The Soccer Thread

[Nikky]

Originally Posted by Oceanic

This is not the betting thread though and I'd bet my life on Mexico NOT winning the World Cup!

Yeah, the same for me.
I'm not really beliving that Brazil is gonna win... I mean, they're my team and stuff, but I really can't give them so much credits. Hope I'm wrong.

[Karmen]

Originally Posted by Oceanic

This is not the betting thread though and I'd bet my life on Mexico NOT winning the World Cup!

You are so cruel!!!

Hahaha! but yeah, I think the same!

[Aerdna]

Originally Posted by just an illusion

They have it once in 4 years

Originally Posted by cowbell

*takes deep breath*
The Men's world cup is once every four years (started in 1930, 1934...gap after 1938 up to 1950 because of World War II,....1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, etc...) as is the Women's (Inaugural in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, etc.). They also play every four years in the summer Olympics (first year for women was 1996 Atlanta games).
So basically there's soccer every three years, than one off year. But the Men's World Cup definently takes the cake. The U.S. started paying attention to soccer in 1994 when we hosted the World Cup, and the next year was the inaugural year of the MLS (Major League Soccer) which is still going strong (Go Galaxy!), and than in 1999 when we hosted the Women's World Cup, and than we attempted to have the WUSA (Womens United Soccer Association....I think) but that quickly folded in 2003-2004 due to lack of fan interest, low turn out at games, etc. The U.S. population is slowly starting to take soccer (or futbol/football to the rest of the world), the worlds most popular sport, more and more seriously.

Phew! I love soccer hehehe.
And yeah, I know Brazil has won the most World Cups, but things change from year to year. I mean there was a time when Hungary was the worlds reigning soccer champions, only to fall to pieces due to the countrys revolution in 1956 which caused all of their stars to defect to the west to escape the communist regiem (sp?). And I think the announcers are hard on Ronaldo because he hasn't really been doing all the much, and he's supposed to be one of the "it" players, I guess. I don't know the Brazilian players left from right. The goalie saved the day though vs. Aussie.

Ok..I think my brain is fried now. *falls over*

WOW, lol. Thanks! Okay, now I don't feel stupid anymore...

[cowbell]

np...it was actually kinda fun to share mah knowledge. heheheh.

[Eternal Star]

Originally Posted by cowbell

I know Brazil has won the most World Cups, but things change from year to year. I mean there was a time when Hungary was the worlds reigning soccer champions, only to fall to pieces due to the countrys revolution in 1956 which caused all of their stars to defect to the west to escape the communist regiem (sp?). And I think the announcers are hard on Ronaldo because he hasn't really been doing all the much, and he's supposed to be one of the "it" players, I guess. I don't know the Brazilian players left from right.

The thing is, Brazil only wins the cup when they're not called favorites. I think it happened in all five cups. In 2002, for example, they almost didn't make it to the cup, Ronaldo wasn't playing his best because of his knee, some of the other players were considered mediocre(sp?) and no one thought they would go that far. I even saw people cheering against Brazil. Yet they won. And favorite teams, such as France and Argentina, were eliminated in the first round(?) So, they can't be called favorites, because they rarely win. I think it's the pressure or something, but it's true.

The goalie saved the day though vs. Aussie.

But he made a mistake near the end that probably killed half of the people here

[cowbell]

Originally Posted by Eternal Star

The thing is, Brazil only wins the cup when they're not called favorites. I think it happened in all five cups. In 2002, for example, they almost didn't make it to the cup, Ronaldo wasn't playing his best because of his knee, some of the other players were considered mediocre(sp?) and no one thought they would go that far. I even saw people cheering against Brazil. Yet they won. And favorite teams, such as France and Argentina, were eliminated in the first round(?) So, they can't be called favorites, because they rarely win. I think it's the pressure or something, but it's true.


But he made a mistake near the end that probably killed half of the people here

I didn't mean that the favorites win. A lot of the time they don't. That example about Hungary...they won the Olympics, but West Germany beat the "Magnificant Magyars," as they were dubbed, in the 1954 World Cup. Huge upset. (I'm half Hungarian, and I've been doing a lot of research on my family history lol) And, if what you're saying is true, than you're making me very happy. Because from what I've heard, Brazil IS the favorite to win. So, going along with your logic...they won't win it this year. LOL.
And what mistake was that?

[Scratchy]

Originally Posted by Oceanic

I think that Spain and Argentina are the two best teams currently (not just because of the goals, but the amazing build-ups and their defenses). Yeah, it's still early to go and make predictions about who will take the cup, so I won't go there yet. I'm really into England and Germany though, I hope that they will step up and use the chances they get more

Yeah, I agree, I'm supporting Spain though Can't wait for today's game!

[Med]

Originally Posted by Scratchy

What happened to brazilian football?

I think i'm changing my point of view. At the beginning i was against the Brazil cuz i always had fobia of the 'stronger part'. cuz they think 'we are gods' but seeing the Brazil play fair play not underestimating the competitor, behave themselfs (no disquesting things as Italy) i begin to like them. Behave themselfs also means not missing your chances and not missing your penalties.
So now, i'll watch some soccker and holding for the part that behave.
So my 2 fav teams are England and Brazil in that order. If they meet in semifinals or finals let the team that bahave wins, but i'll hold for England no metter what, exept if they begin to fuck up..
1:0 for Sch.

[Childzy]

I cant get over at how much better the refs are this time, in the premiership last season the refing was medicore but in the championship (where my team is) the refs can be really poor. Its a treat to see such good quality refereeing at this years competition. They have also clamped down on the most important problems with football, no more diving (Drogba, Ronaldo to name a few) and no more stopping for players faking injuries, the world cup this year is a treat.

[Oceantron]

Jesus, the Saudi's are pissing me off again! *is not watching the game anymore*