The Football Thread

[titoli]

Sepp Blatter conceded that the goal technology debate should now be reopened in the next FIFA boad room meeting in July.Not so sure about the recent England and Mexico games but this technology certainly could've made a difference to Italy going out the other day.I'm not too hopeful that anything will happen in July and if nothing changes i strongly feel that Blatter should reconsider his position if he persists in holding back the sport from progressing.

The less said about Blatter, the better. I agree about the use of technology. Actually, everybody seems to, but the fact is probably that whoever holds sway over the game (Fifa and the big clubs) probably prefer leave to discretion decisions about matches because that means retaining control, through the referee, over the business.   

[Banjo]

I think Brazil looks like the more solid team, but it's very hard to make predictions: an episode (a red card, an injury, a bad referee call) might change all the scenery. And I didn't see so many matches, I never saw Germany play, for example.

Holland - Brazil  1 - 2

Uruguay - Ghana 2 -0
 

I agree about Brazil.I'm not so sure about Spain now as Portugal kept them quiet for one half of the game.Think it's gonna be a Brazil versus Argentina final.

Holland 0 Brazil 3
Uruguay 1 Ghana 0

[Banjo]

The less said about Blatter, the better. I agree about the use of technology. Actually, everybody seems to, but the fact is probably that whoever holds sway over the game (Fifa and the big clubs) probably prefer leave to discretion decisions about matches because that means retaining control, through the referee, over the business.   

The only decent thing i can say about Blatter is his opposition to too many foreign players in club football,the problem being as you say the sport is very much a business nowadays.

What FIFA don't seem to see is that technology would actually improve the flow of the game as it would cancel out the on-pitch debate over referee decisions and also forwards would no longer take dives in the penalty area.

Most importantly for the credibilty of the sport we need these changes.

[Banjo]

Result:Holland 2 Brazil 1 

Titoli 6
Banjo 6

[titoli]

I'm so happy about Brazil getting out, I didn't dare hoping it. Brazil playing like Italy and not Brazil is the worst thing that can happen to football. Because they can't even do a decent imitation. They have been overpowered physically. And Felipe Melo was his usual self.

[moviesceleton]

Result:Holland 2 Brazil 1  

indeed. It seems I should have watched the second period. I have watched a total of about an hour of the whole cup. I planned to catch up a little now but I don't know how/if that's gonna happen...

[moviesceleton]

Result: Uruguay 1 Ghana 1, Uruguay wins in penalties.

What a game! I found myself rooting for Ghana, though.

[columba]

Nooo - I was hoping for Ghana (best friend is half Gahnain!).

[Banjo]

I'm so happy about Brazil getting out, I didn't dare hoping it. Brazil playing like Italy and not Brazil is the worst thing that can happen to football. Because they can't even do a decent imitation. They have been overpowered physically. And Felipe Melo was his usual self.

Even the kit wasn't a decent imitation!

Especially with Ghana out now i'd like to see Holland win it after that performance.

[Banjo]

Argentina 2 Germany 1
Spain 2 Paraguay 0

[Banjo]

I see that after 5 days thinking time that the FA have decided to stick with Capello who now vows to bring in some younger players.Because of our decent qualification campaign i'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt.However i was disappointed when asked about Englands dismal finals performance he pointed to  "tiredness" which is a ludicrous copout.These are meant to be professional athletes and anyway on average the German squad played more games than the English players last season.

Argentina 2 Germany 0
Spain 3 Paraguay 1
 

[Dust Devil]

I didn't follow the games much so far so I can't predict the winner, but this seems like one of those WCs in which Netherlands ends either second or fourth.

[titoli]

Argentina 1 Germany 3
Spain 3 Paraguay 0

[moviesceleton]

I'll throw in my ignorant guesses:

Argentina 2 Germany 1
Spain 1 Paraguay 0

[Banjo]

Result:Argentina 0 Germany 4

Nice one Germany!!!

Couldn't have handled seeing Maradonna lifting the trophy for a second time.With the margin of defeat (in fact we scored twice!)this must mean that England are better than Argentina.

Germany must be favourites now,and a Germany v Holland final would be very mouthwatering!

Titoli 6
Banjo 6