Really OT : World Cup 2014

[Symon]

ORIGINAL: Encircled
Mexico are a very, very good side. Could do well

I kinda like Mexico. They're scrappy. They were pretty sloppy against Brazil, but Ochoa was his usual hustling self. They played good enough defense to hold the tie, though. I don't think they are a great side, but they got some cojones.

[Cribtop]

Yes, a great result for Mexico. Brazil didn't look awful and average goalkeeping for Mexico leads to a 2-0 game or so, but El Tri looks very different from just a few months ago (in a good way).

US v. Portugal is a "must draw" for us (not that I'd kick a win out of bed). As tocaff says, a window. The plan vs Germany realistically is to limit reductions in our goal differential. At least against them I have a decent chance to watch Arsenal players administer the blow.

Chile/Spain will be fascinating. So much reason for both to need that one.

For all my hopes for England at the start, Uruguay/England could be painful. Given their respective histories, which side is more likely to bounce back? Which one is more likely to implode? I love the young guys, but the "gut" answer to those questions is not encouraging for this 3 Lions fan. There is a path, however. If England can overcome their mental demons, Sterling & Co racing past the pace-challenged Uruguayan center backs could be the key to 3 points.

Shaping up to be a wonderful Cup.

[obvert]

Watched the Mexico-Brazil match. Mexico didn't generate as many chances, but had some good shots on goal that required decent keeping. Brazil was unlucky on those headers that the Mexican keeper was right there. He did well all game though.

Belgium looked good.

Spain-Chile tonight should be fun. See if Spain can bounce back.

[warspite1]

Can't call the England - Uruguay game. It sounds like Rooney will play as No.10 which, if England are to play him, is the role he needs to be in.

So many questions though, not least, how fit is Suarez to play? Also, as Gus Poyet himself admitted, Uruguay are masters at the art of dirty tricks - will they target Wayne Rooney? Will Suarez get up to his diving shenanigans?

One thing's for sure - it ain't going to be a dull game [:)]

Edit: grammar

[warspite1]

Yes, Spain-Chile should be really interesting. Big questions: Did Spain just suffer a really bad off-night? and/or are Holland that good? and/or has Spain's period of dominance with this group of players come to an end?

[Cribtop]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Can't call the England - Uruguay game. It sounds like Rooney will play as No.10 which, if England are to play him, is the role he needs to be in.

So many questions though, not least, how fit is Suarez to play? Also, as Gus Poyet himself admitted, Uruguay are masters at the art of dirty tricks - will they target Wayne Rooney? Will Suarez get up to his diving shenanigans?

One thing's for sure - it ain't going to be a dull game [:)]

Edit: grammar

Will Suarez dive? Will the Sun rise in the East? [:D][:@] He's so talented but he and Robben are the world dive leaders, IMHO.

I think Spain/Chile is fascinating for many reasons, but especially the one you cite. Is Holland really that good? If so, and with Brazil frankly looking a little short on ideas over two matches, hmmm.

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Can't call the England - Uruguay game. It sounds like Rooney will play as No.10 which, if England are to play him, is the role he needs to be in.

So many questions though, not least, how fit is Suarez to play? Also, as Gus Poyet himself admitted, Uruguay are masters at the art of dirty tricks - will they target Wayne Rooney? Will Suarez get up to his diving shenanigans?

One thing's for sure - it ain't going to be a dull game [:)]

Edit: grammar

Will Suarez dive? Will the Sun rise in the East? [:D][:@] He's so talented but he and Robben are the world dive leaders, IMHO.

I think Spain/Chile is fascinating for many reasons, but especially the one you cite. Is Holland really that good? If so, and with Brazil frankly looking a little short on ideas over two matches, hmmm.

warspite1

If they are then, on the showing of this first half, Australia are going to be World Champions!

Australia 1-1 Holland

Holland a little on the ropes here coming up to half time.....

[Symon]

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

Yes, a great result for Mexico. Brazil didn't look awful and average goalkeeping for Mexico leads to a 2-0 game or so, but El Tri looks very different from just a few months ago (in a good way).

US v. Portugal is a "must draw" for us (not that I'd kick a win out of bed). As tocaff says, a window. The plan vs Germany realistically is to limit reductions in our goal differential. At least against them I have a decent chance to watch Arsenal players administer the blow.

Chile/Spain will be fascinating. So much reason for both to need that one.

For all my hopes for England at the start, Uruguay/England could be painful. Given their respective histories, which side is more likely to bounce back? Which one is more likely to implode? I love the young guys, but the "gut" answer to those questions is not encouraging for this 3 Lions fan. There is a path, however. If England can overcome their mental demons, Sterling & Co racing past the pace-challenged Uruguayan center backs could be the key to 3 points.

Shaping up to be a wonderful Cup.

What you say is pretty smart. You are not the usual Texican are you? My goodness, a righteous man! Chile/Spain will be beyond fascinating. It has to happen for us.

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Symon

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

Yes, a great result for Mexico. Brazil didn't look awful and average goalkeeping for Mexico leads to a 2-0 game or so, but El Tri looks very different from just a few months ago (in a good way).

US v. Portugal is a "must draw" for us (not that I'd kick a win out of bed). As tocaff says, a window. The plan vs Germany realistically is to limit reductions in our goal differential. At least against them I have a decent chance to watch Arsenal players administer the blow.

Chile/Spain will be fascinating. So much reason for both to need that one.

For all my hopes for England at the start, Uruguay/England could be painful. Given their respective histories, which side is more likely to bounce back? Which one is more likely to implode? I love the young guys, but the "gut" answer to those questions is not encouraging for this 3 Lions fan. There is a path, however. If England can overcome their mental demons, Sterling & Co racing past the pace-challenged Uruguayan center backs could be the key to 3 points.

Shaping up to be a wonderful Cup.

What you say is pretty smart. You are not the usual Texican are you? My goodness, a righteous man! Chile/Spain will be beyond fascinating. It has to happen for us.

warspite1

Stop blowing smoke up his bottom Symon - he's a dastardly gooner [:@]

[;)]

[Cribtop]

Hehe, The Socceroos came to play today. Now 2-2 with both equalizers scored before the original scoring team has a chance to finish celebrating. Cahill volley a wonderstrike. Just a letdown by the Dutch or a game plan others can use? Hard to say.

I am indeed unusual for an American in that I love the game and have watched since a young age. I think it comes from 3 things. 1) I played for many years, 2) I visited Europe often and absorbed the love and drama of football, and 3) the options to watch in the US are really increasing. We can now watch every Premier League game on TV live for example. I especially prefer to watch the games where the mighty Gunners go up against that side with the silly bird logo. [:D] On a club note, I think the Community Shield could actually matter to Arsenal. A chance to improve form vs one of the top sides in a "no pressure" game.

Chile/Spain is just going to rock. My advice to your side Symon is to press them hard and go for an early goal. Spain's psyche has to be fragile right now. Finally, I have to say the Aussies have looked pretty good so far through two matches after the disaster start against Chile. They are outmatched in quality but played hard and showed some flashes.

[Cribtop]

Oops, there they go again. This just in - Robben and Van Persie are good & in form. RvP an Arsenal traitor but it's hard for me to hate him. OK, maybe a little. [;)]

[JocMeister]

I don´t think Holland impresses much against Australia TBH.

Cahills goal. OMG! [X(]

[warspite1]

Australia 2-3 Holland

Hard luck Australia - quality, gutsy performance [&o]

Agree Cahill's goal will be a contender for the goal of the tournament [&o]

[Cribtop]

So Symon...

HAPPY MUCH!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! [&o]

Chile 2 - 0 Spain HT

[Symon]

Thought it was a good game. Thought Spain was kinda winpy. Chile played like they usually do but they were a lot deeper than normal. Spain got crowded out a lot, while Chile was almost always clear. Good play on both sides, but 17 million Chileans jumping up and down might be making the earth move a little bit.

Oh, yeah, I'm a very happy camper. Have to go to church and do my candles. And I owe La Roja a stations of the cross. Can't remember being this proud of Chile since ... Damn, I'm really proud of Chile.

[Cribtop]

They are heading on, Spain heading home. Only question now is can they win the Group. Great stuff!

PS - I wonder if Vegas had a prop bet for Spain being eliminated before the US? If so, I wonder what the odds were, and if anyone placed a bet. If so, they are very happy tonight too.

[Encircled]

Brazil won't be looking forward to either Chile or Holland at this rate.

I reckon I'll be feeling about as well as the Spanish fans by this time tomorrow.

[buutsy]

Well played Chile ! [&o]
What a fighting spirit !
The australians in need of another goalie, that was a close game too !
So far fantastic world cup this [:)]

Edit says: typo

[Maglio]

[:D][:D][:D]

CHI - CHI - CHI - LE - LE - LE - VIVA CHILE MIE.....

I´m speechless.

We actually beat the world champion and are already classified!!!

[&o]

[Maglio]

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

They are heading on, Spain heading home. Only question now is can they win the Group. Great stuff!

PS - I wonder if Vegas had a prop bet for Spain being eliminated before the US? If so, I wonder what the odds were, and if anyone placed a bet. If so, they are very happy tonight too.

I can remember only once to be as proud, it was when the 33 MINEROS got out!!

However our next rival is Holland...and that looks tough.