World Cup 2010

[musi]

I am not a fan of football (that is to say, I don't go to watch matches), but I love watching championships, because then the teams are actually trying :D So, I am happy that this year we are having the World Cup. Of course, I am a bit gloomy the third place match is going to be on my wedding day (I don't think the "sorry, I have a game to watch" excuse will go in my case), but at least the final is going to be after all is said and done and all festivities are over :D

So, is anyone else going to watch the World Cup this year? I do not have a favorite team, I will just be very much interested in a good game :)

[neilgee]

Yes I'm quite excited myself and feel an urge to look for a game to watch just because it's the opening day even though the team I'm interested in (England) isn't playing until tomorrow, when I will definitely be glued to our first match against America. We're expected to win which I find amazing when you consider that England would fit into Texas alone like a raindrop in a river, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a nervy draw instead. Please don't let us lose or else depression will cover the nation like a new economic crisis or something.

Congratulations on the wedding musi.

[musi]

Yes I'm quite excited myself and feel an urge to look for a game to watch just because it's the opening day even though the team I'm interested in (England) isn't playing until tomorrow, when I will definitely be glued to our first match against America. We're expected to win which I find amazing when you consider that England would fit into Texas alone like a raindrop in a river, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a nervy draw instead. Please don't let us lose or else depression will cover the nation like a new economic crisis or something.

I also expect England to win, mostly because it is the country of football. I think in USA baseball and American football are more popular, however, I am not entirely certain about that point :) We are going to watch the match tomorrow during a small sushi party :)
I am also looking forward to Netherlands-Denmark match - you know, it is World Cup and you can end up playing anyone you want... And you end up playing your neighbor ;)


Congratulations on the wedding musi.

Thanks! :)

[margaine]

yeah, musi you are right that other sports are more popular among the general public in the US than football is. To your list I'd also add basketball 'cause man the local (Los Angeles) team is in the finals or something (I have no idea) and yesterday I went to the department of motor vehicles to update my drivers license and every single employee (or almost) was wearing a Lakers shirt. And when I go to the gym, instead of working out all the people who are in the gym are just watching the basketball game on the tv in the gym.

I would like to follow the World Cup but I'm not really paying that much attention to it. So many people on my facebook are so excited about the world cup, they are always talking about all of this stuff that I don't understand. :p

[musi]

To your list I'd also add basketball 'cause man the local (Los Angeles) team is in the finals or something (I have no idea) and yesterday I went to the department of motor vehicles to update my drivers license and every single employee (or almost) was wearing a Lakers shirt.

:good::D

[musi]

Yes I'm quite excited myself and feel an urge to look for a game to watch just because it's the opening day even though the team I'm interested in (England) isn't playing until tomorrow, when I will definitely be glued to our first match against America. We're expected to win which I find amazing when you consider that England would fit into Texas alone like a raindrop in a river, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a nervy draw instead. Please don't let us lose or else depression will cover the nation like a new economic crisis or something.


Yep, it was a draw :) And I think we can try to forget how the England's goalkeeper "lost" the ball in his hands and let it into the gate... My heart sank when I saw that.

Edited: Oh, and because of thunder storms we had around 20 minutes of the game without the picture, so I am kind of glad we didn't miss much :)

[musi]

Ok, I expected Germany to win over Australia, but not that much, honestly. 4:0? Wow. We went to bed after the first half, thinking that Germans would spend the second half simply defending the gates, so the game would have been boring, but it seems that we missed 2 more goals. Wow.

[KneD]

There is only one thing that keeps me from reading. Not work, not holidays, not love. Only.... football.
So don't expect much from my participation on the forums this month either (will pop into the bookclub when I finish the Reader).

I basically watch everything I can... maybe a little less at the end of the group stage (when some games don't really matter any longer) Obviously supporting the mighty Dutch, and the English a little bit as well. Don't expect either to win the title though.

Had a good afternoon with the 2-0 win over Denmark (which are not really neighbours to us, but close enough)

[musi]

Had a good afternoon with the 2-0 win over Denmark (which are not really neighbours to us, but close enough)

Yeah, I know, I was more stressing the fact, that some countries have competition from the other side of the world and here was good old Europe vs good old Europe :) I am glad it was 2-0, though, cause that first goal was kind of a surprise for everyone and was not exactly a Dutch deed ;) A nice game still :)

[Star_Anise]

There seem to be a lot of upset Aussies around for some reason...:)

[musi]

there seem to be a lot of upset aussies around for some reason...:)

:d

[neilgee]

Yep, it was a draw :) And I think we can try to forget how the England's goalkeeper "lost" the ball in his hands and let it into the gate... My heart sank when I saw that.
:)

Oh blimey, all the papers over here have been hammering Robert Greene, our goalie, for his howler, which I don't think is fair because England had several chances to score again and put the game beyond the USA's reach but they couldn't do it, and nobody is villifying the forwards.

We play again on friday, I think, against Algeria, and again we're "expected" to win against a team not known for its footballing prowess, but hey any team that's good enough to make the world cup finals has got a chance on any given day, especially if England still can't find their rhythm.

Many of the cars here have flags flying from their windows and houses are draped in larger versions, but I think it's going to be so depressing if we go out early (apparently if we finish second in our group we will end up playing Germany in the first knockout match) so I'm saving my flag waving until we've won!!

[KneD]

Oh blimey, all the papers over here have been hammering Robert Greene, our goalie, for his howler, which I don't think is fair because England had several chances to score again and put the game beyond the USA's reach but they couldn't do it, and nobody is villifying the forwards.

We play again on friday, I think, against Algeria, and again we're "expected" to win against a team not known for its footballing prowess, but hey any team that's good enough to make the world cup finals has got a chance on any given day, especially if England still can't find their rhythm.

Many of the cars here have flags flying from their windows and houses are draped in larger versions, but I think it's going to be so depressing if we go out early (apparently if we finish second in our group we will end up playing Germany in the first knockout match) so I'm saving my flag waving until we've won!!

Think you can start flagging. Slovenia and Algeria are both 'easy' teams. Even with a performance like saturday's you must be able to win those. Think you can even afford another Greener. (btw, I did enjoy the obvious but still hilarious 'rob-bish game' quotes in the newspapers) So you'll end up with 7 points, hence top of the group. Have some faith mate! ;)
It was actually quite a convenient bad start, you've got your worst game behind you now. Good ole Evertonian Rooney will stand up when he has to. Just keep that red-shide Crouch where he belongs: on the bench.
(sorry dear forum members for this north-west Britain talk. Btw, neilgee, you're not a manc supporter are you?)

[neilgee]

Yes, I suppose it's a goal race between us and the USA to see who gets top place in the group (hope I don't live to be shamed by that confident prediction!) Hope you're right about Rooney!

I'm a Manchester City supporter, Kned, so I'm familiar with the feeling of losing :rolleyes: Richest club in the world, yes I know, but when are we going to win anything to back up the hype?

[KneD]

Well, Neilgee, I can live with that. As long as it is not Utd. or Chelsea.

After Spain losing I am not so sure about anything anymore...

[margaine]

well, I'm not following the world cup much. mostly just everyone else's reactions to the games. :)

But there is this interesting blog/project thing going on that I don't entirely understand where African writers and others make posts abut the World Cup and also other African writers are traveling to African cities that are not in their countries of origin and writing about them.

But I quite liked this one post - it is from a Somali woman trying to watch the world cup with her son in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It gives one perspective on experiencing the World Cup in America: http://www.pilgrimages.org.za/?p=802.

[sun]

HI

I am trying to watch all the World Cup .. I love it soooo much
I think that the World Cup's South Africa is full of surprises .. I never expected to lose Spain yesterday, or Brazil plays this simple level ..

So far, Argentina and Germany are the ones who gave a beautiful performance ....

I love France .. and I hope to take the World Cup for the second time .. also , I love England .. But of course I would not encourage it :p
I will encourage the team of Algeria ;)

[neilgee]

What a dreadful second game for England, a goalless draw with Algeria. We're lucky to be still able to qualify for the next round if we beat Slovenia!

Neither Rooney nor Gerrard could find their touch and I fear the worst if we don't improve.

[KneD]

Dear me. What is happening?
A Spain loss. A France loss. A Germany loss. And then the England performance.
Funny thing is, England can still end up top of the group by winning the last match. Weird stuff. Anyway: I'll throw in a joke regardless of the outcome of the group.

What is the difference between England and a teabag?


A teabag stays in the cup longer!

[neilgee]

Ouch! Well, yes, we deserved that after wednesday's display, KneD :)

[sun]

Initially , I expected England to win the World Cup .. But now you should first consider to qualify for the second round !!!



Algeria are wearing the green football strips and England are in white.


Algeria http://upload.alhilal.com/img/019/rjo4jo%20(14).gif vs England http://upload.alhilal.com/img/019/rjo4jo%20(12).gif




http://zamalekfans.com/ar/thumbnail.php?file=g40__11__461478585.jpg&size=article_large


http://www.7arcat.com/up/uploads/images/7arcat.com-98a5ccef90.jpg

http://www.echoroukonline.com/ara/thumbnail.php?file=articles/une.jpg&size=article_medium


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http://zamalekfans.com/ar/thumbnail.php?file=g40__3__591693210.jpg&size=article_large


http://62.241.134.202/video_engine/Images/2010/6/18/44320.jpg


http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/102206628.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921A343B2C87A49D8F5E5B15721ED75FBE5 58E279B720C64EDF783F6858966413F2

[sun]

Ronney ... where r u ? ;)


http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/England+v+Algeria+Group+C+2010+FIFA+World+mLIgWLDQ WBgl.jpg


http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/England+v+Algeria+Group+C+2010+FIFA+World+vpYc3Fgf 4J0l.jpg


http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/England+v+Algeria+Group+C+2010+FIFA+World+oim64bRP-rdl.jpg


http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/England+v+Algeria+Group+C+2010+FIFA+World+4xgqhHNN kBIl.jpg

http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/England+v+Algeria+Group+C+2010+FIFA+World+AN7P7BH6 dJ6l.jpg

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/England+v+Algeria+Group+C+2010+FIFA+World+NF-Aqp3vpICl.jpg

[margaine]

sun, if you plan to post more photographs in the future, next time do you think you could please explain to the rest of us what the significance is of each of the photos you post? It's a bit overwhelming to suddenly be confronted with so many photos of soccer/football plays, rather than just one or two.

[sun]

Dear me. What is happening?
A Spain loss. A France loss. A Germany loss. And then the England performance.
Funny thing is, England can still end up top of the group by winning the last match. Weird stuff. Anyway: I'll throw in a joke regardless of the outcome of the group.
!

There is an obvious fact known to all
France won the World Cup in 1998 because the Algerian Zinedine Zidane was the commander of the French team, who scored its winning goals

In this cup , France did not want to bring the Algerians Benzima _ and Nasri the stars of Real Madrid & Arsenal teams ...why?
So as not to say that the victory of France, always in the hands of the Algerians ..

What was the result?
Perhaps , France leaves the World Cup from first round :D

[sun]

sun, if you plan to post more photographs in the future, next time do you think you could please explain to the rest of us what the significance is of each of the photos you post? It's a bit overwhelming to suddenly be confronted with so many photos of soccer/football plays, rather than just one or two.

Dear margaine..
I put photographs because they are appropriate for the topic .. (World Cup 2010)
Did I put something wrong in this topic?

[musi]

Dear margaine..
I put photographs because they are appropriate for the topic .. (World Cup 2010)
Did I put something wrong in this topic?

Well, for someone who is watching this page now from a car traveling around with very slow internet connection, it took a forever for them to load... And for those, who do not watch football and do not know those people, if you want to post pictures, maybe it makes sense to explain what is on the picture, who it is and what is happening?

[neilgee]

Well, in layman's terms, musi, nearly all of those pictures show Algeria getting the better of England in various stages of the match. Algeria are wearing the green football strips and England are in white.

The match wasn't quite as one-sided as those pictures suggest, but even when England did get the ball they didn't do alot with it.

[musi]

Well, in layman's terms, musi, nearly all of those pictures show Algeria getting the better of England in various stages of the match. Algeria are wearing the green football strips and England are in white.

The match wasn't quite as one-sided as those pictures suggest, but even when England did get the ball they didn't do alot with it.

I know, but I was referring to margaine's post as well, because it is a bit overwhelming to see so many pictures and if you are not a fan in what is going on with FIFA, you might get rather lost :)

[sun]

Well, for someone who is watching this page now from a car traveling around with very slow internet connection, it took a forever for them to load... And for those, who do not watch football and do not know those people, if you want to post pictures, maybe it makes sense to explain what is on the picture, who it is and what is happening?

ok
I think that this topic is about the world cup , and anyone who reads it would be had a preconceived idea about its content ..
In addition .. I wrote at the beginning of my post ( photos *Algeria vs England) , And of course I mean in the World Cup ,not in anything else :)



Well, in layman's terms, musi, nearly all of those pictures show Algeria getting the better of England in various stages of the match. Algeria are wearing the green football strips and England are in white.

The match wasn't quite as one-sided as those pictures suggest, but even when England did get the ball they didn't do alot with it.

To qualify for the second round , England should win Slovenia (2-0)
Slovenia is a strong team, defeated Algeria in the final minutes by one goal , And played a draw game with US
In reality ...... I do not imagine that England can come out from the first round, .. we were expecting to win the World Cup !!


I know, but I was referring to margaine's post as well, because it is a bit overwhelming to see so many pictures and if you are not a fan in what is going on with FIFA, you might get rather lost :)

Photos serve the content of this topic :)
I don't know why did not admire it?

[margaine]

sun, we often have threads with several photographs posted in succession. for example, if someone takes a trip to a new place, they post many photos of their trip. Now, some members may have gone to that place, and the thread may be called "My trip to XYZ," but it is still helpful to give a more personal touch by explaining in one or two lines why you have chosen to post each picture.

It would be easier for other members to get into or respond to (whether or not they are world cup fans) if you were (if you post more pictures in the future) to say something like "this was the best play" or "England really messed up here" or "this picture has one of my favorite players in it" or whatever you felt was appropriate.

But you needn't go back and add comments to your previous posts. I'm just giving a suggestion if you choose to post more pictures in this manner in the future.

Edit: I should say that in the "photography" sub-forum it is more typical to post many pictures in succession without much explanation in between.

[sun]

O,,,k margaine
thank u :)

[musi]

I cannot believe the Portugal-Korea DPR ended 7:0... :shocked:

[margaine]

I cannot believe the Portugal-Korea DPR ended 7:0... :shocked:

wow. I don't really follow football much, but even I know that is a crazy high number of goals for this sport!

[musi]

wow. I don't really follow football much, but even I know that is a crazy high number of goals for this sport!

Yeah, I thought it was impossible too :) Doesn't do Portugal too much good, because now only winning or losing counts and the number of goals are a second issue, but, I guess, if you can score, you should :)

[sun]

South Africa 2 ... France 0

ammm .. good bye France http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/marsa101.gif

without Zinedine Zidane.... France nothing !

[neilgee]

I read in the paper that the French team had effectively gone on strike and refused to do their training after Nicholas Anelka was sent home early for arguing with the team coach!

I'm just holding onto the hope that England won't be joining them at the airport tomorrow.

[Rachel]

Funny, I was just thinking of the world cup as a gynormous cup of steaming tea with cream and a little honey. I shall go make some.

[sun]

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton will attend the match of Algeria and the United States this evening ; in order to encourage his players to qualify for the second round...:D

[sun]

England vs Slovenia ... 1 _ 0

( scored the goal in the 24 minutes of the 1st half )

Algeria vs United States : 0 _ 1

(scored the goal in the 90 + 1 min of the 2nd half )


Algeria & Slovenia ... good bye http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/marsa101.gif

[neilgee]

Thankyou sun.

England are through to the last 16. They played much better, but it was still nervy with only a one goal lead.

Can't wait to play Germany in the next round. Let us at 'em!

[musi]

Can't wait to play Germany in the next round. Let us at 'em!

We won't miss that game, even though we will be supporting Germany, I think ;) It has too many Polish names in the team :D

[sun]

Germany vs Ghana ... ( 1 - 0 )


Australia vs Serbia ... ( 2 - 1 )


goodbye Australia & Serbia http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/marsa101.gif

[sun]

Italy vs Slovakia... ( 2 - 3 )


Paraguay vs New Zealand ... ( 0 - 0 )


goodbye Italy & New Zealand http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/marsa101.gif

waaaw .. It's a surprise !!

[sun]

Cameroon vs Netherlands .. ( 1 - 2 )


Denmark vs Japan .. ( 1 - 3 )



goodbye Cameroon & Denmark http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/marsa101.gif

[neilgee]

World Cup - Group G:
Korea DPR 0-3 Ivory Coast

Portugal 0-0 Brazil

Goodbye Korea and the Ivory Coast :(

[sun]

Korea received 13 goals in 3 games .. !! http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/marsa138.gif

[sun]

2nd ROUND

_ Uruguay.. 2
_ South Korea .. 1



_ Ghana .. 2
_ USA .. 1


* Uruguay & Ghana qualified http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/bf--.gif





http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/marsa23.gif

[neilgee]

Er...Germany 4 England 1.

The less said about that the better. God, we were woeful. Goodbye World Cup for another 4 years.

[River Boy]

The worst English defensive performance I've ever seen. Things have to change, go back to 4 foreign players only in every Premiership team to give more home grown talent the chance to come through the ranks.

[sun]

Argentina ... 3

Mexico ... 1

Germany & Argentina qualified http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/bf--.gif

[neilgee]

I've heard that one put forward before, River Boy, but I think it would be difficult to bring that in without some sort of huge compensation package for clubs like Chelsea who have loads of non-English players.

The Argentina-Mexico game had another controversial goal, apparently, when replays clearly showed Tevez was offside when he scored Argentina's first goal.

Let's hope this is the last World Cup that doesn't use replay technology to assist referees.

[River Boy]

Compensation? Only if we're incredibly soft surely. Anyway Chelsea would make a fortune selling their players, would still put them at an advantage, and it could be smoothly phased in over 3 or 4 years without causing major disruptions to squad sheets.

No one's paying compensation to the many British and Irish footballers who would otherwise be playing in the top tier and becoming better players in the process.

[sun]

Netherlands .. 2
Slovakia .. 1



Brazil .. 3
Chile .. 0


Netherlands & Brazil qualified http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/bf--.gif

[neilgee]

Compensation? Only if we're incredibly soft surely. Anyway Chelsea would make a fortune selling their players, would still put them at an advantage, and it could be smoothly phased in over 3 or 4 years without causing major disruptions to squad sheets.

No one's paying compensation to the many British and Irish footballers who would otherwise be playing in the top tier and becoming better players in the process.

Ah, you've almost convinced me that could work, River Boy, but what would Chelsea (or Man City for that matter) do with the money they earn from the sale of these players? There are not that many English or Irish players who are capable of filling say Drogba or Tevez's boots at the moment. You say that will improve if these players are given a chance but even if your optimism is well founded here it still means there is a chance that standards in the Premiership will dip considerably for awhile if not permanently. Is that acceptable set against that maybe we will gain two or three world standard players who are given the "chance".

I'm thinking of Adam Johnson who was plucked from a lower division by City and made it into Capello's provisional squad after one season in the Premiership.

[River Boy]

Ah, you've almost convinced me that could work, River Boy, but what would Chelsea (or Man City for that matter) do with the money they earn from the sale of these players? There are not that many English or Irish players who are capable of filling say Drogba or Tevez's boots at the moment. You say that will improve if these players are given a chance but even if your optimism is well founded here it still means there is a chance that standards in the Premiership will dip considerably for awhile if not permanently. Is that acceptable set against that maybe we will gain two or three world standard players who are given the "chance".

I'm thinking of Adam Johnson who was plucked from a lower division by City and made it into Capello's provisional squad after one season in the Premiership.

I think you're right but I just disagree that it would be a bad thing. The idea would be to get rid of super clubs, but certain clubs with larger pockets would still have an advantage over the rest; Liverpool after all had massive sucess in the 70s and 80s mostly with British and Irish players, the current system just takes away any hard work and makes it almost a right of passage that Man U and Chelsea will be top 2 or 3 at season's end.

Besides with 4 players still allowed many would argue there is more than enough for foreign talent to thrive in the Premiership. The problem is not so much the great players like Drogba, even the smaller Premiership teams are forced to scout abroad because home-grown talent has been priced out of the market. When my beloved Coventry City, for example (no laughing), were still in the Premiership they bought George Boateng for a measly sum from some Dutch club, as to buy a player of his abilities from the 2nd or 3rd tier of the English league would have cost ten times as much, but it wasn't because he was ever going to be a massive star. It's easier and cheaper to look abroad for players but, as much as I liked Boateng, that should really have been a home-grown player gaining Premiership experience. How many domestic football careers have been ruined because of this?

[sun]

Last game of the second round was between: Spain and Portugal

Spain.. 1
Portugal.. 0


Paraguay..0
SH ( 5)
Japan..0
SH ( 3 )

Bravooo Spain & Paraguay http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/bf--.gif

[musi]

Whoa, I am amazed at Netherlands!!!!!!!!! Well done!!!!!!!!

[sun]

Quarterfinal


Brazil ___ 1
Netherlands ___ 2

Ghana ___ 1
Uruguay ___ 1




Netherlands and Uruguay qualified for the semi-final .. BRAVOOOOOOOOOO
Brazil crashed out from the quarter-finals is already a surprise .. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sun]

Ibrahimovic ( Barcelona's star ) ...is the most prominent absentee from the World Cup this year

http://www.artonline.tv/Gallery/Images/Committed/31686.JPG

[KneD]

Whoa, I am amazed at Netherlands!!!!!!!!! Well done!!!!!!!!
Thank you :)

Holland has gone bonkers. With Uruguay in the semi (without Suarez) we think we'll reach the finals and have quite a chance of winning the worl...
My office is at a big square: this is a clip of yesterday afternoon: go to 5.00 min. It was quite a view.
Nederland - Brazilie Museumplein (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXfjTJo5bcE)

[neilgee]

Yea well done Holland. I've only seen the highlights but it seems like Brazil started well and looked like they were going to run away with it but they lost the plot when they came under pressure, they got ragged, which reflects how Robinho played at Manchester City and why we don't want him back.

[sun]

waaaaaw ... WHAT ' S THIS ????

Argentina ( MESSI ) 0

Germany 4


___ Germany is the best :

4 goals in the range of Australia
4 goals in the range of England
4 goals in the range of Argentina

BRAVOOOOOOO...

[sun]

One of the most surprises in the World Cup in 1982. In Gijón (Spain) .. like this World Cup, Germany was the world champion, beat all its competitors..
It has played with Algeria,.. but the surprise, which did not expect by one .. Algeria beat Germany 2 goals to one goal . It became the talk of everyone,because it defeated Germany the candidate to win the World Cup .. (in football anything is possible)
Crazy game ...
I never expected that Argentina come out from World Cup with this heavy defeat by Germany... http://www.loghaty.com/vb3/images/smilies/%5E2%5E.gif Messi does not appear to have any effect

[neilgee]

The favourites are falling one by one, Brazil then the team who became favourites when Brazil were eliminated, Argentina, and now the mantle of favourites must surely go to Germany. Let's hope the mantle is not a curse.

[KneD]

and now the mantle of favourites must surely go to Germany. Let's hope the mantle is not a curse.
I do hope so actually :D

I am so nervous now...

[musi]

I am so nervous now...

Me too! Tonight is the night! :D Even though I will be supporting Germany over Netherlands if they both get into the final, today I am with Netherlands with all my heart :D

[neilgee]

I reckon Holland are right there in the mix after beating Brazil. Their confidence must be sky-high and confident teams usually play well, whilst Uruguay are plainly the least fancied team of the four left which probably means they will win it (the way things have been going lol). So I'm going to predict Uruguay to win the semi and the final on penalties after drawn games (which is the only way I can see them winning anything!). I hope I'm wrong.

I'm an impartial observer so I can just enjoy the games from a neutral point of view now.

Although I have been to Holland on more occasions (5 times now) than any of the other countries still involved so should support them really. I love the place.

[musi]

I reckon Holland are right there in the mix after beating Brazil. Their confidence must be sky-high and confident teams usually play well, whilst Uruguay are plainly the least fancied team of the four left which probably means they will win it (the way things have been going lol). So I'm going to predict Uruguay to win the semi and the final on penalties after drawn games (which is the only way I can see them winning anything!). I hope I'm wrong.

I'm an impartial observer so I can just enjoy the games from a neutral point of view now.

Although I have been to Holland on more occasions (5 times now) than any of the other countries still involved so should support them really. I love the place.

I loved Netherlands when we were there last year, but German team has too many Poles, I can't ignore that. And, they are the ones scoring :D I feel like it is Poland in the World Cup, really. :D

[sun]

So I'm going to predict Uruguay to win the semi and the final on penalties after drawn games (which is the only way I can see them winning anything!). I hope I'm wrong.


Other remaining teams are stronger than Uruguay , it has won on penalties , And committed a fatal error in the last moments of the game when Luis Suaraz get out the ball with his hand..
Luck was with them to reach the semi-final , but I think the strongest is the one who eventually wins, not the lucky

[musi]

Congratulations to Netherlands, although Uruguay was good. I am very glad the judge gave them a chance in the last minutes - it felt they played better than Netherlands at some points ;)

[KneD]

Please allow me:

JAJAJAJAJAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAA OOOOOOLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOO


(Amsterdam tonight: Firetrucks with sirens, loaded with people driving through the city. Policemen dancing on the square. Hope I can get some sleep...)

[Winifred]

Hope it settles down in a day or two...

[sun]

Netherlands in the final .. http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/frh--.gif

[musi]

*sigh*
It is the match of the century today and I have to miss half of it to deal with wedding stuff... *sigh* Hope I make it to the other half, at least...

[neilgee]

I'm glad the best team and not the lucky team won in the end, and the best thing was it was a good game, 5 goals. Can't wait for Spain versus Germany, though I have a feeling it will be a tighter game altogether, and to be honest Spain do have a chance despite Germany scoring 4 in 3 of their games so far, Spain did beat Germany 1-0 in the European final two years ago so it's a chance for revenge for Germany. Let's just hope it's as good as the first semi-final.

Musi, you should be thinking about your wedding! As major events in life go a wedding rates a long way above a World Cup lol. Sorry, don't mean to wag my finger at you but you probably expect this sort of thing from the older members.

[KneD]

Hope it settles down in a day or two...

It will. But sunday everything will go mad again. At least before the match, and hopefully after as well.

And neilgee, if we win, that will probably be the best day of my life (so far at least)

[sun]

Spain in the final ..http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/frh--.gif

[musi]

Musi, you should be thinking about your wedding! As major events in life go a wedding rates a long way above a World Cup lol. Sorry, don't mean to wag my finger at you but you probably expect this sort of thing from the older members.

Nah, I am already tired of thinking about it, honestly :) But yesterday was a bad day - not only we had problems with most of our arrangements, by the time we made it to watch football not only was the game boring, but Germany lost! I couldn't believe it! Ugh. Worst day ever!

[Star_Anise]

Musi, you should be thinking about your wedding! As major events in life go a wedding rates a long way above a World Cup lol. Sorry, don't mean to wag my finger at you but you probably expect this sort of thing from the older members.

Don't you know you can get married as many times as you like, but there's only a Wolrd Cup every four years? :p

[musi]

Don't you know you can get married as many times as you like, but there's only a Wolrd Cup every four years? :p

Hahahahahahahaha!!!!!!! Oh, the funny thing, my boyfriend's parents got married in 1982 and it was the World Cup final on their wedding day and half of the guests were in the other room watching TV :D

Edited: Sorry, I just checked, it wasn't the final, but it was Soviet Union vs Poland game in the World Cup elimination process. Now I know why people skipped the wedding - I would have done the same!

[KneD]

Hahahahahahahaha!!!!!!! Oh, the funny thing, my boyfriend's parents got married in 1982 and it was the World Cup final on their wedding day and half of the guests were in the other room watching TV :D

Edited: Sorry, I just checked, it wasn't the final, but it was Soviet Union vs Poland game in the World Cup elimination process. Now I know why people skipped the wedding - I would have done the same!

0 - 0 match, so wasn't worth it I suppose. But it did get Poland into the semis. Must be the best result ever for Poland I think.

[musi]

0 - 0 match, so wasn't worth it I suppose. But it did get Poland into the semis. Must be the best result ever for Poland I think.

Yeah, but people in the process didn't know about it yet and it was more of a clash of nations and ideologies than anything :D Still, I was surprised to see that Poland was third place in that tournament :) Nice! This time 3 Germans with very Polish names might still make it to third place again, but we'll see.

[neilgee]

Don't you know you can get married as many times as you like, but there's only a Wolrd Cup every four years? :p

Very funny, Anise. I must be old fashioned, I only want to do it once. I'm fifty this year and I'm still waiting (saving myself!)

Sorry Kned about Germany but I think Spain pretty much deserved their win. What they are saying is this was a very young German team that features players who will be at their peak for the next world cup so watch out everybody in four years time. So we have two teams who have never made the world cup final before, let alone won it. Should be interesting. Spain are probably slight favourites after beating Germany but I want the Dutch to win this one.

[KneD]

Sorry Kned about Germany but I think Spain pretty much deserved their win.
Sorry? I do not mind. Only thing is that Germany would've been easier to beat in the final. But we'll win anyway.


I want the Dutch to win this one.
Now we're talking.

[musi]

Yep, Netherlands over Spain for sure :D

[margaine]

I'll be vicariously excited for the sake of KneD. :)

That's like 4 years ago I was taking an Italian class over the summer, and my teacher was Italian (and she was awesome). I was so excited for Italy to win for her sake.

[KneD]

I am starting to like this forum!

The illustrate the feel of the day over here, a translation of my most recent tweet:
A day when you wake up and already know you'll remember it in twenty years time.

[Star_Anise]

The illustrate the feel of the day over here, a translation of my most recent tweet:
A day when you wake up and already know you'll remember it in twenty years time.

If I owned orange, I'd be wearing it:) Or, more to the point, sleeping in it, because I am afraid I cannot stay up until the wee hours of the morning. Good luck Netherlands!

[sun]

Coupe du Monde de la FIFA 2010

Finale -

Pays-Bas - Espagne

11 juil. 20:30

Fuseau horaire : Heure de l'Afrique du sud

[neilgee]

Countdown time, about half an hour to kick off.

I think Spain are going to be a very difficult team to beat, they are so well disciplined, but here's hoping Holland can do it!

[sun]

Congratulations to Spain
Hard luck to Netherlands

(Felicitaciones a España)

[KneD]

OFFSIDE!

I am going to bed.

[sun]

SPAIN
world champion


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44769000/jpg/_44769672_spain_getty416.jpg



http://www.sdeaf.net/img/10/37c0bfea1500a0f6a6778c3cf8bd00ab.jpg


Finally...

the World Cup finished




http://www.dw-world.de/image/0,,4931112_4,00.jpg


http://forum.amrkhaled.net/images/smilies/marsa101.gif we will see you next time in Brazil - if God wish - ..

[sun]

OFFSIDE!

I am going to bed.

Don't be sad
Netherlands has been a great game
Netherlands and Spain have nearly the same high level, but the chance plays a great role ...
But .. Why did Robin lose those opportunities to score? I don't understand anything!!

[neilgee]

Congratulations to Spain
Hard luck to Netherlands

(Felicitaciones a España)

Awwww Noooo!

Could have gone either way, it just wasn't Holland's day. I think nerves (the occasion) played a big part in Robin's misfiring. The whole first half was incredibly nervy and tense.

Our local team - Manchester City - had a player in the Dutch team so that was another reason to support them.

In some ways losing in the final is worse than losing out in the first round, or at least it must feel worse. So close...

[sun]

Awwww Noooo!

I think nerves (the occasion) played a big part in Robin's misfiring....


Yes.. This is probably the reason ..

[sun]

It's really happy moments ..

http://elkhabar.com/images/key4press3/espagne-AFP2010.jpg

[KneD]

Hangover.

Man. The whole country is depressed. Pictures of celebrating Spanish doesn't help... ;)

[sun]

Pictures of celebrating Spanish doesn't help... ;)

Excuse me KneD..
I appreciate your feeling, but in reality I was encouraged Spain, because I have visited it more than once, . .. and it is the land of my ancestors ...
But at the same time ,, If the Netherlands won , I would put pictures of celebrating Dutch of course :)
This football , Be one winner

[sun]

http://arabic.cnn.com/2009/sport/12/4/worldcup.draw/st.south.africa.jpg_-1_-1.jpg

http://www.yallakora.com/pictures/main/niederlande400.jpg
Dutch team

[KneD]

Thanks for the picture :D

And no worries, it is perfectly normal to post pictures of the winners.

[sun]

Runners-up in the World Cup 2010
Dutch team

http://www.abendblatt.de/multimedia/archive/00122/holland01_HA_Wirtsc_122490c.jpg

[sun]

Thanks for the picture :D

And no worries, it is perfectly normal to post pictures of the winners.

;)

[sun]

http://imgserv.ya.com/galerias2.ya.com/img/9/9303dbe0c132413di3.jpg

The best player in the world cup 2010 __ Diego Forlan from Uruguay