The Football (all sorts) Thread

[Lint]

Oh, they looked good, but forgot to actually take the Swiss defence seriously. Basically they spent the first hour passing the ball around without really trying to test the Swiss defence - like that would be enough to eventually crack the Swiss and score. From memory I think the Spanish side, with something ridiculous like 75% possession, managed a single shot on goal in the first half hour.

Of course, the Swiss were always going to focus on getting their defence set for this game... and were going to need more than pretty passing & possession to break them down. It looked good, but I found myself pretty bored after a while - and was glad when Switzerland took the lead.

Switzerland's goal was sloppy & oppurtunistic, but it shouldn't have taken that goal for the Spanish to actually try and test the Swiss defence. And of course once they had the goal, Switzerland were essentially playing a 10-0-0 formation (not that I blame them).

Much agreed, Spain easily bested the Swiss on the field but when they got within proximity of goal it was mostly a case of whoever having possession at the time (usually unsupported) taking a random potshot. There weren't many attempts at a coordinated 'play' at all.

[Oldschool78]

I heard the sydney herald have the headline "Australasia 1, Slovakia 1"
LOL ....... unbelievable.
No matter, weve got a small unknown team next umm ummm Italy is it? Never heard of them must be minows

[dirge]

I heard the sydney herald have the headline "Australasia 1, Slovakia 1"
LOL ....... unbelievable.

While it doesn't make up for Australia's loss I'm happy for NZ. Really, I am. It's great for Football across the ditch - what's not to be happy about?

No matter, weve got a small unknown team next umm ummm Italy is it? Never heard of them must be minows

Heh. While as an Australian I do wish you guys well, as an Italian-Australian, I can't say I hope you replicate your fortune in the next game! Having said that, you didn't disgrace yourself last time around (as Australia did), and hopefully wont this time - a narrow loss to Italy bears no shame.

[Bartrim]

Heh. While as an Australian I do wish you guys well, as an Italian-Australian, I can't say I hope you replicate your fortune in the next game! Having said that, you didn't disgrace yourself last time around (as Australia did), and hopefully wont this time - a narrow loss to Italy bears no shame.

Wooooo!!!! Forza Italia!!!!!!

[Oldschool78]

While it doesn't make up for Australia's loss I'm happy for NZ. Really, I am. It's great for Football across the ditch - what's not to be happy about?

Man there has been quiet the celebration over here with that draw. If we managed to sneak a win.... not italy but the other one weve got. Holy Holy the party over here will be off the richter

[Lint]

Japan ultimately failed. First half was abysmal to watch, second half was much better. Got to respect the Dutch for not totally collapsing into a defensive game after going 1 up. It kept the match interesting to watch.

[Sharky]

Australia

Cant pass
Cant control
Cant Mark
Cant shoot
Are too slow
they are un-prepared

i am not watching the next game.

[FFN]

I thought they did alright, especially after they were down to 10 men.

[i_amtrunks]

Australia were okay, but I cannot believe the Ghanians got away with that studs up tackle from behind.

Refs are at least being consistent, Kaka's second yellow card was disgustingly wrong, and the Brazilian's second goal included two intentional handballs.

And go the Kiwi's, they have half a chance to progress to the next stage, and good on them for it. They know their strengths and play to them, unlike us Aussies who hire coaches based on their names, rather than their fit for our team.

My favourite world cup related headline thus far comes from the NY Post after the USA v England game: "USA Wins 1-1".