Running, all-purpose World Cup thread

No specific names, just general rumors floating about how Demps was a player who raised a few furry eyebrows. Supposedly 'Boro cooled on Gooch, so now Hahnemann is trying to sell him on going to Reading (not a bad idea, IMO).

Bridgeview holds an even 20K, if I remember the Fire broadcast correctly. Kenn Tomasch is usually right about such things.

 

One more thing to look forward to in July -- the US Open Cup! MLS teams who missed the playoffs enter in the third round, with the rest entering in the fourth.

July 12
http://www.usopencup.com/calendar/15673.html
Portland Timbers (USL1) at Charleston Battery (USL1)
Atlanta Silverbacks (USL1) at Wilmington Hammerheads (USL2)
Columbus Crew (MLS) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Dallas Roma FC (USASA) at Chivas USA (MLS)
Des Moines Menace (PDL) at Kansas City Wizards (MLS)
Seattle Sounders (USL1) at Carolina Dynamo (PDL)
New Hampshire Phantoms (USL2) at Rochester Raging Rhinos (USL1)

Interesting to see a KC-Dead Moines rematch. I was at their game last year, when the college kids put a scare into the pros before said pros started playing like professionals. Roma caused quite a stir when they beat Miami FC (the USL-1 team with Romario) 1-0 despite sitting three starters.

 

Fair points, but I disagree.

I think if anyone can put together a defensive gameplan against the Germans, it's Italy. Buffon is going to get player of the tournament the way he is playing, and unless Klose puts his knee into his ribs like he did Abbondezierri, Italy is going to pull this out 2-1. Germans don't have nearly the advantage in air over Italy than they did over the tiny Argentines...

As for Cristiano Ronaldo calling for a red, who wouldn't do that if they just saw their teammate get stomped in the package? The book out on Rooney is that he has a hot temper, and if Ronaldo talking to the referee about Rooney's foul gets him sent off, well, that's on Wayne's head. He can enjoy the tournament from back home in England...

I think France blew their wad against Brazil. To ask Zidane to come back in four days after such a draining -- albeit magical -- performance might be a bit too much. Portugal gets back Deco and Costinha for this game, and they'll be fresh. Miguel is having a heck of a tournament shutting down attacking wingers (see Robben, Arjen), so him marking Ribery and Henry should be fun to watch. I say this one goes 1-0 in favor of Portugal.

 

He wiped Joe Cole off the face of the Earth, also.
But if he's dealing with Henry, he's out of the attack. And Ribery does most of his runs on the right.

 

Maybe someone should get Jean Marie Le Pen to open his big yap ... that always seems to get results.

I'm wondering how long Domenech is going to insist on playing Henry alone up top. It's not like he's been going great guns by himself, and having Trezeguet or Saha in would help in the aerial department.

 

Wanna know why Dave O'Brien just apologized for being able to hear other country's commentary under his?

Probably because even he knows they are doing a better job than him.

;D

 

But theyare doing such a good job, it's the hooligans that are difficult to please.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=solomon_george&id=2502521

 

He's not that bad. He's not JP Dellacamera on his best day, but O'Brien is OK.

 

Are *all* Italians as easy to knock to the turf as the country's soccer players?

 

I don't know, but if the Italian women go down this easy and this often, I'm getting my ass to Rome, STAT.

 

The Italians have been delightful this World Cup as far as playing style goes. They're actually trying to use the world-class attackers they always have.

Ditto Germany. Their play has not had any of the rigidness that usually characterizes German soccer.

It's too bad either of these teams has to go out today. Would much prefer this final over the winner against Portugal, the most disgraceful team this world cup.

In case you're wondering, both teams have done an equal amount of diving. Ballack clutching his face after taking out the Italian guy? Classic. I wonder how much people here would dislike Italy if they hadn't used their bitch game against the U.S.

WOW. . . . . . .what a goal. Forza Italia.

Seems every 12 years, they make the final. That's why I had them there in the pool. Look it up.

 

Unbelievable. Fuck the Azzurri. God. Now I've got to cheer for the Frog's to win it all. Unbelievable. Perfect shots on both goals, as well.