Australia has drawn what has been described as the group of death in the FIFA World Cup.

Spain (World Champions)
Netherlands (2010 Finalist)
Chile (13th in the FIFA world rankings)
Australia (59th in the FIFA world rankings)

Australia has been written off by most experts which is not surprising considering the strength of the teams in our group and the youth in our team.....My prediction is Brazil will be hard to beat in this tournament and stand out as the favourites in what is building as a controversial World Cup.....Let the games begin!!!

:) :) :)

Am really interested in the Ivory Coast v Japan game and will be cheering Japan on :)

The Aussies have a shocker of a group.

Ours isn't much better (Italy, Uruguay, Costa Rica)

Andrei.Hicks wrote on May 26^th, 2014 at 3:15am:

The Aussies have a shocker of a group. Ours isn't much better (Italy, Uruguay, Costa Rica)

FIFA World Rankings
Group D
Italy - Ranked 9
Uruguay - Ranked 6
Costa Rica - Ranked 34
England - Ranked 11

England are a team I usually support when the Aussies are not in the cup which is more often than not.....I think Brazil will be very hard to beat at home Andrei no matter who else is in the final.....Portugal and Germany are also strong!!!

Predictions???

:-? :-? :-?

Hooray!!! .....oh, i thought it was over.... :P

I look forward to the inevitable England losing out on penalties.

England will get to the quarters and then disappear.Brazil or the Argies will win it.Spain will be the best out of the Euros.

Any thoughts on the best African team?

brumbie wrote on May 26^th, 2014 at 2:07pm:

England will get to the quarters and then disappear.Brazil or the Argies will win it.Spain will be the best out of the Euros. Any thoughts on the best African team?

no they won't ... Spain will do what they usually do and crumble under pressure.

I suspect that this year the soccer will take second billing to all the politics surrounding it. Choosing Brazil as the venue is turning out to be a bit of a disaster.

Group Listings for the FIFA world cup
FIFA world rankings

Group A
Brazil 4
Croatia 20
Mexico 19
Cameroon 50

Group B
Spain 1
Netherlands 15
Chile 13
Australia 59

Group C
Colombia 5
Greece 10
Côte d'Ivoire 21
Japan 47

Group D
Uruguay 6
Costa Rica 34
England 11
Italy 9

Group E
Switzerland 8
Ecuador 28
France 16
Honduras 30

Group F
Argentina 7
Bosnia and Herzegovina 25
Iran 37
Nigeria 44

Group G
Germany 2
Portugal 3
Ghana 38
USA 14

Group H
Belgium 12
Algeria 25
Russia 18
Korea Republic 55

Australia is the lowest ranked team in the World Cup
Brazil are favourites to win at home
Highlighted teams are considered possible winners

John Smith wrote on May 26^th, 2014 at 3:31pm:

brumbie wrote on May 26th, 2014 at 2:07pm: England will get to the quarters and then disappear.Brazil or the Argies will win it.Spain will be the best out of the Euros. Any thoughts on the best African team? no they won't ... Spain will do what they usually do and crumble under pressure.

UHMMM....They are currently World Champions.. :o

brumbie wrote on May 26^th, 2014 at 4:46pm:

John Smith wrote on May 26th, 2014 at 3:31pm: brumbie wrote on May 26th, 2014 at 2:07pm: England will get to the quarters and then disappear.Brazil or the Argies will win it.Spain will be the best out of the Euros. Any thoughts on the best African team? no they won't ... Spain will do what they usually do and crumble under pressure. UHMMM....They are currently World Champions.. :o

goodo ..... éven they can get lucky every now and then!

Pretty hard to go past Brazil ~ at home.

John Smith wrote on May 26^th, 2014 at 3:32pm:

Choosing Brazil as the venue is turning out to be a bit of a disaster.

Why is that?

philperth2010 wrote on May 26^th, 2014 at 4:27pm:

Group Listings for the FIFA world cup FIFA world rankings Group A Brazil 4 Croatia 20 Mexico 19 Cameroon 50 Group B Spain 1 Netherlands 15 Chile 13 Australia 59 Group C Colombia 5 Greece 10 Côte d'Ivoire 21 Japan 47 Group D Uruguay 6 Costa Rica 34 England 11 Italy 9 Group E Switzerland 8 Ecuador 28 France 16 Honduras 30 Group F Argentina 7 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25 Iran 37 Nigeria 44 Group G Germany 2 Portugal 3 Ghana 38 USA 14 Group H Belgium 12 Algeria 25 Russia 18 Korea Republic 55 Australia is the lowest ranked team in the World Cup Brazil are favourites to win at home Highlighted teams are considered possible winners

Group H is quite weak which gives South Korea a chance.

[quote author=brumbie link=1400910725/6#6 date=1401077273

Any thoughts on the best African team?[/quote]


My vote goes to Ivory Coast. 

AiA wrote on May 28^th, 2014 at 2:54am:

John Smith wrote on May 26th, 2014 at 3:32pm: Choosing Brazil as the venue is turning out to be a bit of a disaster. Why is that?

The world cups about to start and all the venues aren't even ready yet. Also they're expecting huge protests on the streets by those who are complaining that the Bazilian govt. should have used the billions it spent on the world cup, to provide housing and essential services that are lacking for many of the population.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/5327/confederations-cup-2013/2013/06/21/4064460/world-cup-in-crisis-as-brazil-reaches-breaking-point

Did anyone else see that farce of a game this am?
Brazil,the hosts, were given the game by the referee.
A penalty for a flop that thorpy would of been proud of,A disallowed goal for Croatia because of an negligible  infringement on Brazils goalkeeper,and to top it all off,Brazil then score a third goal after blatantly fouling a croat in midfield.
Thats enough for me...down to the bookies for a fifty on Brazil for the cup..it's already been decided.

It will be a pity if they lets the referee's tarnish the world cup ..... I missed the game but the majority of the  news on the opening game of the world cup is about the bad refereéing, rather than Brazils win at home.

The referee's shouldn't ever be the main talking point.

Soccer = booringest game in the world.

goals = good!

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jun 13^th, 2014 at 2:48pm:

Soccer = booringest game in the world.

then you won't mind skipping this thread next time your on?

oh look ..........

http://cdn4.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article29277267.ece/cb29e/ALTERNATES/w300square/RIDAY+83M.jpg

A soccer fan in a frenzy .............

brumbie wrote on May 26^th, 2014 at 4:46pm:

John Smith wrote on May 26th, 2014 at 3:31pm: brumbie wrote on May 26th, 2014 at 2:07pm: England will get to the quarters and then disappear.Brazil or the Argies will win it.Spain will be the best out of the Euros. Any thoughts on the best African team? no they won't ... Spain will do what they usually do and crumble under pressure. UHMMM....They are currently World Champions.. :o

How are the current world champions working out for you?

On now

Uruguay v Costa Rica

I'm going for Uruguay.....because of politics


and I'm united with the rest of the world in going for Italy against England

10 minutes to half time.

Italy just scored.

Italy 1  England 0

modify

one minute later

England scores

one all

Sturbridge!!!!!!!!!

Come on England!!!!

Italy 2 England 1

Good game, I almost stopped breathing a few times there (no smart comments please)

I'm loving this World Cup

Baines was our weak link.
We were poor on both their goals.

2nd half we couldn't break them down.

Winner takes all v Uruguay. Loser goes home.

http://www.mytripolog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/italian-flag-over-foot-ball.jpg

Italy played a good game. .... they'll go far


Condolences Andrei .... close but no ciger

It'll be an interesting game with Uraguay

A very spirited performance by England but they lacked authority.Italy played exactly as they always do and are very difficult to break down when they go a goal up.
I don't rate Balotelli as I've seen him have some shockers when he played for Man city so Italy can't rely on him alone but they are playing the sort of football that will see them go close.
Rooney just needs a bit of luck(he's never scored in a world cup) and if Sterlo and Sturridge can keep injury free then England should at least progress.
What about that Costa Rica/Uruguay game tho?This group is well and truly sizzzling from now on.

Italy played their classic tactical game. Pirlo is still a master. Excellent passing. Like the AC Milan of old.
England good attacking game but unlucky. Sterling a gem, reminds me of a young Maradona. Rooney is either having a very bad patch or he's past it.

But I'm biased, have always liked to watch Italian football.
Can't wait to see Argentina tomorrow.

bogarde73 wrote on Jun 15^th, 2014 at 2:22pm:

Sterling a gem

I was impressed with him too .... he's quick the little bugger

A lot of people might say Argentina didn't live up to their reputation, but imo The Bosnians just didn't let them play their game. Never seen them before but they're a good side.
Just goes to show what they say is true - there are no easy games and no bad teams in the WC finals.

What a game Germany played even though Portugal was disappointing. They can never be ruled out as potential finalists. How did they ever lose the war? . . .oh, they had Hitler for a manager.
Funny how these Mullers keep coming up as strikers. First Gert, then Dieter, now Thomas.

People keep talking to me about all the scandals & corruption in Brazil. OK already, just let me watch the football!

I'm in Amsterdam now.

Probably best I don't admit to anything to do with Australia tonight given this is going to be a horrid arse-raping of a scoreline.....

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jun 18^th, 2014 at 10:31pm:

I'm in Amsterdam now. Probably best I don't admit to anything to do with Australia tonight given this is going to be a horrid arse-raping of a scoreline.....

whislt I don't expect Australia to win (sure I hope they do, but at heart I'm a realist) I think they'll surprise a few people. They won't be the walk over you seem to think they'll be.

It's a pity Australia is out .... at 3-2 they put up a good fight

good game Australia

Goal of the tournament!
It's a fine line between teams at this years World Cup.

http://online.wsj.com/articles/the-dutch-secret-to-soccer-success-field-hockey-1403045877?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=t.co

Brasil v Mexico: Brasil will have to improve if they are going to be in the final.
Looks like the referees have been given the word to help them get there though. It's all money to FIFA.

Australia v Holland: One of the best Aussie performances I can remember. Unlucky.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on Jun 19^th, 2014 at 10:57am:

http://online.wsj.com/articles/the-dutch-secret-to-soccer-success-field-hockey-1403045877?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=t.co

rubbish ... if there skill at field hockey was the reason for their success on the soccer pitch, Australia would have won the soccer world cup 3 or 4 times over by now.

Uruguay woohoo!!!!!.........you just cannot write stories like this.

http://images.harpercollins.co.uk/hcwebimages/hccovers/046000/046086-fc222.jpg

Uruguay? Why would you want them to win?!
You are a bizarre lady.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jun 20^th, 2014 at 8:00am:

Uruguay? Why would you want them to win?! You are a bizarre lady.

because they are the better team

;D ;D

http://llandudnojetset.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/england-fans-4.jpg

England couldn't even get the basics right,like trapping the ball or passing to feet.You could see their fear in everything they tried to do.As soon as Uruguay got physical(as per plot)the young English team just wilted.
My thoughts all the way through the match was of the extortionate amount of money these pretenders get paid for playing worse football than you see at the park on sunday mornings.
Embarassing

I don't really have much more to add.
And I lost £60 on all 3 bets.

I'm going to bed.

Me too pansi. Just watched the Uruguay: England game.
I'd follow just about any Sth American team rather than England.

FFS

Fking Italians!!!

I missed the game ... anyone see it? did Italy at least play well?

They played ordinary.

Costa Rica were superb.

Who would have thought from this group they'd be the ones already through.

Somebody from Italy and Uruguay is going home.

If Italy play like that Uruguay are going to beat them.

Once upon a time I would stay up all night and watch every match.
Nowadays, in my advanced state of decrepitude, I find I have to settle for one game a day . . .and that recorded.
And to think I have wasted TWO of those daily choices on England!

(with commiserations to Andrei)

bogarde73 wrote on Jun 21^st, 2014 at 1:49pm:

If Italy play like that Uruguay are going to beat them.

Italy always 'just scrapes through'..... don't ask me why ... it probably one of the reasons for the high level of bald men in Italy ... I'm sure they'll scrape through this time too ....

at least I bloody well hope so. ;)

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jun 20^th, 2014 at 9:34am:

I don't really have much more to add. And I lost £60 on all 3 bets. I'm going to bed.

Did you watch Ecuador v Honduras?

This is the Ecuadorian Embassy celebrating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNqd4hW98sQ

England Team to play Costa Rica.

http://s7.postimg.org/wv1avneu3/england.jpg
photo hosting

some real surprise results coming out of this cup ..... going to be interesting

Lionel Messi  Lionel Messi  Lionel Messi !!!

brumbie wrote on Jun 21^st, 2014 at 11:04pm:

England Team to play Costa Rica. http://s7.postimg.org/wv1avneu3/england.jpg photo hosting

Hate to point it out but you didn't do any better than we did.

who would have thought the sport of Gayball would attract so much interest.

ian wrote on Jun 22^nd, 2014 at 11:08pm:

who would have thought the sport of Gayball would attract so much interest.

Youve got a bit of a thing about homosexuality havent you?

You know what they say......

You should see if Bobby is free one night.

ian wrote on Jun 22^nd, 2014 at 11:08pm:

who would have thought the sport of Gayball would attract so much interest.

it's the most popular sport in the world  :D :D :D

http://s9.postimg.org/v9lcaua3j/rooney.jpg
images upload

Might I point out again that you didn't go any further than we did??

Andrei


Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jun 23^rd, 2014 at 9:12pm:

Might I point out again that you didn't go any further than we did??

I'm English as you well know (Coventry city?) ;)

brumbie wrote on Jun 23^rd, 2014 at 9:38pm:

Andrei Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jun 23rd, 2014 at 9:12pm: Might I point out again that you didn't go any further than we did?? I'm English as you well know (Coventry city?) ;)

Concentrate on paying your rent - then you might play at the Ricoh again??  :)

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jun 22^nd, 2014 at 11:17pm:

[ You should see if Bobby is free one night.

No, I heard he charges.

The biter....captured



https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/1907661_10154427315005495_6313824980019434445_n.jpg

What a dissapointing result  ... Both Italy and Australia gone after round 1.


:-[ :-[

Equally dissapointing the level of refereeing .... how someone can deliberately bite another player and not get sent off is a joke.

John Smith wrote on Jun 25^th, 2014 at 4:10pm:

Equally dissapointing the level of refereeing .... how someone can deliberately bite another player and not get sent off is a joke.

http://s27.postimg.org/kttvzv07n/10492449_540583959420203_7886730184889467361_n.jpg
free picture upload

brumbie wrote on Jun 26^th, 2014 at 9:11am:

John Smith wrote on Jun 25th, 2014 at 4:10pm: Equally dissapointing the level of refereeing .... how someone can deliberately bite another player and not get sent off is a joke. http://s27.postimg.org/kttvzv07n/10492449_540583959420203_7886730184889467361_n.jpg free picture upload

since it's not the first time he's done it, that cone is probably a good idea  ;D ;D

Poor Luis Suivez, he had to pay $120,000 fine (less than half a weeks wage for him)(more than 2 and a 1/2 years average wage for an average man in Australia) and a 4 month holiday (ban).The man must be distraught.

brumbie wrote on Jun 28^th, 2014 at 12:43am:

Poor Luis Suivez, he had to pay $120,000 fine (less than half a weeks wage for him)(more than 2 and a 1/2 years average wage for an average man in Australia) and a 4 month holiday (ban).The man must be distraught.

ban should have been a minimum of 12 months. How long was Tyson banned after biting? and thats a contact sport where you're trying to hurt the other player ... soccer isn't, the ban should be double if not more

Suivez is going to lose millions through sponsors pulling out though ... but hey, he's already made his millions, even if he retired and stopped all income from soccer he'd still live better then most of us.

Goals of the competition so far (that I've seen):

1. Tim Cahill
2. Thomas Muller (Germany v USA)
3. Lionel Messi (2 strikes)

Brasil v Chile: Chile unlucky I thought, but Brasil were very fast.
Penalties are a lottery.

bogarde73 wrote on Jun 29^th, 2014 at 3:47pm:

Brasil v Chile: Chile unlucky I thought, but Brasil were very fast. Penalties are a lottery.

Do they pay penalties on a Sunday?    :-/

bogarde73 wrote on Jun 28^th, 2014 at 2:19pm:

Goals of the competition so far (that I've seen): 1. Tim Cahill 2. Thomas Muller (Germany v USA) 3. Lionel Messi (2 strikes)

The Columbian goal is my no. 1 now.

I watched part of the Nigeria/France game.  The Nigerians' defence was lacking but their goal keeper was great.  Tis a shame they lost to the frogs.

It looking more and more like an Argentina/ Brazil Final , although the way things have been going in this cup, nothing would surprise me

John Smith wrote on Jul 1^st, 2014 at 8:07pm:

It looking more and more like an Argentina/ Brazil Final , although the way things have been going in this cup, nothing would surprise me

You reckon?
I think Brazil have been awful.

Chile deserved to win. Mexico were better than them.

I think Netherlands, Germany, Argentina are all better than them.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 2^nd, 2014 at 7:15am:

John Smith wrote on Jul 1st, 2014 at 8:07pm: It looking more and more like an Argentina/ Brazil Final , although the way things have been going in this cup, nothing would surprise me You reckon? I think Brazil have been awful. Chile deserved to win. Mexico were better than them. I think Netherlands, Germany, Argentina are all better than them.

Better? yes, but Brasil has a uncanny knack of pulling through when they need to ... still, like i said earlier, the way this cup  has been going, anything is possible.

John Smith wrote on Jul 2^nd, 2014 at 8:29am:

Better? yes, but Brasil has a uncanny knack of pulling through when they need to ... still, like i said earlier, the way this cup  has been going, anything is possible.

Correct.

Brazil has a history of gangsters executing its players when they don't win these games. It's that little bit of extra incentive that helps them dig deep to find the wherewithal to play a little harder.  8-)

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 2^nd, 2014 at 8:35am:

John Smith wrote on Jul 2nd, 2014 at 8:29am: Better? yes, but Brasil has a uncanny knack of pulling through when they need to ... still, like i said earlier, the way this cup  has been going, anything is possible. Correct. Brazil has a history of gangsters executing it's players when they don't win these games. It's that little bit of extra incentive that helps them dig deep to find the wherewithal to play a little harder.  8-)

I think you are confusing Brazil with Colombia .... if you're going to be racist, at least get it right.

John Smith wrote on Jul 2^nd, 2014 at 12:08pm:

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 2nd, 2014 at 8:35am: John Smith wrote on Jul 2nd, 2014 at 8:29am: Better? yes, but Brasil has a uncanny knack of pulling through when they need to ... still, like i said earlier, the way this cup  has been going, anything is possible. Correct. Brazil has a history of gangsters executing it's players when they don't win these games. It's that little bit of extra incentive that helps them dig deep to find the wherewithal to play a little harder.  8-) I think you are confusing Brazil with Colombia .... if you're going to be racist, at least get it right.

Nationalities aren't a race ... if you're going to be critical, at least get it right, spaghetti-ball.  :)

link

link

link

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 2^nd, 2014 at 1:54pm:

John Smith wrote on Jul 2nd, 2014 at 12:08pm: Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 2nd, 2014 at 8:35am: John Smith wrote on Jul 2nd, 2014 at 8:29am: Better? yes, but Brasil has a uncanny knack of pulling through when they need to ... still, like i said earlier, the way this cup  has been going, anything is possible. Correct. Brazil has a history of gangsters executing it's players when they don't win these games. It's that little bit of extra incentive that helps them dig deep to find the wherewithal to play a little harder.  8-) I think you are confusing Brazil with Colombia .... if you're going to be racist, at least get it right. Nationalities aren't a race ... if you're going to be critical, at least get it right, spaghetti-ball.  :) link link link

two of your links are off the same story, a referee got killed after he and a player got into a fight and the ref stabbed the player, the third link is related to a drug syndicate and has nothing to do with who won or lost a game

they're not the same as 'gangsters killing players for not winning' now are they ..... :-* :-*

John Smith wrote on Jul 2^nd, 2014 at 2:15pm:

two of your links are off the same story, a referee got killed after he and a player got into a fight and the ref stabbed the player, the third link is related to a drug syndicate and has nothing to do with who won or lost a game they're not the same as 'gangsters killing players for not winning' now are they ..... :-* :-*

whinge whinge whinge ...

Did you like the story about the referee who actually got quartered by some irate parents?  ;D ;D ;D

Jesus! What am I laughing at?! That's horrible!

8-)

(I'm having 'Shoulder Italiano' for dinner tonight ... )  :)

What has struck me so far is how hard the big teams - Brasil, Germany, Argentina - have had to work to get through the round of 16.
Brasil needed penalties. Argentina only just avoided penalties and Switzerland were unlucky not to have scored a couple of times.
I just get the feeling the gap has narrowed significantly.

On another tack, how good is the Colombian midfielder James (Hamez) Rodriguez? We'll see on Saturday against Brasil. Scored in every match so far - total 5. How much is he going to be worth after this?

bogarde73 wrote on Jul 3^rd, 2014 at 3:14pm:

What has struck me so far is how hard the big teams - Brasil, Germany, Argentina - have had to work to get through the round of 16. Brasil needed penalties. Argentina only just avoided penalties and Switzerland were unlucky not to have scored a couple of times. I just get the feeling the gap has narrowed significantly. On another tack, how good is the Colombian midfielder James (Hamez) Rodriguez? We'll see on Saturday against Brasil. Scored in every match so far - total 5. How much is he going to be worth after this?

there are no more 'easy' teams .... with more and more players, from what were once considered easy countries to beat, playing in the european & English league, the field is levelling out.

I'm kicking myself I didn't make the effort to watch it all. So much to do, so little time.
However . . .it has rekindled my love of the sport after several years and I will be making the effort to watch whatever is available to me in future.

bogarde73 wrote on Jul 4^th, 2014 at 1:44pm:

I'm kicking myself I didn't make the effort to watch it all. So much to do, so little time. However . . .it has rekindled my love of the sport after several years and I will be making the effort to watch whatever is available to me in future.

you dont find the cheating gets on your nerves??.. it does me to see the

cheating and not only that they admit it after they have won the game..and they still play on...

one way to stop them faking it.. is to send them off for 5 or 10 min to recover from the .....trip.....

I saw one guy think is was Brazil who grabbed a guys shirt and pulled him over  backwards..nothing done about it...

puts me right off.

It's a contact sport and the referee doesn't see everything. More technology is gradually coming in though, but they don't want to slow the game down.

What bothers me more than that sort of thing is FIFA, the controlling body. More than $1 billion has been paid over by sponsors to get their names seen.
Does Brazil get any of it? No, it's all for FIFA.
Now if you want to talk about cheating . . .

bogarde73 wrote on Jul 4^th, 2014 at 3:56pm:

It's a contact sport and the referee doesn't see everything. More technology is gradually coming in though, but they don't want to slow the game down. What bothers me more than that sort of thing is FIFA, the controlling body. More than $1 billion has been paid over by sponsors to get their names seen. Does Brazil get any of it? No, it's all for FIFA. Now if you want to talk about cheating . . .

\ no it isnt a contact sport...only by accident..I havent seen a player go off on a stretcher.....

anyway the game is not what it was..

what does the FIFA do with the money?.. apart from fancy dinners.

Brazil will get the exposure and the tourists...

but the FIFA sounds like the Olympic groan.... committee......its all about them..

Like I said a couple of pages back when the referee gave them their first match...Brazil have already won this...I love my soccer but something stinks.

Brazil is through to the 1/4 finals & will play the Hun on Tuesday.

I am in two minds.

I really don't want Brazil to win. I think they've been poor and I hate their air of entitlement they and their supporters. It'd be a heck of a bloody nose to see them beaten at their own World Cup.

The bloodiest nose would be the Argentines winning in Brazil.

I simply cannot though ever cheer for Argentina under any circumstance.
That's just one country and people I can never want to win.

Brasil v Colombia:
Brasil were like a river of piranha or the Japs' Divine Wind in the first 20-30 minutes. Colombia were stunned mullets.
James Rodriguez was virtually bundled out of the game by Brasil's heavyweights, however he did take a good penalty and Colombia were a real threat to equalise in the last 15.

Argentina v Belgium:
I thought Belgium played the most attacking football but Argentina held doggedly to their lead. I am a fan of Argentina (viva Diego Maradona) but I can't see this team getting past either Brasil or Germany.

Go the Germans. The master race must show who is master.

In withdrawal till Wednesday, or Thursday is it?

We can't want Argentina to win.
The most dislike able nation knocking around.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 7^th, 2014 at 4:02pm:

We can't want Argentina to win. The most dislike able nation knocking around.

I have no problem with Argentina Andrei.....It is time you got over the Falkland Island war my friend.....I personally hope the Germans win from here!!!

:) :) :)

philperth2010 wrote on Jul 7^th, 2014 at 10:06pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 7th, 2014 at 4:02pm: We can't want Argentina to win. The most dislike able nation knocking around. I have no problem with Argentina Andrei.....It is time you got over the Falkland Island war my friend.....I personally hope the Germans win from here!!! :) :) :)

Before every one of their games they unveil a banner that says "The Falklands are Argentine".

'Tis not us that carries the issue on Phil, it's them.

Perhaps they ought to be Andrei.

Anyway, the only team left with absolute hunger is, I'm sad to say, Brasil. The others are looking increasingly like tired players in a league game.

Still like Argentina to win though . . .for the sake of Diego Armando Maradona.

Semi finals

Germany 7 Brazil 1

Aint Karma sweet?

I still feel sorry for the fans who had nothing to do with the bribes and corruption though.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 9^th, 2014 at 8:40am:

Semi finals Germany 7 Brazil 1 Aint Karma sweet? I still feel sorry for the fans who had nothing to do with the bribes and corruption though.

What an astounding result.....The host nation will not take this well and
no doubt heads will roll for this humiliating loss.....Literally!!!


http://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/germany-through-to-world-cup-final-after-7-1-rout-of-host-brazil-1.1904493

:o :o :o

Please come on the Dutch.

I can't face having to pick from Germany and Argentina...

what a shocker ..... never would have picked that result .



I do have one smalll consolation though, Seeing Andrei suffer so kind of makes up for the loss  ;D ;D ;D

7 - 1 to gemany !!!!!!!!

Cripes .

Deutschland über alles all over again!

The accusations have already started flying.....Is this the most hated man in Brazil at the moment???

:-? :-? :-?

http://www.news.com.au/sport/football/david-luiz-the-91-million-man-who-cost-brazil-the-2014-world-cup/story-fnkjl6g2-1229682755528

philperth2010 wrote on Jul 9^th, 2014 at 11:32am:

The accusations have already started flying.....Is this the most hated man in Brazil at the moment??? :-? :-? :-? http://www.news.com.au/sport/football/david-luiz-the-91-million-man-who-cost-brazil-the-2014-world-cup/story-fnkjl6g2-1229682755528

Q/ WHo Is the most hated man in Brazil at the moment???

A/ The german coach

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jul 9^th, 2014 at 12:03pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Jul 9th, 2014 at 11:32am: The accusations have already started flying.....Is this the most hated man in Brazil at the moment??? :-? :-? :-? http://www.news.com.au/sport/football/david-luiz-the-91-million-man-who-cost-brazil-the-2014-world-cup/story-fnkjl6g2-1229682755528 Q/ WHo Is the most hated man in Brazil at the moment??? A/ The german coach

I will give you that one Sprint.....The Germans have crushed the hopes of a whole nation and Andrei.....Oh how sweet it is!!!

;) ;) ;)

For Andrei:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ8zUcg_Lks

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jul 9^th, 2014 at 12:03pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Jul 9th, 2014 at 11:32am: The accusations have already started flying.....Is this the most hated man in Brazil at the moment??? :-? :-? :-? http://www.news.com.au/sport/football/david-luiz-the-91-million-man-who-cost-brazil-the-2014-world-cup/story-fnkjl6g2-1229682755528 Q/ WHo Is the most hated man in Brazil at the moment??? A/ The german coach

At the end of the match the Brazilians cheered the German team off and gave them a standing ovation.
They booed and heckled their own coach and players.

Crowd reaction in Rio:
"Brazil did not have a good team we had no midfield and this is what happens when you play a good side.
Now we just have to cheer against Argentina. They cannot win our world up. They just cannot. This country will riot if they do."

Germany heat map vs Brazil

http://i.imgur.com/F6gIhuI.jpg

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 9^th, 2014 at 5:22pm:

Now we just have to cheer against Argentina. They cannot win our world up. They just cannot. This country will riot if they do."

;D

Latin American multiculturalism.

What's the animosity about towards the Argis? Uruguayans seems to dislike them, Brazilians would riot if they won.  What's going on?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 9^th, 2014 at 9:07am:

Please come on the Dutch. I can't face having to pick from Germany and Argentina...

And to be fair:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTAf27OkuYE

Germany will rule the world.


What a thrashing - I saw it on TV this morning.  7-1    ;D

2014 FIFA World Cup Live
NED v ARG

    5am - 8.15am
    SBS ONE
    Tomorrow morning -  10th July 2014

Match 62- Semi Final: Netherlands V Argentina - SBS's live and exclusive coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, hosted by David Zdrilic with expert analysis from Ned Zelic and Zeljko Kalac. #SBSWorldCup.


http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/08/sport/football/football-world-cup-argentina-netherlands-preview/index.html?hpt=hp_t2


Quote:

(CNN) -- All eyes will be on Lionel Messi and Arjen Robben when Argentina face the Netherlands in the World Cup semifinal in Sao Paulo to discover who will meet Germany in the final. The Dutch will be looking to their mercurial winger to steer them to a second successive World Cup final while Argentina will likely need some Messi magic if they are to reach a first final in 24 years. Both men have been central to the success of their sides so far in the competition earning glowing tributes from team managers past and present. Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella said his midfield maestro was like "water in the desert" following his side's 1-0 victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals. "Each time he gets the ball, it represents hope for all of us and a threatening situation for our opponents," Sabella told reporters after the game. "Regardless of whether he scores goals or not, his influence is decisive. A game has many aspects, apart from goals. "When you have a player such as Messi, who never, or almost never, loses the ball, it's water in the desert and not just when he scores." Dutch praise for Robben has been equally fulsome.

nil all at half time.

Argentina have won on penalties.....Andrei will not be pleased!!!

Argentina v Germany final this Sunday!!!

I will be going for Germany!!!

:) :) :)

I'll be going for Argentina ... For Andrei sake  ;D ;D ;D

Me too John.
I just watched the shoot out, I need valium now.
You have to feel sorry for the Dutch, always the bridesmaid, and they did most of the attacking.
What's wrong with Messi?

BTW, the only thing I ever saw in over 50 years of watching soccer that comes near that debacle yesterday was when George Best and Rodney Marsh, both in their twilight, were playing for Fulham.
They just toyed with the opposition and put away goal after goal . . . and that I think was 1st Division.

philperth2010 wrote on Jul 10^th, 2014 at 9:05am:

Argentina have won on penalties.....Andrei will not be pleased!!! Argentina v Germany final this Sunday!!! I will be going for Germany!!! :) :) :)

after the way Germany played Brazil Argentina havent a prayer I would say...their goal kicking today was bad both sides couldnt hit a brick wall...didnt want the dutch to win they cheat I reckon... but its good to watch some classy soccer when its played well...

philperth2010 wrote on Jul 10^th, 2014 at 9:05am:

Argentina have won on penalties.....Andrei will not be pleased!!! Argentina v Germany final this Sunday!!!

Do they pay penalties on Sunday?    :-/

bogarde73 wrote on Jul 10^th, 2014 at 2:29pm:

BTW, the only thing I ever saw in over 50 years of watching soccer that comes near that debacle yesterday was when George Best and Rodney Marsh, both in their twilight, were playing for Fulham. They just toyed with the opposition and put away goal after goal . . . and that I think was 1st Division.

No, 2nd division.

Don't miss the final.

But it' early Monday Morning for us:




2014 FIFA World Cup Live
Final

    3.30am - 8.15am
    SBS ONE
    Monday

After the exciting initial group matches, the cutthroat Round of 16, and nail-biting semifinals, it's time for the grand final to kick off as the last two teams standing will take to the field and battle it out for the coveted and highly prestigious title of 2014 FIFA World Cup Champions. David Zdrilic will host the final 64th match, along with expert analysis from Zeljko Kalac, Ned Zelic and Jason Culina, and football gurus Les Murray and Craig Foster will be reporting live from Brazil.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsJMjebFzmk

"Wir werden diesen krieg gewinnen"

"Sieg, Triumph"

:) :) :)

Is anybody interested in the play-off game?
I don't think I am. It's a purposeless affair really except to get some more money through the door.

bogarde73 wrote on Jul 11^th, 2014 at 10:46am:

Is anybody interested in the play-off game? I don't think I am. It's a purposeless affair really except to get some more money through the door.

I agree Bogey.....I can understand a play off game in the Olympics where a bronze medallist must be decided but I fail to see what the purpose of deciding third and fourth will achieve in the World Cup....Perhaps it has something to do with International rankings???

Having said that Brazil have everything to lose and nothing to gain in this play off game.....No doubt the Dutch would love to humiliate Brazil further and really put the boot into the host nation!!!

8-) 8-) 8-)

Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.
Bill Shankly, In Sunday Times (UK) Oct. 4 1981

Twitter:

"If the Dutch lost at least they go back and get high in Amsterdam.
What will Argentinians do?
Go home, have sex with underage whores and cry about the Falklands for 4 more years?"

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 11^th, 2014 at 5:51pm:

Twitter: "If the Dutch lost at least they go back and get high in Amsterdam. What will Argentinians do? Go home, have sex with underage whores and cry about the Falklands for 4 more years?"

At least they can take solace in the fact they are not as bad as England.....Argentina or Germany is a great outcome IMO....Who are you rooting for Andrei???

:-? :-? :-?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 11^th, 2014 at 5:51pm:

Twitter: "If the Dutch lost at least they go back and get high in Amsterdam. What will Argentinians do? Go home, have sex with underage whores and cry about the Falklands for 4 more years?"

Says Andrei when the POMS got sent home in the first round -  losers!

Bobby. wrote on Jul 12^th, 2014 at 12:51am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 11th, 2014 at 5:51pm: Twitter: "If the Dutch lost at least they go back and get high in Amsterdam. What will Argentinians do? Go home, have sex with underage whores and cry about the Falklands for 4 more years?" Says Andrei when the POMS got sent home in the first round -  losers!

What round did Australia go out in Bob?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 12^th, 2014 at 3:44am:

Bobby. wrote on Jul 12th, 2014 at 12:51am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 11th, 2014 at 5:51pm: Twitter: "If the Dutch lost at least they go back and get high in Amsterdam. What will Argentinians do? Go home, have sex with underage whores and cry about the Falklands for 4 more years?" Says Andrei when the POMS got sent home in the first round -  losers! What round did Australia go out in Bob?

The first round.

Losers too.

philperth2010 wrote on Jul 10^th, 2014 at 9:05am:

Argentina have won on penalties.....Andrei will not be pleased!!! Argentina v Germany final this Sunday!!! I will be going for Germany!!! :) :) :)

Germany are a very good side, and I expect they will win. I hope it's a good game.

Bam wrote on Jul 13^th, 2014 at 8:52pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Jul 10th, 2014 at 9:05am: Argentina have won on penalties.....Andrei will not be pleased!!! Argentina v Germany final this Sunday!!! I will be going for Germany!!! :) :) :) Germany are a very good side, and I expect they will win. I hope it's a good game.

I've got the alarm set for 5.00am.  Bet I ignore it and stay warm.

Aussie wrote on Jul 13^th, 2014 at 9:49pm:

Bam wrote on Jul 13th, 2014 at 8:52pm: philperth2010 wrote on Jul 10th, 2014 at 9:05am: Argentina have won on penalties.....Andrei will not be pleased!!! Argentina v Germany final this Sunday!!! I will be going for Germany!!! :) :) :) Germany are a very good side, and I expect they will win. I hope it's a good game. I've got the alarm set for 5.00am.  Bet I ignore it and stay warm.

The kick off is at 6.00am

set the alarm for 7.00am


Germany will rule the world.

Gone to extra time. Could end up being a kick off.

I'm going for Germany but I don't really care, they both deserve it.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 14^th, 2014 at 7:08am:

Gone to extra time. Could end up being a kick off. I'm going for Germany but I don't really care, they both deserve it.

Still nil all after 104 minutes.

Germany scores a goal.

Germany has won the world cup in extra time.

Well done to Germany

Aussie wrote on Jul 13^th, 2014 at 9:49pm:

Bam wrote on Jul 13th, 2014 at 8:52pm: philperth2010 wrote on Jul 10th, 2014 at 9:05am: Argentina have won on penalties.....Andrei will not be pleased!!! Argentina v Germany final this Sunday!!! I will be going for Germany!!! :) :) :) Germany are a very good side, and I expect they will win. I hope it's a good game. I've got the alarm set for 5.00am.  Bet I ignore it and stay warm.

Yep, I stayed warm, but was out of bed in time to see the winning goal.

My Prussian Great-Grandfather is pleased.

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 6^th, 2014 at 8:19pm:

Go the Germans. The master race must show who is master.

The master reaffirms the position of master.

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 14^th, 2014 at 11:23pm:

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 6th, 2014 at 8:19pm: Go the Germans. The master race must show who is master. The master reaffirms the position of master.

The Germans have proven that other races are sub human.

The Aryan race  will rule the world.

It was lovely to arrive in LA same time as the end of the game.

Particularly really pleasant to spend 90 mins at immigration stood in line with a massive great Lufthansa flight that had arrived.
German shirt s everywhere,

Then again, it is more palatable than an Argentina win. I can't stand that lot at all,

Maradona speaks out:

Argentina forward Lionel Messi did not deserve to win the World Cup "Golden Ball" as the tournament's best player, according to his compatriot and former great Diego Maradona.

Messi received the award after Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany in the final on Sunday but he looked far from happy as he went up to collect the trophy.

"I could see he didn't want to go up and collect it," Maradona said on his television show "De zurda", adding that "marketing people" had made a decision he described as "unfair".


Maradona led Argentina to the World Cup in 1986 and was named the tournament's best player but although Messi scored four goals in the group stage he failed to find the net in the knockout rounds and was subdued in the final.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter also expressed surprise at the choice on Monday which was made by the soccer governing body's technical study group.

"Shall I be diplomatic or tell the truth, OK the truth ... I was a bit surprised he was the choice but his goals were decisive at the start of the tournament," Blatter told reporters at his final media briefing of the 2014 World Cup.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella, however, backed the decision to give the award to his team's captain.

"I think he did deserve it. He played an extraordinary World Cup and he was a fundamental factor to our team," Sabella said.

Maradona, who said Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez should have won the award after scoring six goals in Brazil, was happy with the overall performance of the Argentina team.

"We raised our flag high, there's no doubt about that," he said.

"Germany won due to a misunderstanding in the defence, but at no point were they better than us. They showed us a lot of respect and our lads earned that out on the pitch."