Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

:c Rant on...

Three words for the bastids at FIFA...
GOAL LINE TECNOLOGY

Either get video or officials who aren't on the take....:td:bh

:c Rant off...:rolleyes:

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Germany finally got pay back for 1966

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

:r
That's hilarious.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

If you don't like officiating, then turn off the TV... /s
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Don, did you see Lampard looking up at TV screen immediately after the "non-goal"? IIRC, USA did score a goal on that (imaginary foul) play and it was shown on stadium TVs as well. Too bad refs refuse to stand up for their errors.

Germany look good, hate to say it, they don't seem to show much, but then have these moments of brilliance and that is what counts in the end. Terry, Lampard and Barry lost the game today, never liked them before and still don't like their lazy attitudes. Where was Terry on all 4 goals? Lampard, at least played, for a change. Barry should have been left at home, have no idea why teams were fighting last year to sign him. Gerrard was playing out of position, he should have played behind Rooney and Joe Cole should have played on the left. Oh well...

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

:tpd: Linesman was in the exact position he should have been, looking for offsides.

England looked like a bunch of 40yr olds. Rooney who?

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

No, I wasn't watching the game. But it could be that the footage is shown, maybe FIFA changed the rules for the world cup, all I know is that it's not allowed to show those kind of images (questionable calls, fouls, offside etc) during the games in the national competitions and during the games of the national teams in qualification rounds.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

I think I hold the same opinion of soccer as Allen Iverson holds of practice if anyone happened to catch that question a few years back. I think I can handle watching worlds strongest man competitions on espn as easily as I can watch soccer. ;)

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Bob, I do agree with your remark about 40 year olds, but Rooney?

How can a striker do anything without a ball? England's mids were atrocious though all 4 games. At about 60 minutes mark today Rooney actually had people passing the ball to him and if you replay those few minutes you will see just how quickly he changed the game with his passing the ball to others. When you see a striker play deep into defensive end you know the mids are not doing their job. Unfortunately, he was mostly ignored in all the games and time after time mids passed the ball to anyone else but Rooney, I'll be happy to watch the games with you and point each and every pass AWAY from Rooney even when he was open and in strike position.

Watch United games and see how many times a game he gets the ball, Valencia is usually able to create on the right and get the ball to Rooney, Scoles/Carrick through the middle and Giggs/Evra/Nani (when he is on his game) do from the left. Bottom line, when he has service he scores a lot and on par with any striker around. Too bad Chelsea/ManCity guys have no clue and no pride. Or rather Capello has no clue after seeing prior World Cup and Euros where Lampard/Gerrard/Cole/Terry played same old, same old (as in slow, disinterested and blind). How many goals were Terry's errors this WC? Almost all? Looks like he was spending most of his time looking over his teammates' wives and GFs in the stand to figure out who he is bedding tonight. Do you really think the team has unity now with him around? Yes, I know they insist they do. Right (as they nervously check where their wives and GFs are in proximity to Terry).

Terry finally proved that it is not him cementing the back line for England, it has been Rio all along while Terry took all the credit.

Place blame where its due, Rooney had nothing to do with anything in WC. I'd like to see how much both Barca and Real are ready to pay for this supposed "failure" as so many are ready to paint him.

Anyway, listen to any serious player out there and they will tell you they want Rooney on their team. There is a reason for that.

Blame Cappelo for his team selection and Terry for distrust within the team. Its a good start.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

I agree that Rooney's service was terrible, but the few times he did get the ball with space his shots were just not up to what he has done for his club. Strange how club and country are so different. I also dont understand Podolski and Klose, they play so well in International play but are non factors in league.
Oh well, let's see if Argentina can hold off Mexico. Argentina/Germany would be a great matchup.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

UNFRIGGING BELIEVABLE!!!!

Tevez non-goal now.

Why even play, let the refs decide before the game who "wins" and every one head over to the nearest pub...

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Rooney played well in the qualifying games. In his defense all I can tell you is that when you don't get service for 3 games and then fourth game starts the same way, by the time you, all of a sudden, see the ball your mind is already messed up. They only involved him for a few minutes today, again.

As for both Podolski and Klose, again bad coaching IMO. They were not allowed to play much, especially Klose and I never understood that (save for their disagreements with the coach's ego). Sure, Klose is older, but he still has world class speed and on the ball ability (as shown again today against Terry and Upson). Podolski once again showed he is better than Ribery, IMO. Germany are still viable in this WC and anyone playing against them should not underestimate them.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

If you don't like officiating, then turn off the TV... /s

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Crazy officiating at this WC!

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Guess you missed prior Peter's comment to me. Do you see the /s (sarcasm) ending to my post? Read prior posts...

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

and now I noticed the Mexican coach react to the replay on the screen, appearantly they show the replays on the screens at the stadium. That's new and against what the FIFA always preached.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Ferdinand, do you really think Blatter plays by the rules? He has been a disgrace for years now with stupid ramblings and "rules". And unfortunately, he will be re-elected yet again since all the "Third World" soccer nations have him implement rules that benefit them in some way. Maybe its time for another governing body to be set up and pronto, similar to how a new European league will be sometime soon judging by how Platini is screwing up as well (a la Blatter).

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

That's for sure. At least the USA isn't the only one getting screwed over.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

No Blatter doesn't play by the rules. If it wasn't for that corrupt old fart, we would have had electronic supports for the refs years ago. He's the one that keeps forbidding that, just like showing the images in the stadiums, that's why this surprises me a lot.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

http://af.reuters.com/article/sports...65R0KH20100628

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

So whats the effing point???

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

the point is that this is proof for what I said earlier (and that the FIFA isn't following their own rules). Greg and I talked about this earlier in the topic, and this confirms what I said to Greg before.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

I dont mean whats YOUR point Ferdie... I mean what is the point in having a system to review plays except the ones that need reviewing the most??

Thats like having a bathroom in your office that you can use anytime, except when you NEED it.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Man I got a kick outa this:r
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVim7rjfKOQ

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

ah ok, I misunderstood :)

well, the point is that the poor countries don't want the use of electronics as they can't afford it, so Blatter buys their votes by promising that electronics won't be allowed if they vote for him, so he can maintain his position as Mafifa president.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

This is the much like the rule the NFL has regarding stadium replays. Most plays are replayed on the big screen but anything borderline controversial is not allowed. But I think this is a minor issue, showing he replay in stadium has nothing to do with implementing technology for certain situations in major competitions. If it were limited to the goal line in the WC, Euro Cup, etc, it would be helpful in settling unjust situations. I think the offside's plays would be much harder to include. :2

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Well, the NFL breaks that rule sometimes, too. Although I admit, I kind of enjoy hearing the entire crowd react to a bad call on a replay (like the Ed Hochuli incident). Of course, in that case it helped that I'm a Broncos fan... :r

Now that the US is out, I'm following my usual pattern of rooting for any and all underdogs. Anything that would make for an unexpected final would be nice. Go Chile!

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Google "funny rugby commerical" for a similar take that's just as hilarious (I don't want to post it here as it'll drag the thread off topic).

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

FIFA is a joke...every other sport has evolved with the times and uses technology to prevent errors. FIFA just says 'even with technology mistakes are made' and uses that as an excuse to not do anything about it.

Thankfully the games today weren't ruined by any big mistakes.

Portugal v Spain tomorrow should be a good one!

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

The Netherlands game wasn't ruined, but with the use of footage that penalty would never have been given.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Ferdinand, latest BS from FIFA is that supposedly and according to them, it is up to local soccer organization to be in charge of Jumbotrons during games, thus, FIFA's excuse is that SA organizers "broke" the rule. I did not argue with you rpoint about the rule, simply pointed out that replays were being shown, rules or no rules. No issue on my side.

What I find really appalling, though, is FIFA's latest stance on the England and Mexican (especially Tevez's replay) non-calls. FIFA stated there are sorry the replays were shown, but then in that same statement did not offer any apology for the mistakes themselves.

Blatter is being re-elected time and again by all the third world leagues, for obvious reasons. As I discussed with another local yesterday, the entire WC format must change. Why are teams such as North Korea playing while those from, say, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Romania and a number of others stay home? Why I am watching New Zealand play when I know Sweden will play a MUCH better game? FIFA needs to use world rankings a few months prior to WC and Top 32 teams are allowed to play in the tournament. No more "weak" teams. Same for refs, select top ones, Colina should have stayed eligible for as long as he is fit, best ref I have seen ever. I am over 50 now, but still keep up with young bucks indoors and out, why are refs limited to 45 YO? Stupid decision, IMO. Do you think Colina would have allowed these goals to stand?

Arghhh...

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

I know you did not argue with me on this point Greg, I just stumbled upon this and provided it as a support to what I said earlier.

Ofcourse the MaFifa is blaming it on the local FA, but that is BS as this tournament isn't played under the South African FA flag but under the FIFA flag. But the MaFIfa is never wrong, we all know that [add sarcastic smile here]

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Russian News today (I am watching as I type) are really covering the subject, replays games from past events as well.

Blatter has to go, there is no argument left for him to retain the seat. And Platino should as well, IMO. Start with new blood and change things. The only way to improve the game is make sure only top teams participate. What does anyone care if North Korea fans watched the cup at home or not? Would FIFA sell more seats if that same Brazil played Sweden instead?

Hopefully Spain vs Portugal won't be affected by officiating, although I will bet that Portugese players will spend at least 15% of it play acting and rolling on the grass. Spain? Maybe 5-10%. Anyone recall any BS like that in the England/Germany game?

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

I agree that there should be a new qualification system, but doing it based on the world ranking isn't fair to the lower ranked team. Slovakia wouldn't have qualified, yet they reached the 2nd round and kicked Italy out of the tournament.

I would rather see a system like with (ice)hockey or the Davis Cup, with a promotion/relegation system. The top teams are qualified for the worldgroup, and the lesser teams can promote to that group if they preform well in qualifiers.

ps: from the 32 countries that started in this worldcup, 26 are in the top 32. Sweden isn't even in the top 32.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Hey we're an emotional people! :D

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Or a fixed system where the top 12 or 16 ranked teams at a predetermined cutoff time automatically qualify and the remaining berths are allocated equally per geographical area for regional qualification tournaments thus ensuring a truly global representation at the World Cup.

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I can see you dive to the dirt and start rolling with tears in your eyes at EPIC too, when someone comes close to you with a hand delivered bomb.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

grabbing my knee too!....hahaha....:r....no dirt rollin' for me....now you on the other hand....:D

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

I owe you a sincere apology! Seems Torres has been usurping most of both teams' time with theatrical falls and lots of hand flailing... What a clown and a waste of a talent, IMO. Just suck it up and play.

So far, Portugal seems to have an edge in my book. Let's see how second half goes. Shame that only one of these may be playing Brazil. Looking at the brackets again, Brazill has only one real contender on their side, Dutch. And then 4 top notch teams have to knock each other out on the other side: Germany, Argentina, Spain and Portugal.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Blatter released a statement today

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...cc=5901&ver=us

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Nobody will be playing Brazil in the semis!

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

I will wear wooden shoes and give you something to cry about :D

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Great game and yet another BS call, a mythical elbow thrown. Spanish defender kept touching his head, time after time, in faint hopes that blood will start dripping at some point from a "wound" that never was. Unreal.
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Moe,

In regard to Blatter's statement, read it carefully: "... FIFA deplores "when you see the evidence of refereeing mistakes." What Blatter deplores is the fact that refs and FIFA got caught, not that refs made mistakes. What an idiot...

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

he has been ruining FIFA for a decade now. He's a day late and a dollar short... hes already apologized to Mexico and England... I believe he owes apologies to USA, Italy, and Klose, Kaka, and the list goes on and on and on.

Perhaps the answer is not replays on every play... but maybe the individual teams can have two "challenges" per game. I wouldnt mind seeing something like that in place.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Spains goal was offside too.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

just add portugal to the list too ferdie

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and Holland, the penalty yesterday wasn't a foul. Good thing we still won.

I must admit that the offside of Villa was hard to see for the linesman and the ref.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

and apparently the TV too, cause they didnt mention it the entire match

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

they mentioned it here on Dutch tv.

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

Worst cup I can recall. How many games were decided by the refs so far? And in the worst way...

Re: Who's ready for the World Cup?
 

It happened at every worldcup. 1966 for example, when England 'scored' that goal against Germany in he final that wasn't a goal. 1986 Maradona's 'hand of god' and I can recall a quarter final Brazil vs The Netherlands in 1994, when Brazil beat us 3-2 with one offside goal and one free kick goal that wasn't a foul at all.