EN World World Cup blog

[Keith Robinson]

Way to predict the shootout...

Yay!

...though wrong result.

d'oh!

But what was all that at the end about? It was disgraceful behavior by some of the Argentinians. Some looked like they were throwing punches.

As for the match, I thought Argentina threw it away. The manager made some really strange substitutions which killed their momentum and handed the initiative to Germany.

 

[Jdvn1]

Yay!

d'oh!

A shootout is a gutsy prediction, though. I was thinking it, then shied away from the prediction.

But what was all that at the end about? It was disgraceful behavior by some of the Argentinians. Some looked like they were throwing punches.

As for the match, I thought Argentina threw it away. The manager made some really strange substitutions which killed their momentum and handed the initiative to Germany.

Yeah, I don't like the Argentinian players very much. Not related to their soccer skill, though.

And, of course Argentina should have won. Why do you think we both predicted they'd win?

A lot of the goals are coming toward the end of the games.

 

[Klaus]

Argentinians are sore losers, that's the reason for the reaction in the end (plus the referee favored Germany a bit here and there).

The thing is, Argentina was a better team than Germany (who only has focus and the crowd as qualities, not skill or technique). But when Argentina was winning, their coach, Jose Pekerman, made reeeeally bad substitutions.

 

[STARP_Social_Officer]

All I can say is that my prediction is still intact. Bring on Brazil!

 

[johnsemlak]

As far as I remember, the Czech Republic is ranked rather high...

It's also about consistency. And, you have to look back more than a week or a month of play to see trends.
I don't remember how far they got last World Cup, but I thought it was past the round of 16. Do you remember how far they got?
I'd argue that Spain's group was much easier than France's group, though. And, aging cores of veterans have played well a number of times this World Cup... at least, it's hard to argue with Ronaldo's three goals, many when surrounded by pressure.

I'm not sure about the world cup qualifiers and past games, but according to a website I checked (if you have your own that you think is more accurate, please link me) in the past two years, France has lost a total of two games. June 25, 2004, and March 1, 2006.
(though, June 25, 2004, is technically just over 2 years ago now). That's at least pretty impressive. Even everyone's beloved Brazil can't say that.

No not bad, but they had a few lackluster draws to unimpressive opponents, such as Isreal. They also were fourth in their group until the last match and were certainly in grave danger of missing the Cup entirely (admittedly, they won their last match comfortably and topped their group, so perhaps I'm being harsh). Frances's complete lack of performance in 2002--no wins or goals-- has posted above. All that plus their form displayed in the group stage let me to conclude Spain was strong favorite in that match. I think a lot of pundits said that as well.

Hey, I admit I've underestimated Les Bleus. I'm rooting for them vs Brazil--we'll see.

 

[johnsemlak]

Italy beat Ukraine 3-0, probably ending the only WC ever for Andrey Shevchenko. Shevchenko got very few chances unfortunately but had some dazzling display.

Italy got great play from Buffon, and I think my claim that he's the best keeper in the tourney is looking reasonable. This was the best match for a keeper IMO since Petr Cech's string of saves in a loosing effort to Ghana in the first round. Otherwise, this WC has relatively few standout performances by keepers.

Incidentlally, this match was actually a showdown between two of the WC's best keepers--Buffon and Ukraine's Olexander Shovkovsky. Shovkovsky has quietly had a brillient career for Dynamo Kyiv and really ought to get some offers from some rich European teams after getting some good exposure, though vs Italy he could have maybe saved one of the goals.

 

[Iron Captain]

The thing is, Argentina was a better team than Germany (who only has focus and the crowd as qualities, not skill or technique).

Nah Germany doesn't have any skill or technique.

 

[Jupp]

The thing is, Argentina was a better team than Germany (who only has focus and the crowd as qualities, not skill or technique).

*g* Yeah, you don't need skill or technique to win against Argentina /irony mode off

 

[Jdvn1]

There are currently fourthree undefeated teams:
Germany, Portugal, Brazil, and Spain. That speaks very highly for these teams.

Interesting stat. So, if Brazil wins, three of the final four teams will have been undefeated in the tournament?

... Nah, I rather France win. They did knock out Spain, after all.

Anyone happen to know the most shoot-out finishes in a WC tournament?

 

[jonesy]

France woke up late, but they're looking mighty strong right about now. Brazil is out.

Hindsight is always wonderful, but I keep thinking that Ronaldinho and Adriano shouldn't have been given any play time the way they ultimately performed.

It's not fun being a Spain supporter when they always fall apart like that. Oh well, at least England is still in the games.

Ugh. Well, at least Portugal is still around.