Now, let's talk some SOCCER!

Yeah! That was a great game. Argentina really showed that they want to win the world cup.

 

Netherlands - Ivory Coast: 2-1

So the Dutchies to the next round together with Argentina.
First half hour of the Dutch OK, but then 1 hour a rather poor performance imho

 

Yeah..you're right! When your boys play Argentina they may not need to win but they need to be impressive if they expect to challenge for the "CUP"!

It's a shame that Ivory Coast got bounced because they looked pretty good to me in their last 2 matches.

But...we will play on, big ed

 

SHAKING at Stuttgart...

I came back from the pub, especiallially for you, to give my analysis.

In all fairness, this was a very nice match for the neutral observer.

For me, as a very critical Dutchie, it was full of irritation.

Holland had a great start, and i loved to see the decisiveness in which they scored the goals (lovely ones as well).

But then -like GerardWil very well said- they lacked the confidence to stay in control of the game.

And this, my fellow soccerfans, will be the crucial part whether the orange will progress, and win the cup or not.
WE HAVE TO GET OUR CONFIDENCE
Without it we're toast.

Not to sound arrogant, but we can have the best, the magnificent, the most brilliant play of all..... but in the end it will all come down to the mental ability to win the difficult matches.

In all honesty: today we got very lucky.

I've got to pay my utmost respect for the Ivory Coast players. They played a supreme 2nd half and surely deserved to equalize (at the least...)
It really is such a pity to lose this team for the rest of the tournament.

So, conclusion:
We are through, but we're lucky bastards. (I don't think many of my fellow orange countrymen agree with me in this drunk hour, but I know I'm right...)

And anything is possible from no on.
I'm very relieved and happy.

But I see the hazzards...(!!!)

Imho Argentina is the team to beat for the title.
Not next Wednesday, because that match won't be of any significance any more, except building confidence. (Both teams are already qualified for the last 16)

Best moment of the game (in slammers' analysis: ) The substitution of John Heitinga at half time.
Not that the youngster played bad, on the contrary, but he made a very big mistake: passing up midfield, with too much negligence, losing ball-possesion. He was lucky that it didn't got punished by the Africans.

For that he got replaced and it gave me hope. Because at this level you can't make mistakes like these, and it should be clear.

Van Basten is a very good and very cool coach.

What'll you know....

To finish this analysis in a cheerful note: WE'RE THROUGH


Great tournament.

Play on,
slam

 

The-day-after-the-night-before...

We got to do better, but the happiness & relief of the result is on top.
Thought I'd treat you all with a nice picture

 

Woof....that young Dutchette in the middle has great.....a nice smile!!

The youngster I've been watching, Van Persie, not only scored but had a key save on the goal line at the left post!

The 1st two matches today are a tossup.....I wonder if the US of A will show up for the 3rd one w/the Pastas. Even if they don't advance....I hope they pull a shocker on the Land of my ancestors.

Play on, big ed

Ps.....What in heck is wrong w/France?

 

I really hope Ghana can win this one just for the sake of my crying Ghanian comrades at work. After seeing their reaction to the first game(loss) i don't relish witnessing that again.



snowbound

 

It's funny you should mention that. My Son had the same experience w/some ... all of his Ghanian charges! Not much has gotten done the past few days. He is rooting for Ghana out of desperation!

Play on, big ed

 

I can relate to that. My workplace is dominated by Europeans, Asians ans Africans so the place is basically at a standstill.

Good thing is the Boss is Italian so each win for them is glorious fo us!



snowbound

 

Looks like desperation is going to work, Ghana 2 Czechs 0, 6 min regulation to play!

Should be at least 3 nil but shooter for Ghana hit the post on a penalty shot.

Very entertaining game.

EDIT- that's the final, 2-0. What an upset!



snowbound

 

Wow!! I'm voting now that this was the most exciting match of WC '06! Ghana entered this game w/no chance of beating an excellent Czech team and of course they refused to listen! It was end to end the whole 90+ minutes. Pretty much the youngest...least experienced team giving a Football lesson to the older learned masters!

I'm psyched, big ed

Ps....next I'm gonna watch the Pastas make linguini out of the US....get the sauce ready!

 

Yeah baby!

Again, congrats to Ghana.

 

Oh...balderdash!!

Next WC I'm gonna hold my predictions till it's finished!

The Goombahs are playing like crap and the US is matching them step for step. 1 to 1 at the 1/2!

2 Reds already....1 each...and both well deserved....despite the commentators protests.

Snowy...if the Pastas lose you're boss is gonna make you pay dearly!

Play on, big ed

 

1-1 final.

He won't be happy with the play or the final score of this one.

Red cards flyin, elbows too, scoring on yourself.....

As a novice to this game, watching that one was a lesson and a half....

What a stinker.



Steve

 

Oh....well! Whodda thunk it!

Us 1 Pastas 1

I'm gonna forget about this one an get ready for tomorrow!

Brazil better be prepared....nothings sacred any more!

Lovin it, big ed

 

Sundays lineup,

Japan vs. Croatia
Brazil vs. Australia
France vs. South Korea

Pick 3 Ed. I need some help.



snowbound

 

You beat me to the punch...snowy! Red card for you!!

Crazy game for sure! If the Ref lets stuff go ... he's critisized! If he makes the calls....Ditto! It's a lose/lose proposition!

I'm sure on Monday morning your boss will have everyone off to the Gym for 50 pushups!

At least we're alive to watch some more, big ed

 

This ones easy,

Cropan
Braust
Korance

You can't miss!

Play on, big ed

 

Lol,

playin it safe as usual.

It's been a slice so far.



snowbound

 

Playing it safe??...you're kidding...right!! I really have no clue. The only picks I've felt comfortable with have been Argentina and Spain....they could easily go belly up next match. Some of my other picks have done OK but not convincingly.

OK!

Croatia should beat Japan....I think!
Brazil should beat Australia....Makes sense right (Hah!)
France should beat Korea....France hasn't scored since WC'98

You're right...that was easy! What other expert opinions would you like?

My head hurts, ed

 

6 hours from now

 

I'd rather talk football. Wish you Americans would stop changing the names for everything.

 

Hi Jake,

Welcome to the best Thread in 10F! If you read the very 1st post all that is explained.

Hope you hang around cause we can always use some fresh ideas!

Got any favorites in WC'06?

Play on, big ed

 

Well...snowy,

Was I right or was I right! Japacia won the day. Is it only me or did I finally see 90 mins. of Football played w/o anyone bleeding or stretchered off the field. The cards that everyone has been screaming about must have sent the message!

There were plenty of chances for both teams to score....but thats Football!!

I'm looking forward to the next bash....Roos an Brazil. Love Brazil...go Roos!

The ESPN/ABC commentators should be flogged....their comments border on the absurd!

Play on big ed

 

I didn't see that one as this being Father's Day i decided to go and see my Mother. and yes u were right..... for once!

I pray the Aussie's win the day. Where i live the Brazillian fans are driving me crazy. Way too brash, noisy and full of themselves!

BTW, where is that Slamma Bama guy.



snowbound