The official FIFA WorldCup 2006 thread!

[jorismo]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

I'd say that Spanish performance was the probably the best of the WC so far from one of the big boys. The performance of the referee was pretty dreadful and the Ukraine will feel agrieved by some of the decisions, but that shouldn't take away from the quality of the Spanish performance, they were excellent throughout. They've certainly been a LOT more impressive than the likes of Brazil and France so far, and the other big favourites will have to raise their game if they're to match the Spanish.

Agreed. Spain made a real team effort and showed that they are young but talented and function great. Even without players like Raul and Reyes they were dangerous.

[Niko_Fx]

Ballack sucked... and Germany scored in the 91st minute while playing against only 10 men. I'm glad they won, but they need to think of a new strategy QUICK.

[Jack_Bauer]

I'm actually quite disappointed for Poland, I thought they deserved a draw for that performance. Their keeper especially was outstanding. I thought the sending off was a bit harsh too, Klose knew exactly what he was doing trying to get the guy booked.

Still, Poland will know that it was their performance in the Ecuador game that's cost them big time, they'll be kicking themselves.

[twinspark]

Originally Posted by Niko_Fx

Germany scored in the 91st minute while playing against only 10 men. I'm glad they won, but they need to think of a new strategy QUICK.

Yeah, Poland played a rather good game and had lots of good scoring opportunities. Playing like that Germany would be in trouble against any tougher team (that will most likely be Sweden or Paraguay).

[Nerys]

Originally Posted by Niko_Fx

I'm glad they won...

I quite agree with you...

[matek]

GRRRRR Polska at least shoudl have got a draw

Well polands last chance is that they beat costa rica 4-0 and Germany beat equador and woop theyre asses

[Niko_Fx]

Originally Posted by matek

GRRRRR Polska at least shoudl have got a draw

Well polands last chance is that they beat costa rica 4-0 and Germany beat equador and woop theyre asses

AND.... Ecuador would have to lose against Costa Rica tomorrow.

[matek]

yep im being blindly hopeful

[Rockefella]

Originally Posted by matek

yep im being blindly hopeful

We Poles have to be hopeful, as long as that chance is there.. I'm praying. I have to commend them on their effort though, they played a good game against the Germans.

I don't think it'll be IMPOSSIBLE for them to make it out of the group, considering that imho, Ecuador will lose to Costa Rica and Germany, but Poland better learn the meaning of a goal, and they have to learn quick. A 1-0 or 2-0 win against Costa Rica will mean nothing. I'll send the Polish nationals a video of Spain's victory.

[Falcon500]

Now this is pretty rich now that aus has beatan Japan they seem to think we can beat Brazil now come on I love my country and I will support them but shit if i was asked to put my money down it wouldent be on australia beating brazil i can tell you that for shure and for certain.

[Cyco]

Falcon500, Australia has tied with and beaten Brasil in out last two encounters, there is no reason we can't beat them again. Having said that I'll be impressed and slightly suprised if we can be 2nd in the group to them.

[Falcon500]

Originally Posted by Cyco

Falcon500, Australia has tied with and beaten Brasil in out last two encounters, there is no reason we can't beat them again. Having said that I'll be impressed and slightly suprised if we can be 2nd in the group to them.

Gos to show how much attention I pay to the "round ball game" the general consensus is their going to win the group but given that I guess there is no reason at all why we cant win

[twinspark]

Originally Posted by Falcon500

Now this is pretty rich now that aus has beatan Japan they seem to think we can beat Brazil now come on I love my country and I will support them but shit if i was asked to put my money down it wouldent be on australia beating brazil i can tell you that for shure and for certain.

I think that the Socceroos have slight chance to be 2nd in the group, though Croatia will be a lot tougher team to beat than Japan was, and Brazil - they didn't play too good against Croatia and still won the game. But the team spirit (or should we say teamgeist) that Australia has is something that could get them far.

[spi-ti-tout]

Originally Posted by Falcon500

Now this is pretty rich now that aus has beatan Japan they seem to think we can beat Brazil now come on I love my country and I will support them but shit if i was asked to put my money down it wouldent be on australia beating brazil i can tell you that for shure and for certain.

There's no reason you peeps can't beat Brazil. But I think you'd have to work on defence experience very quickly. And if Brazil play like they did in their last match, well all the better then.

Cyco, remember I'm with you guys but none of those last encounters were world cup and when it comes to it WC is a whole bigger issue. In a friendly you may not be playing fully because you don't want to get injured or something. It always happens.

I'd say 50-50% chances, but because I'm with the 'roos, 60-40

[Blitz_]

Ecuador winning thus far, outplaying Costa Rica convincly imho, though if Costa place an emphasis on attack, and keep up that rock solid defense, they can fight back. Lets see what happens in the last half shall we