Brad

Here are some of refereeing decisions indicative of anti-americanism. Oh, darn, I forgot the USA wasn't involved in these. Oh, well, on with the show: In a group stage match between Croatia and Australia in 2006, referee Graham Poll failed to properly record a yellow card for Croatia's Josip Simunic. So when Simunic later received a second yellow card, Poll did not send him off, since he had inadvertently given Simunic's first yellow to an Australian player. It took a third yellow card later in the match (for dissent) for Poll to send off Simunic. The match ended 2-2. As a result of the blunder, Poll, a highly respected referee, never again officiated a World Cup match. In the Round of 16 in 2002, the South Koreans scored an astounding upset against Italy ... thanks to the help of Ecuadorian referee Byron Moreno. Moreno controversially sent off Italian striker Francesco Totti after giving him a second yellow card for diving (replays later showed there was contact on the foul). Then, Moreno disallowed an Italian goal in extra time with a bogus offside whistle. The South Koreans would go on to win 2-1 in the extra period, and Moreno would later encounter numerous other charges of match-fixing. Not a refereeing decision but those new fans who may wonder why the final group stage matches are played at the same time, here's the answer: In 1982 a draw or an Austrian win would eliminate West Germany. A German win by three or more goals would eliminate Austria. But a German victory by one or two goals would eliminate Algeria. After the West Germans scored 10 minutes into the match, the two sides basically kicked the ball around, doing very little, almost intentionally trying not to score. When the final 1-0 score line eliminated Algeria, the African side lodged a complaint with FIFA. The result was allowed to stand, but it was clear to everyone what had happened.

Unfortunately, ref screwups are legion in WC. For instance, the ref screwed up in the Brasil match today by not calling a hand ball on Brasil. I guess he hates the Ivory Coast. But wait, he kicked out a Brasilian player. So I guess he's biased against both of them. If you read my prior post, you'd see FIFA rated his performance as poor. I recommend that you watch a few matches and not just WC before making inane pronouncements.

Clarification: in my last post in the last sentence, I meant to say the US Slovenia match Mali ref, in case anyone wonders what I meant. I also heard somehwhere that some match was going to use a ref from the Seychelles. That's another head shaker.

I don't really want to get too involved in this whole sportsmanship argument but I am an American who loves football and I just don't agree. To me, it's just part of the fabric of the game. People here, that is those who only watch the game mostly at WC time, don't realize what a physical game and because goals at any level are at a premium players are always looking for an edge. I also think these kind of comments from people who don't watch the game year round. I would encourage you to get Fox Soccer Channel and watch the English Premier League from August to May and you'll take in what a great game this is. I think that's what steroids are all about in baseball or spitballs, etc. I'm not saying I like what I see sometimes but it happens and FIFA has tried a little bit to eliminate the dives. I'm sure they will look at the Kaka expulsion and overturn that. Fortunately, that had no effect on the game. Yes, refs make mistakes but you can blame FIFA for having refs from countries not used to coaching big games. I watch the Premier League in England quite a bit and generally the refs get it right. By the way FIFA has rated the US mail ref "poor" for what it's worth; hopefully he won't work another match in this tournament.

From what we are seeing so far, there are no easy matches. The so called minnows are fighting hard.

Can we get somebody to delete that stupid post and while he's at it maybe the poster can....oh, never mind, why sink to his level.

Are you sure about that? Right now there is no goal differential between Denmark and Japan. However, Denmark have scored more goals. So, if they tie, doesn't Denmark go through on that basis? Results so far: Netherlands 2, Denmark 0 Japan 1, Cameroon 0 Netherlands 1, Japan 0 Cameroon 1, Denmark 2 Denmark's goal difference is -1 (2-3), while Japan's is 0 (1-1), so if they draw Japan will advance to the last 16 (rules, post #165) Yes, I just realized that Denmark had lost 2 nil. For some reason, I thought that it was only 1 nil. Based on what I saw today, I hope Denmark advance. Japan is just sterile.

Are you sure about that? Right now there is no goal differential between Denmark and Japan. However, Denmark have scored more goals. So, if they tie, doesn't Denmark go through on that basis?

Pretty unbelieveable is all I can say. Over on ESPN Steve Mcmanaman absolutely killed them. The one thing is sure that Algeria is no push over. However, they can't score. Unless England get their act together, they will be heading home and if that comes to pass, I wouldn't head home for awhile.

Say goodnight Gracie.

Particularly Brasil Looks like Germany could be in some trouble since you assume that Ghana will pick up some points from Australia and Serbia the same when they meet the Aussies. That could leave Germany a tough match with Ghana to move on.

Replays seemed to show that the Mexican player was even with the defender as the ball was struck while he was making his run; he timed it perfectly.

When the ball is struck there has to be at least two defenders (including the goalie) between the offensive player and the goal. If the offensive player is slightly past, he's off sides. In every Cup they say that the refs are told to give the benefit of the doubt to the offensive player but it rarely seems to happen that way.

As far as goal difference, right now Uruguay is sitting pretty. Even if they lose by a goal or two, France, to beat them, will have to do something they haven't yet done: score!

I didn't see the whole match but not a good effort from France. Mexico played a little better but nothing to get crazy about. The only hope for either France or SA is for Uruguay or Mexico to beat the other. However, if those two decide to take it easy, France and SA are out. Moreover, there's nothing to indicate that France could beat SA or vice versa so those two are probably going home in any event (although I guess SA doesn't have far to travel )

Yes, the German match was the star of a generally lackluster series of first games. Let's hope that the Uruguay match is a sign of things to come. I think France Mexico has potential for a very good match as they both know that a victory may give them a leg up on putting them through.

As a fellow supporter, I couldn't agree more and I don't like Del Bosque saying the Swiss took advantage of dead balls and counters. Hey, that's what it's all about. They may be lucky they face Honduras next.

With South Africa out, the news just keeps getting worse for FIFA (Spain debacle).

Looks like SA is getting ready to be shown the door. They have to hope that France Mexico tie and then they beat France next week.

What a major disappointment. This is 1998 all over again. Their going through would not appear likely. Chile should gather three point from the Swiss and the Swiss probably three from Honduras. Spain should beat Honduras but Chile who knows. If they do, it will come down to goal differential. A very tough road. What a disaster. I can only imagine what the reaction is back in Spain.

The Yankees split is what you would generally expect. The Rays' split is very unusual, to say the least.

I only got to see abut of the first half and they weren't very impressive. The North Koreans could be a challenge for the other two sides.

Looks like the Mets are continuing to feed off the AL bottom feeders: four straight from Os and Tribe. They've made their road record go from putrid to just bad

We should probably add in Hans' comment above. I can only think that teams are being cautious so as not to behind the eight ball for the second group match; better a tie than a loss may be the thought.

Unfortunately work intervenes (darn!) and I didn't see the match. Just more of the same I assume that we've seen from everybody except Germany and maybe Argentina.