Turks were great. Brazil was better.
In the final the key players/non-players: Ballack out, Ronaldhino in, Klose unstoppable?
Noone on Brazil's team can jump with Klose. To foul him would be worse. To deny him the ball inside otherwise may not be possible.
This will be one wonderful game. Germany could tie Brazil's record for WC wins, and may owe it all to a naturalized polish wunderkind. Like Alice in Wonderland - things just keep getting curiouser and curiouser.
Full Version: World Cup Results
Woops..duplicate.
[ June 26, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]
[ June 26, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]
Uhh.. we get it SportinLife... <grin>.
I'm think Germany's Kahn has to be voted best keeper of the tournement! What amazing skill (and *very* easy on the .. ahem.. eyes!)
Still pissed at Fringes for the handball incident against the US, but damn is he a hotty!
Here's hoping Germany takes the cup!!
I'm think Germany's Kahn has to be voted best keeper of the tournement! What amazing skill (and *very* easy on the .. ahem.. eyes!)
Still pissed at Fringes for the handball incident against the US, but damn is he a hotty!
Here's hoping Germany takes the cup!!
It is just me or have the quarters and semis been rather dull--1-0, 1-0, 1-0 ...
Seems the Group play is much more wide-open and enjoyable to watch.
Finals prediction: 0-0, go to penalty kicks (again!)
Seems the Group play is much more wide-open and enjoyable to watch.
Finals prediction: 0-0, go to penalty kicks (again!)
[quote]Originally posted by Jim at Outsports:
It is just me or have the quarters and semis been rather dull--1-0, 1-0, 1-0 ...
Finals prediction: 0-0, go to penalty kicks (again!)
Not just you Jim. This is why the soccer explosion that was suppossed to be happening for as long as I can remember will never happen. Half the games in the elimination round were 1-0 or 0-0. I really tried to get into it, but man its been deadly dull.
It is just me or have the quarters and semis been rather dull--1-0, 1-0, 1-0 ...
Finals prediction: 0-0, go to penalty kicks (again!)
Not just you Jim. This is why the soccer explosion that was suppossed to be happening for as long as I can remember will never happen. Half the games in the elimination round were 1-0 or 0-0. I really tried to get into it, but man its been deadly dull.
This American obsession with scoring is, well, boring (sorry for the rhyme)! It's the process of it, not the end result, dontcha know? I know some futbol fans that can't stand basketball because there's too much scoring; I've seen a bunch of 0-0 futbol matches that were amazing. I've seen 10-9 baseball games that were boring as hell. And frankly, there's nothing as mind-numbingly boring as a 9-6 NFL game that consists of 3 and outs and 20 punts. It all depends; and like all sports, the closer it gets to the championship game, the more defensive teams get; NHL anyone?
That was an entertaining Brazil v. Turkey match today. As mentioned, it really should have been Brazil 3 or 4-0 but Turkey never quit. They passed the ball well, played great in midfield....and just couldn't get that one move going that would result in a goal. I thought Sukur's great attempt off the free-kick was going in but great save by Marcos. Cafu could have easily had a penalty called against him for handling the ball in the box, but another non-call by the referee. I liked the fact that both teams were offensive-minded but who knew that Brazil had some spine in defense? It was nice to see Muzzy Izzet, whom I know from the English League, get some playing time. Despite the fact he was born in England, has an English accent and plays for an English club team, he chose to play for Turkey (parents are immigrants) because he wanted to play and look what happened! Sat on the bench for all but 15 minutes of the tournament! D'oh!
With Ronaldhino back and Ballack out, Brazil should win the Final but it'll be an interesting clash of styles.
That was an entertaining Brazil v. Turkey match today. As mentioned, it really should have been Brazil 3 or 4-0 but Turkey never quit. They passed the ball well, played great in midfield....and just couldn't get that one move going that would result in a goal. I thought Sukur's great attempt off the free-kick was going in but great save by Marcos. Cafu could have easily had a penalty called against him for handling the ball in the box, but another non-call by the referee. I liked the fact that both teams were offensive-minded but who knew that Brazil had some spine in defense? It was nice to see Muzzy Izzet, whom I know from the English League, get some playing time. Despite the fact he was born in England, has an English accent and plays for an English club team, he chose to play for Turkey (parents are immigrants) because he wanted to play and look what happened! Sat on the bench for all but 15 minutes of the tournament! D'oh!
With Ronaldhino back and Ballack out, Brazil should win the Final but it'll be an interesting clash of styles.
[quote]Originally posted by Jim Allen:
It's the process of it, not the end result, dontcha know?
I agree -- and that's why I think soccer is like sex: 90 minutes of sweaty heart-beating action punctuated from time to time with a "goal". Sometimes slow and methodical like the Germans; other times with flashes of creative energy like the Brazilians.
It's the process of it, not the end result, dontcha know?
I agree -- and that's why I think soccer is like sex: 90 minutes of sweaty heart-beating action punctuated from time to time with a "goal". Sometimes slow and methodical like the Germans; other times with flashes of creative energy like the Brazilians.
Ah, DCBucky, you rule.
I think that ABC is showing the final on tape delay at 9:30 (Pacific time). Rather than tape it, I'll just get up and watch it on delay.
And oh the irony if the Pole, Miroslav Klose, scores a goal for Germany.
I think that ABC is showing the final on tape delay at 9:30 (Pacific time). Rather than tape it, I'll just get up and watch it on delay.
And oh the irony if the Pole, Miroslav Klose, scores a goal for Germany.
Sorry, 0-0 is boring, no matter how much you want to convince anyone otherwise. I enjoyed the Group matches and Round of 16 MUCH more than what followed, where one goal wins it. Yawn.
Well, let's look at it from a defensive standpoint. Being a defender/defensive coach, I much prefer to win a game 1-0 rather than 10-9. Trust me, you don't want to be around goalies who let in lots of goals. It's not always the most pleasant sight after the game. For that matter, you don't want to be around sweepers who are on either side of a 6-3 game, for example....although the winning side might take it a bit better. I guess it's all about how you approach the game. I just want to stand up for the beauty of defense!
[quote]90 minutes of sweaty heart-beating action punctuated from time to time with a "goal".
Hmm, you're obviously a bit younger than me DCBucky but I agree with the premise..especially when someone like Umit Davala (yes I love the rooster cone) or Michael Ballack (have you seen the insy navel shot after the goal against Korea) or Henri Camara (the camera zooomed in on him during a throw-in during the Turkey game and he bent over filling the screen with shorts pulled so tight the straps of his jock support undies were clearly displayed, my partner and I just grinned knowingly at each other)is on the field.
We don't see enough high quality soccer in the USA. The subtleties are lost on most of us. Heel kicks, chest catches, bicycle kicks, fakes, multiple headers in a row (as happened in the Turkey:Brazil game) things that are so routinely and smoothly done that they seem effortless. It's like samba in Brazil, ballet in England, breakdancing in Senegal. There are almost as many variations in style as countries. Some teams, and players, I could watch for hours, without a score, and without being bored..and not just 'cause they're so damned hot..though that obviously doesn't hurt.
Hmm, you're obviously a bit younger than me DCBucky but I agree with the premise..especially when someone like Umit Davala (yes I love the rooster cone) or Michael Ballack (have you seen the insy navel shot after the goal against Korea) or Henri Camara (the camera zooomed in on him during a throw-in during the Turkey game and he bent over filling the screen with shorts pulled so tight the straps of his jock support undies were clearly displayed, my partner and I just grinned knowingly at each other)is on the field.
We don't see enough high quality soccer in the USA. The subtleties are lost on most of us. Heel kicks, chest catches, bicycle kicks, fakes, multiple headers in a row (as happened in the Turkey:Brazil game) things that are so routinely and smoothly done that they seem effortless. It's like samba in Brazil, ballet in England, breakdancing in Senegal. There are almost as many variations in style as countries. Some teams, and players, I could watch for hours, without a score, and without being bored..and not just 'cause they're so damned hot..though that obviously doesn't hurt.
Thanks for deleting all the duplicates Sportinlife.
[ June 26, 2002: Message edited by: Tarkus ]
[ June 26, 2002: Message edited by: Tarkus ]
Ganha a Copa Mondial, Brasil--Brasil Sempre Os Campeões!
I hope those hot and spectacular Brazilians win their 5th World Cup. What a tribute it'll be to a rejuvenated team of lively players and a coach who was thought by the media and fans to be too rigid and incapable of winning. But Felipão has showed his plan and mettle, as have Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Marcos, and the rest of the Brasileiros.
[ June 30, 2002: Message edited by: fantomas ]
I hope those hot and spectacular Brazilians win their 5th World Cup. What a tribute it'll be to a rejuvenated team of lively players and a coach who was thought by the media and fans to be too rigid and incapable of winning. But Felipão has showed his plan and mettle, as have Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Marcos, and the rest of the Brasileiros.
[ June 30, 2002: Message edited by: fantomas ]
Have to admit my heart is with the German's. I'd like to see them tie the Brazilian record of 4 Cup wins and make a potential future match, in Germany, about as exciting as football could get, and maybe even at a half-decent hour with shorter time difference.
The Germans will have problems containing the flashy Ronaldo and company but will turn this in to one boring game if Brazil can't stay "Klose" to this guy than the Saudi's did. If he or some other German scores early and first, it will be more fun watching grass grow than watching the rest of the game.
On the other hand I wouldn't mind if Germany had to bring in defender Sebastian Kehl, described in his FIFA profile as the "one of the hottest prospects in German football." I wont argue with that.
The Germans will have problems containing the flashy Ronaldo and company but will turn this in to one boring game if Brazil can't stay "Klose" to this guy than the Saudi's did. If he or some other German scores early and first, it will be more fun watching grass grow than watching the rest of the game.
On the other hand I wouldn't mind if Germany had to bring in defender Sebastian Kehl, described in his FIFA profile as the "one of the hottest prospects in German football." I wont argue with that.
I hope Germany routs Brazil and celebrates by ripping Frings' clothes off!
Sorry, I've kept that in too long. I think I can return to level headed, analytical commentary. Oy.
Sorry, I've kept that in too long. I think I can return to level headed, analytical commentary. Oy.
Great game between Turkey and Korea for third. I think the game has been all Turkey so far at the half, with the loan goal for Korea coming on a deflection of a free kick by a Turkish player. But what the gods giveth the gods taketh away. The offside call when Korea actually scored later was probably a bad one.
All of Turkey's goals have been quality. Sukur doing what he does best catching the Koreans sleeping with the earliest goal in the WC and Mansiz getting the starting position he's earned with his play throughout the Cup.
Korea are still most dangerous in the second half. Looks like more great football coming up.
All of Turkey's goals have been quality. Sukur doing what he does best catching the Koreans sleeping with the earliest goal in the WC and Mansiz getting the starting position he's earned with his play throughout the Cup.
Korea are still most dangerous in the second half. Looks like more great football coming up.
Am I the only one that thinks Renaldo's new "doo" is the stoopidest thing ever?
Looks like he's a reject from Cirque du Soleil.
-- Tomm
Looks like he's a reject from Cirque du Soleil.
-- Tomm
Another great game and one that was a great send off from Korea. How about Hakan Sukur finally getting on the board with a goal 10.8 seconds into the game. I thought that the defenses broke down too many times, but the Turks were more "used" to that while the Koreans had shown a much stronger D all Cup long. Wore my Turkey gear proudly today! thanks to Korea for being great hosts all Cup long....
I only saw the second half--I didn't realize ABC was showing it until too late and I didn't tape the Univision feed but Turkey looked mighty impressive. It was great to see the Turkish and Korean players link arms at the end--can't imagine the US and Mexican players doing the same after their match! Hopefully the game took the crowd and players minds off the tensions between N & S Korea.
Brazil 2-0 is my prediction for the final. I'll have to stay away from hear as I'm watching the 9:30 tape delay on ABC.
Yeah, Ronaldo's 'do is pretty bad but so is Beckham's Hilites Mohawk. And Clint Mathis' mohawk? Bad, bad bad! Yeah, there were a lot of Hair Crimes in this WC.
Brazil 2-0 is my prediction for the final. I'll have to stay away from hear as I'm watching the 9:30 tape delay on ABC.
Yeah, Ronaldo's 'do is pretty bad but so is Beckham's Hilites Mohawk. And Clint Mathis' mohawk? Bad, bad bad! Yeah, there were a lot of Hair Crimes in this WC.
I love the Mohawks, Ronaldo's do is a bit much but it has it's origin in a very popular Brazilian cartoon character, so it has some legitimacy.
Brazil-Germany will be best if it's an average of the two teams, maybe a tied score at 2-2 or 3-3 at the end of regulation. Then there would be a true test of endurance. I don't think either of these teams is known for extra-time games, they just don't go there.
BTW - ALMOST saw an Irish mouth-to-mouth kiss during a goal celebration after a score (I think it was a game against Germany or Cameroon) on a Univision replay of all the different ways players have celebrated goals.
Those macho latino homophobes cut it off just before it happened with the comment "pero no en la boca" [but not on the mouth] after showing several kisses on the cheek.
Did anyone else see this, or better still have a pic?
Brazil-Germany will be best if it's an average of the two teams, maybe a tied score at 2-2 or 3-3 at the end of regulation. Then there would be a true test of endurance. I don't think either of these teams is known for extra-time games, they just don't go there.
BTW - ALMOST saw an Irish mouth-to-mouth kiss during a goal celebration after a score (I think it was a game against Germany or Cameroon) on a Univision replay of all the different ways players have celebrated goals.
Those macho latino homophobes cut it off just before it happened with the comment "pero no en la boca" [but not on the mouth] after showing several kisses on the cheek.
Did anyone else see this, or better still have a pic?
Absolutely brilliant World Cup Final. The best team won. Both teams played their best game. The cups best defense lost to it's best offense when the best defensive player was beaten cleanly TWICE by the best offensive player.
They even had the best sportsmanlike exchange when Ronaldo accidently kicked Kahn while he was down then helped him up afterward.
I hope that will be the most remembered shot of the game rather than the ridiculous evangelizing by the Brazilians after the game. I can hardly wait for the Olympics in Greece in 2006 and the next WC in Germany in 2008.
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL!!!!!!
They even had the best sportsmanlike exchange when Ronaldo accidently kicked Kahn while he was down then helped him up afterward.
I hope that will be the most remembered shot of the game rather than the ridiculous evangelizing by the Brazilians after the game. I can hardly wait for the Olympics in Greece in 2006 and the next WC in Germany in 2008.
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL!!!!!!
Duplicate!
[ June 30, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]
[ June 30, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]
Way to go Jim Allen.. you predicted it!!!
Great game, but after Kahn got his hand whacked, he seemed to lose it, and the rest of the team seem to deflate.
Still.. one helluva game!
... Only 4 more years...... <grin>
Great game, but after Kahn got his hand whacked, he seemed to lose it, and the rest of the team seem to deflate.
Still.. one helluva game!
... Only 4 more years...... <grin>
GANHA BRASIL, BRASIL CAMPEÃO, BRASIL PENTA, NA COPA MUNDIAL 2002!!!
The expectations even among Brazilians were low for this team which barely made it into the contest, but their superior skills, speed, playmaking and creativity won out in the end! Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, Marcos, Cafu, Gilberto Silva and the rest of Brazil's team showed they are the BEST IN THE WORLD!
Haircut or no haircut, the very best player in the world is this sexy goal-scoring Carioca man: RONALDO!
The expectations even among Brazilians were low for this team which barely made it into the contest, but their superior skills, speed, playmaking and creativity won out in the end! Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, Marcos, Cafu, Gilberto Silva and the rest of Brazil's team showed they are the BEST IN THE WORLD!
Haircut or no haircut, the very best player in the world is this sexy goal-scoring Carioca man: RONALDO!
Here's the shot of Ronaldo helping Kahn (what do people see in this guy?). It was a great moment in a wonderful World Cup.
BRASIL 2002!...USA 2006!!!
Ronaldo ajuda o Kahn
[ June 30, 2002: Message edited by: fantomas ]
BRASIL 2002!...USA 2006!!!
Ronaldo ajuda o Kahn
[ June 30, 2002: Message edited by: fantomas ]
Congratulations to Brasil for a great run. Futbol is a religion down there (and perhaps more important, as is evidenced by the delaying of Mass so that the faithful could watch the match).
I think one of the key plays in the game was when Rivaldo allowed the cross to go past him to Ronaldo, who then placed the ball with precision into the side netting. An hard flank run by Brasil, a let ball by a top offensive threat who was basically a decoy, and a lack of defense by an offensive sub. It gave the Brasilians a two-goal lead and that was all it would take. Kahn was brilliant (his bobble for the first goal not withstanding) and Marcos, who had been criticized before, was good. No, he was great. And that made a difference.
Thanks to Japan and Korea for a great month!!
I think one of the key plays in the game was when Rivaldo allowed the cross to go past him to Ronaldo, who then placed the ball with precision into the side netting. An hard flank run by Brasil, a let ball by a top offensive threat who was basically a decoy, and a lack of defense by an offensive sub. It gave the Brasilians a two-goal lead and that was all it would take. Kahn was brilliant (his bobble for the first goal not withstanding) and Marcos, who had been criticized before, was good. No, he was great. And that made a difference.
Thanks to Japan and Korea for a great month!!
ENHORABUENAS BRAZIL!!!! FELICIDADES!!!!
Fantastic game. Fantastic result.
Brasil did play the beautiful game. But for all the talk of Brasil being an offensive powerhouse (I tell non-soccer people they're the St Louis Rams of international soccer. That makes sense to US sports fans), they were great DEFENSIVELY. No goals allowed in the last 250 minutes or so of play. Not one goal since Michael Owen ran the field early in the England quarterfinal.
It was nice to see Brasil win, especially since Germany are a cinch to win it all in 2006 (they are the host, and when a soccer power is the host, they invariably win the Cup).
Definitely worth getting up at 3:30 am Pacific to catch the game live. And I'm glad O had the presence of mind to switch to the local Univision affiliate to watch the post-game ceremonies and celebrations. Stupid America-hating ABC. Had to cut to their backlog of commercials as soon as the game ended. They didn't show any of the ceremonies. After the commercials, my local ABC affiliate cut to some info-mercial cooking show, rather than cutting to the great shot of Cafú, up on a pedestal, holding the trophy, with all the silver confetti blowing around. Did I mention I'm hopelessly in love with Cafú? At least until Robert Carlos or Denilson calls first.
I thought ESPN might carry some of the ceremony ... after all it is supposed to be a sports broadcasting channel ... but no. They were showing some lame Sports Center with no cuts to the ceremonies. Obrigado, Univision, for showing ALL of the celebrations and ceremonies.
One last aside, all the prayers and Jesus references on the celebratory T-shirts (inexplicably, in English) ... more in-your-face Christianity than even Kurt Warner would display ... after the opening mini-scandal about the porn shipment to the Brazilian side's hotel ... os brasileiros were reminding me of something out of a Prince video. The juxtaposition of overt sexuality and sincere Christian thanksgiving ... it's so Prince! One more reason to love os brasileiros.
Brasil did play the beautiful game. But for all the talk of Brasil being an offensive powerhouse (I tell non-soccer people they're the St Louis Rams of international soccer. That makes sense to US sports fans), they were great DEFENSIVELY. No goals allowed in the last 250 minutes or so of play. Not one goal since Michael Owen ran the field early in the England quarterfinal.
It was nice to see Brasil win, especially since Germany are a cinch to win it all in 2006 (they are the host, and when a soccer power is the host, they invariably win the Cup).
Definitely worth getting up at 3:30 am Pacific to catch the game live. And I'm glad O had the presence of mind to switch to the local Univision affiliate to watch the post-game ceremonies and celebrations. Stupid America-hating ABC. Had to cut to their backlog of commercials as soon as the game ended. They didn't show any of the ceremonies. After the commercials, my local ABC affiliate cut to some info-mercial cooking show, rather than cutting to the great shot of Cafú, up on a pedestal, holding the trophy, with all the silver confetti blowing around. Did I mention I'm hopelessly in love with Cafú? At least until Robert Carlos or Denilson calls first.
I thought ESPN might carry some of the ceremony ... after all it is supposed to be a sports broadcasting channel ... but no. They were showing some lame Sports Center with no cuts to the ceremonies. Obrigado, Univision, for showing ALL of the celebrations and ceremonies.
One last aside, all the prayers and Jesus references on the celebratory T-shirts (inexplicably, in English) ... more in-your-face Christianity than even Kurt Warner would display ... after the opening mini-scandal about the porn shipment to the Brazilian side's hotel ... os brasileiros were reminding me of something out of a Prince video. The juxtaposition of overt sexuality and sincere Christian thanksgiving ... it's so Prince! One more reason to love os brasileiros.
But can Prince move along the touch with his left foot?
I'm amazed I called the final score correctly. I'm horrible at predictions. I thought Germany had a good strategy: mark Ronaldhino closely so that he couldn't go on one of his scything runs, control the ball and be patient. They really controlled the pace and a majority of the possession.
Leave it to a Liverpool FC player, the Red Scum Dietmar Hamann (Go Everton!), to cough up the ball. I loved the sequence of the first goal: Ronaldo gives up the ball, harries the Red Scum Hamann in to giving it up and the brilliant through-ball by Rivaldo ending in a well deserved Ronaldo goal. He's so cool in front of the goal! You could see the German players rushing their shots, making one pass too many etc.
Going up 1-0 played right in to Brazil's hands as the Germans had to push people forward and the Brazilians had space to run in (always dangerous). I think this was a match that even if they played 180 minutes, Germany probably wouldn't score! Solid defense by Brazil and always dangerous on the break, of course.
I thought the game was well played for the most part; there were a few stretches where it got scrappy and sloppy, but the tackles were mostly clean and well done and the play flowed pretty well. Pierluigi Collina totally kicks ass as a referee; if looks could kill, he'd be in for 30 years--the players don't mouth off to him and he calls a fair match and lets the players play. If only the other refeering had been of such a high quality, maybe Spain and Italy would have advanced further! Here's a nice story about the British linesman, Philip Sharp who I can pay the ultimate compliment to an official: I didn't notice he was there because he didn't screw up any calls!
*SIGH* So, on to Germany 2006. I'd LOVE to go--I love Germany and I especially love Germans like Thomas Linke, Dietmar Hamann, Joerg Boehm, and especially my two new boyfriends Bernd Schneider and Christoph Metzelder. Hmmmmm....watching the US and England in the World Cup--OK, IF they both qualify, not a given--and shagging tons of German guys, sounds like a winner to me!
The former German international Jurgen Klinsmann, who was incredible for Spurs some years ago, had a good point: something needs to be done about how the European leagues schedule their matches during World Cup years. A lot of European teams were without some key players because of injuries picked up in domestic leagues and there were some players that only had 3 weeks off before starting training for the World Cup. I don't really know what the solution is (less matches during a WC year? Elimination of some Cup competitions?), but it would be nice if each nation had their best players available. If they get hurt once the tournament starts, oh well....
So, lets see--Manchester United is supposed to play here in Los Angeles some time in July but I can't find one scrap of info about the where/who/when; and the English Premiereship starts up again August 17. I'll definitely be watching more of the Bundesliega this year and I hope Fox Sports World carries the Spanish La Liga. I hope some of the regulars on this thread will stick around and comment on the domestic leagues during the season. *Sniff* You've all been great and thanks for all the great pics!*Sniff*
[ June 30, 2002: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
I'm amazed I called the final score correctly. I'm horrible at predictions. I thought Germany had a good strategy: mark Ronaldhino closely so that he couldn't go on one of his scything runs, control the ball and be patient. They really controlled the pace and a majority of the possession.
Leave it to a Liverpool FC player, the Red Scum Dietmar Hamann (Go Everton!), to cough up the ball. I loved the sequence of the first goal: Ronaldo gives up the ball, harries the Red Scum Hamann in to giving it up and the brilliant through-ball by Rivaldo ending in a well deserved Ronaldo goal. He's so cool in front of the goal! You could see the German players rushing their shots, making one pass too many etc.
Going up 1-0 played right in to Brazil's hands as the Germans had to push people forward and the Brazilians had space to run in (always dangerous). I think this was a match that even if they played 180 minutes, Germany probably wouldn't score! Solid defense by Brazil and always dangerous on the break, of course.
I thought the game was well played for the most part; there were a few stretches where it got scrappy and sloppy, but the tackles were mostly clean and well done and the play flowed pretty well. Pierluigi Collina totally kicks ass as a referee; if looks could kill, he'd be in for 30 years--the players don't mouth off to him and he calls a fair match and lets the players play. If only the other refeering had been of such a high quality, maybe Spain and Italy would have advanced further! Here's a nice story about the British linesman, Philip Sharp who I can pay the ultimate compliment to an official: I didn't notice he was there because he didn't screw up any calls!
*SIGH* So, on to Germany 2006. I'd LOVE to go--I love Germany and I especially love Germans like Thomas Linke, Dietmar Hamann, Joerg Boehm, and especially my two new boyfriends Bernd Schneider and Christoph Metzelder. Hmmmmm....watching the US and England in the World Cup--OK, IF they both qualify, not a given--and shagging tons of German guys, sounds like a winner to me!
The former German international Jurgen Klinsmann, who was incredible for Spurs some years ago, had a good point: something needs to be done about how the European leagues schedule their matches during World Cup years. A lot of European teams were without some key players because of injuries picked up in domestic leagues and there were some players that only had 3 weeks off before starting training for the World Cup. I don't really know what the solution is (less matches during a WC year? Elimination of some Cup competitions?), but it would be nice if each nation had their best players available. If they get hurt once the tournament starts, oh well....
So, lets see--Manchester United is supposed to play here in Los Angeles some time in July but I can't find one scrap of info about the where/who/when; and the English Premiereship starts up again August 17. I'll definitely be watching more of the Bundesliega this year and I hope Fox Sports World carries the Spanish La Liga. I hope some of the regulars on this thread will stick around and comment on the domestic leagues during the season. *Sniff* You've all been great and thanks for all the great pics!*Sniff*
[ June 30, 2002: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
Doesn't this photo just say eveything you need to know about the World Cup Final?
For me the photo of Ronaldo helping Kahn get up, which I think may have occured after that photo was taken, says more about the Cup than any other I can recall. I think I linked it under Sexy Soccer Players in the Hot Jocks Talk section.
I also think Today's bottom is indicative of the reason soccer is not more popular in the USA. We are often gluttons when it comes to sports, and perhaps other things, and sometimes do not appreciate finer things. If we can't appreciate the subtleties of soccer without lusting for high scores, the sport will never be popular here.
On the other hand if soccer is not willing to give up it's anachronistic adherence to a single referee and no instant replays for referees after disputed plays, it will hurt it's chances of becoming more popular here as well. Tradition and keeping the clock running are no excuse.
Personally I have no trouble remaining interested in the sport and have only come to a deeper appreciation of it's finer points after being first drawn to the intimacy and bravery of playing an aggressive sport without massive armor. It's like comparing hand-to-hand combat with war by remote control. Close contact with your enemy/victim tends to humanize them and force one to think differently about them - hence sportsmanship becomes paramount.
BTW - intimacy and lack of cover are also a plus because you get to see more of those beautiful guys who play. My favorite "position" is goalie: players like Spain's Iker Casillas, Turkey's Recber Rustuand Germany's Oliver Kahn whose team eliminated the most attractive goalie in the Cup
Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Al-Deayea, all seen here in pre-World Cup 2002 photos. These guys truly represent both the finer points of the game and are fine examples of masculine beauty.
[ July 01, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]
I also think Today's bottom is indicative of the reason soccer is not more popular in the USA. We are often gluttons when it comes to sports, and perhaps other things, and sometimes do not appreciate finer things. If we can't appreciate the subtleties of soccer without lusting for high scores, the sport will never be popular here.
On the other hand if soccer is not willing to give up it's anachronistic adherence to a single referee and no instant replays for referees after disputed plays, it will hurt it's chances of becoming more popular here as well. Tradition and keeping the clock running are no excuse.
Personally I have no trouble remaining interested in the sport and have only come to a deeper appreciation of it's finer points after being first drawn to the intimacy and bravery of playing an aggressive sport without massive armor. It's like comparing hand-to-hand combat with war by remote control. Close contact with your enemy/victim tends to humanize them and force one to think differently about them - hence sportsmanship becomes paramount.
BTW - intimacy and lack of cover are also a plus because you get to see more of those beautiful guys who play. My favorite "position" is goalie: players like Spain's Iker Casillas, Turkey's Recber Rustuand Germany's Oliver Kahn whose team eliminated the most attractive goalie in the Cup
Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Al-Deayea, all seen here in pre-World Cup 2002 photos. These guys truly represent both the finer points of the game and are fine examples of masculine beauty.
[ July 01, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]
[quote]On the other hand if soccer is not willing to give up it's anachronistic adherence to a single referee and no instant replays for referees after disputed plays, it will hurt it's chances of becoming more popular here as well. Tradition and keeping the clock running are no excuse
Hmmm....I'm not in favor of instant replays myself; at lot of times they're inconclusive, for one thing. The biggest reason to have them is offside calls; but unless they have hundreds of cameras positioned along the pitch, it's going to be a call that's at the mercy of the camera angles. How many times have we all seen an NFL situation where the initial camera angle seems to indicate, say, a fumble, but when shown subsequent angles, a player has touched his knee on the ground.
But I'm all for having a second referee, though that begs the question, who's going to have ultimate authority? There's talk of having the extra ref behind the goal on corners and free kicks and to work out some method of using the 2nd ref to provide more coverage. My solution for World Cups, stagger the matches so that only Pierluigi Collina referres, isn't practical, is it?
Well, I'm starting to mull over the idea of going to Germany for WC2006. FIFA has a very informative site for it. The qualifying groups won't be announced until December 2003; the qualifiers will take place in late 2004/early 2005 and the draw for the groups for the final 32 teams will take place in late 2005/early 2006. The tournament is June 9-July 9, 2006. Mark your calendars!
Go England! Go USA! And to think, Ronaldo will still be only 30 in Germany; if he can keep his knees strong in the next 4 years, he'll still be a factor.
[ July 01, 2002: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
Hmmm....I'm not in favor of instant replays myself; at lot of times they're inconclusive, for one thing. The biggest reason to have them is offside calls; but unless they have hundreds of cameras positioned along the pitch, it's going to be a call that's at the mercy of the camera angles. How many times have we all seen an NFL situation where the initial camera angle seems to indicate, say, a fumble, but when shown subsequent angles, a player has touched his knee on the ground.
But I'm all for having a second referee, though that begs the question, who's going to have ultimate authority? There's talk of having the extra ref behind the goal on corners and free kicks and to work out some method of using the 2nd ref to provide more coverage. My solution for World Cups, stagger the matches so that only Pierluigi Collina referres, isn't practical, is it?
Well, I'm starting to mull over the idea of going to Germany for WC2006. FIFA has a very informative site for it. The qualifying groups won't be announced until December 2003; the qualifiers will take place in late 2004/early 2005 and the draw for the groups for the final 32 teams will take place in late 2005/early 2006. The tournament is June 9-July 9, 2006. Mark your calendars!
Go England! Go USA! And to think, Ronaldo will still be only 30 in Germany; if he can keep his knees strong in the next 4 years, he'll still be a factor.
[ July 01, 2002: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
[quote] The biggest reason to have them is offside calls; but unless they have hundreds of cameras positioned along the pitch, it's going to be a call that's at the mercy of the camera angles.
The USA might have gone one game further if a hand-ball had been called during the Germany game.
Spain was screwed I believe when outside (not offside) was probably wrongly called before a goal that was consequently disallowed.
I agree about the offside call being subject to camera-angle problems but referees in the NFL have the 'option' of the replay when there is a challenge - they're not required to change a judgement if the replay doesn't justify it. By default the initial call would stand.
Save a seat for me in Germany. Can't say that I'll be there but one more wet dream involving Sebastian Kehl and I may have to overcharge my credit card.
The USA might have gone one game further if a hand-ball had been called during the Germany game.
Spain was screwed I believe when outside (not offside) was probably wrongly called before a goal that was consequently disallowed.
I agree about the offside call being subject to camera-angle problems but referees in the NFL have the 'option' of the replay when there is a challenge - they're not required to change a judgement if the replay doesn't justify it. By default the initial call would stand.
Save a seat for me in Germany. Can't say that I'll be there but one more wet dream involving Sebastian Kehl and I may have to overcharge my credit card.
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