The FIFA World Cup 2014 Thread

[shootthebandit]

Though I'm a bit :/ at some of Suarez petty comments, I swear every time England loses to a 2nd/3rd world country in world cup they treat it as some kinda great wrong that's finally been righted.
Can't peeps just have a good game and not be bitches about it afterwards?

For a lot of those 2nd/3rd world countries the World Cup is their only chance to shine and earn global acclaim. Everybody likes an underdog.

People usually stop liking the underdog when they turn around and teabag their opponent who hadn't acted jerkish to them in any way xD

Besides I think by this point England can be considered an underdog in anyone but the most fervent England fan's mind.

Nobody in the whole of South America would consider the monarchical, aggressively pro-colonialist, pound-rich first world super powerful England an "underdog" by any definition of the word. Besides what kind of "teabagging" did you see from Uruguay towards England, or from Costar Rica towards Italy for that matter?

I find it weird how england are not seen as underdogs because of this. Scotland are always seen as underdogs yet scotland and england are the same country with the same monarch and the same economy

I love being both scottish and british. We have all the benefits of being british but england just gets associated with all the bad shit. Sometimes I think that some people forget we exist or think we are a fantasy land like brig-a-doon and we only appear every 100 years (which coincidentially is about how often we appear in the world cup)

 

[Frankster]

Nobody in the whole of South America would consider the monarchical, aggressively pro-colonialist, pound-rich first world super powerful England an "underdog" by any definition of the word. Besides what kind of "teabagging" did you see from Uruguay towards England, or from Costar Rica towards Italy for that matter?

Nobody except those not blinded by their own bias you mean. What has any of that have to do with the actual English team?
"Super powerful" is hardly a term you would use to describe them xD
By that logic, beating the USA at football must be the most amazing thing ever. Yeah take that you yanks, that's what you get for...stuff that has nothing to do with your team or football, yeh!

Whilst I'm sure the "whole" of South America quite enjoy picturing themselves as the underdogs triumphing against incredible odds when facing teams from former colonial powers, fact of the matter is they certainly ain't: Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, do any of those sound like an underdog team in football? Whatever problems their countries might have, football certainly isn't one of them.
And all of those countries have repeatedly whupped England for as long as I can remember, how can they be NOT an underdog if they keep getting their faces stomped in? If this was cricket maybe I'd understand but when it comes to football you have to be delusional, or an England supporter, to believe that the English team are favorites in most match ups xD

As for the "teabagging", Suarez catty comments are my exhibit A. Exhibit B would be the general reactions on social media.
I dunno why you bring up Italy and Costa Rica for though, gonna have to clarify that one for me.

 

[Tiger King]

Though I'm a bit :/ at some of Suarez petty comments, I swear every time England loses to a 2nd/3rd world country in world cup they treat it as some kinda great wrong that's finally been righted.
Can't peeps just have a good game and not be bitches about it afterwards?

For a lot of those 2nd/3rd world countries the World Cup is their only chance to shine and earn global acclaim. Everybody likes an underdog.

People usually stop liking the underdog when they turn around and teabag their opponent who hadn't acted jerkish to them in any way xD

Besides I think by this point England can be considered an underdog in anyone but the most fervent England fan's mind.

Nobody in the whole of South America would consider the monarchical, aggressively pro-colonialist, pound-rich first world super powerful England an "underdog" by any definition of the word. Besides what kind of "teabagging" did you see from Uruguay towards England, or from Costar Rica towards Italy for that matter?

I find it weird how england are not seen as underdogs because of this. Scotland are always seen as underdogs yet scotland and england are the same country with the same monarch and the same economy

I love being both scottish and british. We have all the benefits of being british but england just gets associated with all the bad shit. Sometimes I think that some people forget we exist or think we are a fantasy land like brig-a-doon and we only appear every 100 years (which coincidentially is about how often we appear in the world cup)

when people see the union flag they say 'england'
and that's it pretty much.
not Britain, not the uk, just 'england'.

 

[Commerford]

Nobody in the whole of South America would consider the monarchical, aggressively pro-colonialist, pound-rich first world super powerful England an "underdog" by any definition of the word. Besides what kind of "teabagging" did you see from Uruguay towards England, or from Costar Rica towards Italy for that matter?

I should hope we are Pound-rich, in fact, we should have more Pounds than anyone! But you are right, England aren't underdogs in football, just disappointing. Consistently for over a decade we make it to the Last 16 or Quarters, which is nothing to be sniffed at. We've just had a poor World Cup, and we we'll go again in Euro 2016 where, no doubt we'll make it to the Last 16 or Quarters, or dare I say, the Semis.

About this World Cup, the Europeans are really struggling, I don't recall any Europeans beating any South Americans yet? But I still think England will give Costa Rica a good going over, i'd say win by 2 goals, maybe more. But that'll be good for the Costa Ricans, let them know what can happen when you lose concentration and people are expecting you to win, and they'll be ready for some other big scalps in the knock outs.

 

[JoJo]

About this World Cup, the Europeans are really struggling, I don't recall any Europeans beating any South Americans yet? But I still think England will give Costa Rica a good going over, i'd say win by 2 goals, maybe more. But that'll be good for the Costa Ricans, let them know what can happen when you lose concentration and people are expecting you to win, and they'll be ready for some other big scalps in the knock outs.

Yeah, I noticed this too, what with Spain and England already out, Italy recently beaten by Costa Rica and Germany drawing with Ghana, I wonder if it's the tropical climate that Europeans simply aren't used to. Oh well, I believe 2018 will be held in Russia, that'll be payback time >

 

[shootthebandit]

About this World Cup, the Europeans are really struggling, I don't recall any Europeans beating any South Americans yet? But I still think England will give Costa Rica a good going over, i'd say win by 2 goals, maybe more. But that'll be good for the Costa Ricans, let them know what can happen when you lose concentration and people are expecting you to win, and they'll be ready for some other big scalps in the knock outs.

Yeah, I noticed this too, what with Spain and England already out, Italy recently beaten by Costa Rica and Germany drawing with Ghana, I wonder if it's the tropical climate that Europeans simply aren't used to. Oh well, I believe 2018 will be held in Russia, that'll be payback time >

I dont think its the climate as such but its just a home advantage. Home advantage isnt really something you can put your finger why it happens but it works. You only have to look at london 2012. Team GB had a huge home advantage. Not that we didnt deserve to be 3rd but being at home certainly helps

not only that but its style of play too. I watched the italy vs costa rica game and there was no urgency in the italian side. They were passing around in their own half a lot where as costa rica where much better on the counter-attack, making a move before the Italians had time to react. Spain and England have the same problem (poor defence). Spain have also been worked out now. In the past four years barcelona (aka Spain) have not dominated as much because people now how to deal with the short passing game that they used to rely on. Germany are doing ok but holland or france seem to be europe's best representatives at the minute although Belgium might be one to keep an eye on.

I still think it will be a south american team that wins

2018 is russia and is it still Qatar 2022 (ive heard rumours it could go to the UK)?

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

snip

It's like this:

The US has no football cred. To beat them is to be expected, to lose against them would be shameful.

England is a WC champ and has a good team. Losing to them carries no shame, winning against them is superb.

Italy is also a WC champ and has a very good team. Costa Rica is neither, so beating them is doubly celebrated.

Then there's your perception of football as "just football". To most, if not all, underdeveloped third world countries football is their only means of pride and self-worth, and big tournaments like the World Cup carry an enormous hype and prestige that transcends individual interest on the sport itself. For many of these countries it's also their one chance to go elbow to elbow with the first world elite and shine against it on some sort of layer. All of Latin America - this isn't an exaggeration - will pine for the sudaca underdog going against a country like England, Italy, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands because of this, bar the usual neighborly conflict (like Argentina-Uruguay).

Winning the FIFA WC doesn't change anything most of the time, but it means a lot to these people.

 

[Commerford]

It's like this:

The US has no football cred. To beat them is to be expected, to lose against them would be shameful.

England is a WC champ and has a good team. Losing to them carries no shame, winning against them is superb.

Italy is also a WC champ and has a very good team. Costa Rica is neither, so beating them is doubly celebrated.

Then there's your perception of football as "just football". To most, if not all, underdeveloped third world countries football is their only means of pride and self-worth, and big tournaments like the World Cup carry an enormous hype and prestige that transcends individual interest on the sport itself. For many of these countries it's also their one chance to go elbow to elbow with the first world elite and shine against it on some sort of layer. All of Latin America - this isn't an exaggeration - will pine for the sudaca underdog going against a country like England, Italy, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands because of this, bar the usual neighborly conflict (like Argentina-Uruguay).

Winning the FIFA WC doesn't change anything most of the time, but it means a lot to these people.

I'd say it can be more basic than that. I'm European, and if a European can't win it, I want an African team or the States to win it, and if they can't, I want an Asian team or Mexico to win it, and if they can't, I want the lowest ranked South American team to win it etc. etc. and if the final is Argentina v Brazil, then I just hope for a good game. Upsets are one of the biggest joys of international football for the neutral.

As for France and the Dutch being Europe's best hope. So far neither have played a South American team, so i'm not that hopeful. Maybe it is all down to home advantage, we need look no further than Euro 2004 to see its effect.

Edit: Apologies for accusing Honduras of being South American.

 

[Frankster]

snip

Mmm fair enough, I guess I can sorta understand it put it like that.

All right cheers for giving me a new perspective then

 

[Tiger King]

snip

It's like this:

The US has no football cred. To beat them is to be expected, to lose against them would be shameful.

England is a WC champ and has a good team. Losing to them carries no shame, winning against them is superb.

Italy is also a WC champ and has a very good team. Costa Rica is neither, so beating them is doubly celebrated.

Then there's your perception of football as "just football". To most, if not all, underdeveloped third world countries football is their only means of pride and self-worth, and big tournaments like the World Cup carry an enormous hype and prestige that transcends individual interest on the sport itself. For many of these countries it's also their one chance to go elbow to elbow with the first world elite and shine against it on some sort of layer. All of Latin America - this isn't an exaggeration - will pine for the sudaca underdog going against a country like England, Italy, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands because of this, bar the usual neighborly conflict (like Argentina-Uruguay).

Winning the FIFA WC doesn't change anything most of the time, but it means a lot to these people.

hmmm dunno, I think you are giving England too much credit, England has won the world cup once way back in 1966. If I were to draw a comparison, Nottingham forest (no offence forest fans) won the European cup twice back in the 70's but that doesn't put them on par with say man united because of it. (Nottingham play in the division below the premier league)

I don't think England are a terrible team but I don't think they are good either. They certainly have good players but for some reason they don't really seem to 'click' when playing as a team.

 

[shootthebandit]

What do you guys think of Iran. I think they gave Argentina a run for their money and had a few good chances

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

What do you guys think of Iran. I think they gave Argentina a run for their money and had a few good chances

I think Argentina played horribly and Iran played even more horribly, though Iran (briefly) had better game around 2nd time. I think relying on Messi to play deus ex machina during additional time is a horrible strategy and won't get the team too far into the tournament. Round of 16 is already a mystery - we either play against Switzerland or Ecuador, and the way both teams have been playing I wouldn't mind giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Now that Argentina is heading to the round of 16 in the first place and Bosnia's out, it's between Nigeria and Iran to see which follows 2nd. I think Nigeria is way better, but the coming 2 matches will muddle things up. Argentina will most likely win against Nigeria, and Iran will most likely win against Bosnia, evening out both second place contenders to a statistical ballotage.

A part of me is now rooting for the US to win both matches against Germany and Portugal, and for Ghana to beat Portugal as well, so Germany is left out as well. The way the WC is going makes you feel like anything's possible at this point. But a planet alignment of that kind is just unlikely.

 

[Aedes]

A part of me is now rooting for the US to win both matches against Germany and Portugal, and for Ghana to beat Portugal as well, so Germany is left out as well. The way the WC is going makes you feel like anything's possible at this point. But a planet alignment of that kind is just unlikely.

Once in a blue moon, those alignment do happen. As I write, USA is winning and eliminating Portugal of the World Cup. I am honestly baffled. Portugal is playing like nothing but that's mostly because they rely on Cristiano way too much and he's ar from being what he once used to be.
USA is giving their bodies and soul to win this game. Guess I shouldn't be surprised after all.

This is turning out to be one hell of a World Cup.

--Edit--
Fuck Me! Portugal JUST got the equalizer. That was close to be another dramatic end to another european country. There's still some drama left on this group it seems.

 

[The Goat Tsar]

I know most people will be talking about that Portugal-USA game, but the game of the day for me was Algeria-South Korea. I had no idea Algeria had that performance in them. Extremely well played, especially that 4th goal. African teams are doing quite well at this World Cup, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Algeria all likely to move out of their groups. Ghana still has a chance as well, only Cameroon disappointed.

 

[viscomica]

A part of me is now rooting for the US to win both matches against Germany and Portugal, and for Ghana to beat Portugal as well, so Germany is left out as well. The way the WC is going makes you feel like anything's possible at this point. But a planet alignment of that kind is just unlikely.

Once in a blue moon, those alignment do happen. As I write, USA is winning and eliminating Portugal of the World Cup. I am honestly baffled. Portugal is playing like nothing but that's mostly because they rely on Cristiano way too much and he's ar from being what he once used to be.
USA is giving their bodies and soul to win this game. Guess I shouldn't be surprised after all.

This is turning out to be one hell of a World Cup.

--Edit--
Fuck Me! Portugal JUST got the equalizer. That was close to be another dramatic end to another european country. There's still some drama left on this group it seems.

Portugal's situation is still tricky, though. I don't count on them passing to the next round.

 

[Eleuthera]

So, the first two fixtures of the final 16 are set, Brazil-Chile and Netherlands-Mexico.

I think Chile will be able to give Brazil quite a run for it's money, the Ned-Mex game is a toss-up, we (Ned) just have not been playing very well this tournament so far (despite winning all 3 matches)

 

[GundamSentinel]

we (Ned) just have not been playing very well this tournament so far (despite winning all 3 matches)

I wouldn't say we haven't been playing well, but we certainly haven't been playing like a Dutch team. From proactive aggressive football the Netherlands has changed to efficient counter football, throwing up a wall on the own half, tiring the opposite team and relying on a couple of players (generally Robben and Van Persie) to jump into gaps and score.

Not very pretty, but it worked really well against Spain and Chile. The Netherlands got 3 goals against in the group phase and 2 of them were penalties that could be called dubious. De Jong has been doing great work especially, defending, countering and generally annoying the shit out of the opposite side.