World Cup LD

[Dan Severn's Moustache]

Croatia are a pretty solid team. I see them taking Mexico and Cameroon out.

 

[FitFinlay4Life]

Must be an ITV feed in Brazil - the Chiles hate mob are in full effect.

 

[Hard Hit Prince]

I enjoyed the first match of this World Cup Tournament - Brazil deserved to win the game, even though they were a bit lucky with the referee's decision in my view. Oscar was on fire tonight, very consistent and delivered it right well, really deserving the victory goal. I was really surprised however with Ivica Olić from Wolfsburg and Croatia - really did everything he could to fight the score against a solid defense team. Modric should be ashamed of this match...

So the pic for this one is:

 

[Harthan]

Couldn't watch the opener as I was on my way home from work but I should be able to catch some games tomorrow. Interesting to see Croatia really give Brazil a run for their money though.

 

[Blade]

It doesn't mean a whole lot. Switzerland held Spain to a 1-1 draw in their first match 4 years ago.

 

[Pay Per Ghost]

They beat Spain.

 

[FunKay the Inevitable]

It doesn't mean a whole lot. Switzerland held Spain to a 1-1 draw in their first match 4 years ago.

They beat Spain.

Aye, 1-0. As I've never been a big fan of Spain, this was rather enjoyable.

Thought Croatia were unlucky and were more than a match for Brazil for 80 minutes. Penalty was nonsense, but Petiklosa should have saved it...and the other two Brazil goals. Will be interesting to see if Mexico and Cameroon come out and play for the three points or if we're treated to a France/Uruguay in '10, situation.

 

[Барбоса]

Switzerland beating Spain was just what the Spanish needed that year.

It proved to them that they needed an actual focal point and some pace up front rather than just relying on possession to win them games.

People will remember the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Villa but the guy that won Spain the World Cup was Pedro. Without his introduction as a speedy forward, Spain do not get to the final.

Or blame Ottmar Hitzfeld for exposing their deficiencies in that opening game.

 

[FunKay the Inevitable]

Or blame Ottmar Hitzfeld for exposing their deficiencies in that opening game.

Older managers seem to know how to exploit this with Spain. Switzerland with Hitzfeld and Brazil with Scolari. Will be interesting with Van Gaal tonight...

 

[Blade]

They beat Spain.

Oh, right. Well, my point still stands. I don't put much stock in first matches.

 

[Alastor]

I thought Modric was superb in the match and Brazil was very lucky to win. A soft penalty and a good Croatian goal disallowed. *shrugs*

 

[Loveless]

Pletikosa can essentially be blamed for all 3 goals, but that's what happens when you have a 35 year old keeper.
As for the referee...

 

[Барбоса]

I thought Modric was superb in the match and Brazil was very lucky to win. A soft penalty and a good Croatian goal disallowed. *shrugs*

I thought Modric played pretty well although he did not get on the ball enough.

And I completely agree on Brazil being lucky. How the commentators and pundits can claim that they were comfortable is beyond me. They were anything but. At no stage were they firmly in control and looked incredibly shaky when Croatia either broke at pace, got the ball down and played or lumped it into the box.

If they play like that against a team with more firepower and a more competent keeper, they will be in trouble.

 

[Alastor]

Croatia was the better passing team but lack scoring.
Brazil's passing was suicidal at times but they have the physical strength to advance the ball to compensate.

 

[Барбоса]

Brazil were certainly helped by having the best player on the pitch by a country mile.

The at times criminally overlooked Oscar.

 

[Blade]

Am I the only ones who think Spain are just way too old to win the World Cup now? I mean, if we end up with Spain vs. Germany, does anyone really think that Spain can keep up with the ridiculously energetic and young German team?

 

[Loveless]

Am I the only ones who think Spain are just way too old to win the World Cup now? I mean, if we end up with Spain vs. Germany, does anyone really think that Spain can keep up with the ridiculously energetic and young German team?

I think people are vastly underestimating Spain. Id certainly back them ahead of a Germany team with questionable defence & few strikers.

 

[Loveless]

Cameroon look pretty poor.

 

[Blade]

Or Mexico look surprisingly good. Depending on your perspective. But dear god, that Cameroon right back needs to get his shit together.

 

[Loveless]

Another poor decision. Nothing wrong with that goal.

 

[Tastycles]

Cameroon are shit.

This Mexico team laboured against the mighty Panama and New Zealand in qualifying, but Cameroon are making them look like Brazil 1970. Eto'o is clearly still the best player on the pitch though, so it might make for a decent game.

In other news, being a teacher means I'll be home for most of these 5pm kick offs, which is a fucking treat.

 

[Loveless]

Are you fucking kidding me!

 

[Loveless]

Sack the linesman, Mexico should be 2-0 up. Cameroon have improved though.

In other news, Beckenbauer banned from football for 90 days. Let the games begin!

 

[Dowdsy McDowds]

Well, there's no risk of any breaks to take on water in this game.

Brazil, if they continue playing like they did last night, will be fortunate to get to the semi-finals. Olic should have been subbed at half-time as I'm sure he gave the ball to the Brazilians more than he did to his own team-mates.

Edit - I realise I'm probably in the minority, but I do love that Mexico top.

 

[Барбоса]

Goals disallowed by a borderline offside and a linesman who doesn't know the offside rule.

Not only was the ball played by a Cameroonian, dos Santos wasn't in an offside position.

This is what happens when you try to be fair in giving refereeing assignments to nations and regions rather than picking the best overall.