WORLD CUP 2006 / GERMANY

[J.A.W.]

BTW - I wonder (I'm not sure what I think myself) - if the top domestic leagues aren't of a higher standard than World Cup football, by and large? Different, as well, of course, but (Henry is a prime example), I sometimes have limited truck with 'can't pull it off at international level' arguments...

I wonder about that too. There were quite a few horrid games during the current World Cup, but I've also seen a lot of German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga and Premiership games (all these leagues are shown on Dutch TV) that were unbelievably bad...

[Alexander Hawkins]

BTW - I wonder (I'm not sure what I think myself) - if the top domestic leagues aren't of a higher standard than World Cup football, by and large? Different, as well, of course, but (Henry is a prime example), I sometimes have limited truck with 'can't pull it off at international level' arguments...

I wonder about that too. There were quite a few horrid games during the current World Cup, but I've also seen a lot of German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga and Premiership games (all these leagues are shown on Dutch TV) that were unbelievably bad...

For sure; although around relegation time, there're always those matches falling into the 'so bad, they're good' category !

I suppose it's an apples and oranges type question in the end.

So...predictions for the semis?

I'll have

Germany 2 - 0 Italy

and

Portugal 0 - 1 France.

Scores are just an outside guess really. Fluke of flukes if I get them right. But I'm fairly sure about the winners of the games. I can't see the Germans not beating Italy, especially being the home team etc. And Portugal really didn't trouble the England goal in the QF, and I wouldn't really back them against an 'on-song' France.

[Claude]

I never watch football except for the World or European Cup (i.e. a couple of matches every two years). It's only the excitement of the occasion that makes it interesting. I watched the horrible Switzerland-Ukraine game in Delft (Netherlands) on a hotel TV smaller than a PC monitor, with dutch commentary, and I enjoyed it. But after the final, no football for me until the next Cup.

As there are large portugese, italian, french and german minorities in Luxembourg, there will certainly be a lot of celebration and disappointment here in the next days.

[mikeweil]

So...predictions for the semis?

I'll have

Germany 2 - 0 Italy

and

Portugal 0 - 1 France.

Same here.

I wasn't surprised Brazil was knocked out of the tournament, just like the Argentinians (who played much better in comparison) they were much too sure of themselves. It's the real teamwork that wins the games here - and the real strong will to make it. The French are just beginning to get it. Those German players are so unpretentious, I wish them well - which I never before did!

Edited July 2, 2006 by mikeweil

[Brad]

Some fine commentary here since yesterday. As far as predictions, I'll go with the current thinking. However, I think that it will be France 2-0. I just hope that the quality, if you can call it that, of the Portugal team doesn't result in any yellow cards that have players missing from the final, especially Zidane.

[P.L.M]

I just hope that the quality, if you can call it that, of the Portugal team doesn't result in any yellow cards that have players missing from the final, especially Zidane.

I'm very worried about that to.

Not so much for ZIDANE. Like everybody he can do bad fault (and not specially clever one) but he can behave himself better than anyone in the field when, he MUST do it. Of course, the possible provocation from PORTUGAL's players, the traditionnal diving that do EVERY players since a quater of century now, is something that can trick any refeere about any player.

I'm more afraid about the back. Imagine than SAGNOL, THURAM, VIEIRA or MAKELELE get a yellow and bye bye FRANCE.

Even if they qualified (who's far to be done, even if I'm quoite confident), you don't rebuilt a defense with players who has ZERO minutes play in the legs (CHIMBONDA, BOUMSONG) or les than a handfull of minutes (DIARRA, DORHASOO) to front the FINAL GAME.

And, without them, aniway, it will not be the team that we've liked to watch during the two last games.

As PORTUGAL is concern, I'm not so negative about the way they behave, anyway.

NEDERLAND has started the brutal playing (the treament that the "Little Pisser" receive after seven minutes of playing.

Against ENGLAND who will never makes it as it seems, they plaid very borderline, but IMO, "The little Pisser" (who shot a masterfull PK, by the way) was less annoying than his friend, from "MU", the terrible Mr ROONEY who is full of blood and nerves but who have to learn fast and deep that he can't BEHAVE the way he does when playing at this level.

Never think, by the way, than ERIKSSON was a good choice to lead this team.

And to lead it so long.

I'm afraid that the trainer they choose as succesor, is not the guy who can bring an answer to the sole and only question that he should solve: why a team full of great players like ENGLAND disbanded so tragically everytime that they must really GOING ON and SHOWs WHO THEY ARE.

Edited July 2, 2006 by P.L.M

[chris olivarez]

Congrats to the French for making it to the semis. I'm not sure if they are usually the better team then Brazil but they sure do have the Brazilians number.

[Alexander Hawkins]

I just hope that the quality, if you can call it that, of the Portugal team doesn't result in any yellow cards that have players missing from the final, especially Zidane.

I'm very worried about that to.

Not so much for ZIDANE. Like everybody he can do bad fault (and not specially clever one) but he can behave himself better than anyone in the field when, he MUST do it. Of course, the possible provocation from PORTUGAL's players, the traditionnal diving that do EVERY players since a quater of century now, is something that can trick any refeere about any player.

I'm more afraid about the back. Imagine than SAGNOL, THURAM, VIEIRA or MAKELELE get a yellow and bye bye FRANCE.

Even if they qualified (who's far to be done, even if I'm quoite confident), you don't rebuilt a defense with players who has ZERO minutes play in the legs (CHIMBONDA, BOUMSONG) or les than a handfull of minutes (DIARRA, DORHASOO) to front the FINAL GAME.

And, without them, aniway, it will not be the team that we've liked to watch during the two last games.

As PORTUGAL is concern, I'm not so negative about the way they behave, anyway.

NEDERLAND has started the brutal playing (the treament that the "Little Pisser" receive after seven minutes of playing.

Against ENGLAND who will never makes it as it seems, they plaid very borderline, but IMO, "The little Pisser" (who shot a masterfull PK, by the way) was less annoying than his friend, from "MU", the terrible Mr ROONEY who is full of blood and nerves but who have to learn fast and deep that he can't BEHAVE the way he does when playing at this level.

Never think, by the way, than ERIKSSON was a good choice to lead this team.

And to lead it so long.

I'm afraid that the trainer they choose as succesor, is not the guy who can bring an answer to the sole and only question that he should solve: why a team full of great players like ENGLAND disbanded so tragically everytime that they must really GOING ON and SHOWs WHO THEY ARE.

Nothing to add from me - I think you've nailed it !

[Brad]

Looking at the French yellow card situation, there is some cause for concern: Zidane, Viera, Ribery, Sagnol and Thuram each have one. Losing any of them could be a problem in the final.

[kenny weir]

Kenny - well done to the Socceroos (I have an Aussie mate who was out at a couple of the games). Unlike many of the teams, I think they managed to transcend their reputation.

I agree. This is even truer in light of subsequent results involving "powers" such as England, Sweden, Netherlands, Brazil etc etc.

Onwards and upwards for us from here on in. I can be very much the "half full" sort when I want to, so I can agree with the growing view that the tragic 1-0 loss to Italy could actually be the best thing that ever happened to Australian soccer - it's already part of our sports folklore.

Had we got to the semi-finals - quite probable given Ukraine's capitulation to Italy - it would would have been magnificent but perhaps lessened any incentive for the future.

As it is, we've now got a real beaut of a chip on our shoulder to inspire us for next time.

As I said before, there's a lot of retirements coming up and a new coach to find, as well as real nitty gritty stuff like youth development, Asian Cup, Beijing and so on.

And keeping a close eye on the 150 or so Aussies playing In Europe. BTW, how may Americans doing likewise?

Despite being on hols with my son, I've managed to watch most games. Fleeting impressions: England and Brazil, never in it really; Argentina and Spain, found out at last. For obvious reasons, I'll be rooting for Germany against Italy. As for France-Portugal, the French are playing like the Brazilians of this tournament!

[kenny weir]

... and the real strong will to make it.

This for me is the story of the tournament and largely why I am a happy Australian supporter. And for all their brilliance. individual and otherwise, those super powers who have departed deserve their fate.

[Phil Meloy]

Does anyone else think that Peter Crouch is the worst striker to ever play for England?

You could always put forward Emile Heskey as a candidate for that honour but I suppose you would have to try and make some kind of case that he was actually a striker in the first place.

[Phil Meloy]

Portugal's goalie has won the game for them. Terrific penalty stopper!

Hans, you are totally wrong: the English are terrible kickers.

Oh I don't know - Rooney got a good one in...

[marcoliv]

Congratulations Marcus! I hope you find refuge in the french embassy in Rio to celebrate

Merci mon cher Claude

some neighbors effectively complained about my behavior during the game but anyone who really know about me is sure about my deep passion for the french team.

i suffered a lot during the game expecting for a late goal from the yellow team but it was a complete relief when the referee blowed the final whistle.

after 4 years of retirement Zidane was back and played marvellously well and this had positive impact on the other players. i still think Henry should improve his playing on this competition.

we are far ahead from what i expected on this competition but i still think we should have Trezeguet on the team. i think it's a 50-50 against Portugal as their coach is a specialist on this kind of challenge.

after 4 years of misery it was very good to have a genuine moment of happiness

Impossible is not french

Allez les Bleus!

[couw]

In an extra speedy process following up on the Argentina-Germany brawl, FIFA has banned Germany's Frings from playing tomorrow.

[Alexander Hawkins]

Somewhat puzzling, I believe that Frings has actually been given a two game suspension - but the second game will be postponed should Germany make it through to the final. I can't decide whether this is or , morally speaking!

[J.A.W.]

Somewhat puzzling, I believe that Frings has actually been given a two game suspension - but the second game will be postponed should Germany make it through to the final. I can't decide whether this is or , morally speaking!

Not quite. He has been given a two-game ban with the second game suspended, period. Whether Germany qualify for the final or not is not relevant for the suspended game.

Edited July 4, 2006 by J.A.W.

[couw]

what I find a bit puzzling is that Frings is banned in an extra speedy process and that Figo is allowed to play after the Netherlands game. In case of Figo, FIFA points to the ref having made the decision and that's it. In case of Frings the ref was also only a few metres away, watching the goings on. Also: Cruz says he was not hit. Frings says he was just waving his arms in order not to be hit as he had been twice already. I find this all a bit shady and it looks to me as if FIFA wants to set an example and needs one of the Germany team so it can show what fine objective Association they are. To me it is still a bunch of authoritarian dickheads.

[P.L.M]

what I find a bit puzzling is that Frings is banned in an extra speedy process and that Figo is allowed to play after the Netherlands game. In case of Figo, FIFA points to the ref having made the decision and that's it. In case of Frings the ref was also only a few metres away, watching the goings on. Also: Cruz says he was not hit. Frings says he was just waving his arms in order not to be hit as he had been twice already. I find this all a bit shady and it looks to me as if FIFA wants to set an example and needs one of the Germany team so it can show what fine objective Association they are. To me it is still a bunch of authoritarian dickheads.

I'm obliged to aggreed with you one hundred per cent even if the possibility for the ref. to make any kind of intervention has ended with the match.

It was the work of the police at that moment (fight(s) between people in public place.)

What the referee, the officials, the FIFA observers, etc. can do is giving penalties (after inquires who can take a "certain time") to some players and officials from both team and to both team themselfves (look what happen to the Turks after the fight with the Swiss in the qualifying round for the WC.)

It would not be impossible to imagine than ARGENTINA will get some heavy penalties (oblige to play its qualifying games for the next WC away from home, by exemple) if we wasn't confronting to THIS FIFA, to whom the financial aspect of any kind of problem they encountered comme first and "justice" very much in second.

So, not much will happen here even if it was a WORLD disgrace.

Edited July 4, 2006 by P.L.M

[king ubu]

So...predictions for the semis?

I'll have

Germany 2 - 0 Italy

and

Portugal 0 - 1 France.

Same here.

I wasn't surprised Brazil was knocked out of the tournament, just like the Argentinians (who played much better in comparison) they were much too sure of themselves. It's the real teamwork that wins the games here - and the real strong will to make it. The French are just beginning to get it. Those German players are so unpretentious, I wish them well - which I never before did!

Mike, funny you should say this! You know, there are tons of Germans living in Switzerland (in Zurich I think they're the largest or second largest foreign group), and many of them are spreading out and being very loud and more or less naturally take more place for themselves than they leave for others... (sorry, it's no cliché, just drive the tramway and you'll see/hear yourself) and during the world cup things get even worse, of course (swiss behaviour gets worse, too, obviously... soccer seems to be an enemy of manners anyway). Now granted the Swiss *never* are fans of the German team, but now following only losely some games, some statements of Klinsmann etc. and witnessing the new and totally sympathic spirit of that team, I indeed wish them luck, too. The problem of the arrogance of many of the fans remains, of course, and I don't with anything to the fans, but the team looks indeed like they're very unpretentious.

And on the Frings-thing: isn't it totally ridiculous that based upon out-of-focus tv images where you cannot judge on distance (to me, the fist of Frings looks like it's at least 20 or 30 cm in front - or to the left - of the Argentinian's face) they are giving this pentalty? These images look like a make-believe hitting scene of a Laurel & Hardy kind of film... best someone makes sure FIFA gets rid fast of that corrupt swiss guy heading them! (But I guess there are 20 of the same making in the queue behind him, waiting to replace him if he goes...)

[Alexander Hawkins]

Somewhat puzzling, I believe that Frings has actually been given a two game suspension - but the second game will be postponed should Germany make it through to the final. I can't decide whether this is or , morally speaking!

Not quite. He has been given a two-game ban with the second game suspended, period. Whether Germany qualify for the final or not is not relevant for the suspended game.

Ah - I hadn't appreciated that Hans. Slightly more understandable this way!

[P.L.M]

Now granted the Swiss *never* are fans of the German team, but now following only losely some games, some statements of Klinsmann etc. and witnessing the new and totally sympathic spirit of that team, I indeed wish them luck, too.

All the contrary, here, my KING.

In my view, what the football/ soccer's world doesn't NEED today is another GERMAN victory, deserved or not.

Maybe some of you has already forget HOW the german got the organisation of this cup who, normally, should have been organised by SOUTH-AFRICA.

So, sorry but I'm rooted for the three other teams, what so ever.

FRANCE first, of course, but ITALIA also and, yes, yes, PORTUGAL if it is that team who reach the final (what I'm not specially hopping).

[mikeweil]

So...predictions for the semis?

I'll have

Germany 2 - 0 Italy

and

Portugal 0 - 1 France.

Same here.

I wasn't surprised Brazil was knocked out of the tournament, just like the Argentinians (who played much better in comparison) they were much too sure of themselves. It's the real teamwork that wins the games here - and the real strong will to make it. The French are just beginning to get it. Those German players are so unpretentious, I wish them well - which I never before did!

Mike, funny you should say this! You know, there are tons of Germans living in Switzerland (in Zurich I think they're the largest or second largest foreign group), and many of them are spreading out and being very loud and more or less naturally take more place for themselves than they leave for others... (sorry, it's no cliché, just drive the tramway and you'll see/hear yourself) and during the world cup things get even worse, of course (swiss behaviour gets worse, too, obviously... soccer seems to be an enemy of manners anyway). Now granted the Swiss *never* are fans of the German team, but now following only losely some games, some statements of Klinsmann etc. and witnessing the new and totally sympathic spirit of that team, I indeed wish them luck, too. The problem of the arrogance of many of the fans remains, of course, and I don't with anything to the fans, but the team looks indeed like they're very unpretentious.

And on the Frings-thing: isn't it totally ridiculous that based upon out-of-focus tv images where you cannot judge on distance (to me, the fist of Frings looks like it's at least 20 or 30 cm in front - or to the left - of the Argentinian's face) they are giving this pentalty? These images look like a make-believe hitting scene of a Laurel & Hardy kind of film... best someone makes sure FIFA gets rid fast of that corrupt swiss guy heading them! (But I guess there are 20 of the same making in the queue behind him, waiting to replace him if he goes...)

I made the same observations here - fortunately, the spirit of the team and the fans are two pairs of shoes. If Germany gets the championship, this country will be going overboard in a week-long celebration party ....... I have to say, I didn't sense any aggressive type of nationalism, just exuberant fandom. Contary to some English fans who couldn't behave themselves. I can't help but feel that many are using this all to forget all the political/financial/social problems in this country for one month ....

The FIFA rules need some revision: Using TV recordings to judge problematical scenes, for one thing.

The scenes at the end of the Argentina-Germany game remind of what the Swiss experienced when they kicked Turkey out of the qualification - bad losers!

[mikeweil]

Now granted the Swiss *never* are fans of the German team, but now following only losely some games, some statements of Klinsmann etc. and witnessing the new and totally sympathic spirit of that team, I indeed wish them luck, too.

All the contrary, here, my KING.

In my view, what the football/ soccer's world doesn't NEED today is another GERMAN victory, deserved or not.

Maybe some of you has already forget HOW the german got the organisation of this cup who, normally, should have been organised by SOUTH-AFRICA.

So, sorry but I'm rooted for the three other teams, what so ever.

FRANCE first, of course, but ITALIA also and, yes, yes, PORTUGAL if it is that team who reach the final (what I'm not specially hopping).

If you blame FIFA etc. for not keeping politics out of the game, you shouldn't say we don't need a German championship - for political considerations just the same. If that was right, there would be no need for the topurnament but the "politically correct" team could be elected. This is not a Nobel Prize, but a world cup, and those who score get it. You can't blame the German team for the political background.

[mikeweil]

That said, let's get back to enjoying the games and continue this discussion in the politics forum .....

Edited July 4, 2006 by mikeweil