Goal, Arjen Robben. FIVE to one Dutch. Could this be a passing of the world football torch from Spanish to whoever wins this season? Either way, would hate to play Spain next.
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Goal, Arjen Robben. FIVE to one Dutch. Could this be a passing of the world football torch from Spanish to whoever wins this season? Either way, would hate to play Spain next.
Listen to these fans….
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this would likely cause a Spain v Brazil second round game if Spain goes through. Correct?
I honestly didn't view Spain as serious contenders this year coming in. I figured they'd definitely get out of the group, which now looks like a challenge, but I thought the quarters or possibly semis was absolutely as far as they could go. Guys like Xavi weren't overly athletic at their peak, and you just can't consistently beat world-class opponents at this level without some youth and athleticism to give you a spark.Quote:
Originally Posted by DudyDawg
I don't expect the Dutch to compete, either, though this win is certainly impressive. I think it's going to come down to Brazil, Germany, and Argentina.
Yes, whoever finishes 2nd in that group. I think that might be Chile, though.Quote:
Originally Posted by DudyDawg
#1 A vs. #2 BQuote:
Originally Posted by DudyDawg
#1 B vs. #2 A
So if Spain is the #2 from B and Brazil is the #1 from A, then yes.
I agree with most of that, except argentina. Weak defense, Messi hasn't shown up big enough internationally yet. They have the potential, certainly, mainly bc of the five names in attach, but I don't expect much more than a quarter final from them.
Just look at Spain as an example. All the attacking ability in the world, but terrible defense today and they are being hammered. Problem is, this defense is proven as being a good one (barring today), and Argentina's is proven the exact opposite.
And I don't see anyone knocking off Brazil in that group. Croatia is, to me, the second best, and they just got beaten pretty handily.Quote:
Originally Posted by TheRef
Would surprise me. Would pick them to go through most groups, though. Just don't think they match spain well. But very possible now, especially with the goal difference Spain needs to make up.Quote:
Originally Posted by smootness
5-1 Netherlands FT
Group B Standings:
Netherlands 3 pts
Spain 0 pts
Chile and Australia yet to play.
Argentina's defense is definitely weak, but I think their attack is so strong it won't matter against most of the teams they'll face.Quote:
Originally Posted by DudyDawg
And I think Messi's problem has mostly been coach and scheme. Maradona was a complete joke as a coach and had absolutely no idea what he was doing. Their current coach has built the team around Messi in a way that fits him, and he tore it up in qualifying. I expect him to compete with Neymar (and now maybe Van Persie and Robben) for the golden boot.
Well, as a Madrid fan, I hope that doesn't happen haha. But you're right, that offense will cruise through the group. The big test will be when they see a team with a staunch defense, can they posses and defend enough to win? I don't really think so, at least I haven't been convinced yet. Weak defense, average midfield, great attack. Most of their best guys (Messi, Aguero, Higuain, Lavezzi) are final third players, and I think that will make it hard for them to win a WC. Di Maria is the only real creator, so I just don't see them having enough possession to allow that offense to outscore a really good team.Quote:
Originally Posted by smootness
Australia and Chile are coming onto the pitch now. Final match of the day and the second match of Group B will begin in approximately 6 minutes.
Very excited to see Chile. They have some big names, some good history, but mostly I'm excited bc they kinda play a "dumb" style. Don't care who they are playing, they are going to attack and see what happens. They should be involved in some very dramatic games IMOQuote:
Originally Posted by TheRef
Ref, do you know where this game is? Just turned to it, stadium looks really English in style
ARENA PANTANAL, CUIAB?, BRAZILQuote:
Originally Posted by DudyDawg
Thanks. It's loud and exciting. Seems like a good number of Aussies there. This is going to be an underrated game. Not huge names but it'll be very up tempo. If you're trying to flip a non soccer fan, show them chile
Goal alexis sanchez. 1-0 chile after 11'
I think I said something about chile being exciting?? Wow. 2-0 chile another goal two minutes later
Australia with a header response! 2-1 Chile at the 34' mark.
Fun game so farQuote:
Originally Posted by TheRef
If someone calculated the number of fans in attendance compared to their chances, I would be willing to bet the Aussies have the best ratio. No expectations, but their fans are loud and having a blast. Those are the kind of fans that all the neutrals cheer with. Sounds like more Aussies than Chileans there bc of it. Those folks know how to have fun
HT: 2-1 Chile
FT: Chile 3 Australia 1. Chile and Spain play on June 18 in the Maracana. Should be a good game and one that decides the group
Group B Standings:
Netherlands 3 pts
Chile 3 pts
Australia 0 pts
Spain 0 pts
Day 3: 6/14/2014
Group C
Columbia v. Greece 11:00 AM CDT ABC
Ivory Coast v. Japan 8:00 PM CDT ESPN
Group D
Uruguay v. Costa Rica 2:00 PM CDT ABC
England v. Italy 5:00 PM CDT ESPN
FT: Colombia 3 Greece 0
Greece has been out scored 17-2 in their World Cup history.
Yet they somehow WON the Euros a decade ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by mstate68
Group C Current Standings:
Columbia 3 pts
Greece 0 pts
Ivory Coast and Japan yet to play
One thing: I'm proud of the small following that we have of the World Cup on this board. Who else is ready to watch the USMNT tomorrow?
I'm excited. I just want us to finally beat Ghana. I think if we pull it off we'll have a chance to advance. A small chance, but a chance.Quote:
Originally Posted by TheRef
I agree. By the way, what time do we start tomorrow and what channel?Quote:
Originally Posted by mstate68
Misread the schedule. We play Monday at 5:00 PM CDT on ESPN.Quote:
Originally Posted by CadaverDawg
Frankly, we need Germany to win every game big. They will get out of this group, and if they tie Ghana or Portugal we may not. We need them to get zero points from Germany and have a bad goal difference if we want to get out
Ha, I was thinking it was Monday, but just thought I was wrong. Good dealQuote:
Originally Posted by TheRef
I promise you I looked at the schedule.....oh well....I'm ready for this match between Uruguay and Costa Rica. Uruguay's best player is out with a lingering injury for this match.Quote:
Originally Posted by CadaverDawg
Costa Rica tackles Uruaguyan in the box, penalty
Uruguay buries it!!!
1-0 Uruguay
Yupp...he legitimately tackled him. Good wrap-up though. Good technique for the behind tackle. 23'
One thing I wish they would so for these broadcast is put some kind of seed with each team that way the non-soccer enthusiasts can quickly figure out who the underdog is.