2014 World Cup

Originally Posted by Razors left peg

Can we please not start using flopped as a word to describe diving... The Americans do over here and it drives me mad!

I think its the best term for that particular kind of dive, where there's a jump in the air and a wriggling before they hit the ground.

Also I love The Guardian's description of Hellenic tactics tonight: The "Greece Death Shed"

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Did anyone else notice some Greece supporters in the crowd wearing what looked like Amstel-sponsored replica jerseys? Are they one of the few other nations to sell jerseys with a sponsorship logo on them?

Yes. I've seen Greek jersies with sponsors before at games.

I've also seen Argentina shirts with Coca Cola on them and Dutch ones with ING on them.

I don't know their provenance but none of those three have ever had sponsors on shirts sold in Ireland or Britain that I've seen. The unique situation we have in Ireland seems to be one where you can't get sponsor less shirts anywhere.

Greek keeper decided very quickly he wasn't going to bother with that one.

It was smack in the bottom corner. It was unlikely he would have.

This referee has been very whistle happy.

Sending off was harsh.

It was not a fast shot by any means. He could have had a go.

Originally Posted by BonnieShels

Yes. I've seen Greek jersies with sponsors before at games.

I've also seen Argentina shirts with Coca Cola on them and Dutch ones with ING on them.

I don't know their provenance but none of those three have ever had sponsors on shirts sold in Ireland or Britain that I've seen. The unique situation we have in Ireland seems to be one where you can't get sponsor less shirts anywhere.

The merchandise thing is of passing interest, but more pertinently, have any of those three ever played in them?

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

The merchandise thing is of passing interest, but more pertinently, have any of those three ever played in them?

I doubt it.

We played in Opel shirts for Dave O'Leary's testimonial vs Hungary.

Greeks seem weirdly happy to converse with the ref over a free for half a minute, even though they're a goal down and a man up in a knockout game.

Originally Posted by NeverFeltBetter

Greeks seem weirdly happy to converse with the ref over a free for half a minute, even though they're a goal down and a man up in a knockout game.

It's doing something at least, I guess.

Originally Posted by NeverFeltBetter

Greeks seem weirdly happy to converse with the ref over a free for half a minute, even though they're a goal down and a man up in a knockout game.

Same old Hellas...

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Hmm, McClean is Irish as we all know , ie. The GFA, CAS et al.

If Costa has any discernible Spanish heritage (besides his surname), am not otherwise convinced...

But if anyone is in doubt as to Costa's nationality, he can produce for them as evidence his Spanish passport. Just like how we know McClean is an Irish national by virtue of his Irish passport. Costa has Spanish nationality by way of Spanish nationality law just as McClean is an Irish national under Irish nationality law. The matter of whether or not Costa has Spanish heritage isn't all that relevant, so long as he has satisfied some other criterion to meet eligibility for Spanish citizenship. If Spain employed a purely ethnic-based citizenship policy, his heritage might be relevant, but Spain exercises a civic sense of nationalism, as far as I can see.

Ireland!
Albeit the cricket team!
Yes, different rules apply, but exactly the same principle. Not just for Ireland, but any country where people emigrate to.
Give it time.

It's had time though. Not sure what the rules are for Cricket, but the residency rule has been in place in some form or another in football for decades. How many years of residency are required in Cricket before a player can opt to play for his new country? I'm not sure who's lost out in football though without examples. A footballer must be based in a country for five years after the age of 18 to become eligible for his new host nation; that gives the association of his homeland an opportunity of at least five years to select him if they wish. I don't know of any footballer who has persistently declined invites to join up with his national association for five years before attaining a new nationality and then deciding to play for the representative association of his new country.

They are making a sequel to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." I worked on a book with Nia Vardalos, about her and her husband adopting their daughter. So I'm rooting for Greece. She is Canadian like SkStu though, FYI.

Here is a good prop bet for the US game. Over Under Belgium shots on goal 7. Over right?

Livid. Just hurt my hand punching the table.

I know this must be very difficult time for you, Bonnie. Commiserations.

Originally Posted by BonnieShels

Livid. Just hurt my hand punching the table.

Feel your pain, broke my hand when Aguero got the League winning goal for City few years ago

I take things to heart. A tad.

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

But if anyone is in doubt as to Costa's nationality, he can produce for them as evidence his Spanish passport. Just like how we know McClean is an Irish national by virtue of his Irish passport. Costa has Spanish nationality by way of Spanish nationality law just as McClean is an Irish national under Irish nationality law. The matter of whether or not Costa has Spanish heritage isn't all that relevant, so long as he has satisfied some other criterion to meet eligibility for Spanish citizenship. If Spain employed a purely ethnic-based citizenship policy, his heritage might be relevant, but Spain exercises a civic sense of nationalism, as far as I can see.



It's had time though. Not sure what the rules are for Cricket, but the residency rule has been in place in some form or another in football for decades. How many years of residency are required in Cricket before a player can opt to play for his new country? I'm not sure who's lost out in football though without examples. A footballer must be based in a country for five years after the age of 18 to become eligible for his new host nation; that gives the association of his homeland an opportunity of at least five years to select him if they wish. I don't know of any footballer who has persistently declined invites to join up with his national association for five years before attaining a new nationality and then deciding to play for the representative association of his new country.

He's also got a right to Brazilian citizenship too unless it's been revoked. Though heard he'd rejected it?
But going to agree to differ with you on this one. I bow to your superior knowledge.

But still doesn't make it morally right, in any sport. Birthplace/heritage back to grand-parents works for me. Residency qualification is a very very bad idea though.
If in doubt ask all the South Sea Islanders who're rugby fans too. They've suffered by far the most.

I hope you don't mind, Bonnie, but I'm kind of delighted. I love the tension of extra-time and a potential shoot-out. It's only right as well after Robben's antics deprived us earlier.

There's something I really admire about Greece, to be honest. They continue to do (with relative success) what we could only ever dream of doing under Trap.

Dunno if Costa Rica will have the resolve to see this through after conceding so late on. It's such a psychological blow. The keeper looked like he needed a physical and mental break there.

Danny, do you actually get to see any of the football, as you type so much?

Back to our earlier exchange: I think duty of care is the key. It's what differentiates acceptable physicality and assault.

Good second half after a dull first half. I can't see Costa Rica doing anything other than trying to hang on. They look dead on their feet. After the restart for the equaliser it looked like Greece were happy to just tap it about until Costa Rica retreated and have them no option to attack. Greece just has no innate attacking instinct!

Good fun though. I'm not really fussed how it pans out to be honest.