WORLD CUP OPEN THREAD, DAY 7: MESSI MESSI MESSI
by RossWB on Jun 17, 2010 7:27 AM CDT
60 comments
On tap today. 6:30 A.M. (ESPN): Argentina vs. South Korea, in Group B. As of this writing, it's 2-1 headed into halftime; South Korea took advantage of some lax Argentinian defending to slot home a goal in stoppage time, which ought to make for a very interesting second half. This game features two of the better attacking sides in the tournament (Argentina in particular has a ridiculously loaded front line), so it's well worth watching. The magnificent Messi still doesn't have a goal of his own yet in this tournament, but he was a crucial part of the South Korea own goal that was Argentina's first score.
9 A.M. (ESPN): Nigeria vs. Greece, in Group B. Greece was utterly dire in their opener against South Korea, while Nigeria rode some fantastic goalkeeping and errant striking to a 1-0 loss to Argentina. You'd have to think both sides would let things flow a bit more now that both need wins to keep their advancement hopes alive, but it's unclear if Greece even knows how to do that.
1:30 P.M. (ESPN): France vs. Mexico in Group A action. Pick your poison and go for the lesser of two evils here, although it's up to you to decide which side best fits that description. Mexico is the United States' arch-enemy and seeing them struggle is always good for a bit of schadenfreude, but there's something to be said for cheering against the phenomenally-talented-but-hopelessly-underachieving French team, too. After Uruguay's 3-0 yesterday, both teams need a win here to avoid putting undue pressure on their last game.
Anyhoo, usual rules of game threads apply: no porn, no discussion of piracy; if you can't watch the game on TV, there are legal online streams at ESPN3.com. Beyond that, the topic is verboten.
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I didn't know Breckin Meyer plays soccer and is an Argentine
It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy to deprive a man of his natural liberty upon the supposition he may abuse it.
George Washington
Is it just me...
… or does the South Korean goalkeeper have zero vertical on his jump? He’s awful. on two of the goals he would have had saves if he had any momentum in his jump going toward the ball.
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Whoa, things are starting to get out of hand for S.Korea.
Safe to say that Argentina will win the group, and we’re one step closer to the insanely frightening Streaking Maradona.
I think, as a matter of technicalities, that Argentina hasn't clinched the group yet...
If they were to lose against Greece and Greece was to beat Nigeria and South Korea was to beat Nigeria later AND South Korea and Greece managed to better Argentina’s goal difference (+4 now and they’re both at -1)… then Argentina would be shit outta luck. As that seems hysterically unlikely to happen, I think we can move them into the next round.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
will Maradona snort the goal line after the next win?
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Robbie Fowler thinks that's the only way to celebrate wins and goals
"I know you're from Middle America, and sometimes you feel like you're representing more than just a school or a conference, maybe an entire group of American citizens out there."
by Twin Cities Hawk on Jun 17, 2010 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Brilliant attacking from Argentina.
I’m still not sold on their defense being able to hold up against better teams, though. It probably doesn’t matter if they can smash in four goals, but I don’t think they’ll be able to do that in every game.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Since I'm assuming they'll win the group.
Who are we assuming will finish second in Group A? Today’s winner will have the inside track, I’d imagine. France may still have a chance, even after a loss, but do they have the ability to score the goals necessary to erase Uruguay’s GD? I’d love to think that we’ll see Mexico and Uruguay come thru Group A, while France stays home for the knockout stage.
by The Mexican't on Jun 17, 2010 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions
There is bad blood there
France invaded Mexico in 1861 and the Mexicans kicked their ass out. Does revenge come today?
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
I imagine we'll probably see a draw.
However, if not a draw, then I’d favor Mexico. France hasn’t shown anything of late, and, as I said above, I think they’re destined to be left out of the knockout stage.
by The Mexican't on Jun 17, 2010 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Again, it bears repeating: Domenech is all sorts of crazy
As most of you know, this is William Gallas crashing and hurting his arm in, of all things to prepare them for the WC, dune buggy racing. Between the team in-fighting, the hooker scandal and the questionable selections and omissions, I really don’t expect much out of this team going forward.
"I know you're from Middle America, and sometimes you feel like you're representing more than just a school or a conference, maybe an entire group of American citizens out there."
by Twin Cities Hawk on Jun 17, 2010 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
So hard to say.
If France wins today, I like their odds of winning the group, with a final match against South Africa to try and make up any goal difference deficit.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
That Argentina performance...
is what I’ve been waiting for. Of course, that should be made up for with a snoozer between France and Mexico later today.
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
Mexico needs to dress in German army uniforms
France would run from the field and Mexico would win 175-0
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Nigeria-South Korea
Should be a fun match. if this score hold Nigeria can play7 for a draw to advance on goal difference.
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
What an insanely dumb red card for Kaita.
Now Nigeria has to figure out how to win with 10 men.
Horrible guess by the Greek keeper on the Nigerian goal, too.
1-1 at HT.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Bad guess, yes
I’m guessing he was expecting a header and was prepared for that, and when no one touched it, he was left looking like a deer in the headlights – easy goal.
by HeroPatriotStanzi on Jun 17, 2010 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Damn, just added a Nigerian to my defense (I know, I know)...
Of course, a guy gets sent off, making Greece go on a relentless attack!!!
In the past 10 years, just four team owners have not paid a luxury tax and are not on pace to pay one this year: Donald Sterling, Jerry Reinsdorf, Chris Cohen (Golden State), Bob Johnson (Charlotte).
Two owners’ teams averaged an operating income of over +$10 million per year while their teams have lost over 60% of their games: Donald Sterling and Jerry Reinsdorf.
Samaras (of Greece)...
looks like the love child of Peja Stojakovic and Chewbacca.
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
And the red card proves costly
as Greece takes a 2-1 lead
by HeroPatriotStanzi on Jun 17, 2010 10:31 AM CDT reply actions
Good thing I passed on picking up Enyeama for this Gameweek
Greece looked utterly hopeless in Gameweek 1, and Enyeama made a decent amount of incredible saves against Argentina.
"I know you're from Middle America, and sometimes you feel like you're representing more than just a school or a conference, maybe an entire group of American citizens out there."
by Twin Cities Hawk on Jun 17, 2010 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
2-1, Greece now.
Sounds like the Nigerian keeper made a mess of things and set up an easy goal.
Shame to see Nigeria self-combusting like this.
Still, they’re not out of it… if they can beat South Korea 2-0, I think they could sneak into the next round, since I can’t see Greece getting points off Argentina. South Korea-Nigeria should be pretty fun.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I think Argentina clinches a spot with a Nigerian loss
If they simply don’t give a crap with nothing to lose against Greece a Greek draw or victor becomes more likely.
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
by BoilerTMill on Jun 17, 2010 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think Messi allows the Argentinians to play a lazy game.
He’s still chasing his first goal of this WC, as well. The Greeks may get a win, but it’d be a monstrous upset.
by The Mexican't on Jun 17, 2010 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Well..
Argentina — 6pts, +4 GD
S. Korea — 3 pts, 1 GD 3 pts,
Greece -1 GD 0 pts, -2 GD
Nigeria -
Remaining games: Argentina v. Greece, S. Korea v. Nigeria
If Greece wins by three goals and South Korea also wins by three goals, they’d go through and Argentina would be SOL. Granted, that’s highly improbable.
Greece looked hopeless the entire tournament until Nigeria self-destructed. Worse, since Greece needs to chase points, they’re going to HAVE to be more offensive… which is going to open them up to counterattacks, and doing that against Greece is straight suicidal. I could maybe see a draw, but a Greek win would still stun me.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Don't even need to win 2-0
SK is -1 on GD, Nigeria is -2, as is Greece. Win and hope Argentina beats Greece, and they’re in.
Whoops
Greece is -1 along with SK. But the point still stands: win and Greece loses, it’s 9-3-3-3 and Nigeria is -1 at worst while SK and Greece are no better than -2.
8 goals in two games
It’s a scoring explosion!
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Mexican't, you have inspired me...
to investigate about more sports.
Has anyone ever seen/heard about Gaelic football? It seems like a mixture of soccer, rugby, and volleyball. Here are some clips (the second one has some awesome hits/fights).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ip9dNCuy_k&feature=fvsr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRBaGMMKCCs
I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.
-- Judge Smails
Ahhh...
…Gaelic football is the shizz, and used to be a staple of tWWL back before they were “leading” anything.
I miss ESPN fron the early 80s.
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Jun 17, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Amazing, Domenech actually decided to start one of his most in-form players today (Malouda).
Must’ve seen some good star charts this morning.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Come on Mexico
France is one of those countries that just pisses me off for no reason.
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
France needs a goal.
Their all-time leading goal-scorer is on the bench.
Naturally, they’re going to sub him on, right?
Not while Crazy Ray is in charge, apparently.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Suck it, France
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
I would be much happier if this was anyone but Mexico.
>sigh<
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
You're gonna get stabbed, racist.
(I’m not really a fan of El Tri, but I have to pretend).
by The Mexican't on Jun 17, 2010 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions
This gringo isn't skerrd.
I have to say, this Mexico isn’t quite as unpalatable as the group of thugs and assholes they’ve had in the past. I kinda enjoy watching Dos Santos and Hernandez.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
It's also worth noting that I don't look Mexican.
And am probably the worst Mexican on the planet.
Back on topic: I’d imagine that Blanco may be the last of the “old guard.” Mexico’s national team will never get along with the USMNT, but this batch don’t seem to be exceedingly lawless. Maybe there’s hope.
by The Mexican't on Jun 17, 2010 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I still hate Marquez.
And I have full confidence in the rest of them to grow into assholes over time. Hopefully because they’re sick of the US kicking their ass.
(Hey, they’re an archrival… haters gotta hate.)
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Pffft....I've met worse.
No self-respecting man from Iowa goes anywhere without beer
by Hayden Fry's Moustache Ride on Jun 17, 2010 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Dunno ...
Blanco has set the bar awful high…
Excuse me for my bellicosity. And spelling. Bellicosity and spelling.
by Blackheartnopants on Jun 17, 2010 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
France has flat out sucked today
They look completely uninterested.
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Mexico and Uruguay
I guess there really isn’t anything preventing them from agreeing to tie so both can go on to the next round.
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Mexico might want to chase a win
South Korea (assuming they are the second team out of B) is no pushover, but I imagine Mexico would much rather play them than Argentina. Uruguay wins the group with a draw, so Mexico might push for a win (especially since it would take a four-goal swing on GD for France to overtake them or five for South Africa).
Apparently Domenench thinks he gets four subs in the next game if he saves one today.
No other explanation for not using to try to chase a goal here.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
FT, Mexico 2-0
GROUP A STANDINGS
Uruguay, 1-0-1, 4 pts, +3 GD
Mexico, 1-0-1, 4 pts, +2 GD
France, 0-1-1, 1 pt, (-2) GD
South Africa, 0-1-1, 1 pt, (-3) GD
France and South Africa need help — they need Uruguay or Mexico to blow out the other one. With a GD edge, Uruguay has no real incentive to go for anything but a draw, but Mexico should push for the win if they want to avoid playing (most likely) Argentina in the next stage.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Predictions for USA-Slovenia tomorrow?
I’ll go USA 2, Slovenia 1
I’m nervous, though.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
I'm going to get ambitious and say 3-0
by The Mexican't on Jun 17, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Dempsey gets another.
Buddle gets in on the action. And Jozy starts his goal scoring rampage.
by The Mexican't on Jun 17, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I sure hope so
We need that GD in case both the US and England win out. Either way, if the US makes it to the knockout rounds, we’ll be facing (most likely) Germany or Ghana. As good as Ghana is, I would rather avoid Germany with the form they’re in right now by finishing first (again, assuming Germany wins the group).
Also, I’ll say 2-0 tomorrow.
"I know you're from Middle America, and sometimes you feel like you're representing more than just a school or a conference, maybe an entire group of American citizens out there."
by Twin Cities Hawk on Jun 17, 2010 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions
We absolutely must win the group to advance past the first round of the knockout stages.
Our back line is far too scary to contend with Germany’s strikers. We may not concede as many goals as Australia (because Tim Howard is a top 3 keeper on the planet), but it’s still not going to be pretty.
by The Mexican't on Jun 17, 2010 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
Although we played much better in the second half, I still worry like hell about the mental strength of our defense. Gerrard’s gift via Ricard Clark ball watching was shit you see in rec leagues.
"I know you're from Middle America, and sometimes you feel like you're representing more than just a school or a conference, maybe an entire group of American citizens out there."
by Twin Cities Hawk on Jun 17, 2010 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions
That and Germany just doesn't fuck up early in the World Cup
Last World Cup in which they didn’t reach the quarterfinals? 1950.
I'm worried that Slovenia ...
tries to put the boots to us. And I’m worried that we don’t respond well to that kind of challenge.
Excuse me for my bellicosity. And spelling. Bellicosity and spelling.
by Blackheartnopants on Jun 17, 2010 4:37 PM CDT reply actions
2-1, Team America, by the way
Excuse me for my bellicosity. And spelling. Bellicosity and spelling.
by Blackheartnopants on Jun 17, 2010 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Tomorrow's match
First goal is going to be absolutely critical. If we put one in early, Slovenia will have to press for an equalizer (they’re in serious trouble if they lose and England, as expected, beats Algeria) and that’s not a role they play well at all; one early goal could open the floodgates and (especially if Findley gets replaced by a striker who can actually finish) lead to a massive beatdown. If they score early, they can play bunker-ball all day and make things very difficult (though I think we have the skill up front to come back for a draw).
I think we get an early one and then an avalanche. 3-0.
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