NationStates Jolt Archive

Who do you think will win, Australia or Croatia?

I'm desperately hoping Australia will win. I'll settle for a draw (we will get through to the next round unless Japan thrashes Brazil). I'll be gutted if we lose, 'cos it'll mean the end of the World Cup for us.

My prediction is 2-1 Australia. I think it will be a really hard fought game, but (fingers crossed) the Socceroos will prevail.

I know it's still quite a few hours before the game starts, but I have to go to bed soon. The match starts at about 4:30 in the morning here.



Edit: It should be Croatia by 1, 2 & 3+, but I stuffed it up. Sorry.

It's one of the later games right?

Hmm, I'm picking same result as you.. Although, maybe 3-2... Probably 2-1 though.

Is it possible to edit the poll once it's posted, or do I have to leave it buggered up?

Australia have the upper hand as Croatia need to win. Croatia will probably go all-out from the start, and Australia will hit them with a sucker punch towards the end of the first half. Croatia won't be able to break down the Australian defence in the second half, and as they commit more and more men forwards towards the end of the match, Australia will break and score another on around 75 minutes. Australia will then switch off a bit and allow Croatia a consolation.

2-1 Australia.

Australia 2-1 me thinks.

Australia could be called Croatia II team :p
And there is some Aussies in Croatian team.

Australia 2-1 me thinks.

Australia could be called Croatia II team :p
And there is some Aussies in Croatian team.

And potential Croats in the Aussie team (Mark Viduka for example).

Croatia by 3. (Stuff your biased poll :p )

It will be 1 - 0 to Croatia until the last quarter, when Australia will throow everything into attack and get caught on a counter attack. Then Croatia will score a third in the time added on at the end.

If God has any compassion, Croatia 1-0.

game starts!!

Go Aussies! Time to stand up & be counted on the world stage.

what a Goal !!

6"
hmmm.. that was a pathetic Dive by the Aussie Capt. trying to get a PK

26"
Aussies really want to get a PK.

PK and Goal.. 1-1 !!

Is this where everyone is? I'm being forced to watch Japan - Brazil. That thread is near dooooomed lol.

1-1, my heart is in my mouth.

Croatia!!!

68?
was not off-side

Goal !!!!!!!!!!!
Aussies advance

Lucky Gus :p

Goal !!!!!!!!!!!
Aussies advanceAww
they just showed a replay.. it was off-sides

red cards!! now its really over

Jesus Christ! Total chaos at the end! Down Under is celebrating now :p

Awww, congrats socceroos! :)

All together now

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda, You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me!

It finishes 2-2, Australia go through!

Pure joy! :) :) :)

Didn't Suminc of Croatia get three yellow cards?

It finishes 2-2, Australia go through!

Pure joy! :) :) :)

Didn't Suminc of Croatia get three yellow cards?

Congrats to Australia - next Italy. Bloodbath :cool:

If Suminic did get three yellows then that will be a world cup record for a single match. :)

Manchester United fans have been saying that Poll was a shit referee for years and being called bitter losers for it. I think tonight proves us right and I demand an apology from everyone who ever said it to me......you know who you are ;)

AUSTRALIA!!!

well done! :cool:

That game was a mess. Looks like we'll be facing the Aussies.

Well, I said at the start of the group stage that I'd be happy if we got a win and ecstatic if we progressed to the next round. We're there, and anything now is a bonus. :)

YES!!!
WE"RE THROUOUOUUUUUUGH!!!
first time ever
im so proud i might cry!!!

*dances*

Sometimes one needs freak luck, I suppose. The penalty wasn't, but two that weren't given were.

I don't see why he played Kalac. Every single match I've seen him play he's been screwing things up. And Schwarzer is a decent keeper.

And the second goal was offside. Both of them.

Still...Yay! Italy, here we go!

It was a draw, but Australia moves on.

It finishes 2-2, Australia go through!

Pure joy! :) :) :)

Didn't Suminc of Croatia get three yellow cards?

yes, and why the hell wasnt he sent off after the first red one???
bloody ref.

not that it matters much, WE"RE THROUGH!!

I nearly fell through the floor when Kalac let that 2nd Croation goal go through. Then it was tenterhooks for ages until Kewell pulled that magical goal in the 79th minute. Good god, what a match.

Aussie Commentator just then: "Can they beat Italy...well, I don't know. Why not?"

Freaky shit is going to happen, people...:p

Congrats to Australia - next Italy. Bloodbath :cool:

If Suminic did get three yellows then that will be a world cup record for a single match. :)

Italy, well why not. Certainly the Italians will start favourites, and deservedly so. However, you can never tell what will happen. We may just pull off another upset, even if it is unlikely. :)

Aussie Commentator just then: "Can they beat Italy...well, I don't know. Why not?"

Freaky shit is going to happen, people...:p

Exactly my feeling. Italy will probably win, but I'm going to hope like hell that we can pull it off.

Manchester United fans have been saying that Poll was a shit referee for years and being called bitter losers for it. I think tonight proves us right and I demand an apology from everyone who ever said it to me......you know who you are ;)

It wasn't me, but I'm going to apologise anyway... nobody else seems to want to.

I mean really... 3 yellow cards? What's the deal?

Did you hear the post match analysis on SBS? The host turnded to Rale Rasic and said something along the lines of "We've talked about Australia's performance, what did you think of Croatia?"

Rale turned to him & said "I don't care, Australia are through. I don't care about Croatia."

:p

Did you hear the post match analysis on SBS? The host turnded to Rale Rasic and said something along the lines of "We've talked about Australia's performance, what did you think of Croatia?"

Rale turned to him & said "I don't care, Australia are through. I don't care about Croatia."

:p

Hehehe, that guy didn't say a single useful thing after the match, no matter how sensible or serious the questions he always just said how brave they were and that history was made. Good to see he remained totally independant :p

Aussie Commentator just then: "Can they beat Italy...well, I don't know. Why not?"



Because it is football - not Rugby. That might be a reason why not.

However the Italians are not playing well so the Socceroos have a chance, but it will be a very physical contest (what was that I said about it not being Rugby?)

I think all of you who actually watcxh and are interested in the World Cup are losers

I think all of you who actually watcxh and are interested in the World Cup are losers

You're calling people ON AN INTERNET FORUM ABOUT POLITICS losers?

Nice one, noob.

Because it is football - not Rugby. That might be a reason why not.

However the Italians are not playing well so the Socceroos have a chance, but it will be a very physical contest (what was that I said about it not being Rugby?)


Now thats a sport I could get into foot-gby... Yeah

I think all of you who actually watcxh and are interested in the World Cup are losers

Why?

Because it is football - not Rugby. That might be a reason why not.
Don't you realise that all this is about is the performance on the day? On any given day any given team can beat any other. There are no rules that prohibit it.
How do you think Germany made it into the 2002 Final? Not by being the second-best team in the world, that's for sure, but by winning one-on-one matches when it counted.

The Australian team has a little bit of individual talent and a lot of motivation and team spirit. They weren't exactly favourites to make it out of the "weak group", and they did. They are under no pressure whatsoever. But imagine Italy if they don't manage to break through the Australian defense, or if the Aussies score a goal or two and are suddenly in front.

Australia cannot lose, Italy can.

That being said, I predict a 3:0 victory for Italy.

Hehehe, that guy didn't say a single useful thing after the match, no matter how sensible or serious the questions he always just said how brave they were and that history was made. Good to see he remained totally independant :p

True. He is an ex-Socceroos coach, so it would be hard for him to remain unbiased. So much for balanced analysis though!

I'm going to watch the replay now on SBS, because I'm still so excited & happy that we made it through to the round of 16. :D

You never know, we might even win it this time! ;)

Can anyone tell me why Shwarzer (goalie) didn't play?

Can anyone tell me why Shwarzer (goalie) didn't play?

Because the other guy hadn't played yet, he's a bit taller, and Guus decided he deserved a shot. Something tells me that won't happen again :rolleyes:

Can anyone tell me why Shwarzer (goalie) didn't play?
Being rested maybe?
Perhaps they didn't realise how bad the other goalie would be.
Plus the game was always going to be in Aussies favour. They had two options open to them: Play to win or Play for a draw.
Croatia had to play to win, and when you play like that, it's a bit easier for the other team to score or to defend.
Which means they pob felt they could do without Shwarzer this game.


Be a good game Italy vs Oz.
Italy aren't playing to their best so far, and Oz's first 1/2 against Brazil showed that they can foot it with the top teams (though all they did was play very defensively, but it was still a decent display).

Though I still think 2 - 0 or maybe 2 -1 to Italy is the most prob result.

Oh dear god no. You know what? I'm going to lock myself in my room for the next three months. I don't want any television or newspaper. I'm blocking out sites that have any sort of news in them. I'm ignoring NS topics with news, especially football news. I don't want to hear about how good the Australian team is, about how many goals they're going to score against Italy, or about how many World Cups they're going to win this year.

Oh dear god no. You know what? I'm going to lock myself in my room for the next three months. I don't want any television or newspaper. I'm blocking out sites that have any sort of news in them. I'm ignoring NS topics with news, especially football news. I don't want to hear about how good the Australian team is, about how many goals they're going to score against Italy, or about how many World Cups they're going to win this year.

You'll get over it.

Can anyone tell me why Shwarzer (goalie) didn't play?

Probably because Kalac is taller & Guus was concerned with Croatia's aerial threat. Also because Kalac speaks Croatian, so he might be able hear what they were saying when attacking, setting up for corners, etc.

You'll get over it.

I'll get over it when Australia gets the royal snot beaten out of them. And with my luck, that'll take 'til the next WC.

Oh dear god no. You know what? I'm going to lock myself in my room for the next three months. I don't want any television or newspaper. I'm blocking out sites that have any sort of news in them. I'm ignoring NS topics with news, especially football news. I don't want to hear about how good the Australian team is, about how many goals they're going to score against Italy, or about how many World Cups they're going to win this year.

Why for only three months? Do us all favour, and stay in there forever - at least that way we can freed of your constant whining...;)

Why for only three months? Do us all favour, and stay in there forever - at least that way we can freed of your constant whining...;)

Not bloody likely. Listen, now they're saying "Bring on Italy." ITALY! Do you have any idea how GOOD Italy is? They beat Czechia 2-0, they beat GERMANY 4-1! If they lose to Australia, I'll shoot myself.

If they lose to Australia, I'll shoot myself.

That's what I'm talking about!

All I can say is I recall a post you made in Aus v Japan, saying that the Australian's celebrated too much after their first goal.

I haven't heard any comment from you denouncing the way Brazil celebrated after their first goal when they played Australia. They were just as excited, if not more so, than Australia in the same situation.

I think you just need to get off your high horse, relax and enjoy the soccer.

That's what I'm talking about!

All I can say is I recall a post you made in Aus v Japan, saying that the Australian's celebrated too much after their first goal.

I haven't heard any comment from you denouncing the way Brazil celebrated after their first goal when they played Australia. They were just as excited, if not more so, than Australia in the same situation.

I think you just need to get off your high horse, relax and enjoy the soccer.

Brazil's allowed to celebrate! They're world number ONE! They are going to win this tournament, it's predetermined! Australia hasn't done anything worth celebrating yet. What, beating Japan and drawing Croatia, who are the third-world countries of football? Boy, it must be THRILLING.

And you do not RELAX and ENJOY football. It's not a game.

That's what I'm talking about!

All I can say is I recall a post you made in Aus v Japan, saying that the Australian's celebrated too much after their first goal.

I haven't heard any comment from you denouncing the way Brazil celebrated after their first goal when they played Australia. They were just as excited, if not more so, than Australia in the same situation.
But you'd expect that from a Brazilian!

I think what he's talking about is that irritating trait Australians (especially the Oz media) have of falling over themselves about how fantastic and great a team/athlete is and how they've always been huge fans of, when they do well. Where in reality, they were ignored for years before this point.

Then when it all goes to pot, they forgotten about again.

I picked Australia by one.

I picked Australia by one.

Dude, they drew 2-2.

Dude white text!;)

Not bloody likely. Listen, now they're saying "Bring on Italy." ITALY! Do you have any idea how GOOD Italy is? They beat Czechia 2-0, they beat GERMANY 4-1! If they lose to Australia, I'll shoot myself.

Oh good, can I get tickets to watch you shooting yourself? It has to be more entertaining than listening to your whingeing.

If you don't like hearing Australians congratulating their team on a good result, then MAYBE you shouldn't visit the threads labelled Australia vs XXX, hmm? Just a thought...

Oh good, can I get tickets to watch you shooting yourself? It has to be more entertaining than listening to your whingeing.

If you don't like hearing Australians congratulating their team on a good result, then MAYBE you shouldn't visit the threads labelled Australia vs XXX, hmm? Just a thought...

I'll stop whinging when Australia stops acting like they're world number one.

And what fucking traitors, these Croatian-Australian players. Play for your country, not Australia.

I'll stop whinging when Australia stops acting like they're world number one.

And what fucking traitors, these Croatian-Australian players. Play for your country, not Australia. Now I KNOW you're just having us all on. Nobody could possibly be this anti-Australian. So we're happy about finally being able to play in the world cup. Whoopdeedoo! Ain't no thang'. We're relative newcomers, of course we'll start out a little over-enthusiastic (although most of the response I've witnessed here has hardly been overly verhement, the only person I've ever seen claim we're going to win the world cup was one drunk guy on TV after the Japan win, and I haven't seen any other claims since). Give us a few extra shots at the world cup and we'll become much more realistic.:)

I'll stop whinging when Australia stops acting like they're world number one.

And what fucking traitors, these Croatian-Australian players. Play for your country, not Australia.
You do know that's there was a couple of Aussies on the Croatia team?

Besides if Oz had to do that, they'd have to field a team of Aboringines. The entire country's made up of immigrants!

As is most countries these days...

You do know that's there was a couple of Aussies on the Croatia team?

Besides if Oz had to do that, they'd have to field a team of Aboringines. The entire country's made up of immigrants!

As is most countries these days...

Too right.

Brazil hardly fields a team of Amazonian Indians. So long as you have the requisite nationality, then you can represent any country. (See Alexandre Santos playing for Japan.)

In your face, Australia. You're no longer the biggest underdog at the cup; You're ranked 42nd, Ukraine's ranked 45th. I know how you like to be the little guy sticking it to the big men.

In your face, Australia. You're no longer the biggest underdog at the cup; You're ranked 42nd, Ukraine's ranked 45th. I know how you like to be the little guy sticking it to the big men.

And Ghana are ranked 48 - but so what. The rankings are meaningless.

...If they lose to Australia, I'll shoot myself.

Come on Aussie Come on, Come on! Come on Aussie Come on!

Why for only three months? Do us all favour, and stay in there forever - at least that way we can freed of your constant whining...;)

I heartily endorse this post. :p

I heartily endorse this post. :p

Don't we all.

:eek: :D :eek: :D Italy v Australia TONIGHT!!!


WOO!