[OT] 2002 World Cup

[Melkor Lord Of ALL!]

Thumbs up for Poland! At last we have revealed our abilities, at last we have regained our honor! But half of our team was changed from the previous matches, too late it seems. Coach Jerzy Engel has failed his Dark Master for the last time, he shall be executed immediately!

 

[Ruvion]

Please do not be too harsh on him (Coach Engel), as Poland loss to Korea was somewhat justified when considering that they were playing against a host nation. While Poland's fight against Portugal went bad, well, Portugal is a tough team to beat... So hopefully their win today may stay the hand of the axeman for another year (or four)?

 

[ninthcouncil]

There is talk about two of the best players on the danish team will not be ready for the match against England. Can't remember their names. One of them is the guy who score the goals and the other was apperantly important in the defence...

Jon Dahl Tomasson, Stig Tofting are both back in training and now much more likely to play.

Mexico v USA should be interesting....

 

[Ruvion]

Again,

A heartfelt congrats to Poland for regaining their honour!!!

There were rumours that the whole team might have face the headman's blade if not for this win, after taking a ride in the presidential plane to get to Korea...

 

[tleilaxu]

as a polish american i guess this is the best result for all! (i also wanted korea to go through... screw portugal)

figo can stick it!

 

[Maerdwyn]

as a polish american i guess this is the best result for all! (i also wanted korea to go through... screw portugal)

figo can stick it!

Definitely the best result for all - Korea gets through, Poland played like I expected them to all along, and USA has beaten Mexico 4 out of 5 times

 

[Quickbeam]

So to sum things up...

1) Bost host nations in Korea and Japan advance by winning their groups outright. Kudos to both nations on a job well done!
2) Several heavy favorites have already been sent home including Argentina, France, and Portugal. Along with those countries, some dark-horse squads like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Russia will be watching on TV when the second round starts.
3) A fair number of teams are very, very lucky to still be playing despite good starts or loads of talent. Among those countries you can include Italy, USA, Turkey, Belgium and Paraguay.
4) The officiating has been quite poor IMO thus far, but we can hope it improves as the stakes become higher and the "more qualified" officials are appointed for the remaining games.

One final note -- Teams like Poland deserve a ton of respect for playing hard even after they've been eliminated. Hopefully the USA can ride the good feelings generated by their late goal this morning.

 

[Berandor]

I agree. Still playing to your full efforts when you are eliminated OR both only need one point to advance is a very good sign.

Korea could have been satisfied with a draw, but they played for winning. Tunesia, Poland, Brazil, Spain, all did the same.

I remember Germany playing vs. Austria once, and never once really advancing at the other's goal. That was `74 or something, but I still think of it in certain constellations...

Also, Germany advances! Finally our coach has let the right players (imo) play, and with a little experience in this set-up (4-men line of defense, two quick forwards), we will play better than we have before. I hope Voeller doesn't bring the old guys again...

Now go, Denmark!

Berandor

 

[Krug]

England is kicking butt.. 3-0 at the half.

 

[S'mon]

England is kicking butt.. 3-0 at the half.

Heh heh... the spirit of Alfred the Great watches over our boys.

When it suddenly started raining heravily on the pitch I looked up and said "Remember Odin, we're your children too!"

Seemed to work...