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Oh well. Tenner down the drain.
I don't agree with Stutts entirely that that game was the theme of the tournament; technically, the Swiss were reasonably adept - defended excellently and attacked well when they dared (hitting the post as well). There's a difference between that and being just rubbish, lacking in any sort of imagination, speed or ability, which is what we've seen from many of the teams so far. Though I was only keeping half an eye on the game, so I could well have read it wrong.
I'd rather watch good fotball, but support a team that played winning football. No complaints with the Swiss, I'd like to think we could be as good at it.
Let's say that Spain come second in the group now (though Chile & Switzerland are both 3 points up on them). How does that alter the likely last 16 / 8 / 4 line up?
Hardly a shock. We know to our own cost what the Swiss are like. A surprise ok but is anyone actually shocked?Quote:
Originally Posted by tetsujin1979
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Originally Posted by pineapple stu
Yeah spot on. Even though I have a load of dosh with various bets on Spain, I was actually happy that Switzerland won the game. They were well organised, battled for everything, and did as much as can be expected for a team of that ability.
Looks a bit tough now for Spain, might have to beat Chile in the last game, and Brazil lie waiting in the second round:(
Nor do I :) but I think a lot of teams have played happy to absorb pressure rather than engage in a game of attacking football. I thought the Swiss deserved credit - they pulled off the game plan very well and denied Spain clear cut chances. It was very similar to the way NK played against Brazil. I think it was "one of those days" for Spain - Alonso and Iniesta's shots, a waxy goal. OK, Switzerland nearly got a second...Quote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
I actually thought Casillas was at fault for the goal, going in with his feet rather than being braver and going with his hands. Maybe his feet were nearer.
The way to beat that type of gameplan is to continue the passing game but to play at a fast tempo. Easier said than done I guess.
I think Switzerland probably played better because Spain took the game to them. Ditto North Korean against Brazil. In other games, both sides have sat back and waited for the other to attack.
I thought Casillas was lucky the Swiss scored or he could have been sent off for a foul; looked like he took the legs out from under the Swiss lad.
Spain can probably win both games though. Poor old Bafana Bafana have been awful tonight and are just about to crash out.
:-(
South Africa were woeful tonight. They kept this slow passing game going all night, even thoug it was completely obvious that they got nothing out of it.
It's a shame that the hosts won't make it out of the group, unless there is an amazing set of results in their favour.
In reply to Owlsfan.Completely agree. I thought it would be 0-0 or 1-1. I had to listen to that clown Lalas on ESPN pre-game saying the Swiss are not worth mentioning? They did a job on Spain and it only ever works if the opposing so called "giant" has serious weak links. And Spain had today. This is the most open tournament I can remember (winner wise). We would have gone far in this tournament with the form of Duff and Doyle. Sickens me a bit every day.
No sympathy for South Africa's (inevitable?) exit after that display. Dancing into the stadium like a crowd of goons and leaving with their tails between their legs.
I dunno, I think we'd have missed Given and Hunt (from the bench) andd SSL wouldn't have been properly fit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Noelys Guitar
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Originally Posted by Sullivinho
And they cant say that the atmosphere will be affected with their exit. If anything it will get better. Yesterday after the second Urugay goal was the first time I had the chance to hear some fans actually singing and chanting. Better to have half full crowds with atmosphere than a packed stadium with bees.
A missed opportunity for South African fans - they could have shown the world their dances and drums, etc - If you think of Korea you think of the red, the singing ("Telly bingo" and "p!!sed in Korea"), the noise of support. Africa, all we get is a constant drone for 90 minutes.
So you'd like South African fans to change the way they support their team to suit your TV watching needs?
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Originally Posted by endabob1
No, thats their way of doing it. Just I think its stupid
And it hardly called support
But that's exactly how they support their teams, they blow a vuvuzela and wear silly decorated construction hats & mad over-sized plastic glasses, it's the support culture here, like singing is in some countries, banging drums is in other countries
I understand that, and agree with FIFA on not banning the Vuvuzela. Doesnt mean that I have to like it toughQuote:
Originally Posted by endabob1
For the first time ever too. Even Japan and South Korean managed it together.Quote:
Originally Posted by osarusan
Not dead yet. If the Mexicans and French draw (good possibility), then it comes down to a Cup Final between France and South Africa.
Sean looked fine to me against Algeria and Paraguay, both of whom are in the tournament. He was fantastic against Algeria actually.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
With a lot of favourable refereeing decisions iirc, certainly can't be accused of any home town bias from the fella last nightQuote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu