Official 2010 World Cup Thread

[GGGG]

So much for the African chances at the WC.  While a couple of African countries are still potentially able to move into the next round, they all face uphill battles.  (Ivory Coast for instance has to hope for a Portugal loss to Brazil and needs to now make up a 9 goal differential when they play North Korea.)

Even Ghana, who is currently leading the group, might be in a bad situation.  They are playing Germany next and need to hope for a draw.  If they lose, they may be out even if Serbia draws with Austrailia.

[StillAWarrior]

I'm curious to hear how Portugal's 7-0 dismantling of North Korea will be reported back at home.  Supposedly the game was supposed to be aired live in North Korea.  I'm thinking they might have had some technical difficulties in the broadcast.

[SaintPaulWarrior]

So I tried watching the World Cup. I can get over the slow play, but I can not accept the horrible horn sounds. They need to knock that crap off.

Dan Uggla doesn't like them either.

http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE65J0JN20100620

[ChicosBailBonds]

Do we have a team name?  I've noticed so many other countries have an actual team name (fighting dogs, etc).  Do we have one?

[Chili]

Do we have a team name?  I've noticed so many other countries have an actual team name (fighting dogs, etc).  Do we have one?

The Yanks.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

I love soccer and can't wait for World Cup but have grown tired of the weenie theatrics and fake fouls. Americans will never embrace a sport that isn't honest and fair.

[Chili]

I love soccer and can't wait for World Cup but have grown tired of the weenie theatrics and fake fouls. Americans will never embrace a sport that isn't honest and fair.

Yes, because American sports are honest. God Bless Barry Bonds, Tim Donaghy, Lance Armstrong, Rodger Clemons and the NBA.

[reinko]

Chili don't forget NCAA football either.

[GGGG]

I love soccer and can't wait for World Cup but have grown tired of the weenie theatrics and fake fouls. Americans will never embrace a sport that isn't honest and fair.

You mean like the revenue disparities in baseball?

[reinko]

I love soccer and can't wait for World Cup but have grown tired of the weenie theatrics and fake fouls. Americans will never embrace a sport that isn't honest and fair.

Sure is sheet doesn't happen in the NBA....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWRjyUzPX70   

[Henry Sugar]

The Yanks F*CKING OVERLORDS OF DEATH

Rex Ryan'd

[MUBurrow]

the worst part of the theatrics are the fake injuries meant to worsen the level of the penalty. ie when a guy grabs his head and writhes in pain to elicit a red card.  i'm cool with a flop or a dive to exaggerate or draw a foul, guys do that in every sport.  basketball, obviously.  football linemen fall down or throw their hands in the air and stop rushing if they think theyre being held. wr-cb battles are rife with exaggeration, etc.  but the acting after the play/whistle is what is sickening.

[MU B2002]

The problem is that flopping / faking is embedded in the culture of the game...  As with everything in life, you must adapt your behavior accordingly or you are doomed to fail. 


The US players who have played on international club teams seem to understand this better than the rest.


Go F.O.D.!

[SaintPaulWarrior]

Not a technical soccer fan here...but according to the announcers we just got screwed out of another goal again on a phantom offside call.

[Blackhat]

U.S. has nothing to complain about if they don't win.....Altidore just whiffed on an open goal from 5 yards out.

[KipsBayEagle]

Not a technical soccer fan here...but according to the announcers we just got screwed out of another goal again on a phantom offside call.

100 percent true

U.S. has nothing to complain about if they don't win.....Altidore just whiffed on an open goal from 5 yards out.

100 percent true

[tower912]

With both sides attacking, it reminds my why soccer can be so exciting.    Too many goals taken away from the US and too many opportunities missed.   At least as of the 72 minute mark.

[tower912]

Nice left in the box to Dempsey's jaw.    Algeria is doing crazy stuff and daring the ref to either give the US a penalty kick or one of their guys a red card.    So far, it is working. 

[tower912]

Now that was beautiful.

[StillAWarrior]

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL!!!!!!!!

[GGGG]

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL!!!!!!!!

How did it happen?  The ESPN scored changed and I can't get anything now.

[StillAWarrior]

Donovan got a rebound off of their keeper.

[JWags85]

Donovan got a rebound off of their keeper.

Keeper actually made a beautiful and instinctive stop on the cross, but Donovan was trailing in textbook fashion and sent the rebound into the lower corner.  It all was started by Tim Howard making a good save and then immediately recognizing the numbers and throwing a perfect lead ball that started a 4 on 2.

[KipsBayEagle]

Where were you guys during the game?  I left work and went to a bar across the street in manhattan.  Place was packed.  great vibe.  Lots of support.  They were literally handing out free beers as you walked in.

[StillAWarrior]

Just saw a replay (finally).  Altidore was coming up the right with the ball and made a pass into the box to Dempsey who was making a run up the middle.  As JWags said, the keeper made a really nice play to stop the pass to Dempsey and take if off of his foot.  Donovan was trailing and put it in.  A great play.  Great goal.