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[Blizzard08]

Brazil has qualified too

[gregor]

did you ever had a doubt?

Btw anyone noticed how some groups are "easy"? and one knows they plan to introduce one mroe spot for Asia, which means even easier groups...

Also anyone noticed "some team" is missing? *cough" European champion Greece *cough*

[Tulac]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gregor @ Jun 19 2006, 07:14 AM) [snapback]237706[/snapback]</div>

Also anyone noticed "some team" is missing? *cough" European champion Greece *cough*
[/b]

Yeah it's because Greece really sucked in the qualifiers and they played boring football so I'm glad they're not qualified, the only problem is the FIFA ranking which will as already said be redone after this world cup, so that the US won't be 4th in the world by ranking, just because they won many games against weaker teams in qualifiers...
BTW Greece was 4th in their qualifying group so they really didn't deserve a play on the world cup...

[Dino]

When I remember Greece's play in the Euro, I'm glad they are not here. That was killing pure essence of football (or soccer, anyway you prefer) game.

[Iron_Scarecrow]

The Australian game was a pretty big let down considering how many chances they had... they should have scored at least once.

But we're still better off than Croatia... you have to win, while we only need at least a draw.

[Gelfo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(plix @ Jun 18 2006, 01:09 AM) [snapback]237411[/snapback]</div>

The Italian red card (the first of the game) was for a flagrant elbow to the face (which resulted in a noticable amount of blood). The ejection was justified. The first red card on the US came only a few minutes later on a late slide tackle. No warning, no yellow card; a direct red. The third red card was an automatic after a second yellow on another clean tackle only two minutes into the second half. There was, again, no warning and no justification. It's rather amazing the Americans held on as well as they did playing a man down against a fantastic Italian team for nearly the entire second half.

[/b]

I know this is coming a bit late... but I think all the red cards were justified in that match. Mastreonis(?) tackle was absolutely terrible. When I first saw it it didnt look red card worthy...but on the replay... he's lunged in right into Pirlo's ankle. Two footed, studs showing, very late. Horrible tackle... he could have done a lot of damage. Oweyu (the other american centre back) was lucky to not receive a second yellow card as well.. he was consistantly fouling Toni almost everytime he got the ball. I think the referee became reluctant to give fouls and bookings out after the sendings off.

Overall I was disappointed with Italys performance, should have taken the 3 points and been through. But now we have to do it the hard way by beating a, weakened, Czech team. We should beat them...but.. you never know with Italy. Zaccardo scored one of the stupidest own goals I've ever seen.. what a slice!

Still it's been a very good worldcup so far. Argentina are a different class, Ecuador are doing well and hooray for Ghana

[Japo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(plix @ Jun 19 2006, 02:52 AM) [snapback]237679[/snapback]</div>

At a minimum England, Ecuador, Portugal, and Germany have also all advanced.
[/b]

With "stepping foward" I meant showing great play and, say, authority, not just qualifying. Like saying, "Doing like this I plan to win the Cup." I know that any team can win it, though.

[Blizzard08]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Japofran @ Jun 19 2006, 01:49 PM) [snapback]237866[/snapback]</div>

With "stepping foward" I meant showing great play and, say, authority, not just qualifying. Like saying, "Doing like this I plan to win the Cup." I know that any team can win it, though.
[/b]

If that's what you meant, yeah, I believe so. Only Argentina and Spain seemed to play good football.
And, oh, there is Ghana. Go get them, Ghana!! :brain:

[gregor]

I read Kewel is going to be out next match due to insults. he still has some times to defend himself though.

I think that Australia showed more than Croatia. And yes they too once played in the heat... however you can't underestimate Croatia. They can get get a break and start scoring. i doubt they will leave this championship without at least one goal.

Brasil stepped forward as well. Still it seems they play only as much as they need to. This will have to change when the direct eliminations round starts. Otherwise they might come into trouble.

Otherwise yes, so far Spain, Argentina and maybe Ghana showed quite a lot. You have to admit some groups are ridiculously "easy". Final rounds can be interesting in some groups though. Because the teams will have to put in every effort to score and win. Can't wait for it!!!

Oh and for all the male football fans: http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/pgStory?co...92&pageNumber=1

[Maikel]

'stepped up' spain is 1 goal behind against tunesia