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- Thread starter ScriptOhio
- Start date
Buckeye513
Stable Genius
I thought Australia played well, but they should've been a bit more adventurous in attack. They showed Brazil far too much respect, and they failed to attack the wings when Cafu and Roberto Carlos were caught out of position.
Though, overall, the scoreline flattered Brazil. They didn't get much going offensively until the 80th minute or so, when the Aussie defenders were too tired to move, their defenders were average once again and they were often caught out of position, and, particularly in the first half, they struggled against the physical play of the Australians. Right now, I don't think it's beyond the realm of possibility that any of the Group E teams could send them home crying. They certainly haven't showed any signs of being eventual Cup-winners.
Btw, why isn't anyone talking about how peripheral a figure Ronaldinho has been thus far? Two such lackluster performances by a Thierry Henry or Juan Riquelme and people would be calling for their heads.
Though, overall, the scoreline flattered Brazil. They didn't get much going offensively until the 80th minute or so, when the Aussie defenders were too tired to move, their defenders were average once again and they were often caught out of position, and, particularly in the first half, they struggled against the physical play of the Australians. Right now, I don't think it's beyond the realm of possibility that any of the Group E teams could send them home crying. They certainly haven't showed any signs of being eventual Cup-winners.
Btw, why isn't anyone talking about how peripheral a figure Ronaldinho has been thus far? Two such lackluster performances by a Thierry Henry or Juan Riquelme and people would be calling for their heads.
Upvote
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sandgk
Watson, Crick & A Twist
The rest of what you wrote was right on - but these two points are key I think.
The Socceroos did seem awed until too late - Bresciano to cite just one example, had that moment of "what should I do now?" as he ran diagonally into the box.
I think it is fair to point fingers at all the Brazilian players to some extent or other. I fancy that Ronaldhino gets a pass because of the few good things he did - rather than getting dunned for those things he has failed to bring to the game. He has been running into space when others have not, he has been trying to create, when others are content to simply receive service. He has though disappointed - and that makes your criticism perfectly fair.
Oh yes 9th minute France vs Korea, Henry finally gets into gear and gives France their first WC goal since '98.
Oh for crying out loud -now France goes into their shell. Content with one goal - guess if you only get one in 8 years you can be like GW Bush - declare victory and go home. Ironic really.
Its the 28th minute and Henry is bundled over - clearly could have been a PK, instead the ref does one of those artless "make-up calls" as he issues a yellow for what was a much more debatable offense near the sideline.
The online Brit radio commentators cite Gallic coma, and just then France should have been given a goal. Clearly over the line, header from a corner, clearly. (31st minute).
France's #11 (Wiltord) is a complete waste, Zidane has done nothing. Barthez is completely out of the game (a reflection of Korea's lack of attack). The Brit online commentators are ripping his out of shape condition. Henry is the sole French performer of note thus far.
Hey - 5 minutes to go in the half and the famously chain-smoking Barthez finally touches the ball in play.
We are in 45th minute and Zidane - once again - simply gives up the ball. Joke. Someone ought to get this fellow a wheelchair.
Oh, thank goodness, Wiltord is substituted. 61st minute.
Unless this game starts getting more exciting I'm going to resort to jokes involving Gallic or Korean names.
(One Hung Lo?)
Last edited:
Upvote
0
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
For those that didn't know (like me), here's the schedule for the the teams that advance to the World Cup "sweet 16". If the US happens to be the Group E runnerup they will play the group F winner (probably Brazil) on 27 Jun at 10:00 AM:
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=bg1 vAlign=top><TD width="25%">Round of 16</TD><TD width="25%">Quarterfinals</TD><TD width="25%">Semifinals</TD><TD width="25%">Final</TD></TR><!--tr class=bg4 valign=top><td>February 10-12</td><td>April 7-9</td><td>September 22-24</td><td>December 1-3</td></tr--><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 1)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner A</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up B</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Munich, June 24 @ 11:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--ROUND 2 (MATCH 1)--><TD rowSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Berlin, June 30 @ 11:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--SEMI (MATCH 1)--><TD rowSpan=4><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Dortmund, July 4 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--FINAL --><TD rowSpan=8><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR colspan="10"><TD>In Berlin, July 9 @ 2:00pm</TD></TR><!--3RD PLACE --><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR class=bg1 vAlign=top><TD>3rd Place</TD></TR><TR><TD>In Stuttgart, July 8 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR colspan="20"><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 2)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner C</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up D</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Leipzig, June 24 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 3)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner E</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up F</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Kaiserslautern, June 26 @ 11:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--ROUND 2 (MATCH 2)--><TD rowSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Hamburg, June 30 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 4)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner G</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up H</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Cologne, June 26 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 5)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner B</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up A</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Stuttgart, June 25 @ 11:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--ROUND 2 (MATCH 3)--><TD rowSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Gelsenkirchen, July 1 @ 11:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--SEMI (MATCH 2)--><TD rowSpan=4><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Munich, July 5 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 6)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner D</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up C</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Nuremberg, June 25 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 7)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner F</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up E</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Dortmund, June 27 @ 10:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--ROUND 2 (MATCH 4)--><TD rowSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Frankfurt, July 1 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 8)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner H</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up G</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Hanover, June 27 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>http://www.sportsline.com/worldcup/schedules
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=bg1 vAlign=top><TD width="25%">Round of 16</TD><TD width="25%">Quarterfinals</TD><TD width="25%">Semifinals</TD><TD width="25%">Final</TD></TR><!--tr class=bg4 valign=top><td>February 10-12</td><td>April 7-9</td><td>September 22-24</td><td>December 1-3</td></tr--><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 1)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner A</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up B</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Munich, June 24 @ 11:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--ROUND 2 (MATCH 1)--><TD rowSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Berlin, June 30 @ 11:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--SEMI (MATCH 1)--><TD rowSpan=4><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Dortmund, July 4 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--FINAL --><TD rowSpan=8><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR colspan="10"><TD>In Berlin, July 9 @ 2:00pm</TD></TR><!--3RD PLACE --><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR class=bg1 vAlign=top><TD>3rd Place</TD></TR><TR><TD>In Stuttgart, July 8 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR colspan="20"><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 2)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner C</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up D</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Leipzig, June 24 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 3)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner E</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up F</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Kaiserslautern, June 26 @ 11:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--ROUND 2 (MATCH 2)--><TD rowSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Hamburg, June 30 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 4)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner G</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up H</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Cologne, June 26 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 5)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner B</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up A</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Stuttgart, June 25 @ 11:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--ROUND 2 (MATCH 3)--><TD rowSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Gelsenkirchen, July 1 @ 11:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--SEMI (MATCH 2)--><TD rowSpan=4><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Munich, July 5 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 6)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner D</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up C</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Nuremberg, June 25 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 7)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner F</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up E</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Dortmund, June 27 @ 10:00am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!--ROUND 2 (MATCH 4)--><TD rowSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Frankfurt, July 1 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR class=bg2><!--ROUND 1 (MATCH 8)--><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Winner H</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD>Runner-up G</TD><TD align=right></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>In Hanover, June 27 @ 3:00pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>http://www.sportsline.com/worldcup/schedules
Upvote
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sandgk
Watson, Crick & A Twist
Good god - for those wondering about the importance of getting the call right ..
1st half - ref doesn't call the 2nd French goal, score remains 1-0.
Just now - Korea scores (82nd minute) to tie the game and make life very, very dicey for France - in this match, and in group play.
France only has themselves to blame (zero protest of the obvious 2-0 goal). I am struggling, hard, to be sympathetic.
Add insult to injury - Zidane is cheaply yellow carded - he won't make the last group match.
It would be fitting if both teams performed using Monty Python Silly Walks for the rest of the match.
1st half - ref doesn't call the 2nd French goal, score remains 1-0.
Just now - Korea scores (82nd minute) to tie the game and make life very, very dicey for France - in this match, and in group play.
France only has themselves to blame (zero protest of the obvious 2-0 goal). I am struggling, hard, to be sympathetic.
Add insult to injury - Zidane is cheaply yellow carded - he won't make the last group match.
It would be fitting if both teams performed using Monty Python Silly Walks for the rest of the match.
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Upvote
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
What else would you expect FIFA to say?
Updated: June 18, 2006
<!-- end page date -->Red and yellow cards warranted, FIFA says
<!-- end pagetitle -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><!-- begin left column -->BERLIN (AP) -- FIFA is pleased players and spectators have noticed World Cup referees producing plenty of yellow cards for sliding tackles and reds for elbowing. The message is getting through.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
After a slow start, referees had dished out five red cards, including three in Saturday's 1-1 draw between Italy and the United States, and 11 players had received two yellows after the first half of the 48 group matches.
The Italians finished with 10 men and the United States played almost the entire second half with nine.
Angola, Australia, Ivory Coast, Japan and the United States have had gripes with refereeing decisions in Germany. But FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said the general standard of refereeing had been solid.
"If you count the number of red and yellow cards ... it's in proportion,'' he said.
Before Sunday's games, referees had handed out 136 yellow cards and 10 reds in 24 matches.
Daniele De Rossi received a red card and was expecting a harsh sanction for elbowing U.S. forward Brian McBride's face as he jumped for a header in the 28th minute.
"Yesterday, we had a rather ugly scene, the character of which was one of the issues addressed before the World Cup," Siegler said. "A phenomenon we're seeing increasingly with headers -- people taking a run up, using their elbows to leap higher. This can lead to injuries.
"This was correctly identified and appropriately sanctioned."
The disciplinary committee was deliberating on the penalty for De Rossi.
Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda sent American Pablo Mastroeni to the locker room in the 45th minute for a studs-up tackle, the American midfielder later claiming the challenge would rate only a yellow card "anywhere in the world."
Two minutes into the second half, U.S. defender Eddie Pope got his second yellow card of the game for a tackle in which he got the ball first, but still took down an Italian.
U.S. coach Bruce Arena said referees might be going too far.
"Entering this World Cup, I think there was a real theme that they were going to be very harsh on players, and I think they have," he said. "The cards are excessive, I believe. It's just too much in all the games. It's taking good players out of games."
Arena said he'd never seen a match with so many red cards. It was only the fourth time at a World Cup that three red cards had been issued in one match.
"Fouls are being punished too harshly, without warnings. A foul sometimes is just a foul, it's not a yellow card," he said. "I think it's just gotten excessive in the World Cup."
The yellows were in accordance with a pre-World Cup stance against cynical fouls on attacking players.
Siegler said the focus on specific rules should not be misinterpreted.
"They're not new. The point is, the World Cup is the largest platform, the largest display case for football, where the best referees are in operation," he said. "We have to show consistency on the basis of the rules of the game. They have to be applied in the way we'd like them applied around the globe.
"That's why one has to be prudent about interpreting these things."
As for a FIFA investigation into Australian gambling, Siegler said all bets are off.
Nobody could stop players having small bets between themselves, as long as it did not develop into "organized, professional or institutionalized betting," said Siegler. "Then it would become an issue."
After a 3-1 victory over Japan, midfielder Tim Cahill revealed some teammates had bet on him to score Australia's first goal ever in the World Cup, and that backup goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac was the unofficial bookmaker. Cahill scored the first two.
A British tabloid reported FIFA had concerns about the friendly wagers, because all players signed a charter of fair play, stating they would not bet on the tournament.
"But what is relevant -- if there are individuals saying 'I bet with you who scores the first goal,' this cannot be viewed as institutionalized betting," said Siegler.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=371660&cc=3888
Updated: June 18, 2006
<!-- end page date -->Red and yellow cards warranted, FIFA says
<!-- end pagetitle -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><!-- begin left column -->BERLIN (AP) -- FIFA is pleased players and spectators have noticed World Cup referees producing plenty of yellow cards for sliding tackles and reds for elbowing. The message is getting through.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
After a slow start, referees had dished out five red cards, including three in Saturday's 1-1 draw between Italy and the United States, and 11 players had received two yellows after the first half of the 48 group matches.
The Italians finished with 10 men and the United States played almost the entire second half with nine.
Angola, Australia, Ivory Coast, Japan and the United States have had gripes with refereeing decisions in Germany. But FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said the general standard of refereeing had been solid.
"If you count the number of red and yellow cards ... it's in proportion,'' he said.
Before Sunday's games, referees had handed out 136 yellow cards and 10 reds in 24 matches.
Daniele De Rossi received a red card and was expecting a harsh sanction for elbowing U.S. forward Brian McBride's face as he jumped for a header in the 28th minute.
"Yesterday, we had a rather ugly scene, the character of which was one of the issues addressed before the World Cup," Siegler said. "A phenomenon we're seeing increasingly with headers -- people taking a run up, using their elbows to leap higher. This can lead to injuries.
"This was correctly identified and appropriately sanctioned."
The disciplinary committee was deliberating on the penalty for De Rossi.
Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda sent American Pablo Mastroeni to the locker room in the 45th minute for a studs-up tackle, the American midfielder later claiming the challenge would rate only a yellow card "anywhere in the world."
Two minutes into the second half, U.S. defender Eddie Pope got his second yellow card of the game for a tackle in which he got the ball first, but still took down an Italian.
U.S. coach Bruce Arena said referees might be going too far.
"Entering this World Cup, I think there was a real theme that they were going to be very harsh on players, and I think they have," he said. "The cards are excessive, I believe. It's just too much in all the games. It's taking good players out of games."
Arena said he'd never seen a match with so many red cards. It was only the fourth time at a World Cup that three red cards had been issued in one match.
"Fouls are being punished too harshly, without warnings. A foul sometimes is just a foul, it's not a yellow card," he said. "I think it's just gotten excessive in the World Cup."
The yellows were in accordance with a pre-World Cup stance against cynical fouls on attacking players.
Siegler said the focus on specific rules should not be misinterpreted.
"They're not new. The point is, the World Cup is the largest platform, the largest display case for football, where the best referees are in operation," he said. "We have to show consistency on the basis of the rules of the game. They have to be applied in the way we'd like them applied around the globe.
"That's why one has to be prudent about interpreting these things."
As for a FIFA investigation into Australian gambling, Siegler said all bets are off.
Nobody could stop players having small bets between themselves, as long as it did not develop into "organized, professional or institutionalized betting," said Siegler. "Then it would become an issue."
After a 3-1 victory over Japan, midfielder Tim Cahill revealed some teammates had bet on him to score Australia's first goal ever in the World Cup, and that backup goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac was the unofficial bookmaker. Cahill scored the first two.
A British tabloid reported FIFA had concerns about the friendly wagers, because all players signed a charter of fair play, stating they would not bet on the tournament.
"But what is relevant -- if there are individuals saying 'I bet with you who scores the first goal,' this cannot be viewed as institutionalized betting," said Siegler.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=371660&cc=3888
Upvote
0
Buckeye513
Stable Genius
France was just...bad...again. Though I guess that's what happens when you build your team around a 34-year old, slow, out-of-shape, has-been instead of the (IMO) best player on the planet.
Domenech is easily the dumbest manager at the World Cup, if not in the world. How he has a job anywhere, let alone at a powerhouse country like France, is beyond me. Vieira and Makalele on the field at the same time (in fact, Vieira on the field at all), Malouda/Zidane over Ribery, Abidal over Silvestre, Barthez over Coupet, Wiltord over anyone on the roster...I can go on and on about his squad-selection and tactical flaws.
Credit to the Korean supporters, completely out-sung the French. You would've thought they were playing in Seoul.
Domenech is easily the dumbest manager at the World Cup, if not in the world. How he has a job anywhere, let alone at a powerhouse country like France, is beyond me. Vieira and Makalele on the field at the same time (in fact, Vieira on the field at all), Malouda/Zidane over Ribery, Abidal over Silvestre, Barthez over Coupet, Wiltord over anyone on the roster...I can go on and on about his squad-selection and tactical flaws.
Credit to the Korean supporters, completely out-sung the French. You would've thought they were playing in Seoul.
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sandgk
Watson, Crick & A Twist
Would You Believe Me If ...
Would You Believe Me If ...
I told you that a game was played, six yellow card were issued yet both the game and the officiating were great?
I told you that a team would win today - by the same number of goals they gave up in their first game?
It happened today - when Ukraine played Saudi Arabia.
Referee Graham Poll pulled off the almost impossible anti-Blatter game. I'm sure the FIFA head office will be after his ass.
Ukriaine punched in 4 goals against a game Saudi side.
Would You Believe Me If ...
I told you that Europe's best side from game one took till nearly 71 minutes were gone to get even - and needed their youngest player ever in a World Cup to help make it so? Needed him more to go ahead?
And then waltzed away with the win?
It happened today when Fabregas' weak shot was tagged into the net off the parry by Raul -
and then Fabregas feeds Torres for the go ahead score.
Torres capping the score at 3-1 later in the 90th minute. (on a PK)
Oh, yes, and the officiating was passably decent - even if a Tunisian got a red card asa sub with only 15 seconds on the pitch.
Would You Believe Me If ...
I told you that one game was ruined by a poor refereeing decision? (Yeah - this one is easy)
Togo gets robbed.
They have the majority of possesion.
They have a sure PK denied by Paraguayan zebra Carlos Amarilla.
The Swiss guard gets the win courtesy of the earlier goal by Alex Frei (17th minute) and cemented by the 88th strike by Tranquillo Barnetta.
More upsets, hopefully fewer yellow cards tomorrow.
Would You Believe Me If ...
I told you that a game was played, six yellow card were issued yet both the game and the officiating were great?
I told you that a team would win today - by the same number of goals they gave up in their first game?
It happened today - when Ukraine played Saudi Arabia.
Referee Graham Poll pulled off the almost impossible anti-Blatter game. I'm sure the FIFA head office will be after his ass.
Ukriaine punched in 4 goals against a game Saudi side.
Would You Believe Me If ...
I told you that Europe's best side from game one took till nearly 71 minutes were gone to get even - and needed their youngest player ever in a World Cup to help make it so? Needed him more to go ahead?
And then waltzed away with the win?
It happened today when Fabregas' weak shot was tagged into the net off the parry by Raul -
and then Fabregas feeds Torres for the go ahead score.
Torres capping the score at 3-1 later in the 90th minute. (on a PK)
Oh, yes, and the officiating was passably decent - even if a Tunisian got a red card asa sub with only 15 seconds on the pitch.
Would You Believe Me If ...
I told you that one game was ruined by a poor refereeing decision? (Yeah - this one is easy)
Togo gets robbed.
They have the majority of possesion.
They have a sure PK denied by Paraguayan zebra Carlos Amarilla.
The Swiss guard gets the win courtesy of the earlier goal by Alex Frei (17th minute) and cemented by the 88th strike by Tranquillo Barnetta.
More upsets, hopefully fewer yellow cards tomorrow.
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0
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
I'm surprised that the US is an underdog to Ghana. I guess it could have something to do with how each team did against the Czech Republic.
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#ededed><TD class=likep noWrap>Thu 6/22</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>2073</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>USA</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>pk +140 </TD><TD class=likep noWrap>+185 </TD><TD class=likep noWrap>Over 2½ +105 </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ededed><TD class=likep noWrap>10:00AM undefined </TD><TD class=likep noWrap>2074</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>Ghana</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>pk -160 </TD><TD class=likep noWrap>+125 </TD><TD class=likep noWrap>Under 2½ -145 </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ededed><TD class=likep noWrap></TD><TD class=likep noWrap>2075</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>- Draw</TD><TD class=likep noWrap></TD><TD class=likep noWrap>+220 </TD><TD class=likep noWrap></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ededed><TD class=likep noWrap colSpan=8><CITE>* Game Note: Graded as per Regulation time Result inclusive of injury time.
Match Props available under Futures/Props button</CITE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
http://www.betus.com/sportsbook/Soccer-lines.asp
<TABLE class=liveoddstable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR class=oddstable-evenrow><TD class=oddstabledatetime>06/22/2006
09:59 AM
</TD><TD class=oddstablenumber>029
028
</TD><TD class=oddstableteamname title="GID 454">USA
Ghana
Draw
</TD><TD class=oddstableline>
</TD><TD class=oddstableline>
</TD><TD class=oddstableline>+162
+137
+220
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
http://www.pointspread.com/liveodds/index.php?sport=fsb&page=1&interval=60<ype=1&type=&getmonth=06&getday=22&getyear=2006
<TABLE><TBODY><TR bgColor=#ededed><TD class=likep noWrap>Thu 6/22</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>2073</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>USA</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>pk +140 </TD><TD class=likep noWrap>+185 </TD><TD class=likep noWrap>Over 2½ +105 </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ededed><TD class=likep noWrap>10:00AM undefined </TD><TD class=likep noWrap>2074</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>Ghana</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>pk -160 </TD><TD class=likep noWrap>+125 </TD><TD class=likep noWrap>Under 2½ -145 </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ededed><TD class=likep noWrap></TD><TD class=likep noWrap>2075</TD><TD class=likep noWrap>- Draw</TD><TD class=likep noWrap></TD><TD class=likep noWrap>+220 </TD><TD class=likep noWrap></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ededed><TD class=likep noWrap colSpan=8><CITE>* Game Note: Graded as per Regulation time Result inclusive of injury time.
Match Props available under Futures/Props button</CITE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
http://www.betus.com/sportsbook/Soccer-lines.asp
<TABLE class=liveoddstable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR class=oddstable-evenrow><TD class=oddstabledatetime>06/22/2006
09:59 AM
</TD><TD class=oddstablenumber>029
028
</TD><TD class=oddstableteamname title="GID 454">USA
Ghana
Draw
</TD><TD class=oddstableline>
</TD><TD class=oddstableline>
</TD><TD class=oddstableline>+162
+137
+220
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
http://www.pointspread.com/liveodds/index.php?sport=fsb&page=1&interval=60<ype=1&type=&getmonth=06&getday=22&getyear=2006
Upvote
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sandgk
Watson, Crick & A Twist
It really also has to do with how much speed AND power both teams can still place on the pitch.
Ghana has good speed still getting to play - and their power shooting has been very impressive.
The US is going to have to play this somewhat as they did against Italy, taking the game to Ghana, knocking them around, fighting them for the ball.
Put Reyna deep, take him out of mid-field. Put all the speed and toughness you can find on the field. (Though give the bloodied McBride a rest and sub him in).
Hopefully, with a good, seasoned referee that is anti-Blatterdom you may see the home squad get over the odds.
But, the odds are correctly stated IMHO.
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Germany is looking very good in their Group-deciding game against Ecuador. It's 3-0 after 60 minutes. They're getting it done with crisp passing, perfectly timed runs, and quality finishes.
I would sure like to see semifinal games with Germany, Argentina, Spain, and Brazil.
I would sure like to see semifinal games with Germany, Argentina, Spain, and Brazil.
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England has started with Rooney and Owen up front. They need at least a tie to avoid Germany in the next round.
Ironically, Owen tweaked his knee while making a move on the turf (without contact from any defenders) in the first two minutes. Crouch has now been subbed in for him.
Ironically, Owen tweaked his knee while making a move on the turf (without contact from any defenders) in the first two minutes. Crouch has now been subbed in for him.
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Joe Cole was having a fine game, and then he just hit the highlight reel. He took a ball being cleared out of the box onto his chest - and then without the ball hitting the ground - basted a 30-yard shot into the far upper corner of the net, with the keeper just getting fingertips on it.
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