2014 World Cup

[pineapple stu]

Surprised there's no thread for this yet!

Squads starting to roll in now; today is the final day for announcing them. Wikipedia has them all here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_FIFA_World_Cup_squads).

Ashley Cole being left out of the England squad (and then released by Chelsea) was a bit of a surprise, especially as Gerrard and Lampard are both included. The US left out Landon Donovan, which I can't understand at all; they've possibly the toughest group of the lot and surely need every bit of experience they can draw on (and Donovan's still a decent player). Spain have left out Navas and Negredo from Man City. Falcao has made Colombia's squad, though I don't think he's played since the injury in January.

Colombia have Faryd Mondragon, their goalkeeper from the 1994 World Cup in their current squad; he's 42. He's 4½ years older than the next oldest player, who's his own centre back.

I fancy Germany for this one. I know a lot is made of every South American World Cup being won by a South American team, but I reckon football becoming increasingly globalised has reduced that impact to an extent (Brazil have only four home-based players, for example). Brazil and Argentina should certainly challenge, you'd imagine.

Would like to see something memorable from Messi in this World Cup. But maybe that's being greedy. :)

12th of June is the start.

[osarusan]

I know a lot is made of every South American World Cup being won by a South American team, but I reckon football becoming increasingly globalised has reduced that impact to an extent (Brazil have only four home-based players, for example)

As well as that, players are so much more used to partisan crowds, and huge media attention than ever before. I don't think it's realistic any more that any of the big teams will go there and be overawed by the occasion.

[pineapple stu]

I think even partisan crowds aren't a factor any more. Games in the last few World Cups seem to be more a festival, and certainly nothing like the ticker-tape stuff of 1978, for example. Haven't been to a major final myself, but from watching on telly, I'd say half the crowd at least is neutrals and corporates?

Germany have announced their squad meanwhile, with Miroslav Klose as the sole striker. Even allowing for changes in formations and evolving positions (Reus and Podolski down as midfielders and stuff like that), it seems a bit of a weird decision. Gomez being injured is a blow, but there must be someone to act as back-up to a 36-year-old?

[DeLorean]

Falcao has failed to make the final Colombian squad. It was never a runner really I'd imagine. I'd be surprised if he was even fit for the beginning of the club season.

[pineapple stu]

Must have only been a provisional squad he was in; thanks for the correction!

Shame he has to miss out.

[DeLorean]

Yeah it's an awful shame really. One of the main guys you'd look forward to watching, especially as we wouldn't see him as often as some of the other stars. The notion of recovering from an anterior cruciate injury in less than five months always seemed far fetched though, bit of a Diego Costa desperation about it. They still have that Seville guy, Bacca, at least. Hardly in Falcao's league but looks decent all the same.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Germany have announced their squad meanwhile, with Miroslav Klose as the sole striker. Even allowing for changes in formations and evolving positions (Reus and Podolski down as midfielders and stuff like that), it seems a bit of a weird decision. Gomez being injured is a blow, but there must be someone to act as back-up to a 36-year-old?
Podolski, also counted as a striker, apparently.

[DeLorean]

Belgium squad named (http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2014/06/belgium-announce-23-man-world-cup-squad/)

[DannyInvincible]

Podolski, also counted as a striker, apparently.

FIFA don't require teams to designate outfield players to specific positions within the squad, do they? They require a minimum of three players to be designated as goalkeepers, but in terms of out-field players, can't managers select as many defenders, midfielders or strikers as they like within the overall squad limit?


Belgium squad named (http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2014/06/belgium-announce-23-man-world-cup-squad/)

I see Januzaj makes their squad then. He had his first cap for Belgium (against Luxembourg on the 26th of May) wiped from the records by FIFA as Wilmots used one more substitute than the permitted six. (http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/312719.html)That's an incredibly unprofessional error to make in this day and age.

[pineapple stu]

So the whole game has been declared null and void by FIFA? Seems a bit excessive.

Agree on the error being basic, but presumably the four officials all missed this as well? Bit mad.

[DeLorean]

Nevermind Januzaj, poor Lukaku presumably has his hat-trick written off?!

[BonnieShels]

FIFA don't require teams to designate outfield players to specific positions within the squad, do they? They require a minimum of three players to be designated as goalkeepers, but in terms of out-field players, can't managers select as many defenders, midfielders or strikers as they like within the overall squad limit?



I see Januzaj makes their squad then. He had his first cap for Belgium (against Luxembourg on the 26th of May) wiped from the records by FIFA as Wilmots used one more substitute than the permitted six. (http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/312719.html)That's an incredibly unprofessional error to make in this day and age.


So the whole game has been declared null and void by FIFA? Seems a bit excessive.

Agree on the error being basic, but presumably the four officials all missed this as well? Bit mad.

Caps are given out by the FA. So he can have his cap if the Belgian FA decide to give them it. This just means it wasn't an official "A" international.

Just like Damien Duff getting that cap against Hungary annulled by FIFA.

[Charlie Darwin]

Ivory Coast v El Salvador on Setanta Ireland for anyone who's interested. Most of their games are on BT or Setanta 1 but they have the odd late night game on the free channel.

[A N Mouse]

FIFA don't require teams to designate outfield players to specific positions within the squad, do they? They require a minimum of three players to be designated as goalkeepers, but in terms of out-field players, can't managers select as many defenders, midfielders or strikers as they like within the overall squad limit?

The official squads are up on fifa site.

Not sure how this designation is arrived at, but rarely does it match up to those given elsewhere in time between countries announce final squad, and fifa make announcement.

For example Schurrle, Goteze, Mueller and Reus join Klose as forwards in 'official' final squad

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/teams/team=43948/players.html

[NeverFeltBetter]

Ribery out: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/worldcup/2014/0606/622064-ribery-out-of-world-cup/

France could really struggle against the Swiss and Ecuador.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

F***ing hell!

Shirokov, Ribery, Van Der Vaart and Falcao all out of the World Cup. :(

[Charlie Darwin]

Shirokov was hardly going to be a star, was he?

[BonnieShels]

Any weakening of France works for me.

I'm an avowed Dutch-Colom-Argen-Ger-Chile supporter for this tournament.

With added Italy and begrudging Belgium.

An Anglo-Franco-Ibero-Brasileiro clusterfupp will suit me down to thon ground.

[bennocelt]

See he wasn't on the list of squads that was up on Wikimedia, might not be that unexpected so, big loss though

[pineapple stu]

Marco Reus out of the German squad.

Armenia equalised against them in the 70th minute last night; Germany upped the pace a bit and won 6-1. Klose got his 69th goal for Germany, passing our Gerd Muller.

[Stuttgart88]

That's a lot of really good players out of the WC unfortunately. Don't forget Montolivo too, and both Suarez and Ronaldo are both injured to different degrees.

I love pineapple stu's sense of understatement. Germany "upped the pace a bit" and scored 5 goals in 20 minutes. I wish we had that change of pace.

[DannyInvincible]

our Gerd Muller.

I know our diaspora reaches far and wide across the globe and the granny rule has served us well over the years, but can we really be claiming Muller? :p

[pineapple stu]

Of the Tipperary Mullers. You don't know them?

(Oops! Good spot. :o)

[DannyInvincible]

The Cameroon squad have refused to board their flight to Brazil due to a dispute over potential bonuses: http://asia.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2014/cameroon-squad-refuse-to-board-flight-to-brazil-in-bonuses-row_sto4278429/story.shtml

[ArdeeBhoy]

Love this...
http://footballrepublic.ie/world-cup-2014-look-a-like/

http://footballrepublic.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Brazil2014worldcuplogo-patrickstewartfacepalm.png

[SkStu]

The Cameroon squad have refused to board their flight to Brazil due to a dispute over potential bonuses: http://asia.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2014/cameroon-squad-refuse-to-board-flight-to-brazil-in-bonuses-row_sto4278429/story.shtml

I hope John is on the phone to Sepp.

"Can we be the African team? He asked me this. Really!"

[DannyInvincible]

Well, this ought to get everyone in the mood...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlJEt2KU33I

[NeverFeltBetter]

Isn't the Amazon Arena being given to the local side? Nacional or something like that? I have no idea if they can fill it, but its not a case of the stadium becoming an unused derelict right?

The changed drink laws is interesting, but I assume Brazil was aware of this requirement before they bid right? That bit of FIFA vilification strikes me as a bit odd, no one forced Brazil to host the tournament after all.

[DannyInvincible]

Isn't there a ban on public drinking in Qatar? Qatar certainly would have more stringent laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol than Brazil would anyway. Will such laws also be subject to amendment or will FIFA approach that one a little more sensitively? Just like gay football fans will have to "refrain from sexual activity" whilst visiting... That is, assuming Qatar can hold on to the rights to host the competition in 2022.

[pineapple stu]

That bit of FIFA vilification strikes me as a bit odd, no one forced Brazil to host the tournament after all.
I think the general issue is that the people who decided to host the World Cup may have been doing it as a bit of an ego trip or a career advancement thing, and that many of the ordinary people don't want the World Cup in Brazil at all. So arguably the World Cup has been forced on the general public. Of course, that's the FIFA idea of the World Cup with zero rate tax laws for its profits and other rather suitable laws written in; I'm sure the Brazilians would love an "old-style" World Cup.

[NeverFeltBetter]

I suppose. I just think, in that case, the vitriol should be aimed at the acquiescing Brazilian officials/government, rather than FIFA (purely in response to the video linked above, I know Brazilians are protesting their government primarily).

In regards Qatar, I remember reading somewhere that they were willing to set up something like "Alcohol Safe Zones" where fans could go and drink, though there was little elaboration on what that would actually entail.

[pineapple stu]

I suppose. I just think, in that case, the vitriol should be aimed at the acquiescing Brazilian officials/government, rather than FIFA (purely in response to the video linked above, I know Brazilians are protesting their government primarily).
There's a case for it, not doubt.

But FIFA are the ones writing the rules, so I guess it makes sense to go after them first.

[DannyInvincible]

I watched HARDtalk with Romario (now a socialist politician, of course) and Luis Fernandes (Brazil's deputy sports minister) the other week to gain a greater insight into the situation and debate within Brazil at the minute. They respectively offer the two contrasting positions fairly concisely during their separate interviews. Might be worth a watch for a more serious overview in contrast to John Oliver's comedy snippet:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xsp2ePQ9wY

Nacional will indeed assume control of the Amazon Arena, but, of course, there is the cloudy issue of its sustainability after the tournament. The obvious concern is: will or can it be put to ample enough use or will it be of sufficient enough benefit the local community to have justified such exorbitant expenditure? Nacional play in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série D, which is the fourth tier of Brazilian football, and I understand their average attendance is under 2,000. From what I can recall, however, the optimistic Luis Fernandes does argue in the above interview that the stadium, as well as hosting league football games, will be utilised as a general events arena and conference centre after the World Cup. How realistic his confidence is in the stadium becoming a thriving venue remains to be seen.

[NeverFeltBetter]

That sounds like Limerick FC taking over Thomond as its primary resident.

[pineapple stu]

Par for the course with recent tournaments. Euro 2004 (Portugal), Euro 2008 (Austria and Switzerland), 2010 World Cup (South Africa), Euro 2012 (Poland and Ukraine). None of them needed the stadia that were built. Just some examples -

Switzerland - Young Boys Bern - capacity 32000; average crowd about 16000
Austria - Pasching - capacity 32000; Jorg Haider had to move a club from a different city in to make the ground economical; that club went bust three years later
Portugal - Braga - capacity 30000; average crowd 10000. Worse is Beira Mar - capacity 30000, average crowd 700
Poland - Lech Poznan - capacity 40000; average 12000

Some of the grounds are only used for occasional big league matches, which makes them even more worthless.

[Charlie Darwin]

Par for the course with recent tournaments. Euro 2004 (Portugal), Euro 2008 (Austria and Switzerland), 2010 World Cup (South Africa), Euro 2012 (Poland and Ukraine). None of them needed the stadia that were built. Just some examples -

Switzerland - Young Boys Bern - capacity 32000; average crowd about 16000
Austria - Pasching - capacity 32000; Jorg Haider had to move a club from a different city in to make the ground economical; that club went bust three years later
Portugal - Braga - capacity 30000; average crowd 10000. Worse is Beira Mar - capacity 30000, average crowd 700
Poland - Lech Poznan - capacity 40000; average 12000

Some of the grounds are only used for occasional big league matches, which makes them even more worthless.
Sounds like the GAA spirit is alive and kicking in FIFA.

[BonnieShels]

Ooooooooooooooooh. Saucer of milk for Chuck.

[BonnieShels]

Want to read the worst and possibly least informative and innacurate piece on the world Cup?

Of course you do.http://m.sportsbreak.com/soccer/world-cup/10-most-expensive-soccer-teams-at-the-2014-world-cup/?utm_source=outbrain&utm_campaign=sportsbreak_mobile&utm_medium=cpc

[Charlie Darwin]

I have honestly never read an American write about the World Cup without mentioning the Super Bowl at some point.

[pineapple stu]

That is staggeringly bad. The 2002 World Cup was in South Korea apparently (Japan having vanished)

LOL at Holland finishing a painful second last time too. Having watched the match, I think it's fair to say it was Spain who finished a painful first.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I'm putting 30 euro on Croatia to beat Brazil.

Forget the hype. They have been shockingly poor. They have the makings of a good team - nowhere near the level they used to be - but this WC is too soon for them and home advantage will stifle them.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

The Cameroon squad have refused to board their flight to Brazil due to a dispute over potential bonuses: http://asia.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2014/cameroon-squad-refuse-to-board-flight-to-brazil-in-bonuses-row_sto4278429/story.shtml

Samuel Eto'o has a bodyguard waiting outside his room at all times because he believes the Cameroonian FA want to kill him.

[Charlie Darwin]

When have Brazil been shockingly poor?

[pineapple stu]

A random fact to make you feel old, for the day that's in it.

We all remember this goal -

sbhaDnd-5kg

The son (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattheus_Oliveira) is now a Brazilian under 20 international.

[Stuttgart88]

When have Brazil been shockingly poor?
I think when they won the Confederations Cup, beating Spain 3-0.

[Stuttgart88]

And that's the value of a guy being able to carry the ball from midfield. Rakitic's burst of pace with the ball there was beautiful.

[Closed Account 2]

A random fact to make you feel old, for the day that's in it.

We all remember this goal -

sbhaDnd-5kg

The son (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattheus_Oliveira) is now a Brazilian under 20 international.

Another player playing that day was Maizinho, the father of Thiago who plays for Spain, the Barcelona/Bayern player

[Stuttgart88]

Penalty me arse

[Charlie Darwin]

That was a terrible dive. The ref could. not. wait. to give it.

[Razors left peg]

Some corruption thats actually working for the good of the Brazilian Nation at this world cup .... wont be protesting about that!!!!