World Cup LD

[Dan Severn's Moustache]

The Dutch are always my team after the English are knocked out (Euro 2012, most of which I spent in Amsterdam, was dodgy) so I'm one of the few neutrals quite happy with that result.

Now that Colombia are gone, I'm rooting for Holland or Argentina. Holland are probably the most impressive team and I predicted Argentina to win the whole thing. Germany are deserving winners too.

Fuck Brazil.

 

[Dan Severn's Moustache]

Regardless of the result, for me, Van Gaal was still wrong.

Put undue pressure on his keeper.

Agreed, although I can see why he did it (Cillessen may have been worn out), it was a rash decision.

Also, I somehow took the lead in the fantasy league!

 

[Gelgarin]

It makes a lot of sense, when you don't have a clear cut first team keeper and are expected to bring three, to bring one guy and tell him his job is penalties, and have him spend his whole time practicing and researching penalties (note the keeper went the right way on early dives for every single kick - that says preparation to me, which most teams wouldn't have for Costa Rica).

I don't recall ever seeing anyone's third keeper at a world cup, so why not. If that's indeed what was done (I was watching on mute, so not sure) then I'll give it my approval.

Went in supporting the Dutch because they're the Dutch. Costa Rica won me over by the end, but I'll find the strength to carry on. All Germany all the time form here on.

 

[Dowdsy McDowds]

Regardless of the result, for me, Van Gaal was still wrong.

Put undue pressure on his keeper.

If Costa Rica had subbed Navas after his injury, his replacement may have got to the penalties. If Netherlands had lost then Van Gaal would have been wrong but he's been vindicated with his choice.

 

[Dan Severn's Moustache]

Looking at how it is now, Brazil are easily the worst for wear here without Neymar. Even with Neymar, they'd be weaker than the other three teams coming into this. Now that Neymar is gone, their strength most certainly lies in their defence as opposed to their offence, considering Silva and Luiz's contributions to the squad. Hulk has been atrocious, and Oscar hasn't been much better.

Argentina are probably the 3rd best team. Messi has been putting on acceptable performances, but nothing to scream about. He's playing the games too much like group stage games. Outside of Messi, the team have very much been glass cannons.

I can see a Germany and Netherlands final, in which the Germans take it, provided the flu doesn't kick in. Both team have the well-rounded credentials, but I think the Germans out do the Dutch in every area other than striking.

 

[Барбоса]

It makes a lot of sense, when you don't have a clear cut first team keeper and are expected to bring three, to bring one guy and tell him his job is penalties, and have him spend his whole time practicing and researching penalties (note the keeper went the right way on early dives for every single kick - that says preparation to me, which most teams wouldn't have for Costa Rica).

That I could maybe accept but I severely doubt it.

If Costa Rica had subbed Navas after his injury, his replacement may have got to the penalties. If Netherlands had lost then Van Gaal would have been wrong but he's been vindicated with his choice.

Penalties is such a lottery that it is too easy to give him credit for it.

I just thought it was entirely unnecessary.

 

[Uncle Sam]

I have to say, this is one of those instances where I think the proof is in the pudding.

 

[Tastycles]

It's something I've been saying for years and years. Make your third choice keeper someone who has a reputation for saving penalties or saved a famous one - e.g. Dave Beasant, Cudicini, Rob Green etc. Then, bring them on. They're not likely to really be any better, but it will have an obvious psychological effect. Van Gaal didn't invent this at all.



5:25

 

[Lee]

I knew I'd seen it in a play off final.

Also watching that in a bar in Sunderland was fucking class.

 

[FunKay the Inevitable]

Man I'm upset that Costa Rica got knocked out, but they went out in a blaze of glory. They stood up, shook the opposition's hands and applauded their fans. They didn't go down the obvious, tear laden route but stood up and thanked those who had helped write their story. Awesome.

Also, star studded semi-finals but Brazil better be ready because they play the wunderkind next.

 

[BadGuy]

Brazil and Argentina should be eliminated in next matches.They are too boring to watch.
Columbia >>>>>> Brazil James>>>>>>Neymar
Belgium>>>>>>Argentina Hazard>>>>>Messi
Robben is the best player in this tournament and he will show Messi how to play football.

 

[Uncle Sam]

Schlaaand.

 

[Tastycles]

I think Germany will smash them 4-0. The Sideshow Bob x3 + Maicon defence is rife for a slaughtering.

 

[Tastycles]

Why are they acting like Neymar is dead?

 

[Uncle Sam]

Brazilians are certainly a dramatic bunch.

 

[Thriller Ant]

I quite enjoy those German change kits

 

[Dan Severn's Moustache]

Why are they acting like Neymar is dead?

Well, it is Brazil.

 

[Thriller Ant]

That was a great chance for Germany

 

[Blade]

Either Germany win without much sweat, or Bernard makes himself a star tonight.

 

[Dowdsy McDowds]

Happy for Muller but for a second I thought that was Klose!

 

[Gelgarin]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

 

[Uncle Sam]

One of my football pet peeves: players assuming the referee will call a foul and grabbing the ball with their hands before the whistle goes.

But never mind that, Germany just scored. Fantastisch!

 

[Thriller Ant]

MULLER!

 

[Dirk]

He made it look so easy!

 

[Thriller Ant]

One of my football pet peeves: players assuming the referee will call a foul and grabbing the ball with their hands before the whistle goes.

But never mind that, Germany just scored. Fantastisch!

I was just about to bitch about that before I got distracted