Argentina won, but they didn't look all that good. I'm guessing they were playing down to their competition. They better pick it up because this level of play won't fly when they face better teams.
Not sure what is happening but tons of goals are being scored in the World Cup so far. I don't have any statistics to back this up but I am pretty sure it is one of the World Cup tournaments with most goals scored so far.
I think the reason is that it's the group stage and with only 3 games for each team chances are goal differential will come to play later on. So teams don't settle for just a win, they want higher score. When the knockout stage comes the number of goals won't matter and we'll see more of Italy-style wins: score on the 1st minute then pass through the midfield for the next 89.
To be fair Bosnia is a pretty good team and I think barring just an epic fail they'll win their next two and advance, unfortunately they'll likely end up meeting Germany or Portugal there.
Hi RJF In fact I was comparing this only by group stage. Just checked. So far, 37 goals has been scored in the group stage in 11 games. In 2010, in the first 11 games only 18 goals was scored. In 2006 only 23 goals was scored in first 11 games. So it is more than double compared to last World Cup. I like what I am seeing so far. It might be an anomaly and starting match day 2, things might change but so far a lot of goals has been scored.
Guess my theory has no merit, I stand corrected. I enjoy it too, the level of play is good for the most part.
Pirlo is the only player on Italy I admire...He is the definition of Legend which is above World Class Soccer levels in my mind...Alot of players make world class moves but consistency is the thing...Pirlo is consistent and has done it time and time again and won at the highest level Legend World Class Elite Superstar Star The Rest
It is much more enjoyable for sure. Most of the time coaches play for a draw, even In a favorable matchup. The way it is now is the coaches are allowing everyone to attack. It keeps the game much much more entertaining.
Watching Pirlo is like watching a magician or comedian perform their craft to perfection. He is an artist with the ball and like DaVinci only creates masterpieces.
Just saw some offside discussion over the past couple of pages. It's a necessary rule, just really dodgily enforced, and very easy to get wrong. The basic premise is that to be onside: If you are there must be at least 2 opposing players (including the goalkeeper) between you and their goal OR The ball (in possession of someone) has to be ahead of you. If you're offside, you just can't make a play on the ball, whether it's being passed to you or you actively try to gain possession. You can be offside and not get called for it if you're just walking around away from the action and no one tries to pass it to you, but then what's the point? The rule stops strikers from loading up the goal area as mentioned previously. It also adds a level of tactics to the game. Defenders will try and trap attackers offside just before passes if they can, while attackers push the limits to gain an edge. You'll often see at least one attacker and defender at the midpoint when the defender's team is in the opponent's half, just because the attacker there can't be offside if he's in his own half. The only time you don't is when you're behind and making a desperation play: In which case even the goalkeeper might come up to do stuff, such as during a critical corner down a goal with a minute left on the clock. Which makes for awesome stuff like this:
Gameday for USA. In 15 minutes, other teams in USA's group, Germany and Protugal will play. I hope Germany wins and scores a few goals. Key for USA to advance is to win against Ghana, draw against Portugal. If that happens, things will depend on how many goals Germany will score against Portugal. So the more Germany scores against Portugal, the better.
Good news for USA so far assuming they can take care of the business against Ghana. Germany up 2-0 against Portugal and Portugal's best defender Pepe is sent off with a Red Card. Portugal will play rest of the 65 minutes 10 men and Germany can run the score if they want. On the other hand, Pepe won't play against USA which is wonderful news. On the other hand, this Portugal team has very dangerous wingers in Nani and an excellent forward Ronaldo. I liked how they were able to cause trouble for Germany.
The shitty part is that you're spoiling my viewing pleasure later tonight, you bastard! The good part is it sounds like a good game, will be fun watching my recording later.
I apologize sincerely. When I DVR games, I cut all my connection with internet to avoid seeing the score. Germany up 3-0 right now. Muller scored.
Wow.... I did pick Portugal to win the WC however I also picked them to lose to Germany today but not liking how things are going as we speak. No Pepe and just being abused by Germany
