The World Cup

[AndreaDraco]

Is someone watching?

Italy is ashaming itself

Guess I'll have to root for United States

[Rudy]

Guess I'll have to root for United States

Meh, because of that overtime goal of the US against Algeria, Slovenia got sent home. I'm rooting for any team the US plays against

[BBP]

Not to mention US only tied UK because of that... well... unfortunate blooper from the goalie.
Hoping Netherlands wins tonight, we'll have NL-Slovakia.

[AndreaDraco]

But see, I'm definitely not a soccer fan. I watch the World Cup because it's the World Cup, and I like to root for one nation (as opposed to a city team or the like during the normal leagues). Of course, I root for Italy. Then I root for France, because I love the country and Paris in particular. Next, my allegiance must go to the USA

[BBP]

Ah OK... I got interested in football after the European championships 2000 in The Netherlands and Belgium. Three matches were played in my home town.
I lost interest two years later, you know... all the players you root for one season are out of sight the next season and before you know it you don't know what's what. I like the large tournaments though, better playing... but somehow this year has been lagging somewhat, from all the major teams. Is it the weather? Is it the ball? Is it the vuvuzela?

[therogue]

I don't know, its certainly interesting this time around with not only the title holder and the runner up bombing out in the first round, but both doing so in a spectacular fashion. I mean France's implosion was seriously ugly and an utter shame. France sure is a long way from the team of the 1990s. That team was celebrated for its ethnic diversity and this one is quickly being painted as having failed because of it, which is just ugly as hell and playing into the hands of the far right.

Also, good on you New Zealand.

England - Germany on sunday. Expect some major tabloid drama from both sides on that one. I know they haven't shown real quality yet but; come on England! if only for the meltdown that will grace the front pages of the Bild.

[Rath Darkblade]

I don't know - Germany will be hard to beat! They're famed for their technical precision and their all-round skills.

I don't understand how both France and Italy bombed.

My team (Australia) were up against it from the start - a very tough group, having to play Serbia (a tough team), Ghana (a quick and solid team) and of course Germany (one of the world's top sides). Australia, in comparison, is a small fish in a big pond. They acquitted themselves well enough - but that 4-0 loss to Germany really hurt.

[therogue]

I was delighted to see that Ghana went through. Apparently it is only the third time that an African team has made it to the quarter finals.

If I had to put money on Germany/England, I'd put it on Germany winning easily but I secretely hope for England to pull through.

[Rath Darkblade]

Your money bet is wise, rogue! Germany came through easily, beating England 4-1 - but that unjustly disallowed goal by Frank Lampard might well have counted for something. For one, it could have disheartened the Germans and put more backbone into the English, instead of the other way around. At the very least, it would've made the final score less embarrassing for England. Also, it showed that the referee was biased against England.

[Rudy]

My current predictions:

Quarter finals:
- Brazil beats Netherlands (sorry BBP)
- Uruguay beats Ghana
- Argentina beats Germany
- Spain beats Paraguay

Semi finals:
- Brazil beats Uruguay
- Argentina beats Spain

Third place:
- Spain beats Uruguay

Final:
- Argentina beats Brazil

[BBP]

That's my guess! Except I think Paraguay might beat Spain.

[AndreaDraco]

As of now, I just hope that Spain or Germany win the whole thing. This way at least the Cup will remain in Europe

[BBP]

As of now, I just hope that Spain or Germany win the whole thing. This way at least the Cup will remain in Europe

Or The Netherlands?

I can't believe it, but we won! Olanda!

[Rudy]

I knew you'd immediately post here, BBP .

Congratulations Netherlands! I didn't expect it, but i'm happy they won! Now go for the final!

[AndreaDraco]

Or The Netherlands?

Yes, or obviously the Netherlands!

I'm really, really, really glad that you guys beat Brazil! I'm officially rooting for your country now (and, of course, the Spanish cousins)!