2014 World Cup

**bennocelt** · 03/07/2014, 6:26 AM

Originally Posted by NeverFeltBetter

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/world...as-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....

His performance V Greece was amazing

**ArdeeBhoy** · 03/07/2014, 9:03 AM

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** · 03/07/2014, 9:31 AM

Originally Posted by BonnieShels

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** · 03/07/2014, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by 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-...703-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** · 03/07/2014, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by OwlsFan

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

Only when they celebrate their goals!

**Closed Account 2** · 03/07/2014, 4:27 PM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

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

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** · 03/07/2014, 4:48 PM

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

**centre mid** · 03/07/2014, 4:52 PM

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

**ArdeeBhoy** · 03/07/2014, 5:03 PM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

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** · 03/07/2014, 5:44 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

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.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 03/07/2014, 10:25 PM

Originally Posted by centre mid

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

Just some sore throats and mild symptoms says Low. If true it wouldn't be much of a factor, but who knows if Low is being honest.

**geysir** · 04/07/2014, 12:36 AM

Germany peddling a sympathy card. You'd have to be some sucker to swallow that one.
Not unlike a big bad wolf dressed up in the clothes of a granny feigning some ailment or another.

**DannyInvincible** · 04/07/2014, 9:43 AM

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

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...

You missed the gown and wig ones?!

(Phew!)

**DannyInvincible** · 04/07/2014, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by centre mid

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

Do they have a French chef or what? Conspiracy!

**Stuttgart88** · 04/07/2014, 4:21 PM

Goal Germany. I love how Hummels just ploughed into the French defender's space. He was going to get that ball no matter who was in the way. The defender will be embarrassed when he sees himself offering no physical resistance to Hummel's momentum. He was like a beachball getting carried on a wave.