The World Cup

[CYMRO]

YES! France takes down Brazil!

[Túrin]

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

[CYMRO]

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.

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.

[Ishmayl-Retired]

Anyone know when the next match is scheduled?  I have all day off work tomorrow and plan on getting a little futbal action in.

[CYMRO]

Anyone 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.

[Jürgen Hubert]

If Germany keeps at it like this, I just might to have fulfill the bet I made to my co-worker after all...

[Ishmayl-Retired]

I'm a little disappointed in FIFA for not showing me a game on my only day off so far this year....

[Túrin]

@ 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

[CYMRO]

Well, looks like its Italy over Germany.

[Ishmayl-Retired]

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.

[Kindling]

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 :)

[Túrin]

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

[CYMRO]

Bah! I hope France kicks them out tonight.

Vive le France!

Portugal deve ser derrotado!

[CYMRO]

Allez les bleues!!

[Túrin]

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