meazza

Italy played better than i expected. This team is not even close to the team from 4 years ago but good tactics might get us to the quarters. They will finish second in the group and face holland in the first round of the knockout. Should be interesting. Next game is a win, game after that is a tie.

I just think a suspension would work better. Just to note, for the WC and Euro cup, these players are not paid therefore it doesn't change anything either way. The offside trap is one of the most difficult yet smartest strategies to implement. The best strikers in the world get goals by beating the offside trap. I think you'd fundamentally change the game. I don't think offsides are the problem. That's already the rule I believe? If you're implementing this rule to prevent time wasting, keep in mind that the ref already adds the wasted time to the clock and is adjusted in stoppage time. Strongly agree. I prefer the Euro atmosphere where firecrackers and stuff is set on fire. Screw the vuvuzelas.

I know what you wrote. I was just adding how terrible the commentators are...

I agree it was funny, I just think commentators should keep their bitterness to themselves...

I have no idea who you get your feed from (mine is CBC) but I think the commentators are rather terrible. First comment that irritated me. When Maradona threw a ball back into the field, the commentator said, "That's not the first time Maradona's handled a ball at a world cup" - Gee a bitter englishman, what a surprise. Anytime a team takes a lead, "and it looks like it's all over, maybe a consolation goal". Seriously this is the best they can do?

On average, it's 30 seconds per substitution. Throw in a couple of injuries and stoppages and you usually get 2-3 minutes.

As this is the group stages, I think the teams are a bit less motivated. Remember that France tied Euro 2000 with 30 seconds left to go and then went on to win in OT. The problem with the WC is that the bad teams are really bad. Nigeria could have easily tied vs Argentina but they couldn't even generate offense. Barely could string 3-4 passes together. I could tell you that I've had my share of heart breaks in the last 3-4 minutes. Wait until the knockout stages and it should be much different. The ref is not supposed to blow the whistle when there is an attack. Usually the ref will wait until the time is right and it's usually quite fair from what I've seen. You will never see a team in the opponents end close to scoring and the ref blows the whistle.

I don't know. It's probably a 100 year old rule. That's just it though, it's the only sport that is continuous. And it's not that complicated knowing how much time there is left.

I've been watching soccer for the last 15 years. Trust me, it's not always a gimme. Obviously the odds are high but the rules are clear. Don't foul the player, and there won't be any gimme.

Germany always plays well in the WC finals. Specifically, they regularly destroy smaller teams (think 8-0 vs Saudi Arabia). How they will fare against Spain, Brazil, Portugal, Holland, France and Italy on the other hand is another question altogether.

It's not hard. At the 90th minute, they announce how much extra time and that's it...

The rule is, a foul in the box will cause a PK. It's clear. Every player knows rule # 1. In the box, you do what it takes NOT to handle the ball. Not only did the Serbian player handle the ball, he handled it so clearly it was funny.

tomorrow might be dreadful. Relying too much on the old timers. I think they will pass their group but they are not as good as I think Spain or any other of the favourites. But anyways, 2006 was a dream that I miss a lot.

or the one where master lippi does it again

totally agree

I'll bet the Aussies wish they had hiddink back.

The Germans are on fire. Looks like they want to make up for that semi final and how they lost by such heart break

handball and fully deserved.

straight red. Good call. I'm very nervous for tomorrows game. Don't know what to expect.

why would you enjoy soccer more if you never did? The sport is setup in a way to make it difficult to score and much more based on tactics. I hate curling. I never watched curling even when everyone was watching it and Canada could have won the gold. I hate the sport and I don't understand how anyone could like it. But that's my taste. If soccers not your cup of tea, I suggest you enjoy your summer.

Not surprised at all. Germans always do well.

What's with the way the USA coach dresses? Trying to copy belichik? Capello must be fuming.

Nigeria could have easily tied this game many times. Their attacks have been retarded... Obafemi Martins, clearly a class higher than the rest of the team.

I'm rooting for Nigeria to beat Argentina because their coach is a pig headed coke head who scored the game winning PK against Italy back in 1990.

That day was a terrible memory At least we got redemption