FIFA World Cup Football 2014 Official Thread

[Olorin]

I've always been a fan of some SA teams like Brasil and Argentina but god I hope Holland and Germany tear them all a new one this year, f??k the refs

Everyome talking about europe failures

I've never had much hopes for Spain or England everyone knew they were bad going in the tournament and for me personally it was more or less expected though maybe I would have said Spain was gonna be a bit better, Portugal I was never a fan of to begin with, they are good but never quite there always a bit off

There are others ofc from Swi to Belg

But the real giants this year should have been Italy and ofc by far the top Holland and Germany though since the start of the WC I personally put France in here too, NL, D and F should go far or I will personally be extremely disappointed, as for my feelings for I, well you read my prev post

But that's only my take on the Euro teams, they are NOT my only favs

PS sorry phone

 

[The Sach]

England, Spain, Italy, B&H & Croatia are out. Greece and Portugal will probably follow. Switzerland and Russia are far from certain to qualify. It's basically all hopes on Germany, Holland, France and the dark horse, Belgium.

4 teams are not really something to rejoice, if you consider that the last 2 World Cup finals were all European affairs.

And more than the failure of European teams, it's more of the South American teams' utter dominance that is shocking.

If Honduras is excluded, nearly all of their representatives have clinched their tickets for Last16. Ecuador will still need to fight for it while Brazil/Chile/Costa Rica/Uruguay/Argentina/Columbia/Mexico. We'll have a Last 16 that will have almost double, the amount of S.Am teams compared to European ones. That's quite something.

Frankly speaking I never expected anything from B and H or Croatia, although Spain and England got out because they played badly. Spain wasn't looking like the same team that won last world cup, England played badly against Italy in particular. England really need to look forward to next world cup and should consider about giving players like Gerrard ticket to home.
Four teams is a worst case scenario. I am expecting Switzerland and Russia to qualify as well, at least Switzerland, I agree others have to work hard.
I agree that last world cups were all European affairs, but it is mainly due to the substantial changes in the transfer market policies of various La Liga, Serie A and English teams, consider this year's EPL champion team, how many great players they give to England?
Same is true in case of Italy. Although Barca is still somewhat doing that job for Spain.
I know it is bound to happen, as teams are searching for refreshing youth talents from various other countries around the globe and that's why these teams need to find a way around it and it will take some time. European teams need to work on their youth talents and have to give chances to younger players, so that they will bring that enthusiastic approach to the team, which is really needed. Also conditions of South America is another issue here.
I agree on your observation on South American teams though and it also makes me think that FIFA should look into this matter, especially after what happened today.>_>

 

[Never]

Uruguay advance. Suarez bite was crazy, now it will be sad if he gets banned from the tournament by Fifa.

no, he'll get what he deserves.

 

[The Sach]

no, he'll get what he deserves.

Actually he should, but FIFA you know.:vincent:

 

[Vega]

Italy got knocked out lol. I don't believe Marchisio deserved a Red. Still, glad to see Uruguay go to the next round.

 

[Totsuka No Tsurugi]

Honestly speaking I feel them and Holland will flop for some reason. I think it'll be Brazil or France and perhaps Argentina as favourites. I guess Germany and Holland can surprises as, but who knows.

German flops ? yes usually against Italy and Spain but they're gone
Holland flops ? sure, i don't get why people over hype them just because they cakewalk everyone in the group stage its what they do and usually after that they'll go out with a bang in the knock out stage,

Argentina ? really ? after their display against Bosnia(cherry boys) and Iran(WEAKLING/MINNOWS) ? they can only hope for the ref to save them in the knock out stage.

__________________________________________________________________________

And Prandelli resign, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING !!!!!

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[Nebula 868]

That red card was utter Bull sh!t. That referee should be fired. And Luis Suarez, what the hell is wrong with him?

 

[fiend]

"but Italy wasn't as hungry for the win" they don't need a win to begin with!!!, and it was Uruguay who should have coming with all their might to win this match yet the're sitting back and wait for a counter, Italy was never looking for a draw, their formation and starting line up is the prove, if Italy wanted a draw then they should have park the bus from the get go,

yet they played 2 striker and played Verrati instead of Motta.....
so i don't get this bullshit about Italy playing negative football when Uruguay is the one who packed their player in midfield and penalty box before the red card.

Let me be a little specific:-
1. When I said Italy i meant Italian attack, Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli were brilliant as defenders but Balotelli, Immobile were bad and Verratti was average.

2. Like you said Italy came out thinking they don't need a win and they were lacklustre, this thing happened against Costa Rica also, I don't know whether it was overconfidence or disregard to opposition there wasn't an element of urgency or that spirit to win and conquer their opposition.

3. Uruguay exploited Italy's style and played their counter-attacking football and today were looking more organized they didn't allow Italy to score and took advantage of each and every of their foul to garner sympathy from referee.

4.Uruguay outplayed Italy in midfield and overall strategically

After the match against England I thought this world cup might be good for Italy, that the might qualify at least for quarter finals, but apprehension crept in during Costa Rica match and I was afraid if Italy performed half heartedly against Uruguay this might happen.

Referee was harsh on Italy, but I would continue to say that they require effort on their attacking side they and should have included Totti he just might have made the difference. In anyways this Italian side wasn't winning the world cup, as Germans are going to win it.

 

[The Sach]

Someone made a really good point when he/she said that Italy lacks another supporting midfielder along with Pirlo. Pirlo is more like a brainy guy who creates the move and considering the way Balotelli prefers to play at the offensive position(with no intentions to cover a bit of midfield ground), they need one with Candreva failing as well.>_>

 

[Totsuka No Tsurugi]

Let me be a little specific:-
1. When I said Italy i meant Italian attack, Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli were brilliant as defenders but Balotelli, Immobile were bad and Verratti was average.

Yes Balo and Immobile was bad, but only because Uruguay packed their player in midfield and the box, there is nothing Italy could do,

Verratis is average ? we must have watched a different game, the lad shows the world that he deserved to replace Pirlo in midfield

2. Like you said Italy came out thinking they don't need a win and they were lacklustre, this thing happened against Costa Rica also, I don't know whether it was overconfidence or disregard to opposition there wasn't an element of urgency or that spirit to win and conquer their opposition.

I never said that Italy come out with the mind set that they can't win, i only said that they don't need a win in the qst place, Italy defense played against 2 of world class striker yet both of them create nothing problematic for the Italian defense, It was a very balanced game, Uruguay never really had a shot on goal despite needing to win.

so idk why you're only hitting on Italy and praised Uruguay while they're the one who sit back and wait,
its the other way around the one who should feel the need of urgency to win and conquer their opponent is Uruguay,

3. Uruguay exploited Italy's style and played their counter-attacking football and today were looking more organized they didn't allow Italy to score and took advantage of each and every of their foul to garner sympathy from referee.

WRONG!!!!!! The red card exploit Italy, Uruguay never really had a chance and their counter attacking football have failed so the ref come to the rescue

4.Uruguay outplayed Italy in midfield and overall strategically

Wrong again, the red card exploit Italy midfield and left helpless from the attack,

After the match against England I thought this world cup might be good for Italy, that the might qualify at least for quarter finals, but apprehension crept in during Costa Rica match and I was afraid if Italy performed half heartedly against Uruguay this might happen.

Costa rica is good, they're pressing very high for 90 minutes, none could beat them if they keep playing like that and Italy did well to contained them, what happened today have nothing to do with the Italian being half hearted,
Italy is always like that and they've win everything by playing slow and unattractive football,

if you dont know that then i guess you must be new to football. i mean you're asking the Italians to played like the dutch,

referee was harsh on Italy, but I would continue to say that they require effort on their attacking side. In anyways this Italian side wasn't winning the world cup, as Germans are going to win it.

Again asking Italians to put more effort in their attack is the prove of your lack of knowledge about how the Italian play,
in fact this is probably the 1st time i see Italy played with 2 striker,

Italy is not a favorite, they were never a favorite, people said the same thing 2006 before the match vs Germans and the rest is history...

Someone made a really good point when he/she said that Italy lacks another supporting midfielder along with Pirlo. Pirlo is more like a brainy guy who creates the move and considering the way Balotelli prefers to play at the offensive position(with no intentions to cover a bit of midfield ground), they need one with Candreva failing as well.>_>

They used to have Totti and with Totti in the team Pirlo look ordinary,
but that's not the issue today its the fcking REF.

 

[Luther]

Regardless of new allegations of suarez biting another player, i hope the barca rumors of him are true lets be honest we can call him names or throw out insults to him but he is one of the best footballers on the planet and most teams wouldn't even blink or thing twice if they had the opportunity to sighs him. In other news i hear a deal for herrera the atheltico bilbao midfielder is close.

 

[fiend]

Yes Balo and Immobile was bad, but only because Uruguay packed their player in midfield and the box, there is nothing Italy could do,

Verratis is average ? we must have watched a different game, the lad shows the world that he deserved to replace Pirlo in midfield
I never said that Italy come out with the mind set that they can't win, i only said that they don't need a win in the qst place, Italy defense played against 2 of world class striker yet both of them create nothing problematic for the Italian defense, It was a very balanced game, Uruguay never really had a shot on goal despite needing to win.
so idk why you're only hitting on Italy and praised Uruguay while they're the one who sit back and wait,
its the other way around the one who should feel the need of urgency to win and conquer their opponent is Uruguay,
WRONG!!!!!! The red card exploit Italy, Uruguay never really had a chance and their counter attacking football have failed so the ref come to the rescue
Wrong again, the red card exploit Italy midfield and left helpless from the attack,
Costa rica is good, they're pressing very high for 90 minutes, none could beat them if they keep playing like that and Italy did well to contained them, what happened today have nothing to do with the Italian being half hearted,
Italy is always like that and they've win everything by playing slow and unattractive football,
if you dont know that then i guess you must be new to football. i mean you're asking the Italians to played like the dutch,

R
Again asking Italians to put more effort in their attack is the proveyour lack of knowledge of how the Italian play,
in fact this is probably the 1st time i see Italy played with 2 striker,
Italy is not a favorite, they were never a favorite, people said the same thing 2006 before the match vs Germans and the rest is history...

1. You are blaming only the ref and Uruguayan team for Italy's loss, Uruguay wanted to win the match they out performed Italy in every department, I am just objectively analysing their loss, no fanboyism from my side.

2. Italy looked poor in both of their last game, did you really think before the world cup that Costa Rica would defeat the Italians the way they did?

3. I know Italy never played/plays attacking football, I know that their playing style includes a lot of stalling, in fact they have many a times played just how Uruguay played today, their whole conniving footballing strategy is known to all etc. etc. etc but times have changed, similar things were said by Spanish supporters and see they had their poorest performance, if anything this world cup has taught us is that attacking football is the future.
In the game of Germany vs Ghana, even Germans had to play kamikaze football, which they are not comfortable with.

4. In 2006 times were different, players were different it had materazzi, pirlo in his prime, totti, toni and above all they were coached by lippi whose strategies were in a different level.
I still the memories of that final, where connivance of Italy won them a red card against Zidane, that team was playing to win much like uruguay today.


We all can cry that Italy deserved to qualify, probably might be true but Uruguay outplayed them in strategy today.
I will reiterate again Italians need a support to Pirlo in the midfield a genius like him.
You yourself are admitting to the fact that Uruguay packed their midfield which shows the domination of their strategy which simply Italians couldn't overcome.
In the end football is as much about strategy as it is about quality of play.
Also that Godin strike was not a fluke.

You know what's ironic is today Uruguay outplayed Italy in their own style and with tactics from their own book.

 

[fiend]

Regardless of new allegations of suarez biting another player, i hope the barca rumors of him are true lets be honest we can call him names or throw out insults to him but he is one of the best footballers on the planet and most teams wouldn't even blink or thing twice if they had the opportunity to sighs him. In other news i hear a deal for herrera the atheltico bilbao midfielder is close.

I hope so but Barcelona pays emphasis on their history and style of winning so it is doubtful after today, they wouldn't want to associate with him which is understandable.Also they have Messi and Neymar for now.

Moreover they need a brilliant midfielder and some good defenders, as good as xavi is but he is getting older and needs support, I hope they buyback Thiago from Bayern munich.

 

[Forbidden Tale]

Suarez should be banned forever U_U

 

[Luther]

I hope so but Barcelona pays emphasis on their history and style of winning so it is doubtful after today, they wouldn't want to associate with him which is understandable.Also they have Messi and Neymar for now.

Moreover they need a brilliant midfielder and some good defenders, as good as xavi is but he is getting older and needs support, I hope they buyback Thiago from Bayern munich.

We have already bought rakitic from sevilla and enrique plans to move mascherano back to his original positions which is defensive midfielder to create competition for busquet that coupled with the fact that rafinha and Deulofeu were called back from loan along with iniesta i think we are good in midfield, and i didn't even include an aging xavi because there are talks he might leave but even if he does i think were clear in the midfield.

It is defense. We need a center back, i would prefer marquinhos the young defender from PSG but it seems blanc still has plans for him so barca are looking at other options such as Mathieu from valencia, we are also being linked to Colombia right back Cuadrado which can fill in for alvez when he is injured and provide competition.

It is not confirm yet but rumours have it that a deal is done for Chilean captain and goalkeeper bravo in a deal involving dennis suarez a barca b youth team player going to real sociedad in exchange for bravo and some extra money which barca will add[7-15 Million euros]. Our main priority is the defense but if we get suarez that would be very good, with alexis and pedro future uncertain and tello being linked with a loan move, suarez might come in handy, but the question is will messi drop back to the wing or remain main striker lol xD

Update: Cuadrado just put colombia ahead off japan thanks to his penalty goal.

 

[fiend]

Half time
Greece 1-0 Ivory coast
Japan 1-1 Colombia

As it stands Greece are going through with already qualified Columbia.

EDIT- Full Time
Greece 2-1 Ivory coast
Japan 1-4 Columbia
Columbia and Greece qualify.

 

[Nebula 868]

Another bad referee decision has led to Ivory Coast being knocked out. Georgios Samaras from the video replay actually clipped his own foot and fell.

 

[KingOfAnons]

no, he'll get what he deserves.

Suarez is the most important player for Uruguay. Without him they will struggle. He needs to be in the team.

 

[Roby]

Suarez is the most important player for Uruguay. Without him they will struggle. He needs to be in the team.

How about learning how to behave then.

 

[KingOfAnons]

How about learning how to behave then.

Urugauyans are known to have fiery tempers. You can't blame them.