Football World Cup 2014

beamer wrote:Good old Sideshow Bob up to his usual tricks again in the third place JAMODI... Brazil now with nine conceded in 110 minutes of football. Their South American rivals haven't conceded in well over 300.

Mental defending once again.

beamer wrote:Or opposing teams have concentrated so much on shutting down Messi that they've forgotten to actually try to score themselves?

They've defended well with a packed midfield. Which would be good for a plucky underdog.

Brass Monkey wrote:

beamer wrote:Or opposing teams have concentrated so much on shutting down Messi that they've forgotten to actually try to score themselves?

They've defended well with a packed midfield. Which would be good for a plucky underdog.

Well, they basically are a plucky underdog with the addition of the world's best player (plus two or three other decent players who haven't really showed up).

beamer wrote:
Well, they basically are a plucky underdog with the addition of the world's best player (plus two or three other decent players who haven't really showed up).

The actual cost of World Cup squads puts Argentina 5th, with Germany 8th and the estimated values of the squads have Argentina 3rd and Germany 4th, so it's hardly David versus Goliath.

I thought the front four would be outstanding with perhaps a suspect defence, but they've been the complete opposite (apart from the Nigeria game which was more in line with that expectation). Other than Messi's occasional and decisive moments of magic, Mascherano's been their best player.

beamer wrote:I thought the front four would be outstanding with perhaps a suspect defence, but they've been the complete opposite (apart from the Nigeria game which was more in line with that expectation). Other than Messi's occasional and decisive moments of magic, Mascherano's been their best player.

Mascherano's been totally outstanding. He's probably the only Argentina player that would make the team of the tournament.

Not sure how many Brazilians would make it. That was another men v boys performance. The Dutch could've had five if they were bothered. Luckily for Brazil, they treated the second half like a pre-season friendly.

No competitive defeat in 40 years then two in a few days, if this counts... think the bronze medals would have been straight on eBay for the yellows anyway whereas the Dutch can wear them with some pride.

Big Phil's meeting on his future will surely consist only of Lord Sugar's catchphrase. Brazil have a decision to make, either go back to playing the classic way even if they only have one player worthy of it, or employ a European coach to sort them out. Sven for the Selecao anyone?   

Gene Hackman must be out the door.

I dunno whether to PMSL or feel sorry for Brazil. God their defence was awful.

Q: What time is it in Brazil now?

A: It's 10 to one, all year.

I suppose there's going to be a lot of this.

If ever there was an advert for someone who needs a haircut it's David Luiz. His ridiculous Sideshow Bob look already drew enough attention to him before his woeful defending.

I don't think he should go near anyone with scissors or a razor for some time. It'll have to be done at home.

skully wrote:If ever there was an advert for someone who needs a haircut it's David Luiz. His ridiculous Sideshow Bob look already drew enough attention to him before his woeful defending.

It's what 50 million quid buys these days.

I'm still laughing at Brazil. Should've been down to 10 men after 2 minutes...

Is this $hit going down tonight?  The WC final?

Sd

Furriner, the football fanatic

Sugar daddy, soooo drunk or small dick?


Anyway:

Yep

tbc

Yep

Stupendous Dong.

ohhhh kayyyyyyyyy.

Then:

Yep.

No way Hohzay.

Yep.

Reasonable game so far. Officiating a bit weak.

Pretty even, against the predictions of superficial judges. Both defences leaving hazardous gaps. Hummels looks like a carthorse, and Lahm has had the freedom of the right wing in attack.

Had Aguero been playing, Argentina would have been 2 up, for all the crosses from the German right.


Surprised how deeply cynical the German fouling has been. In the past that was the South American role.

Personally, I hope Messi scores the winning goal. Would be a fitting climax. (Maybe Sneaky Schweini or Immoral Mueller to trip or stud-scour Higuain out of the game, and get his marching orders in the meantime ... )

Looks like extra time now. 0-0. Can Germany survive another 30 mins, or can they pinch one?

I presume Lionel is "carrying a niggle"? In the second half, he mainly drifted off into midfield anonymity, as if he would prefer only to marshal the game. And had only about two runs at the opposition defence, which lit up the first half. Mainly as a result, the first half was more absorbing.

But he could/should have scored.

On chances, it's about even.

ET yet again then. I hope it doesn't go to yet another load of pens.

Lahm looks like he could pinch a loaf.

Finally Germany score

Great goal. Almost as good as Cahill's.