View Full Version : Who's ready for the World Cup?
OMG there is no end to the drama...
What a crazy match!!! I really hoped that Paraguay would walk away with the win... And for a while it looked like they would. But alas, David Villa strikes again lol.
The good news is that if Spain plays Germany like they played today... Germany will crush them.
Hey Fernando... How's that Germany v Netherlands game looking to you now? :D
TheRiddick
07-03-2010, 02:30 PM
Spain got lucky, there is no way around that. The ref, as usual, was clueless on some calls, Pique should have been red carded on the spot and that would have changed the game in many ways. On top of that, Paraguay penalty should have been re-taken, Casillas moved prior to the kick as well as half the Spanish team was in the box before the ball even moved. That, in the nutshell was THE match, without Pique and one goal down there is no way Spain would pull the game out given how they played.
I am now routing for Germany all the way, seems like the best team left IMO (as much as I like how Netherlands play).
kazzaca
07-03-2010, 03:07 PM
Spain were definitely lucky today. Paraguay played a great game, really pressured Spain every time they touched the ball.
Iniesta was amazing creating the goal...
We'll see how things go in the semi's. Germany are looking like the team to beat.
TheRiddick
07-03-2010, 03:19 PM
Funny that now commentators are paying attention to Messi not showing much at WC. What about Torres? Complete zero as well.
McNanaman could not even pronounce players' names properly, how does one get a job like that? Sign me up, I am ready. Someone should point out to him that Viera plays for ManCity, Vera does not. And it is Ee-ker Cassilas, not Ay-ker. So, bad on rules, bad with names...
I hope remaining games get good refs, this WC is getting stupider by the day.
kazzaca
07-03-2010, 03:28 PM
Funny that now commentators are paying attention to Messi not showing much at WC. What about Torres? Complete zero as well.
Torres has been no good but he had knee surgery a couple of months ago and clearly isn't his normal self. I'm not even sure why Del Bosque is starting him. There were a couple of times today when Iniesta and Xavi put the ball through and I expected Torres to get onto it but he just wasn't quick enough.
He's definitely not playing the way he plays for Liverpool.
Torres has been no good but he had knee surgery a couple of months ago and clearly isn't his normal self. I'm not even sure why Del Bosque is starting him. There were a couple of times today when Iniesta and Xavi put the ball through and I expected Torres to get onto it but he just wasn't quick enough.
He's definitely not playing the way he plays for Liverpool.
He's definitely uncharacteristically flat this tournament. Why he's starting I have no idea... But what I do know is that if they keep playing the way that they have thus far, Germany will make short work of them -- if Germany continues rolling the way they have.
edit: PS: If by some fluke Spain does beat Germany, this will officially be the most garbage final that I've witnessed.
TheRiddick
07-03-2010, 03:59 PM
Torres has been no good but he had knee surgery a couple of months ago and clearly isn't his normal self. I'm not even sure why Del Bosque is starting him. There were a couple of times today when Iniesta and Xavi put the ball through and I expected Torres to get onto it but he just wasn't quick enough.
He's definitely not playing the way he plays for Liverpool.
Remind me, please, didn't Rooney fight with ankle injury for the last 2 months? Just saying...
Remind me, please, didn't Rooney fight with ankle injury for the last 2 months? Just saying...
Yup... But the key difference between Rooney and Torres is that Rooney went home early.
You better bet that the whole of the Argentinian squad is going home to some seriously bad press. Especially Messi and Maradona. Spain will too... but it won't be as bad b/c the DID make it to the Semis.
Rooney's getting bashed b/c England went home early. Press forgive star athletes so long as the team is winning. But when they aren't... The stars usually take all of the blame.
mithrilG60
07-03-2010, 05:10 PM
I hope remaining games get good refs, this WC is getting stupider by the day.
I doubt it. The point of this World Cup is now to highlight both how much work FIFA needs to do in terms of improving the caliber of its refs and just how badly the adoption of technology to aid the refs in making the correct call is required. FIFA continues to make the "premiere" sport in the world more and more of a joke and spectacle of ridicule. Hopefully this World Cup will be enough to convince the member nations to stand up and force FIFA to pull its head out of its arse long enough to try and put some credibility back into the game. If not, soccer is just going to go into further decline.
TheRiddick
07-03-2010, 06:20 PM
I doubt it. The point of this World Cup is now to highlight both how much work FIFA needs to do in terms of improving the caliber of its refs and just how badly the adoption of technology to aid the refs in making the correct call is required. FIFA continues to make the "premiere" sport in the world more and more of a joke and spectacle of ridicule. Hopefully this World Cup will be enough to convince the member nations to stand up and force FIFA to pull its head out of its arse long enough to try and put some credibility back into the game. If not, soccer is just going to go into further decline.
Although most of us want and expect improvements I am not sure we're on that road just yet.
Take today's Spain game, for example. Some replays were forbidden from being shown, this is how Blatter plans to "improve" things in the future and we had our first glimpse. Blatter resisted technology/extra refs for some time now, he will simply wait for things to calm down and carry on as before. Only because he stated a few days that the sport needs improvements in regard to officiating doesn't mean he will actually do something. "Masking" bad calls, as they did today, is Blatter's way of "improving" things.
Besides technology, they need to ban any and all refs from Third World leagues, but there is a fat chance of that since these leagues are the only reason Blatter has been elected time and again. He is not going to cut his own throat...
TheRiddick
07-03-2010, 07:53 PM
Yup... But the key difference between Rooney and Torres is that Rooney went home early.
You better bet that the whole of the Argentinian squad is going home to some seriously bad press. Especially Messi and Maradona. Spain will too... but it won't be as bad b/c the DID make it to the Semis.
Rooney's getting bashed b/c England went home early. Press forgive star athletes so long as the team is winning. But when they aren't... The stars usually take all of the blame.
Look at the stats. Messi played just one more game, but took almost twice as many shots as Rooney (through WC). What someone needs to track is how many times Rooney, Messi and Torres (and others as well) actually had the ball, I suspect that Rooney's number will be way, way lower than others' due to the "wonderful" service provided by the Gerrard/Lampard/Barry "support girls". Gerrard and Lampard never could play together, I now hope Chelsea buy Gerrard so we have one less team to worry about in the future. And it looks like Barry's days playing at ManCity are also done with the latest buys, he will get well acquainted with the plank next season... That is, if he even makes the bench...
Both Messi and Torres had plenty of support and saw the ball plenty a time and yet both fell flat. Hell, Torres could not even pass.
I suspect there will be a run on Paraguay players after WC. They made Roque Santa Cruz irrelevant. Defenders, in particular, were very collected and unperturbed on the ball what with vaunted Spanish mids running around.
mithrilG60
07-04-2010, 02:18 AM
Although most of us want and expect improvements I am not sure we're on that road just yet.
Take today's Spain game, for example. Some replays were forbidden from being shown, this is how Blatter plans to "improve" things in the future and we had our first glimpse. Blatter resisted technology/extra refs for some time now, he will simply wait for things to calm down and carry on as before. Only because he stated a few days that the sport needs improvements in regard to officiating doesn't mean he will actually do something. "Masking" bad calls, as they did today, is Blatter's way of "improving" things.
Besides technology, they need to ban any and all refs from Third World leagues, but there is a fat chance of that since these leagues are the only reason Blatter has been elected time and again. He is not going to cut his own throat...
Until FIFA wants to enter the modern world by allowing video technology, expect and enforce both compete/fair ref'ing AND fair play without all this pansy diving and acting for advantage (read: cheating and dishonourable play) soccer is just going to continue on being more and more of a joke. That's why I say the member nations need to step in. If you have the major soccer nations of the world coming out and publicly saying they won't participate in test soccer until FIFA pulls it's act together then they'll be forced to act. Blatter may be kept in power by pandering to the 3rd world nations, but the money is still in Europe and parts of South America and a boycott by France, Brazil, England, Argentina, Spain, Germany, etc will send the message really quickly.
The reality is that would never happen, but it really needs to if test level soccer wants to retain any legitimacy as a real sport. Either way, this World Cup does serve a purpose.... it's something to kill time and talk about at work, and something to take the piss out of the World Cup starts in 13 months.
Until FIFA wants to enter the modern world by allowing video technology, expect and enforce both compete/fair ref'ing AND fair play without all this pansy diving and acting for advantage (read: cheating and dishonourable play) soccer is just going to continue on being more and more of a joke. That's why I say the member nations need to step in. If you have the major soccer nations of the world coming out and publicly saying they won't participate in test soccer until FIFA pulls it's act together then they'll be forced to act. Blatter may be kept in power by pandering to the 3rd world nations, but the money is still in Europe and parts of South America and a boycott by France, Brazil, England, Argentina, Spain, Germany, etc will send the message really quickly.
The reality is that would never happen, but it really needs to if test level soccer wants to retain any legitimacy as a real sport. Either way, this World Cup does serve a purpose.... it's something to kill time and talk about at work, and something to take the piss out of the World Cup starts in 13 months.
Unfortunately, the diving is integral to the sport. There is usually no way to tell that you were fouled unless you go down. Why would you not want your penalty if your were fouled?? It's an advantage.
Granted... I am NOT referring to the bullshit diving and wallowing when no one touched you to either waste time or get a free kick when YOU screwed up. That's one of the reasons that I have so much respect for the Japs and this USA team. They consider it dishonorable to dive. Of course, there were a few times... but nothing like the S. Americans, Ghana, the French or Italians. Which is why the refs are supposed to book players for acting... they just don't do it b/c they don't want the game to get out of control.
mithrilG60
07-04-2010, 10:59 AM
Unfortunately, the diving is integral to the sport. There is usually no way to tell that you were fouled unless you go down. Why would you not want your penalty if your were fouled?? It's an advantage.
If you have to dive to get a penalty you weren't fouled and you're not entitled to the penalty in the first place, it's as simple as that. Staying that it's ok if it gains you an advantage is exactly the same as saying it's ok to cheat on school exams, that gains you an advantage too. One of the major thing that turns me off about soccer right now is the lack of ethics and honour with which it's played (at least at the elite level).
Don Fernando
07-04-2010, 04:28 PM
What a crazy match!!! I really hoped that Paraguay would walk away with the win... And for a while it looked like they would. But alas, David Villa strikes again lol.
The good news is that if Spain plays Germany like they played today... Germany will crush them.
Hey Fernando... How's that Germany v Netherlands game looking to you now? :D
Still think it will be Spain vs The Netherlands.
TheRiddick
07-04-2010, 05:31 PM
Still think it will be Spain vs The Netherlands.
Spain will need way more than luck versus Germans, they ain't no Paraguay. Torres will finally be benched, but I don't think Fabregas will make that much difference.
Don Fernando
07-05-2010, 02:29 AM
Germany ain't no Paraguay, that's true, but the kind of football Germany is playing suits Spain better than the kind of football Paraguay is playing. We'll see on wednesday who's right.
kazzaca
07-05-2010, 09:38 AM
Unfortunately, the diving is integral to the sport. There is usually no way to tell that you were fouled unless you go down. Why would you not want your penalty if your were fouled?? It's an advantage.
This is unfortunately very true. I once had a ref tell me 'if you want the call go down' in a local competitive league. I couldn't believe it.
The other issue is that players will go down easy to prevent injuries too. If someone comes in hard and you don't go down easy you take a much harder impact...so players prefer to take the foul and preserve their shins rather than go for it. I know Ronaldo and Pires have even mentioned this in press conferences when being accused of diving in games.
kazzaca
07-05-2010, 09:44 AM
Remind me, please, didn't Rooney fight with ankle injury for the last 2 months? Just saying...
Totally...and he was just as garbage as Torres has been. The difference is that Torres has enough quality around him that it hasn't mattered for Spain.
landhoney
07-06-2010, 02:18 PM
The Netherlands almost have this wrapped up!
kelmac07
07-06-2010, 02:23 PM
Congrats to the Netherlands!!!
Don Fernando
07-06-2010, 02:53 PM
worldcup final herf at my place on sunday :D
worldcup final herf at my place on sunday :D
Grats, Fernando! Hope to see your boys in the final!
taltos
07-06-2010, 05:55 PM
Congrats to my nephew Fernando and to his beautiful country. Best of luck in the finals.:tu
kazzaca
07-06-2010, 06:23 PM
I thought on the whole it wasn't that great a game. The first Holland goal was amazing and the second Uruguay goal was REALLY nice as well.
Holland were the better team though, I'm happy they made it through. Should be a great final regardless who makes it from the other semi.
Don Fernando
07-07-2010, 03:09 AM
the outdoor parties last night were great, I think the whole country will stop to move if we win the final, everybody will call in sick on monday with a hangover :D
the outdoor parties last night were great, I think the whole country will stop to move if we win the final, everybody will call in sick on monday with a hangover :D
Well... If Germany beats Spain today, and Netherlands plays as sloppily as they did the second half against Uruguay, then you won't have to worry about it lol. But I think that was more of a fluke than anything. I look forward to a tough match between us. Of course, if the Soccer Gods show Spain favor and they advance I'll be pulling for Netherlands.
mosesbotbol
07-07-2010, 05:19 AM
the outdoor parties last night were great, I think the whole country will stop to move if we win the final, everybody will call in sick on monday with a hangover :D
Grolsch and Amstel will come out with orange bottles to celebrate.
Don Fernando
07-07-2010, 05:25 AM
and all the girls will be wearing Bavaria dresses ;)
Partagaspete
07-07-2010, 07:03 AM
Oh how I wish I could be in Holland this weekend. Especially if they win it all. I bet it would make May 1st look like a backwater carnival. And that it is not!
Best of luck to the men in orange.
T
TheRiddick
07-07-2010, 11:02 AM
the outdoor parties last night were great, I think the whole country will stop to move if we win the final, everybody will call in sick on monday with a hangover :D
Congrats on the win!
That said, if they fall asleep late in each half, as they seem to be doing in most games so far, whoever plays them will take advantage (and Uruguay did both times). They need a better captain to crack the whip last 10 minutes of each half. And play Elia for 70 minutes, then bring Robben on.
Don Fernando
07-07-2010, 11:20 AM
Robben is on his best at the right side, Elia on the left, so that will never sail. We need a real striker, Van Persie isn't in the best shape (just like Torres, Kaka, Rooney and they all came back from serious injuries right before the worldcup), I would love to see Huntelaar play.
We missed De Jong and Van der Wiel agains Uruguay. Boulahrouz as a replacement for VdW was terrible and De Zeeuw got injured pretty quickly. With those two back (especially De Jong), I am not worried about falling asleep at all.
landhoney
07-07-2010, 01:19 PM
GER - SPA ; 0-0 at the half.
TheRiddick
07-07-2010, 01:22 PM
De Jong was definitely missed. And I am with you on Huntelaar, I think he is a better option.
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Refs are still screwing up. That was an obvious foul on Ozil (not a penalty, just out side the box) in the additional time and no call. BS, as usual, and now we see no instant replay per new "Blatter regulations" ("... I am sorry people witnessed refereeing mistakes...".
Germans will prevail, IMO, as Spaniards seem to tire already and there is still (at least) one more half to play... Muller is definitely missed by Germans. While Spain seems much improved without Torres. Hmmmm...
3SmokesaRound
07-07-2010, 02:20 PM
I really didn't care who won, just wanted to see a good game. Personally, I thought that was a good no call by the ref at the end of the 1st. Muller was sorely missed today. Spain absolutely dominated possession and should have had another goal if Pedro wasn't so greedy. Spain did look better without Torres though. Klose wasn't even a factor for Germany and Spain's defense shut them down. Looking foward to a good game on Sunday. I hope anyway.
ade06
07-07-2010, 02:21 PM
Spain vs. the Dutch...
Don Fernando
07-07-2010, 02:22 PM
what a great header by Puyol!
mosesbotbol
07-07-2010, 02:23 PM
Too bad for Alemania.
Not sure who Spain just beat... B/c Germany wasn't even on the field. For the life of me I can't figure out what was going on with them. Sloppy passing, easy give aways, clustering in the middle, entirely too conservative play... etc. Spain was the better team today, which saddens me to say. Germany should've stopped trying to play like Spain and played like Germany.
....and yes, the official did blow the call inside the box in the final minutes of play.
landhoney
07-07-2010, 02:55 PM
I'm hoping for Spain vs The Netherlands. Can't stand Brazil, not their national team nor their tobacco ;)
6-30-10, I'm not a betting man....but I should have been and followed this advice.
TheRiddick
07-07-2010, 03:12 PM
Not sure who Spain just beat... B/c Germany wasn't even on the field. For the life of me I can't figure out what was going on with them. Sloppy passing, easy give aways, clustering in the middle, entirely too conservative play... etc. Spain was the better team today, which saddens me to say. Germany should've stopped trying to play like Spain and played like Germany.
....and yes, the official did blow the call inside the box in the final minutes of play.
Most likely coaching mistake. For 70 minutes Germans looked like they had instructions to simply contain Spain. Too bad, they should have played their usual strategy at this WC.
Most likely coaching mistake. For 70 minutes Germans looked like they had instructions to simply contain Spain. Too bad, they should have played their usual strategy at this WC.
Yup. That was my thinking as well. Which is really disappointing. These kids have what it takes... Lowe should have unleashed them and followed their winning strategy.
Don Fernando
07-07-2010, 04:19 PM
No Muller, that youngster is so important for the Germans.
mosesbotbol
07-07-2010, 04:28 PM
Yup. That was my thinking as well. Which is really disappointing. These kids have what it takes... Lowe should have unleashed them and followed their winning strategy.
Espana's offense was on fuego. Score should've been 4-0 if they weren't so selfish.
Don Fernando
07-07-2010, 04:33 PM
Now I need to pick a special cigar to light in case we win the WC, has to be something special.
Chingas
07-07-2010, 04:52 PM
Now I need to pick a special cigar to light in case we win the WC, has to be something special.
Partagas Charolette followed by a Cohiba EL 2003 Double Corona.
Espana's offense was on fuego. Score should've been 4-0 if they weren't so selfish.
Doesn't that make Spain's offense the opposite of on fire? Instead, foolish and off target?
Besides, if Germany had been unleashed it would have been a MUCH different game w/ Spain under much more pressure -- which they aren't accustomed to. But Lowe --I think Riddick is dead on here-- made a tactical error which allowed Spain to hang out in their comfort zone w/o pressure. Frankly, I wasn't impressed at all. Granted, they did play a tick better than they have been... But not what I'd call great. Their offense was a damn mess to be perfectly honest. Germany's mid-field playing too much behind the ball simply allowed Spain more opportunities than they should have had and allowed to the defense to basically nap.
Provided that Netherlands comes out swinging and NOT repeating the same damned mistake that EVERY team to face Spain has made --stay behind the ball, contain, and wait for mistakes -- I fully expect the dutchmen to win it. I only wish that Lowe hadn't repeated the same mistake as everyone else...
Don Fernando
07-07-2010, 06:03 PM
well Switzerland stayed behind the ball and wait for mistakes and won, so it can be done that way. But it's not the Dutch nature anyway.
mosesbotbol
07-07-2010, 06:05 PM
If Spain wins it, it will really cement them as being the European super country of sports. If Netherlands wins it, Shell will take 10 cents a gallon off gas for one week.
well Switzerland stayed behind the ball and wait for mistakes and won, so it can be done that way. But it's not the Dutch nature anyway.
Honestly, they caught a lucky break. Besides, it is also the way they seem to have tactically set their team from the get go. Germany doesn't play that kind of ball.
TheRiddick
07-07-2010, 06:58 PM
Espana's offense was on fuego. Score should've been 4-0 if they weren't so selfish.
We most likely watched different games. Up to the goal, Germans actually had more scoring opportunities, but didn't press nor follow through enough. A non-call at the end of first half also helped Spain, would have liked to see how it turned out. German defense comfortably handled Spanish attack, actually re-play the game and see how much smaller and slower Spain looked against bigger and faster German defenders. Germans simply fell asleep for long stretches, Villa simply had no one on one chances as time and again Germans provided cover tracking back at speed. Same for Torres, even that fast break away of 2 against 1 was quickly taken care of with Spain losing the ball.
I am routing for Holland in the final, Spain simply got to the final on pure luck in a number of games so far. I just hope De Jong, Van der Vaart and Huntelaar all start (with Elia, Robben and Dan Persie coming in at 70 minute mark).
kazzaca
07-07-2010, 07:11 PM
I thought Germany got schooled today. They kept the same strategy, defend deep and counter, but Spain contained them. They weren't able to transition because Spain was on the ball carrier the second they got possession. Really good strategy on Spain's part.
And the goal they let in was awful. Puyol ran in unmarked from the top of the box and got a free header. Very poor defending, someone fell asleep on that play.
Anyhow, it should be a good final. Germany are a young team, it will be interesting to see them at Euro in 2 years.
Don Fernando
07-08-2010, 03:09 AM
I am routing for Holland in the final, Spain simply got to the final on pure luck in a number of games so far. I just hope De Jong, Van der Vaart and Huntelaar all start (with Elia, Robben and Dan Persie coming in at 70 minute mark).
I think Robben should always start. Elia and Van Persie at the 70 minute mark sounds like a good plan. My team would be:
Stekelenburg, Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijssen, Gio, Van Bommel, Sneijder, De Jong, Robben, Huntelaar, Kuyt.
MiamiE
07-08-2010, 03:59 AM
Honestly I think Spain squeaked by AGAIN. Germany let us down this past game.
TheRiddick
07-08-2010, 06:56 PM
Fernando, have you signed up to Bobbi Eden's fan club? She promised to give free blow jobs to all her followers if Holland wins on Sunday. Still time, you know...
http://outofbounds.nbcsports.com/2010/07/castrodale-1.html.php
Don Fernando
07-09-2010, 01:48 AM
I added her to my twitter account the moment they announched 'teambj'. :D
Superbad
07-11-2010, 02:51 PM
Wow, did the Spanish world cup team train with the Spanish Olympic diving team or what?
kelmac07
07-11-2010, 03:03 PM
Congrats to Spain...damn fine final!! :tu
Don Fernando
07-11-2010, 03:04 PM
this sucks! this really sucks!
Smokin Gator
07-11-2010, 03:04 PM
The Dutch played the game they had to play and were oh so close to PKs. Congrats to Spain, but I wish it had turned out the other way!!
Don Fernando
07-11-2010, 03:06 PM
Robben should have dived when Puyol tried to floor him. Puyol would have been sent off and we would have won the worldcup. So much for trying to play fair.
md4958
07-11-2010, 03:07 PM
Damn! No bjs now :td
Robben should have dived when Puyol tried to floor him. Puyol would have been sent off and we would have won the worldcup. So much for trying to play fair.
There have been allot of bad calls by the officials this year, Its hard for a game to be played fair. It looks like they may be doing an instant replay in the future.
TheRiddick
07-11-2010, 03:09 PM
Wow, did the Spanish world cup team train with the Spanish Olympic diving team or what?
Another game decided by the refs (sigh...) Stupid, stupid, stupid. Webb was so inconsistent it was awful. Robben is handled and pushed off the pitch, no call at all, yet just 10 seconds later Iniesta is touched on the shoulder (does a great Swan Dive - 0.3 degree of difficulty) and a player is sent off. Then just 2 minutes later Elia is clearly brought down on the edge of the box and again, no call. WTF?!
Not that f***ing Robben helped things, TWICE! Did I say already how much I don't like the guy playing a full game?
Oscars should introduce new categories starting next year: Best Sports Acting Team and Best Sports Actor. Both Spain and Iniesta should easily win.
Worst WC, by far! In so many ways.
Germany was the best team for me.
icehog3
07-11-2010, 03:09 PM
Sorry Ferdinand, I was rooting for your guys.
md4958
07-11-2010, 03:12 PM
Robben should have dived when Puyol tried to floor him. Puyol would have been sent off and we would have won the worldcup. So much for trying to play fair.
in all seriousness Ferdi, even cigar aficianado called Spain to win... I don't think a dive from Robben would have saved you. Perhaps playing with 10 men was Netherlands bigger problem.
Don Fernando
07-11-2010, 03:15 PM
in all seriousness Ferdi, even cigar aficianado called Spain to win... I don't think a dive from Robben would have saved you. Perhaps playing with 10 men was Netherlands bigger problem.
If Robben dived, Puyol would have been sent off, that would have changed the game. Spain would not have been able to play their tactical game with 10 vs 11. He should have done what Inesta did to Heitinga, and I would have been a happy camper on his way to get hammered right now, instead of posting on CA.
yourchoice
07-11-2010, 03:42 PM
For this American viewer who admittedly is just now trying to better learn and enjoy the game, what drives me crazy is it seems in order to get a call you must embellish the foul. In hockey, the embellishment itself would be a penalty, and for other professional North American sports, embellishment is generally frowned upon. In football (American ;)), if a receiver is held but still makes the catch, they can decline the penalty. It seems to me, with soccer, if you don't go down and try to play through the foul, the foul is not called.
A serious question, is this part of the rules of soccer, either "by the book" or just generally accepted? If so, I'll probably be continuing my every four years viewing.
Another game decided by the refs (sigh...) Stupid, stupid, stupid. Webb was so inconsistent it was awful. Robben is handled and pushed off the pitch, no call at all, yet just 10 seconds later Iniesta is touched on the shoulder (does a great Swan Dive - 0.3 degree of difficulty) and a player is sent off. Then just 2 minutes later Elia is clearly brought down on the edge of the box and again, no call. WTF?!
Not that f***ing Robben helped things, TWICE! Did I say already how much I don't like the guy playing a full game?
Oscars should introduce new categories starting next year: Best Sports Acting Team and Best Sports Actor. Both Spain and Iniesta should easily win.
Worst WC, by far! In so many ways.
Germany was the best team for me.
Agreed! :tu
If Robben dived, Puyol would have been sent off, that would have changed the game. Spain would not have been able to play their tactical game with 10 vs 11. He should have done what Inesta did to Heitinga, and I would have been a happy camper on his way to get hammered right now, instead of posting on CA.
I was thinking the same thing the second it happened.... And then Iniesta went for the Oscars and all I could think was Robben should've done the same. Which is really freakin' sad... B/c I HATE diving. I mean, I know a lot of times it is necessary for you to get the foul call (when you are fouled) but sheesh!!!
TheRiddick
07-11-2010, 05:02 PM
A serious question, is this part of the rules of soccer, either "by the book" or just generally accepted?
For certain countries it is the norm. Spain and Italy are main culprits, their youth academies spend as much time on "acting" as they spend on technique. Watch Germany, England and Dutch play, if you see a dive it is a rare occurrence and only lately after their leagues have been infected by foreign players and coaches. Arsenal won a load of games this way in years past (Pires, anyone?), although they have cleaned up after their manager was taken to the task by other teams/managers. Drogba, Ronaldo (I am a Manchester fan) and a few others imported this BS lately to PL. Too bad.
But as usual, Blatter won't do crap about this...
md4958
07-11-2010, 05:03 PM
For this American viewer who admittedly is just now trying to better learn and enjoy the game, what drives me crazy is it seems in order to get a call you must embellish the foul. In hockey, the embellishment itself would be a penalty, and for other professional North American sports, embellishment is generally frowned upon. In football (American ;)), if a receiver is held but still makes the catch, they can decline the penalty. It seems to me, with soccer, if you don't go down and try to play through the foul, the foul is not called.
A serious question, is this part of the rules of soccer, either "by the book" or just generally accepted? If so, I'll probably be continuing my every four years viewing.
If the foul is in the possessing teams favor, and the ball was not turned over on the foul, the play is allowed to continue. Unfortunately "diving" has become an art forn in soccer, the Italians are especially talented. If it's a blatant dive, the diver can be issued a yellow card.
If the foul is in the possessing teams favor, and the ball was not turned over on the foul, the play is allowed to continue. Unfortunately "diving" has become an art forn in soccer, the Italians are especially talented. If it's a blatant dive, the diver can be issued a yellow card.
Pretty sure that the Italians all go to Soap Opera acting classes...
Don Fernando
07-11-2010, 06:03 PM
Don't forget the teams from South America, they dive like the best. I love Luis Suarez (he plays for Ajax Amsterdam, which is my team), but he's also a diver first class.
Don't forget the teams from South America, they dive like the best. I love Luis Suarez (he plays for Ajax Amsterdam, which is my team), but he's also a diver first class.
Oh, indeed. I'm pretty certain that if the South Americans recruited some of their soccer players for their Olympic dive teams, they'd be taking home golds. lol.
...Actually, wasn't there a South American player (I think Uruguay) that actually WAS a swimmer with his country's international team?
Smokin Gator
07-11-2010, 06:29 PM
...Actually, wasn't there a South American player (I think Uruguay) that actually WAS a swimmer with his country's international team?
Yeah and in my opinion Forlan was one of the best players in the WC... but not because of his dives. His ball control and shots were unreal.
Superbad
07-11-2010, 06:45 PM
Forlan won the award for best player. He deserved it too. I was really wanting the Dutch to win. Sorry Ferd.
Smokin Gator
07-11-2010, 06:49 PM
Forlan won the award for best player. He deserved it too. I was really wanting the Dutch to win. Sorry Ferd.
Forlan was unreal. I am surprised he won that award... but it is much deserved IMO.
Yeah and in my opinion Forlan was one of the best players in the WC... but not because of his dives. His ball control and shots were unreal.
Hmmm. Thought Forlan played tennis...
yourchoice
07-11-2010, 07:11 PM
If the foul is in the possessing teams favor, and the ball was not turned over on the foul, the play is allowed to continue.
Okay, but if there's a foul, play continues and when ultimately possession goes to the other team or the ball is played off the field, does the team that was fouled get a free kick from the spot of the foul (per the rules)? Or is the foul ignored?
Unfortunately "diving" has become an art forn in soccer, the Italians are especially talented. If it's a blatant dive, the diver can be issued a yellow card.
I actually saw a couple of yellow cards for diving in group play and was happy to see it called. But it seemed it was for actually diving when there was no foul at all. I guess embellishing an actual foul is okay per the rules, but I sure don't like it. I would rather see the player fouled try to continue the play.
Forlan was unreal. I am surprised he won that award... but it is much deserved IMO.
Yeah, he was! I was also happy to see Muller get the Golden Boot and Young Player award... Though, I thought Schweinsteiger might have been a better choice there. At any rate... 5 goals and 3 assists for a 20yr old is pretty epic!
md4958
07-11-2010, 07:38 PM
Okay, but if there's a foul, play continues and when ultimately possession goes to the other team or the ball is played off the field, does the team that was fouled get a free kick from the spot of the foul (per the rules)? Or is the foul ignored?
.
no, if the foul is not called immediately, it cannot be called retro-actively, "play on" is what is the commonly called by the ref in those instances. There are no time outs, and the only time the clock is stopped is when there is an injured player down that requires non-players on the field (medics/trainers).
TheRiddick
07-11-2010, 07:48 PM
no, if the foul is not called immediately, it cannot be called retro-actively
Not true. Refs can call it after the play and I've seen them do that.
Not true. Refs can call it after the play and I've seen them do that.
Matter of fact, there was a foul and yellow issue well after the incident -- while a certain drama queen was on the ground crying -- in today's game.
pnoon
07-11-2010, 10:46 PM
no, if the foul is not called immediately, it cannot be called retro-actively, "play on" is what is the commonly called by the ref in those instances. There are no time outs, and the only time the clock is stopped is when there is an injured player down that requires non-players on the field (medics/trainers).
Not true. Refs can call it after the play and I've seen them do that.
Sorry, Moe. Greg is correct. A referee will wait to see if an advantage is maintained. If within a few seconds, the potential advantage is lost, the referee can and will whistle the foul. If, however, the referee feels the advantage was realized and then the ball turned over, the foul is not called. Lots of latitude in judgment given to the referee.
Also, consider this scenario. A player is fouled and the foul is worthy of a yellow card. However, a clear advantage is given and the whistle is not blown for the foul. Attack continues, and eventually possession is lost and play continues. A full minute or two later, the ball goes into touch or over the end line. The referee can then appropriately issue the yellow.
And the clock is never stopped - even for an injury requiring medics/trainers. The referee will add (stoppage) time for any additional time he deems appropriate - including substitutions and dealing with misconduct.
Don Fernando
07-12-2010, 03:32 AM
Webb sucked, how the hell could he book Nigel de Jong, this was clearly a dive by Xabi Alonso http://www.dumpert.nl/mediabase/1036161/871f7473/nigel_de_jong_doet_het_gewoon_.html :D
md4958
07-12-2010, 06:41 AM
Sorry, Moe. Greg is correct. A referee will wait to see if an advantage is maintained. If within a few seconds, the potential advantage is lost, the referee can and will whistle the foul. If, however, the referee feels the advantage was realized and then the ball turned over, the foul is not called. Lots of latitude in judgment given to the referee.
Thanks for the education Peter, I had never seen this before.
Also, consider this scenario. A player is fouled and the foul is worthy of a yellow card. However, a clear advantage is given and the whistle is not blown for the foul. Attack continues, and eventually possession is lost and play continues. A full minute or two later, the ball goes into touch or over the end line. The referee can then appropriately issue the yellow.
.
So at that point, is it a free kick? And where?
And the clock is never stopped - even for an injury requiring medics/trainers. The referee will add (stoppage) time for any additional time he deems appropriate - including substitutions and dealing with misconduct.
When they show the ref's handling their watches I figured they were stopping the timers. Is it left to the refs discretion weather to add time for subs (ie if they are trying to burn the clock in the final minutes) or is a cut and dry policy?
yourchoice
07-12-2010, 07:18 AM
Thanks for the education Moe, Greg and Peter. I'm glad I asked the question.
I guess, based on all of this, my opinion is the ref could have decided the advantage was maintained, which I have no problem with, but could/should have issued a yellow on Robben's chance. I should stipulate this is based on my understanding of the rules (which obviously is limited).
ade06
07-12-2010, 07:46 AM
Good game yesterday. Even with all of the b.s. calls, I thought that the better team won.
Is it Football (U.S.) season yet? I'm ready to watch a sport where tackles are rewarded!
Good game yesterday. Even with all of the b.s. calls, I thought that the better team won.
Is it Football (U.S.) season yet? I'm ready to watch a sport where tackles are rewarded!
No but I'm pretty sure it is Rugby time... And tackles are DEFINITELY rewarded in that sport lol.
TheRiddick
07-12-2010, 10:46 AM
Webb sucked, how the hell could he book Nigel de Jong, this was clearly a dive by Xabi Alonso http://www.dumpert.nl/mediabase/1036161/871f7473/nigel_de_jong_doet_het_gewoon_.html :D
You're not saying anything we can disagree on. Disgrace for FIFA to pick Webb to ref the game, something that was called as soon as his name was announced days prior. I have no idea how Spanish players can think they are winners.
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