Football World Cup 2010

[Scheherazade]

Less than 2 months to go, any thoughts/predictions/tips?

WORDL CUP GAME:

Let's play a game...

- We all start with 100 Forum coins.

- We each predict the result of a game (not the score but the winner or a draw) and bet some Forum coins.

- If our guess is correct, we earn as many coins as we bet.

- If not, we lose the amount we have bet.

- All bets should be placed before the game starts.

- At the end, whoever has the most coins is the winner.


This will require some track-keeping but we are all adults here (well, mostly) and I expect we are all honest as well so please no-post editing after the results. :D

[Niamh]

Well i can see it being Brazil again but i'm going to vote for Holland because i've got them in the sweepstake in work and i really want them to win! :D

[MarkBastable]

Less than 2 months ago, any thoughts/predictions/tips?

Can we have a poll for who you want to win?

[Lokasenna]

To quote a fantastic tirade I overheard in the pub only the other night:

"I hate football. I'm not bloody watching a bunch of over-paid, borderline rapists prove to the world that basic eye-foot co-ordination is a vehicle for multi-millionaire success. F*** the lot of them."

There was a lot more of it, but I was trying so hard to not laugh out loud I can't now remember it all clearly. That bit stood out though, and I largely share the sentiment.

I've always vaguely supported Croatia, if only for the hell of it, but they don't appear in your poll - are they not in it this time?

[dizzydoll]

Oh this is fun, I'd better let Shane choose, he football crazy. South Africa will definitely not. lol. :biggrin5:

[LitNetIsGreat]

Brazil, no one can stop them really, they can only lose it themselves, but just watch the silly fools punt for England when the time comes - crazy!

[The Comedian]

Brazil? England? Slovenia? This sounds like geography class not football. Where are the. . .oh, that football.

[Paulclem]

Come on Ennnnnglannnnnd!!!!!!

:biggrin5:

Yes, that was me voting.

I love the World Cup. I dislike intensely The Sun (newspaper) but I very nearly bought The Sun guide to The World Cup in Waterstones today - because it was reduced I might add.

The thrlls, the spills, the opportunity for blokey talk in the office, the annoyance factors for footie haters, - oh and the football.

Last time I has a special footie seat right next to the telly - which helps with the eysight - because we were waiting for the conservatory to be built and had got a new settee. Perhaps I'll get a temporary blow up chair to plonk in front this time.

Come on Ennnnnnglaaaaaaaaannnd!

[Lulim]

I voted for Germany -- it's about time they make it, isn't it :biggrin5:

[Emil Miller]

Less than 2 months ago, any thoughts/predictions/tips?

Nope.

[prendrelemick]

C'mon In-ger-land. We're all praying for Rooney's ankle, just like we did for Beckham's toe, Gazza's Knee, Robbo's shoulder and Keegan's perm.

I have a feeling the Germans will, as usual, peak at the right time again .:mad:

[morgana]

Given the current situation of our national team, we can expect two outcomes: we loose in the first round, or we win the cup. I don't like our current team, nor the coach.

Luckily, I have two nationalities... Go Italy!

[SleepyWitch]

Chile :lol: hahah, nope I don't think they'll get very far, but I'll cheer for them anyway

[dizzydoll]

Hey im Shane :) i like every team with a Liverpool player but being a Fernando Torres fan i have to say Spain are my team to take the trophy, he has the knack of scoring the winning goal especially during a world cup match. England wont win if David James is chosen as keeper , there is much better :(.... but England and Argentina are stronger and better than Germany. imo.

[Scheherazade]

Nope.Oh, come on, BB!

We were really relying on you...

I am afraid it is going to be Brazil again. I would love to see a first-time nation win it but that's not going to happen, is it?

I am not voting yet, though :D

(The poll will end before the first kick-off).

The Comedian> Well, in soccer, when we talk about "world cup", we really do mean countries from all around the world; not only a few teams from the same country (a la American baseball "world" series) :p

[hoope]

Hey im Shane :) i like every team with a Liverpool player but being a Fernando Torres fan i have to say Spain are my team to take the trophy, he has the knack of scoring the winning goal especially during a world cup match. England wont win if David James is chosen as keeper , there is much better :(.... but England and Argentina are stronger and better than Germany. imo.

I agree too..Spain being the Euro champions.. and since they have the best clubs & best players speaking about Real Madrid & Barcelona - i strongly agree with you .. I am a Real MADRID fan & liverpool too .. as much as i hate Barca , but yet they have good players ..
However, Brazil is a good opponent and can always come with miracle.

[Nightshade]

Has anyone seen the Pepsi world cup advert? I am not sure I like it seems to have negotive sneery connotations... and that is as far as Ive got to thinking about the world cup I inntend to watch the Germany games ( esp if they play england) and the Netherlands (looooooooove watching the dutch fans) the opening game and other than that I am not fussed!
When is the world cup anyway? will I be in egypt Whetre I get to see every match for free or england where sky have the monopoly?

[Niamh]

I voted for Germany -- it's about time they make it, isn't it :biggrin5:

West Germany won in 1990...

[Scheherazade]

Night> The kick-off is on June 11th (South Africa v Mexico).

[MarkBastable]

Night> The kick-off is on June 11th (South Africa v Mexico).

England's first game is against the USA. Which'll be an interesting night in our Anglo-American family.


Come on Ennnnnglannnnnd!!!!!!




Paul,


Just to make this unambiguously clear - the poll is 'who do you think will win?' - it's not 'who would you like to win?' If you ask Scheherezade nicely perhaps she can nullify your vote so you have the chance to cast it again, more realistically.

I point this out in a spirit of charitable concern.

Bless.

MB

[kilted exile]

Anyone but England please :biggrin5:

On a more serious note I think if rooney isnt there it might actually help england.

I got the USA in niamh's work poll they may make through to the 1/4's in an upset but even that is a lot to ask.

Holland flatter to decieve most of the time. Brazil are not the team they were. Spain winning the Euro was a fluke and they wont even make the semis. I think the Italians will win again.

[Scheherazade]

Holland flatter to decieve most of the time. Exactly! Why is that? I often cheer for them during the initial games and get hopeful but they cannot seem to able to carry the promise.

Another similar team is Denmark.

[Lulim]

West Germany won in 1990...

yes, already 20 years ago ...

[Niamh]

At least they won! Ireland havent even made it into the world cup the last two times! :blush:

Mind you we could have been in it if it wasnt for the hand of frog. :mad:

[Lulim]

sometimes they will :)

I don't really believe that germany makes it, what with all the trouble about the national coach ...

[MarkBastable]

Holland flatter to decieve...


Apart from the slightly pedantic issue of 'i before e except after c', can I ask about this expression?

I've never understood it. It seems to mean, 'they're not as good as they appear to be' - but how does it mean that? To flatter is to stroke the ego of someone else. Who are Holland doing that to? And though you're saying they look better than they are - which may be true - they aren't deliberately pretending to be better than they are, so where's the deception? And even if both of those verbs can be explained, how does the commission of one support the effect of the other?

In other words - how does that idiom work?

[kilted exile]

Exactly! Why is that? I often cheer for them during the initial games and get hopeful but they cannot seem to able to carry the promise.

Another similar team is Denmark.

Probably Aims can answer this better than me, I think they bottle it personally. With Denmark I think it is a quality issue no Laudrups running the show


yes, already 20 years ago ...

you just need every game to go to pen kicks and you'll be fine

[Scheherazade]

In other words - how does that idiom work?
flatter to deceive
to give the appearance of being better than the true situation
I suspect these statistics flatter to deceive.http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/flatter#flatter__3

However, let's not spoil a perfect football discussion with language issues.

Mark> Maybe you would like to PM Kilted on this issue?

[MarkBastable]

Mark> Maybe you would like to PM Kilted on this issue?

I don't think it's specifically Kilted's problem really.

[kilted exile]

Also enough moaning about not winning the world cup. We havent been there since '98 ah the glory days and tom boyd costing us a draw against brazil in the opener.

[Paulclem]

England's first game is against the USA. Which'll be an interesting night in our Anglo-American family.




Paul,


Just to make this unambiguously clear - the poll is 'who do you think will win?' - it's not 'who would you like to win?' If you ask Scheherezade nicely perhaps she can nullify your vote so you have the chance to cast it again, more realistically.

I point this out in a spirit of charitable concern.

Bless.

MB

Dear mark,

Thank you very much for your unsolicited concern. It is appreciated. I have spoken to Scher to confirm my choice, which just leaves me to say

Come on Ennnnglannnd!

Paul:biggrin5:

[MarkBastable]

Dear mark,

Thank you very much for your unsolicited concern. It is appreciated. I have spoken to Scher to confirm my choice, which just leaves me to say

Come on Ennnnglannnd!

Paul:biggrin5:

Put a couple more n's in there and the chant will be longer than England's run.

[Virgil]

Italy has always been the favorite of my heart; if not Italy it would be cool if USA finally won one, and third I'd like see England. Would also be nice if one of the African countries won.

[Scheherazade]

Put a couple more n's in there and the chant will be longer than England's run.Not to be pedantic but "n's" indicates that something belongs to "n" (apostrophe of possession). To indicate plural existence of this particular letter, I think, the correct usage should be "ns" (or "Ns" to prevent confusion).

:p

On with football.

Virgil> Not to revive the old discussions but Italy got very lucky last time round!

:D

[dizzydoll]

Night> The kick-off is on June 11th (South Africa v Mexico).

That will be one hell of a laugh.

South Africa 0 - Mexico 5

Thats my prediction. lol

[Scheherazade]

That will be on hell of a laugh.

South Africa 0 - Mexico 5

Thats my prediction. lolHey, you can never tell what happens in front their own supporters. I will be rooting for SA. :)

[Virgil]

How come Kazakhstan didn't make the Cup? :p

[Paulclem]

Put a couple more n's in there and the chant will be longer than England's run.

:lol:

I live in hope....

I like the avatar. Is that Heath Ledger? He looks a bit different.

[Emil Miller]

Oh, come on, BB!

We were really relying on you...

Oh well, allowing for the fact that I know one end of a football pitch from another, I'll go for Botswana.

[dizzydoll]

Hey, you can never tell what happens in front their own supporters. I will be rooting for SA. :)

LOL. you havent seen them play. No one supports them here, everybody and I mean everybody is tired of our soccer team. Their own supporters are the MOST angry at them. lol. But you will see, they are masters at the dribble I believe. lol

and Botswana. lol. well now... thats out of the frying pan into the fire. Now this is really getting funny. LOL.
But wait, Botswana probably beat SA, if they ever come up against each other.


Odds to win according to one website: --

Italy, Holland, France and Portugal are four European teams who shouldn’t be written off. Each team is capable of winning the World Cup if they can find their form at the right time. Italy and Holland topped their qualification groups, where as France and Portugal struggled and had to win playoff matches.


Odds To Win The World Cup: Fractional (American) (All Odds Taken from Ladbrokes.com On The 11/24/09)

Spain - 9/2 (+450)
Brazil - 9/2 (+450)
England - 6/1 (+600)
Argentina - 8/1 (+8000)
Germany - 12/1 (+1200)
Italy - 14/1 (+1400)
Netherlands - 14/1 (+1400)
France - 14/1 (+1400)
Portugal - 14/1 (+1400)
Ivory Coast - 20/1 (+2000)
Chile - 40/1 (+4000)
Cameroon - 66/1 (+6600)
Paraguay - 66/1 (+6600)
Ghana - 66/1 (+6600)
Serbia - 66/1 (+6600)
Mexico - 80/1 (+8000)
USA - 80/1 (+8000)
Greece - 80/1 (+8000)
Uruguay - 100/1 (+10000)
Nigeria - 100/1 (+10000)
South Africa - 100/1 (+10000)
Australia - 100/1 (+10000)
Denmark - 100/1 (+10000)
Slovenia - 100/1 (+10000)
Switzerland - 150/1 (+15000)
Japan - 200/1 (+20000)
Slovakia - 250/1 (+25000)
South Korea - 250/1 (+25000)
Algeria - 250/1 (+25000)
New Zealand - 500/1 (+50000)
Honduras - 500/1 (+50000)
North Korea - 500/1 (+50000) All odds taken from Ladbrokes.com 11/24/2009)

Taking all bets....

[Virgil]

Virgil> Not to revive the old discussions but Italy got very lucky last time round!

:D

Lucky is in the eye of the beholder. They won. :D

[billl]

I picked Cameroon, but actually meant to choose Ivory Coast. Can it be changed, please? If not, that's OK, I just wanted to 'bet on' the best African team.

[JuniperWoolf]

not only a few teams from the same country (a la American baseball "world" series) :p

Hey man, they let the Toronto Blue Jays play too! That's two countries which is sort of global.

[Aravona]

I voted England, its more of a hope than a prediction.

When England do well in the World Cup... people become nicer! Pubs get an atmosphere better than any saturday night football match, because everyones on the same side. We used to get time off school to watch the England matches in the main hall.

On the note that I despise football wholeheartedly. I'll root for England to win in the World Cup no matter what ^_^ Same as I root for England in 3 Day Eventing, or in random Olympic sports I don't like either. Its just what you do ^_^ ... nice weather and an England win, people will be a lot happier! (Plus my boss is a football fan and he really should be happy!)

[MarkBastable]

I like the avatar. Is that Heath Ledger? He looks a bit different.

Actually, it's me at my elder daughter's Halloween birthday party. It went down pretty well with the seven-year-olds.

[hoope]

I picked Cameroon, but actually meant to choose Ivory Coast. Can it be changed, please? If not, that's OK, I just wanted to 'bet on' the best African team.

African teams are doing good this years.. Ghana has an excellent team .. their youth won the World cup for under 20 ( i guess or the olympics) Ivory coast is heading with Drogba .. Cameroon ??? they didn't do much well in the African Cup . Yet they always come with surprises , however sometimes they really don't play the way we always see them in the European clubs !


Night ! I have seen the Pepsi ad for the worldcup , It was so coooool - but i was wondering why Arshvin was in :confused5:..

England has good chances.. but they always lack the LUCK part ! I would be happy if they make it .....!

[Niamh]

Odds to win according to one website: --

Italy, Holland, France and Portugal are four European teams who shouldn’t be written off. Each team is capable of winning the World Cup if they can find their form at the right time. Italy and Holland topped their qualification groups, where as France and Portugal struggled and had to win playoff matches.

Odds To Win The World Cup: Fractional (American) (All Odds Taken from Ladbrokes.com On The 11/24/09)


I think that Should read Fance struggled and had to cheat to get through.:mad:

[Scheherazade]

Hey man, they let the Toronto Blue Jays play too! That's two countries which is sort of global.The US.... Canada... They are practically the same country, anyway!

:D
Actually, it's me at my elder daughter's Halloween birthday party. It went down pretty well with the seven-year-olds.Is that before or after make-up?
African teams are doing good this years..Most African teams have amazing players. Looked at individual level, they are superior to Europeans. What they lack is experience at world level as well as "team play", I think.
England has good chances.. but they always lack the LUCK part ! I would be happy if they make it .....!Oh, wait until England loses a game. They will be disecting every second of the game to come up with reasons as to why it was unlucky. On and on and on, they go: the draw, the injuries, the weather, the ball, the referee...

I don't think they lack luck more than any other team and that is part of the game, anyway.

[dizzydoll]

Well let the best team win, and raise a toast from that Cup for the whole world to witness. :biggrin5:

[Aravona]

Oh, wait until England loses a game. They will be disecting every second of the game to come up with reasons as to why it was unlucky. On and on and on, they go: the draw, the injuries, the weather, the ball, the referee...


Its because England need to be good at football, so many countries play it. (Though I don't like it haha) not enough people play cricket or rugby to make it the same boastable level as the football world cup. Its the only thing that brings the country together, which I think is pretty lame... Hence they become desperate for the win. ~sigh~

[samercury]

Hmm, I'm stuck between two of them, so I'll wait a while to decide. Anyways, I'm looking forward to the world cup- a lot! :D

[prendrelemick]

Its because England need to be good at football, so many countries play it. (Though I don't like it haha) not enough people play cricket or rugby to make it the same boastable level as the football world cup. Its the only thing that brings the country together, which I think is pretty lame... Hence they become desperate for the win. ~sigh~


It does bring the country together like nothing else, (apart from a few inches of snow.) It gets so intense that I can hardly bear to watch the England games at all. What I don't enjoy is all the "build-up" to the games that the media seem to think is essential.

[Maximilianus]

Less than 2 months ago, any thoughts/predictions/tips?
In this life? ... Nope... not in this life... also unlikely in another. I was just passing by while on my way to my profile page, I saw the lights were on, and I thought about popping in to drop a hi to everyone. Hence... hi everyone! http://smiles.kolobok.us/personal/hi.gif

[Aravona]

It does bring the country together like nothing else, (apart from a few inches of snow.) It gets so intense that I can hardly bear to watch the England games at all. What I don't enjoy is all the "build-up" to the games that the media seem to think is essential.

Haha yes the snow... But I agree the hype is annoying, but the atmosphere after a win! Thats what counts!

[billl]

In this life? ... Nope... not in this life... also unlikely in another. I was just passing by while on my way to my profile page, I saw the lights were on, and I thought about popping in to drop a hi to everyone. Hence... hi everyone! http://smiles.kolobok.us/personal/hi.gif

Hi Max!

Your dudes are in this, you know... And Argentina will always be known for its talents, whenever it gets a chance... Still, I'm rooting for African nations this time around.

[Niamh]

Less than 2 months ago, any thoughts/predictions/tips?

Heres one for you!
If this volcano thing continues for months like some suggest there might not be a world cup! :p

[hoope]

:DIs that before or after make-up?Most African teams have amazing players. Looked at individual level, they are superior to Europeans. What they lack is experience at world level as well as "team play", I think.


Sort of , they do lack the team work ... most of the individuals play good only to impress the European coaches and so get into a big team ... But when it comes to playing for the country .. they are really selfish players & they think about themselves rather than the team...


Oh, wait until England loses a game. They will be disecting every second of the game to come up with reasons as to why it was unlucky. On and on and on, they go: the draw, the injuries, the weather, the ball, the referee...

I don't think they lack luck more than any other team and that is part of the game, anyway.

Comman , they have the milfielder ; speaking about Gerard and Lampard .. well maybe they r not as good as before , but they r still the big guys !
apart from Rooney the great striker and John Terry the good defender.. and if i have to name i won't stop .. I think there is a reason behind that .. i mean they have the best clubs .. every years in the Champions Leagues .. there should be an english club .. Manchester United , Chealsy Liverpool , Arsenal - they are in fact big names .. and everyone respects the english footbal..
But the ques. still arises why they can't get the World cup .. ? or in fact get to the finals or semifinals.. ?

[prendrelemick]

Because the big clubs have many foreign players. Which is a good thing in a way because we get to see the best in the world. But there arn't enough English players playing with them, so the National side suffers.

[Paulclem]

Actually, it's me at my elder daughter's Halloween birthday party. It went down pretty well with the seven-year-olds.

Superb. It is one of the joys and consolations of parenthood to act daft/ scary/ embarrassing/ silly etc etc for the kids. It gets even better when they become teens.

When my wife went to uni she pretended that she was going to dress as a student and appalled the kids with her very short skirt , bobble hat and crocheted jewellery. They ran away to school to avoid being seen with her. I thought the gear quite fetching, burt it served it's purpose and was never seen again.

Sorry - off topic.

It's the scary injury time now...

[papayahed]

How does one get into this world cup thing?

[MarkBastable]

How does one get into this world cup thing?

Practice.

[papayahed]

Practice.

Nooooooo, that's how you get to Lincoln Center.:nod:


No seriously, are there leagues and the league winners get to go to the world cup? Is there a point system? Does anybody who wants to play play?

[Virgil]

I believe there is a year long qualification that elimates many countries and reduces it down to these. I'm sure a bigger football fan than I could give you more specifics.

[Maximilianus]

Hi Max!
Hi billl, long time no talk! http://smiles.kolobok.us/personal/hi.gif


Your dudes are in this, you know... And Argentina will always be known for its talents, whenever it gets a chance...
Mhm, apparently. I only wish we had more talent for really important matters http://smiles.kolobok.us/artists/just_cuz/JC_thinking.gif


Still, I'm rooting for African nations this time around.
No problem billl, I don't even give a dime about sports :p Now, I will expect everyone to vote for me whenever I get nominated to the Oscars... and not for the Africans... deal? :lol:


How does one get into this world cup thing?
Ask Osho? :lol:

[billl]

Mhm, apparently. I only wish we had more talent for really important matters http://smiles.kolobok.us/artists/just_cuz/JC_thinking.gif


You Argentines are something special in South America (there used to be some jealousy, maybe...). Hard times these past few years, maybe, but I've met enough of you all to know that it shouldn't be THIS hard... There's enough talent and a history of making use of it. Just have to get back on track, maybe? Just like everybody everywhere, really. maybe in different ways...

[Lulim]

(...)
No seriously, are there leagues and the league winners get to go to the world cup? Is there a point system? Does anybody who wants to play play?

I am not a football expert, but what virgil said is right. There are qualification matches. The host doesn't have to qualify, so the host's team is in no matter what. There's an article on wikipedia about it: WM Qualification (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification#Qualification_pr ocess)

[Niamh]

I believe there is a year long qualification that elimates many countries and reduces it down to these. I'm sure a bigger football fan than I could give you more specifics.

Countries are grouped off by continent and play each other in world cup qualifying rounds where a scale based on scores (winning a home game is better) decides who gets in and who doesnt... The previous winner and the host country are automatically entered (as far as i'm aware)

I think i've explained that right... I know the football is different to the Rugby world cup...

[MarkBastable]

play each other in world cup qualifying rounds where a scale based on scores (winning a home game is better)

....Huh?

[Niamh]

....Huh?

I take it i got it wrong then? :blush: I should pay more attention to the mamager in work when he rants about football...

[MarkBastable]

I take it i got it wrong then? :blush: I should pay more attention to the mamager in work when he rants about football...

Don't worry about it. I've never yet met a fairy thief who knew the first thing about football.

[Niamh]

hehehe! I know theres something to do with winning (or is it drawing) on home ground... I think its when its a final game between two teams that determines who goes through to the world cup. if they draw the team whose home ground it is qualifies. Knowing me however i've probably gotten mixed up with something else!

[MarkBastable]

hehehe! I know theres something to do with winning (or is it drawing) on home ground... I think its when its a final game between two teams that determines who goes through to the world cup. if they draw the team whose home ground it is qualifies. Knowing me however i've probably gotten mixed up with something else!

Er....let's move along, shall we, before the whole thing becomes a tangle of misinformation?

So how is the fairy thief business these days? And is it that you're a thief who happens to be a fairy, or are you a human being who steals fairies?

[Maximilianus]

You Argentines are something special in South America (there used to be some jealousy, maybe...). Hard times these past few years, maybe, but I've met enough of you all to know that it shouldn't be THIS hard... There's enough talent and a history of making use of it. Just have to get back on track, maybe? Just like everybody everywhere, really. maybe in different ways...
To get back on track... hmmm... that sounds a lot like me, billl. Lately I've been rather... you see... derailed :p :D Thanks for your kind words :thumbsup:

[Scheherazade]

So, what did you think of the friendly between England and Mexico?

I don't think the score has reflected the game.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Ah, I'm free to be me again then...

Yes, half sort of watched it, I'd agree though I thought Mexico were pretty good in attack overall but they couldn't defend on that performance. These sort of matches don't tell us much though - you can't read too much into them.

I'm convinced that England haven't got a chance of winning though, I can't believe they are 6-1 third favourites, I wouldn't touch that at all. If you want to take my betting advice (see Grand National thread for form?) punt for Italy now and lay off a little after the group stages for a free bet because they are sure to progress the group stages and are decent odds, France the same. For outright winners though I wouldn't look passed Brazil or Spain.

[Scheherazade]

England got very lucky during the first half; that is for sure but the second half was not so bad.

I enjoyed watching Mexico's game (though agree with you, Neely, that their defence was lacking)...

Wondering whether I should vote for them.

PS: Not long ago there was a piece of news that some financiers came up with some predictions that England would win the Cup... Does anyone remember that?

[LitNetIsGreat]

PS: Not long ago there was a piece of news that some financiers came up with some predictions that England would win the Cup... Does anyone remember that?

No, don't know anything about that, which financiers?

On the plus side England have qualified strong, have a good manager and a handful of good players and are due one surely, but on the negative they have lost to Spain, France and Brazil in friendlies and this is England we are talking about. The bottom line for me is that they are just not good enough. Where the head and wallet is potentially concerned you have to opt for Spain or Brazil or take the likes of Italy and France and lay off after the group stages a little.

[Scheherazade]

JP Morgan predicts the World Cup Winner (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Analysts-At-City-Firm-JP-Morgan-Predict-That-England-Will-Win-The-World-Cup-2010/Article/201005315634782?f=rss)

[Virgil]

I didn't realize how many pages this got up to already. Does Kazakhstan have a team in the World Cup? :p My son will probably be eligible to play for them in 20 years. :D

[hillwalker]

I also fancy Spain if Torres maintains his fitness (which I think he probably will, since he has been saving himself for most of the last quarter of the season judging how he played for Liverpool - although the same could be said of Gerrard I suppose).
Brazil also look a safe bet, but some of their players still perform like show-ponies - displaying none of that flowing team skill that earlier Brazil teams showed to such great effect.
England? Not with Rio in defence. It's nice to watch my team figure so strongly in their line-up (Spurs). Perhaps Huddlestone could have been blooded a little earlier in the game - and Defoe seems to have gone off the boil. But no - they're good going forward (although suddenly it's all counter-attack) but in defence they still resemble headless chickens far too often. Mexico were after all a mediocre team so the score did flatter Cappello's boys.

[LitNetIsGreat]

I didn't realize how many pages this got up to already. Does Kazakhstan have a team in the World Cup? :p My son will probably be eligible to play for them in 20 years. :D

Out of interest Virgil, how is the world cup likely to go down in America? I mean will there be people following it generally do you think or will most people not even know that it is going on? Do people realise that the US have England in the first match? And finally, has football come on any in the US?

Oh and Kazakhstan no doubt have some sort of team, but they are not in the World Cup, they haven't qualified. :bawling:

I watched the Greece Vs North Korea friendly today :shocked:? (2-2) and North Korea look quite sharp up front and good on the ball, might surprise one or two a little - really I'll do anything to avoid work...

[papayahed]

Out of interest Virgil, how is the world cup likely to go down in America? I mean will there be people following it generally do you think or will most people not even know that it is going on? Do people realise that the US have England in the first match? And finally, has football come on any in the US?


The only reason I know of the World Cup is because of this thread, my coke can has a little "South Africa 2010" logo and just recently while in line at the grocer store I saw a magazine cover with two soccer players in their underwear.

[Paulclem]

England have a good chance this year. thought Mexico weren't bad, and they pressed for some time.

I'll be watching - on that emotional rollercoaster again.

[Virgil]

Out of interest Virgil, how is the world cup likely to go down in America? I mean will there be people following it generally do you think or will most people not even know that it is going on? Do people realise that the US have England in the first match? And finally, has football come on any in the US?

The World Cup is watched fairly heavily in the US. Don't forget, the US probably has 40% or more of it's population that are either immigrants, first generation, or second generation Americans. 40% out of a country that is 300 million is probably larger than the population of most European countries.

I haven't talked to anyone about any of it yet. Unfortunately I won't even be in the country. I'm in Kazakhstan if you haven't seen any of my recent blogs. :wink5:

[LitNetIsGreat]

The only reason I know of the World Cup is because of this thread, my coke can has a little "South Africa 2010" logo and just recently while in line at the grocer store I saw a magazine cover with two soccer players in their underwear.
:biggrin5:


England have a good chance this year. thought Mexico weren't bad, and they pressed for some time.

I'll be watching - on that emotional rollercoaster again.

I don't know, I'm not so sure. I think that they will have a good run out of the group and the next stage, but I think as soon as they come up against a really good team they won't be strong enough. I don't think that they are good enough at the back in particular, we'll see...


The World Cup is watched fairly heavily in the US. Don't forget, the US probably has 40% or more of it's population that are either immigrants, first generation, or second generation Americans. 40% out of a country that is 300 million is probably larger than the population of most European countries.

I haven't talked to anyone about any of it yet. Unfortunately I won't even be in the country. I'm in Kazakhstan if you haven't seen any of my recent blogs. :wink5:

Yes point taken about the immigrant population, though I was just thinking generally. Kazakhstan! :eek: I'll have to read about that later...

[papayahed]

I think Virgie and I live in two different worlds, there's no way in heck that world cup is heavily watch in the US.

[Tarvaa]

England have probably the best coach in the world. The jury is out on Rio, but he is the captain so he will play. I'd prefer Ledley King in there and make Gerrard skipper.

[Paulclem]

I think Crouch is a good option as he offers a threat just by his presence. That goal by Johnson was a screamer. Not sure about walcott though - good player, and perhaps with a lot in his future, but perhaps not yet. Both wright-Phillips and Lennon are threats down the flanks.

[LitNetIsGreat]

I would agree with you with Crouch, time and time again he does it for England as sub and I think it is about time that he has the opportunity to start properly. Wright Phillips has pace and I quite like him but I think he just doesn't seem to do quite enough, he comes across as a nearly man to me. Not sure about Lennon seems OK but yet to prove himself. Walcott is a strange one, but of a wild card maybe? Rio has been good in the past, but has had a few mistakes of late, though I agree that we have a top class manager. Overall though, I pretty sure that they are just not strong enough when all is considered.

[Emil Miller]

I think Virgie and I live in two different worlds, there's no way in heck that world cup is heavily watch in the US.

Your interest in the world cup appears to be about the same as mine. However, one little snippet of news I read yesterday should make you smile. It appears that the USA knocked England out of the competion in 1950 at a time when England was believed by many to have the best team.

[Virgil]

I think Virgie and I live in two different worlds, there's no way in heck that world cup is heavily watch in the US.

I guess you don't live in a east coast city where the population of immigrants probably surpasses the people from the Mayflower. And I think the sports ratings for world cup is not bad in the US. It's hardly the Super Bowl or the World Series, but it gets a fair share of viewers.

[billl]

In South Texas, I see highway billboards (ads for a mobile phone co.) showing a Mexico fan standing with a Zulu warrior.

[prendrelemick]

Not long to go now!

Algeria just got thumped 3-0 by Ireland in a warm up match. England play them in the group stages on 18th june in Cape Town.


I think Crouch is a good option as he offers a threat just by his presence. That goal by Johnson was a screamer. Not sure about walcott though - good player, and perhaps with a lot in his future, but perhaps not yet. Both wright-Phillips and Lennon are threats down the flanks.


I agree about Crouch, he is deceptively skillfull on the ground -not just in the air. Its time for Walcott to show his stuff now.

In the end we have only one top world class player, thats Rooney, who ever he plays best with should get the nod.

[Jesterhead]

Denmark is going to win this year.

[Paulclem]

Not long to go now!

Algeria just got thumped 3-0 by Ireland in a warm up match. England play them in the group stages on 18th june in Cape Town.




I agree about Crouch, he is deceptively skillfull on the ground -not just in the air. Its time for Walcott to show his stuff now.

In the end we have only one top world class player, thats Rooney, who ever he plays best with should get the nod.

Yes, Rooney is superb isn't he. There's a new chap as well - is it Adam something - I'm too lazy to go and look - who seems pretty good. I'm looking forward to it again this year.

[TurquoiseSunset]

I'll say who I think is least likely to win...South Africa...

[papayahed]

I guess you don't live in a east coast city where the population of immigrants probably surpasses the people from the Mayflower. And I think the sports ratings for world cup is not bad in the US. It's hardly the Super Bowl or the World Series, but it gets a fair share of viewers.


The last world cup had 16.9 million US viewers. It'll be interesting to see what the ratings are this year.

[Paulclem]

The England v Japan game wasn't too good. They all seemed a bit edgy, though it was the last selection round before he makes his choice of 23 to take.

I supose when that's complete, there'll be a settled squad.

[papayahed]

Maybe I will start watching:

http://gossip.whyfame.com/files/2009/10/cristiano_ronaldo.jpeg

[Paulclem]

Pah - Ronaldo - Portugal - he got Rooney sent off in the European Cup competition.

He's a good player though.

[OrphanPip]

Ha, Ronaldo is such a douche, I read he was angry about Annie Lebovitz's cover for Vanity Fair, because he had to share it with that Ivory Coast (Drogba) player.

http://blog.zap2it.com/thedishrag/vanity-fair-world-cup.jpg

I may be just the slightest bit tempted to pick up May's issue of Vanity Fair.

[Scheherazade]

Ha, Ronaldo is such a douche,Erm... He is a footballer!

[Paulclem]

The thing I don't like about Ronaldo is his diving/ cheating.

His millionaire lifestyle, good looks and fantastic footballing talent don't worry me at all.

:lol:

[MarkBastable]

I think there's a good chance England won't make it out of their group. Which is fine by me - I'm not sure we deserve to, and it's more fun to support Holland or the USA anyway. Or Spain. Or Brazil. Or Denmark.

Actually, let's face it - even when we're good, we're dull.

[Paulclem]

I'm looking forward to seing the other teams too, but I'll be rooting for England.

[Scheherazade]

Actually, let's face it - even when we're good, we're dull.This would make an excellent signature, I think.

Still not sure whom to support yet but I am hoping that Brasil won't win.

I root for England whenever they play too (yeah, I am loyal like that) but I don't think they have got a chance this year.

[Paulclem]

If not England - then it would be good for a different team to win. I don't like the same teams winning all the time.

[Jesterhead]

well Italy won the last time.

[Paulclem]

well Italy won the last time.

No - every competition has been a rollercoaster of high hopes and dashed dreams. Great fun though, and we English ae great moaners and I - told-you - so's.
:biggrinjester:

[The Atheist]

Well, at least New Zealand will have one claim to fame at the World Cup.

We are the rank outsiders to win, at odds of 1000:1.

:lol:

[Paulclem]

:lol: You don't do bad generally.

I'll be getting my England flag for the back of the bike - and perhaps one for the rucksack soon. I'll post a picture of my "pimped" machine when I get it done.

:lol:

My wife reckons I should stick one on the top of my bike helmet, but that would be a bit over the top don't you think?

[The Atheist]

Hmmm, the bike helmet might be just a shade too far....

At least people would know what you mean with it. Over here, nobody - including me - knows who any of our players are, who they're playing, or quite how bad we are at football.

Still, at least we'll find out about the last one soon.

Who do you like for Golden Boot?

[Paulclem]

Hmmm, the bike helmet might be just a shade too far....

At least people would know what you mean with it. Over here, nobody - including me - knows who any of our players are, who they're playing, or quite how bad we are at football.

Still, at least we'll find out about the last one soon.

Who do you like for Golden Boot?

Not sure - I have sport rationing here as no-one likes it but me. I get to watch the Premiership on Saturday and Sunday night when everyone has gone up the apples and pears.

Who will you go for?

[The Atheist]

I have no idea! I don't follow soccer at all, but the odds are good for anyone, so I'm trying to pick a few brains to figure out where to lay a fiver!

:D

[Nikhar]

When I get older, I will be stronger
They'll call me freedom, just like a waving flag.

:)

[Paulclem]

I have no idea! I don't follow soccer at all, but the odds are good for anyone, so I'm trying to pick a few brains to figure out where to lay a fiver!

:D

The good uns I know of are Rooney, Ronaldo - the Portugese geezer, Messi for Argentina, probably any Brazilian striker - and now I'm stuck.

Messi is figured to be the best player in the world and has scored ... lots of goals this season for Barcelona. I read a piece on him at the weekend and it seems that Maradonna - Argentinas former cup winning, cocaine snorting, carousing manager - who has a very poor record in management but who is seen as a national hero with his own vainglorious show on Argentinian TV - doesn't like him, and keeps giving mixed messages about his ability.

It's not just the footie I like about the World Cup - it's the whole caboodle.

[prendrelemick]

For the Golden Boot.
Drogba, Torres and Tevez (If they are even in the world cup) are natural goal scorers from our league.

Drogba is very good.

[Paulclem]

For the Golden Boot.
Drogba, Torres and Tevez (If they are even in the world cup) are natural goal scorers from our league.

Drogba is very good.

Yes all three are great goal snatchers. I just wonder about the line up that Drogba will be with. can they supply him with the same quality he's used to?

[The Atheist]

The good uns I know of are Rooney, Ronaldo - the Portugese geezer, Messi for Argentina, probably any Brazilian striker - and now I'm stuck.

Messi is figured to be the best player in the world and has scored ... lots of goals this season for Barcelona. I read a piece on him at the weekend and it seems that Maradonna - Argentinas former cup winning, cocaine snorting, carousing manager - who has a very poor record in management but who is seen as a national hero with his own vainglorious show on Argentinian TV - doesn't like him, and keeps giving mixed messages about his ability.

It's not just the footie I like about the World Cup - it's the whole caboodle.

I know all about Dago Maradonna! (and the Hand of God)

:lol:

Messi is equal favourite at $9 with Villa, of Spain. (Fancy Spain having a Villa!)

Rooney's second favourite at $10s. I remember Gary Lineker winning it in '86, so it's not unknown for a Pom.

Ronaldo's at $22, and of course would be the second "Ronaldo" to win it.


For the Golden Boot.
Drogba, Torres and Tevez (If they are even in the world cup) are natural goal scorers from our league.

Drogba is very good.

Drogba is at $30, while Torres is strongly fancied at $14, 4th favourite.

Tevez also fancied, at $40 - he has been backed in from opening at $50s.

I note that "A New Zealander" is $750, but as we won't score any goals, that would be a bad bet.

I have had an idea, though!

NZ is the worst team there, without any doubt at all, and Italy is the favourite to win our group, so I'm taking the most favoured Italian, which is some bloke called Gilardino, on the basis that 6 goals has been good enough to win 8 the last 10 GBs, and he could get 6 against us!

He's at $50, so I'm happy with those odds at $250 for a fiver!

I think I'll chuck a fiver on the Paraguayan striker as well, because they could also beat us 10-0. He's at $80 - R Santa Cruz.

I had a great bet a few world cups ago - it's better, I think when you know nothing - I spent $20 at $50 for (I think) Mexico and Germany to draw 3 all. Now, I never get excited by soccer, but it was 3 all at halftime! I've never been so riveted to a game of soccer in my life! I willed the ball away from the net for 47 minutes before I got my dough - no score in the second half, which is amazing after 6 in the first.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Sounds like a good plan for top scorer. Also though Honduras in Spain's group are looking like been whipping boys too, along with Algeria in England's group and North Korea in Brazil's group - all theses teams along with New Zealand are 1000-1 with Betfair. However having seen North Korea in a friendly they strike me as a well above that mark and I don't see being as big a push over as their odds suggest. I also thing England are ridiculously over-priced as third favourites, though they do have the best group to qualify from so they might knock a few in before going out in the quarter finals.

If I was going for top scorer I'd probably go for Villa myself because he'll grab goals for sure and I think Spain will go all the way to the final, probably with Brazil. Though I've spread my cash around on the win market backing Spain, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, France and will lay off on all apart from Spain and Brazil after the group stages, this means that I be in profit if any of these teams win, but will not lose much (or anything) if they don't. The only way I'll really lose is if two or more of these countries don't make it though the group stages which is very unlikely.

In terms of winning though, I really can't see passed Brazil or Spain as they looks streets above the rest, quality all way through the teams. For me England have two world class players in Rooney and Gerrard, but these teams have around 8 or 9 truly world class players. I truly can't see passed Brazil or Spain to win it.

[Paulclem]

They've got good midfield support from Barry - assuming he's fit, and Lampard. Lampard did score twenty odd goals this season, though he hasn't replicated his form on the pitch for England yet. And what about that goal from Glen Johnson?

[LitNetIsGreat]

They've got good midfield support from Barry - assuming he's fit, and Lampard. Lampard did score twenty odd goals this season, though he hasn't replicated his form on the pitch for England yet. And what about that goal from Glen Johnson?

Yes Lampard and possibly Andy Cole (Joe Cole? who I think will play up front with Rooney, you heard it here first!) are top of their game at the minute, very good club players, possibly world class potentials but have yet to prove it, and often make silly mistakes. Even if you take these on board they are still well short of a number of other countries.

I'm not sure about Johnson, unproven again.

Overall the England team has a few good individuals but as a team they are just not good enough to go passed the quarter final stages; they don't play as a team and the squad as a whole is pretty poor, how do you fancy Heskey coming off the bench if he has to and scoring? Can't get a game for his club and hasn't scored for England in over a year and not at all since February. How about dodgy James in goal? Wright-Philips fast but that's it, etc? No, don't get your hopes up old chap, back Spain or Brazil, win enough for a couple of crates of beer from it and just enjoy the spectacle, that's my plan...

[Paulclem]

Yes Lampard and possibly Andy Cole (Joe Cole? who I think will play up front with Rooney, you heard it here first!) are top of their game at the minute, very good club players, possibly world class potentials but have yet to prove it, and often make silly mistakes. Even if you take these on board they are still well short of a number of other countries.

I'm not sure about Johnson, unproven again.

Overall the England team has a few good individuals but as a team they are just not good enough to go passed the quarter final stages; they don't play as a team and the squad as a whole is pretty poor, how do you fancy Heskey coming off the bench if he has to and scoring? Can't get a game for his club and hasn't scored for England in over a year and not at all since February. How about dodgy James in goal? Wright-Philips fast but that's it, etc? No, don't get your hopes up old chap, back Spain or Brazil, win enough for a couple of crates of beer from it and just enjoy the spectacle, that's my plan...

Well - I'll be "pimping" my bike with English colours. :lol:

I don't know - James hasn't been too bad recently, though both Rob Green and Joe Hart are better - particularly Hart.

Yep I forgot about Joe Cole - and Wright-Phillips has had some good games for Man City - he always looks dangerous.

[The Atheist]

Sounds like a good plan for top scorer. Also though Honduras in Spain's group are looking like been whipping boys too, along with Algeria in England's group and North Korea in Brazil's group - all theses teams along with New Zealand are 1000-1 with Betfair. However having seen North Korea in a friendly they strike me as a well above that mark and I don't see being as big a push over as their odds suggest. I also thing England are ridiculously over-priced as third favourites, though they do have the best group to qualify from so they might knock a few in before going out in the quarter finals.

If I was going for top scorer I'd probably go for Villa myself because he'll grab goals for sure and I think Spain will go all the way to the final, probably with Brazil. Though I've spread my cash around on the win market backing Spain, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, France and will lay off on all apart from Spain and Brazil after the group stages, this means that I be in profit if any of these teams win, but will not lose much (or anything) if they don't. The only way I'll really lose is if two or more of these countries don't make it though the group stages which is very unlikely.

In terms of winning though, I really can't see passed Brazil or Spain as they looks streets above the rest, quality all way through the teams. For me England have two world class players in Rooney and Gerrard, but these teams have around 8 or 9 truly world class players. I truly can't see passed Brazil or Spain to win it.

That all sounds quite logical.

One other good bet at small odds is to back all the dunce teams to fail to make the next round - theere are at least 8 teams which could not qualify.

[Paulclem]

Ferdinand's out! So he hasn't been playing all that well. Injuries, injuries.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Ferdinand's out! So he hasn't been playing all that well. Injuries, injuries.

Yes, that's a bit of a blow and another captain bites the dust.

[prendrelemick]

Not too big a blow. He's a good player but ALWAYS makes at least a couple of mistakes in every match.


Just heard, Drogba has broken his arm, all bets off for Golden Boot?

[LitNetIsGreat]

For a £5 stake you can get about a £100 return if either Brazil or Spain win the world cup. All you have to do is to take advantage of a couple of online offers and open two betting accounts (you can close them after the world cup if you want). For those outside of the UK check the small print, it may still be on offer to you too. Here is what you have to do:

1 Go to this link:
http://www.online-betting-guide.co.uk/free.php

2 Go to Ladbrokes and open an account for £5.
Bet on Brazil for a £5 win at 9/2.

3 You then get your 4 free £5 free bets (plus one in the post) bet them all on Brazil (or all of them and one of them on say Argentina 6/1).

4 Go to 888Sport, open an account and bet £20 win on Spain (your money is returned if Spain lose) odds of 4/1.

5 Withdraw you winnings (should Spain, Brazil or Argentina? win) and close your accounts after the world cup if you want.

So you have a return of about £100 if Spain or Brazil win the world cup for a stake of £5.

Alternatively you could place your bets wherever you want of course and get £45 of free bets for a £5 stake, though as I can't really see passed Brazil or Spain and they could meet in the final, being at opposite ends of the draw, I think that is the best option personally. You could even lay off in the final if you wanted to.

Enjoy! ;)

[GoldenCarcajou]

Not too big a blow. He's a good player but ALWAYS makes at least a couple of mistakes in every match.


Just heard, Drogba has broken his arm, all bets off for Golden Boot?


I read the news this morning and they said he only needs a minor surgery and he should be fine. Even though I'm a fan of Chelsea and of Drogba, I don't think he is going to get the Golden Boot (even with a healthy body). Ivory Coast doesn't have a lot of talented players to support him. If I have to bet, I would bet David Villa of Spain for Golden Boot.

[toni]

Ferdinand's out! So he hasn't been playing all that well. Injuries, injuries.

Saddest news I've heard all week. I heard Drogba's out, as well

Btw, go ENGLAND.

[Emil Miller]

I read in the Evening Standard yesterday that Toshiba are advertising the following:

Buy a television before June 10th and if England win the cup, you can claim your money back.

[Paulclem]

I have pimped my bike ready for the World cup.

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=932&pictureid=7246

I'll be flashing my red and white through the city on Monday.

[The Atheist]

I read in the Evening Standard yesterday that Toshiba are advertising the following:

Buy a television before June 10th and if England win the cup, you can claim your money back.
Clever ad ploy and a safe bet, I'd say.


I have pimped my bike ready for the World cup.

Excellent!

:thumbs_up

[Emil Miller]

Would anyone like to predict the score in England's game against the USA?

[Paulclem]

2-nil to England.

Gerard and Rooney one each.

Should be a good game.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Tough one to call being the opener. Can I say 1-0, 2-0, or 2-1 England? I think a tight opening 45 minutes is on cards though.

Is any one willing to name the starting 11? Or even any ideas who is going to be in goal?

[Paulclem]

Are you going to pimp your bike too Neely? Go on - you know you want to. You'll get less abuse from the rough locals emerging from the sky infested pubs during the month of footie.

Seen mine?

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=932&pictureid=7245

I've already had people gesticulating at me today around town. Do people wave with one finger?

:lol:

[prendrelemick]

Love the bike paul.

3-1 to England, with USA scoring first.

[Emil Miller]

Are you going to pimp your bike too Neely? Go on - you know you want to. You'll get less abuse from the rough locals emerging from the sky infested pubs during the month of footie.

Seen mine?

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=932&pictureid=7245

I've already had people gesticulating at me today around town. Do people wave with one finger?

:lol:

Of course, if you really want to upset the local roughs, you could ride around with the stars and stripes instead; especially if the US win.

[Jesterhead]

Denmark has disappointed in the warmup matches, I think we are going to get slaughtered against Holland.

[Paulclem]

Of course, if you really want to upset the local roughs, you could ride around with the stars and stripes instead; especially if the US win.

It's true, and I won't! :lol:

[LitNetIsGreat]

QUOTE=Paulclem;907417]Are you going to pimp your bike too Neely? Go on - you know you want to. You'll get less abuse from the rough locals emerging from the sky infested pubs during the month of footie.

Seen mine?



I've already had people gesticulating at me today around town. Do people wave with one finger?

:lol:

Oh yes I love the bike! Top stuff. I do think that I would be abused if I did the same though and oh, my bike is red and white too.


Denmark has disappointed in the warmup matches, I think we are going to get slaughtered against Holland.

They are just warm-ups though, I can see Denmark getting out of that group in second place with few problems.

I do hope people have followed my advice and lumped on Spain and Brazil. I also have saver on Argentina and Italy, though of course naturally, the World cup is not about cash, but the experience, still...:cheers2:

[prendrelemick]

More importantly, Refreshments. For me there is only one.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/prendrelemick/1.jpg


ps. I know, you should never, never pour out a whole glass of Newkie.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Beer, now someone is talking!

Due to the massive savings on packs of beer at the moment and the big increase in Belgian beer, I have found myself turning to the likes of Stella. I have temporarily sacrificed quality for quantity, but really 18 bottles for £8.99, 36 bottles for £16.00, 54 bottles for £20, 24 cans for £17 or one 330ml glass of quality Belgian beer for £4.40? It these times of economic beer crisis even I have had to downgrade. Besides the amount of beer I intend to drink over the coming weeks means that I have no other choice and Stella is the best of the worst lagers. You don't think I am a beer scab do you?

[Emil Miller]

Beer, now someone is talking!

Due to the massive savings on packs of beer at the moment and the big increase in Belgian beer, I have found myself turning to the likes of Stella. I have temporarily sacrificed quality for quantity, but really 18 bottles for £8.99, 36 bottles for £16.00, 54 bottles for £20, 24 cans for £17 or one 330ml glass of quality Belgian beer for £4.40? It these times of economic beer crisis even I have had to downgrade. Besides the amount of beer I intend to drink over the coming weeks means that I have no other choice and Stella is the best of the worst lagers. You don't think I am a beer scab do you?

Neely, now that you are about to join the lager louts don't forget to make the most of it because there are powerful voices among the medicos talking about significantly increasing the price of beer as a means to stop irresponsible drinking i.e. anything more than 2 pints a week. ACPO appears to be in favour as well as sundry MPs. Personally, I have changed from Tennants Extra to Carlsberg Special Brew (the same strength but a less plebian image; its these little conceits that make life more amusing) but I alteranate the beer with wine and tonight I shall be drinking a bottle of 'Pasquiers' Grenache Noir from the Pays d'Oc which is very reasonable at £5.58 per bottle. Not one of the major wine producing regions of France but, as you say, we must give a nod to the government's request that we tighten our belts in this age of austerity. ;)

[prendrelemick]

Stella and Carlsberg! Can the economic crisis really be that bad?

[Scheherazade]

2-nil to England. This is what I am expecting as well.
Tough one to call being the opener. Can I say 1-0, 2-0, or 2-1 England? Just pick one!

I am expecting a shaky start from England and then to settle down and score two goals during the last 2/3 of the game.

I can't believe it is only couple of days away now!

:hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray:

[LitNetIsGreat]

Neely, now that you are about to join the lager louts don't forget to make the most of it because there are powerful voices among the medicos talking about significantly increasing the price of beer as a means to stop irresponsible drinking i.e. anything more than 2 pints a week. ACPO appears to be in favour as well as sundry MPs. Personally, I have changed from Tennants Extra to Carlsberg Special Brew (the same strength but a less plebian image; its these little conceits that make life more amusing) but I alteranate the beer with wine and tonight I shall be drinking a bottle of 'Pasquiers' Grenache Noir from the Pays d'Oc which is very reasonable at £5.58 per bottle. Not one of the major wine producing regions of France but, as you say, we must give a nod to the government's request that we tighten our belts in this age of austerity. ;)

:lol::lol:


Stella and Carlsberg! Can the economic crisis really be that bad?

Like Brain though, I have also slipped in a little red with my tea this evening, a bottle of Tesco claret at £3.30 something, so it is not all bad. I've yet to delve into the Stella as it is chilling in the freezer, my theory is that the colder it is the better, but actually it is not all that bad, it is better than a lot of other stuff, honest, honestly. Stella is Belgian anyway, well, it once came from Belgium to some small degree...

Like Brian says though, I feel it necessary to take advantage of the cheap deals before the kill joys, well, kill the joy and take away our beer for our own benefit. Very good of them I think; let's drink to that, cheers, thanks!

:cheers2:

[Paulclem]

Ahh Carlsberg special Brew and Stella. I was once given a 24 tin crate of Special brew by the manager of a bar I worked at when the brewery wagon dropped an extra one off by mistake. Me and my friends from long ago call that one the lost weekend.

We used to call Stella Stella tortoise after a Not The Nine O'Clock sketch - presumably because you end up crawling n your hands and knees. Madness lies that way...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHd8JcbtxxI

[LitNetIsGreat]

Hey Paul, I think you might have inadvertently solved the economic beer crisis: Bavarian non-alcoholic larger! And surely they can't tax the hell out of that can they? Can they?

Quality work.

Really though, with the Stella it is not a problem, it's just a temporary thing. Quit making me feel like at scab, what are you trying to say? Are you starting a thing here? Do you want to take this outside? :flare: R U insulting my muther? What r u looking at? :ciappa:

[prendrelemick]

When England win the wold cup we can break out the Asti-Spumanti I suppose:(

[Jesterhead]

QUOTE=Paulclem;907417]They are just warm-ups though, I can see Denmark getting out of that group in second place with few problems.

yeah, I think we are going to be able to beat Japan and Cameroun, though with two losses in a row to South Africa and Australia, you never know what will happen, but against Holland the recent results makes be worried that we are going to get squashed.

[Emil Miller]

Hey Paul, I think you might have inadvertently solved the economic beer crisis: Bavarian non-alcoholic larger!


Bavarian non-alcholic lager? As an old habitué of the Munich Octoberfest I think that would be most unwise. It could be the start of World War 111.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Bavarian non-alcholic lager? As an old habitué of the Munich Octoberfest I think that would be most unwise. It could be the start of World War 111.

Ha, some think it tastes great. I bought a four pack of this a few months ago (when I was trying to be "good":out:) and my sink loved it, honestly it when straight down the plug hole in one, personally I thought it was vile, horrendous stuff but there you go.*

Bring on world war three, there are few things I would fight for, for I'm not that sort, but take away a man's beer and you will regret it.:flare:

* I'm not joking this really happened and I still feel sick thinking about it now.

Really, I'm very hyped up for the football, beer and betting - two days left...

[Paulclem]

Neely's ready for a stellar performance
Brian has sunk his cash into Neely.com that runs the internet betting syndicates that has shady connections in NZ
Mick's going to get light - headed on Asti when we win the first game until his wife reminds him that" Lambs need tendin'"
From the emoticons, Scher looks as though she's been to cheerleading classes
The Atheist is busy bribing the NZ team for a big, big loss for a big big win.

It's going to be an interesting competition.

:lol:

[MarkBastable]

I find myself siding with the USA, actually.

No, I do.

Honest.

A US win would make the following week or so much more interesting.


And I'd like to see them go through too.

[Paulclem]

I find myself siding with the USA, actually.

No, I do.

Honest.

A US win would make the following week or so much more interesting.


And I'd like to see them go through too.

A loss wouldn't be the end of the world - it can often inspire. I'd like to see the US get through too purely because I like to see different teams do well. It would also bring in our US friends into the discussion - they'll be doing keepy-uppy before long.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Cool summarising there Paul, who's our major pimp-up biker here at Lit Net...

I think the USA will go through behind England. I see England just about finishing top. Algeria are my stonking bet of the tournament to finish bottom of the group, which only leaves the second place battle between the US and Slovenia. Slovenia aren't bad, but the US are better, hence my prediction, clever see?

Really someone should stop me from betting it is an old habit which is coming back for the World Cup, but alas I am far to intelligent not to do a few foolish things now and again.

I've been active on the Betfair forum where you will find lots of World Cup buzz:
http://community.betfair.com/world_cup/go/forum/view/107734/186182/World_Cup

This is also a great website full of the latest info and stats on every team:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/team/_/team/448/england?cc=5739&ver=global

:crazy: 1 day, 15 hours, 26 minutes to go...

[The Atheist]

If you haven't seen it, Cracked.com has a great World Cup guide.

It's not very work or family safe, so I won't put a link to it, but trust me, it's worth a look!

[Scheherazade]

:crazy: 1 day, 15 hours, 26 minutes to go...I know, right?

http://www.struff.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/cheerleader.gif http://www.struff.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/cheerleader.gif http://www.struff.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/cheerleader.gif http://www.struff.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/cheerleader.gif http://www.struff.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/cheerleader.gif

Let's play a game...

- We all start with 100 Forum coins.

- We each predict the result of a game (not the score but the winner or a draw) and bet some Forum coins.

- If our guess is correct, we earn as many coins as we bet.

- If not, we lose the amount we have bet.

- All bets should be placed before the game starts.

- At the end, whoever has the most coins is the winner.


This will require some track-keeping but we are all adults here (well, mostly) and I expect we are all honest as well so please no-post editing after the results. :D


All right... I am predicting (hoping?) a draw for SA vs Mexico (2 coins).

[Paulclem]

I predict a win for Mexico 2-1.

3 coins

And I'll raise you... no sorry - wrong game. 3 coins.

[MarkBastable]

First, we have to come up with a better name than 'coins' for this virtual literary currency. I'd suggest 'gogols'.

So, I'm very happy to put seventy of my hundred gogols on a Mexico win.

[Paulclem]

First, we have to come up with a better name than 'coins' for this virtual lterary currency. I'd suggest 'gogols'.

So, I'm very happy to put seventy of my hundred gogols on a Mexico win.

Why gogols?

[MarkBastable]

Why gogols?

Well, it's a satisfying noise; it sounds like a currency; and I like to give him some subliminal promotion.

Go with it. Within two days, you'll feel you've always loved it.

[Scheherazade]

First, we have to come up with a better name than 'coins' for this virtual literary currency. I'd suggest 'gogols'. OK, I agree that we need a better name than "Forum coins" but I don't like "gogols" at all. It sounds like goggles and, I am afraid, after all the predicted beer consumption, few of the Forum members will be able to pronounce it properly.

Should come up with something better.

So far:

Scher: Draw (2 ?s)

Paul : Mexico (3 ?s)

Mark: Mexico (70 ?s)

[MarkBastable]

OK, I agree that we need a better name than "Forum coins" but I don't like "gogols" at all.

Too late. It's entered the shared consciousness. It has nestled amidst the folds of the collective brain. It's on.

[Scheherazade]

Too late. It's entered the shared consciousness. It has nestled amidst the folds of the collective brain. It's on.I could erase it from the "shared consciousness" and "folds of the collective brain"...

I am kind of liking the word "muntstuk".

Scher: Draw (2 munstuks)

Paul : Mexico (3 munstuks)

Mark: Mexico (70 munstuks)


Delightful!

:p

[Virgil]

I say draw as well. Four coins/gogles.

[billl]

I picked Ivory Coast to win this thing, but I want to point out that I had accidentally picked Cameroon before that. Since Drogba got injured, I was thinking that it would be good to actually go with Cameroon--but I'm not going to do that, because it wouldn't be classy, and I already made Scher mess around to fix things for me once already. (Plus it looks like Drogba might play.) However, I just want to point out that I think Cameroon would be a pick I really would want to make, in theory.

Also, I'm putting 100 munstucks on Mexico to win the first game.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey, is this a good symbol for munstucks?
ɷ

As in, "100ɷ on Mexico!"

or maybe this would be a more conservative choice:
ℳ

(I actually thought that "Forum coins" had a whiff of the Colosseum about it, so I would've been fine with that. Anyhow, I see nothing to be gained by supporting Mark on the terminology thing.)

[prendrelemick]

I shall bet 50 of my precious FoGoMuns on Mexico, Thus condeming them to a humiliating defeat.

[TurquoiseSunset]

Feel it, it is here!!!!!!!

WHOOP WHOOP!!!

:banana: :banana: :banana:

I bet 20 muntstukke (coins in Afrikaans...) that South Africa wins *please God*...

[billl]

Well, Turquoise, that is surprisingly hard to research on the internet (in English, anyhow). There is something called the Rand that I can get info more easily on... Anyhow, what is the symbol for "muntstukke"? And what is it?

[TurquoiseSunset]

Well, Turquoise, that is surprisingly hard to research on the internet (in English, anyhow). There is something called the Rand that I can get info more easily on... Anyhow, what is the symbol for "muntstukke"? And what is it?

Well you see...our currency is called Rand and we use it like: R5.00. The word 'muntstukke' is the Afrikaans word for 'coins'. So 'muntstukke' is not our currency, but I used it in my bet because Sche decided on muntstuks. "Muntstuks" sound weird to me though because I'm familiar with 'muntstukke' :D

[billl]

OK, gotcha!

[Scheherazade]

What a way to start :-/

Nelson Mandela's great-granddaughter has been killed in a car crash after a concert on the eve of the World Cup.

Zenani Mandela, 13, died when travelling home after the concert in Soweto, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said. No-one else was hurt.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/10290830.stm

[TurquoiseSunset]

What a way to start :-/

Nelson Mandela's great-granddaughter has been killed in a car crash after a concert on the eve of the World Cup.

Zenani Mandela, 13, died when travelling home after the concert in Soweto, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said. No-one else was hurt.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/10290830.stm

I know! It's the most horrible thing ever!!!

[billl]

Terribly sad. Incomprehensible.

[TurquoiseSunset]

Oh...and for anyone who's interested...Test your knowledge of worldcup flags.

[Scheherazade]

'muntstukke' Love this! Muntstukke it is!

We can get Mark's face on them so he is not too cross with us! :smilewinkgrin:

So, the bets so far:

Scher: Draw (2 muntstukke)

Paul : Mexico (3 muntstukke)

Mark: Mexico (70 muntstukke)

Virgil: Draw (4 muntstukke)

Bill: Mexico (100 muntstukke)

Pren: Mexico (50 muntstukke)

Turquoise: SA (20 muntstukke)

[LitNetIsGreat]

Great idea. I actually like Gogols too. Are we betting just on the games then, not on group winners, outright winners etc, probably best as it could get messy (seeing as I have got numerous bets, side bets, fantasy football events which I am running and other stuff). So my first Gogol bets on the openers are:

1 Mexico win 10G. (Lots and lots of buzz about this match on the betting forums, many saying it is the bet ot the tournament, though for me still a chance of a draw with home advantage for SA hence the smaller stake.)

2 Uruguay/France draw 3G. (Again lots of speculation, much of it saying Uruguay are major value, but I wouldn't discount France, draw seems safest option.)

Just 2 hours 10 minutes left.:party::willy_nilly:
Enjoy!!!

[Paulclem]

It has begun. SA look handy, but Mexico are threatening a lot more. They've just had a goal disallowed.

The horns they've been selling make a right racket.

[Scheherazade]

Whoohoooo!!!

A good start (we have already got two yellow cards) and SA is playing better than I expected...

Go SA!

[LitNetIsGreat]

Well SA lead with 15 mins to go, look good to hang on. Mark your Gogols look in threat.

Yes the horns are annoying, though they are a bit like the washing machine, you forget them after a while...

GOAL to Mexico!!! See, I thought the draw looked good...all to play for though.

[Paulclem]

Well SA lead with 15 mins to go, look good to hang on. Mark your Gogols look in threat.

Yes the horns are annoying, though they are a bit like the washing machine, you forget them after a while...

GOAL to Mexico!!! See, I thought the draw looked good...all to play for though.

My three randies - what are we calling them again? - are under threat.

[Scheherazade]

:thumbsup: Super:

Can't believe that ball hit the post!

Scher: 102

Paul : 97

Mark: 30

Virgil: 104

Bill: Out!

Pren: 50

Turquoise: 80

Neely: 90


Taking the bets for the Uruguay - France game now:

Neely: Draw (3)

Scher: France (5)

[papayahed]

Don't they have overtime???

[Scheherazade]

Don't they have overtime???You mean in cases of draws?

Not unless it is a final or an elimination game.

These are group games; the teams with the highest scores will go to the next round.

Placing any bets for the Uru-Fra game, Papaya? :D

(Not to mention the Eng-USA game tomorrow)

[Lulim]

I go for France today

[billl]

Zero on France to win.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Zero on France to win.

Bill I'll lend you 10g at a cost of 50% commission? ;)

[papayahed]

You mean in cases of draws?

Not unless it is a final or an elimination game.

These are group games; the teams with the highest scores will go to the next round.

Placing any bets for the Uru-Fra game, Papaya? :D

(Not to mention the Eng-USA game tomorrow)

57 on Uru

43 on USA

:thumbsup:


Wait! Highest Score? So Mex and SA both have 1?

[prendrelemick]

Sorry France but 20 spondoolics on vous.

[Scheherazade]

57 on Uru

43 on USA

:thumbsup:


Wait! Highest Score? So Mex and SA both have 1?Yes, both teams get 1 in case of a draw.


You need to predict the outcome of the game (one of the teams or a draw) and say how many coins you are betting on that outcome. Like 10 on France win.

As of now:

Scher: 102

Paul : 97

Mark: 30

Virgil: 104

Bill: Out!

Pren: 50

Turquoise: 80

Neely: 90


Taking the bets for the Uruguay - France game now:

Neely: Draw (3)

Scher: France (5)

Lulim: France (5)

Pren: France (20)

[papayahed]

Erm... You need to predict the outcome of the game (one of the teams or a draw) and say how many coins you are betting on that outcome. Like 10 on France win.



yeah:

57 coins on Uru to win

43 coins on USA to win

(Do I start out with a certain number of coins?)

[billl]

Bill I'll lend you 10g at a cost of 50% commission? ;)

Thanks, Neely! I'm tempted (I almost started asking around, actually), but I'm not gonna be able to watch many games, know very little about the teams, and trying to work in some loans would make it even more complicated (what if someone offered 40% commission?)--I doubt it'd be approved. If I can't count on Mexico beating South Africa, then I'm just gonna be way behind on this whole thing.

[Niamh]

where do we get coin? i predict 2-1 to Uruguay!!

[LitNetIsGreat]

50% take it or leave it.

[Paulclem]

France to win 10 spondooligogols please.

[LitNetIsGreat]

where do we get coin? i predict 2-1 to Uruguay!!

If you PM me your bank details...;)

You have 100 free to start, stake as many to win as you want for a double your stake return, flick back a few pages for more details. Hurry up the game has started.

[Paulclem]

Oooh - France nearly scored - Ribery's on fire!

[Niamh]

If you PM me your bank details...;)

You have 100 free to start, stake as many to win as you want for a double your stake return, flick back a few pages for more details. Hurry up the game has started.

Nice try neely! ;)

100 eh? i put 20 on Uruguay!

Kilted puts 15 on a draw.

[Snowqueen]

I want France to win this game and I'm really missing Zidane.

[Paulclem]

That's one of the things about the world cup - the skill and odd occurrences.

[prendrelemick]

I'm just remembering how the opening games in every group are so often draws,


Nice try neely! ;)

100 eh? i put 20 on Uruguay!

Kilted puts 15 on a draw.

I didn't think you'd be betting on France after THAT goal against Ireland.

[Niamh]

We have special offers in stores over here if the french lose. :p
I liked the way teh bbc commentator at the beginning made it sound like he really didnt think the French belonged there and went into mentioning all the "dirty" things they've done on the pitch lately. :p

[papayahed]

Soooooo did I lose my 57 coins?

[Niamh]

yep! and i lost my 20!

[papayahed]

This whole draw thing doesn't make much sense to me, it's too warm and fuzzy.

[LitNetIsGreat]

This whole draw thing doesn't make much sense to me, it's too warm and fuzzy.

:lol:

It wasn't a good game, but I thought a draw was on the cards from early on. As I thought group A looks tight and very difficult to call, it has always been my group of death, not Brazil's group.

Got 3g back anyway, 96 in total now.

[Paulclem]

Not a good one for France - good for Uruguay

This whole draw thing doesn't make much sense to me, it's too warm and fuzzy.

In this group part they get points for a win, less for a draw and nothing for a lose.

The one with the most points go through along with the next best team.

When they get to the knockout, then they'll decide them on penalties.

[Scheherazade]

Uru vs Fra: What a boring game that was! Even though my bet was on France, I am glad they did not win at the end... They were useless. And why wasn't Henry in the game earlier?

ATM:

Bill: Out!

Kilted: 115

Lulim: 95

Mark: 30

Neely: 93

Niamh: 80

Papaya: 43

Paul : 87

Pren: 30

Scher: 97

Turquoise: 80

Virgil: 104


Taking bets for:

South Korea vs Greece

Argentina vs Nigeria

England vs USA


Papaya: USA (43)

Scher: Argentina (10)

[hoope]

South Korea vs Greece 1- 0 ( though i think it might be a draw )

Argentina vs Nigeria 2-1

England vs USA 3-0


Uru vs Fra: What a boring game that was! Even though my bet was on France, I am glad they did not win at the end... They were useless. And why wasn't Henry in the game earlier?


Henry is no longer the one we knew in world cup 1998 .. he's old now !!!!
i just wished if Benzema was there :(
however , i think they will make it .. they can win Mexico and South africa .. and make it through - They are the French after all !!

[LitNetIsGreat]

Neely: 93

:hand: 96. 3 on the France draw gives me my stake back, 3 + 3 = 6, 96, hands off my Gogols!

Yes Henry was never going to start. It surprised a lot of people, but I had read that he was told he would start the first two games on the bench at least.

Still thinking about tomorrows bets, tough call with Greece and S Korea, first one up.

[papayahed]

Taking bets for:

South Korea vs Greece

Argentina vs Nigeria

England vs USA



OK, I want to change my bet:

US win - 18 coinolas

Nigeria won - 2 coinolas

SK draw - 4 coinolas

[MarkBastable]

Argentina - 29 pushkins to win

England - 1 pushkin to win

[stephofthenight]

O.o I thought the world cup was soccer? I'm confused

[prendrelemick]

Steph Please! not now.

Well, having lost 70 of my Tolkiens in the first day a more cautious approach is required.

5 on an England win.


Thought Forlan was terrific last night.

[Paulclem]

Yes France v Uruguay was a boring game.

England to win 10 peyote buttons
Argentina to win 10 buttons
Greece Nigeria draw 4 buttons

[Lulim]

South Korea vs Greece: -- 5 on Greece to win

Argentina vs Nigeria -- 5 on a draw

England vs USA -- 5 on England to win

[LitNetIsGreat]

OK, going to go 4g on Greece/South Korea draw (very tough game to call, could go either way but the Greek play very defensively and I think both sides would be happy for a draw for the opener, (could be another 0-0) so I think a draw is the safest option.

I'm going to go 15g on Argentina win. (I think in all probability Argentina could smash this one, but you never know which Argentina will turn up. I think after the first 5 minutes of the game you will know how this one is likely to turn out.)

I'm going to stake my g on the England match later.
:eek2:

[prendrelemick]

For my second cautious bet, 20 million dan browns (Thats 2 Gogols) on Argentina to win.

[billl]

I'm putting all of my zero on the U.S. to beat England, 27-10.

[Niamh]

Okay minew are as follows

Argentina- 5 to win
South Korea- 5 to win
England v USA- 10 on a draw

any one else see the humour in Henry trying to claim a hand ball?

[TurquoiseSunset]

The horns they've been selling make a right racket.

They are called vuvuzelas :D


Can't believe that ball hit the post!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LQZXYCuZ-Mw/S13TLAm2RAI/AAAAAAAAfkw/dXj2rldRQmU/s400/crying-baby.jpg

Edit: Now that I've seen Virgil's post I remembered that I haven't made my bets yet...(and yesterday I forgot about France and Uruguay...I was too busy sobbing).

So...
Argentina wins (5 muntstukke)
England wins (5 muntstukke)
Greece wins (5 muntstukke)
...all my betting is a stab in the dark since I've never watched a whole soccer match until yesterday.

[Virgil]

I've missed a bit. Ok, here are my next bets:

S. Korea - Win (2 coins)

Arg/Nig - Draw (5 coins)

USA - Big Win (10 coins) :p

[kilted exile]

Ok, here we go:

20 on Argentina to provide a masterclass against Nigeria.
10 on a hard battling Greek side to get a 1-0 victory
and the upset special of the week 15 on the USA to shock the world and win 2-1 against England

[MarkBastable]

and the upset special of the week 15 on the USA to shock the world and win 2-1 against England

I'm not sure this counts as an upset prediction because so many people, including a large minority of the English, are expecting it.

[Scheherazade]

ATM:

Bill: Out!

Kilted: 115

Lulim: 95

Mark: 30

Neely: 96

Niamh: 80

Papaya: 43

Paul : 87

Pren: 30

Scher: 97

Turquoise: 80

Virgil: 104


S.Korea vs Greece:

Papaya: Draw (4)

Paul: Draw (4)

Lulim: Greece (5)

Neely: Draw (4)

Niamh: S.Korea (5)

Turquoise: Greece (5)

Virgil: S.Korea (2)

Kilted: Greece (10)

[kilted exile]

Greece really look like they couldnt care less. No effort no fight no desire, and the coach is just sat there not doing anything showing no concern whatsoever. They all look far too comfortable and in need of a good rollicking at half time.

South Korea are not impressing me either, they seem to want to make too many passes constantly and have been wasteful in creating chances - even a half decent side wouldve made them pay by now.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Yes the Greeks look woeful, no ideas at all. Their only game plan was to defend and strike from set pieces but they don't look much good for that either.

[Scheherazade]

I am impressed with S.Korea's game!

ATM:

Bill: Out!

Kilted: 105

Lulim: 90

Mark: 30

Neely: 92

Niamh: 85

Papaya: 39

Paul : 83

Pren: 30

Scher: 97

Turquoise: 75

Virgil: 106


Argentina vs Nigeria:

Scher: Argentina (10)

Papaya: Nigeria (2)

Mark: Argentina (29)

Paul: Argentina (10)

Lulim: Draw (5)

Neely: Argentina (15)

Pren: Argentina (2)

Niamh: Argentina (5)

Turquoise: Argentina (5)

Virgil: Draw (5)

Kilted: Argentina (20)

[LitNetIsGreat]

Right, go for it, Stella speaking 25g England.

[Scheherazade]

ATM:

Bill: Out!

Kilted: 125

Lulim: 85

Mark: 59

Neely: 107

Niamh: 90

Papaya: 37

Paul : 93

Pren: 32

Scher: 107

Turquoise: 80

Virgil: 101


England vs USA:

Papaya: USA (18)

Mark: England (1)

Pren: England (5)

Paul: England (10)

Lulim: England (5)

Niamh: Draw (10)

Turquoise: England (5)

Virgil: USA (10)

Kilted: USA (15)

Neely: England (25)

Scher: England (5)

[Niamh]

I'm the only one perdicting a draw? :eek:

[LitNetIsGreat]

Sch your maths is shocking, no offense, I'm on 107, 92+15 = 107.

Come on England, I'm thinking we can just shade this by one or so, that'll do, too good for the US.

[Virgil]

Scher, I think you calculated me wrong too. I got the S. Korea game correct and the Argentina game incorrect: 104 + 2 - 5 = 101.

Not sure if Nigeria was bad or Argentina's defense was that good. Argentina was impressive in the first half, but not so much in the second.

[Scheherazade]

Neely and Virgil> I am so sorry!

I blame it on cold medication I have been taking! :D

(And isn't it a relief to know that I teach Maths?)

[LitNetIsGreat]

Hey no problem, actually I'm fighting back a little cold, not fun, but feed it I say.

Oh no Heskey is playing, as was half expected but, Heskey really, also I was hoping to see Joe Cole behind Rooney, but I'm sure he knows what he is doing.

[Scheherazade]

Hey no problem, actually I'm fighting back a little cold, not fun, but feed it I say. You are fighting it back with beer probably; I am a Day/Night Nurse gal.

Can't stand Rooney.

[kilted exile]

I am not a rooney fan but I think the US is a good opponent for him. Really dislike Heskey......

I am interested to see how the Terry/King partnership will develop

[Scheherazade]

Well, how about them apples?

[kilted exile]

Heskey was the sole bright point for England in that half he has the beating of DeMerit. Gerard got a goal but like the rest of the England midfield hasnt taken control of the game. Is Rooney playing? he is the invisible man out there. Milner wasnt taken off because of the yellow card - he was getting skinned by cherundolo every time, Wright Phillips is on in the hope that he can make cherundolo think more of defending.

England look confused at the back and the US are winning too many headers from set-pieces.

[kilted exile]

poor very very poor - if England want to win this tournament they will need to play a lot better than that.

[Paulclem]

Nah - they played well and USA got lucky. Gerard and Lampard combined well, and Johnson had a good game. They were pretty solid at the back too.

As for Rooney - it didn't drop for him today, but he can't be underestimated.

[LitNetIsGreat]

You are fighting it back with beer probably; I am a Day/Night Nurse gal.

Can't stand Rooney.

I think you know me too well...


Nah - they played well and USA got lucky. Gerard and Lampard combined well, and Johnson had a good game. They were pretty solid at the back too.

As for Rooney - it didn't drop for him today, but he can't be underestimated.

England played a little better than I thought but their weaknesses are obvious. As I said before they are just not good enough to progress far in this tournament. Rooney and Gerrard are world class, Lampard and A Cole behind them and then there is a huge void in the team. Heskey is a total liability in terms of going forward, good link up play and good in the air, but constantly gets offside, gives away fouls and CAN'T score. SWP and Lennon are just not good enough, dance around and look quick but there is no end product. Defence is not bad but can have no faith in the keeper whoever he is as has been highlighted today. Not the end of the world, but that performance just confirms my thinking all the way to the bank with Brazil and Spain...

Lost my Gogols too...

[Niamh]

three wins today brings my coin back to 100! :D

[Paulclem]

I think you know me too well...



England played a little better than I thought but their weaknesses are obvious. As I said before they are just not good enough to progress far in this tournament. Rooney and Gerrard are world class, Lampard and A Cole behind them and then there is a huge void in the team. Heskey is a total liability in terms of going forward, good link up play and good in the air, but constantly gets offside, gives away fouls and CAN'T score. SWP and Lennon are just not good enough, dance around and look quick but there is no end product. Defence is not bad but can have no faith in the keeper whoever he is as has been highlighted today. Not the end of the world, but that performance just confirms my thinking all the way to the bank with Brazil and Spain...

Lost my Gogols too...

You did say they would lose. USA were on the back foot for most of the second half, and equalised through a fluke.

Heskey had a good game, and Lennon looked dangerous when he got those crosses in.

There's time to build. :D

[LitNetIsGreat]

You did say they would lose. USA were on the back foot for most of the second half, and equalised through a fluke.

Yes we had the better game but it doesn't count for much in the end.


Heskey had a good game, and Lennon looked dangerous when he got those crosses in.

Yes he links up well and wins the headers, but as a forward option he just isn't one. As a forward you are going to be in a position once or twice in a game when you get a chance and this is where he is the problem because he is physically unable to convert chances. At the one-on-one he couldn't have hit the keeper's chest better if he had a target on it, he is a liability. Much better, I think to push Rooney in that forward position and to sit someone like Joe Cole in behind. Rooney tends to sit too deep because he looks to create as he did today, but we want Rooney forward in that danger area and that didn't happen enough today.


There's time to build. :D

Sure but we are several bricks short and that's the problem.

Armchair expert signing off; I need a shower (no hot water for a bath the boiler has packed in...damn)

[Scheherazade]

England did play well but not enough to impress (nor to score a second goal). It was disappointing. And USA's goalkeeper is awesom.

ATM:

Bill: Out!

Kilted: 110

Lulim: 80

Mark: 58

Neely: 82

Niamh: 100

Papaya: 19

Paul : 83

Pren: 27

Scher: 102

Turquoise: 75

Virgil: 91


Tomorrow's games are interesting:

Algeria vs Slovenia

Serbia vs Ghana

Germany vs Australia

Niamh> Way to go! :)

[Virgil]

I didn't think either team was that good. From what I saw earlier in the day, Argentina and possibly even Nigeria could beat either of those teams handily.