The Soccer Thread

[nunoni]

Man, you gotta love those Aussies! That's cool.

"Hello again, the shirts were posted on Friday, 23rd April and should take about 10 days via airmail. "

it's not cool, it's ULTRA-COOL!

I've only been once in Australia, 2 weeks, after 10 days in New Zealand, for work, and I quite liked it; but in New Zealand I was in the mountains at a friends' cabin (huge, with running water of sorts and power supply of sorts - generator if necessary), and that was something else. Australia was good, but I could not avoid that after 3 weeks away from home I was really homesick. So i didn't enjoy it as much as I could have I suppose, and also, New Zealand was a tough act to beat. I mean, the loo was an outside cabin some hundred meters away, if the door was closed it was empty, when it was open it meant it was occupied - because of the view to the endless mountains.

Anyway, I have nothing but good to say about Australia (hmph; except for the red wine, they actually think, like the guys from California, that they are able to make good wine. Hmph.)

[devilmaycare]

Anyway, I have nothing but good to say about Australia (hmph; except for the red wine, they actually think, like the guys from California, that they are able to make good wine. Hmph.)

There ARE some great Aussie wines actually. You obviously just haven't drunk them yet... Much as I have never tried a Portuguese one (not a Good one... just ANY Portuguese wine... I'll have to look into that)... Lots of Spanish though... some of which I love.

[nunoni]

There ARE some great Aussie wines actually. You obviously just haven't drunk them yet... Much as I have never tried a Portuguese one (not a Good one... just ANY Portuguese wine... I'll have to look into that)... Lots of Spanish though... some of which I love.

hmph; there are some decent Spannish wines, mostly Rioja; I have drunk some decent Aussie and Californian ones; but not really good ones.

We drink most of our best wines, which thus don't get exported. We export plonk like Mateus Rose. In good foreign shops (say Harrods) you will find Barca Velha or Pera Manca, but expect to pay about a couple hundred for a bottle (those two are only produced once or twice each decade, equivalent to the "vintage" declaration in Porto wines) (Barca Velha is from the same wine region as Port, Pera Manca is the oldest known wine in the country, dating back to the 14th or 15th century, but from elsewhere, the Alentejo region). They are good but overpriced. Portugal is the place where you can find excellent wines for under 20 a bottle, if you know what you're doing.

I asked the guy if I can send him a bottle; when I was there, it was forbidding to bring any sort of food stuffs...

oh, now I remember; when I lived in England some shops had Esporão, which is one of those good red wines for less than 20. Red, of course.

[Sir Kenneth]

I live just south of Barossa Valley and there are certainly some excellent red wines coming out that area I don't about white wines though as I don't really drink them.

Anyone starting to look forward to the world cup yet, or at the very least to the date where your world cup squad is going to be picked?

[nunoni]

well, I am not looking forward to this world cup, contrary to the previous ones and European Cups, that I went to watch a few Portugal games; I dislike our manager, team, way of playing, and captain. I guess I'll be supporting Germany, my wife and kids are German, so that's it.

[Sir Kenneth]

I don't really understand why Ronaldo is captain either...

[RLP4ever]

I'm keen about the World Cup, for sure. But right now, all I'm thinking about constantly and it's already fraying my nerves no end is the Wednesday night second-leg semi-final encounter at the Nou Camp----Barcelona vs Inter Milan. I copped no small shock and hearbreak last Tuesday when Inter conjured up a very improbable 3-1 win at home at the San Siro. The tie is at a literal knife-edge. It's gonna be a big ask, but I'm still hoping, expecting Barca to turn on the style, go for broke, and turn the tie around on the night. 2-0 (like it was last October) should be enough. If Inter score, though, it will be a body blow and that much more complicated.. Whatever happens, it will be perhaps the biggest European game I'd be anxiously awaiting in the entire footballing year, thus far.

And gosh, don't wanna get too far ahead of myself, but if Barca turn it around and go through to the Final where I expect Bayern to be (hopefully) there as well, then pity me for having to watch (and being torn about who to support) in a championship match between two of my long-standing favourite football clubs in the whole wide world.

[nunoni]

hm, this time round I'm all for Mourinho, Barcelona have been so extremely favoured by referees in the past, they won the CL completely unfairly, now it's time for them to go down. Pitty that they do have the most wonderfull football in ages, but that's a different story.

[nunoni]

ALL HAIL

José Mourinho, who brought his team to defeat a team of cheats who have too often cheated their way into finals

[devilmaycare]

I like the way Barca conduct themselves OFF the field, but that shit that got Thiago Motta sent off was disgraceful... No wonder he went after him again!

[Sir Kenneth]

What an awful awful game. I understand why Inter were happy to just turtle up and play like they did (Italian style!), but it was still horrible to watch.

[nunoni]

it was a monument to defensive football - I had never seen three lines of defenders so tight that they made guys like Messi look trivial.

[nunoni]

Hmph, Benfica champions for the second time this century - terrible. Their supporters are mostly annoying low class yobs. And this was one of our worst seasons ever, we had only 53% points of all possible, were 28 points from the first (and 27 from the last!). We did finish fourth, which is one better than our worst ever fifth (which makes us the only team in the Europe to never have finished lower than 5th by the way). And it was the worst football I've seen, boring, unimaginative, at times humiliating to ourselves.

On a much happier note, I got three fantastic shirts from Pittwater RLS FC! The different models they have used rom 1999 until now! To thank the guy I sent him a lovely Sporting Lisbon shirt

[devilmaycare]

Hmph, Benfica champions for the second time this century - terrible. Their supporters are mostly annoying low class yobs. And this was one of our worst seasons ever, we had only 53% points of all possible, were 28 points from the first (and 27 from the last!). We did finish fourth, which is one better than our worst ever fifth (which makes us the only team in the Europe to never have finished lower than 5th by the way). And it was the worst football I've seen, boring, unimaginative, at times humiliating to ourselves.

I feel your pain after watching Chelski sneak the title be ONE point.

On a much happier note, I got three fantastic shirts from Pittwater RLS FC! The different models they have used rom 1999 until now! To thank the guy I sent him a lovely Sporting Lisbon shirt

Really? Wow... that's cool!

[Sir Kenneth]

Adelaide United played a good game against Jeonbuk Motors in the Asian Champions' League last night. Unfortunately it ended 3-2 after extra time in favour of the Koreans, but Adelaide kept fighting throughout and arguably lost to a slightly stronger side. I just wish the Adelaide crowd would make some noise. It's a bit embarrassing when all you could hear at times were the 30-odd Jeonbuk supporters when there were 13.000 or so Adelaide United fans in attendance

[RLP4ever]

^ That sounds really odd, Ken. A largely subdued, silent Adelaide crowd at a lively, fighting contest like this? Oh well, I reckon Adelaide fans are a whole lot more boisterous, when it's cricket or rugby, instead---whether the local lads are losing or winning. Sadly, I didn't get to watch this ACL game; and since I'm still optimistic about Adelaide Utd's chances of clinching the championship game , this leaves me feeling definitely deflated.

In other news, I've gone from feeling frustrated and devastated at Barcelona's shock exit from the Champions' League this year, at the hands of a 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' incarnation of an Inter Milan side playing the kind of awfully annoying 'anti-football' they did in the return leg at the Nou Camp (something I'd only expect from them in that situation)-- to now anxiously awaiting the near-certain coronation of Barca as La Liga champions, at home. Weird how in both the EPL and Spanish La Liga this year, the championship has gone down to the wire, and a single point is what separates the champions from the runners-up (though I'll wait awhile for the show to finally finish in Spain).

I maintain that the 'single point' difference is actually pretty deceptive when you consider the entire season in both the leagues, I'd argue that both Chelsea and even more so, Barcelona, were 'overall' clearly superior to Man Utd and Real Madrid. I sense that most people at both clubs and the Madrid and Manchester fans have already conceded that much. Happy to see Bayern sew things up in the Bundesliga, already, though I wouldn't have minded too much to see a deserving Schalke 04 win it this year. And I was hoping AS Roma would clinch the Scudetto in the Serie A,, this time----but thanks primarily to the despicable, dishonourable antics of a Lazio team on the pitch, and the bizarre behaviour of the Lazio fans cheering Inter against their own team---just so that bitter city rivals AS wouldn't get the prize.

And oh, I'm delighted for Atletico Madrid on winning the Europa Cup. I enjoyed the game a lot. Good, gritty contest, but Atletico should have sewn it up a lot earlier than they did. Wish Aguero had got on the score-sheet, as well.

I feel your pain after watching Chelski sneak the title be ONE point.

I've forever bemoaned Chelsea's ugly, uninspiring, ultra-boring (albeit title-winning Lol) playing style patented under Mourinho, and continuing even after his exit. However, I gotta say how there's no denying that, for the first time in Chelsea's past few years, the team under Carlo Ancelloti, this year, has actually surprised many of us in showing a comparatively more consistently flowing, fluid, ambitious, attacking style all season, which is one reason behind the team's record-breaking goal-blitz this season, and ultimate triumph in the face of a dogged Man Utd, only a point away for the better part of the home stretch of the season. The great, recurring let-down has been Arsenal's chronic under-achivement for the past several years in succession. I'm very happy about the Spurs, though. And I've no sympathy for a remarkably lousy Liverpool.

Now, our sights must be set on the World Cup.

[nunoni]

anyone collecting panini? My kids are crazy about it... I've told them now a zillion times "no, I'm not going to buy a ready made complete collection on ebay"

[devilmaycare]

I've told them now a zillion times "no, I'm not going to buy a ready made complete collection on ebay"

Aw! No fair! I bet they're thinking "He would if it was that bloody Dio guy!!"

[nunoni]

Aw! No fair! I bet they're thinking "He would if it was that bloody Dio guy!!"

a complete collection of Dio vinyl bootlegs? that does not exist I think! Nobody has it or can have it. Take Give Me Light, a triple LP from Black Sabbath, word is there are only 5 copies, and they are all different. I know where three copies are, one in my shelf, the other two with collectors who will never ever sell - so it's impossible to get all variants! But someone said perhaps it's ten or 15 copies with two or three equal for each variants, in which case it is possible... only one was sold on ebay and it cost over 500. If another one appears, I rekon it will go over 1000.

Anyway, I do buy some selected stickers for them, those they think are "very rare pleeeaaase".

[Sir Kenneth]

^ That sounds really odd, Ken. A largely subdued, silent Adelaide crowd at a lively, fighting contest like this? Oh well, I reckon Adelaide fans are a whole lot more boisterous, when it's cricket or rugby, instead---whether the local lads are losing or winning. Sadly, I didn't get to watch this ACL game; and since I'm still optimistic about Adelaide Utd's chances of clinching the championship game , this leaves me feeling definitely deflated.

They did make some noise, but only after the Adelaide goals were scored and then again towards the very end. Maybe the away crowd just sounded very vocal because they always shouted their heads off whenever the home crowd was silent

I would have liked Adelaide to win, but still there's no shame in losing to the K-League champions and Adelaide did fight them to the very last seconds of extra time. In spite of the loss, it was still one of the most riveting games I've seen on Hindmarsh stadium (along with the game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima earlier this month).

I hope Adelaide wins next year's Championship. Adelaide's midfield is in my opinion the best in the A-league, Galekovic is a great keeper, and in Van Dijk we hopefully and finally have a player that can fill the role of lone striker succesfully. My only worry is the defense. They were rubbish last season and they made tons of silly mistakes in the ACL too. Hopefully Boogaard and Griffiths can raise the bar a bit.

At least we can rest assured that we won't end up last next season. There's no way North Queensland Fury doesn't take the wooden spoon (Unless Brisbane does)

[Sir Kenneth]

The world cup is not terribly far away now. Would anyone be interested in setting up a fantasy league for the cup?

[RLP4ever]

^ What exactly do you have in mind, Ken?

[Sir Kenneth]

I was thinking this one http://www.fantasyfifaworldcup.com/ I've signed up and it seems pretty simply and straight forward compared to many other fantasy football games, so it shouldn't be terribly time consuming and should allow more people to participate.

[RedZero]

After waiting a long 4 years kickoff is in 7 minutes. I took the day off and have a ton of beer. Sooooo excited. Game #1 I'm for Mexico. South Africa is going to come out swinging to prove a point. I'm expecting a very good game. FIFA!

[Sir Kenneth]

Disappointing loss for Mexico. Alongside New Zealand South Africa is probably the weakest team in the tournament. They just HAVE to be a beatable opponent, even with their very noisy home crowd.

[Totentanz]

Disappointing loss for Mexico. Alongside New Zealand South Africa is probably the weakest team in the tournament. They just HAVE to be a beatable opponent, even with their very noisy home crowd.

You mean disappointing draw for Mex!

I thought SA were good value, and just about deserved to win it second half once they got their confidence up (Mexico totally outplayed em 1st half and should've taken chances), but that SA goal was a cracker!

France game was hard going, dull in comparison.

I'm not sure I can cope with the constant blowing of them horn thingies, it was doing my head in!

Next up SK & Greece, interesting little combo. Arg v Nigeria looks tasty and of course England v USA later today...

[Sir Kenneth]

You mean disappointing draw for Mex!

I thought SA were good value, and just about deserved to win it second half once they got their confidence up (Mexico totally outplayed em 1st half and should've taken chances), but that SA goal was a cracker!

France game was hard going, dull in comparison.

I'm not sure I can cope with the constant blowing of them horn thingies, it was doing my head in!

Next up SK & Greece, interesting little combo. Arg v Nigeria looks tasty and of course England v USA later today...

Disappointing draw for Mexico yes

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if France don't even make it out of the group. They don't even seem to care. They would have been much better off going to the cup with a short term replacement for Domenec or let Blanc take over early.

[Totentanz]

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if France don't even make it out of the group. They don't even seem to care. They would have been much better off going to the cup with a short term replacement for Domenec or let Blanc take over early.

Gotta agree - couldn't really work out the logic in some of the tactical decisions. Now I've said that, they'll probably suddenly come into form! ..doesn't look likely though.

[RedZero]

Dang! That Nigerian keeper is unexpectedly good. I can't believe he stopped so many bombs from Messi.
You can tell that Maradona was dying to play. He was practically in the field.

I'm dissapointed in the Mex/RSA game. This is one of the worst games I've seen in a world cup. Sloppy. The Mex squad was not physically prepared at all, they S.African team had more stamina and out ran them. Neither of the team took long goal shots. The Uruguay/France game was good except for Uruguay drawing a yellow card minutes from the end of the match for arguing with the ref.

What do you guys think of the first Mexico goal that was disallowed? Was he offside or not? FIFA rule 11 suggests it was a legit gol!

[Totentanz]

I'm dissapointed in the Mex/RSA game. This is one of the worst games I've seen in a world cup. Sloppy. The Mex squad was not physically prepared at all, they S.African team had more stamina and out ran them. Neither of the team took long goal shots. The Uruguay/France game was good except for Uruguay drawing a yellow card minutes from the end of the match for arguing with the ref.

Really? I'm surprised - up to now (just finished watching England v USA) I think the opening game between SA & Mexico has been the most entertaining game.

What do you guys think of the first Mexico goal that was disallowed? Was he offside or not? FIFA rule 11 suggests it was a legit gol!

I though it was offside (haven't looked at the official rule book though!) - As the keeper went far up into the play where he was no longer where we expect to find the keeper (he ended up as 3rd man out), I thought this was a good spot by the linesman. But like I say, that's only an assumption.

On the whole I think the refs have been pretty good so far too. No real major decisions wrong yet.

[colin john]

1-1 then between england and usa,about right,haven't missed a match so far,obviously Green will be slaughtered because of a mistake.Kevin Keegan got the 4-1 score prediction wrong.

[devilmaycare]

I'm dissapointed in the Mex/RSA game. This is one of the worst games I've seen in a world cup.

You obviously haven't seen many World Cup games! That was one of the most entertaining opening games I've seen, and I've watched every one since 1970.

What do you guys think of the first Mexico goal that was disallowed? Was he offside or not? FIFA rule 11 suggests it was a legit gol!

Because he was offside. When the Mexican dude headed the ball, Vela only had one South African between him and the goal-line. The first Mexico GOAL counted. They only scored one! That's why it was 1-1! The assistant linesman was spot on. Amazing to pick that up at normal speed.

---------- Post added at 06:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:45 PM ----------

1-1 then between england and usa,about right,haven't missed a match so far,obviously Green will be slaughtered because of a mistake.Kevin Keegan got the 4-1 score prediction wrong.

It was fair. England were shite. At least Green has Ray Clemence to console him... Who'll ever forget that Dalglish goal!!?? Kevin Keegan gets just about everything wrong, he's a twat!

[RLP4ever]

After sort of getting over the very bitter disappointments of seeing the successive exits of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, in the recent Champions League tournament, I've really warmed up to the World Cup. I think most of the games so far, barring South Korea vs Greece, have been great to watch.

I wanted South Africa to win on the inaugural night, against Mexico, which after their spectacular opening goal and overall play seemed very probable. Even after Mexico drew level, I was hoping that SA would somehow manage to land the second goal and triumph---which they really should have achieved with that late attempt which unluckily wasn't to be. But a pretty entertaining game, all round.

France vs Uruguay while definitely lacking in real quality, was somehow still quite fun to watch---if only because I was hoping for Uruguay (and Forlan) to conjure up just one magical moment and make it count, to sink such an awfully ordinary French side with their sub-par play. As always, I won't lament (and actually predict) an early exit by such a second-rate, soporific France team.

Argentina vs Nigeria was quite fun, watching Maradona (for once decently dressed in a nice suit) prowling the sidelines like an overweight bear dying to jump in and join the action himself, and his team play pretty enterprisingly, throughout. Messi has no excuses for not scoring---despite two fine saves by the Nigerian keeper. Argentina must rue not scoring a few more. Nigeria, given some of the chances they got, should have scored themselves, and put the Argentines under genuine pressure, given that it was only still 1-0.

Now, I liked the England vs USA game, the best. As with a lot of the games involving the fast-improving Americans that I've seen so far, there's invariably a constant energy, edge and enterprise (and unpredictability) to these contests. I had predicted England to get a thorough work-out from the Americans and realise that they've been in a real match. And that's what they got. Sure, England played under-par, but I give full credit to the Americans for their usual battling game, always hustling, harrying the opposition as a team, defending and attacking with some intelligence and spirit, and just showing they deserve to be at the World Cup and compete against the major sides. Actually, the US hasn't been a push-over in international football for quite some time, and last night they took full advantage of goalie Green's unfortunate error, and just a mediocre England (that still seemed to try everything) on the night. I honestly felt the US should have won. But ok, overall, an apt result, and I was particularly glad about it.

NOW, tonight, is arguably Australia's biggest international game, ever. And if we can pull off something similar against mighty Germany, to what the Americans achieved against England, I'd be dizzy with disbelief and joy. I mean, I might support Germany (and Spain) all year round, but obviously not against Australia. We gave the Germans a cracker of a game in the Confederations' Cup, back in 2005 (they won 4-3), so I'm secretly praying for some kind of an encore, at a World Cup, no less, only this time a reversal of fortunes, hopefully.

Btw, I must say something about the abominable vuvuzelas. I swear, the literally relentless cacophony of those monstrous horns and trumpets or whatever, is driving me insane. It's just exasparating, even to experience it while watching the games on the telly.

[Totentanz]

Btw, I must say something about the abominable vuvuzelas. I swear, the literally relentless cacophony of those monstrous horns and trumpets or whatever, is driving me insane. It's just exasparating, even to experience it while watching the games on the telly.

Yes! It was driving me insane on the first couple of games. I guess I'm getting used to it now a bit, but it still seems to mask the real interactive crowd noise.

---------- Post added at 02:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:46 PM ----------

Kevin Keegan gets just about everything wrong, he's a twat!

Probably a minority view there, he seems pretty well liked throughout the game and is a decent enough fella. Is your view born of his hilarious rant whilst in charge of Newcastle? Buffoonary for sure, but 'twat' seems too harsh.

[devilmaycare]

Probably a minority view there, he seems pretty well liked throughout the game and is a decent enough fella. Is your view born of his hilarious rant whilst in charge of Newcastle? Buffoonary for sure, but 'twat' seems too harsh.

There was that... and the fact he never seems to have the balls to stay & do a job... The walk out on England - although a blessing - was typical Keegan cowardice & twattery.

[devilmaycare]

Wow. 4-0... That's the first time I've ever seen any Australian team just roll over & quit. Shameful. The Aussie half of my family are rightfully embarrassed...

We're awaiting a call from our friends from Munich...

[RedZero]

[QUOTE=devilmaycare;221033]You obviously haven't seen many World Cup games! That was one of the most entertaining opening games I've seen, and I've watched every one since 1970. [QUOTE]

I've watched everyone since 1978 when ARG won the cup in Buenos Aires. I was not impressed by the RSA V Mex game but whatever, old news now.

Btw, I must say something about the abominable vuvuzelas. I swear, the literally relentless cacophony of those monstrous horns and trumpets or whatever, is driving me insane. It's just exasparating, even to experience it while watching the games on the telly.

Right on RLP4 ever. My kids keep asking what the bee buzz sound is all about. Drives me nuts. Even so, I would love to be there in person watching a match. Sorry about AUS loss.

* Crap I can't figure out the multi quote thing.

[Sir Kenneth]

Anyone else impressed with USA's Oguchi Onyewu against England? That guy was immense and completely shut down most of what England had to throw at them. I'm looking forward to seeing him play next season in Milan

Australia's loss was a shame, but it really was to be expected. Germany is an extremely strong tournament team and Pim Verbeek insists on playing a formation which Australia just doesn't have the players for. Australia should have 2 men up front and Kewell and Cahill should be allowed to play where they are best.

[RLP4ever]

Wow. 4-0... That's the first time I've ever seen any Australian team just roll over & quit. Shameful. The Aussie half of my family are rightfully embarrassed...

We're awaiting a call from our friends from Munich...

Yup, after such a strong qualifying campaign, the team's general preparedness and current playing form, I had honestly expected a much closer contest, overall. And frankly, last night's performance of the Socceroos was thoroughly unexpected in its utterly underwhelming lack of imagination and effectiveness, right throughout the game. I have to say, though, that despite Australia's abysmal play, I think there's no denying that Germany actually played particularly superbly--the sort of performance that would very likely overcome their much stronger rivals to come, later. If it wasn't Australia at the receiving end last night, I'd have heartily cheered the stellar German show (notwithstanding the fact that I normally support Germany, anyway). All I can hope for now is that O'Neill and mates can turn it around against Serbia and Ghana.

Anyone else impressed with USA's Oguchi Onyewu against England? That guy was immense and completely shut down most of what England had to throw at them. I'm looking forward to seeing him play next season in Milan

Australia's loss was a shame, but it really was to be expected. Germany is an extremely strong tournament team and Pim Verbeek insists on playing a formation which Australia just doesn't have the players for. Australia should have 2 men up front and Kewell and Cahill should be allowed to play where they are best.

Yea, I was actually impressed by a certain handful of the USA players, including Onyewu, and as usual, Donovan, as well, against England the other night. I liked the way Rooney, particularly, was largely thwarted and neutralised. And it wasn't as if England gave up trying; Gerrard and gang gave it most everything they had in the tank on the night, I thought, but the tenacious Americans managed to hold on and close it out, for the well-deserved draw.

But Ken, while I agree that Australia losing to Germany in a football game at the World Cup is within the realms of reason, but losing 4-0, and worse, in the abject manner they did, was downright shocking, deflating, and yes, extremely unexpected. And oh, I've recently been on record, severely slamming some of Verbeek's selections, and playing tactics. To cut a long story short, Verbeek, with some of his less-than-inspired ideas and tinkering with the team's formation and playing style, has basically snuffed a lot of the dare, flexibility and overall flair out of the Socceroos, transforming them into a dour, overly cautious, indecisive squad of players. They scrapped hard and succeeded in getting through the qualifers, but one thing I wasn't suprised by last night, was a creeping (recent) lack of apparent desire and initiative and a dearth of creativity and firepower in the team's ranks.

Btw, I thought Cahill's sending-off was a total disgrace, and clearly the worst (or the only awful) refereeing decision, in the WC, thus far. In my view, the ref erred egregiously in showing a straight red card to Cahill for that fouling incident.


Lastly, the only game I'd be watching tonight is the Italy vs Paraguay one. Whatever happens, I just hope Roque Santa Cruz gets a gorgeous goal for himself.

Right on RLP4 ever. My kids keep asking what the bee buzz sound is all about. Drives me nuts. Even so, I would love to be there in person watching a match. Sorry about AUS loss.

Thanks mate, for the solidarity and solace toward me, about the Aussie loss, last night. It sure hurts a lot. And gosh, don't even say much more about those damned trumpets. Your kids could be excused for thinking that they are sitting amid a colossal cauldron of a million buzzing bees. I swear I still haven't gotten used to this diabolical din everytime a match kicks-off. I'd love to be upfront watching the games in the stadiums, too. Maybe, you and me, and your kids could first go shopping for those special earplugs a.k.a vuvu-stoppers, eh?

[Sir Kenneth]

To be honest, if a team can't manage more than 3-1 against the USA, then 4-0 against Germany isn't an unrealistic result. As for Cahill's send off, I see it as bad karma from the warm up games coming back to haunt him when it really counts. The guy's been playing like a psychopath lately, so maybe this will teach him some manners on the pitch. Cahill is a great player, but he really doesn't seem mentally stable. Australia depends a lot on him, especially with Kewell being injured 24/7, so I really wish he'd calm down a bit.

Just finished watching Denmark's game against the Netherlands, and in spite of a 2-0 loss, I don't think we did too badly. We played a great first half, and in spite of some silly blunders in the second, we weren't horrible in that half either. I still think Denmark has a pretty good chance at advancing from the group stage.