World Cup (soccer) thread

[Somerset]

Who are you following? Who do you think will win?

I am mainly a cricket fan, so my views on soccer are driven by politics and patriotism. So I was delighted with Netherlands 5 Spain 1. I think Australia are in this group - if they can catch Spain whilst they are still down and out.......?

 

[scottmaciver]

I tipped Argentina to win it, but what a performance by the Dutch. That's what you call a good old fashioned tanking! Robben & Van Persie tore the Spanish apart. Brilliant.

 

[scottmaciver]

That's why football is 'the beautiful game'. If only Scotland were there. Next time...

 

[jambo]

Brazil are always my default favourites and this time being the host country it will be hard to see past them. I always like the Dutch and would like to see them to well. Their second half performance tonight was stunning and the Spanish were fortunate t get away with just conceding five. I think the Germans will go far in this tournament.

 

[jambo]

That's why football is 'the beautiful game'. If only Scotland were there. Next time...

Scotland declined the opportunity to go this year preferring to sportingly give up their place to lesser teams. But they have sent their representatives this year, namely Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

 

[Somerset]

I will be supporting England, USA and Australia. Once they are out it will be Netherlands, then Germany, then the radio 3 late night concert as I won't be interested any more.

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

I will be supporting England, though they are not likely to do that well. Spain were hung out to dry this evening, but it is hard to know how much to read into it.

 

[Josh Williamson]

I don't really follow it, but I'll be shouting, "C'mon Australia!"

 

[earl40]

Rooting for the USA though I will never forget Brazil beating Italy a while ago and one of the Christian players from Brazil said......"Jesus 1 Buddha 0".

After four rounds, Brazil led 3–2, and Baggio (the Buddhist), playing injured, had to score to keep Italy's hopes alive.[6] He missed by shooting it over the crossbar, and Brazil were crowned champions for the fourth time.

1994 FIFA World Cup - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Claudiu]

I'm rooting for Team U.S.A. but I always like to follow Germany and Romania (when they make it). Some of the teams I follow because of players or style of play are Argentina, Uruguay, Japan, Italy, South Korea, and possibly others here and there. I'll go for the underdog if I don't really know or care for either side.

 

[Claudiu]

I used to like Spain, but I think I'm tired of their style. Netherlands can be exciting (as we witnessed today!).

 

[Claudiu]

The CHI vs. AUS match was a lot better than I expected it to be!

 

[hammondjones]

I grew up in Ghana, so I'm planning on practicing "In all things charity" this Monday.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[ReverendJim]

US of A!!

Actually, this is about the only time I watch futbol.

 

[Backwoods Presbyterian]

Brazil's backline and goalkeeping are subpar and will keep them from winning the cup, regardless of local help.

I think the Dutch (and I did prior to today) will finally get over the hump and win.

 

[Claudiu]

Brazil's backline and goalkeeping are subpar and will keep them from winning the cup, regardless of local help.

I think the Dutch (and I did prior to today) will finally get over the hump and win.

Although Netherlands had a fantastic game, I don't think they have enough to win.

 

[hammondjones]

The linguaphile in me would like to note that World Cup season is virtually the only time you'll ever hear "The United States are...." in the US.

 

[Frosty]

1. USA
2. Deutschland
3. Nederland

 

[kvanlaan]

Hup Holland!

Not only are we the keepers of the true spark of the Reformation, we are also really really good at football...

 

[Jash Comstock]

I heard the English team visited a Brazilian orphanage in preparation for the festivities. There was an interesting quote from the encounter.

"It's heartbreaking to see their sad little faces with no hope."
- Jose, age 6

 

[Claudiu]

I heard the English team visited a Brazilian orphanage in preparation for the festivities. There was an interesting quote from the encounter.

"It's heartbreaking to see their sad little faces with no hope."
- Jose, age 6

That's messed up.

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

I heard the English team visited a Brazilian orphanage in preparation for the festivities. There was an interesting quote from the encounter.

"It's heartbreaking to see their sad little faces with no hope."
- Jose, age 6

Jose has a great sense of humour.

 

[One Little Nail]

The CHI vs. AUS match was a lot better than I expected it to be!

Ye the young Aussie team seemed to be starstruck & went down 2 Nil early but they showed good fighting spirit to come back 2-1 with a late Chilean goal in Xtra time blowing the score out abit.

I wonder how the kiwi's will go Mr Smith particularly since they don't use an egg ball in football.

 

[Free Christian]

Robert, I think its an "igg ball" over there.
Personally Ill barrack for any team that has players that don't pretend to have a hurt head when the opponent brushes past their arm. Mmm, maybe ill just watch Aussie rules footy instead.

 

[jambo]

I heard the English team visited a Brazilian orphanage in preparation for the festivities. There was an interesting quote from the encounter.

"It's heartbreaking to see their sad little faces with no hope."
- Jose, age 6

 

[One Little Nail]

Robert, I think its an "igg ball" over there.
Personally Ill barrack for any team that has players that don't pretend to have a hurt head when the opponent brushes past their arm. Mmm, maybe ill just watch Aussie rules footy instead.

Igg ball, I like that.

 

[Jash Comstock]

I was sad to see the Aussies routed. They played well for a young team though, I think.

What do you think about the Brits engaging the Italians?

 

[JML]

Some things that I don't understand about football:

1) Stoppage time. I guess because in every American sport we know how to stop the clock. It just seems so subjective and no one really knows when the game will end.
2) Flopping. It is ridiculous the way some of these guys exaggerate every little bump or contact. It is so exaggerated it is silly that the refs fall for a lot of it.
3) Offsides. I am familiar with the rule but it seems that it would be better suited for a larger box such as with hockey. It would make the game more exciting in my opinion.

That said. I am enjoying the matches so far even though I know the Americans have no shot.

 

[Claudiu]

I was sad to see the Aussies routed. They played well for a young team though, I think.

What do you think about the Brits engaging the Italians?

England has a good chance to win.

 

[Claudiu]

Some things that I don't understand about football:

1) Stoppage time. I guess because in every American sport we know how to stop the clock. It just seems so subjective and no one really knows when the game will end.
2) Flopping. It is ridiculous the way some of these guys exaggerate every little bump or contact. It is so exaggerated it is silly that the refs fall for a lot of it.
3) Offsides. I am familiar with the rule but it seems that it would be better suited for a larger box such as with hockey. It would make the game more exciting in my opinion.

That said. I am enjoying the matches so far even though I know the Americans have no shot.

I wouldn't say USA has no chance. If they beat Ghana, and either tie or beat Portugal they can make it out of the group.