Here in the Netherlands, there is no avoiding it, especially now that our place in the second round has been secured (thanks to our 2-1 victory over Côte d'Ivoir last Friday). So, just this month, me and many, many others are actually proud to be Dutch. The colour orange is taking over the streets, and if you're not watching the game, you won't miss any of the goals scored by the Dutch team, because you'll hear cheering from three blocks away. Many people (including large groups of women) that normally don't care about soccer suddenly do. One person actually stopped watching Friday's game because he couldn't bear the tension (it was a pretty close 2-1) even though he normally couldn't care less about soccer. I myself have watched about half of the games that have been played so far (which means I've been watching sixteen games in about two weeks) while I normally see an average of one game per two weeks.
So how is the World Cup madness being experienced in other countries? Do you watch at all or do you try to avoid it? Is avoiding it even possible (on Dutch TV, there are few channels that don't mention the World Cup)?
Let the games begin! (smiley slideshows allowed)
Túrin
I have no television, and I really pay no attention to sports. The only place I hear about the World Cup id from you Turin, whn I sign on the CBG.
Quote from: Túrin, Proud to be DutchSo how is the World Cup madness being experienced in other countries? Do you watch at all or do you try to avoid it? Is avoiding it even possible (on Dutch TV, there are few channels that don't mention the World Cup)?
I usually watch the American news channel, CNN, for at least an hour a day.
The World Cup gets a passing mention during regular programming, and usually, it's just to talk about the Israeli protesters at the Iran games.
And that lasts 20 seconds, tops.
So, yeah, the U.S. isn't overly concerned with it. One more reason why we're out of synch with the rest of the world.
~ElDo
QuoteSo, yeah, the U.S. isn't overly concerned with it. One more reason why we're out of synch with the rest of the world.
Most people I know have been watching the World Cup or the Stanley Cup.
You will be seeing more pro soccer in this country as more and more American corporations realize American football and basketball spectators do not hold a candle to the billion + people who will follow the World Cup.
Yeah I don't hear much about the World Cup, except for the occasion conversation I overhear. I did see part of one game when I went to lunch at the corner pizzeria, but that is all.
I liked the Italy/America game a lot, but was pretty annoyed with the ref.
Being annoyed at refs is a staple of organized sporting events.
I've been keeping up as much as possible.
The fact that Ireland did not get in was quite annoying.
Quote from: PoseidonBeing annoyed at refs is a staple of organized sporting events.
playing[/i] in one one...
I did. I use to play American Football until I messed up my knees in highschool. The refs were just as annoying then too.
I haven't played an organized sport since elementary school, and I haven't followed one ever. The only sport I really watch is Ice Fighting, but unfortunately the fights have this annoying habits of being disrupted by hockey.
I haven't played in awhile either, but I try to catch the World Cup every few years.
Nice Xathan. I played basketball last year, and will again this year, if my arthritis permits. The one ref we had nearly got kille dby making a terrible call aginst the home team... 'twas frightening!
The Netherlands vs. Argentina will be played tonight. I'll be watching it with some of the people from my tabletennis club. This match was labeled in advance as THE most interesting match in the first round of the World Cup but unfortunately for the impartial spectator both teams have already qualifed for the second round so we're likely to see B-teams on both sides. Still, the B-players will try to grab their chance to showcase their abilities to the world and to their coach to ensure their place in the team for the second round matches. My prediction is a 1-1 draw, though I wouldn't be surprised if Argentina wins (I've seen them play against Serbia). Anyone else?
Túrin
QuoteMy prediction is a 1-1 draw, though I wouldn't be surprised if Argentina wins (I've seen them play against Serbia).
Good prediction on the draw, even if it was 0-0.
I fell asleep during this game... honestly, it's the only soccer game I've ever watched that I was bored the entire time :(
Quote from: IshmaylI fell asleep during this game... honestly, it's the only soccer game I've ever watched that I was bored the entire time :(
I watched the last 30 minutes, and it was kind of....stale.
Agreed... stupid Netherlanders!
:ducks:
Quote from: IshmaylAgreed... stupid Netherlanders!
:ducks:
Though the fifteen seconds the cameras focused on the player picking his nose was priceless.
USA vs. GHANA in 90 minutes!!
Go Team! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
:disgust: :disgust:
Maybe the USA would play better if they didn't take lithium before the game... :doh:
Thanks CYMRO. It turns out I predicted 0-0 for the little pool we do with the people of the tabletennis club, so another 10 points have been scored. :D
While this was far from the best game these teams have ever played, it's still commendable the teams at least gave it a good try; this was not the kind of 0-0 game in which everyone decides beforehand not to do anything. I was far from as bored as Ishy says he was, actually. There were some pretty interesting battles going on in the midfield, though unfortunately such a game gives little room for excitement in the goal areas.
Either way, some surprising results in the other groups. Ecuador instead of Poland is a big surprise, as is Ghana instead of the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, Leo Beenhakker didn't make it with Trinidad and Tobago (everyone's favourite underdog) but there are still three Dutch coaches active: our own Marco van Basten (that's right, the brilliant striker we all remember from the '88 European Cup now coaches the Netherlands), Dick Advocaat with the South Koreans (who were led by Guus Hiddink four years ago when they surprisingly made it to the semi-finals, and are at the moment I post struggling with the Swiss for a place in the second round) and Guus "Saint Gus" Hiddink who is going for a stunt with the Australians. The fact that the Australians have qualified for the second round (with a very Dutch style of play, I might add) is already somewhat of a stunt, considering they have never made it to the second round before and haven't played on a World Cup at all for over 30 years, but Guus will want to make it to the semi-finals. He's already the only coach who has ever led two different teams to the semi-finals of the World Cup (the Netherlands in '98 and South Korea in '02) but he'll want to make that three. I doubt he'll make it that far though, as he will have to beat the Italians, who will want to take revenge for their defeat in '02 in the quarter finals at the hands of Guus' South Korea (which caused Korean player Ahn, scorer of the decisive goal against the Italians, to be fired from his Italian club).
This Sunday is the next match for the Dutch, who will have to beat the Portugese to make it to the quarter finals. The Portugese, however, have already beaten the Netherlands in '04's European Cup. That European Cup was held in Portugal, but the Portugese didn't win it: they were beaten in the final round by Greece, a complete surprise for everyone, and this World Cup, they will want to do good to make up for that. They have a very strong team with players like Luis Figo and Christiano Ronaldo, and they have as their coach the Brazilian Scolari, who was the coach of the '02 World Cup winning Brazilian team. All in all, beating Portugal will be very hard. My prediction, again, is a draw, with penalties deciding the final outcome. Though the Dutch have finally rid themselves of their "penalty syndrome" (penalties were what kicked us out in almost every major tournament in the nineties, as well as the 2000 European Cup held in Belgium and the Netherlands), the Portugese have a very good goalkeeper, so I'm afraid the penalties will decide in favour of Portugal, ending the World Cup for the Netherlands. Unless, of course, the Netherlands will play much better than they did Wednesday, and decide the game in their favour in the regular 90 minutes.
Túrin
PS Oh, and my condolences for those of you who feel a bond with the USA team (hint: CYMRO). If your prediction turns out to be true, and soccer will indeed become more and more important in the USA, it's only a matter of time before you will win the World Cup, considering simply the number of people that live there. It's unfair really. I think the American states should play in international games separately, to give the others some chance as well. :P
Good day in the World Cup tommorow. Good day it was today though, Germany made Sweden look rediculous. If half the decent long range efforts had been on target (particularly from Ballack) it surely would have been 7-0. Argentina VS Mexico was also a good match, and what a strike from Maxi to cap it off in extra time.
Now that the USA is out, im rooting for the Oranje through and through and the game against Portugal I predict will be a shootout. I fancy Holland 3-2 however but only if Ruud can find his form, or more like if his Robben or Van Persie can find him! So far he hasn't gotten the service such a superstriker requires but here's to hoping that changes.
Turin, isn't Saint Guus going to Russia after this world cup to work more of his magic? I was hoping he was going to Old Trafford to replace Sir Alex when he retires, but that was just wishful thinking.
Oh well, hopefully tommorw when I come back, ill be touting how Holland swiftly routed Portugal. Cheers
Hey everyone,
Unfortunately I missed the Argentina vs. Mexico game, though I heard I missed one of the best goals of the tournament so far.
Now, to analyze the Oranje - Portugal match. The first half was fairly decent, though the referee was already overplaying his hand by drawing too many yellow cards. Both teams were playing pretty slow, with few moments before the goals. The Dutch had a few good offensive actions, but no goal. The Portuguese really had only one good offensive action, but an excellent one at that, which led to them scoring 1-0. By the end of the first half, Costinha got his second yellow card, which gave the Dutch new hope as they hoped to finish the game in a "powerplay" situation.
In the second half, however, things really got out of hand. The Netherlands started pretty good, playing much more offensive and putting the pressure on Portugal. However, a subtle manipulation of the referee by the old Luis Figo caused Dutch player Boulahrouz to also get his second yellow card, evening the game to 10 vs. 10. The referee was completely losing control of the game by this time, and just kept doling out yellow cards. As the Dutch tried to keep the pressure up, and occasionally created some good opportunities, they continued to allow the more experienced Portuguese players to provoke them. By the end of the game, Deco (Portugal) and Giovanni (the Netherlands) had also obtained their second yellow card, and a total of eight other players ended the game with a single yellow card to their name. Due to fights and injuries, the second half had seven minutes of extra time. The Netherlands showed better play than in any of its previous matches during the second half, but in the end it wasn't enough. Considering what happened, this was probably not only the last match of the tournament for the Dutch, but also for referee Ivanov, who led a terrible match.
It's interesting to see what happens here in the Netherlands once the dust settles. People quickly going about their business again, saying that they really weren't all that enthusiastic to begin with. People abandoning their orange shirts, hats and wuppies (it's also about time I get rid of that "Proud to be Dutch" title). From today onward, the Dutch will be watching the World Cup with an objective view again, though also with much less enthusiasm.
Still, there's some subjective fun to be had. Today, I'll be an Aussie, supporting Guus Hiddink's wonderful team with their very Dutch style of play. Normally I would give Italy the best chance to win, but if they play the game with 90% motivation (which wouldn't be the first time the Italians underestimate an opponent) I think they will be beaten. Still, they will remember Guus Hiddink from their defeat in '02, so I think they'll be motivated enoug, unfortunate though it may be for Australia.
@ Hoplite: Yes, as far as I know, Guus will be working with the Russians after the World Cup. Now that he's left PSV, hopefully the Dutch competition will be exciting again as well.
Túrin
I didn't watch the Netherlands - Portugal game, but my co-worker did and called it a "brawl".
We'll see how the German team progresses. If they can keep this up, then maybe I will have to fulfill the bet I made with said co-worker after all...
Describing it as a brawl is not terribly far off. As was expected, the passion of the players really got the best of them and the match was very heated from beginning to end. It was very entertaining to watch especially nearing the end; the whole game was box to box but the dutch just camped outside the Portugal 18 for the last ten minutes or so. Very exciting but the end was very depressing. When Costinha was sent off I was sure the Oranje would be able to find an equalizer but the second half is when Ivanov(I think that was his name) lost all control whatsoever.
This statement puts it best I think, "The Battle of Nuremburg ends with 16 yellow cards, 4 red cards, and 1 golden goal..."
As much as I like van Basten, I cannot help but question his decision on Kuyt(who throughout had been disappointing) over Ruud(who scored on his *arguably* only chance against Cote d'Ivoire). There were about 3 or 4 chances that Kuyt had and failed that Ruud would have (and has in the past) buried in the net. How do the dutch people feel about van Basten decision, or even Ruud van Nistelrooy in general?
I saw a bit of the aussies game that ended on a penalty in injury time. It was a pretty blatant dive as the forward had basically rounded the defender, but what the defender was ever thinking putting himself in that position is beyond me. Very sad ending for the Aussies who I think were controlling the match.
Quote from: HopliteI saw a bit of the aussies game that ended on a penalty in injury time. It was a pretty blatant dive as the forward had basically rounded the defender, but what the defender was ever thinking putting himself in that position is beyond me. Very sad ending for the Aussies who I think were controlling the match.
Very sad indeed, it was an extreamly dissappoining result for us Aussies. Had we been thoroughly thrashed by the Italians it would have been easier to take than
that penalty. Although with Azuri down to 10 men for most of the second half we should have been able to convert all of that posession into a goal or two.
But I gotta say that during this World Cup the Socceroos really looked like a world class team, Australia is not really a Soccer nation after all, and even in the 2-0 loss to Brazil we looked like we belonged on the world stage. Hopefully this last 8 months with Guus and the Valliant display by the boys over the last couple of weeks will translate into a stonger pressence in world soccer (look out asian league).
For now It's time for me to jump
off the Soccer bandwagon and concentrate on watching Rugby Union instead. I will be watching the final and hope Germany can win the Championship, it would be a top result for the host nation to win.
Now that the dust is settling, people are making up their minds about Van Basten. Throughout the last two years, no hard words have been spoken about Van Basten (as opposed to Dick Advocaat in '04 who got nothing but hard words), but now everyone starts realizing that for all the great games in the qualifying series, Van Basten has ultimately disappointed us when it mattered most. I'm not sure whether people will dare to really critique him given that they've been speaking so highly of him in the past, so we'll just have to wait and see about that. But already, everyone has his own opinion about Van Basten's selection procedure (why did he leave Klaas-Jan Huntelaar at home, topscorer of the Dutch competition, winner of the European Cup for teams under 21 years old and in great shape?) and his decisions at the tournament (should Kuyt or Van Nistelrooij have played?). I for one agree that Van Nistelrooij might have scored on some of the opportunities Kuyt missed, but on the other hand, Kuyt was very useful in hunting down the Portuguese when they were in ball possession, and whether it was Van Nistelrooij's fault or the fault of Robben and Van Persie, it was clear that Van Nistelrooij was not playing his best games on this tournament. I restate: it's very hard to answer your question about the feelings of the Dutch people because everyone feels different. Perhaps in a few days I'll be able to make a better general statement.
As for the Aussies, I was really disappointed. To me, the defender was trying to make an action on the ball, missed it, and then couldn't really be blamed for the fact that the Italian player decided to trip over him. Though of course the Aussies should have made better use of their extra man.
Túrin
Half-time, and France is holding its own against Brazil.
And so much for England.... :sosad:
Quote from: CYMRO, Koning van KoolHalf-time, and France is holding its own against Brazil.
And so much for England.... :sosad:
so much for brazil, from what i hear.
of course, aside from this thread, thats all i hear....
YES! France takes down Brazil!
The quarter finals have given us some interesting results. Really, each of the four teams remaining is probably a surprise to a significant amount of people. Unfortunately, I missed two out of four games, so my commentary will be short this time.
Germany - Argentina (1 - 1, Germany wins on penalty shoot-out) : A very strategic game, where both teams primarily showed the qualities of their defenders. Maybe four good opportunities in front of the goal in the entire 120 minutes, resulting in two goals: 1 - 1 (both scored in the regular 90 minutes). When it came down to penalties, goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and the German strikers were better able to keep their heads kool, and Argentina is out. Considering what we have seen so far, Germany and Argentina may well have been the two strongest teams in this World Cup, making this not unlike a final before the final. Or in other words: given that they have beaten Argentina, Germany might very well be the most likely candidate to win this World Cup.
Italy - Ukrain (3 - 0) : I haven't seen a single second from this game, but presumably, the Italians were able to keep their heads cool despite the trouble at home (for those not in the know: there is a huge corruption scandal being played out in Italian club football right now, and the Juventus team manager has attempted suicide), while the Ukrainians were once again unable to reach the level they were presumed to be capable off. Italy will play in the semi-final against Germany next Tuesday. I predict a 2 - 0 victory for the Germans.
England - Portugal (0 - 0, Portugal wins on penalty shoot-out) : This was a fascinating match. For the first time in this tournament, England played a very good game, with some very good combinations and tactical play. Unfortunately, striker Wayne Rooney decided to kick someone in the nuts in the second half, netting him a red card and giving Portugal power play (I keep using this icehockey term for want of knowledge of a better English term for this specific type of situation). Even then, the English were able to push back the Portuguese, and throughout the second half and the extra 30 minutes, best opportunities were still for England. They didn't score, however, and again penalties were needed to decide the outcome. While the English seemed more confident and I was convinced they would still win this match, the Portuguese had goalkeeper Ricardo, who saved three out of four English penalties with some excellent goalkeeping work. England goes home, Portugal in the semi-finals.
Brazil - France (0 - 1) : I only got a couple of glances at this game. It seems France was simply the better team, as the Brazilian team was once again unable to play out the strengths of its individual players. While the French team seems too old to be any good (most players were in the World Cup winning '98 French team), it seems like they have found top-shape at the right time, and there's no telling what they'll do against Portugal next Wednesday. Still, I'd like to take a guess, so here goes nothing: either the game ends in 0 - 0, Portugal wins on penalty shoot-out, or France wins 1 - 0 with a goal in the 85th minute or in the 115th minute.
That's it for now.
Túrin
QuoteBrazil - France (0 - 1) : I only got a couple of glances at this game. It seems France was simply the better team, as the Brazilian team was once again unable to play out the strengths of its individual players. While the French team seems too old to be any good (most players were in the World Cup winning '98 French team), it seems like they have found top-shape at the right time, and there's no telling what they'll do against Portugal next Wednesday.
I watched the whole match and France wsa phenomenal.
I think Brazil only got three shots on goal. And the French were the better sportsmen. The Brazilians got real ugly late in the game.
The French really deserved this win.
Anyone know when the next match is scheduled? I have all day off work tomorrow and plan on getting a little futbal action in.
Quote from: IshmaylAnyone know when the next match is scheduled? I have all day off work tomorrow and plan on getting a little futbal action in.
Germany-Italy, July 4th, 3pm EDT.
Portugal- France, July 5th, 3pm EDT.
If Germany keeps at it like this, I just might to have fulfill the bet I made to my co-worker after all...
I'm a little disappointed in FIFA for not showing me a game on my only day off so far this year....
@ CYMRO : Yeah, that's what I got from the newspaper today as well. Right now they are probably the second most likely candidate to win this World Cup (after Germany). Though I'm not withdrawing my earlier prediction about the Portugal match: either 0-0 (Portugal w.a.p.s.-o.) or 1-0 for the French. Right now I'm hoping France beats Portugal, because I feel that's our only chance of getting an exciting final.
@ Ishy : CYMRO is right (that is assuming 3pm EDT equals 9pm GMT+2). Though I think you should blame Franz Beckenbauer rather than FIFA for being unable to watch a game; I think the tournament organizers decide the schedule.
Túrin
Well, looks like its Italy over Germany.
Man, that was an awesome game today... I'm glad it didn't go into penalty kicks though; that's always seemed to me like a boring way to end a game. I wish Germany had won though; oh well.
Regarding the comment about the England/Portugal game and England playing well for the first time in the tournament...
Well, I thought they played TERRIBLY
It was the most frustrating match I have ever watched, because both sides were awful, and I was literally on the verge of screaming some of the times when we (England) went forward with... one player. Possibly two.. Where was the BLOODY SUPPORT?
Gah!
The mere memory gets my blood up :)
About Germany - Italy (0 - 2 after extra time) : That was one fascinating match, with a spectacular and surprising finale. In the end, I think Italy deserved to win (though only barely). Too bad for our hosts of course, but it's very impressive how the Italians are able to put the troubles at home off their minds and play a good game. Italy in the final round. Who would have thought?
Edit: And the goal by Grosso was fabulous. Five centimeters to the left or to the right, or just a little more or less curve, and it wouldn't have been a goal. Brilliant!
@ Kindling : I guess we share a common enemy. We've both been eliminated twice in a row by Portugal now. Bah! I hope France kicks them out tonight.
Túrin
QuoteBah! I hope France kicks them out tonight.
Vive le France!
Portugal deve ser derrotado!
Allez les bleues!!
France has beaten Portugal 1 - 0! The only goal was scored in the 33rd minute out of a penalty. Henry provoked the penalty by (deliberately?) failing his defensive roll on (IIRC) Ricardo Carvalho's trip attempt. Zinedine 'Zizou' Zidane scored it magnificently, almost from a standing position. Portugal was unable to create any really good opportunities in the second half (their best opportunity was Fabien Barthez' obligatory fumble; he makes at least one every game, this time it looked like a volleyball move) which makes France the deserved victor. And which makes me happy, because my prediction came true! :D
Predictions:
Saturday July 8, 9 PM CET, Germany - Portugal : 2 - 0, for the simple reason that I don't believe Portugal will be playing seriously anymore (they'll just want to go home) while Germany will be obliged to play their best game one more time for their home crowd. Bronze medals go to Germany.
Sunday July 9, 9 PM CET, Italy - France : 2 - 1. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking, but this could become a very exciting game. Both teams have shown some very good football near the end of the tournament. In the end, I think Italy will emerge victorious, thanks to their more accurate strikers.
Unfortunately, I won't be here to comment on the last two games, but I hope everyone enjoyed the tournament, and will enjoy its climax.
Túrin
And Italy takes France 5-3. :cry:
Now we can give cricket our full attention.
After Germany took down Portugal 3 - 0 thanks solely to the individual qualities of Bastian Schweinsteiger, the final turned out to be a surprisingly interesting match. After Zinedine Zidane helped France take the lead by scoring a penalty kick (though just barely, it jumped back out of the goal immediately) and Marco Materazzi evened the score with his head from a corner kick, the match was even for a very long time. After 90 minutes, we went into 30 minutes of extra time. During the second half of the extra time, Materazzi provoked Zidane by saying some apparently unpleasant things, after which Zidane knocked him down with a head-butt on the chest. This was noticed by the assistant-referee, which led to Zidane getting the red card, a sad end to his long and beautiful career. The match was played out, and in the end, the Italians were more accurate in penalty shoot-out, scoring 5 out of 5. Trezeguet missed for France, making Italy this year's World Cup winner.
Marco Materazzi received a fine and will not be allowed to play for two matches for provoking Zidane.
Zinedine Zidane received a fine and will not be allowed to play for three matches (though this means little, considering his career has ended) for knocking down Materazzi.
In the meantime, Ialy's euphoria ended quickly, as the corruption scandal once again came to attention. It seems very likely now that some of Italy's top teams will be playing in the B-Series next season.
That's it for World Cup 2006. I for one had lots of fun.
Cheers!
Túrin
I was wondering if Zidane's red card came from the refs glancing up at the slow-mo shots of the action; during the game, they never once confirmed that a ref actually saw it first-hand.
Soccer is a rather backward game. The refs aren't allowed to watch slow-motions, because their mistakes are one of the charming sides of the game, or some nonsense along those lines.