World Cup fever

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Jun Thu 15, 2006 10:15 pm

So I can't believe this hasn't come up yet - who are you backing in the World Cup? A full week into it and no one has even brought it up - I know we have folks over in Europe that stop in here every so often, I know you're watching. A bunch of sure aren't getting a lot done at work since all the matchs are day time for us here

broncoflyer8912 · Post by **broncoflyer8912** » Jun Thu 15, 2006 11:18 pm

It's all about the Three Lions (England for the non-soccer fans) and the Americans. Americans prolly won't get out of group play, and not sure how far England will get. There play in their first two games wasn't very inspired, so they better get it together if they want to make it to the finals.

Post by **spaulo** » Jun Fri 16, 2006 1:35 am

Ugh. I got photographed by the local paper nearly in tears during the US's 3-nil loss to the Czechs on monday. If they don't pull a victory out of the Italy match on Saturday the tourney is over for them.

My second team... as my family is from there (last name "Paulo") is Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo is FREAKIN' SWEET and the fact that Old Man Figo set up their only goal against Angola was awesome.

U S A! U S A! U S A!

GoofyInOhio · Post by **GoofyInOhio** » Jun Fri 16, 2006 7:06 am

Born and raised in the USA.

After that I like to watch Brazil. I will be chearing for Mexico when the US isn't playing. Which after their first performance I can't see them getting out of the first round.

I just wish these games weren't on while most of us are at work, but I understand because of the time difference. Gotta love my DVR!!!

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Jun Fri 16, 2006 10:45 am

I'm always about the Host country winning eveytime, it's good for the fans. That said I next like England to play, I'm a big fan of the brits.

Most of the people I work with have been in pools but I couldn't pick anything so I was shutout ( horse racing term).

Post by **spaulo** » Jun Fri 16, 2006 12:18 pm

GoofyInOhio wrote:Which after their first performance I can't see them getting out of the first round.

What? They beat Iran 3-1... all Mexico has to do is beat Angola later today, and they're through, even if Portugal smacks them around (which they will) because you KNOW Portugal is taking Iran down hard tomorrow morning.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Jun Fri 16, 2006 1:56 pm

Theres a poll on Yahoo Sports asking if the USA will rally after loosing the other day

116781 people have voted

22% 25514 said YES

78% 91267 Said NO

That is the USA's view on football in general. You ever notice we are the only contry that calls it Soccer maybe that is the reason no great players come from here. Where is our Beckham, Ronaldinho, Rooney, etc.

I asked a couple of kids down the street from me who their favorite "soccer" players were they said "Beckham and Mia Ham....................." and this was from kids who play soccer every spring/summer and summer/fall season and for their schools.

Club33Hopeful · Post by **Club33Hopeful** » Jun Fri 16, 2006 2:01 pm

Isn't Mia Hamm from the US?

Mr.ToadWildRider · Post by **Mr.ToadWildRider** » Jun Fri 16, 2006 2:10 pm

I think Mia Hamm quit the sport and I don't even know if there are female games in this World Cup...

Anyway any game that the game clock counts UP rather than DOWN can't be worth it

Post by **js3901** » Jun Fri 16, 2006 3:26 pm

yes, Mia Hamm is from the US, Yes, she retired from active play. not sure but I haven;t heard anything about ladies play this year. last time I heard anything was in 2003. I believe they play every 4 years like the men, though, so they would go next year.

Post by **spaulo** » Jun Fri 16, 2006 3:48 pm

The fact that we call football "soccer" has nothing to do with how well/poorly we play.

And while we may not have a player as good as Ronaldinho, or one as well-known as Becks, Americans like Claudio Reyna and Kasey Keller are extremely popular in Europe for their club play. The game is still growing in this country, I mean, we've only had a club league for what, 10 years or so? Footy is in its infancy here, really.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Jun Sat 17, 2006 4:38 pm

OK that game today was p*** me off. That ref should never over see another game this world cup. How could he red card Pope, he hit the ball then hit Gilardino!! That is playing the ball!! Then ofcourse the Italians did their traditional dive plays. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

I said I wasn't going to get involved in this game but I did and I am Angry. I will post later with a better analysis of the game after I calm down.

Post by **spaulo** » Jun Sat 17, 2006 4:52 pm

The Mastroeni red was ridiculous as well... a yellow for sure, but a red out of nowhere for a late tackle? It wasn't vicious or anything!

Of course, if McBride could have finished on his chance, or if he'd been onside for Beasley, it would have been three points for the Yanks. So there's that.

The US only advances if they beat Ghana and Italy beats the Czechs.

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Jun Mon 19, 2006 9:42 pm

And what are the chances Ghana will even let the US score? I can't see them standing a chance come Thursday after the show Ghana put on.

It is indeed sad how the game is so under-represented here in the US. At least it is picking up but most still have no clue who guys like Ronaldinho are let alone greats like Pele... Someday it will be big - at least we're now showing every World Cup match on TV, first time that has ever happened in the US...

So come on people, make you picks for the last couple weeks!

GoofyInOhio · Post by **GoofyInOhio** » Jun Tue 20, 2006 7:18 am

spaulo wrote:
GoofyInOhio wrote:Which after their first performance I can't see them getting out of the first round.
What? They beat Iran 3-1... all Mexico has to do is beat Angola later today, and they're through, even if Portugal smacks them around (which they will) because you KNOW Portugal is taking Iran down hard tomorrow morning.

No I was talking about the US. Since they laid an egg in the first game. Of course they came back and got a tie with Italy which was awesome. Our former Columbus Crew player (McBride) manned up and played bloody and all. GO USA!!!!