what kind of World Cup is this gonna be ?

3 relatively entertaining games, an awful one and a mediocre one. (Korea Vs greece)

Lack of goals doesn't always have to correlate to a lack of excitement.

Black Magic wrote:3 relatively entertaining games, an awful one and a mediocre one. (Korea Vs greece)

Lack of goals doesn't always have to correlate to a lack of excitement.

If there were lots of goals, the average Joe who doesn't watch football the rest of the 4 years would be happy, but a lot of regular fans would be moaning about how there's a lack of quality blah blah blah


So far I've greatly enjoyed the tournament...purely in terms of football, it's been exactly what a World Cup should be - a clash of various styles of approaching the game, in every aspect from team selection to tactical shapes, to passing styles, to pace of the game, etc.

Same thing with some of the big guns not sweeping all before them in the first two days and some people finding fault with that. Had they won their games comfortably we'd be hearing "Oh this is a bit predictable isn't it? What a shit world cup!"

So far, the 'pragmatic' sides clearly have the upper hand. A lot more defensive minded formations than attacking ones. And it shows, a lack of goals despite dodgy goal keepers and the Jabulani (excuse).

Things might change in the coming matches though.

has anybody mentioned the fact that the germans have been playing with that ball for a while?

doesn't that give them a head-start?

What also has caught my eye so far is that most teams tend to defend deep, not a lot of pressing, especially in the opposition half. Teams tend to have a lot of space in the midfield, until they come close to the opposition box.

skimmer wrote:has anybody mentioned the fact that the germans have been playing with that ball for a while?

doesn't that give them a head-start?

is that true?

Cheats

debaser wrote:
is that true?

Cheats

As if it would have changed anything about Green being shit if you played with the ball for the last four years in the EPL.

blutgraetsche wrote:

debaser wrote:
is that true?

Cheats

As if it would have changed anything about Green being shit if you played with the ball for the last four years in the EPL.

So you've been playing with this ball for the last four years

Cheats

I think six months. Adidas is a German company and Bundesliga sponsor AFAIK, so...

Could have done the same, but no, you had to stick to UMBRA or whatever the fuck you wear / play on the island.

blutgraetsche wrote:I think six months. Adidas is a German company and Bundesliga sponsor AFAIK, so...

Could have done the same, but no, you had to stick to UMBRA or whatever the fuck you wear / play on the island.

The tangled web of corruption grows thicker

The tournament has been low scoring indeed, but I don't think it's because teams are deliberately playing defensive. The general level of tempo/competitiveness still seems a bit low...everything's quite friendly so far.

The tension will gradually build up as we move further in the group stage, and that will reflect in the energy level, urgency, and attacking intent (or defensive intent) of the teams.

kas wrote:The tournament has been low scoring indeed, but I don't think it's because teams are deliberately playing defensive. The general level of tempo/competitiveness still seems a bit low...everything's quite friendly so far.

The tension will gradually build up as we move further in the group stage, and that will reflect in the energy level, urgency, and attacking intent (or defensive intent) of the teams.

Well said

There is a certain fear of losing in the opening game, which has probably been exhibited by some teams. The scoring rate will certainly pick up though.

Last two tournaments, Germany's opening game has had 6 and 8 goals respectively...So here's to the Aussies scoring at least 4

Also Spain are bound to score about 7 in their first game.