted: September 07 2009 at 04:14
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Nice and early for this thread. I'm ready to place bets England will suck.Anyone in? ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/cozfunkel/" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 07 2009 at 12:11
Agreed, if schadenfreude were an Olympic event, the Scots would clean up.  -------------
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Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: September 07 2009 at 13:34
boo hoo!! ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: September 07 2009 at 13:38
Well if it happens I for one will enjoy seeing you get stuffed by the Gemans! ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: manofmystery
Date Posted: September 07 2009 at 19:28
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go Vatican City! -------------  Time always wins. |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: September 08 2009 at 14:50
How did I know MOM would come up with some inane comment on a football thread?
The last Pope was a pretty good Goalkeeper (I think before he was pope).
------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 08 2009 at 15:13
Nevermind, at least the winner will be a real WORLD CHAMP!!!  ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 01:51
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So England can qualify tonight if they beat Croatia, which they probably will. There's a nice little press build up cos Croatia think Premier League English players have been targetting Croatians to clog in the leadup to the game.
This is patently untrue - we do not discriminate in this way, just look what Rooney did to that poor Slovenian defender on Saturday - and he "won" a penalty to really rub it in.
I'm with MrCozDude on this one. Overpaid, overfeted, oversexed and with the odd court appearance along the way, most of our players will freeze when they see that combination of white over black (you know, the guys with the black eagle badge) and absolutely poo themselves if they ever face yellow over blue.
We'll probably go out in the quarters as usual. I really hope I'm wrong but I can't see it getting much better than that.
Just as well I've got a legitimate right to support Spain as well
Seriously I'd love to see England win but it just ain't gonna happen ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 01:52
It would've been quite an achievement if he'd Poped first and Kept afterwards, wouldn't it ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: johnobvious
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 08:32
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The US is in a fight to qualify between Mexico, Honduras and Costa Rica. Needs a big win tonight at Trinidad & Tobago.
------------- Biggles was in rehab last Saturday |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 09:56
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If Clint Dempsey plays you'll have a good chance - he does really well for Fulham in the Premiership over here ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: johnobvious
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 10:14
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Yeah, Dempsey has had issues but has been playing well of late. Man if they don't make it in I won't be pleased. But I will still watch all I can.
------------- Biggles was in rehab last Saturday |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 10:26
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^
Just a thought - do you remember the USA World Cup shirt from the 80s (86 I think) with the Stars 'n' Stripes all over it - they sold like hot cakes over here at the time and I remember a pic of Springsteen and I think Little Stevie wearing them . Mine went awol a long time ago - I'd love to get another one!!! ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: johnobvious
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 11:21
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I was in college in 86 and probably didn't even know the WC existed. I didn't get into it until we hosted in '94. That was when soccer went from being derided by 98% of the population here to somewhat less now. It is still a losing battle. Funny story was when we played Mexico about a month ago. I was traveling and got to my hotel room and put on ESPN and they were running pregame and I got all exited that I would be able to watch it before dinner. I called my traveling companions and told them to tune in since they are fans as well. The game is about to start and ESPN goes to an NFL show. I had forgotten that Telemundo (Mexican station in the States) had exclusive rights and refused to let ESPN carry the match. No Telemundo in the hotel room. I guess if I would have been in Miami instead of Connecticut, I might have had a chance. Just goes to show how soccer still gets no respect here. ------------- Biggles was in rehab last Saturday |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 11:48
I'm almost sure that the US team will have a victory today, and they'll qualify to the WC.
Today's matches are very important, I believe they will determine which teams are directly qualifying and which one will have a last chance against a CONMEBOL team.
Mexico vs Honduras will be tough, but I trust Mexican team will have a satisfactory result. ------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: crimhead
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 12:56
The 2010 World Cup is so next year. 
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Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 16:03
Hey, England is there... and Slovakia too. 
Today, we'll probably know other finalists.  ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: Jimbo
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 16:36
Liechtenstein - Finland 1-1. Please excuse my language, but seriously....f**kin' pathetic.  We almost made it to EURO 2008, but this is just ridiculous. The worst game I've seen in AGES. England looks pretty strong though. Could it finally be their turn? ------------- 
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Posted By: Tony R
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 17:32
Sorry Jimbo but I laughed when I saw that score! Finland are really struggling these days. It doesnt seem that long ago when your team could give anyone a run for their money. Could be worse, you could be Lithuanian:
or Belgian:
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Posted By: Any Colour You Like
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 17:40
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C'mon New Zealand!
Don't laugh, we should be a lot better than we are, given our country is basically sports crazy.
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Posted By: Jimbo
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 17:54
True enough. Yup, we're lacking proper strikers, but instead of bringing some new blood to the team, our coach insists on using the same ol' beaten warhorses who haven't scored any goals since 2004... Like Mikael Forssell, he had a good season with Birmingham some years ago, scoring 17 goals in the league, but what has he done since then? Absolutely nothing. And yet, he's always the one we turn to. Supposedly the others lack international experience, but how the f**k are you going to acquire it if you never get to play in the big games... I just don't get it. -------------
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Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 17:59
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Spain goes to South Africa too... the list is getting broad and the number of seats are narrowing. ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: Tony R
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 18:34
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Will Argentina fail again tonight?
We all raised an eyebrow when Maradona was given the Coach's job, maybe they meant to call Madonna. It wouldn't have been any worse an appointment! Hey Jimbo, maybe Finland should dig up Jari Litmanen. 
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Posted By: Tony R
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 18:38
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Ha! Paraguay lead 1-0
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Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 18:52
And Paraguay is playing finely. Halftime now and a well deserved advantage up to now! ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: johnobvious
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 19:45
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US has scored in the 62nd minute to go up 1-nil. Edit: Game over. The one goal holds up for US. Big 3 points on the road. ------------- Biggles was in rehab last Saturday |
Posted By: Tony R
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 19:56
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Posted By: Tony R
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 20:02
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Paraguay win 1-0 and qualify for the Finals.
Maradona? He'll be out of a job by the weekend. 1-0 down and about 10 minutes left he brings a 36 yr old defender on for his debut! Clueless. The idea that you can just throw together a bunch of highly-skilled players and leave them to get on with it is about 30 yrs out of date. So is Diego. Very poor performance, shambolic even. And so to bed. |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 22:10
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Ecuador 3 Bolivia 1
It still can be done -------------
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Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 22:31
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2 pages and comments from: Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, USA, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Finland, Hungary and... Vatican City!
This is really a WORLD Cup!  ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 23:25
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Some interesting results today! Mexico won and they are almost there , and the CONMEBOL eliminatory is really tough, only Bolivia and Peru are out, the other ones are still in the chase.------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: Ivan_Melgar_M
Date Posted: September 09 2009 at 23:32
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I'm depressed, we have the best players in 20 years, Pizarro will be the biggest foreign scorer in the history of Germany, Farfán and Guerrero key members also in Germany, we have scorers in all Europe, Acasiete is captain of Almería, Johan Fano one of the scorers in Colombia, 2 of the 3 best goalies in our history, but still we are lasts in South America, it's terrible. The problem is that we have the worst trainer ever and without any experience, who has baned Pizarro, Farfán, Acasiete and Mendoza (scorer in Turkey) despite they have been declared innocent of any misconduct by the Sports Court. If that wasn't enough, we have the worst President of any Federation, accused of bribery but defended by FIFA despite nobody wants him in Perú. When you are last with bad players, can be understood, but being last with excellent players, it's simply a shame, today with Venezuela there was simply no idea, they played as amateurs, not as proffesionals who earn millions. Iván ------------- 
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Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 01:34
Sure is!
My lot got through in style beating Croatia (who were quite poor) 5-1 so
for me.Being English I cannot contemplate a WC finals without Argentina. It will seem very strange. ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 04:47
Grudging and insincere congrats to the filthy Sassenach scum in their successful qualification I have to admit they were superb against Croatia, but despite this athletic prowess their indelible poofery will forever remain. The Dark Blue Dwarves with 'Sleepy' up front (a.k.a Scotland) failed gallantly again by going down to those insufferable bicycle riding hippies (the Dutch) If I can think of any other bitter racist bile to numb the nagging pain of our failure, I will keep you all posted. The World Cup without Argentina would be like cutting one of God's hands off. -------------
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Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 05:03
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^^^
Maybe the jocks should take up knitting?
Your friendly sassenach scum
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA 
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Posted By: Ivan_Melgar_M
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 09:56
This happens when you select a coach just because he was a great player, that's what we are suffering with Del Solar.
In the case of Maradona, I'm sure he lost his status of god, and that's good.
Iván -------------
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Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 10:01
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Now that we've qualified, the inevitable "we can win the World Cup" nonsense has started already. We all know that Rooney will break a metatarsal or something and we will lose to Portugal or Germany on penalties.
Capello has done a great job so far, will he persist with the interesting concept of a centre forward who doesn't score goals (Heskey)?
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Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 13:00
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I just caught the last 20 minutes of the Women's World Cup Final and if ever we don't need an omen here it is... England 2, Germany 6 ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: manofmystery
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 13:47
Hey, if the Pope called me up and said, "Hey we gotta ragtag buncha Bishops here that want to give this World Cup a go and we'd like you to coach", I'd be in.
My high excitement coaching style would revolutionize the game. ------------- Time always wins. |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 13:52
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^
Should be interesting sorting your coaching schedule around all those religious observances ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: tszirmay
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 14:06
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Yellow card-inal, Red card-inal! Crucifying!
What kind of referee ? A Jew with Muslim linesmen ? ------------- I never post anything anywhere without doing more than basic research, often in depth. |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 14:15
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^
What kind of Referee? well, I guess Judas was the original whistle-blower ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: manofmystery
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 14:18
Could you imagine if we all walked into a bar after the game. ------------- Time always wins. |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 14:25
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If you were losing 1-0 in the last minute of overtime and the commentator said: "MoM's religious ragbags need a miracle now", well, drop to your knees, clasp your hands together and... hey presto - 1-1! ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: manofmystery
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 14:32
you could say that but I don't coach low scoring games
my promise to the fans is: all offense all the time baby ------------- Time always wins. |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 14:39
What did I say? Go Away!!
Try the cricket thread there are many more points scored there!
------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: tszirmay
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 14:42
 ------------- I never post anything anywhere without doing more than basic research, often in depth. |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 14:48
I think Heskey provided a higher standard of comedy last night
I really think the way we're playing we'd be better without a target man... who in this case never seems to hit the target. ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 14:49
Our men's team wouldn't even qualify for the finals of the Woman's World Cup (but we could knit lots of lovely scarves for the fans of the finalists) Failing that, we could knit balaclavas for our own fans (without eyeholes)  -------------
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Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 14:58
Sorry Dingo, I think Heskey's getting a bit of a rough deal after this match. Yes he can't score but I think he's a very important part of the team (holding up the ball, roughing up defences, etc) I seem to remember that he was also a very important part of building the confidence in the team and making us into a far better team than 2 years ago! When we were under pressure we often ended up giving the ball away and the ball coming straight back again. and eventually we fell apart.
I think he deserves as much credit as the rest for last nights result. (IMO). ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 15:10
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[/QUOTE]
I think Heskey provided a higher standard of comedy last night
I really think the way we're playing we'd be better without a target man... who in this case never seems to hit the target. [/QUOTE]
Sorry Dingo, I think Heskey's getting a bit of a rough deal after this match. Yes he can't score but I think he's a very important part of the team (holding up the ball, roughing up defences, etc) I seem to remember that he was also a very important part of building the confidence in the team and making us into a far better team than 2 years ago! When we were under pressure we often ended up giving the ball away and the ball coming straight back again. and eventually we fell apart.
I think he deserves as much credit as the rest for last nights result. (IMO). [/QUOTE]Although it pains me to admit as much, I do think Heskey does attract some unwarranted flak. Yes, he clearly has feet shaped like Toblerone, and appears to run as though walking an invisible dog, but defenders hate playing against him because of his incredible strength and he never allows them to settle on the ball (Defending from the front etc) England miss Joe Cole though, and will be (gulp) even more formidable if he can make his way back into the reckoning methinks. What chance ya think of a global air traffic controller's strike before 2010 ? (Fingers crossed) -------------
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Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 15:34
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^ & ^^
I guess I'm a bit harsh on Heskey. I'm just frustrated that we don't seem to have anyone with his undeniable qualities who can stick the ball in the net as well.
I'd never doubt that he gives his all and that a lot of his good work is often off the ball and hence unnoticed, it's just that last night when he missed those clear cut chances it didn't matter, but at the Finals those type of misses will lose us points and/or games.
Anyway, a very satisfying qualifying tournament and i can't wait for the real thing ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 15:43
John Carew would do it - slight problem with that. I think Capello knows! (You Know). I think Heskey really helps us take control of a game - we might not score but he makes sure the ball is going in one direction. I think Capello would bring on someone else when the momentum is fully with us or we need a change (or a goal).
Just a theory. But of course it would be better if Heskey didn't have feet of the triangular Belgian Chocolate variety! ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: Tuzvihar
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 16:40
They did. He actually played it that game, Tony. And even scored a goal. ------------- "Music is much like f**king, but some composers can't climax and others climax too often, leaving themselves and the listener jaded and spent." Charles Bukowski |
Posted By: Tuzvihar
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 16:42
Or Polish: Slovenia 3 - 0 Poland We're out...  ------------- "Music is much like f**king, but some composers can't climax and others climax too often, leaving themselves and the listener jaded and spent." Charles Bukowski |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 16:47
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^
I gathered that when I heard you sacked your manager - that was a bit quick even by football standards ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 16:50
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Nevermind, Bartek... Poland will qualify for 2014 and you'll come here to watch them and drink some beers with us!
On the other side, what did Africa do to have 6 teams in the finals? They never get even a single quarter-finals and have more than South America and only a half of the entire Europe, now added with many new countries from former USSR and Yugoslavia. Or maybe is it that FIFA & UEFA are honoring their agents and impresarios for exploiting the African blood?  ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: September 10 2009 at 17:55
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I really hope Peru does a good job against Argentina but that's very difficult, seeing how atrocious the peruvian team has been (even though this Argentina is not that far above..) Then, if Ecuador FINALLY beats Uruguay at home, it might be possible to grab our third world cup final in a row.
It's too difficult. It's ridiculous that Southamerica only gets 4 and a half spots in world cups while Europe gets like 392182019 and atrocious teams with no talent get in the competition.... Sadly, the power of UEFA is evident. Southamerica provides the best players, Europe takes all the places in the world cups... -------------
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Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 11 2009 at 03:50
I have to agree wholeheartedly with this (with the proviso that the African continent's quota of finalists completely dwarfs their achievements) Although there are considerably more teams competing in Europe (hence the reason they get drawn in groups of 5 or 6) a UEFA finalist only has to play 10 games max to get there compared with a whopping 18 matches for South America. As if that were not sufficient grist to the mill, the 5th placed CONMEBOL team has to play an energy sapping 2 legged play-off with either the Oceania champs or an Asian qualifier (I think ?) You can deduce a myriad of reasons for this but my money is on 'money' from the richer European soccer TV/media and the need for the likes of FIFA big cheese Sepp Blatter to get re-elected i.e. if your association votes for me, I will make finals qualification easier. He recently conned the associations of OCEANIA to vote for him with the promise of automatic qualification as a carrot (i.e. no play off required against the 5th place South American team) but reneged on this promise once re-elected. The perennial Oceanic champions Australia have now jumped ship and are members of the Asian confederation for this reason. -------------
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Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 12 2009 at 17:43
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Next qualifier matches (Europe, South America, Concacaf, Africa): 10 October 2009 Asia is closed: Australia, Japan and the 2 Koreas are already qualified.
Bahrain to decide with New Zealand (from Oceania) who's who; 1st leg: 10 October 2009.
------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: harmonium.ro
Date Posted: September 15 2009 at 12:29
Surprisingly the local media has found Messi guilty and has ignored Maradona's performance.
Well, you can't compare Slovenia to Faroe Islands, they're far better. They even played in the WC before. You lost but not shamefully. Still that does not sound good for Euro 2012, isn't it?
Africa had one great team at each one of the last editions: Cameroon in 1990, Nigeria in 1994 and 1998, Senegal in 2002, Ghana in 2006. However they never have them at the same time , whereas South America has always at least two or three teams in the upper rounds of the tournament. |
Posted By: crimson87
Date Posted: September 16 2009 at 18:31
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My country is having a really hard time at the World Cup Qualifiers. In fact since Pekerman left in 2006 I haven't seen a decent match from Argentina. It's too easy to be harsh on Maradona but we all know he is Grondona's scapegoat. The main problem is that lots of our players are overrated such as :
And the worst thing is that Peru is out of the World Cup but it's obvious that they will be bribed by the rest of the Hispanic world more or less to left us out. And Uruguay... that's gonna be one hell of a match. As far as I am concerned , for the next World Cup I am chilean. It would be great to see our former coach Marcelo Bielsa to suceed winning the tournament since he was really underrated here and the press had no mercy on him.
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Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 16 2009 at 21:27
I still think Argentina will get to South Africa (albeit by the play-offs) No disrespect to any Peruvians on PA but there has been many a precedent set for this type of corruption. However the poster should be careful from where they cast stones ( Argentina 6 - 0 Peru in Rosario 1978 where this unlikely scoreline dumped the Brazilians out of the World Cup amid dark mutterings of bribes, foreign aid and the small matter of Quiroga, a naturalised Argentinian in the Peruvian goal )  You cannot really compare Messi (a forward) and Riquelme (a playmaker) as the coach who includes either has to build his entire side round their talents e.g. the latter is one of the most perceptive passers in the world but slooow, while the former thrives in sides who play with a much quicker tempo than that of the Argentinian league that Riquelme plays in for Boca. For me at any rate, Maradona probably recognises correctly that they can't play in the same team together. Heinze has been an excellent and uncompromising defender for many years but he is now resorting more and more to 'clever' fouling as the passing years have taken their toll on his pace. I agree that Kun Aguero's future is probably not that of an out and out striker but he is still very young and not the finished article yet. (Maybe Arsenal will buy him in a couple of years - Please Mr Wenger) Tevez could pick a fight in an empty room and although a very talented and fiercely combative character, his indiscipline during the qualifying campaign has already cost his team by way of red cards. At his best he terrorises defenders, at his worst he resembles a terrier chasing traffic. All said and done, the World Cup would be a poorer competition without Argentina. -------------
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Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 17 2009 at 02:12
Quick question for you Crimso - I had the pleasure of seeing Ibagaza play for Real Mallorca a few times and he was a terrific little player. Is he part of the Chilean set-up this time round? ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 17 2009 at 14:51
If you're talking about Ariel Ibagaza, I'm quite sure that he's Argentinian, no?
But there's another Ariel (Nahuelpan) presently playing in Brasil who could be a great asset to the Argentinian side in these last 2 decisive games. Check his goal here 2 weeks ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es84UkIBQbc - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es84UkIBQbc
------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 17 2009 at 15:00
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^
I am talking about Ariel Ibagaza and some Spanish guy told me he was Chilean
No wonder I've not seen him mentioned in any Chile reports I've read on the net
Sorry - a great, creative little player whatever his country of origin
Edit: Thanks for the clip - I think the goalkeeper must be from Scotland! ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 17 2009 at 22:31
Bribing a Scottish Goalie to 'throw a game' would be like giving a moth an 'all expenses paid' trip to the light-bulb. -------------
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Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 18 2009 at 01:54
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^
I'm afraid Alan Rough and Jim Leighton started all that off for you many years ago ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 18 2009 at 02:38
Those names are like icy thrusts of a dagger into any Scotsman's heart for sure  . Add in Peter McCloy (nicknamed 'the Girvan Lighthouse', but less mobile) and Stewart Kennedy (nicknamed 'Teflon gloves') and our custodians appear to be as impregnable as an Essex WAG.However, you lot do have (the unjustly criticised) Calamity James ? -------------
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Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: September 20 2009 at 21:12
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While waiting for the next qualifying round (10 October), I was wondering about the next places for the World Cup.
2010: South Africa (defined)
2014: Brazil (defined)
2018: Some place in Europe to be chosen (England? Russia? Spain? Poland?)
2022: Some place outside Europe and IMO outside South America too (China? USA? Australia?)
2026: ???
Well, 2018 is closer... any bettings? ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: September 21 2009 at 14:48
And the spectre of Ronaldinho lobbing Seaman (excuse the expression) from about 50 metres all those years ago ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: October 07 2009 at 22:59
*bumping* the thread and quoting myself just to remember that this week-end will be THE week-end! ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: October 10 2009 at 19:08
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South American qualifiers, today: Drama! Drama! Drama! Anyway, Chile got a room for the next WC. Brazil and Paraguay were already classified.
Only one direct position lasts and 3 teams still on the run: Argentina, Uruguay & Ecuador.
Next Wednesday, the game Argentina x Uruguay will be historical.
------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: October 10 2009 at 19:08
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The plucky Irish were dashed at the last by those invariably unerring Italians after a 2-2 draw (No matter how boring they are or how badly they perform, the Azurri somehow keep just doing enough to get there in the end - I give them grudging credit for that at least - how many times have they nicked a goal in the last minute in crucial games ?) At least the Republic will get a chance via the play-offs. Speaking of which it seems FIFA are terrified that the European 'big boys' currently struggling to qualify automatically might not eventually make it to South Africa. So to give them a hand up (and ensure the media revenues from these richer nations continue to fill FIFA's coffers) they have, with zero consultation of their members, decided to seed the teams who make the play-offs !!! How can you change the rules of the biggest soccer competition in the world half way through the tournament and expect to earn credibility for pity's sake ? Sepp Blatter, you are the anti-christ and probably eat your own snot to boot.   As for South America, Argentina now need a minor miracle to even make the 5th play-off spot (they should trounce tail-enders Peru but as for Uruguay away in the last game - keep your pets indoors that day folks) Expect to see at least three red cards, a couple of pitch invasions, alien landing-craft in the centre circle and lurid allegations of political chicanery from Maradona and his credulous disciples. One of the most fantastic players the world has ever seen certainly, but one of the most repugnant personality cults ever engineered by a managerial nonentity. Diego has no track record in team or man management to date, so apart from toadying to the popular press, why did the Argentine FA appoint the little chubby oink in the first place ? To end on a cheery note, the pampered and unrepentant poofs aka England lost in the Ukraine to relinquish their 100% record in qualification. Not that it matters a jot, with the overpaid jessies having already qualified but from what I have seen of the highlights, they may have a defensive problem that lies in wait like a ticking time-bomb. Wait for the explosion in South Africa and the fall-out back in Italy for Fabio Capello. David James, John Terry, Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole will individually and collectively always be exposed by those with world class. So whose gonna lift the bauble then ? Favourites: Spain, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Netherlands Dark Horses: Ghana, Serbia, Russia, Germany Shetland Pony: England PS Scotland's Wives and Toddlers Group lost a friendly international on Saturday to Japan by 2-0. Our manager George Burley is a nice guy who always conducts himself with great dignity in the face of intense media speculation about his future BUT....his appointment is testimony to how low our stock has fallen in the world game that no-one of any proven calibre is willing to take the job on. -------------
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Posted By: harmonium.ro
Date Posted: October 10 2009 at 19:22
| I've seen Serbia and Portugal this evening, congratulations to both of them, they've played wonderful. Especially Serbia which is a surprise, considering the reluctant way they had started these qualifiers. |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: October 10 2009 at 19:29
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Due in part to my national team's incompetence, and in part to blatant theft, Ecuador is almost out of SouthAfrica 10.
Of course... Conmebol could never accept that Ecuador, a little country, be in a world cup instead of mighty Argentina... so the referee did his "job" at the end of the match, in the last minutes... he stole a penalty kick from us, only to award one to Uruguay 10m seconds later....
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Posted By: Ivan_Melgar_M
Date Posted: October 10 2009 at 20:02
True T, that  referee called Ortube stole the game from Perú, seems the order was to make Argentina win at any cost.
Two penalties stolen and the second Argentinean goal (A minute ater Peru tied) was in off side.
How casual that Ortube retires after this game and still was chosen..
Iván
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Posted By: Chris S
Date Posted: October 10 2009 at 22:13
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A timely defeat for England, even though for them the result mattered not......good preperation Well done Ukraine
Oh...and a great first leg result for New Zealand too!!!! ------------- ...As I venture through the slipstream, between the viaducts in your dreams...[/COLOR] |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: October 10 2009 at 23:00
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Mexico played horrible the first 5 matches, but since then 4 victories in a row has led them to the World Cup :)
United States are also there, and the third place will be decided between Costa Rica and Honduras.
And I agree with T and Ivan, but we know referees are easy to manipulate, i really wanted to see Argentina land Uruguay losing today.
Sweden is almost out, which makes me sad because I have sympathy for them :( ------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: tamijo
Date Posted: October 11 2009 at 02:15
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Denmark it trought - beating Sweden 1-0 last night.
Hut-li-hut ------------- Prog is whatevey you want it to be. So dont diss other peoples prog, and they wont diss yours |
Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: October 11 2009 at 07:15
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USA qualified too (6th WC in a row for the Americans).
Already classified:
Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain
Brazil, Chile, Paraguay
Ghana, Ivory Coast
Mexico, USA
Australia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea
South Africa (host country)
13 places still to be decided. ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: Rivertree
Date Posted: October 11 2009 at 08:10
Yeah - Germany beats Russia 0:1  ... and therefore is already qualified now  the match against Finland on Wednesday does lose weight as for that ... ------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Rivertree" rel="nofollow">  |
Posted By: crimson87
Date Posted: October 11 2009 at 08:29
EPIC!!!!
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Posted By: Ivan_Melgar_M
Date Posted: October 11 2009 at 10:48
Better thank Ortube for the TWO penalties and allowing a goal in offsoide.
Peru played like crap all the season, but this game was at least a tie.
Iván -------------
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Posted By: crimson87
Date Posted: October 11 2009 at 12:26
This match alone demonstrates that South America has the best football matches in spite of their lack of money. South American qualifiers are the most intense in the world PERU with their full squad would get to the WC if they played in European qualifiers. Same as every other South American team.
I want both Argentina and Uruguay in the WC , Ecuador deserves to qualify as well but FIFA goes after the big bucks and they would rather prefer lots of European teams in their tournament.
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Posted By: Ivan_Melgar_M
Date Posted: October 11 2009 at 12:58
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Posted By: harmonium.ro
Date Posted: October 11 2009 at 13:21
That's interesting, since we Europeans have been complaining about FIFA and especially Blatter because he's dilluting the WC competition with more and more places for Oceanic, Carrabean, African and Asian teams and less places for European and South-American teams. They say it's a movement aiming the spread of football in all the world but many see this as a conspiration scenario: the FIFA bosses are bribing third rate federations with places in the WC for their votes, making it possible for the bosses to overrun the main federations' interests with the votes from the minor federations. (The same thing is happening with Platini, the new UEFA boss being supported by the small Eastern European federation). I assume the truth is somewhere at the middle... |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: October 11 2009 at 16:14
This fellow European can't agree more. Blatter is so unpoular in this country it's unreal. Platini much less so - we all remember him as a fantastic player, so unlike Blatter, he still tends to have our respect. ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |