This is the table for mocking your fellow man or woman. Please keep it friendly and civil. I'll be posting a running commentary on the scores in here as the games are finished.
And so far no one guessed both draws, although plenty picked one or the other. Of course some muppets like myself didn't get either. :'(
Oh well, the pleasure of being in good company among fellow muppets. ()stsfd() Yourself and Myself are just warming up the engine to show the other "experts" who's who in here (sounds like a good excuse?).
Apart from that and on a lighter note I'll have to say :-[ :angrymore: &hlp :angrymore: &hlp :'( :'(
Looks like I'm joining the muppets &mmm. And while my Kiwi friend is dishing it out :D, I just might provide a fact or two:
SOUTH AFRICA V MEXICO
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Rafael Marquez denied South Africa a dream start to their FIFA World Cup™ with a late equaliser for Mexico in a 1-1 draw in an absorbing Opening Match at Soccer City.
Carlos Alberto Parreira's hosts appeared on course for three points when Siphiwe Tshabalala fired them in front with a superb 55th-minute strike. But after Teko Modise had missed a clear chance to seal victory, Marquez rescued the draw that Mexico's first-half dominance deserved with a close-range finish 11 minutes from time.
South Africa's players were singing as they came down the tunnel before stepping out into a wall of noise inside Soccer City. But after referee Ravshan Irmatov blew the first whistle of these finals, it was Mexico who looked the team in tune. Familiar with a background din from their own Azteca Stadium, they made a positive start which might have yielded the earliest goal of any FIFA World Cup Opening Match as Alessandro Dos Santos nearly struck inside two minutes. Paul Aguilar delivered a low cross and when goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune failed to smother it, Dos Santos looked poised to bury the loose ball only for Aaron Mokoena to make a vital block.
Javier Aguirre's Mexico created a steady supply of chances as they dominated possession in the first half-hour. After Guillermo Franco had sent a header over from a corner, the lively Dos Santos threatened again when he surged upfield from the centre-circle before slicing a shot wide from the edge of the box. After 32 minutes Carlos Vela sent a dinked ball over the Bafana backline to Franco but he was foiled by Khune. When that pair next combined, Mexico got the ball into the net but Vela was offside as he turned in Franco's flick-on from a corner.
Once or twice South Africa's interpassing almost opened up the Mexico rearguard only for the final ball to go astray. But it was not for nothing that South Africa entered this contest unbeaten in 12 games and home hopes rose before the break when Tshabalala whipped in a dangerous ball that Katlego Mphela just failed to get his head to. It was Tshabalala himself who made the breakthrough by concluding a four-man move in spectacular style ten minutes after the restart.
Latching on to a long diagonal through-ball by Kagisho Dikgacoi, he broke into the penalty box on the left before unleashing a superb left-footed shot high into the opposite corner. Soccer City exploded in celebration and after Khune had turned behind Dos Santo's rising shot, Modise could have put the game out of sight. He had already spurned one clear chance, albeit when ruled offside, when he broke through in the 72nd minute. Under pressure from Francisco Rodriguez, however, he failed to get the power on his shot to trouble Perez. The hosts paid for their profligacy when Andres Guardado picked out the unmarked Marquez at the far post and he gave Khune no chance with a near-post finish. Even then South Africa might have snatched a winner only for Mphela's left-foot strike to rebound to safety off the post.
FRANCE V URUGUAY
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An opportunity to seize the initiative in Group A was missed at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium as France and ten-man Uruguay served up a drab goalless draw. The earlier stalemate between South Africa and Mexico had presented their section rivals with the chance to claim top spot, but neither did enough to secure three points in a scrappy encounter in which Nicolas Lodeiro picked up the tournament's first red card.
France's difficulties at UEFA EURO 2008 and during FIFA World Cup™ qualifying have enabled them to sneak almost unnoticed into this competition, yet they reminded everyone of their considerable potential with some slick early play. Predictably, Franck Ribery was at the heart of the best of their attacking forays, and only Sidney Govou will know how he failed to convert the Bayern Munich winger's inviting low cross after eight minutes. Ribery looked to have laid on a certain goal, with Govou inside the six-yard box when the ball arrived, but the Lyon player's right-foot attempt lacked conviction and the ball trickled wide of the far post.
Les Bleus remained in the ascendancy, and Nicolas Anelka – who endured a frustrating evening – might have done better than head over from an intelligently weighted Yoann Gourcuff cross. The presence of Diego Forlan ensured that Raymond Domenech's side were never able to rest easy, though, and the Atletico Madrid striker underlined his capabilities on 16 minutes with an effort out of nothing. Stepping inside from the left beyond William Gallas, Forlan unleashed a powerful right-foot drive that was heading for the net before Hugo Lloris got across to make a fine save.
Nonetheless, this was an isolated moment of concern for a French side who remained firmly in control, with Abou Diaby dictating the midfield pace. Gourcuff was also impressing, and with 18 minutes played he forced an alert save from Fernando Muslera with an audacious free-kick attempt on goal, inches from the left touchline. The game fell into something of a lull as half-time approached, but the tempo picked up again after the break, with Forlan blasting over after sneaking in between Gallas and Bacary Sagna. There was precious little penetration, however, and the growing frustration was summed up 12 minutes after the restart when Jeremy Toulalan tried his luck from all of 35 yards, bringing a comfortable save out of Muslera.
France introduced Thierry Henry in an attempt to re-establish their early superiority, but it was Uruguay who should have snatched victory, with Forlan wasting the best chance of the half, blasting wide from an unmarked position 12 yards from goal. Ultimately, however, La Celeste were happy to hold out for a point after second-half substitute Lodeiro earned a second yellow card for an ugly lunge on Sagna.
This is what I don't understand... why even allow a draw? That's satisfying to no one. Give em extra innings... quarters... whatever they are.
And I said I'm with the JestARR party, where we'll sit and drink real beer (Pabst Blue Ribbon), and heckle all you foreigners and your draws, while we talk about real football. ESPN's showing "The Greatest Moments in BSC Tostitos Fiesta Bowl History" on the flat screen by the dart board. So ya'll shush so we can hear it, k?
I don't know Nate, I came across something more interesting the other day. Gals playing American football in skimpy outfits. They have there own league and regular airtime. And they don't need padding ::)
Dave, I doubt you could handle yourself against the ladies of the Lingerie Football League (http://www.lflus.com/). But I imagine you'd forget about this silly soccer business. $%Grinno$%
There was something interesting in the paper today: Cannavaro said that, and I quote
QuoteItaly is a ridiculous county, and I mean a truely ridiculous county
The reason was that he was critisised for laughing when his teammate Marchisio turned Italy's national anthem into a political complaint.
Final comment by the newspaper itself:
Quotebeing one of the top players of a country you don't even like, a bit ironic, isn't it?
France vs Uruguay was pathetic to watch
We ( france ) have again not scored ( even if we have lost, I would have better like the team scored ). However as the team want to score with entering the goal with the ball it is quite hard :). and as no one is entering the 16m zone it is even harder. Apart from Gourcuff free kick, Uruguay goal keeper hadn't got many things to do ....
I doubt we can score in the 2 next matches, meaning we won't see the next round
The good news : Diaby was really impressive
Korea Republic V Greece
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Korea Republic claimed the first victory at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ as a goal early in each half made it a disappointing start for Group B opponents Greece.
The South Koreans were the dominant force for virtually all of the first half in the Port Elizabeth Stadium although they had to withstand some initial pressure from Greece with Vasileios Torosidis seeing an effort fly off target. The same player should then have scored following Georgios Karagounis's corner but he put a decent chance wide from nine yards.
Huh Jung-Moo's side shrugged off that scare and proceeded to pin their opponents back, and with only seven minutes gone they forged ahead. A free-kick from near the left-hand corner flag found the blue shirts all at sea and at the far post Lee Jung-Soo pounced to sidefoot home and become his country's fastest-ever scorer at a FIFA World Cup.
Greece, European champions in 2004, never recovered from that setback and Korea smelled the chance of further goals with Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung always a danger and Yeom Ki-Hun also pulling the strings. In the 28th minute the South Koreans, fast-raiding and adroit with their ball control, fashioned an outstanding chance to double their advantage as Park Ji-Sung slid a lovely ball into the feet of Park Chu-Young.
Park Chu-Young was clear of the last man but just as he attempted to seal his strong run with a scoring finish, a combination of the back-pedalling Loukas Vyntra and Alexandros Tzorvas denied him, the goalkeeper making a vital intervention to deflect the ball over. Greece had to change their approach and Otto Rehhagel decided to take off captain Karagounis at the break with Christos Patsatzoglou coming in. However with another goal seven minutes into the second period, Korea put the game as good as out of reach.
It was a disaster for Greek defending as they gave possession away inside their own half through Vyntra and were left helpless as Park Ji-Sung took ruthless advantage. There was strength, control and determination in his run as he tore into the penalty area before burying a left-footed shot past Tzorvas to become only the second Asian player to score in three different FIFA World Cups, having also found the net in 2002 and 2006. It should have been three minutes later as Park Chu-Young dashed between defenders to meet a cross from the right but he could not keep his header down.
Greece, who had not managed a goal in any of their three previous FIFA World Cup games – all of which had been lost in 1994 – had no option but to give everything to try and claw back the deficit. They looked to Theofanis Gekas, who with ten goals was the leading scorer in European qualifying, to inspire an recovery, and he tried an ambitious overhead kick which went over. Soon after Pantelis Kapetanos scooped the ball over as it was drilled in from the left while Gekas forced Jung Sung-Ryong into a fine save at the end. But there was no dispute that Korea were good value for their three points.
Argentina V Nigeria
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Argentina joined Saturday's earlier winners Korea Republic on three points in Group B with a 1-0 victory over Nigeria at Johannesburg's packed Ellis Park. Gabriel Heinze scored the game's only goal with a diving header from a corner in just the sixth minute, although the two-time FIFA World Cup™ winners would have added more if not for the heroics of Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and their own wasteful finishing.
As early as the fourth minute, FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi burst through the Super Eagles' defence and set up Gonzalo Higuain in front of goal, but the Real Madrid man blazed wide of the target. Two minutes later Messi tested Enyeama from 20 yards out, but the Israel-based goalkeeper saved well with a dive to his right. However, from the resulting corner, Heinze ran free of his marker and made no mistake with his header from the penalty spot. The early goal sent coach Diego Maradona into raptures on the sideline, and surely he must have thought there was more to come.
Messi was a constant thorn in the side of the Nigeria defence, and in the 18th minute he cut inside and curled a left-footed shot towards goal from 25 yards out. But Enyeama was up to the task with a fine save at his post. Three minutes later, the Albiceleste threatened again but Higuain blasted his point-blank shot right into the goalkeeper. Enyeama was the Nigerian hero another time shortly after, denying Messi with his fingertips when it seemed like his curling shot would sneak in.
The introduction of Obafemi Martins early in the second period sparked Nigeria into life. The Wolfsburg forward showed his pace on the hour to latch onto a through-ball and play in Sani Kaita but he blasted over from 25 yards out. As the match opened up, Argentina found more room in the attacking third. In the 65th minute, they counter-attacked quickly to find themselves four-on-two and bearing down on the Nigeria defence. Carlos Tevez slid the ball dangerously into the middle, Angel Di Maria let the ball carry on to Messi, but the Barcelona superstar hit his shot agonisingly wide. Messi then set up Higuain for another opening, but Enyeama was again the victor in that head-to-head duel.
In the 71st minute, Nigeria left-back Taye Taiwo blasted a shot just wide of the post from the edge of the area, injuring himself in the process. His replacement, Kalu Uche, had the best chance of the night for the Super Eagles in the 83rd minute, but he failed to keep down an effort from 12 yards out despite being left unmarked. Nigeria next face Greece on 17 June in Manguang/Bloemfontein, when Argentina and Korea Republic will battle it out for top spot in the group at Johannesburg's Soccer City.
England V USA
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A terrible mistake from England's Robert Green gave USA a share of the spoils in Group C's opening match played in front of a passionate crowd in Rustenburg. The goalkeeper, given the nod by Fabio Capello to start the match ahead of David James and Joe Hart, allowed Clint Dempsey's 25-yard drive to slip through his grasp, giving last year's FIFA Confederations Cup finalists a deserved share of the spoils.
The game had begun so well for England, who enjoyed an ideal start to their FIFA World Cup™ campaign, taking the lead with just four minutes on the clock. Frank Lampard found Emile Heskey who played a perfectly-weighted ball to Steven Gerrard and the skipper made no mistake with an intelligent finish past Man of the Match Tim Howard with the outside of his right foot.
From then on, however, USA gradually got more of the ball and a grip of the game. They fired their first real warning when Landon Donovan's teasing cross from the right was headed wide by Jozy Altidore. Oguchi Onyewu also glanced wide a header, again from a Donovan set-piece, and the LA Galaxy man himself tested Green with a curling 25-yard effort which swerved just wide of the upright.
If USA seemed not to be enjoying any luck, they got their deserved equaliser in fortunate fashion five minutes before the break. Dempsey's shot appeared to be straightforward enough to handle, but Green's failed attempt to claim the ball drew them level. It was a horrible mistake by the England goalkeeper – one which he immediately acknowledged - but one which England ultimately failed to recover from.
The Three Lions upped the tempo in the second half and Emile Heskey spurned a good chance to put them ahead – firing straight at the keeper after being put clean through by Aaron Lennon. Lampard stung the palms of Howard with a long-range effort and Glen Johnson also snatched a shot when well placed. Green went some way to atone for his earlier error when he pushed Altidore's shot onto the post after the pacy striker had powered past substitute Jamie Carragher down the left.
As the half wore on, Wayne Rooney began to find more space and consequently his influence on the game increased. First he headed over from a Gerrard cross and then a quickly-taken free-kick almost caught Howard out, but the ball flashed wide of the far post. The No10 also set up Shaun Wright-Phillips in a fantastic position, but his shot lacked conviction and Howard was able to make a comfortable save.
With the clock ticking down, both managers introduced striking substitutes in the hope of a late winner, but a winning goal failed to come. With such a fearsome rivalry between the sides, there was a feeling of anti-climax at the final whistle, but there is still plenty to play for at the FIFA World Cup.
And of course one last pic. Always something a bit odd that gets captured. SO if you have a suitable caption, let it be known right here. And if you see a funny/peruliar pic from the world cup feel free to post it here.
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Right, after 10 games we have 4 people leading on 6 points:
Art
maciex
TTC
TmiguelT
with a few people on 5 and a lot on 4. Once the round's over I'll upload a PDF with the current standings to the first post of this thread.
Caption for Dave's picture:
Please breathe into this bag, sir.
Well, the first round of games are over, every team has played and we've had some interesting results. I've attached a PDF to the post with the table and results in it so far.
A quick recap for everyone though:
Barby and The_Hutt lead on 9 points each.
6 members follow on 8 points.
An honourable mention goes to our very own Bar Manager Tooheys who has a very respectable 2 points. and he's lucky to have those. (make sure you thank the All Whites for giving you a draw Dave :D )
Quote from: BarbyW on June 15, 2010, 06:33:30 AM
Caption for Dave's picture:
Please breathe into this bag, sir.
Ahaha, nicely found, Barby ! :thumbsup: &apls
@ Diggis: According to the table, i have 8 points but i was carefully checking it and i have to have 9 points.. ()stsfd()
This was mine match predictions:
South Africa V Mexico : draw ( 1 point )
Uruguay V France : France to win ( No points )
Argentina V Nigeria :Argentina to win ( 1 point )
Korea Rep V Greece : Korea to win ( 1 point )
England V USA : England to win ( No points )
Algeria V Slovenia : Slovenia to win ( 1 point ) ( there is a point missing here ) $%Grinno$%
Germany V Australia : Germany to win (1 point )
Serbia V Ghana : Draw (no points )
Netherlands v Denmark : Netherlands to win ( 1 point )
Japan V Cameroon : Japan to win (1 point )
Italy V Paraguay : Italy to win ( no point )
New Zealand V Slovakia Slovakia win ( no point )
Cote d'Ivoire v Portugal Portugal win ( no point )
Brazil V Korea DPR Brazil win ( 1 point )
Honduras V Chile Chile win ( 1 point )
Spain V Switzerland Spain win ( no point )
so i gotta have 9 points total :thumbsup:
You are indeed correct TmiguelT. :thumbsup: I had made a small error in the spreadsheet. New one attached. And slight change of order:
Leading with 9 points:
The_Hutt
Tomas Neto
TmiguelT
Close behind is Mrtnrln with 8 and 6 others on 7.
Quote from: Diggis on June 16, 2010, 03:54:48 PM
You are indeed correct TmiguelT. :thumbsup: I had made a small error in the spreadsheet. New one attached. And slight change of order:
Leading with 9 points:
The_Hutt
Tomas Neto
TmiguelT
Close behind is Mrtnrln with 8 and 6 others on 7.
Superb :thumbsup:
8 Points! Seems I can predict some matches right too ;)
Aagh, only 6 points... I guess this tells you never to bet on football!
Unless you're betting on football, and then it's ok. :P
well.. soccer is very unpredictable now.. Look at Germany's and Spain's loose.. &mmm
Quote from: TmiguelT on June 18, 2010, 03:05:16 PM
well.. soccer is very unpredictable now.. Look at Germany's and Spain's loose.. &mmm
And NZ's draws with Italy and Slovakia. Very exciting result this weekend!
Yes indeed my good friend... You must be very happy with that ;D
Wow.. few upsets over the weekend. Germany lost, England drew, Italy dived, exciting stuff.
The wheat is being seperated from the chaff in our pool too.
TmiguelT is leading on 17 but there are 3 others, Tomas, TTC and The_hutt on 16 behind him and 6 more on 15 or 14 so it's still a close race as we enter the last round of pool play.
These results really made my day ;D...
Congrats TmiguelT. :thumbsup: What a boring guy you are, just leading away like this. &mmm
:-\ Let me tell you that being a Muppet is much more fun :-\ ; and way more difficult to maintain anyway ()what().
This ain't looking good... (6 points behind the leader) - these teams I'm backing need to sort themselves out, starting with England this afternoon!
Should I go and bet $10 on NZ to win the world cup? It's paying 1000:1 or something... :D
if you wanna throw away $10 sure, better off ordering a beer or two, at least you get something out of the cash.
Wow... what an interesting turn up for the books.
France head home with heads hung in shame after coming bottom of the pool. SA played their hearts out but still missed out on going through on goal difference.
Germany still topped the table despite losing to Serbia over the weekend. Serbia going on to lose to Australia, who still missed out by goal difference due to the 4 goal hammering!
And USA topping the pool over England who scrapped through only to be faced with playing Germany in the next stage. Penalties anyone?
Tomorrow will be another exciting day!
England Germany should be an interesting one.
*hangs a small American flag at his table* US v. Ghana should also be a fun one to watch.
New Zealand is gearing up for a win against Paraguay tonight. I can feel it.
Italy is out ... &mmm .... I don't even know what to say ...
Quote from: TmiguelT on June 24, 2010, 03:19:35 PM
Italy is out ... &mmm .... I don't even know what to say ...
Bye Bye Italy? ;D
Quote from: Diggis on June 24, 2010, 03:57:23 PM
Bye Bye Italy? ;D
Yeah, bye bye Italy, what is it about reigning champions getting dumped out earlier that they should?
And bye bye France, my god, that team made England look good when the 3 Lions played Algeria - feel sorry for those fans (as far as my English patriotism allows).
As for Sunday, well, it's not a World Cup without a good old-fashioned grudge match. Hope you've got your plane tickets, Germany, 'cause we'd love to dump you out - especially on penalties!
Well, that's the pool play over. Italy and France have gone home, England and Spain cut it fine. Attached is the updated scorecard so you can see how you are doing.
TmiguelT still has the lead with 25 with Mrtnrln close behind on 24 and 4 others chasing on 22.
Damn, I still haven't made it to double figures $%Grinno$%. Might need to be penalty shootouts all the way for me :D
Nice work with the table Diggis :thumbsup:
Dave
And so it is that, for the second time in a row if I recall, the US is knocked out by Ghana.
Phooey...
Oh well, there's always next time.
Somehow I could almost feel sorry for England $%Grinno$%.
Germany couldn't just beat them, but had to give'em their worst World Cup thrashing ever ()stsfd().
And whilst at it even the long awaited revenge for '66 came along :P :D.
:-\
Oh, don't even get me started about England, 4-1 against our arch rivals is just amateur. My local team (who play in the 3rd division of English football) could have done better than that.
We need Harry Redknapp as manager, a £5,000-per-week salary cap (it works in other sports), and a quota of English players in squads, and we need them NOW!
And WHY Sepp Blatter won't introduce goal-line technology is beyond me. He was there in Bloemfontein, he saw Lampard's goal that wan't given, and he should be embarrased! Those 'extra officials' he introduced for the UEFA Cup did nothing, and served no purpose. But no, he'll stick with how it is now, he only cares about money, and he'll use this result as an excuse as 'it wouldn't have made any difference'. It was 2-1! We probably would have won if that was given!
I'm sorry for my little bad-tempered rant, but, well, you haven't seen your team get absolutely humiliated and made to look like rank amateurs. (Unless you're Australia, but you guys shouldn't have had Cahill sent off.)
Quote from: smileymk on June 27, 2010, 10:15:06 AM
Oh, don't even get me started about England, 4-1 against our arch rivals is just amateur.
I'm sorry for my little bad-tempered rant, but, well, you haven't seen your team get absolutely humiliated and made to look like rank amateurs. (Unless you're Australia, but you guys shouldn't have had Cahill sent off.)
No, it's not amateur $%Grinno$%. It's called English Football ;).
Sorry, but I don't think you guys got humiliated ()what(). The team was just shown it's proper place :P.
And as for the 'goal'. It simply couldn't have happened in any other match, it had to happen between those two.
EDIT: Just happened in Argentina-Mexico, only the other way 'round :thumbsdown: &ops.
England Went Home!
What a great game! And the goal, well:
1966: no goal given
2010: goal, not given
So it's one time goal and one time not a goal, one time given and one time not, seems to be everything got egalized in the long run.
And say what you want, Germany's four goals were all just superb! ;)
The decision not to give Lampards goal was so frustrating, and had that made it 2-2 the second half would have been very different. However, we still had about 50 more minutes to score another goal and we couldn't. Germany scored 4, which may have flattered them slighlty, but as much as I hate to say it GErmany were by far the much better team and clearly deserved to go through.
England have been poor throughout the tournament. The injuries (Beckham, Ferdinand, King etc) didnt help but we cannot use that as an excuse. I think Fabio Capello's 23 man squad selection was surprising (Darren Bent scored over 20 premier league goals this season but does not even get in the squad??). Plus, his team selections in every game was bizzare and his tactics just as bizarre as the starting 11. Gerrard is NOT a left winger. And why bring Heskey on when we need to SCORE. Heskey only had 8 shots on target in the Premier League this season.
At the end of the day, we're out. Poor management, poor performances, and inflated expectations have lead to a VERY dissappointing world cup.
---
As for bringing technology into the game I'm undecided. Technology would make the game fair and faultless, but football would be much less interesting if we couldn't debate decisions and moan at referees.
@Connor: I agree with technology. Think of what would have happened if Germany and England weren't discussing 44 years about Hurst's (not made) goal.
And that's the thing of k.o. - matches: Heaven and Hell just next to each other ... that's why they are so emotional and great! (especially if Germany wins ... :D ) ;)
Quote from: Diggis on June 26, 2010, 02:39:53 PM
Well, that's the pool play over. Italy and France have gone home, England and Spain cut it fine. Attached is the updated scorecard so you can see how you are doing.
TmiguelT still has the lead with 25 with Mrtnrln close behind on 24 and 4 others chasing on 22.
Still on the top? wow !! :o ... I still can't believe it ... this is like England's goal that wasn't made valid .. $%Grinno$%
Argentina v Mexico... another game ruined by the lack of technology. The whole world could see that Tevez was offside, for goodness sake.
I guarantee that we will get another incident like this in the final, and when it happens, I for one will fully support the affected team, regardless of what they do to Sepp Blatter, and all of his money-loving minions at FIFA.
And Nardo, can I just point out that you beat a very poor England side. Argentina are title contenders, and won't let you have it your way.
Prepare to get found out, like we were by your side.
Unfortunately your right, it's getting too much.
The Lampard (non)goal was ok, not because it helped Germany but stuff like that is just part of the history between the two.
Apart from that, this World Cup is being ruined by referee decisions. Don't like it at all, could almost look like part of a bigger picture... (Germany-Argentina certainly will sell better than England-Mexico ()what() ).
On a last thought, probably your right even there. Argentina is bound for the final, Germany for the Airport :'(.
... Twas the day of the failing referees...
Hup holland, Hup Hup!
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Hurray! We made it to de semifinals quaterfinals (thanks for correcting me, Casper)! Now we just have to beat Brazil or Chile...
Semifinals already? How about the quarterfinals? ::)
finaly, I hope the Netherlands will win against Chili or Brazil.. :)
HOLLAND!!
as long as they finally loose against Germany ... :P
If Germany reach the Final ;). They need to beat Diego Armando Maradona and his boys. :P
Go Argentina :D
Well, what an exciting 2nd round. Bye Bye England, Slovakia, Japan, Portugal, Korea, USA, Chile and Mexico.
The bonus points helped a few players, including getting Tooheys into Double digits and changing the lead!
Conner now leads with 36 ahead of TmiguelT on 34 and Mrtnrln and TheTeaCat on 32!
Still time for the lead to change a few times :)
looks like I did better than expected in my guessing ()stsfd()
PS: go Germany &apls
As you know we have been setting our deadlines by polls. In this regard, I'm asking for your input for a suitable poll for the quarter final selections.
It can be serious, funny or a combination, but must be in good taste and world cup related.
You have twelve hours otherwise I will post one myself. First one to PM me with a suitable question with answers will have their poll added.
Let's see what you can come up with.
Cheers Dave
PS Woohoo, double figures ::)
Poll in place - contributed by smileymk :thumbsup: The rest of you will have a chance to contribute polls for the semi's and final down the track
I knew it would start to go wrong here... still, it's not over yet, and it is only a game.
I hate doing this to you all, but this bloody spreadsheet has so many calculations in it I often get simple things wrong. Unfortunately I was double adding some of the second round scores when I last posted. Corrected version attached. &ops
Conner still leads but on 31, TmiguelT and Mrtnrln are on 30 and next is TTC on 27.
No problems Diggis, I'd be doing it by hand if it was my job and that would be disasterous :D Anyway the order is pretty much unchanged so no harm done. ANd hey, I'm still in double figures ;D
Quote from: Diggis on July 03, 2010, 01:32:14 AM
...but this bloody spreadsheet has so many calculations in it I often get simple things wrong...
thanks for your efforts, I start having problems once I run out of fingers
:thumbsup:
All that matters is I win. :P
Quote from: Diggis on July 03, 2010, 01:32:14 AM
Conner still leads but on 31
Wooooo :P
I'm definitely doing better than I thought I would.
It's very close though...
Holland, how could you? You've just cost me another point!
Still, though, joint 17th out of 31 isn't too bad. At least I know something about football... I'd have liked to have been in contention, though!
Good news is a Brit's winning - well done Connor, flying the flag for us and making Britain great!
Also, Diggis, I'd like to suggest that you sort the spreadsheet in order of total points (highest first) rather than alphabetical - that will make it easier for us to see where we stand in the game.
I'm still second after missing one round :P
Quote from: smileymk on July 03, 2010, 06:03:53 AM
Also, Diggis, I'd like to suggest that you sort the spreadsheet in order of total points (highest first) rather than alphabetical - that will make it easier for us to see where we stand in the game.
Ummm, maybe, but I have to enter all the picks and it makes it easier for me to find someone if they are in alphabetical order... plus I'd have to rearrange it every time I posted it.... Ummmm No. :P
I'm still waiting for the new thread about the semifinals ;)
I always knew it. The Australian football team is highly undervalued. ()what() They only lost 4-0 against Germany, just as the so-called favourites Argentina did. :o
:-\
Quote from: Myself.or.? on July 03, 2010, 02:54:46 PM
I always knew it. The Australian football team is highly undervalued. ()what() They only lost 4-0 against Germany, just as the so-called favourites Argentina did. :o
:-\
Also makes the English look better... ;D Sorry, I couldn't say that with a straight face.
Updated scorecard available:
Conner is leading on 32 ahead of TmiguelT and Mrtnrln on 30. Only 4 matches left to decide, still anybodies game. :thumbsup:
LOL! Missed one round and I still earn 2nd place ;D
Quote from: Diggis on July 05, 2010, 07:12:50 AM
Also makes the English look better... ;D Sorry, I couldn't say that with a straight face.
I do feel slightly appeased, but our 4-1 wasn't just down to Germany being really good!
I think Argentina played better than we did, and we scored! I guess it just shows that Argentina would have put about 7 past us had we beaten Germany.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but thank you Germany for, in a way, saving us!
HUP HOLLAND HUP
:D We made it to the final. ;D
It was a good game against Uruguay and it could go both ways. But at the end we won like the Germans, just with one goal more the the oppenent.
Let's see who will join Us in the Final and who the Oranjes have to beat for the World Cup. :P
Both, Germany or Spain, will be fine. :P
HUP HOLLAND HUP
Can you say ()what() Wow, go spain. What a game! See you on Sunday!
Quote from: xxdita on July 03, 2010, 02:48:01 AM
All that matters is I win. :P
LOLz
Quote from: Diggis on July 07, 2010, 02:20:48 PM
Can you say ()what() Wow, go spain. What a game! See you on Sunday!
They have a pretty awesome team
Where's Nardo69 today ::)
Even though with a faint smile, he's not the only one. &mmm So for the final it's back to supporting the referee I guess. :(
Quote from: Myself.or.? on July 08, 2010, 10:09:16 AM
So for the final it's back to supporting the referee I guess. :(
It is for me - especially as it's an Englishman, Howard Webb.
Congrats to him and his team, they've been excellent - especially that linesman Darren Cann, who seems to actually know what offside is. Hopefully they'll continue their exemplary refereeing into the final, and make us English proud.
(Oh, Mr. Webb, if you could, umm... help Holland to win, I'd be grateful... Oh, come on! You can't want Spain to win! (Unless you're Spanish, in which case good luck).)
Quote from: Myself.or.? on July 08, 2010, 10:09:16 AM
...So for the final it's back to supporting the referee I guess
go the referee &bis&
Well, what a set of Semis, set up for a big game and it seems even the sea life are against the poor dutch. ::) But the dutch are known to eat seafood raw so... :P
Nobody got the pair there so here's where we stand:
Conner has 33 Mrtnrln has 31 and TmiguelT has 30. It's going to take something special to knock Conner off his perch!
Quote from: Diggis on July 09, 2010, 11:05:47 AM
Conner has 33 Mrtnrln has 31 and TmiguelT has 30. It's going to take something special to knock Conner off his perch!
Knowing my luck, that something special will almost certainly happen. Having said that, two points is still only a narrow lead, despite the fact that there are only two fixtures remaining.
Really looking forward to the final on Sunday. Great for us Brits to see an English referee doing the final.
I think Netherlands have been one of the best teams in the tournament, certainly playing better than Spain, so I'm going to be supporting the Dutch in the final.
Quote from: Connor on July 10, 2010, 01:04:46 AM
I think Netherlands have been one of the best teams in the tournament, certainly playing better than Spain, so I'm going to be supporting the Dutch in the final.
Me too, but I can see the Spanish snatching it like they've done in the last 3 rounds...
Sorry about the delay guys. Preliminary scores are in and Conner appears to be the winner with 34 ahead of Mrtnrln on 32 and Myslef.or? on 31. I need to check the scores of the top players to make sure I didn't make any mistakes, but otherwise
CONGRATULATIONS
Woohoo! 2nd place! Well, it seems I did pretty good predictions ;)
Quote from: mrtnrln on July 17, 2010, 04:01:17 AM
Woohoo! 2nd place! Well, it seems I did pretty good predictions ;)
2nd.... like the rest of your nation. :P
Congratulations Connor, you held on to that lead for quite a while and a well deserved victory, pending correct weight &apls
Also, I think you will all agree that Diggis deserves a round of applause for his efforts with the scorecard :thumbsup:
Thanks to everyone who participated. And I'm not sure but there may be another announcement shortly ()what()
Dave
Well, it does look like we duplicated RL. A dutch on 2nd :P and a german on 3rd :'(...
Still, after a slow start I expected everything, but not to finish in the top three ;D. I'm simply chuffed to bits ()stsfd().
Thanks to the Mods for the work and for hosting us at the the Bar. &apls
Congrats to Conner and also Mrtnrln and Myself.or.? &apls
thank you Diggis for your hard work and also thanks to the rest of the Jesters Table visitors its been fun ;D
Wow, I thought I might do quite well, but never expected to win! ;D (assuming the scores are correct of course...)
----
Quote from: tooheys on July 17, 2010, 04:10:04 AM
Also, I think you will all agree that Diggis deserves a round of applause for his efforts with the scorecard :thumbsup:
Have to agree with that. It was really fun to participate in, and Diggis certainly deserves thanks for all his effort &apls
And to top it off:
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Should hopefully be appearing soon on your profile!
First of all,
congrats to Connor. No more years of hurt. You've done our country proud - unlike Wayne Rooney.
Secondly, thanks to tooheys and Diggis for making this happen. This was a great laugh. Pretty interesting World Cup as well (even if the favourites won undeservedly (seriously, a "victory for football?")
Can't wait for the Brazil 2014 contest!
And finally...
Quote from: Myself.or.? on July 17, 2010, 04:11:53 AM
Well, it does look like we duplicated RL. A dutch on 2nd :P and a german on 3rd :'(...
Apart from an Englishman winning... but that's OK.