2014 World Cup

[gastric]

Messi to score a beauty, Argentina to win 1-0.

[BonnieShels]

I dunno, I think Spain in 2010 got off to a bad start in their first game and then played to a high enough level for the rest of the tournament. Kind of the same for Brazil in 02 and France in 98. I think most winners have at least one unexpectedly difficult game at some point (Brazil/Turkey in 2002 springs to mind as an example) and Germany/Algeria could be that game this year, or Netherlands/Costa Rica or Argentina/everyone.

Spain had enough dodgy games in 2010 let's be honest. Paraguay and Portugal could've beaten them.

Seems like both teams just spent a half feeling each other out and probing for weaknesses. Argentina doing far better than I expected at the back, Robben and RVP have gotten zip to work with.

Agree with all 3 posts above.

I think this is a very tactical affair so far, enjoyable in its own way but such a far cry from that (for me) life changing night in 1978. That contrast of colours, the paper, the crowd, Mario Kempes. One of the best nights of my whole childhood.

I love games like this. Tough taut affairs with real sense of weight and strength. This is pure football for me.

[Stuttgart88]

That's a proper tackle by Vlaar

[NeverFeltBetter]

The Dutch defence has gotten some flak in this tournament, but Vlaar's been one of the tournaments best defenders in my opinion. Just stopped an onrushing Messi dead in his tracks.

This looks like an enthralling stalemate to me. I think it'll be a PSO, and it'll be the Dutch again, Krul or no Krul.

[BonnieShels]

Janmaat on Higuain was great there too. Both defences have been excellent.

[pineapple stu]

Did Trevor Steven just say "you could get penised for that"?

Merging penalised and punished.

I can't share others' enthusiasm for this game. It's awful. That pass from Blind was spectacularly inept. I'm liking that the crowds haven't been slow to get on the teams' backs when the games have been bad.

[BonnieShels]

Did Trevor Steven just say "you could get penised for that"?

Merging penalised and punished.

I can't share others' enthusiasm for this game. It's awful. That pass from Blind was spectacularly inept. I'm liking that the crowds haven't been slow to get on the teams' backs when the games have been bad.

I think you're all World Cup'd out.

[pineapple stu]

At best, I'm spoilt from last night.

At worst, I'm right and this is drivel.

And as another free goes aimlessly wide, I get more to leaning towards the "drivel" side.

Can't see either side doing much against Germany

[gastric]

I'm with you Pineapple. The dog sh#t all throughout the house, and I have half cleaned it up, might just do and finish it now!

[pineapple stu]

I'm reading a Dan Brown book while keeping a quarter of an eye on the game.

And it's one of his worst books. That's how bad this game is.

[bennocelt]

Spain had enough dodgy games in 2010 let's be honest. Paraguay and Portugal could've beaten them.





I love games like this. Tough taut affairs with real sense of weight and strength. This is pure football for me.

Really, this is pure muck to me

[NeverFeltBetter]

I suppose its lacking in chances, let alone goals, but I like watching these two sides try and break the other down. Maybe the tension is making up for lack of entertainment in other areas.

[BonnieShels]

Kuyt is having a stormer.

[gastric]

Surprised Robben didn't dive in the box.

[Stuttgart88]

Wonderful tackle by Mascherano. Keeper had gone the other way.

[Stuttgart88]

Kuyt is having a stormer.

he's flying alright.

[gastric]

Just like 78 Stutts, extra time. The Argies look tired, the Dutch seem stronger. Hopefully, it opens up now.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Mascherano and Kuyt have been outstanding today. Vlaar and Demichelis have been rocks at the back. Van Persie has been the quietest player on the pitch and is clearly not close to fully fit.

Both defences becoming gradually more brittle as we reach the end stages but I'd say Germany will have a much harder task breaking either of these teams down.

Galling lack of goalmouth action but I don't think either team will be on the receiving end of a hammering on Sunday. Should be an intriguing final.

[BonnieShels]

Really, this is pure muck to me

Second half has been rather error prone. Can see the Dutch shading this now. Having more joy against the Argies in the last few minutes.

Messi pretty anonymous for the last 15 there.

[Stuttgart88]

Maybe it's because I was a keeper but low scoring games, even no scoring games, can be good games. I used to love playing in one of these. You couldn't give a hoot whether it had any aesthetic quality. I think this is still fascinating, though that pair of overhit frees from two excellent players certainly gives credibility to the "it's rubbish" faction!