The World Cup Thread

Man Italy the champions of the world lost vs the Slovaks? They hadn't been kicked out at this stage since 1974.

Go Orange !

 

Slovakias first ever World Cup and they advance to the second round after defeating the reigning World Champion.

I am quite shocked by Denmark 1 - 3 Japan! Didn't watch the game, but the Danes seem to have gotten a consolation goal in the 85th minute, so not much of a game there. I was certain they would go through after watching their performance against Cameroon...but must laugh my ass of at Prima Donna Eto'o now...

 

So my views on todays game.

Brazil is qualified, and only needs a draw to go through top of the group. Portugal is also in, though not sure how hard they will try for the win. Ivory Coast needs to put up at least 9 goals on North Korea to have any sort of chance of finishing ahead of Portugal (and that only matters if Portugal loses). So probably not the most exciting games.

Group H, the last games of the day, are much more interesting.

Spain needs to beat Chile in order to advance, and needs to do so on the same level as Switzerland beating Honduras. Spain is only +1 on Switzerland in goal differential, so really need a win to ensure qualification.

Now, if Spain beat Chile and Switzerland beats Honduras, its possible to knock Chile out by goal-differential too. They would be - at best - +1 on goals, so if the Swiss can score twice, things get interesting!

 

Note the large reprsentation of the Americas, both north and South at this stage. This is a first and having the USA play Ghana gives it a chance to go even further.

 

Biggest match up in the world cup so far (imo) Brazil vs Portugal!


The way things are going I see a South American World Cup victory.
GO BRAZIL!!!

 

Being from Scandinavia I was on the Danish side but must admit the Japanese goals were "beauties": Two excellent free kicks and the 3-1 goal superb passing by Honda. Japan truly deserved their victory.

Spain might be in trouble tonight if Chile manages to pressure Spain from the beginning. Italy going home was big news already, what will happen to Spain? Sometimes too much trying makes the game awful but they should have enough "stars" to shine through to the next round.

 

Spain v Chile is definitely the match to watch - I'm really looking forward to it.

 

Certainly has the potential for being one of the more exciting games.

At the end of today, I will revisit my predictions from pre-tournament and see where things stand, and then make my predictions for how the next round will tee off.

 

brazil v portugal, disappointingly poor............

 

I expect a low score, england v germany, 0-0/1-0. not sure which way the goal? if one is scored? but 0-0 possible result 90mins, extra time? then a shoot out! coming...

 

Spain needs to win to be absolutely certain not to go home at this stage

 

I want to see Spain-Brazil in the second round. Hoping for a draw against in both matches this afternnon.

 

I don´t think so sir. GOAAAL , Spain 1 Chile 0 ... Villa.

It was a difficult shot. F.. jabulani.

Well still 60 minuts more...

 

Looks like the Chileans are resorting to typical South/Central American football - lots of kicking of the PLAYERS and not the Ball. 3 yellow cards for the Chileans so far and 1st half isnt over!

Villa is certainly on a hot streak - best striker in the world at the moment?

 

Estrada, red carded...

 

GOAAAL , Spain 2 Chile 0 , Red card for Estrada. I guess we wouldn´t see Brasil Spain the next round.

 

Ariba Spain Efestos, they deserved this

 

Chile can still make it through if the Swiss don't score (which is a likely possibility).

 

I don´t think so he failed so many shots against Honduras, not only the penalty. May be ...

I really would like it.

UHMMM Goal ... CHILE!!!!!!!!!

 

Celebrations out there in the street!? Why? ... I think is that the people want to go out and stand his country flag. It's almost "forbiden" here.