Football World Cup 2010

[Arcadian]

Seems to me that Argentina are going to take some beating despite their "coach" Maradonna. In the qualifying matches they were a bit of a disaster with Maradonna not seeming to be involved at all and taking stick from their press. They have such good players all he says is, go out and play, without any overcoaching or strict team orders. It seems to work for them.

[pharvey]

with regards to the goal line technology argument, the same thing happened to Romania against Bulgaria in Euro 96. Losing 1-0, they scored a "goal" just like Lampard which wasn't given - they were knocked out. Nothing has happened in the 14 years since, however, this time it has affected one of the "major" footballing nations - wonder if they will be able to exert enough pressure on FIFA to get something done.

hmmmm.. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... -goal.html

[johnnyk]

Blatter is dinosaur.
Its bloody simple. The NHL has cameras suspended directly above the goal line (you can actually do it, Sepp!). The NFL has cameras all ove the place remote-controlled from guy wires to follow the play.
Delays? Bullshite. The biggest sporting event on Earth every 4 years deserves better.

[bajm]

After 2 days without football, the quarter-finals with start today. And immediately there is an exciting match between Netherlands and Brazil. The Dutch are very motivated and we have a fair chance to make the first move, to become the world champion.

Robben is back on the team and with world class players like Sneijder, van Bommel and van Persie we can certainly match Brasil. So far the team has not been playing in the top gear, but today they will be 120% focused. It is now or never. And after this match the road to the final will be open, because in the semis the winner will meet the winner of Uruguay and Ghana.

My prediction: 1-1 after 90 minutes and 2-1 for NL after 120 minutes.

[PeteC]

There was an interview on CNN with a man from the top betting agency in the UK, forget name, but he said they have taken in more than 1.1 billion in bets so far for these matches.

He said that the company would be bankrupt if Netherlands won the cup and Van Persie won what he called "the golden boot award", which is guess is something that goes to the best player as voted by someone.

These guys should start to get real worried if Netherlands wins today. Pete

[Big Boy]

"the golden boot award"

I think that's awarded to the player who scores most goals in the competition.

[johnnyk]

Sports don't build character, they reveal it
- John Wooden, the late great UCLA basketball coach.

The Dutch revealed theirs today. Coming from behind to beat Brazil speaks loudly.
Crumbling at a poor refereeing decision speaks loudly, too.

[The understudy]

Wow!!! Holy Crap Dude!

Holland had just Kicked High favorites Brazil out of The World Cup Competition!!!

After the first Goal in the 8 Min. For Brazil I though Ok this is a done deal!
But second half I was rubbin my very Eyes when the second goal fell for Holland by my man Wesley Snejder and the Goalie and one deffender Jumped into empty Air!
And then a corner kick Robben passes the ball passes everyone heading right to Wesley Snejder's head and with his 172 cm he heads it into the Net!
After that the Holland side abbundant with self esteem chased after the third goal.
Brazil meanwhile headless chicken trying to prevent the inevitable exit from World Cup
In the End Netherlands won 2:1 against an over confident Brazil who didn't finish the Holland side off in the first half and payed the ultimate price and smelled their their first odor of defeat!!!
I know Thai friends "Those old fella Student Homies of mine who bet that Brazil would win lost dearly tonight! Ohh I would like to see mow their faces how they stare @ them screens in utter disbelieve "& dussapointment!

Your's Live friom HHAD World Cup Broadcast Center!

Your's The understudy!!!!

[caller]

Very enjoyable and bizarre game this evening between Uruguay and Ghana!

I really thought Ghana would be outclassed and would fade, but a last minute penalty in extra time could have taken them through - if they had scored! How a fit Michael Essian could have made a difference, as he is awesome (still, should be fit for Chelsea in 10/11 ).

So hats off to Ghana, who by a mile were the best African team. They and the other African Countries are beginning to tap at the door, but I see 2018 as the earliest they'll make a breakthrough and a lot will depend on whether european rules/teams keep an open door policy, which seems unlikey?

At long, long last, the World Cup has awoken!

[TypicallyTropical]

So hats off to Ghana, who by a mile were the best African team.

Can you imagine if Egypt were there? They are the best team in Africa.

[PeteC]

So hats off to Ghana, who by a mile were the best African team.

Can you imagine if Egypt were there? They are the best team in Africa.

I personally think there is a different mindset, fan base and mentality about football between Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa. Different worlds. Pete

[JimmyGreaves]

Well the Germans look awesome, great football, very athletic and solid. Think they may go all the way. However if it's a dutch/german final I'll be routing for the dutch!

[richard]

The Dutch for me although you have to admire the German resolve and results. Close call

Let's hope the Brits will learn

[Bamboo Grove]

After the English movie "Out Of Africa" the next one on the stage is Maradona, who will sing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina."

[caller]

Germany look the tournament favourites to me. But how did they manage to lose to Serbia? That messed the form book up as beating Oz was as expected and we were crap, but the Argies?

Three games with 4 goals in each is very impressive. So, if you're gonna beat them, don't concede an early goal and confidence booster!

If Spain win tonight, I suspect either they or Germany will go on to win the tournament - maybe!