Now, let's talk some SOCCER!

So darn talented.

This guy probably won't even play.

 

Yeah...I've seen Van Persie a number of times. Iv'e often wondered why he didn't get more playing time!

Don't recall seeing Babel...but I've heard good things.

Sometimes the Coach has to sacrifice individual talent for the good of the Team.....or maybe he had a Vision....or maybe he's nuts!!

Play on, big ed

 

With volleys like that...no wonder he got his foot broken!

But seriously: pity if he wouldn't make it to get fit for the worldcup, love to see him in action.
After all: ye ol' England is my 'substitute' rooting target
(If only they could make it past the semi-finals and/or penalty shoot out, for a change... )

Really starting to get excited now,

PLAY ON!
slam

Rooney faces further wait
26 May 2006
Source: FIFAworldcup.com

Wayne Rooney faces a wait of 19 days before a second scan on his injured metatarsal will reveal whether he can resume full training.
...
However, even if Rooney was given the all-clear to resume training immediately after the scan, he would have barely a week to get himself fit for a potential Round of 16 -game.

...

 

Yes. Another (Ajax-school) diamond. And we got so many of them already
We are truly lucky b*stards with all that skill and beauty.
Yet... the SUM isn't always just adding up the parts...or in other words:

To make a magnificent necklace you need more than just 11 beautiful shining diamonds...

Van Basten apparantly is working in the right direction (TEAM-building; good spirit, pride & JOY, discipline and friendship)
Will he get it right in time, or do we have to wait for EURO2008/WC2010 ?

Very curious
regards,
slam

 

Looks like Luciano Moggi is in deep ka ka,

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4993482.stm

Gianluigi Buffon has also been questioned.

The walls are crumbling now....

Hopefully the pastas will be ready for lots of questions at WC 06.



snowbound

 

Leading up to the world cup it's good to see our Aussie boys beat Greece on the weekend 1-0.

Brazil is our first challenge for the glory...
Lord have mercy

 

Have faith Cartoonboy!
With such fans and such a fantastic farewell party for your squad you should be boosting your confidence and say: Lord have mercy for those Brasilian sissies!
After all, you have 'our' GUUS: one of the world's top coaches.

Slammer is rooting for you and praying for the first upset of the tournament:

[MOVE]
GO AUSSIE, GO !!!
[/MOVE]

See you next week, for a friendly in and against The Netherlands. You're welcome

 

I'm very happy to announce that the 2nd year Anniverary of this thread was marked by going beyond reply # 1000 !

And together with that, we also reached our 20.000th view

Going for 2000 and 25.000 in the upcoming month!

Do join us here and let's all share the party called WORLDCUP 2006.

This calls for a celebration, put on your party-costume ​

 

Uh oh...looks like there's trouble in the glen! I just might have to reconsider my favorite. Last time, 1982 in Spain, after being banned for a couple of years, Paolo Rossi led Italy w/a fantastic performance to win the Cup.

All players and club officials found guilty should be banned! All match officials involved....well, I don't think Capital Punishment is allowed anymore!

Play on, big ed

 

Hey Slam,

Yoo made me go back to check...an yes...I made Post #1000!! Surely I must have won sumthin!

My Sons and I have armloads of tapes and DVD's handy so let the Games begin!

I don't think I have to tell you how much I enjoy this Thread!!

Play on, big ed

 

You're so right, Ed.
Those 'mobsters' really seem to thrive on scandals like that.
I'll consider changing my bets as well... take notice of the Azzurri this worldcup!

Play on,
slammer

 

Congratulations Ed, you just won my party hat (see above post), together with an even increased effort by me to make fun of you. (Please be welcome to pay in return )

It shows, and I'm glad you do. You're very welcome, and one of my guests of honour here, with all your 'expertise' ... and great sense of humor...

See you around, pal
slam

 

[MOVE]
+++ NEWS UPDATE for the English fans +++
[/MOVE]


New Rooney scan date leaves English options open

29 May 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com


http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/gen/fifa/20041007/t/347308489.jpg


The next scan on England striker Wayne Rooney’s injured foot has been brought forward by a week to 7 June.
The change, which was announced on Manchester United’s official website, is designed to afford Sven-Goran Eriksson the flexibility to replace the 20-year-old in his 23-man squad should it be shown that his broken metatarsal is not healing quickly enough to enable him to participate in the FIFA World Cup™.

Full article here

 

For all Dutchies (or those who think they can master our language):

Are you a better Worldcup-coach, and think you can beat Slammer?
Time to enlist in the DvhN WK-COACH overhere!

Go to: Overzicht alle subleagues -> Subleague zoeken:
"Global ORANGE MANIA" -> and enlist here. (costs €4,-)

Welcome all, and see you soon

[MOVE]
Nog maar 11 dagen! Countdown....
[/MOVE]

Play on,
Slam

 

For all the gamblers out there, here's the numbers,

http://www.online-betting-guide.co.uk/world-cup-2006.htm

Brazil 3.5
England 9
Germany 9.5
Argentina 10
Italy 11
France 15
Holland 15
Spain 17
Portugal 26
Czech Republic 34
Sweden 41
Mexico 51
Croatia 67
Ukraine 67
Ivory Coast 101
Serbia & Montenegro 101
USA 101
Poland 126
Australia 151
Switzerland 151
Paraguay 201
Korea Republic 251
Ecuador 301
Ghana 301
Japan 301
Tunisia 401
Angola 751
Costa Rica 751
Iran 751
Togo 751
Saudi Arabia 1001
Trinidad & Tobago 2001



snowbound

 

For all FIFA worldcup players and other statistics:

Look overhere at the ESPN database.

 

Slammers' gambling tip: MEXICO would be an interesting dark horse...

 

Thanks for the great tip Snowy,

But...need I remind you that in '02 most of the top favorites were gone after the 1st round and the rest of the pretenders after the 2nd. Heck..the Roos at 151-1 is tempting! Mexico will be toast!!

Like the old saying goes...."if you want to double your money...fold it in half an stick it back in your wallet"!

In for a penny...out w/a pounding headache, ed

 

I just post the odds. Slammer gives all viable tips.



snowbound

 

Bono of U2 fame has some anthems and video related to WC 06 on the bands website,

http://www.u2.com/news/index.php?mode=full&news_id=1941

Just click on the 4 links on the bottom right and turn up the sound. The one for Scotland is amusing(Tartan Army).



snowbound

 

i haven't really thought about which other countires i like, i know i like Holland alot more then most other European countries though. lol

England play Hungry tonight

 

OK, I joined the Global ORANGE MANIA (my team: praothuus, coach: gerardwil (ofcourse )). And waiting for more Dutch/Flemish reading coaches, come on guys/gals its 4 euro's only.
For the winner: a 2 persons holiday to a 5-star resort in Brasil

 

Geez...I hope you win!! That booking will be pricless as the Brazilians will be celebrating again and rooms will be scarce!!

No predictions here, big ed

 

On the ball: Scorers like World Cup sphere; goalies give thumbs down

NEW YORK (AP) — Strikers and midfielders love it. Goalkeepers hate it.

The ball that will be used at the World Cup in Germany probably will be praised as much as it is disparaged. The Teamgeist (team spirit) ball is the last in a line of 10 World Cup balls by Adidas. It features the latest in design and technology.

"It's an absolute nightmare," D.C. United goalkeeper Troy Perkins says. "There's going to be a lot of goals when the World Cup starts. But I guess that's what people want to see."

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/worldcup/2006-05-30-ball_x.htm



snowbound

 

Thanks for that one Snowy.....I hadn't seen that!

Play on, big ed