NationStates Jolt Archive

And no, I will not drop it. But you can join my growing ignore list :).
I almost hate to say it, but waving the big ignore button around is not something that should be done quite so often and openly. That would be a tad against the rules.

italy won't choose players to their national team that don't play for italian clubs. no nationalism there?
Who says nationalism doesn't get involved? I'm saying that Germany's alleged "superiority" doesn't get involved.
It's not Germany against Italy, it's Klinsmann's team representing Germany against Lippi's team representing Italy.

hehe
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3839236686436319197
Hee, I've never seen that before. :p

aye, i was not as disgusted by italian football today as I usually am. That's because there wasn't anything to be disgusted by (well, except that exceptionally horrid hairdo on what's-his-name) - they played well, as much as I hate to say it. *grumble*

How is threatening people with ignoring them breaking the rules? It's there for a reason, and I'm using it for it's intended use, to ignore the people that I do not wish to respond to any longer.

Who says nationalism doesn't get involved? I'm saying that Germany's alleged "superiority" doesn't get involved.
It's not Germany against Italy, it's Klinsmann's team representing Germany against Lippi's team representing Italy.
well semantically that works, i just don't think for the majority of people it is anything except "us against them".

Just one more post before I go (although watching Tarandella pout and throw a tantrum like a spoiled child is entertaining), this was easily one of the best-refereed matches I've seen all Cup. The Mexican ref just let the teams play. Very little diving was even called, and he often walked by the writing players (on BOTH sides, the Germans dove some, too) and waved at them to get up and play.

Well done!

Because they are you anti-gay fascist. Look at Brazil. They are considered by FIFA the best team in the world. They were ranked #1 going into this Cup. And they still lost. TO FRANCE of all nations. So, it's not always that the best team wins. Sometimes, inferior teams win on pure luck.

After watching Italy's performance from their first match in this cup up until today's match, it was clear that Italy wasn't playing up to the level they've played in the past. They even scored an own goal when they played the US! Germany never had a single own goal in this Cup. And they consistantly BEAT every team they played, having 3 consecutive shut outs, and 5 total victories. THATS how I say they were the better team. THATS how I say Italy won by sheer luck.

Those are the facts. Accept them.

France were a better team thasn Brazil on the day. That is why Brazil lost. Oh - and look at where I am posting from; Brazil - what a suprise. This does not mean that I didn't support brazil, it simply means that the team I was supporting lost. Now do you see me going around trying to make out that razil are better than France because they beat X or fdidn't do Y. No. Why not, because if Brazil were better than france they would be playing tomorrow. They are not, so they were not. Those are the facts.

Germany lost to Italy, on the day Italy were better than Germany. Fact.

How is threatening people with ignoring them breaking the rules? It's there for a reason, and I'm using it for it's intended use, to ignore the people that I do not wish to respond to any longer.

You just use it. If you flaunt it it is against the rules here. You see they take a bad view of little kids who have tantrums and then shout "nyahnyah I can't hear you". That is not what this site is about. So calm down and stop attacking people. If you disagree with what someone says either ignore it (using the ignore button if you wish) or reply to the point, not with an ad hominem.

How is threatening people with ignoring them breaking the rules? It's there for a reason, and I'm using it for it's intended use, to ignore the people that I do not wish to respond to any longer.
Oh, you are certainly right about the second part, it's just not advisable to actually threaten people with putting them on your ignore list. You can inform them about it once you have done so, but threatening/taunting people with ignoring them falls under "flamebait" if done excessively.

Ah, I see. Well, I do apologize. Not trying to "flamebait" anyone.

Just one more post before I go (although watching Tarandella pout and throw a tantrum like a spoiled child is entertaining), this was easily one of the best-refereed matches I've seen all Cup. The Mexican ref just let the teams play. Very little diving was even called, and he often walked by the writing players (on BOTH sides, the Germans dove some, too) and waved at them to get up and play.

Well done!
I generally agree, but he was bit too lenient for my taste. In terms of letting the game go on and not falling for the faking, I was far more impressed by the guy who refereed the England-Portugal game (forgot the name, as usual).

Personally, I think there were a few calls that should have been made that weren't. So, while the ref was good, he wasn't exactly the best ref in this cup.

I generally agree, but he was bit too lenient for my taste. In terms of letting the game go on and not falling for the faking, I was far more impressed by the guy who refereed the England-Portugal game (forgot the name, as usual).
yeah, i've heard that the portuguese are even worse than the italians usually are. i've only seen the holland-portugal game, which was hysterically amusing.

I generally agree, but he was bit too lenient for my taste. In terms of letting the game go on and not falling for the faking, I was far more impressed by the guy who refereed the England-Portugal game (forgot the name, as usual).
Yay! Portugal are awesome. Especially Ronaldo.

Fuck you. I know as much about soccer as you do. So, why don't you just fuck off you homophobe.
You're WAAAAY over the line with that one, Tarandella. Official Warning, flaming.

Chill out, the rest of you too. Do you want World Cup threads to be banned from NatoinStates? You're headed in that direction.

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Game Moderator
The One-Stop Rules Shop

yeah, i've heard that the portuguese are even worse than the italians usually are. i've only seen the holland-portugal game, which was hysterically amusing.

I've seen far worse in terms of diving and faking in soccer matches. Personally though, I hope the Portugese come out on top.

The Kaiser finally redeems himself!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/germany/5148784.stm
He said: "I really hope Klinsmann will continue. He left a big influence on this team, the players trust him.

"You can't say that Italy were two goals better, but they were more clever. The German team played well, but Italy deserved to be in the final."

Klinsmann is under contract only until the end of the 2006 World Cup finals.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/italy/5137712.stm
"This is the realisation of a dream that has lasted a long time," said Lippi, after late extra-time goals from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro del Piero.

"If there was a team that was going to win this game, it was going to be us.

"We dominated the territory and we were tired at the end and risked a bit, but not too much."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/germany/5137710.stm
Italy scored twice in the final minute and Klinsmann said: "We are hugely disappointed but you must compliment our team, they are a young team.

"The spirit and character they showed is amazing. They made a country proud.

"It's something very special to play a World Cup in your home country. We have many youngsters with a lot of quality."

You're WAAAAY over the line with that one, Tarandella. Official Warning, flaming.

Chill out, the rest of you too. Do you want World Cup threads to be banned from NatoinStates? You're headed in that direction.

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Game Moderator
The One-Stop Rules Shop

Understood Frisbeerteria. I apologize for the outburst.

Alright peoples. Lets stop being sore losers. If the team you supported won, good for you, yay, whoopedy-doo! If the team you supported lost, big freaking whoop, too bad - so sad, get over it.

Let's try and be civilized! Soccer is soccer for crying out loud, its just a freaking game, it doesn't change anything about any country asides from the fact that their football players are this and this and blah blah blah.

GET OVER IT! :)

Well done to the 2 people who predicted a two-goal victory for Italy before kick-off...but not the 19 who picked it after that...

Well done to the 2 people who predicted a two-goal victory for Italy before kick-off...but not the 19 who picked it after that...Yeah, I must say I'm rather taken by my idea to post the poll stats at kick-off in the OP. :D

Well done to the 2 people who predicted a two-goal victory for Italy before kick-off...but not the 19 who picked it after that...


Well, it's nice to be right every now & then. :p

Besides, I was asleep before/while the match was on. Anyway, if I'd been awake to post before the match, I definitely would not have picked Italy by two. ;)

Well, it's nice to be right every now & then. :p

Besides, I was asleep before/while the match was on. Anyway, if I'd been awake to post before the match, I definitely would not have picked Italy by two. ;)
Boonytopia - you're one of the voters-after-the-fact? Aw, man! People are disappointd everywhere! :p

Boonytopia - you're one of the voters-after-the-fact? Aw, man! People are disappointd everywhere! :p

I just wanted people to respect my incredible prescience. :p

Now I just feel ashamed.

Edit: I actually would have picked Germany pre-game.

Aw, man! People are disappointd everywhere! :p
http://www.spiegel.de/img/0,1020,659206,00.jpg

well, I predicted Italy by at least 3

this was because Germany beat Argentina, and I did not do my claim seriously
I would've never guessed that I fell short by one



I still remain the only one to claim that score!

I just wanted people to respect my incredible prescience. :p

Now I just feel ashamed.

Edit: I actually would have picked Germany pre-game.
I should have made the poll public and posted the names at kickoff, hehehe.

But hey, you feel ashamed anyway, so it worked nevertheless! :D

Nah, there, there, you copped to it, so you're absolved. *pats graciously*

- snip pic of people sitting on a rather yucky surface -
Aw, now you're making me all sad and stuff.

:(

Aw, now you're making me all sad and stuff.

:(
that picture made me happy

I have pride in my own nation, it's called GERMANY. If you're referring to the United States, why should I have pride in a nation that:

1), 2), 3) etc.

I'm sorry, but there is nothing to be proud about being an American citizen. Hence WHY I'm trying to formalize my German citizenry.

No, please DON'T. We don't want people like you around here. Reason: Re-read your postings on this thread. Not-wel-come. Bye.

:upyours:

PS. Sunday: vive la France!!!

Agora é Portugal na cabeça, rumo a vitória. :D

Agora é Portugal na cabeça, rumo a vitória. :D

Vitória is MY girlfriend ... You can have this one: :headbang:

See you on Saturday in Stuttgart ...

:cool:

Vitória is MY girlfriend ... You can have this one: :headbang:

See you on Saturday in Stuttgart ...

:cool:

We have a lot of Vitórias in the world. You keep your Vitória and I look for another one.:p

Yes, and that win the best team.

that picture made me happy

Well, that's the mindset that made you Argies loose ... Bad, bad loosers, eew! :p

No, please DON'T. We don't want people like you around here. Reason: Re-read your postings on this thread. Not-wel-come. Bye.

:upyours:

Yay! Another reason to formalize my citizenship, because a completely unknown person from Germany doesn't want it!

Agora é Portugal na cabeça, rumo a vitória. :D

Acho que não. A seleção francês é melhor. Voce escolharia Deco acima de Zidane? Puleta acima de Henry? Eu não.

<<< IRONY ALERT. >>>

P.S. It's over. Germany may still get third, why don't you stop embarrassing yourself and your country by reminding yourself there's still one match for Deutschland left.

People like you take away from the sport and contribute nothing in return. :headbang:
THAT IDIOT IS NOT GERMAN!!!

Acho que não. A seleção francês é melhor. Voce escolharia Deco acima de Zidane? Puleta acima de Henry? Eu não.

Craque por craque a França realmente é melhor. Mas acredito que Portugal não vai dar espaço para a França jogar. Vai amarrar o jogo e esperar uma chance de ganhar no contra ataque.

Concordo que Portugal não tem um bom time mas Portugal tem um esquema tático que vem funcionando. Isto sem contar com a raça e com o empenho.

Vai ser um jogo difícil mas no final acho que Portugal ganha, nem que seja nos penaltes novamente.

Wow. Brilliant. This from the land that produced Nietzsche.

That idiot still isn't a German. Please don't bad-mouth us for idiots like him. Please!

No, I won't judge Germans by you, Schweinbumser, that's something you like to do. I know the vast majority of Germans are rational, fun-loving people who will take this loss in stride.

Seriously, "dude", have a Kostritzer or an Ayinger and relax.
Trying hard, mate, really am. ;)

Craque por craque a França realmente é melhor. Mas acredito que Portugal não vai dar espaço para a França jogar. Vai amarrar o jogo e esperar uma chance de ganhar no contra ataque.

Concordo que Portugal não tem um bom time mas Portugal tem um esquema tático que vem funcionando. Isto sem contar com a raça e com o empenho.

Vai ser um jogo difícil mas no final acho que Portugal ganha, nem que seja nos penaltes novamente.

Ah, então voce está torcendo por Filipão, não por Portugal per se. ;)

How's germany doing in the world cup, Fritz?
Germany might get to be third place if they're reeeeallly reeeeeallly lucky.
At least the other losing teams like Togo and Saudi Arabia can go home and put this all behind them.
Going to be a rough week in the reich, isnt it?
Oh get a sense of humor, its a soccer game, its national rivalry, its fun!
Easy there, Hitler. No need to get that defensive. :)
CAREFUL, Kaiser, some might think you were calling for Lebensraum or something. Seriously, is that kind of nationalist Scheiß really necessary?


Now, please let's bring the discussion back to soccer/football. If you want to reply to my post on if it was a great game or not, I look forward to that.
Yes, let's do that, please. It was an amazing, breathtaking football game. And the Italians scored two goals in the last 2 minutes.
Lucky? Maybe. Undeserved? Honestly don't think so.

The whole game was a close call, nervewrecking too - but it found a winner I have to accept that. (Still doesn't mean that Italy will win it :p)


Please, drop it.
Whole-heartedly agree with your whole post - although it does hurt quite a bit.
And please, no more mean, WW2 and "evil/bad German" references - that really is unnecessary when talking about football.

[I know that you didn't do anything like that, I V Stalin - Your honest post just called for this statement. I V Statistikov :p Good job ;)]

No, please DON'T. We don't want people like you around here. Reason: Re-read your postings on this thread. Not-wel-come. Bye.

PS. Sunday: vive la France!!!
Second that notion! Germany already has enought idiots around, without any US-expatriots...


Well - Italy won.

Only means that whoever wins tomorrow's game really needs to win the Cup. Please?

I say Portugal still need its first star, so why no them? ;)

I'm really tired and will go to bed now - can't say that I'm not deeply disappointed and sad.
But on the other hand, I must say that I'm tremendously proud of what our coach and team have achieved during the world cup. It's been a great three weeks, and I whole-heartedly thank them for the great time.

Really hope that Klinsmann continues. [Only sad thing is that I have to wait another 2 years till EURO08 and 4 years till WC10.

Good night, y'all.

Ah, então voce está torcendo por Filipão, não por Portugal per se. ;)

Não só pelo Filipão, se bem que gosto e admiro seu estilo. Realmente admiro muito Portugal e considero que reune plenas condições de ganhar esta Copa do Mundo.

Acho que ficou provado, como no caso do Brasil, que não se ganham jogos apenas tendo os melhores jogadores. Tão importante como se ter bons jogadores e se ter um bom esquema tático.

Agora que a Alemanha está fora da disputa pelo primeiro lugar ficou muito mais fácil para Portugal ser o campeão. Itália e França precisam de espaço para jogar bem. Ambas, na minha opinião, tem melhores jogadores do que Portugal, mais talentosos. Mas no conjunto Portugal é superior.

Não só pelo Filipão, se bem que gosto e admiro seu estilo. Realmente admiro muito Portugal e considero que reune plenas condições de ganhar esta Copa do Mundo.

Acho que ficou provado, como no caso do Brasil, que não se ganham jogos apenas tendo os melhores jogadores. Tão importante como se ter bons jogadores e se ter um bom esquema tático.

Agora que a Alemanha está fora da disputa pelo primeiro lugar ficou muito mais fácil para Portugal ser o campeão. Itália e França precisam de espaço para jogar bem. Ambas, na minha opinião, tem melhores jogadores do que Portugal, mais talentosos. Mas no conjunto Portugal é superior.

I am going to swap back to English - Only very few here understand Portuguese. :(

Italy did not receive any real space today, and they still succeeded, so they don't need space. France we will have to wait and see.

The way France has come together and played well in the last couple of games should be of concern to the Portuguese. France have better players, we agree on that, but I also happen to think that both France and Italy are playing well as teams now.

If I could bet here (legally) my money would be on Italy now. Just a gut feeling. The one factor that can still upset this is Scolari. He is capable of motivating teams to play above their ability. The question is whether he can raise Portugal enough, and do it twice. I think the step up is too great even for him.

Well, after that perfomance, the German team and management should be lining up for unemployment welfare, not preparing for third place playoff. Or preparing for Euro 2008 or WC 2010, for that matter.

And please, no more mean, WW2 and "evil/bad German" references - that really is unnecessary when talking about football.

Just pointing out that my "Kaiser" reference was clearly not WWII. It was WWI. Yeah, okay. Das tut mir Leid that you are offended. "Mein Schlecht" ("My bad.")

Well, after that perfomance, the German team and management should be lining up for unemployment welfare, not preparing for third place playoff. Or preparing for Euro 2008 or WC 2010, for that matter.
Klinsmann and the German press disagree with you, but hey.

Klinsmann and the German press disagree with you, but hey.

Klinsmann sucks. I didn't see anything impressive out there.

Klinsmann sucks. I didn't see anything impressive out there.
That's because they actually overachieved. Read some interviews. They were expected to quarterfinal at best. They're a relatively young squad and they'll surely show better or equal in 2010.

That's because they actually overachieved. Read some interviews. They were expected to quarterfinal at best. They're a relatively young squad and they'll surely show better or equal in 2010.

They won't qualify for 2010. Mark my words.

They won't qualify for 2010. Mark my words.
I don't know who pissed in your Wheaties, but if I were here and knew I could see you again in four years, I'd take that bet, and your money. Euro MY word (no more Marks, see? *adopts Foghorn Leghorn voice* That's a joke, son, y'missed it!)

I don't know who pissed in your Wheaties, but if I were here and knew I could see you again in four years, I'd take that bet, and your money. Euro MY word (no more Marks, see? *adopts Foghorn Leghorn voice* That's a joke, son, y'missed it!)

Come on, what chance do they have of qualifying? They don't even have any notable players on their team.

Come on, what chance do they have of qualifying? They don't even have any notable players on their team.

That's 4 years from now, chances are it's not going to be the same team. And if you think that Lehmann and Klose aren't noteable players you can't have been watching the last few games, really.

That's 4 years from now, chances are it's not going to be the same team. And if you think that Lehmann and Klose aren't noteable players you can't have been watching the last few games, really.

Klose is one player. And Lehmann isn't any good, he can't even keep the ball out of the net.

And how old are they, anyway? Klose in 28, right? He won't be here in 4 years. Any shred of skill they had will be gone.

Yes, let's do that, please. It was an amazing, breathtaking football game. And the Italians scored two goals in the last 2 minutes.
Lucky? Maybe. Undeserved? Honestly don't think so.

Both were very pretty goals! Especially the 1st... there's no way one can say it was a lucky bloober or something. The were onsides and they just plain beat the D. The keeper had almost no chance.

As for the 2nd, when you start pulling up your D to help with the attack to try to even the score, breakaways happen!

IMO, that was the best ref'd (diving was not an ancillary sport during the game!) AND hardest played game of the Cup.

I don't think anyone ever deserves to win or not. It's who wants it more.

AND hardest played game of the Cup.

It was the biggest pushover of the cup, that's what it was. It was like watching a tank run over a mouse.

Klose is one player. And Lehmann isn't any good, he can't even keep the ball out of the net.

And how old are they, anyway? Klose in 28, right? He won't be here in 4 years. Any shred of skill they had will be gone.

To be replaced by new players. Klose might still be on in 2010, he'll only be 32.
And Lehmann did in fact hold 2 penalties... not an easy feat.

To be replaced by new players. Klose might still be on in 2010, he'll only be 32.
And Lehmann did in fact hold 2 penalties... not an easy feat.

Penalties are easy. They're spot kicks. It take skill to keep out real goals.

I stand by what I said. Germany will not win a WC within my lifetime. Or my children's lifetimes. Or their children's lifetimes.

Penalties are easy. They're spot kicks. It take skill to keep out real goals.

I stand by what I said. Germany will not win a WC within my lifetime. Or my children's lifetimes. Or their children's lifetimes.

*lol
Considering that Germany won two WC within my lifetime already, I'd say the chances are pretty good they'll win at least one more before either of us dies.

On average, they win one every 16-20 years ;)

And no, penalties aren't easy to hold. They're the most difficult, considering that the keeper is not allowed to move before the ball has been kicked off.

Man, this thread is giving my whiplash.

Last night one had to defend the Italian team from a person who must have seen an entirely different game in his head, today it's the same with Germany. *shakes head*

But at least it's without the flaming today. :p

But seriously, Greater Alemannia - as others have already pointed out, I have no idea where you get the impressions you apparently took away from this game.

While people here are certainly sad that we didn't advance, and while one can certainly criticize things about the team's performance yesterday (not a whole lot, though - Italy simply was better, tough luck), that surely doesn't call for a wholesale deriding of the whole team and the coach.

Without Klinsmann, I don't think we would have gotten *anywhere* near where we are now, he's done an amazing job. He completely changed the way Germany has been playing soccer and turned it into something much more watchable. :p Not to even mention the superb fitness level he achieved in the players.

And there are so many young players on this team - hell, I didn't even know half of them - everybody is hoping that Klinsmann will stay on as coach to continue the kind of growth they had recently.

It's funny, I would have taken your for someone whose reaction would be to blame it on Italy's "luck", too, but it seems to have had quite the opposite effect. Just take a deep breath and get over the bitterness, will ya? It was a soccer game they fought to win yet lost, not a personal insult to you. ;)

And no, penalties aren't easy to hold. They're the most difficult, considering that the keeper is not allowed to move before the ball has been kicked off. Er... yeah, what she said. Duh. o.O

Without Klinsmann, I don't think we would have gotten *anywhere* near where we are now, he's done an amazing job. He completely changed the way Germany has been playing soccer and turned it into something much more watchable. :p Not to even mention the superb fitness level he achieved in the players.

Yeah, Juergen Klinsmann, super coach. He took us from 2nd to 4th. What a fucking success story.

It's funny, I would have taken your for someone whose reaction would be to blame it on Italy's "luck", too, but it seems to have had quite the opposite effect. Just take a deep breath and get over the bitterness, will ya? It was a soccer game they fought to win yet lost, not a personal insult to you. ;)

I don't blame the winners, I blame the losers.

Yeah, Juergen Klinsmann, super coach. He took us from 2nd to 4th. What a fucking success story.

I don't blame the winners, I blame the losers.

We're not 4th yet, that's not been decided yet, has it?
Why blame anyone for losing? They played a fantastic game yesterday and lost. It's a game, you win, you lose, it happens.

*lol
Considering that Germany won two WC within my lifetime already, I'd say the chances are pretty good they'll win at least one more before either of us dies.

On average, they win one every 16-20 years ;)

And no, penalties aren't easy to hold. They're the most difficult, considering that the keeper is not allowed to move before the ball has been kicked off.

How OLD are you? Besides, that was WEST Germany. My theory is that Germany's only a success when it's divided. So, by the Chinese theory of division/unification, German will be united for at least 55 years. So they won't be able to win until 2045, at the earliest.

It was the biggest pushover of the cup, that's what it was. It was like watching a tank run over a mouse.

Were we watching the same game?
I'd say 118 minutes of back-and-forth scoreless football is hardly a pushover!

Were we watching the same game?
I'd say 118 minutes of back-and-forth scoreless football is hardly a pushover!

It's because Italy kept MISSING, not because Germany defended well.

How OLD are you? Besides, that was WEST Germany. My theory is that Germany's only a success when it's divided. So, by the Chinese theory of division/unification, German will be united for at least 55 years. So they won't be able to win until 2045, at the earliest.

Not that it's any of your business, but I'm 32. Germany won the WC in the year I was born, and again when I was 16.
That's a nice philosophical theory you've got there, but you might as well argue that Germany never won when they played when the moon was full, it's got about as much relevance for the game as the reunification. :rolleyes:

I don't blame the winners, I blame the losers.
See, now there's actually a lot of truth in there - I don't exactly remember you bashing the German team before yesterday's game. And I would bet an awful lot of money that we wouldn't have to listen to your surreal griping today had they managed another win last night.

Funny how that works, huh?

Not that it's any of your business, but I'm 32. Germany won the WC in the year I was born, and again when I was 16.
That's a nice philosophical theory you've got there, but you might as well argue that Germany never won when they played when the moon was full, it's got about as much relevance for the game as the reunification. :rolleyes:

It's got plenty of relevance. WCs won 1945-1990: 3. WCs won 1990-: ZERO

And you know what makes it MORE relevant? West Germany got their most thrilling win when it was divided into THREE countries (West, East, Saarland). The next two were lackluster.

[I know that you didn't do anything like that, I V Stalin - Your honest post just called for this statement. I V Statistikov :p Good job ;)]
...it's better than I V Statboy, I guess...:p

...it's better than I V Statboy, I guess...:pDefinitely more manly, if also more nerdy. :p

Yeah, Juergen Klinsmann, super coach. He took us from 2nd to 4th. What a fucking success story.

I don't blame the winners, I blame the losers.
If you compare the last World Cup to this one, then it might seem Germany are doing poorly to lose in the semi-final, but they didn't exactly play well - they managed to scrape past Paraguay, the US and South Korea, winning 1-0 each time.

But look back two years to Euro 2004 and you'll see that Germany didn't win a game. The football played by Germany in this World Cup has been very impressive, which is why people were saying that they could easily win it. As it happened, they lost a very good match to a very good Italian team, and there is absolutely no disgrace in that whatsoever.

It's got plenty of relevance. WCs won 1945-1990: 3. WCs won 1990-: ZERO

And you know what makes it MORE relevant? West Germany got their most thrilling win when it was divided into THREE countries (West, East, Saarland). The next two were lackluster.

Ok, so far, they won in 1954. Then nothing until 1974 (20 years). Then nothing until 1990 (16 years), and Germany considered itself unified at that time already. Then nothing, 16 years counting. If you're looking for a pattern, you might just see one when they win in 2010.

Definitely more manly, if also more nerdy. :p
If we can say geeky rather than nerdy, I'm happy.

As it happened, they lost a very good match to a very good Italian team, and there is absolutely no disgrace in that whatsoever.

When you're meant to be a top-class team, every defeat is a disgrace.

If we can say geeky rather than nerdy, I'm happy.
A'right. *nods*

That was, in no way, a great game. A great game is when a deserving team wins. Italy only scored out of sheer luck. Nothing but luck. They have no talent whatsoever on that team. And they had to make sure Frings got banned from the match to help them win.

Nothing great at all about this match. Nothing.

Looks like someone on this forum did not learn much yesterday night.
Those Germans who lately do not like pizza pie anymore, should eat a lot of humble pie instead.

We played better. We scored twice, and had better opportunities. We won, on German field, in German championships, with 60.000 German people attending. We deserved better than Germany from any point of view: strategy, talent, wilfulness. This is not to mean that we won hands down; we never do, and Germany was a challenging opponent. It was a close, fair match.

So, what are you complaining about? Could it be that whining is not our national character? We never claim to win because we are "better" as Italians, nor do we insult other countries before we match against them.

It's because Italy kept MISSING, not because Germany defended well.

Bollocks! The German keeper played a GREAT game.
Also, the Germans kept missing too. :D

Looks like someone on this forum did not learn much yesterday night.
Those Germans who lately do not like pizza pie anymore, should eat a lot of humble pie instead.

We played better. We scored twice, and had better opportunities. We won, on German field, in German championships, with 60.000 German people attending. We deserved better than Germany from any point of view: strategy, talent, wilfulness. This is not to mean that we won hands down; we never do, and Germany was a challenging opponent. It was a close, fair match.

So, what are you complaining about? Could it be that whining is not our national character? We never claim to win because we are "better" as Italians, nor do we insult other countries before we match against them.


Please don't mistake that guy for a German, he's from the USA. Read what the Germans wrote in this thread, it was a great game, it was a pity we lost, but it was fair throughout.

Looks like someone on this forum did not learn much yesterday night.
Those Germans who lately do not like pizza pie anymore, should eat a lot of humble pie instead.

We played better. We scored twice, and had better opportunities. We won, on German field, in German championships, with 60.000 German people attending. We deserved better than Germany from any point of view: strategy, talent, wilfulness. This is not to mean that we won hands down; we never do, and Germany was a challenging opponent. It was a close, fair match.

So, what are you complaining about? Could it be that whining is not our national character? We never claim to win because we are "better" as Italians, nor do we insult other countries before we match against them.

I don't disagree, except for the idea that is was close. It was never close. Italy was toying with Germany. The same way you toy with your six-year old when you play football with him. If you wanted to, you could beat the crap out of him.

Bollocks! The German keeper played a GREAT game.
Also, the Germans kept missing too. :D

HE LET ONE IN! That's not a great game! That's crap!

HE LET ONE IN! That's not a great game! That's crap!

And he held... how many? A lot more than the Italian keeper had to hold. Germany kept missing, that was the tragic part of that game.

Looks like someone on this forum did not learn much yesterday night.
Those Germans who lately do not like pizza pie anymore, should eat a lot of humble pie instead.

We played better. We scored twice, and had better opportunities. We won, on German field, in German championships, with 60.000 German people attending. We deserved better than Germany from any point of view: strategy, talent, wilfulness. This is not to mean that we won hands down; we never do, and Germany was a challenging opponent. It was a close, fair match.

So, what are you complaining about? Could it be that whining is not our national character? We never claim to win because we are "better" as Italians, nor do we insult other countries before we match against them.
>.< Well, you found that post, so I hope you'll be reading the rest of the thread, too. This guy neither is German, nor lives in Germany, nor speaks for anyone but himself.

Lalalalaaa, why do I even keep bothering running around telling everybody that's not what we think? :headbang: (<--and you know if it's making me use this smiley, it must be bad)

And he held... how many? A lot more than the Italian keeper had to hold. Germany kept missing, that was the tragic part of that game.

Yeah, because they didn't get CLOSE.

You know what's nice? Fun, exciting flashy football like this. You know what's even more nice? Boring football where you FUCKING WIN.

Yeah, because they didn't get CLOSE.

You know what's nice? Fun, exciting flashy football like this. You know what's even more nice? Boring football where you FUCKING WIN.

Calm down already. They did get close, a number of times. They just missed. It's a game, which means there's always an element of chance involved.
So you didn't enjoy that Germany lost. Neither did I, nor any of the Germans I was watching the game with. But we lost, it's over for this time, let's make it better next time around.
There's nothing more annoying than a sore loser...

Calm down already. They did get close, a number of times. They just missed. It's a game, which means there's always an element of chance involved.
So you didn't enjoy that Germany lost. Neither did I, nor any of the Germans I was watching the game with. But we lost, it's over for this time, let's make it better next time around.
There's nothing more annoying than a sore loser...

A sore loser blames it on the opposition. I put the blame EXACTLY where it belongs; on the shortcomings of the "German" team.

A sore loser blames it on the opposition. I put the blame EXACTLY where it belongs; on the shortcomings of the "German" team.

Why blame ANYONE? It's a friggin GAME, one wins, one loses. It was a good game, both sides played brilliantly, but one side had to lose. Those are the rules. :headbang:

Why blame ANYONE? It's a friggin GAME, one wins, one loses. It was a good game, both sides played brilliantly, but one side had to lose. Those are the rules. :headbang:
Nooooooooooooo, Cabra! He made you use the evil smiley, too. :eek: :(
Let's get out of here before it's too late!

HE LET ONE IN! That's not a great game! That's crap!
So any keeper who ever conceded a goal is crap? Goodbye Yashin, Zoff, Banks, Barthez, Schmeichel, Seaman, Maier, Shilton...

So any keeper who ever conceded a goal is crap? Goodbye Yashin, Zoff, Banks, Barthez, Schmeichel, Seaman, Maier, Shilton...

I'm sure none of them have let in two goals in the space of about two minutes in the last two minutes of a home semi-final.

Why blame ANYONE? It's a friggin GAME, one wins, one loses. It was a good game, both sides played brilliantly, but one side had to lose. Those are the rules. :headbang:

I blame the loser. They didn't play well, they have incredile amounts of work to do if they ever want to win (including rehauling the entire team and management), end of story.

Please don't mistake that guy for a German, he's from the USA. Read what the Germans wrote in this thread, it was a great game, it was a pity we lost, but it was fair throughout.

Yes. And I should add that while the German papers were "hostile" (a reasonable understatement), the audience behaved perfectly. They supported their team as much as possible, within the limits of fair game. From this point of view (audience, and fairness), this is one of the best editions of WC I remember. Germany deserves a high praise as host country.

I'm sure none of them have let in two goals in the space of about two minutes in the last two minutes of a home semi-final.
Yeah, let's blame Lehmann for both goals, rather than whoever the hell was meant to be marking Grosso for the first goal (and, perhaps, the four German defenders on the edge of the box all trying to close down Pirlo). The second was nobody's fault - the German's were trying to equalise and they overloaded their attack. Italy hit them on the break - it's how it happens. Just drop it, GA, Germany played fantastically all tournament, especially in the semi-final, yet you seem determined to slag them off. Italy were better on the day - they dominated the match, and deserved to win because they were brilliant compared to Germany being very good.

Yes. And I should add that while the German papers were "hostile" (a reasonable understatement), the audience behaved perfectly. They supported their team as much as possible, within the limits of fair game. From this point of view (audience, and fairness), this is one of the best editions of WC I remember. Germany deserves a high praise as host country.Papers? Are you referring to that Spiegel article beforehand or actually to today's papers? I would certainly not hope nor think that the papers today were hostile to Italy?! :eek:

Yes. And I should add that while the German papers were "hostile" (a reasonable understatement), the audience behaved perfectly. They supported their team as much as possible, within the limits of fair game. From this point of view (audience, and fairness), this is one of the best editions of WC I remember. Germany deserves a high praise as host country.

They all should have been hostile. The crowd, the paper, they all should throw shit on the team for doing so badly.

Yeah, let's blame Lehmann for both goals, rather than whoever the hell was meant to be marking Grosso for the first goal (and, perhaps, the four German defenders on the edge of the box all trying to close down Pirlo). The second was nobody's fault - the German's were trying to equalise and they overloaded their attack. Italy hit them on the break - it's how it happens. Just drop it, GA, Germany played fantastically all tournament, especially in the semi-final, yet you seem determined to slag them off. Italy were better on the day - they dominated the match, and deserved to win because they were brilliant compared to Germany being very good.

They should have forfeit after that first goal, 'cause they suck.

They all should have been hostile. The crowd, the paper, they all should throw shit on the team for doing so badly.Honey, he was talking being hostile to Italy. Nevermind.

Honey, he was talking being hostile to Italy. Nevermind.

Well, they should have been hostile to that thing they call their "team".

Well, they should have been hostile to that thing they call their "team".
Oh, but you're already doing that job better than anyone else could ever want to. :)

Papers? Are you referring to that Spiegel article beforehand or actually to today's papers? I would certainly not hope nor think that the papers today were hostile to Italy?! :eek:

Of course not today's papers. Today, we are the winners... but in the previous days we have seen some, uh, let's call them "lapses of style"... the worst article was obviously the Spiegel one, even if one discounts the fact that it was published in a "satyrical" column.

They should have forfeit after that first goal, 'cause they suck.
Of course they do. Joint highest scorers in the competition, Klose is currently leading the Golden Boot standings, reached the semi-finals...

I wish England sucked so badly...

Oh, but you're already doing that job better than anyone else could ever want to. :)

I'm the only one being objective. Everyone in Germany would praise their team if they'd finished last in their group.

Of course they do. Joint highest scorers in the competition, Klose is currently leading the Golden Boot standings, reached the semi-finals...

I wish England sucked so badly...

They can kick as many goals as they want. Goals =/= wins.

They can kick as many goals as they want. Goals =/= wins.
I don't know...the only match Germany didn't score in, they lost. They scored in all their other matches, and won them...:p

I'm the only one being objective. Everyone in Germany would praise their team if they'd finished last in their group.
But it's not just Germans praising the German team. I wanted them to lose yesterday and I'm still saying they played well and deserved to be in the semi-finals.

I don't know...the only match Germany didn't score in, they lost. They scored in all their other matches, and won them...:p

A loss is a loss, and it's unacceptable.

Yeah, let's blame Lehmann for both goals, rather than whoever the hell was meant to be marking Grosso for the first goal (and, perhaps, the four German defenders on the edge of the box all trying to close down Pirlo). The second was nobody's fault - the German's were trying to equalise and they overloaded their attack. Italy hit them on the break - it's how it happens.

I fully agree. Lehmann played well, and you cannot keep the opponent from scoring ever. Italy had better opportunities, but we should remember that they managed to score after Lippi put 4 forwards on the field (Totti, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Del Piero), unusual enough for an Italian team. If we had lost, Lippi would now be hanging from some tall tree...

But it's not just Germans praising the German team. I wanted them to lose yesterday and I'm still saying they played well and deserved to be in the semi-finals.

It's easy to praise the team that lost if you want them to lose. You reassure them that they did their best and played well, and that they'll do better nrxt time, etc.

Of course not today's papers. Today, we are the winners... but in the previous days we have seen some, uh, let's call them "lapses of style"... the worst article was obviously the Spiegel one, even if one discounts the fact that it was published in a "satyrical" column.Well, the fact that you won could also have meant they made you a target today, but then again, we're not talking about the British press, so eh. :p

Hmm, I'll just have to assume and offer up apologizingly that the hostile snippets you got to see (I'm presuming you're in Italy) were cropped out of a few tabloid dirtrags, because our "serious" press is actually (and thankfully) way too staid and boring to start any kind of dissing. I haven't seen any hostile headlines or anything, but then, I didn't pay attention, either.

But seriously, our press is *nothing* like the British, apart from the tabloids (and we really only have one big one, Bild) they're as tame and factual as can be. Plus, there is no rivalry between the two countries (not like with Holland or England) so I can't imagine the articles go anywhere beyond the classic stereotypes that were so harshly described in that Spiegel satirical article ;) (and just to make sure - that was indeed a satirical article, there wasn't even one nanosecond of doubt about that in anyone's mind who read it. Seriously.) The Germans love and, in many ways, secretly envy the Italians for their easygoing ways and dolce vita, just as we needle you on the "domani, domani" thinking, the overbearing "mammas", and your soccer team's legendary diving and crying skills. ;) I'm quite sure you have more than a few pointed clichés about us, too. :p

I'm the only one being objective. Everyone in Germany would praise their team if they'd finished last in their group.
Bolded for outrageousness. :p

Bolded for outrageousness. :p

Everyone else is so blinded by whatever it is that they can't see how poor the team is. They haven't even got a leader.

*sigh* I miss Völler...

But seriously, our press is *nothing* like the British, apart from the tabloids (and we really only have one big one, Bild) they're as tame and factual as can be. Plus, there is no rivalry between the two countries (not like with Holland or England) so I can't imagine the articles go anywhere beyond the classic stereotypes that were so harshly described in that Spiegel satirical article ;) (and just to make sure - that was indeed a satirical article, there wasn't even one nanosecond of doubt about that in anyone's mind who read it. Seriously.) The Germans love and, in many ways, secretly envy the Italians for their easygoing ways and dolce vita, just as we needle you on the "domani, domani" thinking, the overbearing "mammas", and your soccer team's legendary diving and crying skills. ;) I'm quite sure you have more than a few pointed clichés about us, too. :p

We do, even if we respect Germans more than we do respect, say, French. And I personally don't like a lot of our "national features". They can well be criticized, and I can understand we could be the dreamland of a satyric writer.:p

There is a lot of room for improvement in Italy, and you should not envy us too much. But, well, imagine that Der Spiegel published a similar column on England... would they have taken that "sportly"?

There is a lot of room for improvement in Italy, and you should not envy us too much. But, well, imagine that Der Spiegel published a similar column on England... would they have taken that "sportly"?

I envy and respect Italy because Italy WINS games. Germany just fails to win games.

We do, even if we respect Germans more than we do respect, say, French. And I personally don't like a lot of our "national features". They can well be criticized, and I can understand we could be the dreamland of a satyric writer.:p

There is a lot of room for improvement in Italy, and you should not envy us too much. But, well, imagine that Der Spiegel published a similar column on England... would they have taken that "sportly"?

Germans tend to have a very romaticized notion of Italy... ever since Goethe declared it to be Arcadia ;)
I don't think there ever was any real enmity between the two countries, was there? No rivalry, no nationalistic hatred...

Just pointing out that my "Kaiser" reference was clearly not WWII. It was WWI. Yeah, okay. Das tut mir Leid that you are offended. "Mein Schlecht" ("My bad.")
Is okay. It just hurt to see that yet again some people used those slurs instead of talking about football.

Just thinking of all the verve and Begeisterung that the team has brought to Germany. 3 weeks of love and hope and good memories. I really hope that some will remember that Germany has been a really great host and that those who've been here tell all their folks at home that those Germans really are a likeable people after all.

I can't remember when I've seen so many happy Germans in a long time. Maybe never before. Really hope that part of this will remain.

I really hope that Jürgen Klinsmann and his team continues coaching our team - they've done a wonderful job.

Danke, Jungs!



I don't know who pissed in your Wheaties, but if I were here and knew I could see you again in four years, I'd take that bet, and your money. Euro MY word (no more Marks, see? *adopts Foghorn Leghorn voice* That's a joke, son, y'missed it!)
Good one, too ;)
And I would add: Just ask those teams who have played against the Germans - They might actually disagree with that one person [G.A.]

Come on, what chance do they have of qualifying? They don't even have any notable players on their team.
Very high. And here's a little list of notable players. Go check out how old they are and you will see that most of them will be at their peak in 2010.
And Euro08 will be interesting as well.

http://www.dfb.de/dfb-team/nationalteam/spieler/index.html

...it's better than I V Statboy, I guess...:p
Thought so ;)

One last thought before I have to go. Greater Alemannia, you're walking the edge and I'm in the mood for a push. Stop trashtalking the German team, stop behaving like an idiot and grow up, just shut the hell up. Reading your posts leads to :headbang::headbang::headbang:!

We do, even if we respect Germans more than we do respect, say, French. And I personally don't like a lot of our "national features". They can well be criticized, and I can understand we could be the dreamland of a satyric writer.:p

There is a lot of room for improvement in Italy, and you should not envy us too much. But, well, imagine that Der Spiegel published a similar column on England... would they have taken that "sportly"? Now, the British would undoubtedly say "Yes, of course!" to that question, seeing how they always insist that all the fritz, krauts, blitz, reich, sieg, hitler etc. headlines are all in good jest and are just part of that brilliant British humour that the Krauts are simply too thick to understand... :rolleyes: :p But I'd actually say that I don't think a German paper would write a satirical column on England, just as they probably wouldn't write one on the Netherlands or Poland, for the simple fact that we are at times still very much hated in those countries (even if, like I said, many British claim they're just joking). So those are not exactly "carefree" relationships to begin with, i.e. not a conducive environment for satirical columns at all...

One last thought before I have to go. Greater Alemannia, you're walking the edge and I'm in the mood for a push. Stop trashtalking the German team, stop behaving like an idiot and grow up, just shut the hell up. Reading your posts leads to :headbang::headbang::headbang:!

I can't trashtalk it, it's not a team.

Last time I put any pride in that team. My friend's view of his team is "Fuck Portugal, they're shit" and it's WORKING. I'm doing that next WC.

I can't trashtalk it, it's not a team.

Ok, so it's a purple cow that made it to the semi finals. :rolleyes:
Happy now?

I can't trashtalk it, it's not a team.
http://www.studip.uni-goettingen.de/pictures/smile/zorn.gif
Watch it, boy.

Ok, so it's a purple cow that made it to the semi finals. :rolleyes:
Happy now?

No, it's a bunch of guys who kicked a ball around for 120 minutes. Teams work together and win.

http://www.studip.uni-goettingen.de/pictures/smile/zorn.gif
Watch it, boy.

What you gonna do?

Germans tend to have a very romaticized notion of Italy... ever since Goethe declared it to be Arcadia ;)
I don't think there ever was any real enmity between the two countries, was there? No rivalry, no nationalistic hatred...

Not really, leaving the ending of WWII aside, which has been a tragedy. Italy was never a threat to Germany, and grand tours have probably nurtured in Germany a romantic view of the country "wo die Zitronen bluhmen" (or sort of).

Italy has more mixed feelings about Germans. Partly because Italy has been occupied over centuries by a good deal of German-speaking (mostly Austrian), we tend to be a bit intimidated by German aggressivity. Stereotypes still see Germans as harsh and unforgiving.

On the other hand, we look to Germans as reliable, effective and honest. And capable of dazzling philosophical meditation, while there's sun outside and no reason ever to bother about metaphysics...

Italy has more mixed feelings about Germans. Partly because Italy has been occupied over centuries by a good deal of German-speaking (mostly Austrian), we tend to be a bit intimidated by German aggressivity. Stereotypes still see Germans as harsh and unforgiving. Oh noes. Another country who doesn't like us. And we didn't even know. :(

Not really, leaving the ending of WWII aside, which has been a tragedy. Italy was never a threat to Germany, and grand tours have probably nurtured in Germany a romantic view of the country "wo die Zitronen bluhmen" (or sort of).

Italy has more mixed feelings about Germans. Partly because Italy has been occupied over centuries by a good deal of German-speaking (mostly Austrian), we tend to be a bit intimidated by German aggressivity. Stereotypes still see Germans as harsh and unforgiving.

On the other hand, we look to Germans as reliable, effective and honest. And capable of dazzling philosophical meditation, while there's sun outside and no reason ever to bother about metaphysics...

I know, I heard a good deal about my "teutonic attitude" when dating an Itlaina guy and daring to buy my own coke when we were going to the cinema, :D
But I can understand how Germans might be viewed as aggressive and impolite, we tend to have a very direct approach to doing things. Or rather, a way to concentrate on what we are doing, and nothing else. Full attention ot one thing after another, whereas Italians seem to go for "attention for everything at once"...

Ok, let's be honest now; there's no way Italy's going to lose this WC. Might as well not play the final.

Ok, let’s be honest now; there’s no way Italy’s going to lose this WC. Might as well not play the final.
France have been mighty impressive so far.... an Italy/France final would be a nail-biter, I wager.

France have been mighty impressive so far.... an Italy/France final would be a nail-biter, I wager.

Not really. It'll be 22 guys kicking a ball around for 120 minute, and in the end, the Italians win.

But yeah, France has been better than Germany. As usual.

~snip~
Whatever dude. If you dislike the tournament this much, why spend so much time getting worked up abou it?

Whatever dude. If you dislike the tournament this much, why spend so much time getting worked up abou it?

Because everybody thinks it's the best WC ever. It's been lousy.

~snip~
How? Point to something specific that’s been lousy. Something that isn’t your conception of how badly the German team has done.

Because everybody thinks it's the best WC ever. It's been lousy.

Would be a reason for them to get worked up about it, then, not for you... if you think it's lousy, stop watching it. Nobody's forcing you

How? Point to something specific that’s been lousy. Something that isn’t your conception of how badly the German team has done.

Undeserving teams win. Including Germany. That's not a good WC.

You know what the pathetic thing is? In 4 years, I'll be here again, hoping Germany gets the impossible miracle and wins. I'm pathetic.

I'm pathetic.

If weren't flamming that could easily be siggable. :p

If weren't flamming that could easily be siggable. :p

Go nuts, it's true.

Congratulations Italy!
The better team won. Period.
If you consider all the games these two teams played in this WC, then Germany did better before, but that doesn't count anymore.
:(
But I have to add something else.
1.) After the game we went to our market square, which is a huge public viewing area currently. Some ten Brazilian (!) fans had their drums and percussion instruments and were drumming all over the place. German and Italian flag waving football fans were dancing to the rhythms.
No aggression. No disputes. No blaming. Just damned good vibes and party. That's what that WC is about ... besides the games of course.

2.) Many English fans changed their mind concerning Germany and the Germans and vice versa!!!! We had the fortune to have one England game in our city and it was so stunning. You can't describe the athmosphere and you could see the English and German fans becoming friends and drinking beer and partying together everywhere (1,200,000 pints sold that night additionally !!!)
Check out that link and read the comments especially:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/worldcup/2006/07/why_i_want_germany_to_win_the.html

One comment describes it best: One poster is writing about the new English-German honeymoon! :fluffle: :)
So, besides the sport, these two countries obviously already are winners!
By the way ... there are still many English flags in the windows here in Nürnberg.

Just, guys, you know... do me a favour? In 2010, remind me how shitty this WC was for us, so I don't get my stupid ass hopeful.

So Germany got done in by someone called Grosso, join Australia ... :p
I didn't want Italy to win either.

Check out that link and read the comments especially:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/worldcup/2006/07/why_i_want_germany_to_win_the.html
Hey, thanks, that's a great link (still reading through all those the comments) - and not just because they happen to say nice stuff about Germany, but because they very much show the spirit the World Cup ideally should embody. Yay! :)

Hey, thanks, that's a great link (still reading through all those the comments) - and not just because they happen to say nice stuff about Germany, but because they very much show the spirit the World Cup ideally should embody. Yay! :)

Yeah, that's right. The weird thing is, that in Germany all the tens of thousands of English fans knew how to behave and how to leave a positive mark whilst in England they had to close Public Viewing Zones due to riots :rolleyes:

Yeah, that's right. The weird thing is, that in Germany all the tens of thousands of English fans knew how to behave and how to leave a positive mark whilst in England they had to close Public Viewing Zones due to riots :rolleyes:
That's because we didn't let in the hooligans in the first place. :p

What pisses me off is that:

- The Argentinians didn't care; the ITALIANS brought it up to undermine our team

No, the Italian federation didn't do anything. There was the television evidence and it was applied exactly as with Totti in Euro 2004.

Odd thing. If Italy win the world cup, they are heroes!
Then they go home and half the team get thrown in gaol for match fixing.

No, the Italian federation didn't do anything. There was the television evidence and it was applied exactly as with Totti in Euro 2004.

Does it MATTER now? Germany's managed to play their way into the 3rd place game.

The German organization was great; some German press, however, was really offensive... I'd like to know what they would say now instead of that "pizza arrivederci" or about the italians being arrogants and spoilt... Gennaro Gattuso is the real italian hero of this World Cup!

The German organization was great; some German press, however, was really offensive... I'd like to know what they would say now instead of that "pizza arrivederci" or about the italians being arrogants and spoilt... Gennaro Gattuso is the real italian hero of this World Cup!

I think the German press would agree with me that all German players and staff should be sacked and we should start building a new team from scratch.

No, the Italian federation didn't do anything. There was the television evidence and it was applied exactly as with Totti in Euro 2004.
That's correct. It was misinterpreted, initally. On the other hand now the FIFA says, that it was a wrong decision! Mainly because they came to the decision too close to the match. But anyway. It's a team sport. And any complaining won't change anything. Fact. I could start complaining that there were two situations where the referee clearly failed giving the German team a penalty. (one italian player played the ball with the hand, 2nd situation was, when Germany got a free-kick, but the foul was commited SIGNIFICANTLY CLEARLY one and half meters INSIDE the penalty area!).
But those things happen always and, after I'm biased during such a game,
there might have been situations seen by Italy fans, that might have been worth a penalty or a red card, too.
So kudos to both teams and good luck in the finals, Itlay!

That's correct. It was misinterpreted, initally. On the other hand now the FIFA says, that it was a wrong decision! Mainly because they came to the decision too close to the match. But anyway. It's a team sport. And any complaining won't change anything. Fact. I could start complaining that there were two situations where the referee clearly failed giving the German team a penalty. (one italian player played the ball with the hand, 2nd situation was, when Germany got a free-kick, but the foul was commited SIGNIFICANTLY CLEARLY one and half meters INSIDE the penalty area!).
But those things happen always and, after I'm biased during such a game,
there might have been situations seen by Italy fans, that might have been worth a penalty or a red card, too.
So kudos to both teams and good luck in the finals, Itlay!

What the hell is wrong with you, Bavaria? You used to be cool.

I think the German press would agree with me that all German players and staff should be sacked and we should start building a new team from scratch. Sure they would. :p

The German organization was great; some German press, however, was really offensive... I'd like to know what they would say now instead of that "pizza arrivederci" or about the italians being arrogants and spoilt... Gennaro Gattuso is the real italian hero of this World Cup!

Ewww .. the tabloids ... it's embarassing sometimes ... but today they (BILD) are pretty sheepish :rolleyes:

I translated some sentences from a BILD article:

"These hard-nosed Italians - undefeated for 24 games now - were just a little stronger in a great, intensive high-class game. In extra time they hit the post and the bar and then the net."

And in another article (Bild as well) there are the first attempts of humour already:

"Fans: Don't be sad!
We are better than Brazil
Klose is the best scorer
Women know now what offside means"

So don't worry. It were just the standard low-level of tabloids when it comes to important matches like the one yesterday. Next to my office there's a diner run by Matteo an Italian guy. The Germans still buy their pizzas there today :)

Women know now what offside means"


:eek: :mad: :p

What the hell is wrong with you, Bavaria? You used to be cool.
Still cool, man :cool:
Maybe I'm a little more used to support losing teams ...
I support 1.FC Nürnberg, if you know what I mean :D

Hey! Relax, man. Of course it's disappointing, but we should remain sportsmenlike anyway!

Save your energy for some positive things, you won't change the outcome of the WC anyway. ;)

Because everybody thinks it's the best WC ever. It's been lousy.
Now, honestly - how many World Cups exactly have you seen, huh? This one and...?

:eek: :mad: :p [offsite...]
Not only do you know it - you can also explain it ;)

I think the German press would agree with me that all German players and staff should be sacked and we should start building a new team from scratch.

Yeah, sure. Like the Deutsches Fussball-Bund is going to waste thousands (if not millions) of Euros building a brand new team when they have some star players and a great coach on the current team. The current German national team is very good. Their luck ran out in the 14 minute of the second overtime period.

I personally hope Germany renews Klinsmann's contract for another 4 years, so that he can improve the team even more.

Now, honestly - how many World Cups exactly have you seen, huh? This one and...?

1998, 2002, 2006.

Still cool, man :cool:
Maybe I'm a little more used to support losing teams ...
I support 1.FC Nürnberg, if you know what I mean :D

Hey! Relax, man. Of course it's disappointing, but we should remain sportsmenlike anyway!

Save your energy for some positive things, you won't change the outcome of the WC anyway. ;)

Positive things? The next WC is in 2010. By then, I'll be dead or completely different.

They need to hold the WC more often. Every 2 years.

stupid germany not winning in penalties:mad: ... i'll never get that 10 euro back:(

stupid germany not winning in penalties:mad: ... i'll never get that 10 euro back:(
LOL - That's why you shouldn't bet on a match ;). But admit it, you're happy they made it as far as they did. And the least they can do is 4th place now.

1998, 2002, 2006.

So, basically the three world cups that Germany lost. Germany won in 1954, 1974, and 1990. Maybe you should watch those WCs.

stupid germany not winning in penalties:mad: ... i'll never get that 10 euro back:(

Did you bet on that, too??? :eek:

LOL - That's why you shouldn't bet on a match ;). But admit it, you're happy they made it as far as they did. And the least they can do is 4th place now.

well yeah.. but i'd be even happier if you gave me a tenner.....

Positive things? The next WC is in 2010. By then, I'll be dead or completely different.

They need to hold the WC more often. Every 2 years.

But there's the European Championship in two years! And until then you should start supporting 1.FC Nürnberg as well ... you'll be waaaaay more relaxed after defeats when you did that for two years! :D
Don't know where you are from, but there's a fan club in the U.K. as well
http://www.1fcnuk.com/index_en.htm
Try it! It'll update your ability to suffer :D

So, basically the three world cups that Germany lost. Germany won in 1954, 1974, and 1990. Maybe you should watch those WCs.

How is that going to change my opinion? The '54 team was incredible, the '74 team was great, and the '90 team was decent. That's not going to change my opinion of this team.

Did you bet on that, too??? :eek:

yep, i sure did... just myself and a few friends... kinda like a suicide pact....

But there's the European Championship in two years! And until then you should start supporting 1.FC Nürnberg as well ... you'll be waaaaay more relaxed after defeats when you did that for two years! :D
Don't know where you are from, but there's a fan club in the U.K. as well
http://www.1fcnuk.com/index_en.htm
Try it! It'll update your ability to suffer :D

Och gih zu, des machd des orm Boerschla doch oeschd nuch feddich, so an kabbuddn Verrain zer undersduedsn... :p

Odd thing. If Italy win the world cup, they are heroes!
Then they go home and half the team get thrown in gaol for match fixing.
No - none of the Italian squad have been implicated in the match-fixing investigation. Just because they play for the teams that have doesn't mean that they're guilty.

yep, i sure did... just myself and a few friends... kinda like a suicide pact....

*lol
I couldn't find anyone to take that bet, all my friends were sure it would end that way....

But there's the European Championship in two years! And until then you should start supporting 1.FC Nürnberg as well ... you'll be waaaaay more relaxed after defeats when you did that for two years! :D
Don't know where you are from, but there's a fan club in the U.K. as well
http://www.1fcnuk.com/index_en.htm
Try it! It'll update your ability to suffer :D

I follow VfB Stuttgart and Alemannia-Aachen. One because it has the name Alemannia and one because it is Alemannic.

Och gih zu, des machd des orm Boerschla doch oeschd nuch feddich, so an kabbuddn Verrain zer undersduedsn... :p

Maansd wergli? An Versuch is doch wert, oddä? :D

Wow..."Italy by 2" is really running away with the poll now...:D

I follow VfB Stuttgart and Alemannia-Aachen. One because it has the name Alemannia and one because it is Alemannic.

Well ... okay ... with Alemannia you should have a good chance to get used in losing after they just promoted this year ... but good luck anyway ... ;)

*lol
I couldn't find anyone to take that bet, all my friends were sure it would end that way....

you have smart friends:p

Maansd wergli? An Versuch is doch wert, oddä? :D

No, wennsd na scho zer di Verlierer schggn willst, noo loss na aen Oerschdn FC Bamberch undersduedsn... do lerndsd aess verliern, soch i deae

Well ... okay ... with Alemannia you should have a good chance to get used in losing after they just promoted this year ... but good luck anyway ... ;)

Probably. But, never know. I'm hoping they'll produce a prodigy and one day an A-A player will get on the national side.

Any VfB players on the national team? Besides Hildebrand.

No, wennsd na scho zer di Verlierer schggn willst, noo loss na aen Oerschdn FC Bamberch undersduedsn... do lerndsd aess verliern, soch i deae
:D
But he already mentioned his teams and with Alemannia Aachen he picked a good one for that issue :)

well yeah.. but i'd be even happier if you gave me a tenner.....
Sorry, don't have any to give!

Greater Alemannia - Then I guess your no real fan of the german team. Oh well, no loss there.

Sorry, don't have any to give!

Greater Alemannia - Then I guess your no real fan of the german team. Oh well, no loss there.

A real fan wouldn't have slipped back into depression because of this loss. Different fans handle defeat in different ways.

Argentina deserved to lose, as they clearly were inferior. And so is Italy. Italy won by pure luck. They didn't dominate the match at all. In terms of play, Germany did beat Italy, since it took Italy almost 120 minutes to get enough luck to score against a superior German goal keeper.

This victory over a clearly superior team (and nation I might add), was nothing but luck for a bunch of snivelling, arrogant, scandal-prone cry babies.Italy was/is not "inferior"..

and clearly Argentina was not inferior.. not by any strech of the imagination.. They beat Argentina didn't they? Must still be smarting from that loss.Yes Germany PKs stopped Argentina (the most talented team)
And that is the Germany claim-to-fame ritgh now..

Probably. But, never know. I'm hoping they'll produce a prodigy and one day an A-A player will get on the national side.

Any VfB players on the national team? Besides Hildebrand.

Well, there is Thomas Hitzlsperger in the official squad but he didn't play IIRC.
And they have Ludovic Magnin who plays for Switzerland.
Don't know if there are some more who are playing in any national team.

1998, 2002, 2006.
And you're taking those three as a basis to form an opinion? That's pretty steep! Way to go!

Klose is one player. And Lehmann isn't any good, he can't even keep the ball out of the net.

And how old are they, anyway? Klose in 28, right? He won't be here in 4 years. Any shred of skill they had will be gone.

Anyone remember Arsenal's CL run. Lehman kept a lot of clean sheats, saved a penalty against Argentina's playmaker, kept clean sheets against Real Madrid, Juve and Villeral with some brilliant saves, played in the 49 game unbeatn which you can't do if you have a poor keeper. Go find a copy of Arsenal against Man United FA Cup final, or the game against Liverpool at Anfield and tell me he can't keep the ball out of the net, his one man defience in those games...

He didn't have a chance with any of the World Cup goals, made some impressive saves, saved two penalites, made some great stops against italy and swept up behind the defence. How many penalties have you seen a keeper catch?

He conceded two? Wow, both unstoppable. He had no chance ofr any of the goals conceded in the World Cup.

32 year old striker? Milla, Shearer, Berkhamp, Zola ecxtra, 32 isn't too bad an age for a striker.

When you're meant to be a top-class team, every defeat is a disgrace.

So Arsenal disgraced themselves in the CL final? Germany went in without anybody giving them a real chance but went out fighting in a good game. No shame, no disgrace, they did not roll over and gave Italy a hard game

Yeah, because they didn't get CLOSE.

You know what's nice? Fun, exciting flashy football like this. You know what's even more nice? Boring football where you WIN.

Rather lose playing fairly and attempting to play our best, not struggling out wins. As an Arsenal fan of the Wegner generation, I have been fortunate to have that. I had greater satisfaction with our loss against Barca more then the FA cup win over Man U when we played poorly and only Lehman deserved the win

I'm sure none of them have let in two goals in the space of about two minutes in the last two minutes of a home semi-final.

I have seen Seamen chipped from the half way line in the final of a Eurpoen cup. Lehman was beaten twice by unstoppable efforts, a keeper can have a poor game and still be good, Lehman played well and you slam him

Well, they should have been hostile to that thing they call their "team".

How about constructive critisim, prasing where it is due and slamming where it is due. Not some blind "we lost to a very good side so ergo we are the worst side ever."

I'm the only one being objective. Everyone in Germany would praise their team if they'd finished last in their group.

Everyone was prasing Germany after the poor pre season form, even a 4-1 loss to Italy? Seemed more like "Germany will humliate themselves, we are a poor side, we might not eve get out of the group" where things I heard

Everyone else is so blinded by whatever it is that they can't see how poor the team is. They haven't even got a leader.

Lehman, Kilnsman,Khan, Ballack, Klose, all showed leadership

GA, Germany played well for most of the tournment, a lot better then England. Klinsman revied a team that failed to get out of the group stage in 2004 and 2000, you get to the semi's. Your team has a lot of good young players, a decent manager(if Klinsman proves to be a fluke) will keep Germany a strong semi final team who could go on to win it. Your lucky to have such a great team.

I have seen bits of 1998, lots of 2000,20002,2004 and this is for me the best cup. Germnay has done itself proud yet becuase of 2000 which had some flukes(Turkey third place? South Korea semi finals?) an on form Ballack and Khan playing against some weak teams, a team that lost 5-1 to a not very good England and blew the lead they had in the qualifying group, you say Germany and the whole tournment sucks. I am sorry that you are misssing such a good thing for Germany and football

Anyway to the match....

Great game between two good team who gave it their all, an honest all. The ref did a brilliant job and the players helped him by not going down unless they couldn't stay on their feet. Germany could not find the final ball and so didn't test Buffon that much.

Italy played a lot better then against the Ukarine, solid at theback, they made Lehman work and while it was a close game, they where the deserved winners in the end. Still if Germany had won, it wouldn't have been too much of an injustice, they played to counter and did so well.

On the Buffon vs Lehman debate: Lehman has been tested more and is a far better keeper in my view, I have never really rated the Italy number one. Still both keepers played well last night

[...]Your lucky to have such a great team.
[...]
I am sorry that you are misssing such a good thing for Germany and football[...]
You are absolutely right with everything you say, obviously, and I know I'm repeating myself, and I'm not doing this to spite GA - but I really have to point out again that he's not German. I would really hate for everybody to think we're such sore losers. He's *the only one* in the whole thread (well, in the whole forum really) advancing this rather surreal view of a perfectly good game, team, and world cup - and he does so, as he says himself, because the loss made him "fall back into depression".

Just making sure. :/

Anyone remember Arsenal's CL run. Lehman kept a lot of clean sheats, saved a penalty against Argentina's playmaker, kept clean sheets against Real Madrid, Juve and Villeral with some brilliant saves, played in the 49 game unbeatn which you can't do if you have a poor keeper. Go find a copy of Arsenal against Man United FA Cup final, or the game against Liverpool at Anfield and tell me he can't keep the ball out of the net, his one man defience in those games...
Lehmann's not conceded a CL goal since Arsenal lost to Bayern Munich in the 04/05 season. Not bad for a keeper who isn't 'any good'. And you're right about Lehmann vs. Man Utd in the FA Cup - as soon as that went to penalties I knew Arsenal would win.

Can we just drop this match? I think after my outburst earlier in this thread (which I do sincerely apologize for), it's pretty obvious that, while we are sad that our team didn't make the finals, we're still satisfied with their performance.

As for GA stating that we would support our team even if they came in last place, well...he's right, we would. Because we are fans of our team. I can't speak for other Germans, but I would even go so far as to say I love the German national team.

Oh, Greater Alemannia - BTW... Klose isn't the oldest on the team. Kahn, Lehmann and Ballack - All three of which are in their 30s, are still on the team. And Kahn and Ballack have played for, I believe, the last 3 world cups. Not too bad for players who have "lost their skill". And Klose had some amazing goals this WC. Not bad for a man that turned 28 and practices playing soccer in his living room, aside from the training pitch.

I mean, I was upset that Germany lost, yes. But it's happened, it's over with, and now Germany has 4 years to practice and improve even more so that, come 2010 in South Africa, Germany can do even better. And I will continue to follow Germany's performances from here on out. Because, that's what a true fan does. And I'm sure the other Germans will agree with me, that they are looking forward to Germany's next match. Even if it is for 3rd place.

As for GA stating that we would support our team even if they came in last place, well...he's right, we would. Because we are fans of our team. I can't speak for other Germans, but I would even go so far as to say I love the German national team.

Very, very true. From the 62nd minute onwards in the England-Portugal match, I didn't enjoy a single second of it, but I sat and watched the whole sodding thing. Not because I'm a masochist, but because it's England. I'd watch them if it were 11 Jeffrey Archer clones playing.

Klinsmann sucks. I didn't see anything impressive out there.
Hehe, you're a freak, you know that.

Before the match you were all "Go Germany!". You apparently yelled loud enough to wake up neighbours when Germany beat Argentina.

And now they lost a match, and they were always crap. Except that nobody but you knew it.

They didn't get as far this time because 2002 was a fluke. Völler wasn't that great a coach, and he certainly failed to revitalise German football, which was what he'd been appointed for. Klinsmann did.
Last time Germany had unbelievable luck in the draw. USA? Paraguay? South Korea? What sort of opposition is that?
And once they met decent opposition in the Final, they lost convincingly.

In this tournament they played several levels above anything they achieved in 2002. Hell, they even have foreign fans now! The draw wasn't as lucky as last time, but they managed to beat the team that is arguably the best in the world.

Against Italy, they didn't play as well. Lippi is a good coach, and I personally think his tactics were better than Löw's, and that Italy changed the way it played previously, making it very difficult for Germany to anticipate what was coming. The first goal was ultimately deserved, the second probably less so.

This team as it is has at least one more World Cup in them (including Klose, Ballack and the few other "older" players). And they can hold their heads high. To me, having watched three previous World Cups and a few European Championships thrown in for good measure, this was the best German team I have ever seen.

And best of all, it's not a set of ageing veterans, it's only the beginning.

And you're taking those three as a basis to form an opinion? That's pretty steep! Way to go!
Not to forget that he said himself that he can't remember 2002.

Ergo, he is basically looking at a set of numbers, which say that Germany did better then than it did now. And that's what he's basing this silly opinion on.

Thank god he didn't watch the Bulgaria match in '94. Or the Croatia match in '98. Now that was fun.

Will this thread not die?! Please! Let it go...we've established GA was talking rubbish.

Will this thread not die?! Please! Let it go...we've established GA was talking rubbish.
But I missed it! ;)

All right. I'll leave it.

But I missed it! ;)

All right. I'll leave it.
Oh, how I wish I'd missed it, too. :rolleyes: :p

But, um, yeah... Die, thread, die! <.<

And they can hold their heads high. To me, having watched three previous World Cups and a few European Championships thrown in for good measure, this was the best German team I have ever seen.

And best of all, it's not a set of ageing veterans, it's only the beginning.

:p

Fin.

Ergo, he is basically looking at a set of numbers, which say that Germany did better then than it did now. And that's what he's basing this silly opinion on.

Numbers don't lie. Germany went from 2nd to 4th.

Numbers don't lie. Germany went from 2nd to 4th.

By that reasoning, Germany have one of the suckiest teams in Europe but second best in the world? odd that. Arsenal where deserved winners of the 2004 FA cup, becuase we won it, ignore the performance? Argetnina where the best side in the world in 1986? What about Denmark's win Euro win when they where not even good enough to qualify. Turkey and South Korea are fourth best teams in the world since 2002? Numers lie, they do so alot.

Germany fluked thier way to the final last time. Beating Paraguary, USA and Korea, decent teams with quater final hopes but each by 1-0 only. Only Ballack and Khan played remotly well. Heck you got thrashed 5-1 by England in qualifying at home and blew the lead at the top of the group. 5-1!

You where rubbish in 2004 and 2000, fluke the way to 2000 final when Brazil restored order to the world by stopping a poor team from winning. This time you beat decent sides with comfort, humliated Sweden, matched Argentina and Italy.

Also I still want to hear how Lehman is rubbish, Klose can't score when 32 and your other points. Or are just we just sticking to the numbers

As for GA stating that we would support our team even if they came in last place, well...he's right, we would. Because we are fans of our team. I can't speak for other Germans, but I would even go so far as to say I love the German national team.

That I accept, the crowd still came out to see Germany when nobody thought they would do well. I doubt they would praise a last place finish but they would still support the team. I was arguing against them prasing the team if they finished last, the Germans are quite objective about 2002.

I do realise GA is not German or is the view of Germany. It is the view point of GA who seems to be acting like some Englishmen I know.

I was right, Germany is going to get smashed by Portugal. Mertesacker is out and Klose is doubtful.

I was right, Germany is going to get smashed by Portugal. Mertesacker is out and Klose is doubtful.

Smashed? Portugal couldn't score against France with Barthez providing a gift. Portugal didn't score against 10 man England as well.

Smashed? Portugal couldn't score against France with Barthez providing a gift. Portugal didn't score against 10 man England as well.

Klose IS Germany. It's virtually Portugal vs Isle of Man now.

Smashed? Portugal couldn't score against France with Barthez providing a gift. Portugal didn't score against 10 man England as well.
Yeah, Portugal have scored 6 so far in this World Cup (one more than Klose :p), and three of those were against Angola and Iran. They really don't seem to be a threat in front of goal, mainly because they play Pauleta up front by himself, and he's not very good.

I was right, Germany is going to get smashed by Portugal. Mertesacker is out and Klose is doubtful.

Huth is quite good I hear and ok, no Klose is a blow. Poldiski, Okannhna winger guy, Neville, Lham, Ballack, Boriwiski, all can score however. Portugal against good teams struggle to score

Only problem might be if the ref gets conned by Portugal's dives, otherwise I don't see them scoring without Germany doing something stupid

Klose IS Germany. It's virtually Portugal vs Isle of Man now.
No he's not. You've still got Lehmann, Podolski, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Neuville, Lahm, Schneider, Frings, Borowski...

Huth is quite good I hear and ok, no Klose is a blow. Poldiski, Okannhna winger guy, Neville, Lham, Ballack, Boriwiski, all can score however. Portugal against good teams struggle to score
Huth has suffered from not playing much at Chelsea (I was hoping Arsenal would buy him). I think you mean Odonkor, but he usually comes on as a sub in the second half. I don't think he'd have as much effect at the start of the game when defenders are fresh.

What about Jens Nowotny? I didn't think the winger would start but just pointing out goals are not just a Klose matter

Yeah, Portugal have scored 6 so far in this World Cup (one more than Klose :p), and three of those were against Angola and Iran. They really don't seem to be a threat in front of goal, mainly because they play Pauleta up front by himself, and he's not very good.

Pauleta is the Portuguese' highest scoring player ever with 47 goals.

Pauleta is the Portuguese' highest scoring player ever with 47 goals.
Fine, but he's been crap this tournament. I'd say he's past it. One goal in six games is not a good enough return from your top striker.

You know what the pathetic thing is? In 4 years, I'll be here again, hoping Germany gets the impossible miracle and wins. I'm pathetic.
Okay, we get it, you want the role of Marvin in the next Hitchhiker's movie. Sheesh, get over it already.

.. because we all know that with 8 goals, the french are mad with ofensive skills!

I'm just cheering on Italy because I think it's a cooler country and half the family is Italian =P

I don't know who pissed in your Wheaties, but if I were here and knew I could see you again in four years, I'd take that bet, and your money. Euro MY word (no more Marks, see? *adopts Foghorn Leghorn voice* That's a joke, son, y'missed it!)
God that is horrid.

I'll be honest, i predicted Germany by 1 in extra time.:(