Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
Greece won it when it was hosted by Portugal, RANN. Greece hosted the Olympics last year.
Ah, that was it. Still was extremely weird that they were hosting the Olympics and won the Euro. They were prior and since and to this day, it doesn't make any sense.
quote:
Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
Given Russia's record of doping in every sport going, it wouldn't surprise me at all if they had some chemical assistance behind their unexpectedly great form. They'd use performance enhancing drugs at Eurovision if they could.
Absolutely agree. If even 10% of icarus is true, then the Russian squad are following the Rocky IV method of training and performance. I imagine there's banks of clean pee just waiting to be subbed out.
quote:
Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
Meanwhile, Spain have scored and Iran have realised they can actually play football if they try after all.
Confirms that this WC is wide open. Spain didn't actually score, the Iranian player hoofed it in to Costa's knee for a near perfect rebound, and then Iran's goal is offside, but still they peppered the spanish goal and right now, Spain doesn't look anywhere near as dangerous as we thought.
DJ RANN
Seems as if Pepe has now suffered a World Cup Ending Injury:
SYSTEM-J
quote:
Originally posted by DJ RANN
Spain doesn't look anywhere near as dangerous as we thought.
Their passing game is obviously sublime, but they have a frustrating habit of going outside and playing the safe pass rather than driving at the defence. Iniesta is obviously a maestro of a midfielder but I always thought he could add 10-15 goals a season to his game if he used his dribbling more aggressively. It was a bit like watching peak-frustration Arsenal at times tonight. I wanted someone to just leather it from 30 yards once in a while, but only Busquets had the good grace to give it a go.
What baffles me is how dodgy they look at the back. Their back five are some of the very best players in the world in all of their positions, but Pique and Ramos were scrambling around like they had no idea what the other one was going to do at any given moment.
SPANIARD
Spain had a very arrogant attitude all game long and were hoping they could be on cruise control all game long. If it wasn't for VAR and some misfortune from an Iranian header, there's no way Spain would have taken this one. Have to tip my cap to the Iranians for sticking it out and they'll def feel unlucky.
I hear what you're saying about the Spanish backline. Thing is Spain presses super high (which obviously has it's advantages) and getting caught out on counters is inevitable. My bigger concern is De Gea. I have zero idea how a GK can be so good at club level and be so shaky on a NT. His body language says that another blunder like the one vs. Portugal is coming any game now.
bamski
I miss Tarzan. :(
DJ RANN
So Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Peru all not officially out of the WC.
France got bloody lucky that they didn't draw or lose but at least they finished a goal.
Gotta give it up to Foster's United; they played with a lot of heart and Schmeichel earned his kit today.
SYSTEM-J
Argentina - Croatia looks like it could be a good game. Both sides look evenly matched, they are both passing nicely and the game is pretty open. I'm expecting some goals but I've no idea who's going to win.
EDIT: It's all got a bit feisty now, which is disrupting the flow somewhat. A red card or controversial penalty wouldn't surprise me.
EDIT 2: There's the goal. This game is going to blow up, I can feel it. Croatia are pressing Argentina superbly and their passing has gone to as a result. Now they need a goal badly.
djdk
Wow, absolute howler from Caballero there
DJ RANN
Oy, come on Croatia, do it for England
Trance-M
I'm sure Diego will get drunk today.
SYSTEM-J
Bang. All over now. Argentina have looked truly awful ever since they went a goal down.
Modric might just be the best central midfielder in the world these days. He's run this game for Croatia along with Rakitic, and that was lethal.
wotyzoid
Although I enjoy the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina I have to say it's tough watching them play so terribly having what I believe to be the greatest footballer ever in the roster. It's like he becomes a shell of himself as soon as he puts on the national jersey.
