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Sorin captained the Argentinian youth side under Jose Pekerman - right?

let me guess, saviola...... the reason why he is favoring him over tevez!!

Good morning from Ecuador
I really follow premier league, i am really disapointing with England perfomance. Why the difference, the system the team has or the external players are so good that beat the native england guys.
We are proud of our effort, it is not enough but when you are climbing you have some steps to go, we did yesterday. As i understand we close the lines to cut england attacks. Rooney is extremly good but yesterday get no help, Beckman, just the free kick. Where are Lampard and Gerrard? Also Fernidand and Terry may go back to league one and learn to play and deffense, all the world cup looked bad, just remember Sweden second goal. If they play similar to Portugal than you did yesterday, just pack the bags and get home.

Stephan Blunt -- Now I don't mean any disrespect, but what a load of rubbish!

I do hope England will go all the way, but for all the giving out about Sweden and the poor peformance by Ibra and Larsson, England still has the worst Swede in Sven Goran.
I watch football only every 4 years, but I do enjoy it then,thanks to all the nationalities and all the different styles,in a game that only does it for me then. From a Swede living in Ireland. Good Luck.

Sorry Steven, but you've forgotten that the the ref gave Sweden the chance to get back in the game by awarding them a penalty (having said that the ref missed a certain yellow card for a blatant Ballack handball).
I have also been saying that the German side haven't met a decent team yet, Sweden were surprisingly devoid of the passion with which they played England BUT one must give the German team credit, they've played attacking football whenever possible and, I have to grudgingly admit, been deservedly rewarded.
The way England have been playing, I'm not sure that they've exactly put on a show befitting a team supposed to be challenging for the trophy.

stephan blunt is surely nuts?

Stephan Blunt, do you mind me asking where you're from? I just wonder if your ideas are fuelled by national bias.
I think your conspiracy theory is a little far fetched. I especially contest the idea that Englands group was easy. Paraguay and Sweden are both excellent teams. Furthermore how much money do you think its going to take to bribe portugese and dutch players to play badly?? Theyre massively over-paid already and there is no possible financial insentive that would override their desire for greatness, and what about the financial insentives of Brazilian victory? Isn't Ronaldhino now the worlds most valuable player?
As for Germany the simple fact of the matter is that theyre excellent competitors in the world cup. They always have been and they always will be. I can see them giving argentina a suprise kicking and going on to the final. Italy is the only other team in that half of the draw with any promise.

I'm sorry, but the consiracy theory above is so amusing I almost fell of my chair! I suggest cutting down on the weed and joining the real world Stephan!

Bias and match fixing is human nature and has a long tradition in the World Cup (see Italy 1934 for most blatant examples, e.g., ref heading ball to Italian players). Even if they are not actually bribed in this tournament it must be extremely difficult for refs to be truly unbiased and potentially spoil the big FIFA marketing party - a party from which they too derive their bread.

Saviola sounds a good guess....but I'm going for Maxi Rodriguez.

to Stephan Blunt:
I do not see any reason for conspiracy theories. The second yellow card for Lucic was tough but justifiable. It was a stupid tactical foul. If you already have a yellow card - you simply don't do sth like that. Lucic, by the way, didn't complain about it either. The game could have easily been a 5 -0 for Germany. There is no need to search for an obscure match-fixed scandal.

There is a lot of bad refereeing happening at this WC. But I don't see a preference of the hosts. Actually conceded one irregular goal in their first game.

Nobody seems to be willing to talk about weaknesses in German defence and goal keeper. No body also talks about the Kinsman's decsion not to use Oliver kahn. Why?

@Keith Sanderson

> (having said that the ref missed a
> certain yellow card for a blatant
> Ballack handball).

... and he sure missed the Swedish body-check sending Ballack ballistic. Also, Lucic had been literally asking for the red card. He had been booked before and just kept complaining to the ref. Actually, just a few seconds before he was finally sent off a friend of mine casually remarked 'He's due.'

I think Luis Gonzalez was captain?

hello friends,
i somehow agree with stephen blunt's assessment. I am a big cricket and football fan. I cannot till date explain why India reached the final of last cricket world cup and south korea reached the semis in last football world cup. My wife says its simple- where does money come from for ICC and FIFA respectively and i got my answer.

I am going to guess at Julio Arca from Sunderland. I know he was highly thought of when we signed him and was Under 21 captain around that time so going to go for Julio Arca.

Steven Blunt

Scary things is what if he is right and Germany and England do progress with the help of the Refs or a n other source.

I look forward to reading more wise words for Mr Blunt!

Anyway who cares as long as Enlgand bring the cup home

I agree with SB's comments wholeheartedly. Also did you know that during the 66 and 74' WC, the the english and Germans respectively arranged with Emperor Zog of Pluto to suck the energy levels from the opposition teams via a flux capacitor discreetly placed on the roof of the stadia.

Ossie Ardilles ?

I think tevez was argentina's captain at that tournament.As for Stephen's blog above, I can only say that the guy deserves a shot at script-writing in Hollywood.

Pablo Zabaleta was captain if i remember correctly.....Messi was top scorer and player of the tournament.

Tevez and Saviola were around in the 2003 and 2001 competitions respectivly.

As for Klingsman if he keeps winning why wouldnt people have more respect for him. As for Khan....lehman was amazing last season for arsenal (until the final of the champiuons league)....and he has kept 3 clean sheets in 4 games of this world cup. Klingsman announced him as his No.1 before the world cup so i cant see what Oliver Khan is so shocked about!

Pablo Zabaleta was captain of Argentina under pekerman in the world youth cup if i remember.

Tevez was in the 2003 world cup and saviola the one before that.

more a question pardon me if i sound thick, what happens if all the matches for example in group a finish nil nil draws, how would you decide which teams went through, hardly likely to happen i know but what would happen if it did

RE SB's conspiracy theory:
Too far fetched? Remember Argentina vs Peru in '78? Needed 4 goals to get to final but won 6-0.

Dear Stephen Blunt, why are you pulling our legs? Are you trying to write a piece of satire? (If so, you are as good at it as the English team has been at playing good soccer.)

If the match fixing was such an issue - why aren't the Yanks on the march? Especially as most of the big sponsors are based over there??

Come on Blunty, get real!

I have wondered if there is bias from the referees during some of the games, but teams get the run of decisions sometimes, that's the way it goes.

I have to say that the refereeing in this tournament has been awful, with rare exception. 16 yellow cards and 4 red cards in 1 match??? And as for England's own Mr Poll giving out 3 yellows to one player in one game, I despair. Fifa should submit an emergency rule-change to raise referee age limit so they can draft in Collina for the final.

See all this fixing stuff is pure crap.The biggest market generators for fifa is asia 2day.then why is no asian team in second round.South korea is the largest marketing zone.
millions were gathering to watch their every mtch.their reaching the quarters or semis wud hv. been like a dream come true for sponsors and fifa alike.but no asian team at all.

As for Germany.they r the 2nd best team ever after brazil.they always do well at WC.k wht. abt. last WC.same thing.no one gave them a chance and they reached the finals.was tht. too fixed and why germany again???and u mean brazil won tht. WC by fixing.
See i know ref's take money sometimes.but this WC is pure.no doubt.

And why r Eng giving such low key performances if they r supposed to win.??brazil always peak later anyway.u know nothing abt. soccer.let it b.cut the crap.

Surely of all countries, England is LEAST likely get favours from FIFA. Considering it was England that led the attempted removal of Sepp Blatter for alleged corruption just a few years ago i would be a little surprised to see them doling out help to our cause.
It was the vast array of African nations that propped up Blatter and let him continue to fight another day. If help was given anywhere it would be there, methinks.
Actually there are several countries (USA for example) that are virtually assured of playing in the finals due to the ludicrously weighted teams they have to play to qualify (American Samoa etc.)If only England had such generosity from the powers that be.

Surely of all countries, England is LEAST likely get favours from FIFA. Considering it was England that led the attempted removal of Sepp Blatter for alleged corruption just a few years ago i would be a little surprised to see them doling out help to our cause.
It was the vast array of African nations that propped up Blatter and let him continue to fight another day. If help was given anywhere it would be there, methinks.
Actually there are several countries (USA for example) that are virtually assured of playing in the finals due to the ludicrously weighted teams they have to play to qualify (American Samoa etc.)If only England had such generosity from the powers that be.

The conspiracy theory is interesting if you ignore the fact that Germany had destroyed Sweden way before Lucic was expelled and that Sweden got a phantom penalty on the second half.

stephen wht. u speak has no rationale.
See which is the numero uno market for Fifa.
Asia.how many asian teams in 2nd round:zero.
South korea is the marketing zone.millions were watching on the streets on big screens.it wud hv. been raining billions for both sponsors and for fifa if SK hd. reached evn quarters.

abt. germany:the 2nd greatest footballing nation after brazil.always done well.k. this WC is fixed.Wht. abt. the previous one?they went thru to finals.how??again fixed.why germany again??and did brazil win coz it was fixed.

England hv. performed v.poorly.if they r gonna b champs they shd. hv. been better.and brazil always peak late.u know nothing abt. soccer.
cut the crap.go to hell.WC is pure.

As a long sufering world cup fan, last night was the final straw and epitomized the malaise that is running deep in this beautiful game. Really, how many more world cups must be subjected to blatant corruption and interfering?

It seems that FIFA have yet again set the wheels in motion for their influence to decide the ultimate winners of this once great tournament.

A great English fan I am, but a proud supporter would I not be if England win this year. Fifa have decided; a mediocre England team will win it.

Let's look at last night: Unclear as to who might become England's next opponents the refree decides to take action and tears strips off both sides to weaken them as much as possible for the next round against England.

The world needs to open its eyes and realize that we have lost our beautiul tournament.

Let's look at some hitorical evidence of Fifa interference: Maradona was cheated in 1994 for speaking out against FIFA, Ronaldo the same in 1998 and even this year. In 2002 Italy were robbed again and Korea made it to the semi to promote football in their potentially very rich market.

The stage is set yet again, for a FIFA-chosen winner to emerge. England will not have to rely on magic to win, because they have Fifa on their side. Why not just present the cup already to England so that the rest of us who care about the game can watch great football to see who "wins" as runners up?

I am an England fan, but if we are to win the world cup, let's win it fairly and let's not ruin the greatest game in the world.

Please sit up and listen. Please take note; this tournament is not what we believe it to be.

What a cheat to get a penelty in the final seconds of the oz italy match

This must the most terribly officiated world cup! The rules that are applied are almost the same as Basketball rules. Since when is shoulder to shoulder is a yellow card or a bad tackle? Aren't this referees supposed to be the cream of the crop? What's up with the many lame calls, yellow and red cards? I was watching this afternoon's game btn Italy and Australia, as usual, the Italians seem to squeek through the games and this one was an excellent example. How on earth could the referee give a penalty kick in the dying seconds? Not only that, it wasn't even supposed to be a penalty. Neill was down and Grosso tripped over him...the referee??(the eleventh player for Italy) was outside of the box and had a clear view of the play. Outrageously horrible!
Are these referees told to make these lousy calls? If so, FIFA might as well apply Basketball rules. Why are they(FIFA?) ruining the most beautiful sport on earth?

Italy are a bunch of cheats. Australia were all over them in the second half and didn't deserve to lose from a cheating dive.

Wasn't Coloccini the Captain?
But on the final against Ghana, he was missing because of 2 yellow cards.

Even the G眉nther Netzer, German TV pundit, agrees that even though the penalty was given for a correct reason it was very dirty cheating from the Italians.

Possessing neither the motivation or athleticism to play football for real owing to my 2 bottles of red wine and 40-a-day habit, it's nice to watch someone else do it for me on the telly.

Admittedly England are not playing the most awe inspiring footy I've ever seen but surely the idea is to get results rather than being a marketing contest.

I'm not the world's biggest football fan, but the World Cup only comes round every 4 years and surely it's appropriate (even mandatory) for everyone to get behind the national team, whether in Germany or not, and support our guys out there doing the hard work, playing football rather than commentating.

I'm sure the whole England squad realise there's 30+ Million people watching or listening back in blighty, and convincing or not I'm sure they're doing their best, under sometimes difficult circumstances.

Perhaps all the whingers out there are the ones from England who expect too much?

How can you justify a comment such as that made by Stephen Blunt when nearly all matches have ended in complete controversy? It would seem that nearly every team has had their ups and downs all the time, sometimes its just at the right moment to clinch a win. For instance, take the Italian game today... seems to me like a bad decision at the end but one must remember that Italy did recieve a red card early on. Comments about match fixing and bribery should be left at home, in reality there is way too much at stake for Germany to allow them to even take the chance to fix any games (Remember whats going on in the Italian Serie-A right now?). Same goes for England, Italy, and all other teams.

I think what we are seeing now is merely some very extra-ordinary decisions by refs and some bad play by some players. This World Cup is still very open, for all the teams that are left in the standings. Argue with that comment as much as you like, but thats probably the simple truth.

P.S. I'm betting 3-2 for Germany on the match against Argentina, both teams are highly offensive in their build this Year and they will be shooting a frenzied amount of goals.

Stephan Blunt, i don't think so.

If FIFA (i.e. sepp "i have football's best interests at heart" blatter) had their way, England would be banned from playing international football entirely, the world cup would be played at least twice a year, brazil would win it most of the time, beating china, usa or an african country by scores of 6-3, 5-4 and every game would have a shootout at the end too.

It's a real shame seeing a team with individuals like england playing such crap, if they played like germany have been doing they'd be unstoppable- no-one would be better placed to play a high-tempo game than england. Argentina-Brazil final anyone?

Juan Pablo Sorin was the captain

There is no international authority to oversee FIFA. Sepp Blatter has been accused of embezzlement several times, and one of his officials was caught by a third party for scalping tickets. The organization is not perceived in a good light by any real sports fan.

I do agree, though, that the Germans have good reasons to celebrate. They have been playing with absolute class, their passing is accurate, their defense solid, I don't think having played "Easy Teams" is a good excuse. They used to be considered the Kings of Defense, and now they are playing "total football," which is a pleasure to watch.

Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann have been on the spotlight for months. If you do a search on the 麻豆官网首页入口 website, you will find several articles. The main reason Kahn was not selected is because he is no longer a good team player. He misses training too frequently and doesn't get along with most of the players.

In all the critisicm of Stephan one thing hasn't been mentioned.
"One must ask question why was England and Germany was put is such a easy group"
I watched the draw for the World Cup live on television, England were in Group B because a group of former footballers and celebrities picked them randomly out of a pot.
England and Germany got 'easy' groups because the 'easy' teams were picked out of a pot. Having said that how many 'good' teams did Brazil or Italy or France or Portugal or Spain have to play?
Stephan seems not to be familiar with the format of a World Cup.()
Eight teams are seeded and these are the teams that cannot play each other at the group stage, unfortunately there are more 'good' teams than there are groups so two good teams end up in the same group, the group of death (this year it's group C, in 2002 it was England's group).
That is why Germany and England and 5 other teams got easy groups.
If FIFA wanted to fix it for England and Germany why would they take the risk of them facing each other if one had a bad game?
Also look at the likely routes to the final for both teams
Germany: Argentina, Italy
England:Portugal, Brazil
These are hardly easy and it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to fix all these games.

steve somehow i think u r rite. just notice that incident, how long the ecuador striker took when he had open goal against england? does it that long for an international stiker and he just allowed that england defender to come infront of him and shot miss the target. similar situation happened in germany-sweden game where a swedish striker intentionally delayed infront of open goal and allowed balach to tackle. not to mention larson penalty where he hit 50 meters over the goal!! i think they have decided an england vs germany final, even though these sides are boring and will make this WC a dull afair.

Alas Stephen and Gareth, you are both misled. The conspiracy isn't between the F.A. and FIFA . . it's much more sinister than that. What nationality is Mr. Ivanov? . . . . What nationality is the billionaire who is currently sinking billions of roubles into the premiereship in a cunning attempt to destabilise the European footballing economy? . . . Is the connection getting clearer now? No? Then I shall continue: Which team has the most to gain from England progressing with ease into the semi-finals? Brazil, who they should meet . . . Who is currently trying to buy key over-the-hill Brazilian players on the cheap? . . Is that same mysterious oil billionaire with a direct line to the Kremlin? Could be. Who will therefore have the most to gain from shirt sales when the two teams meet and Brazil go through to the Final? . . .You see! S.B. you are not nearly paranoid enough .. .the truth is with the KGB!!!

Italy are not cheats (well no more than anybody else) and that was not a cheating dive.

The player was running and just recovering from a trip when a body was placed in his way and he had no option but to fall over it.

That was a blatant professional foul from the Aussies and you will see from replays that the player (Neill I think) was making well and truly sure that he was blocking the Italian.

I feel desperately sorry for the Aussies but they should have wrapped up the game during the considerable period they had the numerical advantage.

And how can you say that even though the decision was correct, it was dirty cheating? The Aussies gambled with a professional foul and they lost.

yusuf: Like I said this world cup is a farce and you will see that I am right only time will tell but for now all you can do is analyze and see the pattern of corruption.

I'm saying 1st (hope no one else has said it) That it was Julio Arca that captained Argentina Youth team, thats right Julio Arca of Sunderland.

I am a Bayern Munich fan and a big supporter of Olli Kahn - and was initially sceptical of Klinsmann's decision to replace him with Jens Lehmann. However, during the latter part of this season Kahn had a couple of bad matches which was compounded by an injury problem - while Lehmann was turning out great displays for Arsenal (his red card gaffe in the ECL final notwithstanding).

Much as been said on the Bayern website about Kahn playing the role of 'Mr Motivator', but this has not been evident from what I have seen during the matches themselves where he has been seen to be keeping himself as far away from his team mates as possible, and more often than not sulking like a spoilt child.

As much as it contradicts my view of six months ago, I think Klinsi has made the right decision. Nobody should be guaranteed a place in the team, it must be dependent on fitness, form, and the willingness to work with the rest of the team. Olli is a great keeper, but the time has come where he must realise that he is not inexpendable. The same will apply at Bayern next season where the fitter and younger Michael Rensing will be gunning for the No. 1 jersey.

Does any 1 know wat the song is called that they play at the end of the match?

You think Germany are 'boring', Yusuf? You clearly have not been watching the same tournament as the rest of us. Along with Argentina, Spain and the very unlucky Ivory Coast, Germany have played some of the best football seen at this World Cup.

There is only one thing I am shocked about during this World cup and that is the terrible terrible terrible refereeing. We should be watching a game of football and not a protagonist dancing around the pitch destroying any evenly matched spectacle and determining the outcome of the match. The red card was introduced in Mexico 1970 and not one was issued. In this world-cup during the group stages alone we have had 18 red cards, not to mention 131 yellow (and that鈥檚 not including those that have counted towards a red card). Now in the knock out phase I have already witnessed 6 red cards and 34 yellow cards in the space of 5 matches. Now they certainly influenced the Germany - Sweden match, even though Sweden were rubbish, the match might as well have been stopped after 35 minutes. Who knows what would have happened if we had had 11 vs. 11 in the infamous Portugal vs. Holland match and as for the Italy game the referee only made up for his mistake by giving Italy a penalty in the 93rd minute. Decisions have not only been poor, but it is also obvious that FIFA has instructed referees to stick to a rigid framework. The referee should be allowed to use his judgement in allowing the game to ebb and flow. The minute a player is sent off the game is ruined. For the slightest physical challenge, no matter how unintentional a player is penalised. We have seen players booked for great tackles. This kind of refereeing is only encouraging the kind of pathetic play-acting we witnessed by Robben for Holland. A player knows that if he flops to the ground under the slightest bit of pressure and rolls around a bit then there is a good chance he can get a player carded. What happened to the beautiful game? If I want to watch predetermined matches acted out badly I will watch wrestling. In no other sport do we see the referee the centre of attention and players trying to get each other sent off. It鈥檚 pathetic and it didn鈥檛 used to be this way.

dont worry,
the cheating italians will be beaten in the semifinal by Germany.

I have a feeling that this might be another Germany-England world cup final..as we cannot meet until then..
Same happened in 1966...when we also met Portugal in the semi final by the way (the best game of the tournament)..plus the world cup was held then in England..Now it's Germany's turn..
Stranger things have happened..and what a final it would be..exactly 40 years after the last one between the two of us....

The germans can get exited all they like, so far they havent beaten a world class team. The best team they have played so far has been Sweden, and i dont see them as world class, they are good but not good enough. IF and its a big IF Germany defeat Argentina then German fans can be very optomistic about their world cup hopes, but they will still lose to England or brazil in the final.

I stand by my point that whoever can beat brazil will win the world cup.

Keep smiling Germany, because i dont think its going to last much longer.

Burnz

FIFA SHOULD REPLAY THE GAME!!!!!I am neither an Australian or Italian supporter BUT FIFA should replay the game between the Australia vs Italy game. To be a foul, Lucas Neil would have to have gone for his man first. It was very clear that there was no foul. Lucas Neil did not go for the man. To give a decision like this in the last 15 seconds, that is putting the gun into your head. What happen to FIFA preaching fair play. This is a knockout stage and it should be time that FIFA preach what they say. Soccer Australia should also protest. I understand there is a FIFA rule that allows FIFA the right to replay a game if the there was serious dubious decision. They will look into it only if the loosing team protest. What a waste of a great game.

FIFA SHOULD REPLAY THE GAME!!!!!

James Carlton's answer to SB made me laugh out loud; and I think we should all sign Simon P's petition to have Collina back for the Final, especially after today's awful decision in the Italy-Australia match.

A Germany-England Final would be about the worst that could happen as both countries have too many violent fans. Let's back someone who knows how to party, let's back Ghana! ;-)

stephen blunt for president

long live the revolution

snort

This must the most terribly officiated world cup! The rules that are applied are almost the same as Basketball rules. Since when is shoulder to shoulder is a yellow card or a bad tackle? Aren't this referees supposed to be the cream of the crop? What's up with the many lame calls, yellow and red cards? I was watching this afternoon's game btn Italy and Australia, as usual, the Italians seem to squeek through the games and this one was an excellent example. How on earth could the referee give a penalty kick in the dying seconds? Not only that, it wasn't even supposed to be a penalty. Neill was down and Grosso tripped over him...the referee??(the eleventh player for Italy) was outside of the box and had a clear view of the play. Outrageously horrible!
Are these referees told to make these lousy calls? If so, FIFA might as well apply Basketball rules. Why are they(FIFA?) ruining the most beautiful sport on earth?

I have been reading these blogs for the duration of the world cup,and I find the comments made on the article, as worthwile and interesting as the piece itself.
Until now. I have been under the impression that perhaps the 麻豆官网首页入口 website attracts people of a certain "quality," and that opinions expressed on the comments boards are the thoughts of well adjusted individuals, articulating an interesting viewpoint. I am so disappointed to find out that illogical conspiracy theorists use our much esteemed corporation to air their crazy ramblings. I draw your attention to the comment made by Stephen Blunt, and the people who support it!!

caramangledspanner

Thank you but you see how the powers got rid of my post? LOL!!!
Must be some truth in it that's why they got rid of it.

Wholeheartedly agree with Aaron that this blog has been great and the comments equally enlightening. Bizarrely Newsnight's blogger Paul Mason - who writes about business most of the time - has also been covering the World Cup. Even more bizarrely he's been making sense:
/blogs/paulmason/

All the Klinsmann- beating will restart in less than a week when the Germans go down to Argentina

Beating Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador is not something that requires a genius to plan.They conceded two goals to a team like Costa Rica and the Poles held them for 91 mins.

You dont need California based Klinsmanns to plot this. You could well be Icelander on holiday in Mauritius and plot just the same

This was Australia's proudest sporting moment. To shine on the world stage playing the world game with great courage, style and determination. Guus - We will always be grateful to your genius. Socceroos - Thank you for an amazing journey into Australian football greatness, giving Australia its most glorious sporting moment. The Socceroos deserved the win. Italians should not celebrate such a hollow victory handed to them by a disgraceful decision. A referee should never decide the outcome of a match.

Aaron sorry buddy this might be just a theory but it's much better one then so calld WMD of IRAQ. LOLOL!!!

FIFA should replay matches that Referees give very visible dubious decisions in knock out stages. Italy vs Australia is one of them. What happened to the great Italians or have they become the GREAT CHEATS. Have guts and replay the game to show the world that Italians are the greats of football not the great cheats.
What happened to honour, fairplay and sportsmanship. FIFA should lead by example. Replay the game.
Sent from Germany

F.Coloccini.
What about introducing, in the future,a "Video Ref " system to help resolve dubious decisions ?

about the game:
PORTUGAL-NEETHERLANDS

the guy who ran the game was more nervous than the neetherland's squad

when CRISTIANO RONALDO is hit by a player from neetherlads, the russian judge should show directly the red card

the neetherlands don't have fair play,
the red card on DECO is completly stupid
most of yellow cards were ridiculous but the judge was nervous

if i was dutch i'd be ashamed

the neetherlands' coach said that he came be play footbal. and i ask why did them make so many scens?=?

"Maniche: The Man Of The Match"

###changing subject###

i heard that england don't want FIGO to play next saturday...

WHAT? the game haven't start yet and england is already affraid of portugal? impossible to untherstand!

cam'on don't be a coward, england,
behave your self
and i'm sure that england will play much better than neetherlands

but, like in euro2004, i wanna see beckham sending the ball to the stars... ahahahahah

hope of a good game with england

GO PORTUGAL

sign:
bruno rua

I like cheese

I think brazil win this wolrd cup,

I am really into the world cup but was so disappointed with the comments of Paul Casey's caddie at Glenagles on Sunday. At one point, as Casey walked down a fairway in relaxed mood, I heard his caddie say to the camera 'come on Equador'. Not very funny from a Scot as 40 million English prepared to watch the game. I am very patriotic and would support any Brit (or Irish) or British team in any competition. However Paul Casey should change his caddie if he wants my support in his future career!
Mike Leader

Is Mick McCarthy the worst commentator that the bbc have ever had? He is so negative (i.e. in the Switzerland v Ukraine game), he should look at his approach as a manager with Sunderland before he speaks about shocking football

Is it just me or has this World Cup been spoilt by probably the worst refereeing ever seen. Surely this is evidence enough for FIFA to introduce a video ref for all games. If poor decisions continue to spoil the spectacle I am sure the fans will start to vote with their feet. With so much money at stake and players all now inclined to "simulation" something has to be done.

Dear Burnz and all German-doubters amongst you,

zee Germans will win this World Cup

zee evidence is in zee history books

before you doubt them reaching the final (and most likely winning it), think carefully about the historical evidence you are ignoring...

take every single Football (and Rugby) World Cup, and then take a closer look at the degree of advantage that hosting the event offers - home advantage is doubted by few, but underestimated by many

The captain was Sorin wasn't it?

The funny thing with the English Guys is, that they are always jellous about the Germans. They always think they are the better, better, best they knowing everything.
Beckham gave the right answer to the English performance - sickness.

wir werden weltmeister!

> The germans can get exited all they
> like, so far they havent beaten a
> world class team.

Neither has England - and Germany played way better against both common opponents

> has been Sweden, and i dont see
> them as world class, they are good
> but not good enough.

Where does this comment leave England?

> IF and its a big IF Germany defeat > Argentina

Agreed

> then German fans can be very
> optomistic about their world cup
> hopes, but they will still lose to
> England or brazil in the final.

England and Germany probably won't make it to the finals, but Germany in their current shape and Spielfreude are just a tiny bit more likely to follow through.

> I stand by my point that whoever
> can beat brazil will win the world
> cup.

LOL - IF and that's a big IF - Germany are capable of beating Argentina, they will do Brasil in.

Argentina and Brasil are top contenders from both branches of the final round. Any team eliminating one of the two stands a good chance of ultimately winning the cup.

> Keep smiling Germany, because i
> dont think its going to last much
> longer.

At least we'll keep smiling for long enough to see the English fans home nice and safely :).

> Burnz

Cheers,
Dirk.

Sorin was the captain when we won the Youth World Cup in Malaysia 1997.

I think it was Nicol谩s Medina who captained our side in Argentina 2001.

I'm between him and Fabricio Coloccini, but I think it was Nicol谩s Medina.

> The germans can get exited all they
> like, so far they havent beaten a
> world class team.

Neither has England - and Germany played way better against both common opponents.

> has been Sweden, and i dont see
> them as world class, they are good
> but not good enough.

Where does this comment leave England? As an England fan you better not argue against Germany on performance grounds.

> IF and its a big IF Germany defeat > Argentina

Agreed

> then German fans can be very
> optomistic about their world cup
> hopes, but they will still lose to
> England or brazil in the final.

England and Germany probably won't make it to the finals, but Germany in their current shape and Spielfreude are just a tiny bit more likely to follow through.

> I stand by my point that whoever
> can beat brazil will win the world
> cup.

LOL - IF and that's a big IF - Germany are capable of beating Argentina, they will do Brasil in.

Argentina and Brasil are top contenders from both branches of the final round. Any team eliminating one of the two stands a good chance of ultimately winning the cup.

> Keep smiling Germany, because i
> dont think its going to last much
> longer.

At least we'll keep smiling for long enough to see the English fans home nice and safely :).

> Burnz

Cheers,
Dirk.

Coming back to Steve's question about the song: It's probably 54-74-90-2006 from a young German Band singing about the wonder from 54, the good luck in 74, the deserved victory in 1990 and the sensation in 2006, which ends "werden wir Weltmeister sein". If our team will win the cup, I don't know. But I know that J眉rgen Klinsmann melted together a young team which is purely "speed & spirit", and which gave the German Football it's dignity back. Regardless if this team wins the match on Friday against Argentina, it will simply be worth to watch and to happily accept any result!

And in case: Watch us in Berlin's Final ;-)

@Burnz

You're right, the only world-class team Germany have played so far were Sweden (GER-SWE 2:0)... Only days before England played that same "world-class" team.. what was the result again?

@Steve reg. the Song

Don't they play different songs after the match? One the do play quite frequently is "Zeit dass sich was dreht" by Herbert Gr枚nemeyer

Portugal will send home England, Germany will send home Argentinia. Germany can beat Italy... oh well, once again one of those Germany vs. Brazil finals... but hey, at least we're used to it ;-)

I think it would be more obvious that the world cup was fixed if there was no controversy. The very fact that there have been dodgy decisions etc shows that its not fixed.

Objectively, I believe Germany has little chances against Argentina, but anything can happen in the quarters... England needs a radical change if they want to make it past Portugal. It's unbelievable that Italy is still there, I could bet anything they will not make it past the semi finals.

Good luck to everyone!

I believe each game will bring with it a few standard reactions. However, it is interesting to me how the actual quality of play, in terms of both technical abilites and tactics, has truly lived up to four years of expectation. Whats more, many teams have performed well playing in their characteristicly charming styles. The hosts Germany, essentially left for dead by the national media, show tidy passing and athletic finishing that is picking up speed with the tournament. Argentina, with the playmaker who is ungainly from the waist up, but in midfield you cannot take your eyes off in pure anticipation. Spain, serving as a video guide for offensive possession. France, dramatically avoid a catastrophe with flashes of brilliance gradually appearing from names we had hoped for. Portugal, where Figo must be lying about his age, Deco is again showing fluiditiy on the ball, and Maniche is shooting from anywhere and scoring. And Brazil, the team whos defence is criticized worldwide, despite a staggering positive goal differential. Of course, this is never brought up, because watching them play means essentially deciding who to be enamoured with. For me, the stars are found in the midfield. Kaka's touch, speed of play, shooting, and link-up has been blinding so far. Juninho who was in for only one game, played as stylish as you would expect a Brazilian playing in Lyon to play. Gilberto Silva and Ze Roberto are the evolution of defensive midfield. Both are athletic, but it is only the skill and awareness you see...as opposed to strength and throwing-yourself-around-in-an-attempt-to-appear-nobleish, (a la Steven Gerrard). Ronaldinho for his 5-50 yard passing ability, which needs little explaining. And lastly, Ronaldo. It seems people forget that he doesn't do anything but score goals, literally. In an average game, keep track of how long he has the ball...maybe 20-30 seconds? For almost 7 years in a row, it is fair to say that he has been marked by three players in every single match he has played, club and national...and he scores at a fantastic clip with some style. In the 2002 final, Metzelder (to me one of the highest-class central defenders) did a phenomenal job for about 88 minutes on Ronaldo, but on 5-6 occasions he got the ball at his feet, 2 goals and one fantastic save. All in all, its been nice to simply listen to the media, and watch football again.

ps-America does possess the worst match commentary ever, so please send someone from Match of the Day here, and they will be appreciated.

I think that Refs. are under pressure.The Italian vs Australian Ref. was looking for a way of making amends for a harsh red card to the Italian player.Otherwise he would have to experience the wrath of ITALIA (who cares about the wrath of Australia! minnows!!) So a penalty was given. The ref. was looking for it the Italians were looking for it! (they helped their cause by exagerated Italian Bushit theatrics). But in the last minute ! COME ON! the game SHOULD have progressed into extra time. When will video playback come into soccer because it needs it! PS. in this case the better team lost! and Totti's penalty doesn't mean that he's back in form!

I have been hearing a lot of complaints about England's performance thus far. England have played well, but just not well consistantly. Just think what might happen if they get it together. We could see the cup comming home

All you people out there that want there to be a video ref will be the first to complain when you have nothing to talk about after the game.

Yes somtimes there is bad dicsions but thats football, The feeling you get when your teams wins or losses the emotion you go through no other sport can compare.

Just last night when Italy was awarded the penalty the feelings that run throuh your body

his he going to score his he going to miss to miss bang its in relef for some despaire for others, crule yes but good to watch

This is football thats why we watch it thats why its the best game in the world

I wonder what makes English think that they will get to the final??

Germany will beat Argentina if they play well. It's time for Michael Ballack to slam a goal into Argentina's net.

Argentina's match with Holland in the group stage ended a draw. Holland is out of the tournament. Argentina will be out of the tournament shortly.

Go, go, Germany!!!

The Referee in last nights match was an absolute disgarce, it was never a penalty it was ITALIAN CHEATING, BECAUSE THEY ARE INCAPABLE OF WINNING A MATCH IN ANY OTHER WAY. Australia outplayed and outclassed Italy (a so called football heavy weight) and would have won this match in extra time if it wasn't for a disgracfull dive by Italy. It is a shame because in my opinion Australia have been with Germany and spain the best team so far in the tournement! In federation square last night the Italian fans celebrated the night and an Italian fan who was clearly relived at his teams luck in the final minute was interviewed on the Tv and he was calling the Italian team the "wogaroos" in honour of the Socceroos!

Also I think that Italy's enjoyment will be short lived because Germany will knock them out, Also I think that England are doing very well and I honestly beileve that they will win the cup!!

England will lose...
Argentina will win cup.

Germany will lose badly...maybe own goal form ballack too

As an English sports fan I find this hard to write but I would like to congratulate the Australian soccer team on having had such a good tournament.They must be absolutely gutted to have gone out on yet another terrible decision.
My hat goes off to The Socceroos and I wish them the best of luck and thank them for some very entertaining matches.

In football if a team does badly,it is invariably the manager/coach/selector,call him what you will,who gets the brunt of the abuse.I was very interested to see Sepp Blatter criticizing the referee after the Holland-Portugal game.
Who appointed the referees? FIFA(Mr Blatter)and I don't think anyone can disagree that the standard of refereeing in this tournament has been abysmal.It's about time, that for the World Cup, the best referees go to the tournament and not referees from the participating nations.Also let them do their job(for which they are well paid)and don't,as is obvious at this World Cup,issue instructions.If you have the best referees they won't need instructions they already know what to do.

I agree with Paul. FIFA screws up the whole situation with their stupid referee rules and afterwards they complain about the referees. If they want to add a new rule, then "red card for diving" would be my first choice. All these actors should disappear from this sport. BTW, I like the German word for diving better: "Schwalbe". Translated that means "swallow"... like the bird. How fitting... :-D

I was horrified at the referee decisions in the Australia vs Italy match, both the red card and the final penaly were wrong, but in particular the final call was just outright blind incompetance or perhaps something more sinister. If Australia had to loose it should have been in extra time, though I think they would have won. I can't believe the comments from the Italian coach or goal keeper ("We deservered to win" and "I never feared that Australia would get a goal" respectively), sounds like pure face-saving to me. FIFA has really fouled up in this World Cup. Many Australians are now so disillusioned by this sport and the poor match managment that it will make it harder for those playing this sport in Australia to make a go of it. Bravo FIFA, bravo. You have proven once again that you really are a bunch of incompetant corrupt idots (see latest story about FIFA corruption!).

I dont know why but I know for sure that germany wont be fair with the game against argentina.

Germany is feeling so much confident dispite they know that Argentina play better than them.

Besides the german team has arouse a huge patriotism among germans n they r so much thrilled n they cant accept to be eliminated until the finals.

im gonna watch this game so much carefull , i dont wnat it to be like in the last world cup were Spain was eliminated unfairly by the local korea, at that time the korean player pushed a spaniard player n korea gained a penalty kick, I was like WTF.. it was the worst game ever

Also Ecuador could had won agaist England , i wonder why Ecuador didnt played the game against germany with their important players.

England cant score goals without Beckham. I wonder how they ll score goals if only they dont gain free kicks against portugal.

With so many post, I doubt anyone will actually get this far down and read this.
I think the captain of the Argentina youth team under Peckerman was Juan Pablo Sorin. Pekerman upset a lot of people (Players, media and supporters) when he replaced Ayala with Sorin as catain.
As for all these conspiracy theories, what a joke. The only thing I have seen is some poor decisions by refs. These happen in the Premiership every week. Surely if Blatter/Beckenbauer/Abramovich/Mickey Mouse are rigging things, then Chelsea would not have to buy the best players, just the refs!
On another note, I think Sven should drop Lampard. Put Carrick as the 'holding midfielder' and let Gerrard and Joey Cole loose.

Yes the diving and faking of injuries turns one's stomach. Seems to me Italy and Argentina are the worst offenders. How often do we see a guy laying there like he's been shot only to see the replay and wonder if he was even touched. Even if the ref isn't in a position to see whether contact was made, they should review the video after the game and if a player clearly dove/faked injury, he should be suspended for at least a game.

re post 95
satan !!! Well well well well ... You are me some devil!
(Poor one, too, I'm afraid.)

Luv from Germany, where we are having a hell of a party ;-)

Rolf Habich, i am a germany too, have been here for more than a year now. I dont like Germany team, they play the most boring soccer. Soccer is not just about winning, its about entertainment and germany team is not worth it...

The reason why Australia lost is because Italy had far more experienced and specialised training than Australia did. I mean look at the training they're doing here

Didi- how ridiculous to say 鈥淓ngland are afraid of Germany鈥�....Admittedly England with their quality of players have a lot to prove...but come on, what have Germany done in the last 7 years??...not much apart from take a 5-1 beating by England.

Come on beckham and the boys!!!

What now Mr. Blunt?

What now Mr. Blunt?