The Other Football's World Cup

[Rob Iola]

Mexico 1 South Africa 1

[darell1976]

South Africa had a chance to win with a minute left but "doink" off the post. Good game though, I am so glad to see that our Vice President Joe Biden is there. Must be part of the VP job.xlolx

[andy7171]

A soccer guy on the Stephen A Smith radio this morning predicted "a high scoring game", when pushed for a final score, he said "2-1"
Soccer succks!

[darell1976]

A soccer guy on the Stephen A Smith radio this morning predicted "a high scoring game", when pushed for a final score, he said "2-1"
Soccer succks!

In events like the World Cup or Olympics there should be no ties.

[Rob Iola]

A soccer guy on the Stephen A Smith radio this morning predicted "a high scoring game", when pushed for a final score, he said "2-1"
Soccer succks!
Yeah, almost as bad as lacrosse...

[NHwildEcat]

A soccer guy on the Stephen A Smith radio this morning predicted "a high scoring game", when pushed for a final score, he said "2-1"
Soccer succks!

I bet the Redskins would be great at soccer...they don't score much either.xlolx

[AppAlum2003]

A soccer guy on the Stephen A Smith radio this morning predicted "a high scoring game", when pushed for a final score, he said "2-1"
Soccer succks!

I completely agree about the boredom factor...

But dude... you listen to the Stephen A Smith radio show? Seriously? I literally would rather have tooth picks shoved under every one of my fingernails than listen to that racist idiot.

[bkrownd]

I completely agree about the boredom factor...


Sucks to be you, I guess. xviolinx

The opening game was interesting, if a little sloppy. Looking forward to lots of sleepless nights catching some of the games. Unfortunately I can't see the US-UK game live.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Those were two of the worst World Cup games I've ever seen. Not only does South Africa have a fighting chance to come out of this group, the teams who might face any of these jokers (Argentina, Nigeria, Greece) have to be licking their chops.

[TheValleyRaider]

Today's results favor Uruguay and France. Those are the two strongest teams in the group, and now weak South Africa and Mexico have to have both of them. I didn't see any of the first game, and only the end of the 2nd, but Mexico can't have wanted to go into those last two games needing more than 2 draws if necessary

[TheValleyRaider]

Oh, and I'm obscenely glad Domenech is someone else's coach....

[ngineer]

xboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxb oringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxbor ingxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxborin gxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringx xboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxb oringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxboringxxbor ingx

[bkrownd]

Oh, such witty commentary ngineer! When college football season rolls around I'll have to remember to express my extreme boredom in all the Lehigh threads. Yes, I will visit every single boring one of them to show you the error of your school's boring ways. Boring on the field, boring brown jumpsuits, boring students, etc - it's a special theme at Lehigh.

[NHwildEcat]

Did anyone see the South African's goal celebration? I am sure they have been working on it for some time.

[NHwildEcat]

South Korea rolls 2-0...Greece has yet to score a goal in the World Cup...lol

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Argentina should be up 2-0 or 3-0, but Nigeria is holding steady at 1-0 with about 20+ minutes to go.

[ngineer]

Oh, such witty commentary ngineer! When college football season rolls around I'll have to remember to express my extreme boredom in all the Lehigh threads. Yes, I will visit every single boring one of them to show you the error of your school's boring ways. Boring on the field, boring brown jumpsuits, boring students, etc - it's a special theme at Lehigh.

Wasn't expressing boredom at the thread, which I actually find humorous. My comment is directed at the sport. Certainly, it can have "its moments", but running back and forth trying to trip whoever has the ball just doesn't register on my thrill-o-meter. I think the sport has some very good values for young kids to undertake, such as teamwork as well as great cardiovascular exercise. But, given all that, I still find the game boring. That simple.

[Rob Iola]

Did anyone see the South African's goal celebration? I am sure they have been working on it for some time.
They even worked in the sprinkler! Now if only they added the hammer dance and then finished with one of them the bowler and the rest of them pins - bowling a strike naturally - it would've been some kind of awesome...

[TheValleyRaider]

South Korea looked alright to start the day, though a bit soft in the middle. Against Argentina that could kill them, but Greece was terrible today

Odd game from the Argentines. They looked so good in the 1st half, but couldn't finish their opportunities and nearly gave away the win. Still, a good result to start, tough for a disorganized Nigeria. Nigeria and Korea should be a very interesting game

I've said my piece on England-USA in the other thread, but suffice it to say I'm happy with the result as an American. Keep up the intensity, and we'll be headed to the knockout stages

[NHwildEcat]

I watched 2 of the 3 games today and I enjoyed them very much...especially looking forward to the Germany game tomorrow!

[UMass922]

http://www.cadernox.com.br/images/posts/Nintendo_World_Cup_01.jpg

[OL FU]

Wasn't expressing boredom at the thread, which I actually find humorous. My comment is directed at the sport. Certainly, it can have "its moments", but running back and forth trying to trip whoever has the ball just doesn't register on my thrill-o-meter. I think the sport has some very good values for young kids to undertake, such as teamwork as well as great cardiovascular exercise. But, given all that, I still find the game boring. That simple.

Americans like to scorexnodx

[bkrownd]

I still find the game boring. That simple.

I find your opinion boring, that simple.

[bkrownd]

The one I've been looking forward to most is up: Netherlands vs. Denmark. Cameroon v Japan after should be interesting too.

Unfortunately I had to miss the South Korea game, but there will be another. Loved watching them in 2002.

[TheValleyRaider]

Germany was....very good. Best performance by a team so far in the Cup. I'm not prepared to say they're favorites again (certainly not with Brazil and Spain still yet to play), but maybe they really won't miss Ballack that much. Or at least, not enough to fail to take the group. We'll see how a more confident Ghana plays them, but Germany has to feel good right now

[ngineer]

Americans like to scorexnodx

..at least this one. ;)

"Oh, honey!......"

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Holland 2 Denmark 0 <-- Danes goof with own goal and can't recover

Japan 1 Cameroon 0 <-- Upset! Japan had done nothing while Cameroon was a good bet to reach the round of 16

And don't look now... but...

Paraguay 1 Italy 0 56 minutes in.... upset?????

[PhoenixSupreme]

http://www.cadernox.com.br/images/posts/Nintendo_World_Cup_01.jpg

OMG...that is my favorite video game ever! Argentina was unstoppable in that game

[Lehigh Football Nation]

DeRossi scores! All tied up at 1-1 now.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

And that's how it ends. Another European power "loses" in a 1-1 tie. :)\

The only other loser? My World Cup fantasy team xlolx

[OhioHen]

trying to trip whoever has the ball .

Isn't that the primary goal of the defense in American football?

[NHwildEcat]

New Zealand scored in the 3rd minute of Extra time to tie the game and essentially "upset" Slovakia. The announcers were so stunned at this last second shocker...it was the first goal New Zealand had ever scored in the World Cup...and this is their first appearance since 1982 I believe...

Huge set back for Sovakia...

Group of death has begun now with the Ivory Coast facing Portugal.

[PhoenixSupreme]

I expect North Korea to completely dominate Brazil and the rest of the Group of Death en route to winning the entire World Cup...with South Korea as its finals opponent xrulesxxeekxxlolx

[PaladinFan]

I expect North Korea to completely dominate Brazil and the rest of the Group of Death en route to winning the entire World Cup...with South Korea as its finals opponent xrulesxxeekxxlolx

I've heard that the state run media in North Korea will not report anything if they lose. Even if they lose, the media might just report that they won...the entire tournament.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I expect North Korea to completely dominate Brazil and the rest of the Group of Death en route to winning the entire World Cup...with South Korea as its finals opponent xrulesxxeekxxlolx

It's too bad the Americans, South Africans and Brazilians all "poisoned" them, making them lose. xlolx

[PhoenixSupreme]

I've heard that the state run media in North Korea will not report anything if they lose. Even if they lose, the media might just report that they won...the entire tournament.

I mean with kicking like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku7t1iSpViw&feature=player_embedded), it's hard to understand how North Korea could ever lose a game

[Dane96]

New Zealand scored in the 3rd minute of Extra time to tie the game and essentially "upset" Slovakia. The announcers were so stunned at this last second shocker...it was the first goal New Zealand had ever scored in the World Cup...and this is their first appearance since 1982 I believe...

Huge set back for Sovakia...

Group of death has begun now with the Ivory Coast facing Portugal.

Not the first goal for new Zealand. They scored twice in 1982 in a 5-2 loss to Scotland.

That said, this is a big blow to Slovakia as New Zealand has NO chance to advance. Slovakia has to beat Paraguy if they expect to advance..then it will come down to goals (if Paraguay beats New Zealand...which I fully expect).

[NHwildEcat]

Not the first goal for new Zealand. They scored twice in 1982 in a 5-2 loss to Scotland.

That said, this is a big blow to Slovakia as New Zealand has NO chance to advance. Slovakia has to beat Paraguy if they expect to advance..then it will come down to goals (if Paraguay beats New Zealand...which I fully expect).

Good call, you are correct. I did see though, that they had a goal differential of -10 xsmileyclapx

[Lehigh Football Nation]

In the surprise of the tournament, the score is after 35 minutes...

Brazil 0 North Korea 0

Can you imagine if North Korea actually wins this game?

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

In the surprise of the tournament, the score is after 35 minutes...

Brazil 0 North Korea 0

Can you imagine if North Korea actually wins this game?

It might give them the cover they need to announce lil' Kim's demise ("The Dear Leader was so overcome with joy at the news of our glorious victory over the Brazilian puppets of the gangster Americans...").

Hell, I'd be happy if they beat US if that was the eventual outcome xnodx xnodx xnodx.

[th0m]

I've heard that the state run media in North Korea will not report anything if they lose. Even if they lose, the media might just report that they won...the entire tournament.

Actually, that's a pretty sweet deal if you ask me.

[TheValleyRaider]

In the surprise of the tournament, the score is after 35 minutes...

Brazil 0 North Korea 0

Can you imagine if North Korea actually wins this game?

2-1 Brazil

Twas not meant to be

Still, that would have gone quite convincingly with their 1966 win over Italy xeekx

[TexasTerror]

Looks like South Africa is going to be relatively hard-pressed to avoid becoming the first host nation not to make out of the group stage...

And how about the Swiss upsetting Spain? Chile's win over Honduras was expected.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

South Africa is screwed. They're rooting like heck now for a France/Mexico tie tomorrow. If Les Tricolores get three points, they're basically finished. They have to hope that France ties or wins a low scoring game tomorrow and then turn around and beat France - and even then it might not be enough.

Mexico will be kicking themselves about giving up the tie in the first game. If they lose tomorrow, they're behind the eight ball as well.

I picked a 1-1 tie in the Switzerland game, and would have been right had one of the 25 (!) shots from Spain found their way into the net. Casillas' casual clearance has put them seriously in danger of elimination as well. I could EASILY see Chile beat Spain and be top of this group. Spain will beat Honduras, though. Away from home and their bizarre artificial turf, Honduras is terrible.

[bkrownd]

Chile looked good. Not just in comparison to their opponents, but in the way they played the ball.

Talking about bizarre turf, remember the 1994 US-Switzerland game in the Silver Dome with the sod pallet field? :D That was so Detroit...

[tribe_pride]

South America looks strong so far. I know it's early but in 6 games, they are 4-0-2 (if you are international, 4-2-0 - either way no losses and 2 ties). Will be interesting to see if the strength will continue through the end of the WC and see if they get an additional 1/2 or 1 spot in the Cup in 4 years over the 4.5 they had this year.

[bkrownd]

I'd love to see Uruguay go all the way to the final, as a bit of historical curiosity, but I was unable to check out their unfortunate dismantling of SA.

Mexico looks doomed - they did not impress against South Africa.

[TexasTerror]

Hitler is not too happy with the vuvuzelas...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Ln_rqPpPk

[bkrownd]

Mexico looks doomed - they did not impress against South Africa.


Wow, where is the gang of sleepwalkers Mexico fielded against South Africa? Were they sandbagging?

[NHwildEcat]

I was shocked to see the Mexico/France score...I never thought the Mexicans had it in them...glad they took out their aggressions on France!

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

Perhaps the Mexicans used the always effective strategy of speaking German against the French...

[TheDancinMonarch]

The Mexicans just threatened to send boatloads of their citizens to "immigrate" to France as they are doing to the US. The French took the easy way out.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

France looked flat-out terrible during the game, I just finished watching it. Domenech ought to be drawn and quartered for his game management - putting in Gignac and some other scrub in instead of Henry or Cisse, especially one goal down? Granted, Anelka was terrible but his two subs were basically useless.

France deserves to lose. And I am a fan of their team.

But credit to Mexico, their first goal was clean (stupid William Gallas didn't draw him offsides) and Abidal's tackle was a clear penalty kick. And I hate Mexico and I'm saying this! :P

[CopperCat]

So interesting story about the Mexico-France tilt yesterday. I'm in Kaiserslautern, Germany, so we decided to go out on the town last night for a bit of local flavor given that the world cup is happening. As fate would have it, we all ended up sitting next to some guys who were from France, and we all put a round of beers up as a bet that Mexico would win the game. Two goals later and some VERY pissed off frenchman, this guy didn't have to buy a single beer all night. Turns out these guys were actually pretty cool, they partied with us most of the night. If you haven't seen Europe while the World Cup is happening, I highly recommend it.

[Rob Iola]

So interesting story about the Mexico-France tilt yesterday. I'm in Kaiserslautern, Germany, so we decided to go out on the town last night for a bit of local flavor given that the world cup is happening. As fate would have it, we all ended up sitting next to some guys who were from France, and we all put a round of beers up as a bet that Mexico would win the game. Two goals later and some VERY pissed off frenchman, this guy didn't have to buy a single beer all night. Turns out these guys were actually pretty cool, they partied with us most of the night. If you haven't seen Europe while the World Cup is happening, I highly recommend it.
.
.
I'm guessing the Germans aren't a whole lot happier this morning (afternoon?), unless things change in the final 30 against Serbia - red card, missed PK, weak loss when they looked like the cl*** of the tourney...

[biggie]

...And Germany is upset.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Horrible call on the red card vs. Germany, and it changed the course of the game. The big loser in all of this might be, oddly, Ghana. ***uming they beat Australia next game (not a guarantee), they may need to tie Germany (or hope for an Australian upset over Serbia) to guarantee p***age even though they'd have six points.

Germany will be fine and may still finish top of the group. As a US fan, it was heartening to see the flip side of Germany - give me hope that we could beat them.

Serbia, oddly enough, might be sitting pretty with 3 points and a tiebreaker over Germany. A 3-0 win over Australia - something that seems achievable - could put them in first.

[bkrownd]

Serious chance none of the African teams will make it past the group stage. A few have looked awful. Would be disappointing for that to happen.

[tribe_pride]

Western Hemisphere has only 1 loss (Honduras who lost to Chile) in 12 games - 6 wins, 1 loss and 5 ties.

[bkrownd]

England: always underwhelming

[CopperCat]

.
.
I'm guessing the Germans aren't a whole lot happier this morning (afternoon?), unless things change in the final 30 against Serbia - red card, missed PK, weak loss when they looked like the cl*** of the tourney...

Flat out pissed would be a pretty good description, so yes. After scoring FOUR GOALS they couldn't put one in against Serbia, which frankly was pretty pathetic.

On another note, that ref that screwed the US should be put to the curb after that call.

[PhoenixSupreme]

So France's team is in shambles now.

In addition to very likely not advancing to the 2nd round, and having Nicolaus Anelka, one of their better strikers, kicked off the team for his criticisms, the French team is refusing to practice which has led to the French football federation director to frustratingly resign from his position

Anelka's expulsion is partially a result of his objectiveness of his coach and his refusal to apologize when given the chance. However one of France's former players, Lizarazu, thinks his removal was justifiable as Anelka has shown zero effort in his matches, including just strolling in the match with Mexico rather than jogging. I didn't closely watch Anelka in that particular match but it seems like he's a "pot calling the kettle black" right now. His removal from the squad may have been for the best anyways, since France right now doesn't need any distractions as they need a good win and some luck for their next match.

However, judging from the post-Anelka reactions, I'd say there is a mutiny on hand right now. Their coach was never really popular prior to the World Cup anyways, but the team is showing their signs of outrage by skipping the practice. One has to wonder if their's a slight chance France may skip the 3rd match entirely.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Anelka has always, always, always been an ***. He was invisible in the first half versus Mexico.

[Dane96]

The French, in proper English (Britain) slang are a bunch of C's. Really...you have the opportunity to represent your country...forget the coach...go out and ****ing play.

Bunch of whiney *****es.

[biggie]

You mean the French surrendered? Shocking. :)


The Brazil/Ivory Coast fiasco was entertaining. Shoving, yelling, yellow/red cards, dudes getting an elbow in the chest and go down holding their face...

[bkrownd]

The Brazil/Ivory Coast fiasco was entertaining. Shoving, yelling, yellow/red cards, dudes getting an elbow in the chest and go down holding their face...

That's basically how much of the world operates on a daily basis. I've heard some really interesting stories about Brazil, in particular.

I love the players that wag their fingers scoldingly at the ref. Children.

[Franks Tanks]

The flopping in soccer is very hard to deal with. I am not a big soccer fan, but I am enjoying the world cup and appreciate these players as some of the best athletes on the planet. However, the acting, pleading and down right flopping turns me and other americans off big time. Go out there are play an honest hard fought game. Americans value this is their sports-- other countries apparently not so much.

Even when a legitimate (somewhat) injury is sustained the guys still flop around like they were shot. I saw one guy get elbowed in the ribs and go down in incredibly intense pain, and he laid there for minutes. It was a shot the guy could feel but it was a mild elbow. Guys in the NBA get similar elbows every time the fight for a rebound in that paint. Why do soccer players roll around like little girls everytime someone touches them?

[biggie]

Faking injuries is probably what turns me off from watching soccer to begin with (combined with the luls). Real injuries are more entertaining.

Few years ago at a co-ed soccer tourney right before our game a girl got kicked in the shin, we were 100yds away and heard the bone snap and then her scream. That was dispite the shin guard. Kind of made us not want to play though.

[Franks Tanks]

Thats gross. Soccer is a quite physical sport and has some gruesome injuries. But seriosly dude if get bumped with an elbow just kep playing--you're fine!

[PaladinFan]

The flopping in soccer is very hard to deal with. I am not a big soccer fan, but I am enjoying the world cup and appreciate these players as some of the best athletes on the planet. However, the acting, pleading and down right flopping turns me and other americans off big time. Go out there are play an honest hard fought game. Americans value this is their sports-- other countries apparently not so much.

Even when a legitimate (somewhat) injury is sustained the guys still flop around like they were shot. I saw one guy get elbowed in the ribs and go down in incredibly intense pain, and he laid there for minutes. It was a shot the guy could feel but it was a mild elbow. Guys in the NBA get similar elbows every time the fight for a rebound in that paint. Why do soccer players roll around like little girls everytime someone touches them?

I can appreciate that if I am running at a full bore and something clips me, I will fly into a large heap. I also think the game is more physical than people give it credit for being.

Trying to curry favor by faking fouls, according to my soccer friends, is something the game tries to deal with. It is, in a word, cheating. The referees are good, but certainly not good enough to determine the fine line between foul and theatrics.

The only comparison I've found in American sport is from Wide Receivers. They are about the only athletes I know of that really make a show of fouls and try to plead with the referees to make a call that may, or may not be, warranted. I get the same feeling watching a guy flop in a soccer match as I do watching a wideout motion for a flag every time he fails to catch a pass.

[bkrownd]

Trying to curry favor by faking fouls, according to my soccer friends, is something the game tries to deal with. It is, in a word, cheating. The referees are good, but certainly not good enough to determine the fine line between foul and theatrics.


FIFA needs to set up a system to review video after every game and hand out match and tournament bans for the cheats, and post the videos to the web site to shame them. There's no excuse for letting these fakers go back on the field after everybody has seen clear evidence of what they did.

[Big Al]

Actually, isn't deliberately taking a dive worth a yellow card?

Instant replay wouldn't be that hard to implement. Would have cured several really stupid moments in the cup to date.

[NHwildEcat]

Today's play will wrap up both Group A and Group B. Below are the relevant scenarios:

GROUP A

Uruguay advances with:
(a) Wins group with win or tie versus Mexico
(b) Loss and France-South Africa tie
(c) Loss and winner of France-South Africa does not make up tiebreakers

Mexico advances with:
(a) Win group with win versus Uruguay
(b) Tie versus Uruguay
(c) Loss and France-South Africa tie
(d) Loss and winner of France-South Africa doesn't make up tiebreaker

France/South Africa advance with:
(a) Win and and make up tiebreaker on loser of Mexico-Uruguay
(b) Both are out with a tie or a Mexico-Uruguay tie

GROUP B

Argentina advances with:
(a) Win or tie versus Greece
(b) South Korea tie/loss versus Nigeria
(c) Loss as long as both South Korea and Greece do not make up tiebreakers

South Korea advances with:
(a) Win versus Nigeria and Greece does not either (1) win by greater margin, or (2) win by same margin and score 2+ more goals
(b) Tie and Greece tie/loss

Greece advances with:
(a) Win versus Argentina and South Korea tie/loss
(b) Win by greater margin than South Korea
(c) Win by same margin as South Korea and score 2+ more goals
(d) Tie and South Korea loss
(e) Win by 3+ goals

Nigeria advances with:
(a) Win versus South Korea and Argentina win

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5305482/ce/us/group-stage-scenarios?cc=5901&ver=us

[NHwildEcat]

At the half of the Group A games, its Uruguay leading Mexico 1-0, and South Africa beating up on France 2-0. If these scores hold till the final horn then both Uruguay and Mexico would advance as the 1/2 respetively due to the goal differential on behalf of Mexico.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Interestingly, if Uruguay wins 2-0 and South Africa wins 3-0, South Africa advances over Mexico (goal diff would be same, head-to-head was a tie, but Bafana would have scored more goals).

Something very, very interesting to watch. Especially since France is at ten men (questionably) and demoralized. It would not be a shock to see Bafana Bafana win 4-0, and if Uruguay holds on 1-0 then South Africa advances as well.

From ESPN: Scenario update: 3-0 Uruguay and 2-0 South Africa would be a draw of lots.

[CrackerRiley]

I feel, limiting the power of the red and yellow cards would deter(sp) players from flopping so much. It's only done to try to get a card for the other players. I can almost understand kicking a player out of a match for a red card but making them sit for the NEXT game for that or two yellows is way too excessive for me. Let what happens in the current match determine the strategy not the current game AND the next one.

[Franks Tanks]

I can appreciate that if I am running at a full bore and something clips me, I will fly into a large heap. I also think the game is more physical than people give it credit for being.

Trying to curry favor by faking fouls, according to my soccer friends, is something the game tries to deal with. It is, in a word, cheating. The referees are good, but certainly not good enough to determine the fine line between foul and theatrics.

The only comparison I've found in American sport is from Wide Receivers. They are about the only athletes I know of that really make a show of fouls and try to plead with the referees to make a call that may, or may not be, warranted. I get the same feeling watching a guy flop in a soccer match as I do watching a wideout motion for a flag every time he fails to catch a pass.


I certainly understand getting kicked in the shin by a sliding defenseman would be very painful. Soccer is quite physical and has some incredible athletes, that Drogba guy from the Ivory Coast and Altidor look like they can play safety in the NFL.

[NHwildEcat]

I feel, limiting the power of the red and yellow cards would deter(sp) players from flopping so much. It's only done to try to get a card for the other players. I can almost understand kicking a player out of a match for a red card but making them sit for the NEXT game for that or two yellows is way too excessive for me. Let what happens in the current match determine the strategy not the current game AND the next one.

I completely agree with you! It makes good sense to kick someone out for a gross penalty of a game, but then to have that player not available for the next game is almost criminal! There are too many cards really.

[Franks Tanks]

I completely agree with you! It makes good sense to kick someone out for a gross penalty of a game, but then to have that player not available for the next game is almost criminal! There are too many cards really.

The refs have way too much control in international soccer. How many matches have been severaly impacted by cards or penalties?

[NHwildEcat]

...and that is it for Group A. Uruguay wins 1-0, and South Africa wins 2-1.

The final standings for the group are:

1 Uruguay 2-0-1 GF 4 GA 0 7pts
2 Mexico 1-1-1 GF 3 GA 2 4pts
3 South Africa 1-1-1 GF 3 GA 5 4pts
4 France 0-2-1 GF 1 GA 4 1pts

Uruguay is the 1A, and Mexico is 2A.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Next up:



GROUP B

Argentina advances with:
(a) Win or tie versus Greece
(b) South Korea tie/loss versus Nigeria
(c) Loss as long as both South Korea and Greece do not make up tiebreakers

South Korea advances with:
(a) Win versus Nigeria and Greece does not either (1) win by greater margin, or (2) win by same margin and score 2+ more goals
(b) Tie and Greece tie/loss

Greece advances with:
(a) Win versus Argentina and South Korea tie/loss
(b) Win by greater margin than South Korea
(c) Win by same margin as South Korea and score 2+ more goals
(d) Tie and South Korea loss
(e) Win by 3+ goals

Nigeria advances with:
(a) Win versus South Korea and Argentina win

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5305482/ce/us/group-stage-scenarios?cc=5901&ver=us

A very weird set of possibilities here. But Argentina, unless they get blown out, is almost assured of moving forward. What's interesting is Nigeria - if they win and Argentina wins, they both advance - and it looks like Maradona is taking no prisoners in this game coming up.

Also, a fearless prediction: Messi will score at least once vs. the Greeks. Bank on it.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

An early goal by Nigeria gives them a 1-0 lead.

In right now: Argentina, Greece

[biggie]

S Korea ties it at 1.

[NHwildEcat]

South Korea ties it up 1-1 in their game vs. Nigeria.

In right now: Argentina, South Korea

[Lehigh Football Nation]

South Korea ties it up 1-1 in their game vs. Nigeria.

In right now: Argentina, Nigeria

Small correction: In right now: Argentina, South Korea

No worries, though. Glad someone's paying attention! :D

[NHwildEcat]

Small correction: In right now: Argentina, South Korea

No worries, though. Glad someone's paying attention! :D

Funny thing...I was thinking South Korea in my mind but typed Nigeria anyways...my mind is terrible sometimes.

I wish I would watch the US game tomorrow...**** career! xlolx

[NHwildEcat]

Half time on both games...all stays the same as stated above!

[biggie]

At least listening to the Scottish guy call the Greece/Arg game is fun.

Greece just missed a great chance, just wide when the keeper had guessed wrong.

[bkrownd]

I completely agree with you! It makes good sense to kick someone out for a gross penalty of a game, but then to have that player not available for the next game is almost criminal! There are too many cards really.

What sport are you watching? Malicious fouls are an extremely serious matter, and the match ban is very appropriate. Some of the worst cases should be expelled from the whole tournament. The cards are there to keep fighting, dangerous play, intentionally disturbing the flow of play, dissent, etc under control. Even with cards and their consequences some players still regularly try to get away with ridiculous behavior. Many of these things are a greater threat to the sport than flopping.

[biggie]

S Korea up 2-1.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

South Korean goal makes it 2-1, off a set-piece strike by Park Chu-Young, the striker from Monaco. Super Eagles look like they're finished, unless they claw two (or three?) back.

In right now: Argentina, South Korea

South Africa - eliminated. Nigeria - almost certain to be eliminated now. Cameroon - eliminated. That leaves Ghana and Algeria as the last chances for Africa to qualify for the knockout rounds. It's a real possibility that the only wins by an African nation will be Ghana's win over Serbia and South Africa's win over pathetic France, who was missing a good hunk of their team.

[NHwildEcat]

What sport are you watching? Malicious fouls are an extremely serious matter, and the match ban is very appropriate. Some of the worst cases should be expelled from the whole tournament. The cards are there to keep fighting, dangerous play, intentionally disturbing the flow of play, dissent, etc under control. Even with cards and their consequences some players still regularly try to get away with ridiculous behavior. Many of these things are a greater threat to the sport than flopping.

The real problem is the way these players were taught the game. And that is a cultural thing...these officals have very little control over the players, but when they do they tend to make large errors that have cost teams. If a player is dirty then FIFA needs to step up and ban that player from participating in the tournament...but I still say the red cards suspension is crap.

[NHwildEcat]

South Korean goal makes it 2-1, off a set-piece strike by Park Chu-Young, the striker from Monaco. Super Eagles look like they're finished, unless they claw two (or three?) back.

In right now: Argentina, South Korea

South Africa - eliminated. Nigeria - almost certain to be eliminated now. Cameroon - eliminated. That leaves Ghana and Algeria as the last chances for Africa to qualify for the knockout rounds. It's a real possibility that the only wins by an African nation will be Ghana's win over Serbia and South Africa's win over pathetic France, who was missing a good hunk of their team.

Hell, Ghana has a good shot at being the top team out of their group!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Hell, Ghana has a good shot at being the top team out of their group!

If they beat Germany... and let's just say I'm not picking Ghana to beat them with Germany's backs against the wall. They're a lot closer to the team that beat Australia 4-0 than the team that got screwed against Serbia.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Penalty kick for Nigeria!

[NHwildEcat]

If they beat Germany... and let's just say I'm not picking Ghana to beat them with Germany's backs against the wall. They're a lot closer to the team that beat Australia 4-0 than the team that got screwed against Serbia.

You're right...and I believe that as long as the US wins tomorrow, and Germany wins, the US would play Ghana in the round of 16?! Which, obviously would be our prefered choice when the other option is Germany.

[NHwildEcat]

Nigeria goal! 2-2.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Yakubu converts the penalty! 2-2 in a real exciting game. (In comparison to the 0-0 snoozefest in the Argentina/Greece game.)

In right now: Argentina, South Korea

Can Argentina and Nigeria score in the next twenty minutes????? If so, Argentina and Nigeria advance....

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Nigeria definitely has a shot here, but they need Messi to get that goal I promised earlier.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

.. And Argentina gets it!!! 1-0 Argentina thanks to Demichelis!

In right now: Argentina, South Korea

Nigeria can do this! Go Super Eagles!

[NHwildEcat]

Argentina scores again! 2-0...this one is over.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Argentina up 2-0 now. Can Nigeria pick this off?

In right now: Argentina, South Korea

[NHwildEcat]

Nigeria will be kicking themselves if they can't put one in right now.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Nigeria will be kicking themselves if they can't put one in right now.

Agonizing. It's full time and they could not do it. Boy, I feel for those Nigeria fans.

[NHwildEcat]

Now...it is really time to look forward to tomorrow's games...Hoping the US can pull out a W...which helps them gain the #1 spot in the Group! And, I usually root for Germany anyways, but by rooting for them tomorrow it helps because they have Ghana and I would love to see the US play Ghana on Saturday!

[bkrownd]

If a player is dirty then FIFA needs to step up and ban that player from participating in the tournament...but I still say the red cards suspension is crap.

You contradict yourself in this statement.

[Rob Iola]

What the heck was Greece doing out there? I know that they were seriously outclassed, but they pretty much knew at half-time that they had to win to advance, and yet they refused to open up...

[NHwildEcat]

You contradict yourself in this statement.

No I don't. You can still give a player a red card during a game. What I am saying is that it shouldn't be an automatic that the player can't play the following game. If FIFA wants to review it and then decide that the play was dirty enough, they can then suspend the player. But it should not be dictated by an on field official that's all.

[bkrownd]

Red card == dirty play. That's why they have red cards in the first place. Otherwise it's toothless.

[TheValleyRaider]

Any Round of 16 predictions beyond the USA game?

Here's what I'm thinking:
Uruguay - South Korea Uruguay The South Americans have had a strong tournament, though Korea may be the best team they've seen so far. They may not be able to avoid conceding their first goal of the tournament, but Uruguay toughs out this one

United States - Ghana United States Tough matchup to predict, could go either way. Homer it up boys and girls, Stars and Stripes win a 2006 rematch

Argentina - Mexico Argentina I'm still not 100% sold on Argentina, but that's for when they play the big boys. Mexico has had a nice Cup, but they did not want this matchup here. Messi leads his team to the Quarters

Germany - England Germany England hasn't played well, Germany has been a bit inconsistent. But the Germans will be fielding a full lineup, and however long it takes, the Germans win

Netherlands - Slovakia Netherlands The Dutch have somewhat quietly been having a nice tournament, winning workmanlike games in the group, which is generally not their forte. Slovakia has been inconsistent (remember how poor they looked against Paraguay) and vulnerable to late goals (New Zealand and Italy). Holland may yet crash out spectacularly, but not here

Brazil - Chile Brazil Still my pick to win it all, the Brazilians have done what they needed. More professional than usual, they look tough and focused. Chile is no slouch, however, and will make their South American counterparts work for it

Paraguay - Japan Paraguay Really not sure what to make of this one, except I've been more impressed with Paraguay so far than Japan. This World Cup, picking South America has been the best plan, so I'll do it here too

Spain - Portugal Spain The Spaniards seem to have recovered from their opening game disaster, and I don't buy Portugal as strong enough defensively against the World Cup's fantasy lineup

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

Ghana 1-0.

Crud.

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

Back even after the PK.

[AlphaSigMD]

In my opinion, Josey Altidore has been as big a bust in this World Cup as Landon Donovan was in the last one. Zero goals, numerous mistakes, not communicating well with any of the other strikers.

Also, why doesn't he cover his heart during the national anthem? Every other U.S. player does. He has not in any of the 4 World Cup matches.

[tribe_pride]

Only difference is that I did not expect much from Altidore. Donovan was supposed to be up there 4 years ago and showed why this year. Our forwards are not strong and can't finish. Look who scored for the US this World Cup - Donovan 3 goals, Dempsey 1 goal, Bradley 1 goal. How many of them are Forwards - 0.

Our D today showed how poor we are there too. Our best positions are Midfield and Goalie.

[Franks Tanks]

In my opinion, Josey Altidore has been as big a bust in this World Cup as Landon Donovan was in the last one. Zero goals, numerous mistakes, not communicating well with any of the other strikers.

Also, why doesn't he cover his heart during the national anthem? Every other U.S. player does. He has not in any of the 4 World Cup matches.

Altidore and our D was disapointing. Ghana was also just more athletic at just about every position, they deverved the win.

[thefortyniner]

In my opinion, Josey Altidore has been as big a bust in this World Cup as Landon Donovan was in the last one. Zero goals, numerous mistakes, not communicating well with any of the other strikers.

Also, why doesn't he cover his heart during the national anthem? Every other U.S. player does. He has not in any of the 4 World Cup matches.

Altidore is one World Cup goal away from being a big, big, big deal.

He's young, this was his first WC, and he played like it. Every chance he got resulted in a rookie error... he got too excited, too anxious, and instead of staying cool, he tried to kick the hell out of it.

Once he gets one (and it will happen in the next cycle) and realizes that staying cool in those situations is most important, I think he's going to go on a tear.

I think we have a good core to build on for Brazil 2014, and really think that we can make a decent run there. This year, we just got outplayed... 'cardiac kid' kept us in it for a while, but that had to run out, and it did.

Here's to Argentina carrying the day from here out. Or Uruguay, my sentimental favorite.

[NHwildEcat]

GO GERMANY!!!

[bkrownd]

Robinho: foul-mouthed punk

Looked like that game would descend into a back-alley brawl for a while. Lots of attitude out there.

Netherlands failed to take a bunch of shots after working the ball into the penalty area. They better fix that for next game.

[Franks Tanks]

Uruguay-Ghana game had an incredible ending. On free kick in the last play of extra time Ghana was denied a sure goal by a handball by Luis Suarez. They were given a penalty kick and the kick was missed. Ouch

On to the 5 penalty kick tie breaker!

[TexasTerror]

So essentially the handball inches from the goal by Luis Suarez saved Uruguay and allows them to advance after winning in PKs? He literally "took one for the team"...??

[Franks Tanks]

So essentially the handball inches from the goal by Luis Suarez saved Uruguay and allows them to advance after winning in PKs? He literally "took one for the team"...??

He played with fire and won. Suarez will be out for the next match but tiny Uruguay reaches the semi's for the 1st time in 40 years.

[tribe_pride]

Suarez had 0 choice but to reach his hand out there. If he doesn't do that, his team is definitely out. If he does, his team is likely out (and he is definitely out next game) but he gives his team a chance. Great unselfish reaction play. I wonder if there has ever been a better red card taken (based on timing and importance of game)

All that said, there is no excuse not to get the shot on goal. If the keeper saves it, so be it but it needs to go on goal. The Netherlands PK over the goal was even worse. The 2 saves by the Netherlands goalie, while not great shots, made the keeper work for the save. I also liked getting Gyan to take the first shot for Ghana. It showed faith that he would score on his next PK chance.

[TheValleyRaider]

Crazy ending to that last one

Netherlands - Uruguay should be an interesting semifinal, or at least would be more so if the Dutch were a bit more like their usual free-flowing selves

Uruguay plus the winner of Germany-Argenina tomorrow will be the only previous winners left in the Semifinals. As of right now, I might be rooting for a Spain-Netherlands final. A sure first-time winner

[Gil Dobie]

Just getting ready to watch Uraguay v Dutch match at 12:30 CST.

[bkrownd]

xrotatehx

Sorry to see Uruguay go after making a good run at resurrecting past glory. Should have been Ghana in that spot, anyhow. Well, maybe 2014. !Anyhow!, I have cleaned out Ace Hardware of orange spray paint:

[NHwildEcat]

Today, Germany will win and thus be positioned to win it all on Sunday.

And, at least Uruguay will be able to play again on Saturday...even though, I know they would rather be playing one day later.

[bkrownd]

Today, Germany will win and thus be positioned to win it all on Sunday.


...before you hit the edit button, let's get another look at this... xrolleyesx <g>

Don't dare contradict the psychic octopus!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/europe/10521867.stm

[TheValleyRaider]

As of right now, I might be rooting for a Spain-Netherlands final. A sure first-time winner

xthumbsupx

[bkrownd]

The psychic octopus only knows Deutschland, so we're on our own for predicting the final. It will be refreshing to have a new winner.

[bkrownd]

I wonder why they still have the 3rd place game. It made sense way back when there was a second round-robin group stage, and the 3rd place game was played by the runner-ups in the groups. Since the final stages have for a while been single elimination all the way it just ends up sending one team out with two losses and giving the other an unsatisfying win. IMO

[biggie]

Crazy that as little as I know about soccer I picked the finals matchup on ESPNs fantasy game.