The Big Fat Thread of World Cup 2006

[Nuclear Spoon]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't been made yet. You can also talk about qualification here.

GROUP A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

GROUP B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden

GROUP C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro
Holland

GROUP D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal

GROUP E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic

GROUP F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

GROUP G
France
Switzerland
South Korea
Togo

GROUP H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4466032.stm

Some very tasty stuff. Germany and Poland, Argies and the Dutch, Italy and the Czechs, mmmm.

But Sweden again? WTF?

[Shave]

i'm going to have to be a pessimist and say we're not going to qualify. we'll lose 2-0 against austria with smith and hargreaves scoring the goals

[Nuclear Spoon]

I believe you mean own goals.

I hope the Republic of Ireland manage to qualify, they're underrated in my opinion, and they could probably beat England on a good day.

[gxfu]

I wonder if USA can make another run into the playoff?

[Dingbat]

I wonder if USA can make another run into the playoff?
OI!

Git yer American speak out of here! It isn't the "playoff", it's the freakin' World Cup Second Round, Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Final!

Bliddy yanks. :p

[Shave]

I believe you mean own goals

i thought that was implied by the nature of the post. if i say 2-0 to austria with smith and hargreaves getting the goals do i really need to put "own" in front of it... obviously yes :rolleyes:

[dogincognito]

Who has qualified for the World Cup?

With 760 qualifying matches played across the world so far, the race to reach the 2006 World Cup is reaching its climax.

With 32 teams able to make it to the finals in Germany, 10 teams have booked their places at football's biggest tournament which starts on 9 June.

But with the final qualifying matches taking place around the globe this week, which other countries will be taking part in Germany next year?

BBC Sport works out who needs to do what this weekend and next Wednesday.

EUROPE

# Germany
# Ukraine
12 others made up of seven group winners, two best runners-up and three winners of play-offs involving other six runners-up.

England will definitely qualify if they win both their remaining matches - against Austria and Poland.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's team could also seal a place with a game remaining if they win at home to Austria on Saturday and Holland beat the Czech Republic.

Scotland are two points behind both Norway and Slovenia in Group Four. If Walter Smith's side beat Belarus on Saturday, they will give themselves a fighting chance of finishing second behind Italy.

But if Scotland fail to beat Belarus and Norway defeat Moldova, they will fall out of qualification contention.

The Republic of Ireland have to win both games to stand any realistic chance of finishing in the top two and guaranteeing at least a play-off spot.

Northern Ireland and Wales cannot qualify.

The European zone play-off draw will take place on 14 October, with the two-legged ties played on 12 and 16 November.

SOUTH AMERICA

# Argentina
# Brazil
Two others qualify automatically and the fifth-placed team goes into a play-off with Australia, who beat the Solomon Islands in the Oceania qualifying final.

Ecuador and Paraguay are in pole position to secure the final two automatic places, but Uruguay, Colombia and Chile are all still in contention.

The play-off games between the fifth-placed team and Oceania group winners Australia take place on 12 and 16 November.

ASIA

# Japan
# Iran
# South Korea
# Saudi Arabia
One other team to enter play-off against Central American country.

Bahrain and Uzbekistan meet over two legs on 8 and 12 October. The winner will then play the fourth-placed team from the Concacaf region in another play-off to decide who reaches Germany.

CONCACAF (North and Central America and Caribbean)

# USA
# Mexico
The third-placed team will also qualify automatically, while the fourth-placed team will face either Bahrain or Uzbekistan in a two-legged play-off.

Costa Rica need only a draw from their final two games to secure the last automatic place, while Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago both have the chance to take fourth place.

AFRICA

# No qualifiers yet
Winners of each of the five qualifying groups go through.

With the final round of matches on 8 October to come, all five groups have two potential winners: Togo or Senegal (Group 1); Ghana or DR Congo (Group 2); Cameroon or Ivory Coast (Group 3); Angola or Nigeria (Group 4); Tunisia or Morocco (Group 5).

OCEANIA

Australia beat the Solomon Islands 9-1 on aggregate in their two-legged play-off. They will play the fifth-placed South American country in a play-off on 12 and 16 November.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4208308.stm

[pwned_by_a_pie]

I sincerly hope England can win tomorrow, and that Errikson can get his head so far up from his own backside to get a decent team together which doesnt include Hargreaves, James or one of the Neville brothers. Aparently Errikson is facing a "difficut choice" of who to put in defence, its easy enough for me and why in the name of god has he left out Ferdinand? this would be my choice:

---Luke Young---John Terry---Rio Ferdinand---Ashley Cole---

see, simple.

On the subject of which other European countries will qualify for the WC next year I can only see England and Ireland realistically out of the UK. I dont think Northern Ireland and Scotland have strong enough teams to compete there (mindyou neither do England at the moment but thats mainy due to the manager if you ask me). This is mainly just my opinion but i think its fair enough to speculate what I have done. :rolleyes:

[Nuclear Spoon]

He's left out Ferdinand because he's not been brilliant recently, and Sol Campbell is a in good form.

[pwned_by_a_pie]

He's left out Ferdinand because he's not been brilliant recently, and Sol Campbell is a in good form.

Well, yeah I suppose so, but my concern with Campbell is that hes to old and with his recent injury scares you cannot be to confident in his performance.

[Sebastian]

I'm rooting for Iran. It's a shame Denmark didn't qualify :'(

[streety]

It will be nice if we qualify but I always favour club over country. Would like to see the Irish do well.

[Thomp]

He's left out Ferdinand because he's not been brilliant recently, and Sol Campbell is a in good form.

I heard Ferdinand was playing with Terry, leaving Campbell to still wait

[basstard]

The only way we Scots can get through is if we win our two upcoming matches, against Slovenia and Belarus, and Norway lose to one of Moldova and Belarus.

So, it could very possibly be out of our hands. Personally, I'd be happy with winning our two games - that alone will prove we've improved greatly since the manager change. If we qualify, that's just icing on the caek.

[streety]

I heard Ferdinand was playing with Terry, leaving Campbell to still wait
I would expect Sol to start in front of the out of form Smackhead.

[Nuclear Spoon]

Angola, Ghana, Togo and Ivory Coast all qualify, apparently.

[dogincognito]

Holland beat the Czech's two nil.

We're there. Two sweetest words in the English language. (http://www.jahozafat.com/cgi-bin/tvmp3s.cgi?Simpsons=default.mp3)

[basstard]

We're there. Two sweetest words in the English language. (http://www.jahozafat.com/cgi-bin/tvmp3s.cgi?Simpsons=default.mp3)

Technically "We're there" is one word and a contraction, not two words. /pedant

I am very disappointed with the Scotland-Belarus result [0-1]. If we can't beat a team like Belarus, playing at home, on a good day...

Just goes to show, you put a bit of faith in the Scotland team and they do their best to lose it all for you. Mshfsjn gsdf gnsgfg gnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Nuclear Spoon]

Holland, Croatia, Italy have all qualified, as have Tunisia, Portugal, Ecuador and Paraguay. 8 places left.

[dogincognito]

Technically "We're there" is one word and a contraction, not two words. /pedant
But I didn't mean that, I meant default. :rolleyes:

[NinjaPenguin]

Angola, Ghana, Togo and Ivory Coast all qualify, apparently.

Good on them I say, thats more countries for Motson to miss-pronounce.

[basstard]

But I didn't mean that, I meant default. :rolleyes:

"Default" isn't two words either...

[dogincognito]

"Default" isn't two words either...
I know. It was a joke.

[AngryPaul]

"Default" isn't two words either...Has a certain cartoon missed your eyes since 1989? :p

Well, we are there. I'm not impressed by it though. And he has started already. Sven "England can beat everyone at once, with 6 men" Eriksson. We won't. Don't get Sun readers hopes up.

[basstard]

Has a certain cartoon missed your eyes since 1989? :p

I lost my eyes back in 'Nam...

please explain to a poor, stupid webuser :p

[dogincognito]

Two sweetest words in the English language. (http://www.jahozafat.com/cgi-bin/tvmp3s.cgi?Simpsons=default.mp3)
Click the link. It is from The Simpsons.

Having to explain jokes sucks.

[Nuclear Spoon]

Few updates:
Republic of Ireland are out, after failing to beat Switzerland.
Bahrain have beaten Uzebekistan.
But most importantly, England qualify! Woo and yay.

[Flava Dave]

Fuck.










I'm Irish by the way.

[AngryPaul]

I'm Irish by the way.I don't think they really deserved it anyway.

[dogincognito]

I feel for the Irish, they have some fantastic players but a crap manager who has ultimately cost them a place in the World Cup or at least the playoffs.

[Nuclear Spoon]

And I have here the seedings for the Euro 2008 qualifiers. Looks like there aren't going to be play-offs this time, so have fun England (who are in the first seeds, for some reason :/).

Pool 1: Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, England, Czech Republic, France, Sweden

Pool 2: Germany, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, Poland, Spain, Romania

Pool 3: Serbia-Montenegro, Russia, Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Slovakia

Pool 4: Bosnia-Hercegovina, Republic of Ireland, Belgium, Latvia, Israel, Scotland, Slovenia

Pool 5: Hungary, Finland, Estonia, Wales, Lithuania, Albania, Iceland

Pool 6: Georgia, Macedonia, Belarus, Armenia, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Moldova

Pool 7: Liechtenstein, Azerbaijan, Andorra, Malta, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, San-Marino

[Dingbat]

My prediction for our group:

England, Spain, Ukraine, Scotland, Hungary, Belarus, Faroe Islands

If that was who we got, it wouldn't surprise me - not only would we finish the group in third at highest again, but we'd have to suffer the humiliation of losing to England again.

[dogincognito]

(who are in the first seeds, for some reason :/)
I assume this is a joke. Or you're just really stupid. Actually since it's you, it'll be the latter.

[Dingbat]

No, he's not stupid...look at the world rankings, Dog. England are 11th. They are fairly fortunate to be in the first group. I reckon it wouldn't surprise anyone if any of the teams in the second ranking group replaced them.

[dogincognito]

And how many above them are European teams?

Anyway the seedings for each country have been based on qualifying for Euro 2004 and next summer's World Cup in Germany. We topped both groups.


Fairly easy to understand, yes?

[Nuclear Spoon]

BREAKING NEWS:
Trinidad and the Aussies qualify for the WC.
I shall update later after the Spain and Czech R. games.

[gxfu]

/side note from a Yank
Iraq did surprisingly well in the Asia Cup. But then again, they lost to China, and China is horrible, and the Asia Cup is horrible too.

I wonder how the Chinese team even have fans.

[AngryPaul]

I wonder how the Chinese team even have fans.They get very pissed when they don't win. Which is often.

Never really think of Chinese people as angry.

[gxfu]

Never really think of Chinese people as angry.You, my friend, don't know chinese people.

[AngryPaul]

You, my friend, don't know chinese people.You are right. I do not. I have met people of Chinese origin, but they were all born in Bristol so they don't count.


ontopic/ Switzerland have qualified after an amazing game in Turkey. The Swiss went 1-0 (3-0 on agg), but then the Turks got it to 3-1, Switzerland get an 84th minute goal to make it 3-2 (4-3 agg), but then Turkey get one back in the 89th to make it 4-4. And there it finished. Swiss go through on away goals.

[Nuclear Spoon]

All 32 teams have qualified now. Now we just have to wait for FIFA to sort out these seedings.

[BlueberryMuffin]

Stooooooooooooked!

Finally we qualified. It was a nail-biting game and IMO couldn't have finished any better with Australia winning on the penalty shootout.
I'm now really looking forward to the world cup, even though I can't realistically see Australia progressing past the group stages.

[Nuclear Spoon]

I predict Australia will end up in England's World Cup group, and we will beat the Aussies 2-1. or 5-0. :p

[jonffm]

Arghhh...so wanna go see one of the matches, but they look so expensive! Oh how I wish I joined that Club England thing >___<

[gxfu]

Liechtenstein.

Imagine if Liechtenstein won the world cup. How would we pronounce it?

[Dingbat]

Liechtenstein.

Imagine if Liechtenstein won the world cup. How would we pronounce it?
Personally, I'd pronounce it Innth Eyrrd Reems.

:D

[dogincognito]

Liechtenstein.

Imagine if Liechtenstein won the world cup. How would we pronounce it?
Litch en stine

[Nuclear Spoon]

The seeds have been announced, and we'll know our fate by Friday.

[Thomp]

We're seeded second, behind the mighty Brazil :)

[AngryPaul]

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden (Unbeaten against England since 1968)


England fixtures:

v Paraguay [Frankfurt, Sat 10 June (1400)]
v Trinidad and Tobago [Nuremberg, Thu 15 June (1700)]
v Sweden [Cologne, Tue 20 June (2000)]

Also:

Brazil v Austrailia
France v Togo
Argentina v Holland
Italy v Czech Rep.


All groups:

GROUP A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

GROUP B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden

GROUP C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro
Holland

GROUP D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal

GROUP E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic

GROUP F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

GROUP G
France
Switzerland
South Korea
Togo

GROUP H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

[Chavvy]

Happy enough with our draw.

Argentina group is a bastard group. 3 teams in the top 10 World rankings in one group :shock:

C'mon you Dutch men!

[Nuclear Spoon]

Thanks for that AP. Some mouthwatering ties.

[ZOIDBERG]

Sweden. Typical.
We'll still win though! :D

[BlueberryMuffin]

How did I know we were going to be drawn with Brazil :(

Oh well, there go our chances of progressing past the group stages.

edit: vaguely relevant (http://www.weebls-stuff.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1070497&postcount=310)

[Nuclear Spoon]

http://thestore.adidas.com/cgi-bin/adilive/b2c/product.w?style=c8808&promo=XSLLPROD

This is the ball which will be used at the World Cup. I like it.

[ZOIDBERG]

How did I know we were going to be drawn with Brazil :(

Oh well, there go our chances of progressing past the group stages.

edit: vaguely relevant (http://www.weebls-stuff.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1070497&postcount=310)
No, we're another seed, so we can't be dr... oh wait. You're Australian. Ha ha ha! :p
Seriously though, good luck to everyone except France, and anyone we play.

[streety]

Great draw for us. Hopefully we will get Germany in the second round. I fancy going over for it :)

[AngryPaul]

http://thestore.adidas.com/cgi-bin/adilive/b2c/product.w?style=c8808&promo=XSLLPROD

This is the ball which will be used at the World Cup. I like it.I prefer the old original Telstar. Thats baically the classic ball with black panels.

[jonffm]

Using the world cup score prediction thingy on the Beeb site, we'll play Poland in the second round, Holland in the QF, Brazil in the SF and Argentina/Frace in the final.

Imagine that...England v Argentina in the final...*drool*

[Nuclear Spoon]

Imagine that... England in the final... *wonders why he's thinking these strange thoughts*

[Thomp]

Good group, but mindful of who we could face. Favourites to win our group, but come on, we're England! We could mess up! :p

I think we'll get the semis maximum I'm afraid

[Nuclear Spoon]

*bump*

MEMO TO ALL FEMALES re: JUNE - JULY 2006

Extremely important advice and recommendations to be passed on to
wives, girlfriends, fiancés, others, sisters, daughters, etc. These
rules are to be communicated prior to the World Cup in June/July this
year...

1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sports section of
the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the
World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations.
If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or
you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any
attention.

2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without
any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will
lose it (your eye).

3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't
mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without
distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make
sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I
wont have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the
World Cup month.

4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a
refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if
you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone,
or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it wont happen.

5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the
fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and
please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over
to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and
6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.

6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one of my
teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game", or "don't worry,
they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier
and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about
football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only
lead to a break up or divorce.

7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk
to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the
halftime score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one"
game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend
time together".

8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have
seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.

9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child
related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.

10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to
watch a game, we will be there in a flash.

11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as
important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but
you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something
we can all watch??", the reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".

12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the
World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after
this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League,etc etc.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Regards,

Men all over the world

[Dingbat]

Oh how I wish women would obey that. :p

[AngryPaul]

Right. Heres a pointthat buging me. I've just been reading up on a few teams while trying to avoid th reality that an essay is due in 150 minutes.

Favourites for the World Cup (according to William Hill):
Brazil 9/4
England 7/1
Italy 15/2
Germany 8/1
Argentina 8/1
Spain 12/1
Holland 12/1
France 12/1
Portugal 20/1
Czech Rep 25/1
Sweden 28/1
Mexico 40/1
Ukraine 50/1
Ivory Coast 50/1
Croatia 50/1
Poland 80/1
Australia 80/1

Now, I looked at the rankings today. Some of these make little sense in relation to this. Germany as joint 4th favourites for the cup when they rank 19th in the World? How does that work. Also the Ivory Cost = 32nd. Now I don't mind this, but when I consider that the USA are 5th in the official FIFA World Rankings and they clock in at 100/1 it does make yuo wonder. Are they just basing their odds on reputation alone? Peoploe aften dismiss the US as a weak side, but they must have done something right to get to 5th. Mexico are 4th and they get only slightly better odds than 45th placed Ukraine.

Just made me a little miffed for the efforts of the US and Mexico.

Oh, one last gripe. The Czech Republic = 2nd best team in the WORLD = 10th favourites to lift the World Cup.

:eek:

edit/ Toooo many typos thanks to these shitty Uni keyboards.

[Thomp]

Favourites for the World Cup (according to William Hill):
Brazil 9/4
England 7/1
Italy 15/2
Germany 8/1
Argentina 8/1
Spain 12/1
Holland 12/1
France 12/1
Portugal 20/1
Czech Rep 25/1
Sweden 28/1
Mexico 40/1
Ukraine 50/1
Ivory Coast 50/1
Croatia 50/1
Poland 80/1
Australia 80/1

I wouldn't take any of that for granted. The have Spain at 12/1, who always perform badly on the big stage... Italy aren't too great too at times. I would have ranked Sweden higher, possibly 15/1 because they are my outside favourite to go far... the semi finalists for me are Brazil, France, Argentina and then either England/Sweden. England will only get there if Rooney is fit probably, or if we don't suffer any further setbacks

[flamelitface]

I would've thought Argentinas odds would be better than Englands, we may have beaten them in a friendly, but that was a single game.

[Dingbat]

I would've thought Argentinas odds would be better than Englands, we may have beaten them in a friendly, but that was a single game.
They're a British company so they know they'll get a lot of bets on England, therefore they cut the odds to reduce their losses should England win.

[jonffm]

The odds are also assuming Wayne doesn't play. If on Thursday they announce he will be fit, I'd expect the odds to jump to 5/1.

Personally, i'm tempted to put a tenner or two on France. Remember, either France or Argentina will PROBABLY be in the final, and neither can face Brazil, so it could be worth a bash.

Plus..if we where in there, and we lost to them...it'd be a SLIGHT silver lining to get a couple hundred quid :p

[streety]

Q. Who do you think will win? Predict the outcome HERE (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/spl/hi/predictor/html/football/world_cup_06/default.stm)

Post your results...
Here's mine. They are not the best...

GROUP A
[9] Germany F4 A0
[4] Ecuador F3 A2
[4] Poland F3 A3
[0] Costa Rica F1 A6

GROUP B
[7] England F6 A3
[7] Sweden F5 A2
[3] Paraguay F2 A3
[0] T&T F0 A5

GROUP C
[7] Argentina F3 A1
[5] Holland F3 A1
[4] S&M F2 A2
[0] Ivory Coast F1 A5

GROUP D
[7] Mexico F5 A2
[7] Portugal F4 A1
[3] Iran F4 A4
[0] Angola F1 A7

GROUP E
[9] Italy F4 A0
[6] Czech Rep F3 A2
[1] USA F3 A5
[1] Ghana F2 A5

GROUP F
[9] Brazil F4 A0
[4] Croatia F3 A2
[4] Australia F2 A4
[0] Japan F2 A5

GROUP G
[9] France F7 A2
[4] Switzerland F3 A3 *LOTS DRAWN*
[4] South Korea F3 A3 *LOTS DRAWN*
[0] Togo F2 A7

GROUP H
[9] Spain F7 A1
[4] Tunisia F3 A2
[4] Ukraine F2 A3
[0] Saudi Arabia F0 A5

SECOND ROUND
Germany vs Sweden
Argentina vs Portugal
England vs Ecuador
Mexico vs Holland
Italy vs Croatia
France vs Tunisia
Brazil vs Czech Rep
Spain vs Switzerland

QUARTER FINALS
Germany vs Argentina
Italy vs France
England vs Holland
Brazil vs Spain

SEMI FINALS
Argentina vs Italy
England vs Brazil

3RD PLACE PLAYOFF
Argentina vs England

FINAL
Italy vs Brazil

[Dingbat]

GROUP A
[7] Germany F6 A1
[7] Poland F4 A2
[3] Ecuador F2 A4
[0] Costa Rica F0 A5

GROUP B
[7] England F6 A1
[7] Sweden F4 A2
[1] Paraguay F2 A5
[1] T&T F1 A5

GROUP C
[9] Holland F7 A2
[6] Argentina F6 A4
[3] S&M F3 A4
[0] Ivory Coast F1 A7

GROUP D
[9] Portugal F8 A1
[6] Mexico F7 A3
[3] Angola F2 A6
[0] Iran F0 A7

GROUP E
[9] Czech Rep F8 A2
[4] Italy F4 A4
[2] USA F3 A5
[1] Ghana F2 A6

GROUP F
[9] Brazil F8 A2
[4] Japan F4 A5
[2] Australia F3 A5
[1] Croatia F2 A5

GROUP G
[9] France F5 A1
[4] Switzerland F4 A4
[3] South Korea F2 A3
[1] Togo F1 A4

GROUP H
[7] Ukraine F7 A1
[7] Spain F6 A1
[3] Tunisia F1 A4
[0] Saudi Arabia F0 A8

SECOND ROUND
Germany vs Sweden
Argentina vs Portugal
England vs Poland
Mexico vs Holland
C. Republic vs Japan
France vs Spain
Brazil vs Italy
Ukraine vs Switzerland

QUARTER FINALS
Germany vs Holland
C. Republic vs. Spain
England vs Argentina
Brazil vs Ukraine

SEMI FINALS
Germany ?? C. Republic
Argentina vs Brazil

3RD PLACE PLAYOFF
Brazil vs C.Rep/Germany

FINAL
Argentina vs C.Rep/Germany

I allowed for a couple of weird events. :D

[jonffm]

I did mine ages ago. I bviously had us winning it...because whats the point of being pessimistic on a sodding prediction thing? :p :D

Our road came to...Poland in the Second Round, then Portugal in the QF.

The SF consisted of England Vs Brazil (The inevitable matchup, if you ask me), and France Vs Argentina. I can't make the call between France and Argentina though....that would be one hell of a game...but I would LOVE to face either of them in the final. Both are old foes....would make a CRACKING final.

My preference...an England vs Argentina final. It would be more difficult, but alot sweeter if we could finally get some revenge for the hand of god :p

[the architect]

I'd obviously hope for a US victory, but it's a long shot. They'd have to get seriously lucky. As AngryPaul said, we aren't a weak side, but others like Brazil are superstars.

I'd go with the obvious Brazil, but I'd not be shocked if Argentina or England wins (even though they're missing Wayne). Czech would be a good choice too.

[AngryPaul]

It would be more difficult, but alot sweatierAnyone else first read it like that?

[jonffm]

Greesier, maybe :)

(even though they're missing Wayne)

Rooneys actually making an incredible recovery, and could be fit in time for the group stages. So it's looking like at the very least, he'll be fit for the QF onwards.

[Thomp]

GROUP A
[7] Poland
[5] Germany
[4] Costa Rica
[0] Ecuador

GROUP B
[7] England
[5] Sweden
[2] Paraguay
[1] T&T

GROUP C
[6] Argentina
[4] Serb&Mont
[4] Holland
[2] Ivory Coast

GROUP D
[9] Portugal
[4] Mexico
[4] Angola
[0] Iran

GROUP E
[6] Italy
[5] USA
[4] Czech Republic
[1] Ghana

GROUP F
[7] Brazil
[4] Croatia
[4] Australia
[1] Japan

GROUP G
[9] Switzerland
[4] France
[4] Togo
[0] South Korea

GROUP H
[7] Spain
[3] Ukraine
[2] Saudi Arabaia
[2] Tunisia

Poland v Sweden
Argentina v Mexico
England v Germany
Portugal v Serb&Mont
Italy v Croatia
Switzerland v Ukraine
Brazil v USA
Spain v France

Sweden v Argentina
Italy v Switzerland
England v Serb&Mont
Brazil v France

Argentina v Switzerland
England v Brazil

3rd place playoff: England v Switzerland
Final: Argentina v Brazil

[streety]

Switzerland = Shock Semi Finalists

[Thomp]

Switzerland = Shock Semi Finalists

Yup, thought you would be. I always fancied Switzerland to do amazingly well in a tournament with the good players they have, plus anything can ahppen in these competitions

[AngryPaul]

Group A:
[9] Germany [+6]
[4] Poland [---]
[2] Costa Rica [-2]
[1] Ecuador [-4]

Group B:
[7] Sweden [+5]
[7] England [+4]
[1] Trinidad and Tobago [-4]
[1] Paraguay [-5]

Group C:
[9] Holland [+5]
[7] Argentina [+1]
[3] Ivory Coast [-4]
[1] Serbia and Montenegro [-2]

Group D:
[7] Mexico [+6]
[7] Portugal [+5]
[3] Angola [-2]
[0] Iran [-9]

Group E:
[7] Czech Republic [+4]
[4] United States [-1]
[3] Italy [---]
[1] Ghana [-3]

Group F:
[9] Brazil [+4]
[4] Australia [-1]
[2] Croatia [-1]
[1] Japan [-2]

Group G:
[7] Switzerland [+3 GS 5]
[7] France [+3] GS 4]
[1] South Korea [-3 GS 1]
[1] Togo [-3 GS 0]

Group H:
[7] Ukraine [+4]
[7] Spain [+2]
[3] Tunisia [+1]
[0] Saudi Arabia [-7]

Second Round:
Germany v England
Holland v Portugal
Sweden v Poland
Mexico v Argentina
Czech Rep v Australia
Switzerland v Spain
Brazil v United States
Ukraine v France

Quarter-Finals:
England v Holland
Czech Rep v Spain
Sweden v Mexico
Brazil v Ukraine

Semi-Finals:
Holland v Czech Rep
Brazil v Sweden

FINAL:
Czech Republic v Brazil

goes to penalites! :eek:

[streety]

Some shocks in there AP. I don't think Czech Rep are going to be as good this World Cup. Baros is there main striker and I don't think he is up to it now. The Ukraine are a one man team and he is injured. If there is no service then Sheva won't score.

If you believe in your predictions then I suggest getting some bets on. There are some good prices for things that could happen like Mexico 1st and Portugal 2nd or Sweden winning the group.

If anyone wants to sign up to Betfair then PM me and I will give you a code to get £20.

[Splush]

I spent ages this afternoon looking at the odds for the outright winner on William Hill's site, but had trouble getting behind any of the teams with interesting odds and ended up turning to the top scorer page. My £5 eventually went on Pauleta at 33/1, which were rather modest odds I thought.

Portugal's all-time top scorer? Top scorer in the European qualifying group? Playing Mexico, Iran and Angola? With my reputation? It's a done deal!

I'd go with the obvious Brazil, but I'd not be shocked if Argentina or England wins (even though they're missing Wayne). Czech would be a good choice too.The Czech squad looks to me like it's full of ageing (but once great) players who might not be able to handle younger teams, but maybe there's some young stars in there I don't know about. I have a feeling USA could get 2nd in their group. Having said that, 5 Live (BBC sports and news station) did some coverage on USA's world cup chances last night and none of it sounded very positive.

[Nuclear Spoon]

I don't suppose anyone had seen it, but Martin Jol had a rather good article in The Sunday Times, and he'll be writing for them during the World Cup.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2200107,00.html

[streety]

Possibly the greatest ever goal in the world cup, enjoy.......

http://www.pixelgoals.com/images/139671_125098_px_alberto.gif

[dogincognito]

Nice site. Is there a way to view the other goals, not just the three on the main page? I want to see some genius from a pixelated Dennis Bergkamp. :cool:

[lakingsfan]

Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa Usa

[streety]

Nice site. Is there a way to view the other goals, not just the three on the main page? I want to see some genius from a pixelated Dennis Bergkamp. :cool:
I was trying to find them but I failed... :(

[White Tiger]

Don't put your money on Croatia my french teacher went over to germany last week and their team was there and my teacher went to go see them play a ''very'' local team you weren't in the main league of germany and that team beat Croatia 3-2 haha.

Also don't cheer them on, they through coffee at you :p

[AngryPaul]

Nice site. Is there a way to view the other goals, not just the three on the main page? I want to see some genius from a pixelated Dennis Bergkamp. :cool:They're 1966 scored board is a bit fooked.

It says the Germans scored 2 in the 12th minute and Peters scored in the 88th to make it 2-2 :eek:

[jonffm]

Finally, the debating can end, it be finally here :D

World Cup 2006- Bring it on!

Germany V Costa Rica predictions / Golden boot winner?

I'm going for 1-1 in the game...and Owen or Ronaldinho for Golden boot.

[AngryPaul]

Ronaldinho doesn't score as many as you think.

I'd go for one of the better team strikers, but not always the superstars. Suker (Croatia) = 1998? Oleg Salenko (Russia) and Hristo Stoitchkov (Bulgaria) = 1994?

Only 5 times in the last 17 World Cups has the top scorer come from the winning country. FACT.

[Shave]

cracking opening to the world cup so far. exciting match :D

[Dingbat]

I placed a wager on Klose to be Golden Boot today.

He's just scored. 2-1 :D

[jonffm]

Great start! It's been a brill game, and that first goal was fantastic!

I can, though, see what they mean about the ball...it darts all over the place when anyone puts power behind it. Still, it will only mean more goals...and imagine Gerrard and Lamps behind one of those!

[3v1l |\/|1NiOn]

I've cracked out the TV card and donated a whole 21" widescreen monitor to the world cup. Plus a fairly decent set of speakers and I have a jizzuming inducing world cup.

The Germany game better set a trend in match sexiness, because this is great.

[streety]

I have got Swinestiger(sp?) to score in 90 mins. Got odds of 4.5. All I need now is a goal. He is trying to cut in on his right foot all the time and unleash one from range.

[Dingbat]

I have got Swinestiger(sp?) to score in 90 mins. Got odds of 4.5. All I need now is a goal. He is trying to cut in on his right foot all the time and unleash one from range.
How ironic that the one time he didn't do that, Frings suddenly got so much more interesting. :P

[dogincognito]

Why were they playing with one of those plastic balls you get for 99p from the garage? :confused:

[Nuclear Spoon]

I have Schweinsteiger in my Metro FF team.
I got 8 points :D

[Thomp]

What a game! Two fantastic goals by Lahm and Frings... but the Germans have to improve their defence, otherwise tougher opposition will punish them so much more

[3v1l |\/|1NiOn]

I have Schweinsteiger in my Metro FF team.
I got 8 points :D


I had Lahm AND Schweinsteiger in my original team. I haven't got either now and chose Ballack instead, who didn't play ¬.¬

[Hitpoint]

Why were they playing with one of those plastic balls you get for 99p from the garage? :confused:
http://www.kitbag.com/stores/kitbag_4_5/football/product_details.aspx?pid=21198&amp;cid=2602

6 goals in the opening game, great start to the world cup.

[AngryPaul]

Why were they playing with one of those plastic balls you get for 99p from the garage? :confused:Its nearly so true, only that those balls have a direct opposite curve pattern when you hit them.

Try and bend it like Beckham and it bends away rather than inward. They are bizarre. We called them floaters in my day.

[basstard]

Why were they playing with one of those plastic balls you get for 99p from the garage? :confused:

It's a new design - as opposed to being stitched together from lots of hexagons or whatever, it's made from only two pieces that go together.

I've read mixed reviews of it by players, but the consensus is "they bring out new balls all the time, we'll adapt". Besides, they're all on a level playing field, so no biggie.

[jonffm]

The skillfull players love it, the goalies hate it. It clearly designed with a more entertaining match in mind, so it's all good.

Great stuff in the Poland game. Down 1-0 at half time.

This would be brilliant for England. If we win our group, this would mean almost certainly avoiding Germany, and having a very real chance of getting one of the softest second round draws available, either Costa Rica or Ecuador. Taking nothing away from them, but it's a pretty nice path to the QF :D

This is very good for me, because i've already booked my coach to Plymouth to watch the QF and SF with me mates >___>

[Flava Dave]

The skillfull players love it, the goalies hate it. It clearly designed with a more entertaining match in mind, so it's all good.

Not so much "skillful players love it" as anyone who feels like hoofing the ball from 30 yards knows they have a better chance of fluking a goal than usual.


On the subject of the Equador Poland match, good to see the jheri curl is still going strong down Equador way.

[dogincognito]

Its nearly so true, only that those balls have a direct opposite curve pattern when you hit them.

Try and bend it like Beckham and it bends away rather than inward. They are bizarre. We called them floaters in my day.
We used to call them floaters as well. :)

It's a new design - as opposed to being stitched together from lots of hexagons or whatever, it's made from only two pieces that go together.

I've read mixed reviews of it by players, but the consensus is "they bring out new balls all the time, we'll adapt". Besides, they're all on a level playing field, so no biggie.
But I'd rather see good games rather than goals raining in from 45 yards because of a ball.

[c(:o(&)=//]

What happened to Poland? Even Useless (de la Cruz) nearly scored. Even without Kuzszcak. Still, the opening game was brilliant :D
EDIT: Oops. Forgot to log my brother out.

ZOIDBERG

[jonffm]

RESULT!

Great show from T&T, and it's given us one foot in the second round. We only have to beat T&T, and we just have to avoid defeat to Sweden (assuming they beat Paraguay).

I'm still keeping my 3-0 prediction, because to be fair, a good few where playing the game of their life, and I can't see it happening twice.

[Thomp]

I can. T&T will get a good rest after this magnificient performance, plus they will be on a high having held one of the outside contenders for the trophy

Hislop was amazing, and they really do have pace in every area of the field. I still think we can beat them, but they will put in another great performance, considering they will be playing the Second Favourites

[Luna]

What a brilliant game, a real joy to watch. Credit to Argentina for not killing the game after going two up, and the Ivory Coast proved beyond a shadow of a doubt they deserve to be there. Yaya Toure looked awesome, and even Drogba had a good game. We can only hope for more games of this high quality.

[renatzu]

I'm really pissed right now that I get no Broadcast or cable TV channels, and thus can not watch the matches. I'm stuck searching the Internet for highlights.

[dogincognito]

I can. T&T will get a good rest after this magnificient performance, plus they will be on a high having held one of the outside contenders for the trophy

Hislop was amazing, and they really do have pace in every area of the field. I still think we can beat them, but they will put in another great performance, considering they will be playing the Second Favourites
But they will have used up massive amounts of energy already. And as gutsy and determined as their performance was Sweden could/should have still one. Allback in particular missed three sitters.

Don't agree with what you say about them pace. A few players do, Carlos Edwards, Birchall, Samuel, Glen. But most of their team isn't quick especially up front (Johm) and central defence (Lawrence and Andrews/Sancho).

[jonffm]

The fact of the matter is, we will have the chances to win the match 3 or even 4 nil. It's a whole other matter if we are going take those chances, though.

I predict 3-0 to England, but possibly worryingly down to the return of Roo.

[Super Weebl]

Mexico 3 Iran 1, good fun match and Mexico looked up for it and could trouble Portugal later in the group stage.

[jonffm]

I enjoyed it actually :)

I thought it was going to be a tad boring, but it turned out pretty decent!

[Thomp]

I'm sure everyone thought it would be boring, but it was a good game, especially Mexico's good spell in the Second half that consisted the two goals

[jonffm]

Am I the only one thats pant-moisteningly happy the World Cups back? :)

England playing is great, but i'm abit Scottish, and mostly just enjoy the show! Theres usually shite-all on telly these days..600 channels of pure crap...so football from 2-10pm every day is very VERY welcome. I live for these thigns :D

God I miss these thigns when they're done :(

[Thomp]

I feel three games a day is a bit much, but there's so little on the TV... I mean, only Lost and House entertain me at the moment, plus I have revision

So all in all, the footie is relief from the revision :) I watch games when I can

[jonffm]

I'm the total other end of the spectrum. Managed to catch all 90 minutes of every game so far...and unfortunatly, only the England game has been abit boring...the rest have been great! (Holland v S&M was just..alright).

It's great, because by the time you get to the latter stages and England are playing...you know every single players form, and what they're likely to do..so you find yourself screaming at the TV more than usuall :D

Great stuff!

Why can't it be every summer? :(

[Luna]

Borgetti is injure :( Only hope it is not too serious.

[hoogiman]

Yay! Australia won 3-1! We were 1-0 down at half time, but we scored all three in the last ten minutes! YAY!1

[albie_123]

Bloody hell, I was thinking of going to bed 15 minutes from the end.

What an amazing game.

[streety]

I can't stand Tim Cahill



End.

[AngryPaul]

I can't stand Tim Cahill



End.I don't like Everton either. But he is a very good player. Scores vital goals.

[Thomp]

Brilliant game... Cahill is a legend :D Japan should have had the penalty though

[AngryPaul]

Brilliant game... Cahill is a legend :D Japan should have had the penalty thoughI wasn't so sure about that. Mainly cos the man had already played the ball and was no longer going to be able to score or anything like that. However, as I typed that I realised that it still constitutes as a foul ¬_¬

[Hitpoint]

Belter from Pirlo, Ghana played better than i expected.

[dogincognito]

http://www.sayagain.co.uk/b3tapix/images/facepaint.jpg

[AngryPaul]

Was it me or did Ghana deserve qat least ONE penalty last night?

[Explosivo]

Was it me or did Ghana deserve qat least ONE penalty last night?

They deserved more than one.

First showing Brazil today, I can't wait. :D

[AngryPaul]

First showing Brazil today, I can't wait. :DY'know I half want them to win the World Cup just it would be their 3rd and maybe a new one would need to be desgined.

I quarter don't want them to because FIFA would make the design so shit everyone would pull out. And the other quarter is against dominance in world football.

[Explosivo]

Y'know I half want them to win the World Cup just it would be their 3rd and maybe a new one would need to be desgined.

I quarter don't want them to because FIFA would make the design so shit everyone would pull out. And the other quarter is against dominance in world football.

I'd like them to win as long as they beat the Germans in the final.

Actually I'd like pretty much anyone to win as long as it involves them beating Germany In the final.

[AngryPaul]

Actually I'd like pretty much anyone to win as long as it involves them beating Germany In the final.You liked last time then? I doubt they'll make it this time round though. They are a good sqaud, but too young with it.

[Explosivo]

You liked last time then? I doubt they'll make it this time round though. They are a good sqaud, but too young with it.

They are good on the attack though. Just lacking in Defence.

And I suppose with Lehman In goal you are pretty much given he will either be amazing or commit a crazy foul and get sent off.

Who do you think the final will actually be between?

[renatzu]

Who do you think the final will actually be between?
Trinidad and Tobago. Don't underestimate them.

Actually I think it's going to be a rout by Brasil, although I'd like to see Sweden win.

[streety]

Brazil will find it tough today as will France. Switzerland will put up a fight and have twice drawn with France in qualifying.

My predictions.
Brazil 2-0 Croatia
France 0-0 Switzerland

[jonffm]

What a goal! Brilliant finish!

Togo take the lead in their first ever World Cup finals. Nice one lads!

[streety]

One all now. Great freekick from the skunk haired Korean.

[jonffm]

2-1..

Poor Togo :(

[junior]

Aww, they just had an unbelievably good chance there. Shame for the foul.

[Flex Buffchest]

Holy crap, what a free-kick!

And the other goal was excellent as well.

[Thomp]

France were poor, I can only remember having two decent chances in the entire game... Switzerland would have won it, had Frei not handled it.... stupid twat

Togo were unlucky... :(

[Hitpoint]

I'm looking forward to the Brazil match, at the moment Czech republic seem the best side to play.
A couple of days late, but i feel very sorry for Japan, they should have been awarded a penalty and Cahill should've been sent off.
Lucky win for Australia.

[Thomp]

A couple of days late, but i feel very sorry for Japan, they should have been awarded a penalty and Cahill should've been sent off.


He shouldn't have been sent off, but they should've had the penalty

[Oli]

what a game between brazil and croatia, stunning goal by kaka

[Dingbat]

Brazil were a bit crap... I can see Ronaldo possibly even being replaced for the next game. Another SCREAMING goal - could that ball really be the issue?

[jonffm]

Croatia weren't too bad, but they wasted alot of chances. Ah well...couldn't REALLY see Brazil going out in the group stages anyways. Might as well just accept that they're going to be in the Semi's.

[FoxDhoj]

I vaguely watched a few matches over the last few days, but in detail I watched (these might be a bit mixed up but meh):

Argentina 2-1 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast deserved more goals than that. The Argies were a bit twattish when it came to falling over (etc.) and kicking it off pitch near the end. I'm glad one of the Ivorians booted that ball into the Argentian goalie's face near the end.

Mexico 3-1 Iran
Mexico deserved this win - they played well. Iran were a bit iffy.

USA 0-3 Czech Republic
The Czech's are awesome. Nedved's on Ritalin. USA had Beasley who had a few tries (maybe on target next time, bucko). Good win.

Italy 2-0 Ghana
Ghana deserved at least one goal. Italy played alright but I can't really remember much of this game...

(Australia 3-1 Japan) - WTF? I saw a tiny bit of this game (same with the England game, which I turned off (got bored)) and went out, expecting Japan to win. I return to find the score was 3-1 to the Aussies! HUH?

France 0-0 Switzerland
Hmm, well I had a feeling that the French fans would be expecting Zidane and Henry to do some magic today, but I've been hearing disappointing things about these two, so I was hopeful for Switzerland. That's right, I was rooting for the Swiss (it's in me blood). Frei had a few chances, and I really though the Swiss had the upper hand. It's a shame they didn't score in the second half like I hoped. Darn it. Also, I was peeved about the number of random bookings that Russian ref gave them (and France). I think it was Magnin who was following Henry (towards the Swiss goal, but to the right), and the ball was about to go off, so he tried to tackle Henry, then left him, and Henry slid off pitch, and then a minute or so later, the ref gave Magnin a yellow card (wtf?). High hopes for Switzerland later in the competition (at least they have 1 point).

Brazil 1-0 Croatia
Good game, I was rooting for the energetic Brazil, even though it really was pretty mediocre, but it was one of the most exciting games I've witnessed so far. The Croatians had a right crack at them, and I think the reason for the low score for the Brazilians was the result of this. The Croatians were a tricky bunch. Especially that ponce Kovac (forget which one, the one who got injured in the first half and went off) who was being a bit of a drama queen in the first half, but then were well behaved in the second half. Shame Ronaldo wasn't up to scratch, and Emerson was getting a bit wobbly. Kaka was my man of the match, and Ronaldinho had a few tries...

So remind me, who's playing tomorrow?

[jonffm]

Germany against Poland, and Spain against someone.

Then...the Saudis?

[junior]

spain - ukraine

tunisia - saudi

germany - poland

[Legura]

Croatia fighting!

[James™]

Great opening so far!
US played a ripping first half, was completely horrible second. We'll make a comeback though.

Croatia v Brazil was a great game. I think Croatia will advance still though.

I hope England does as well! I like watching them play.
I hope Brazil doesn't win it all though...

[Thomp]

Brazil sort of faded a little in the second half, I thought that if Klasnic or Tudor had taken one of their chances it would have been a draw... Ronaldinho wasn't as impressive as he could have been, but a few of the favourites for this year just seem to be looking for 3 points from their opening game, as opposed to the performance side of things

[dogincognito]

Brazil will find it tough today as will France. Switzerland will put up a fight and have twice drawn with France in qualifying.

My predictions.
Brazil 2-0 Croatia
France 0-0 Switzerland
Well predicted. :)

I thought yesterday was the worst day so far in terms of the football played. Togo-S.Korea was very poor in the first half, picked up a bit in the second half but overall not a great game. And Togo lost. :(
France-Switzerland was boring and quite embarassing, if people think Sven is bad they should look at Domenech. :eek: Awful tactics, players didn't know what they were doing, arguing with each other, shit subs, there was nothing positive at all for France. Not particularly unexpected though.

Even the Brazilians couldn't light it up. They seemed content just to stroll around (not even that if you're Ronaldo) even before they scored. The Croations did well, should've got an equaliser in the second half really.
If I was Brazil manager I'd drop Ronaldo for Fred for the next game, and I'd play Adriano as an out and out striker as he seemed to be playing too deep yesterday, that's not what he's about.

[The Visioneer]

Well predicted. :)
You did realise that he edited that this morning don't you :p

[dogincognito]

Yes. :p

[Shave]

Spain have looked very good so far this match. they seem to have got it together and may not underachieve this tournament!

[streety]

Yes. :p
Mwah hahahahahahaha!

[Hitpoint]

He shouldn't have been sent off, but they should've had the penalty
He'd already been carded i believe.

[ZOIDBERG]

Typical.

A great game and I miss it.

[The Visioneer]

4-0 final score? Poor Basstard

[Thomp]

Well... I think it's safe to say that Spain FINALLY have a squad that can try to win the World Cup. Their defence was disciplined, their midfield supported the attackers well and both Villa and Torres showed class for such young players

Torres' goal in goal of the tournament IMO... could have easily been 5-2 to Spain in the end. This game is now the bedmark that other games will be judged on

[basstard]

4-0 final score? Poor Basstard

I thought Ukraine were going to do well, too...

[the 'poor basstard' is because I thought I had a fiver on Ukraine winning. Turns out I forgot to confirm the bet online though, thankfully].

[Luna]

Tunisia and Saudi Arabi 2-2. JAIDI scores for Tunisia! As a Bolton fan, im elated. He's the first Bolton player to score at the World Cup Finals since Nat Lofthouse in 1954.

[streety]

I'm not happy... Had a treble on Spain [win] Tunisia [win] Germany [draw] Booo!

[Thomp]

Cracking end to a good game. I don't know deserved it more overall because I was revising, but the last 20 minutes where refreshing at least :)

[Dr S]

Germany 1 - 0 Poland '91

... bugger

[jonffm]

It's good for England.

It means Poland are out..and Germany look almost certain to finish top. All we have to do is beat T&T, and avoid defeat against Sweden...then our second round will either be against Costa Rica or Equador.

I'm not being over-confident here, but that's a pretty soft tie for the last 16 of the World Cup...in fact, it's looking like rankings-wise, it'll be the easiest tie possible.

Abit of a pity, because I was looking forward to Germany v England :(

[Gromit]

It's good for England.

It means Poland are out..and Germany look almost certain to finish top. All we have to do is beat T&T, and avoid defeat against Sweden...then our second round will either be against Costa Rica or Equador.

I'm not being over-confident here, but that's a pretty soft tie for the last 16 of the World Cup...in fact, it's looking like rankings-wise, it'll be the easiest tie possible.

Abit of a pity, because I was looking forward to Germany v England :(

Don't worry my man, it'll be England V Germany final. ;)

[3v1l |\/|1NiOn]

I think we line up to face them in the Quarter finals if we both win our 2nd rounds.

[Dingbat]

Poland aren't actually out - if Costa Rica don't win against Ecuador they are, so they are as good as out essentially, but officially they aren't out the tournament since...

If Costa Rica beat Ecuador, then Poland beat Costa Rica by more than Costa Rica scored against Ecuador as well as more than the 2-0 Ecuador beat Poland by, then Poland are through.

[Shave]

heh, maybe it would be better to play germany next round after the way ecuador have been playing recently :p

[basstard]

Blown it in the last 8 minutes!

How careless.

At least Nuremburg won't be razed to the ground tonight, I guess...

[Cooldudebob]

2-0 to England!

[renatzu]

T&T has been very impressive. Holding off Sweden, and then holding off England until the 82nd minute. To be honest, I was hoping T&T would miraculously make it to the next round.

[Flex Buffchest]

What a good game.

Congratulations to England on qualifying. :)

[jonffm]

I tell ya...I think the only reason we gotthose last two goals, is the Scotland curse!

For the love of all that is holy, basstard, please KEEP supporting the teams we play...that way...we can't lose! :D

[basstard]

I tell ya...I think the only reason we gotthose last two goals, is the Scotland curse!

For the love of all that is holy, basstard, please KEEP supporting the teams we play...that way...we can't lose! :D

Worse...I've been putting money on them each time.

I might just put money on England to beat Sweden, just in case...

[jonffm]

No!

Don't!

Please :(

[Dingbat]

That's funny, my friend at work said he would go mental if England drew the game, so I said 'How about if I tease you about losing? That usually goes straight back in my face and generates an England win'.

Thirty seconds later Crouch scored.

[jonffm]

More proof, if even needed. If Scotland are cheering you on, you might as well not bother turning up :D

[Dingbat]

More proof, if even needed. If Scotland are cheering you on, you might as well not bother turning up :D
COME ON ENGLAND!!!

i feel dirty :(

[jonffm]

*Screenshots*

[dogincognito]

Bah, bloody Sweden go and nick it right at the death. Looks like it's a bore draw to secure the group then.

[jonffm]

Yup. We would have taken a win/draw against Sweden to top the group if it where offered to us at the start, so no biggy.

[Explosivo]

I think Sven should give some of the rrest of the squad a game.

We are still yet to see some players and they all deserve a run really.

Especially Wallcott. Why make such a big deal about brining him if you don't intend to play him at all.

Also Lennon OMFG :shock:

[Dr S]

what better time was there to play walcot then yesterday, a player who dominated the championship before he went to Arsenal would have been great against T&T ... a team who's most players come from the lower leauges.

[Jimmy]

Australia v Brazil

Monday morning 1 am. I will be up watching Australia thrash those South-American freaks.

[Chavvy]

the argies look a bit good

:( :( :(

[Dingbat]

For me, the strongest-looking teams have been Spain, the Czech Republic and now Argentina. Brazil are always there or thereabouts and Germany's performances have exceeded what I expected.

They're my preliminary picks to go far.

[Shave]

I think you're right chavvy :(:(:(

[jonffm]

Meh...as long as we top our group, we can't meet them untill the Final anyway.

If we finish second though...I think we can get them in the QF :|

[AngryPaul]

2nd greatest World Cup team goal peeps?

[Thomp]

It's definitely a contender. Semi Finalists at the moment are: Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Czech Republic

[AngryPaul]

It's definitely a contender. Semi Finalists at the moment are: Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Czech RepublicHave you worked that out? Or is that the four best teams you've picked. Cos they could meet earlier than that. :p

[Thomp]

Have you worked that out? Or is that the four best teams you've picked. Cos they could meet earlier than that. :p

I...worked it out obviously! :rolleyes:

They could indeed... they'd be brilliant games if they did

[Nuclear Spoon]

I can't be arsed to read through what's been said already, but from what I've seen, England have been appalling.
The long ball's have mostly been dreadful, we can't run at people (except J. Cole and Lennon) and we don't play through midfield. I say drop Lampard and replace him with Carrick, he has done nothing useful. The reason for the long balls is Peter Crouch, and it's not entirely his fault. He has done some good stuff, but England needs to be alerted to the fact that just because we have a beanpole up front doesn't mean we have to constantly hoof it up there.

P.S. Fuck me sideways, 6-0 to the Argies :shock:

[dogincognito]

Great performance from Argentina - with Saviola, Mascherano and Cambiasso in particular having great games. Argentina played some great football, the best of the tournament, with the pinnacle being of course the 2nd goal - which personally I think is as good a goal than Carlos Alberto's, as it is more of a team goal, nearly every player touches the ball and the build up play was better.

If Argentina can keep producing football like that, they can certainly win the cup - they've been the most impressive team so far and with competition for places and great back up, there's alot of things going for them but in all honesty there defence hasn't really been under too much pressure yet. Ivory Coast did well against them and made a few chances but they haven't played a top class side yet and knockout football is completely different. Can't wait for the Holland - Argentina game now. :D

[AngryPaul]

I think is as good a goal than Carlos Alberto's, as it is more of a team goal, nearly every player touches the ball and the build up play was better.I'm afraid I agree with Alan Hansen on this one. Brazil 1970 should be held in higher regard as it was in the the World Cup Final and it was against the far more defensively-superior Italy. (Although you could argue that one with S+M's* Quals record)




*Hello matron

[Nuclear Spoon]

Fuck me sideways, 2-0 Ghana. The Czechs didn't turn up today, but I was hoping Nedved or Rosicky would get some goals.

[Thomp]

Ghana! Ghana! They were great today... the Czechs were poor at defending, wouldn't seem that they beat the USA 3-0 the other day

Saying that, Ghana did make some silly tackles... I hope they make it through, I really do

[renatzu]

That was unbelievable. Ghana beating the Czech Republic.

[Nuclear Spoon]

Italy 1-1 USA

Open game this, but the Yanks have looked more impressive.
WTF was de Rossi doing with the elbow, and that was a pretty stupid challenge by the American (can't spell his name).

[Flava Dave]

One minute into the second half. Three men sent off already!

[Thomp]

The ref has been awful. Absolutely awful. The third sending off was not a sending off, maybe a last warning. McBride wasn't active when Beasley scored, AND Italy have had at least 4 offsides that were onside

The officials of this game should never partake in an international game ever again.

Saying that, this game has been what we want: action and drama!

[Flava Dave]

Game of the tournament so far!

ITV Commentator when DeMarcus Beazley scores the goal that would have put the U.S 2-1 up if it wasn't offside : EQUALIZER!

Then, when the goal is disallowed : BAD LUCK FOR YOU! BAD LUCK FOR YOU!

[Dingbat]

Game of the tournament so far!

ITV Commentator when DeMarcus Beazley scores the goal that would have put the U.S 2-1 up if it wasn't offside : EQUALIZER!

Then, when the goal is disallowed : BAD LUCK FOR YOU! BAD LUCK FOR YOU!
I love that.

Equaliser?! :p

[jonffm]

Why are ITV even ALLOWED to show football? It's consistantly shit..

I wish Sky Sports would get the World Cup. That'd be awesome. It'll suck for those without Sky but..I mean...come on guys, step into the 21st century.

[Flava Dave]

RTÉ is the only way to watch football.

http://www.bpfallon.com/images/home_page/home_2005/dunphy.jpg

:notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy

[jonffm]

With that elbowing incident though...I saw it, and it was disgracefull.

If FIFA really want to start setting examples, the dirty bastard should be banned for the rest of the World Cup. Things like that have no place in football, and players won't stop until they are actually frightened of the punishment...missing one or two games won't put them off. Missing the World Cup...they'll think again.

It's not like a two-footed challenge...you can understand that sometimes, because sometimes in the heat of the moment, sometimes you feel you have to....but elbowing is a totally different ball-game. To elbow someone in the face, you have to consciously decide to be a dirty wanker.

[dogincognito]

Which De Rossi is. He should get at least a three game ban. Although that would help Italy since Gattuso is his superior anyway.

Incidentally it turns out the referee was kicked out of the last World Cup for "irregular decisions". Glad he's over that now, though. :rolleyes:

[Jimmy]

Veryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryve ryvery excited for the game tonight. Australia v Brazil.

Australia will smash them :D.

[James™]

Incidentally it turns out the referee was kicked out of the last World Cup for "irregular decisions". Glad he's over that now, though. :rolleyes:

I totally agree. The elbow was obvious, that was just plan dirty. Now what normally would have been a yellow card against a sliding tackle at the maximum, suddenly turns into a red? Wow. I hate that ref. Great game, but he ruined it for me.

Eventhough I'm a Yank, I have to say that we played a better game then Italy IMO. They just didn't show up like they should've; either that, or we really are that great. ;)

I hope Italy crushes Czech though, and we can beat Ghana. I think we will still move on and beat Ghana 1-0, or something really close.

I'm supposed to work that Thursday, but I'm calling out to watch the game. Go work ethic!

[PS - Today's game is going to be a good one; I hope Australia surprises us and beats Brazil]

[AngryPaul]

I think we will still move on and beat Ghana 1-0, or something really close.How much closer can you get without drawing? :p

[Urlosenged]

Veryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryve ryvery excited for the game tonight. Australia v Brazil.

Australia will smash them :D.
As much as it'd be a nice surprise and all, it's about as likely as the moon falling to the Earth on my pessimistic head. I couldn't live here if they actually did win though. "AUSTRALIA IN HISTORIC VICTORY AGAINST WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" would be all over the place. I'd have to switch my tv off, except for the world cup, for months. Even if England won the thing, it'd be "Pfft, all you did is win the world cup? WE beat Brazil!". I couldn't take that.

I hope I can catch a replay or something of that USA-Italy game now, you've all made it sound really exciting. Unfortunately, 5am is pushing it, even for me. I'll watch England games then, no-one else's.

[gambit]

nil all in the Japan vs Croatia game, leaves Australia in a great position for getting to the round of 16.

Giving it to Brasil will be even better though, GO THE footballROOS!

edit: editing out the 's' word huh? 'footballroos' doesn't have the same ring

[James™]

How much closer can you get without drawing? :p

Obviously not close enough.

:D

[AngryPaul]

I hope I can catch a replay or something of that USA-Italy game now, you've all made it sound really exciting. Unfortunately, 5am is pushing it, even for me. I'll watch England games then, no-one else's.The BBC offer a replay service - helps if you have a good connection btw. I know that the live matches are UK only, but I don't know about the highlights.

[Nuclear Spoon]

Brazil 2-0 Aussies

Aussies weren't too bad, Ronaldo looked better but not good enough to warrant another starting place.

[Hitpoint]

Robinho > Ronaldo

As brasil are through though i'd consider giving ronaldo a last chance to impress.

[Thomp]

It's like Hansen says, Brazil's coach isn't tough enough to drop Ronaldo due to his apparent "high celebrity status" in the team. Robinho or Fred should start with Adriano

[Nuclear Spoon]

Well, at least France got a goal in this World Cup :p

[James™]

Well, at least France got a goal in this World Cup :p

FTL Zidane.
FTW Korea with tie ending goal.

Last twenty minutes of second half was great to watch.

[jonffm]

Nice one Korea!

[renatzu]

I finally got to watch some of the world cup. I was at relatives this morning, and saw the last half of the Croatia-Japan game. Japan looked lackluster to me, they didn't seem to be attacking very hard. Then, I was with friends this afternoon, and we watched the second half of the Korea-France game. That was a very exciting game, especially the end, with Korea's tying goal.

If FIFA really want to start setting examples, the dirty bastard should be banned for the rest of the World Cup. Things like that have no place in football, and players won't stop until they are actually frightened of the punishment...missing one or two games won't put them off. Missing the World Cup...they'll think again.
In some cases, 1 or 2 games can be the rest of the cup.

[jonffm]

Well yeah. 3 games means he won't be able to play will the Semis..and lets face it...Italy won't be in the Semis.

But it sets down a harsher principle, that you do things like this, and you're going home.

[dogincognito]

Robinho > Ronaldo

As brasil are through though i'd consider giving ronaldo a last chance to impress.
Fred >>>> Robinho

Well yeah. 3 games means he won't be able to play will the Semis..and lets face it...Italy won't be in the Semis.
Why not?

I think De Rossi should get at least a three game ban, violent conduct or something. It's not even like this is the first thing he's ever done.

Although that will probably help Italy, seeing as Gattuso is better.

[Jay]

\o/ I hope Spain win...<3

They've got this match in the bag also.

[Nuclear Spoon]

3-1 Spain.

Woo, 2 Torres goals.

[dogincognito]

3 more jammy goals for Spain.

[jonffm]

Why not?

Firstly, because I don't think they're going to top the group. I think they're going to draw or possibly even lose against the Czechs.

If that happens, they play Brazil. Italy aren't good enough to beat Brazil. I'd love it if they did, obviously, but I don't rate them enough.

Secondly...if they avoid Brazil and finish top, they still have to get past Australia (Probably) and France. Australia will have no pressure on them if they are in the Second Round, because they have already done better than everyone thought, and teams like that are very dangerous. France haven't turned it on yet, but if they want to, they can play pretty bloody well.

All in all, I can't see Italy getting that far. I rate France above them, so either way, they're going to have to get past better teams in my eyes.

[Flava Dave]

How annoying is that human colostomy bag that goes by the name of Jonathan Pearce?

Luith Garthia. Luith Garthia. Luith Garthia. LUITH CUNTING GARTHIA!

Argh.

Also, Thethc Fabregath ith the man. th.

[Jay]

3 more jammy goals for Spain.Jammy? They played well in the second half >_<

[dogincognito]

Jammy? They played well in the second half >_<
That they did, but the goals were jammy. Awful keeping for all three. They played well against Ukraine but that doesn't mean a deflected free-kick and a highly dubious penalty (and red card) weren't jammy goals.


Firstly, because I don't think they're going to top the group. I think they're going to draw or possibly even lose against the Czechs.

If that happens, they play Brazil. Italy aren't good enough to beat Brazil. I'd love it if they did, obviously, but I don't rate them enough.

Secondly...if they avoid Brazil and finish top, they still have to get past Australia (Probably) and France. Australia will have no pressure on them if they are in the Second Round, because they have already done better than everyone thought, and teams like that are very dangerous. France haven't turned it on yet, but if they want to, they can play pretty bloody well.

All in all, I can't see Italy getting that far. I rate France above them, so either way, they're going to have to get past better teams in my eyes.
Well personally I think Italy will top the group. Probably knocking out the Czechs. And I think they're more than good enough to beat Brazil, in fact I'd say one of the teams most equipped to do so. Brazil will not be given any space and time, Italy will be solid, and with Toni and Gilardino they will cause Brazil's backline problems.

Italy (and any other decent team) wwould/will beat France if they get through the group stage. The way they're playing now is what their team is now. Domenech is a crap coach, the squad is aging, divided, and certain personalities are too big for their boots (*cough* Henry *cough*) and others have way too much influence. Zidane basically picks the side. You're living in 98-2000 if you think France are still a good side.

[Jay]

Ukraine's keeper is a very scary man o_O.

[Chavvy]

just a quick note on the commentators/pundits

i am unimpressed by most of them and Pay Pay Okocha is a fucking embarrassment. sort it out; get rid of motson, lawrenson and the other twats and replace with someone a bit better.

the only thing is i cant think of many good commentators at present!

[dogincognito]

Steve Wilson is alright, seems to get stuck with the crap games while John "senile" Motson and Jonathan "annoying" Pearce get the good ones. Motson should've retired instead of Barry Davies. :(

Also I hope Marcel Desailly crushes Ian Wright's head in between his mighty hands. Leonardo is a good pundit, as is Strachan. O'Neill is decent.

Everything about ITV's football coverage is awful.

[James™]

I think Italy will move on.

Czech did not impress me in the Ghana game. And honestly, against the US, they got lucky. First half the US was putting it to them but couldn't get a break.

[jonffm]

Disagree'd.

I don't rate Italy that highly. They vunrable alol over the pitch, and it's already been shown. They have a good team, and they could go a long way, but I can't see it. One of the big teams always falters, and i'd bet my house on it being Italy this time around.

France are one of those team, that unless you break down, can be extreamly dangerous. They still have class raging through their team, and Henry is afterall one of the best strikers to ever play in England. When it comes to the knockout stages, and games turn more tactical and slow-paced, France will shine. They'll ultimatly go out to the Argies anyway, as will Italy if they go far.

[Thomp]

France are like England, they can't kill games off. Brazil's major weakness is their back line and goalkeeper. Italy aren't firing on all cylinders at the moment. To be honest, Brazil will beat France or Italy, provided France get through :p

[Dingbat]

Klose for Golden Boot? I damn well hope so, I put money on it - and it's paying off. :D

Germany have this game in control. They seem to have grown in confidence day by day.

[jonffm]

Looking like we're going to avoid germany then. A draw is a definate possibility against Sweden, but we shouldn't be losing to them.

Either way though, i'm not fussed. We have to beat them eventually anyway.

[Shave]

at this stage I'd put my money on Torres over Klose to get the golden boot. I reckon spain may finally stop underachieving

[basstard]

More proof, if even needed. If Scotland are cheering you on, you might as well not bother turning up :D

Now you're screwed, England! I've got money on you winning!

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3743/upyoursjonnyheh1tm.jpg

[The Visioneer]

Now you're screwed, England! I've got money on you winning!

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3743/upyoursjonnyheh1tm.jpg
oh shi....

[jonffm]

Fuck...

3-0 to the Swedes :(

[Dingbat]

Looks to me like Owen is out for a while with that one...he can't even move...

[jonffm]

Yeah, doesn't look good for Owen. To be honest though, he's been a shadow of his former self for weeks, and maybe it's a blessing...whos to say he won't carry on misfiring the entire tournie?

Doesn't matter really, we where gunna go 4-5-1 after this game anyway, I reckon.


Oh..and..

COLE YOU BEAAUTTTYYY!!

Stunning goal. Stunning.

We haven't been brilliant, but we've had to reshuffle alot. Half time is welcome, so we can get it sorted out.

Rooneys looked VERY dangerous...nearly scored a Gaza-96' -ish goal.

And at the risk of sounding controversial... Hargreaves has been ruddy great.

[3v1l |\/|1NiOn]

It looked like it was such a severe twist that he's torn his cruciate ligaments. Thats a fair few months out ¬.¬

He might have been lucky and just twisted it, but it didn't look it.

[Shave]

ouch!

something is working better, and I think the key is that lampard is allowed to go forward. I'd much rather see carrick than hargreaves in the DM position, but the system has worked so far

... that and Joe Cole has been AWESOME

now this is where it all goes tits up after half time now I've said that an tb has money on us :p

[jonffm]

I don't think it's Lampard - It's Cole. Cole has been outstanding, and has been the startpoint og nearly every move.

Absolutly brilliant preformance from him so far. Him, Roo, Becks, Lamps and Hargreaves have been excellent, but Cole really has been the catalyst.

Gerrard would, IMO, do a better job though. However...with Owen out, the problems solved....4-5-1, with BOTH in attacking midfield... Hargreaves hopefully playing this well....and we're a MUCH MUCH MUCH better team.