Official 2006 World Cup Thread.

[Wedgie]

Never put money on Spain they always choke.

I think its a bit of a toss of the coin out of Argentina, Germany, England, Brazil, Czech Republic, Netherlands and maybe one or 2 others but the beauty/bad thing about soccer is in an even comp it only takes a bit of luck for a team to get up on the day. Take any of the above which is the best odds.

[mighty_tiger_79]

i know Spain are chokers in big tournaments but a mate of mine is over there and as he put it 'they look lively' and im assuming thats a good thing

[David Votoupal]

Juan Riquelme is, without doubt, the finest midfield playmaker on the world today alongside Tomas Rosicky. Riquelme is particularly special because he is actually a NATURAL FOOTBALLER and not an athlete. Make most of that if you will.

[mighty_tiger_79]

well i think spain are looking better then the Czech Republic, they lost 2-0 to Ghana!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is a major upset.

also glad to see USA get a draw with ITALY

[David Votoupal]

Well those are unbelievable results- even more unbelievable was the way Ghana took the Czechs apart.

[Sam_goUUUdogs]

Ghana V Czech would be the most entertaining game of the WC so far.

[heater31]

Ghana V Czech would be the most entertaining game of the WC so far.

Definitely, could have been alot more goals if wasn't for the Czech goalkeeper top class saves every time for about 3 or four shots

[Mr66]

Just saw highlights of the Italy/US game.
Plenty of biffo, with the Azzuri blowing up and the Yanks retaliating
by impersonating the Oakland Raiders linebackers.
Pity it was only a 1-all tie.

[Maddogmike]

Dont forget the Aussies if they qualify (presuming 2nd) will play the top ranked team from the Czech, Italy, USA, Ghana group, which has suddenly evened right up with 1 game to play!!!!

[David Votoupal]

Well we can apply this theory to some teams:
- team x might win the minor premiership at a canter, and still do nothing in the finals
- team y might just scrape into September and play its best footy in the finals

The same possibilities apply to a tournament like the World Cup, and we more or less see it this time round.

[Sam_goUUUdogs]

just got back from the Rosemont where i watched England and Sweden finish @ 2-2

[JK]

Ghana V Czech would be the most entertaining game of the WC so far.

I tipped Ghana in that game ... Have only read of them without seeing them play, but they have pretty good wraps on them ... Chzech's are brilliant, but I thought their injury depleted strike-force could hurt them, as it still could ... Of those contenders mentionde above I'd also add Italy, whilst others might be preferable they still have too much class to leave out

[David Votoupal]

Kewell cleared to play- yaaaaaay.

Geez, just like Big Bad Bustling Barry Hall being cleared to play in last year's GF, what a scary coincidence

[matt]

Matt, I'm sure it's something you'll remember for your whole life. You either have great timing or great luck in being able to get over to Deutschland for it. Here in Japan, most people seem pretty confident that they (Japan) can beat Australia, so I really hope our (Aussie) boys can start off with a win!

Finally had my password reset so can now comment.
Officially, the best sporting moment of my life and yes Spoolsh, won;t be forgetting this in a hurry.
My time in Japan was spent trying to get the Japanese to see us as a genuine threat. It was all Brasil, Brasil, Brasil. They just couldn't look past Brasil. It was not that they thought they'd beat them but more excitement to be in a glamour tie. Assumption was they'd beat us and probably get over the Croats. I took a lot of bets on this game as the excitement go to me. All smiles now of course.
As far as a sporting atmosphere goes it is almost indescribable. Prior to the game to just kick about K'town and have a few beers and chat to the Japanese fans and soak up the atmosphere was top drawer. It was just all so positive. Both sets of fans were all smiles and just happy to be there although deep down the butterflies were playing havoc. Being not an overly nationalistic country to hear the natioanl anthem sung with such enthusiasm was magic.
You've all seen the game and lived the hype so not much more I can add. It was deliriously good.
No comment on how we went out. Can't bring myself to watch the penalty again. Once was enough.
Hope you're all getting along to Adelaide Oval on the 31st to cheer them on.
Let's hope this is the start to rebuilding the naitonal side after the retirements that will soon hit us. We MUST qualify for 2010.

[purch]

Some pics from AUS v JAP in Kaiserslautern.
Hope this works. Let me know if it doesn't.


Booney made an appearance on the way in





Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern





Filling up...




National Anthem





83 mins in...





After 93 mins. AUS 3 1 JAP


Ahhhh the memories...