2014 World Cup

[DannyInvincible]

Best game of the World Cup yet. I was egging the US on to score. Heart racing. Immense.

[Razors left peg]

Feck, the US deserved to make it to pens after the way they fought back. Fantastic heart. Totally outclassed for most of the game but never gave it up

[osarusan]

I thought that was fantastic stuff - as much the tension as the skill, granted, but just great to watch.

[DannyInvincible]

If the US had someone other than Wondolowski up front, it might have made a difference. He was pretty non-existent and made a mess of the two glorious opportunities he had. Even Altidore might have finished them!

[bennocelt]

Shearer made another one of his good insights at 90 minutes, makes you wonder if a team like the USA can play with such heart and drive and for their country............

Also imagine if they had a striker

[DannyInvincible]

Shearer made another one of his good insights at 90 minutes

Why, what was his other one? :p

[Stuttgart88]

TOWK had to throw in that one because this game doesn't suit his narrative that the MLS is sh1t. The USA buried so many stereotypes tonight. Bradley used to be ridiculed here years ago. I hope Tim Howard lynches Ann Coulter in public.

We and the Brits laugh at the language they use but I'm thinking maybe they "get it" better than we do.

Cracking soccer matchup and the better team overall was the winningest, just.

I loved that replacement right back the USA brought on.

[bennocelt]

Why, what was his other one? :p

He is on commission, one a game

[osarusan]

TOWK had to throw in that one because this game doesn't suit his narrative that the MLS is sh1t. More like his troll clock had hit zero and he needed oxygen.

[DannyInvincible]

I think Bradley is awful

He's the bald Pirlo.


That Right back for the USA is immense though.

Great attitude and endeavour from him. There was concern when Johnson went off but Yedlin certainly stepped up to the plate. He plays for the Seattle Sounders.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Let's not go mental. The US only started clicking after going two behind, and their midfield was pretty dire all night (except for Yedlin). They couldn't contain Origi when he was on or Lukaku afterwards. Upfront, it took an impact sub to finally put away one of several close range chances. Imagine if they were playing Columbia - the game would have been dead and buried by 60 minutes with their defence playing like that. They certainly made it interesting in the final few minutes, but the Belgians deserved the win.

[geysir]

USA just ran out of affirmations, but a stupendous performance all the same.
De Bruyne looks a handy player, he injected the bit of outstanding skill to turn the extra time period.

[Razors left peg]

If Fellani wins a World Cup Im giving up on football!

[bennocelt]

He's the bald Pirlo.



Great attitude and endeavour from him. There was concern when Johnson went off but Yedlin certainly stepped up to the plate. He plays for the Seattle Sounders.

He plays like he has lead in his boots,. God if he had only looked left, 3 free rather than right!!!!

Fair dues go to Belgium, also played their part.

Now that we have seen the top 8, who do ye guys fancy?
I like the look of Colombia, Costa Rica (if they can recover in time) and this Belgian team look decent esp every time Wilmots starts bringing on a sub. Well thats the three i am rooting for thats left.

[DannyInvincible]

Let's not go mental. The US only started clicking after going two behind, and their midfield was pretty dire all night (except for Yedlin). They couldn't contain Origi when he was on or Lukaku afterwards. Upfront, it took an impact sub to finally put away one of several close range chances. Imagine if they were playing Columbia - the game would have been dead and buried by 60 minutes with their defence playing like that. They certainly made it interesting in the final few minutes, but the Belgians deserved the win.

Ah yeah, I don't think anyone could deny Belgium's dominance throughout. I think the US resurgence just came as such a welcome surprise, which is why people have been so impressed/excited by it. They were all but dead and buried.

[DannyInvincible]

...the MLS...

We and the Brits laugh at the language they use but I'm thinking maybe they "get it" better than we do.

According to an American friend of BBC commentator Steven Wilson, Americans laugh at us when we say "the MLS". When you think about it, I suppose it is like saying "the Major League Soccer", which sounds a bit daft. Wilson advises one should simply refer to it as "MLS".

[Charlie Darwin]

If the US had someone other than Wondolowski up front, it might have made a difference. He was pretty non-existent and made a mess of the two glorious opportunities he had. Even Altidore might have finished them!
He set up Jones for what should have been an equaliser moments after they went back to 2-1. He fluffed a couple of chances but he was anything but anonymous - had a real effect on the game.

[osarusan]

Football is all about opinions, I think Bradley is awful, but there you go.

I thought he was excellent. Played deeper, cut out lots of promising Belgium attacks before they had a chance to really get started, played lots of simple but smart passes to help USA keep position and at times slow them down so they wouldn't get too frantic. His deliveries into the box were poor, but apart from that I though he did really well.

[bennocelt]

I thought he was excellent. Played deeper, cut out lots of promising Belgium attacks before they had a chance to really get started, played lots of simple but smart passes to help USA keep position and at times slow them down so they wouldn't get too frantic. His deliveries into the box were poor, but apart from that I though he did really well.

How many because Howard was pretty busy tonight.

[NeverFeltBetter]

In other news, Ottmar Hitzfeld has retired after the Swiss exit. He's been a seriously brilliant manager in his career (8 German titles, 3 German Cups, 2 Champions Leagues), and its a shame its ended today.

[BonnieShels]

According to an American friend of BBC commentator Steven Wilson, Americans laugh at us when we say "the MLS". When you think about it, I suppose it is like saying "the Major League Soccer", which sounds a bit daft. Wilson advises one should simply refer to it as "MLS".

But it makes sense to us because of our use of the definite article when talking about soccer leagues; the Bundesliga, La Liga, The LOI, the Irish League, the Premier League, the MLS...

Don't forget in America Real Madrid is the European Champion. And for that I will never take tips on English from them.

[Charlie Darwin]

But it makes sense to us because of our use of the definite article when talking about soccer leagues; the Bundesliga, La Liga, The LOI, the Irish League, the Premier League, the MLS...

Don't forget in America Real Madrid is the European Champion. And for that I will never take tips on English from them.
Americans have an awful grasp of grammar. "The US is playing the game of their lives".

[ArdeeBhoy]

They have an awkward 'grasp' of the English language.

The US had a great team spirit and fought valiantly at times, but short on quality v. a sometimetimes underperforming Flanders & Wallonia XI.
Oh and Tim Howard wasn't bad either.
But the Europeans definitely deserved it. Fancy them for the win if Argentina play like they did earlier. So Holland in the Semis?

[osarusan]

Americans have an awful grasp of grammar. "The US is playing the game of their lives".

US speakers of English say the same about British English. Pluralising collective nouns - what a polarising linguistic issue.

[Charlie Darwin]

US speakers of English say the same about British English. Pluralising collective nouns - what a polarising linguistic issue.
At least we're consistent, and collective nouns should be pluralised god dammit. We don't say **** like "Ireland are playing its best".

[osarusan]

We don't say **** like "Ireland are playing its best".It sounds no uglier than "Belgium are playing well" sounds to a US speaker.

And actually, US is far more consistent in its non-pluralisation of collective nouns than British English is in its pluralisation of them.

You are far far more likely to hear "the government is planning" in British English than you are to hear "the government are planning" in US English.

Anyhow, back to the World Cup...2 nights with no games...I can finally get a proper sleep.

[Charlie Darwin]

I mean consistent within the same sentence. "The US is doing their best" is grammatically ****ed. "The US is doing its best" is at least consistent, but you don't hear it half as often.

[strangeirish]

You ever been to Cork Charlie D?

[Charlie Darwin]

Yes, I regretted it immediately.

[BonnieShels]

Americans have an awful grasp of grammar. "The US is playing the game of their lives".


US speakers of English say the same about British English. Pluralising collective nouns - what a polarising linguistic issue.


At least we're consistent, and collective nouns should be pluralised god dammit. We don't say **** like "Ireland are playing its best".


It sounds no uglier than "Belgium are playing well" sounds to a US speaker.

And actually, US is far more consistent in its non-pluralisation of collective nouns than British English is in its pluralisation of them.

You are far far more likely to hear "the government is planning" in British English than you are to hear "the government are planning" in US English.

Anyhow, back to the World Cup...2 nights with no games...I can finally get a proper sleep.


I mean consistent within the same sentence. "The US is doing their best" is grammatically ****ed. "The US is doing its best" is at least consistent, but you don't hear it half as often.

That's what I SAID!

And there was no need to bring Cahrk into it strangirish.

[OwlsFan]

They should start all the knock-out games at around the 70th minute and have the players running on treadmills up to that time. The first half in each game todate has been pretty much a waste of time. All the plucky underdogs have been sent on their way. Amazing really, no matter how close to the wire they all came, none was able to climb over it. Costa Rica is the only surprise team playing in the last 8 and none of the teams has shown any great form and each has struggled to win its game. I'll stick with Germany but it's anyone's tournament.

[BonnieShels]

You've echoed the sentiments of a lot of people but I don't get it.

Colombia were far superior to Uruguay in every way. Out if the 8 second round games they were the most impressive, and couple that with their group performance and their last two years of qualifiers and friendlies I think you could install them as favourites.

Even the Rico's have been brilliant and were unlucky yo be down to 10 men and to concede that goal. They were still more impressive in an overall sense than the other 6.

For me it's a toss up between Colombia and the Netherlands. But nothing will surprise me.

[ArdeeBhoy]

No way Colombia can/will win it, a Final would be a great achievement. France v.Holland/Argentina most likely though.
:(

[geysir]

You've echoed the sentiments of a lot of people but I don't get it.

Colombia were far superior to Uruguay in every way. Out if the 8 second round games they were the most impressive, and couple that with their group performance and their last two years of qualifiers and friendlies I think you could install them as favourites.

Even the Rico's have been brilliant and were unlucky yo be down to 10 men and to concede that goal. They were still more impressive in an overall sense than the other 6.

For me it's a toss up between Colombia and the Netherlands. But nothing will surprise me.
As one who was most impressed with Costa Rica against a dull Uruguay and thought they would get the better of Italy and England. However, they did not impress me in the last 16 game against greece. Quite simply their goalie is touched by the Gods and was the outstanding significant difference to get them though.
It is generally accepted that Duarte was not hard done by the 2 yellow cards, he made a tired late studs-up tackle, felling Holebas, who had turned him and was leaving him for dead on his way in plenty of space towards goal. Duarte's first card was a stonewall yellow for hauling down Lazaros after being caught out by the long ball.

[OwlsFan]

Colombia were far superior to Uruguay in every way. Out if the 8 second round games they were the most impressive, and couple that with their group performance and their last two years of qualifiers and friendlies I think you could install them as favourites.

You don't agree with Dunphy's assessment of Columbia then as "headless chickens" ?

[Stuttgart88]

They should start all the knock-out games at around the 70th minute and have the players running on treadmills up to that time. The first half in each game todate has been pretty much a waste of time.do you ever read books?

[DeLorean]

I think this World Cup has emphasised how magic Spain were. They were on another planet to everybody else. Fair enough they won plenty of games 1-0 and so on but they were always the stand out team and brought a similar level of performance to most games, regardless of the opposition. This tournament is great, but it's great because it's being played amongst equals with as many flaws as attributes.

Can't wait for the q/finals. If I could make one change though I would swap the timing of Germany v France and Holland v Costa Rica. I think the floodlit evening game lends itself more to an epic battle than the sunny, just home from work kick off slot. I would have been drained after the Argentina game yesterday if it was at night, but it didn't knock a stir out of me during the day! :)

[BonnieShels]

No way Colombia can/will win it, a Final would be a great achievement. France v.Holland/Argentina most likely though.
:(

You're probably right. But I'm a Irishman. Logic will be gone before I'll ever support Brazil.


As one who was most impressed with Costa Rica against a dull Uruguay and thought they would get the better of Italy and England. However, they did not impress me in the last 16 game against greece. Quite simply their goalie is touched by the Gods and was the outstanding significant difference to get them though.
It is generally accepted that Duarte was not hard done by the 2 yellow cards, he made a tired late studs-up tackle, felling Holebas, who had turned him and was leaving him for dead on his way in plenty of space towards goal. Duarte's first card was a stonewall yellow for hauling down Lazaros after being caught out by the long ball.

I thought their tenacity against a brick wall was actually to be admired. To comeback and win on penalties after conceding that late late equaliser coupled with the exhaustion they suffered was wonderful. How could you not be impressed.

General acceptance is one thing. I merely stated they were unlucky to be down to ten. The same way France were lucky to stay with 11 on the pitch against Nigeria. Luck is what luck is. Bad or good. I never said it wasn't deserved.


You don't agree with Dunphy's assessment of Columbia then as "headless chickens" ?

Really? Do Colombia strike you as a team of 8 year-olds all swarming after a ball. Colombia have been a joy so far and Friday can't come quick enough.


I think this World Cup has emphasised how magic Spain were. They were on another planet to everybody else. Fair enough they won plenty of games 1-0 and so on but they were always the stand out team and brought a similar level of performance to most games, regardless of the opposition. This tournament is great, but it's great because it's being played amongst equals with as many flaws as attributes. Must ignore... :)


Can't wait for the q/finals. If I could make one change though I would swap the timing of Germany v France and Holland v Costa Rica. I think the floodlit evening game lends itself more to an epic battle than the sunny, just home from work kick off slot. I would have been drained after the Argentina game yesterday if it was at night, but it didn't knock a stir out of me during the day! :)

I think all games have landed nicely. All great fixtures in their own way.

Brazil-Colombia and Germany-France are 2 ties they could have only dreamt of having at this stage, in the sense of how all four are playing.

I still would have rathered Chile-Colombia but ah well!

[NeverFeltBetter]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/worldcup/2014/0702/628100-navas-costa-rica/

If Navas isn't 100% for the Dutch game, Costa Rica's chances of another surprise are dramatically lowered.

[gastric]

This article is quite interesting as it refers to a FIFA Report on the type of play at the WC. I know it's stating the bleeding obvious, but it might explain why England and Italy went out early and hopefully MONROY consider it before the Euros.
http://www.theage.com.au/fifa-world-cup-2014/world-cup-news-2014/fifa-report-shows-why-this-is-the-best-world-cup-ever-20140703-zsu51.html

[bennocelt]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/worldcup/2014/0702/628100-navas-costa-rica/

If Navas isn't 100% for the Dutch game, Costa Rica's chances of another surprise are dramatically lowered.

Ah no, say it aint so....:mad:
His performance V Greece was amazing

[ArdeeBhoy]

Reasonable article on Q-F's here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28117029

and optimistic noises re.Navas.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28069208

[geysir]

I thought their tenacity against a brick wall was actually to be admired. To comeback and win on penalties after conceding that late late equaliser coupled with the exhaustion they suffered was wonderful. How could you not be impressed.

General acceptance is one thing. I merely stated they were unlucky to be down to ten. The same way France were lucky to stay with 11 on the pitch against Nigeria. Luck is what luck is. Bad or good. I never said it wasn't deserved.

Ah, you should have written that you were reinterpreting what we generally understand unlucky to mean.
An unlucky sending off is generally understood as an undeserved sending off, due to simulation, a ref making an error of judgement, the player was hard done by, etc etc
But in your world, a sending off can be unlucky for the team, but deserved for the player?
It's just I'm not very good at this mind reading stuff, sorry to be so pedantic :)

[DannyInvincible]

This article is quite interesting as it refers to a FIFA Report on the type of play at the WC. I know it's stating the bleeding obvious, but it might explain why England and Italy went out early and hopefully MONROY consider it before the Euros.
http://www.theage.com.au/fifa-world-cup-2014/world-cup-news-2014/fifa-report-shows-why-this-is-the-best-world-cup-ever-20140703-zsu51.html

With less of a tolerance for contact and overly physical play, I think the rules also favour brisk attackers/attacking play.

[Closed Account 2]

You don't agree with Dunphy's assessment of Columbia then as "headless chickens" ?

Only when they celebrate their goals!

[Closed Account 2]

Do you still think it was a dive having seen television replays?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUmuwaZp5vU

I thought it was a pretty clear-cut penalty. Samaras' leg was caught as he swung it to kick the ball, which caused it to change course and his foot to pummel into the ground, thus, tripping him up.

Looking at that it does look like a penalty, what a crazy challenge to make so late in the game.

[Stuttgart88]

Am I the only one who pictures Danny a wearing a gown and wig as he describes all the tackles he sees?

[centre mid]

Flu in the German camp apparently, not saying who is ill and who isnt.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Am I the only one who pictures Danny a wearing a gown and wig as he describes all the tackles he sees?

Not if you'd seen photos of him from 'real life'! Nothing wrong like, just rather more in touch with reality than the average judge I reckon...

[BonnieShels]

Ah, you should have written that you were reinterpreting what we generally understand unlucky to mean.
An unlucky sending off is generally understood as an undeserved sending off, due to simulation, a ref making an error of judgement, the player was hard done by, etc etc
But in your world, a sending off can be unlucky for the team, but deserved for the player?
It's just I'm not very good at this mind reading stuff, sorry to be so pedantic :)

But you're usually so eager to assume. I didn't think my reinterpretation would have been such a stretch for you.