NationStates Jolt Archive

...Jorge Larrionda (the ref everyone was slagging off over the Italy-USA match) had a bloody good match tonight (Togo vs. France)? No? Thought that one might have passed people by.

Seriously, if I were marking him out of 10 for that, I'd give him 8.5. I barely noticed him all match - the only time I think he got a decision wrong was when he disallowed Trezeguet's 'goal' for offside, and that was when he deferred to the linesman who was in a better position to judge. He gave four yellow cards, none of which I could disagree with, and let the game flow wonderfully.

Best refereeing display of the tournament so far.

Well, he chose the wrong game to have an 'off' day. At least he's improved, and it's better late than never.

That really doesn't take a lot, of you consider simply the monumental cock-ups of Marcus Merk, or the comedy of Graham "3 yellows and you're off" Poll.

That really doesn't take a lot, of you consider simply the monumental cock-ups of Marcus Merk, or the comedy of Graham "3 yellows and you're off" Poll.
Actually out of the 31 other games in the tournament so far, I'd say that the majority of them have been refereed to an above average standard. Perhaps the only criticism is that there have been more yellow cards than normal, but as FIFA have told refs to crack down on certain offences, that's fairly easily explained.

...Jorge Larrionda (the ref everyone was slagging off over the Italy-USA match) had a bloody good match tonight (Togo vs. France)? No? Thought that one might have passed people by.

Seriously, if I were marking him out of 10 for that, I'd give him 8.5. I barely noticed him all match - the only time I think he got a decision wrong was when he disallowed Trezeguet's 'goal' for offside, and that was when he deferred to the linesman who was in a better position to judge. He gave four yellow cards, none of which I could disagree with, and let the game flow wonderfully.

Best refereeing display of the tournament so far.

One of the French yellows I thought came on a blatant Togolese dive.

Actually out of the 31 other games in the tournament so far, I'd say that the majority of them have been refereed to an above average standard. Perhaps the only criticism is that there have been more yellow cards than normal, but as FIFA have told refs to crack down on certain offences, that's fairly easily explained.

I simply think that the standard of officiating at the World Cup is considerably less than that of the premiership.

One of the French yellows I thought came on a blatant Togolese dive.
There was only one French yellow (Makelele), which I think was for persistent fouling. Whether or not the decision in question was wrong or not, Makelele did deserve a yellow.

It might have gone the other way - I wasn't really paying attention.

I think diving should get an automatic yellow. If you go down and the ref can't figure out why, yellow. It would encourage players to keep their feet.

Bring back Collina... *sniff*

This comes under the category of, "Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?"

I'm happy Larrionda didn't interject himself into another game and affect the results, but that is how he is supposed to act. Doing your job right during one match, doesn't mean you get a pass for screwing up a previous one.

This comes under the category of, "Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?"

I'm happy Larrionda didn't interject himself into another game and affect the results, but that is how he is supposed to act. Doing your job right during one match, doesn't mean you get a pass for screwing up a previous one.
Yeah, he screwed up one match. Do I think it had any bearing on group E? Nope. Maybe if it had been a knockout match, I'd care more.

I just think refs get far too hard a time when they screw up, and not enough praise when they do an excellent job. I'm not saying that we should congratulate refs if they have a decent match, because it's their job. But if they have a really good match, someone, somewhere, should say "Well done".

They do, they get the important games. Think Graham Poll or any of the really bad refs so far will get to officiate the final?

OOC: I haven't really been watching, would you mind telling me if Brazil is still in? I bet on them :)

Yeah, he screwed up one match. Do I think it had any bearing on group E? Nope. Maybe if it had been a knockout match, I'd care more.

I just think refs get far too hard a time when they screw up, and not enough praise when they do an excellent job. I'm not saying that we should congratulate refs if they have a decent match, because it's their job. But if they have a really good match, someone, somewhere, should say "Well done".

As I have previously posted, his screw up has lost interest for me as a topic because the U.S. didn't get the job done, therefore, as you said, it had no affect.

Bring back Collina... *sniff*
Yes, please. *sniff sniff*

...Jorge Larrionda (the ref everyone was slagging off over the Italy-USA match) had a bloody good match tonight (Togo vs. France)? No? Thought that one might have passed people by.
Heh, no, I didn't notice that, because for one, I didn't watch the game today, and for another (is that even how you say it?) I think he did a good job in the US/Italy game to begin with. :p

OOC: I haven't really been watching, would you mind telling me if Brazil is still in? I bet on them :)
Heh, yes they are.

And the way the second half of their last game went, they may yet make it to the top after all.

OOC: I haven't really been watching, would you mind telling me if Brazil is still in? I bet on them :)

No, dude, you missed it. Brazil got knocked out in the first round. Togo defeated Trinidad-Tobago to win the World Cup.

No, dude, you missed it. Brazil got knocked out in the first round. Togo defeated Trinidad-Tobago to win the World Cup.

Lawls.

Thanks, whereyouthinkyougoing.
Hope they win!

Of the four brackets to the finals, I think Italy has the easiest path. Of the other teams in their bracket - Australia, Switzerland, and Ukraine - only the Swiss are likely to offer the Italians a real threat.

The other three brackets:


Germany, Sweden, Argentina, Mexico
England, Ecuador, Portugal, Netherlands
Brazil, Ghana, Spain, France


All are tough with at least three legitimate contenders in each group. Right now the best bet for reaching the semi-finals has to be Italy.

OOC: I haven't really been watching, would you mind telling me if Brazil is still in? I bet on them :)
Those Swiss Bastards are still in!
Fried is selfish and the Swiss second goal was bs.

Of the four brackets to the finals, I think Italy has the easiest path. Of the other teams in their bracket - Australia, Switzerland, and Ukraine - only the Swiss are likely to offer the Italians a real threat.

The other three brackets:


Germany, Sweden, Argentina, Mexico
England, Ecuador, Portugal, Netherlands
Brazil, Ghana, Spain, France


All are tough with at least three legitimate contenders in each group. Right now the best bet for reaching the semi-finals has to be Italy.

England should get there, in light of Owen's injury. I should imagine that Erikkson will now employ either Carrick or Hargreaves as a CDM, given the strenght of Hargreaves performance against Sweden, whilst, assuming our defence reverst to normal standards, we should be safe against either Portugal or the Netherlands.

Of the four brackets to the finals, I think Italy has the easiest path. Of the other teams in their bracket - Australia, Switzerland, and Ukraine - only the Swiss are likely to offer the Italians a real threat.

The other three brackets:


Germany, Sweden, Argentina, Mexico
England, Ecuador, Portugal, Netherlands
Brazil, Ghana, Spain, France


All are tough with at least three legitimate contenders in each group. Right now the best bet for reaching the semi-finals has to be Italy.
Italy should indeed make the semis, though Italy vs. Switzerland could be a great match.

With the others, I don't think there are three legitimate contenders in each group. Based on performances so far, I don't think Sweden or Mexico stand a chance against Germany and Argentina respectively, and I don't think anyone stands a chance against Argentina.

Ecuador clearly aren't contenders, and I reckon Holland will beat Portugal comparatively comfortably. So, only two contenders for the semis in that group of 4 as well - England and Holland.

Brazil and Spain are obvious choices from the last 4 - Brazil because they have so many great players, and Spain because they have some fantastic players and a great team mentality. Ghana could cause an upset against Brazil, but I'd still back Brazil to win. However, I think Ghana are fantastic odds at 13-5 (3.6) to win with a one goal start. France have been poor so far, and Spain should easily get past them.

Of the four brackets to the finals, I think Italy has the easiest path. Of the other teams in their bracket - Australia, Switzerland, and Ukraine - only the Swiss are likely to offer the Italians a real threat.

The other three brackets:


Germany, Sweden, Argentina, Mexico
England, Ecuador, Portugal, Netherlands
Brazil, Ghana, Spain, France


All are tough with at least three legitimate contenders in each group. Right now the best bet for reaching the semi-finals has to be Italy.

Italy should indeed make the semis, though Italy vs. Switzerland could be a great match.

With the others, I don't think there are three legitimate contenders in each group.

Really?

Discounting Sweden (already knocked out, as expected) most people would say Germany, Argentina, and Mexico (now out in OT) are all legitimate contenders. I also would not give much hope for Ecuador, but surely England, Portugal (who I think will move on), and the Netherlands all have strong sides? You are correct that Ghana are a long shot, but Brazil, Spain, and France are traditional powers, each with a chance of moving on.

To me, that looks like three serious contenders in each of those three brackets. Whereas Italy has to contend only with Switzerland (no small task).