World Cup fever

jbvenn · Post by **jbvenn** » Jun Tue 20, 2006 10:18 pm

G2-4T wrote: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!

I've been having a blast watching every match I can (mostly on Univision). When I'm at work I keep up with live text play-by-play from the BBC.

I hate to say it, but I haven't been cheering on the US side, mainly because Americans are so apathetic/hostile about football/soccer, they don't deserve to have a winning team. I'd much rather see the WC go to a team whose countrymen (and women) would really celebrate their win (like did anyone see the South Koreans on Sunday? They were going crazy!). I'm sick of hearing Americans make fun of soccer, or complain that it's "boring."

Since I'm part French and a Francophile, I've been cheering the French, even though their chances of getting out of the first round aren't looking very good. So my second choice is Germany, because I'm also part German and it would be fun to see the host country win.

Post by **spaulo** » Jun Wed 21, 2006 12:38 pm

Boy the Portugese put on a helluva show this morning against Mexico! 9 points and the first trip to the Round of 16 in 40 years! Vivo Portugal!

As for the US... I can understand your sentiments, jbvenn, but as an American (and a proud one at that) I am confident that despite the great showing Ghana put on against the Czechs... and despite the p***-poor effort our side put on against the Czechs... that the Ghanans will seriously miss Gyan and Muntari... who account for both their goals (with Gyan also setting up Muntari's goal)... more than the Americans will miss Mastroeni and Pope.

With Gyan and Muntari off the pitch, the Ghanan offense basically comes down to Akwa... and he'll have a plenty-tough time making his way through Bocanegra and Onyewu on his way to Keller.

The American offense, however, needs to appear out of nowhere to be successful, but the talent there... McBride, Donovan, Beasley, Reyna, Dempsey, Johnson, Convey... is undeniable...

Should be a great match!

Post by **spaulo** » Jun Thu 22, 2006 12:40 pm

Oh well, the Americans go home after group play yet again. See you all in South Africa, 2010!

Meanwhile... Vivo Portugal!!

GoofyInOhio · Post by **GoofyInOhio** » Jun Thu 22, 2006 5:47 pm

Well the Americans had a tough draw, but I'm not going to make excuses. I don't know if it will ever be an American sport, but the World Cup is Awesome to watch. Go Mexico!

jbvenn · Post by **jbvenn** » Jun Thu 22, 2006 11:26 pm

spaulo wrote:Oh well, the Americans go home after group play yet again. See you all in South Africa, 2010!

Meanwhile... Vivo Portugal!!

I had to track the game through live text from BBC, and some of the comments claimed that bad calls were made (one resulting in a goal) that went against the US. Did it really have an effect on the outcome, or was it just one more nail in the coffin?

My husband saw part of the match and thought the Ghanans were playing a very physical game. Did anyone else get that impression?

Post by **spaulo** » Jun Fri 23, 2006 11:45 am

The foul on Onyewu in the 45th minute that resulted in a Ghanan PK... and the eventual winning goal... was complete horsehockey. If the sides go into the half at a draw, then who knows what happens in the second 45? So yes... one call easily could have been the deciding factor... but who knows? Maybe the second half still would have been scoreless... a draw still would have sent the Yanks packing.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Jun Fri 23, 2006 12:47 pm

Then ofcourse the Three yellow cards in the Aussie match was one of those DUUUUH moments. I was watching that one, I counldn't get away from work to watch the US game, with a whole bunch of Aussies, New Zealander's, Brit's, and various other of the former Empire, I say that lovingly. The second goal by Croatia looked fixed, and I'm basing this on the fact that the Aussie goalkeep "the spider" is Croation. Does that sound fixed or what? He let the ball role right over him, and earlier he almost batted it into the goal ( what was that all about ). That game was good.

And yes congrats to Ronaldo on tying the record for most goals in worldcup play. Although that doesn't impress me as much as the French guy getting all of his goals in one tournament.

Later today I will be watching one of the two games in a unventailated conference room, Yay.

jbvenn · Post by **jbvenn** » Jun Fri 23, 2006 11:40 pm

Today was a great day: it's Friday, we had a picnic at work so everything was fun and relaxed all day AND France advanced in the WC!! That got me to humming "La Marseillaise," to the amusement of my coworkers. Vive la France!

Post by **spaulo** » Jun Mon 26, 2006 10:26 am

YESTERDAY was a great day! My closest buds got me moved into my temporary stay at my parents' house, and when I took them all out to lunch to thank them, we got to catch the second half of the Portugal/Netherlands match! VIVO PORTUGAL!

Up next: England!