WORLD CUP 2014

[squ1d]

So important, it comes in all caps.

Come on England !

[Rommie]

Yeah, good luck w that.

Did up my bracket this past weekend with my brother, for our work (I can win a tshirt and eternal fame!). Looks like my final teams are Brazil, Italy, Germany, and Argentina.

I think the Dutch may well make the playoffs (not counting on them beating Spain on Friday, but then I'm busy partying at my cousin's wedding then anyway) but won't get much further. Alas I think this year with the US having the bracket of death we really aren't getting too far.

[squ1d]

Australia's group is worse than USA's, can't see them going far. By far, I mean anywhere.

Netherlands should get through.

Screw Germany, Italy and Argentina, cheating diving bastards the lot of them.

Italy aren't that flash. Knocked us out of Euro 2012 quarter finals on penalties only.

If and when England bite the bullet, I would like to see Spain win again.

Ross Barkley has a chance to shine.

3 LIONS!

[Rommie]

Ah well if I learned anything in the last Euro Cup it's that you really can't predict too much how teams will do based on what they did just the last time. Four years ago the Netherlands was in the finals, two years ago they didn't even win a single game! (There was a lot of soul searching in this country from that...) But yeah, I really don't think Australia will be getting far either, tough bracket.

[FZR1KG]

Luckily the Aussies only have to play Chile, the Netherlands and Spain, all traditionally weak teams.
Now if they were grouped with Fiji for example, we'd have no shot.

[squ1d]

Ah well if I learned anything in the last Euro Cup it's that you really can't predict too much how teams will do based on what they did just the last time. Four years ago the Netherlands was in the finals, two years ago they didn't even win a single game! (There was a lot of soul searching in this country from that...) But yeah, I really don't think Australia will be getting far either, tough bracket.

OK then how about after the Euros when World Cup Finals qualifier was about to start we beat them 2-1 in a friendly

Not saying we're gonna win on Sunday, we have never beaten them in a World Cup Finals game, they are a good team with some great players, but I don't favour them overall.

Plus I just hate them because they are diving pansies.

[squ1d]

I have some great memories of watching the Dutch, but whatever happened to Cruyff and Total Football, or even van Basten? They did well in 2010 but were fundamentally embarrassed by Spain in the final. 28% possession I think they achieved from memory. But then, Spain embarrassed everyone except the Swiss.

Netherlands vs Germany games.... Only the Dutch hate the Germans more than we do. Some really good sportsmanship there. Rijkaard spitting in Rudi Vollers hair twice during their clash in 90 was a particular highlight.

Wish the Dutch had won that one then we would have avoided the epic dive that led to Gazza being sent off in the semi final and possibly lifted the cup again.

[squ1d]

My other observation after putting some bets down and seeing the odds is Brazil - they are obviously time honored performers with the home ground advantage, always a chance, but they are waaaaaaaaay short in odds in my opinion, there are better teams at this world cup.

[FZR1KG]

Notice how I'm ignored. It's tough being me! lol

[squ1d]

Notice how I'm ignored. It's tough being me! lol

Croatia vs Brazil in 12 hours

[squ1d]

For me the best teams on paper are Germany, Spain, Brazil, Argentina. I haven't checked the schedule to see if it's possible if they could be the last 4.

[Rommie]

It actually is!

Off to Hungary tonight, where they tend to support the Croatian team in that "well we used to own a lot of it!" kind of way. Thing is I'm going to a little village allegedly an hour out from the airport- it was 2.5 hours by public transport so found a shuttle- so hope I make it in time for kickoff!

[squ1d]

It actually is!

Off to Hungary tonight, where they tend to support the Croatian team in that "well we used to own a lot of it!" kind of way. Thing is I'm going to a little village allegedly an hour out from the airport- it was 2.5 hours by public transport so found a shuttle- so hope I make it in time for kickoff!

Enjoy, but don't kill any Gypsies they might be my cousins.

I hope that, in the tradition of opening game disasters, Croatia can poison the well !

[FZR1KG]

That penalty was so full of shit.

[pumpkinpi]

I have a vested interest in rooting for Colombia, because I will be working on a project with an institution there and traveling to Medellin next spring.

[squ1d]

This game is AMAZING.

Watching Spain is like watching the latest Indiana Jones movie.

[Morrolan]

This game is AMAZING.

Watching Spain is like watching the latest Indiana Jones movie.

In what role? the big nazi who ends up in the propellor of that weird plane in One, or the sacrifice who gets his heart torn out in Two?



Go Oranje!

[Rommie]

USA vs Ghana tonight at midnight here. I usually meet with the boss at 940am but think I'm going to trade with someone later so I can catch it- only match we're likely to do well in this year, so I'd hate to miss it.

USA! USA! USA!

[squ1d]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG4W0LbIvW0

Indiana Jones = Spain
Steven Speilberg / George Lucas = Netherlands

[Rommie]

Staying up for USA vs Ghana was well worth it! First goal was the quickest world cup one yet- in in 30 seconds, blink and you miss it- but the last few minutes were exciting too.

Even better, red card for Portugal means we have a better shot now in the game against them. Early days yet, but Team USA is currently ranked ahead of them!

[Ikyoto]

Avatars available. just ask. Rugby, Golf, American football, pretty much any sport. Free for FWIS Folk, $300 for everyone else.

[Rommie]

Hey squ1d, if you read this before the Aussie vs Netherlands match, wanna place a bet of some sort? Either an "I buy the first round when we finally meet someday" one or a "loser sends victor something via mail" one?

Could be fun.

[Ikyoto]

Hey squ1d, if you read this before the Aussie vs Netherlands match, wanna place a bet of some sort? Either an "I buy the first round when we finally meet someday" one or a "loser sends victor something via mail" one?

Could be fun.

Loser buys the winner through the mail?

[squ1d]

Rommie, sorry I missed it. I probably would have asked for a goal head start (and Australia win if its a draw), in which case I win, right?

Wow, that was an amazing game, and the Netherlands are SOOOOOOOOOOOO LUCKY not to get unstuck by the lowest ranked team in the World Cup.

Tim Cahill's volley arguably the best goal of the world cup thus far (between that and RVP's header)

[squ1d]

Tonight is England vs Uruguay, hopefully if we put on another great attacking display as against Italy, and Mr. Potato head actually takes his chances, our hopes will not be dashed in the group stage.