World Cup 2010 Thread

[Herr Matzat]

This must be the worst first week of a world cup, ever.

[Chris the Human]

This must be the worst first week of a world cup, ever.

Granted this is only the second I've watched closely, but it definitely feels like a huge let down compared to the first week of 2006. Australian bias aside (I'd much prefer the epic 3-1 win over Japan to the clinical dissection at the hands of Germany) - there just haven't been any scoring thrillers or draws based on evenly matched teams rather than one under-performing and another putting ten behind the ball.

The only games I've genuinely enjoyed as spectacles so far have been Korea/Greece (for personal reasons) and Mexico/South Africa.

[TDC]

The opening match was good.

[Herr Matzat]

The opening match was good.

Thats the only one i have not seen, Universety was calling. The Japan vs Camaron game was the third one i actualy fell asleep watching...

Edited June 14, 2010 by Michael Matzat on a Plane

[Farmer Reil]

Mexico/South Africa was a good game. I enjoyed Germany-Australia too but I can see why you might not consider it to be exciting. I enjoyed Ghana/Serbia too. I dunno... while it hasn't been a great opening week by any stretch, I'm not jumping on the "this is shit" bandwagon just yet.

If Italy/Paraguay ends 1-0 and Ivory Coast vs. Portugal sucks, then maybe. Spain/Switzerland I also have high hopes for.

Edit: Ahh shit, Mick McCarthy's on screen and words are happening. :@

Edited June 14, 2010 by Farmer Reil

[9 to 5]

You expect attacking from an aging Italian team?

[Asuka's Gonna Kill You]

You expect attacking from an aging Italian team?

Yes.

[GA!]

Mexico/South Africa was an amazing game. Germany/Australia had the goals but was too one-sided. The rest has been very poor. I'm dying for at least a 2-1, 2-2 match.

[The Quasi Juice]

Once again, there are several reasons for a lackluster first few days. Teams will need to step it up, like Cameroon against Denmark next time (should be a good match knowing the circumstances). Teams are scared to lose so settle for a draw very quickly.

[Chris the Human]

Mexico/South Africa was an amazing game. Germany/Australia had the goals but was too one-sided. The rest has been very poor. I'm dying for at least a 2-1, 2-2 match.

It's pretty telling that the majority of games have been 0-0, 1-1, or 1-0. I understand that nobody wants to lose, but a little 'do or die' would make things interesting. Brazil/Portugal/Cote D'Ivoire should give us that since they're going to have so much competition for those top two spots.

[Farmer Reil]

That's the point, after the first games "not losing" is no longer good enough for most teams, they'll be forced to go for the win. Which will result in more excitement, in theory.

[9 to 5]

Mexico/South Africa was an amazing game. Germany/Australia had the goals but was too one-sided. The rest has been very poor. I'm dying for at least a 2-1, 2-2 match.

It's pretty telling that the majority of games have been 0-0, 1-1, or 1-0. I understand that nobody wants to lose, but a little 'do or die' would make things interesting. Brazil/Portugal/Cote D'Ivoire should give us that since they're going to have so much competition for those top two spots.

In the Portugal/Ivory Coast match, both teams must really be thinking they have to win that one since anything against Brazil would be a bonus and both surely expect to beat North Korea. So I think they will either go for the win or play out a 0-0. The best of times, the worst of times. We will see. >_>

[The Quasi Juice]

Mexico/South Africa was an amazing game. Germany/Australia had the goals but was too one-sided. The rest has been very poor. I'm dying for at least a 2-1, 2-2 match.

It's pretty telling that the majority of games have been 0-0, 1-1, or 1-0. I understand that nobody wants to lose, but a little 'do or die' would make things interesting. Brazil/Portugal/Cote D'Ivoire should give us that since they're going to have so much competition for those top two spots.

In the Portugal/Ivory Coast match, both teams must really be thinking they have to win that one since anything against Brazil would be a bonus and both surely expect to beat North Korea. So I think they will either go for the win or play out a 0-0. The best of times, the worst of times. We will see. >_>

I'm afraid Portugal/Ivory Coast will be a DUD 0-0.

[brenchill]

I've watched every game and I think it has been great so far. Maybe you're all expecting too much compared to what you are use to watching (Premier League, Champions League, etc)? Aside from the usual footballing superpowers who have been there year in year out (Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany, etc) remember there are a lot of poor sides who are likely to play each other in the group stage and not produce thrilling games of technical brilliance. For example, Algeria/Slovenia.

[9 to 5]

Mexico/South Africa was an amazing game. Germany/Australia had the goals but was too one-sided. The rest has been very poor. I'm dying for at least a 2-1, 2-2 match.

It's pretty telling that the majority of games have been 0-0, 1-1, or 1-0. I understand that nobody wants to lose, but a little 'do or die' would make things interesting. Brazil/Portugal/Cote D'Ivoire should give us that since they're going to have so much competition for those top two spots.

In the Portugal/Ivory Coast match, both teams must really be thinking they have to win that one since anything against Brazil would be a bonus and both surely expect to beat North Korea. So I think they will either go for the win or play out a 0-0. The best of times, the worst of times. We will see. >_>

I'm afraid Portugal/Ivory Coast will be a DUD 0-0.

How much do you have on it?

[Powerhart]

Mexico/South Africa was an amazing game. Germany/Australia had the goals but was too one-sided. The rest has been very poor. I'm dying for at least a 2-1, 2-2 match.

It's pretty telling that the majority of games have been 0-0, 1-1, or 1-0. I understand that nobody wants to lose, but a little 'do or die' would make things interesting. Brazil/Portugal/Cote D'Ivoire should give us that since they're going to have so much competition for those top two spots.

In the Portugal/Ivory Coast match, both teams must really be thinking they have to win that one since anything against Brazil would be a bonus and both surely expect to beat North Korea. So I think they will either go for the win or play out a 0-0. The best of times, the worst of times. We will see. >_>

I'd love for North Korea to surprise everyone and sneak onto the 2nd place of the group by beating Portugal or Cote D'Ivoire, who seem down because of the loss of Drogba.

[9 to 5]

I think we all would.

[Dynamite]

I'd like more random shots of fit women in the crowds. It would really make some of the more dull games a bit more fun to watch. Possibly throw some in instead of 'unneccesary replay #42'?

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

The Japanese fans were happy in the bar I was in.....But I think they weren't assured enough on the ball (except for Endo who was unflustered and confident) and should have pushed for a second because goal difference may well decide second place.

[Lineker]

Might put a dollar on North Korea just for the hell of it.