The Official 2006 FIFA World Cup thread. (5 Viewers)

[matt#1]

fuckin Scholari taking Ronaldo off in the 60th minute. He was by far their most influential player.

edit: 1-0 win to Portugal. Very disapointing. Still, they got the 3 points and have plenty of time to improve.
It was very much a carbon copy of the England game. After an early goal and first half domination...Portugal were just satisfied to hang onto the 1-0 lead. We were, however, missing Deco who pulls the strings in midfield. We will look much better when he returns from injury.

 

[withoutaface]

fuckin Scholari taking Ronaldo off in the 60th minute. He was by far their most influential player.

It was worth it just to see his temper tantrum afterwards though

 

[withoutaface]

Oh, we dont have much chance in the 2nd round, if we make it. I'm hoping for the Czechs, as it may last until penalties, where it could swing either way.

Also, our advantage is that we know Japan (and they know us) better than Croatia and Japan know each other, which could result in a draw there (which is peeeerfect for us).

We wouldn't make it to a shootout with the Czechs because Nedved, Rosicky and Poborsky would tear us apart in the midfield and our defence couldn't impose itself on Koller.

EDIT: Given the fact that no major team has really announced itself yet in terms of performance (looking at Germany's unperfected 'attack at all costs' strategy, England's inability to finish off Paraguay, Argentina having similar problems with Ivory Coast, which shouldn't be happening even given the strength of the African team, Dutch could've easily lost against Serbia, Portugal had incredibly poor finishing almost all game), I'm very interested to see how well they play against the USA tomorrow night.

 

[Martyno1]

my predictions for tonight:
AUS 2 - 0 JAP
CZE 3 - 2 USA
ITA 2 - 1 GHA

but i'll be hoping for a ghana win against italy.

GO AUSSIES!

 

[AcStyle*]

anyone know any stores/online stores that sells leisure stuff for soccer?

i want this jacket , or their away jersey(white one)
http://www.kitbag.com/stores/kitbag_4_5/_artwork/english/departments/football/holland/tlm/tlm-c.jpg

Try this site http://www.subsidesports.com/uk/store/index.jsp

 

[HotShot]

I agree with that, but you said



Which implies sweden need to win both against england and paraguay to stand a chance. Which isnt the case, a win against paraguay guarantees sweden a position in the next round even if they lose to england (if you stick to your assumption that t&t lose both games)

yeah lol, anyway..

um netherlands again faltering in the second half, just like against the aussies, saying that they played brillaintly in the first half. possession football is just tactically one of the best options and netherlands handled it well. Defensively they need to improve a lot, but overall if they can do better in the second half and score more goals then they have gud chance of getting into quarters and semis

as for serbia, they may has the best defense, but really in the world cup attackin is vital draws arent gudnt enough, and u must score a lot of goals.

iran were ordinary, mexico well played well enough to beat them .

ausrtalia vs japan, if japan score early australia will find it hard to win, draw maybe. if not, australia should win comfortably, if they hang on for the first 20 minutes they will be set.
ideally first one to score would have the edge and should win.

 

[what971]

Today's the day. I'm back from my hellish week of studying to get ready for the game.

Going to watch the game with my cousin's friends from SIC, will post again in 12+hrs
(win or lose), so excited...

 

[otay]

Where are you guys all watching the game? Are they putting on big screens in or around the city like for the Olympics. They fuckn should if they aren't already. I know a few cinemas (including IMAX i think) are showing it which would be mad except there'd be no booze. I can't wait. Boedypainting has already began and the wigs, the stupid hats and the jerseys are ready to be worn. So where are good places to watch??

 

[johnny_87]

None of the traditional superpowers have really imposed themselves yet. Argentina never seemed to get out of 2nd gear yet still disposed of more than a plucky Ivory Coast. I think they could cause some damage. I'm interested to see the 3 games tonight. I expect the Czechs to beat the US, but I'm not convinced about Italy. If Nesta is fit, they should be ok, but they're also missing Zambrotta and perhaps Gattuso. I wouldn't be surprised if Ghana nick a draw but an Italian win is still expected.

Tonight it will be Australia 2-1. I expect the pace of the Japanese to nick a goal against our slowish defence, but our physicality and strength up front with Dukes and Aloisi will prove too much for their defence. I think when Kewell comes on it will be interesting - who will we take off? Obviously it depends on who is having a good/bad game and the score (if a goal down this might be how we could play), but for me the weak link in our team is Emerton. Would we be able to play an Argentina-like 3-5-2?

---Neill------Moore----Chipperfield
---------Grella----Culina
Bresciano---Cahill----Kewell
--------Viduka-----Aloisi

I think it would have been worth a shot in a lead-up game.

 

[stazi]

The Japanese coach has complained about the pitch, saying the grass is too long, and how this will favour the Aussies. They are used to playing on short grass due to this giving them more ability to change the pace quickly. A similar playing field was experienced during their game against Malta.

 

[stazi]

I;m watching it at my uni. Cheap drinks

 

[king_of_boredom]

good game last night, serbia could've easily equalised at several stages of the match but failed.

i got my digital signal fixed today, therefore perfect sbs reception. i win.

if we can draw against the dutch, i think we can come out on top against the japs. just don't let viduka take the penalties.

 

[Komit]

The only thing that worries me is the backline on the turn. The Japs are typically quick and very direct in their attacks and Australia is notorious for getting caught out by darting run from an opposing striker and just standing there with their hand in the air calling the offside. This is sometimes unavoidable and what really should be addressed is the containmnet of the midfield's attacks. If Grella can play like he did against Uruguay and not give an inch to the Japanese attacking midfielders the Japs will be easy meat.

 

[- L1n -]

I predict Japan 2 Australia 1

 

[Paragon]

I think the Netherlands had some individual brilliance, but Serbia played better as a team and deserved a draw out of it.

I thought Netherlands, as a whole team, had a really good game. Robben being the obvious stand-out.

I think the Dutch do play a brand of 'total football', but when the ball is passed to Robben is becomes a game of 'one man football'.

Haha, so true. I remember Joe Cole used to be like that, then changed to a team player, then became Robben-esque again. :mad1:

Then pit us up against Italy or Czech Republic, pwned

Apparently, can’t remember where I got this from, but the Italians are keeping a special eye out for Australia, given that they know from first-hand experience what Hiddink is capable of doing to them. Which also means the Azzuri are either expecting to finish first in group, or them finishing second and Aussies finishing first .

 

[Paragon]

There are big screens in the Trophies Bar in Star City, A Massive Live Site in Circular Quay next to Customs House, and one in Belmore Park next to Central Station.

I'm pretty much decided on Belmore tonight, unless if it turns out to be wet, in which case it'll be the G&G live site at Agincourt Hotel. Where're you going ?

 

[Paragon]

Where are you guys all watching the game? Are they putting on big screens in or around the city like for the Olympics. They fuckn should if they aren't already. I know a few cinemas (including IMAX i think) are showing it which would be mad except there'd be no booze. I can't wait. Boedypainting has already began and the wigs, the stupid hats and the jerseys are ready to be worn. So where are good places to watch??

There's a couple of places with the big-screens and the like:
Belmore Park, near Central, 44sqm screen,
Customs House, Circular Quay, 25sqm screen,
Enmore Theatre,
Metro Theatre,
Shelbourne Hotel, Sussex Street,
Star City Casino,
Agincourt Hotel, near Central.

Are they doing body-painting in the City though ?

 

[LMF^^]

fuckin Scholari taking Ronaldo off in the 60th minute. He was by far their most influential player.

edit: 1-0 win to Portugal. Very disapointing. Still, they got the 3 points and have plenty of time to improve.
It was very much a carbon copy of the England game. After an early goal and first half domination...Portugal were just satisfied to hang onto the 1-0 lead. We were, however, missing Deco who pulls the strings in midfield. We will look much better when he returns from injury.

I got pissed off watchin that game, stayed up that late to watch that BS, ridiculous.

Scolari did an Eriksson, takin off Ronaldo, puttin on Costinha, WTF...??? Ronaldo had every right to be cheesed off, he had a very good game and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Perhaps Big Phil wants to save his key player, and preservin energy fo later matches.

Fucked up tactics nonetheless, I want my 2hrs of sleep back.

 

[bazookajoe]

Australia 1-0 Japan
USA 1-2 Czech Republic
Italy 2-0 Ghana

 

[stazi]

ohhh im sooo excited! Almost out of breath. and ive still got 2700 words to write for tomorrow. fuck.