Most Unofficial Brazil 2014 World Cup Thread

[justadude]

The third place match is a money grab. One more game to sell tickets and TV rights. While teams may be happy to finish in the top four, they, to a man do not go there to finish third. You can tell by the responses over the years that once they lose in the semifinal, the tournament is over since they no longer have a chance win the cup.

Players with injuries that would not keep them out the final will not play. In Germany(do not know about other countries) it is tradition to play the backup goalie. That is what type of game it is. That is why Robben and Van Gaal do not want to play.

[TulliusDetritus]

ORIGINAL: justadude

The third place match is a money grab. One more game to sell tickets and TV rights. While teams may be happy to finish in the top four, they, to a man do not go there to finish third. You can tell by the responses over the years that once they lose in the semifinal, the tournament is over since they no longer have a chance win the cup.

Players with injuries that would not keep them out the final will not play. In Germany(do not know about other countries) it is tradition to play the backup goalie. That is what type of game it is. That is why Robben and Van Gaal do not want to play.

Did they drop this by any chance?

[Kanov]

After having lost the chance to reach the main event, I would guess most players just want to move on. Being forced to play for a 3rd place I agree is ridiculous.

[Zap]

The players are paid for their appearances in the consolation game? If so then its not too bad then. Though I agree, its played more for the money FIFA will make then the desire of the fans to see who takes 3rd place

[justadude]

What does FIFA stand for? Non-profit money making machine

[justadude]

ORIGINAL: TulliusDetritus

ORIGINAL: justadude

The third place match is a money grab. One more game to sell tickets and TV rights. While teams may be happy to finish in the top four, they, to a man do not go there to finish third. You can tell by the responses over the years that once they lose in the semifinal, the tournament is over since they no longer have a chance win the cup.

Players with injuries that would not keep them out the final will not play. In Germany(do not know about other countries) it is tradition to play the backup goalie. That is what type of game it is. That is why Robben and Van Gaal do not want to play.

Did they drop this by any chance?

I think van Gaal was missing his bottle of Vodka.

[warspite1]

Its difficult to believe what I'm witnessing to be honest....

In Fred, Hulk, Jo, Marcelo, Luiz (one goal aside) and Paulinho, Brazil must have 6 of the worst players of any squad in the tournament. The defence is just plain shocking, the midfield is largely non-existent (although Oscar has not played badly in this game) and there is no strike force worthy of the name. Brazil seem to rely so much on long balls out of defence or pumped into the box - this is NOT the Brazil most of us know......

[warspite1]

Argentina 0-0 Germany

What a great game! Plenty of action, disallowed goals, woodwork, some feisty challenges and great goal keeping.

Definitely going to be a red card in the second half - my money is on Rojo [:)]

[shunwick]

A most enjoyable first half with both teams wanting to play football.

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

Hee Hee. Quality commentating just now. 3 - 4 bodies go down in a melee in the Argentine box.... Cue the commentator:

"it's just like Beecher's Brook" [8D] Qualiteeeee

[shunwick]

Well, extra time and still very tight. The World Cup is up for grabs by whichever team wants to grab it.

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

Everyone is looking tired........

[shunwick]

It's always a long tournament at the end of the season, in the heat, then add in the pressure and it takes its toll.

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

Hope it's not a mistake that settles this.

Argentina are lucky to have 11 men on the pitch [X(] Mascherano and Aguero should be gone [:-]

[shunwick]

GOAL!

[warspite1]

Deserved

[shunwick]

Yes. And a great goal as well.

[warspite1]

Congratulations to Germany [&o]

[shunwick]

S'all over! Germany are the new World Champions.

Another entertaining game in a World Cup that has been one of the most entertaining that I remember. Congratulations to Germany. And if there was a goal worthy of winning the World Cup, it was that one. Superb goal.

Best wishes,
Steve

[Vasquez]

really deserved [&o]