NationStates Jolt Archive

If that happens, Italy might not pick them up for the next international cup. You sure you want that?
Why should I care? It'd be Italy's loss. They'll perform for Arsenal.

Viva Italia!

I'm hoping Arsenal pick up Buffon and Cannavaro.
I doubt that, especially Buffon. He'll probably be contacted by most major clubs in Europe, (I think he'll stay in Italy though).

Btw, anyone elsewho thinks Del Piero looks a bit like Vin Diesel/older-brother-from-Prisonbreak?

Why should I care? It'd be Italy's loss. They'll perform for Arsenal.
*shrugs* Just wondered.

I doubt that, especially Buffon. He'll probably be contacted by most major clubs in Europe, (I think he'll stay in Italy though).

Btw, anyone elsewho thinks Del Piero looks a bit like Vin Diesel/older-brother-from-Prisonbreak?

Italian clubs will throwing money at Buffon and Grosso. Totti was a dud.

Can't believe the Italian DIVING squad won the world cup.

Congrats

This is why I hate the Italians.

They play the most boring football of the tournament and go on to win on penalties.

*sigh* Zidane helped nothing though.

Italian clubs will throwing money at Buffon and Grosso. Totti was a dud.
He's still Totti. The clubs will probably be throwing money at him anyways...

This is why I hate the Italians.

They play the most boring football of the tournament and go on to win on penalties.

*sigh* Zidane helped nothing though.

I wonder what Materazzi said to him, must have been really bad.

This is why I hate the Italians.

They play the most boring football of the tournament and go on to win on penalties.

*sigh* Zidane helped nothing though.

I agree. I can think of several teams in this World Cup that deserves the cup more than either the Italians or the French. Had any of those teams made it to the final, we would've seen a much better final match. I mean, the 3rd place match between Germany and Portugal was more entertaining, and was much better football, than this match.

He's still Totti. The clubs will probably be throwing money at him anyways...

Waste of money, but that's Italian football at times.

I agree. I can think of several teams in this World Cup that deserves the cup more than either the Italians or the French. Had any of those teams made it to the final, we would've seen a much better final match. I mean, the 3rd place match between Germany and Portugal was more entertaining, and was much better football, than this match.
Yeah, but there was a lot less pressure on the players in that match.

Yay! I called it (sorta)! I thought Italy would win on PK's just thought it'd be 3-2. It makes up for the offside call. Oh well, it's all Zidane's fault anyway hehehe. At least Cambonesi got a haircut. :D

Yeah, but there was a lot less pressure on the players in that match.

True. But if you really ask me, I think Germany and Portugal both deserved to be in the finals more. That would've been a match to see as a final match.

I agree. I can think of several teams in this World Cup that deserves the cup more than either the Italians or the French. Had any of those teams made it to the final, we would've seen a much better final match. I mean, the 3rd place match between Germany and Portugal was more entertaining, and was much better football, than this match.
THough of course there wasn't any real pressure on the 3rd/4th place match. It's a dead rubber of a game.
Who really cares about it? Can anyone tell me (without googling) who came 3rd last time round?.

That said, I agree with you. I'd have prefered seeing Germany/Argentina in the final.

I agree. I can think of several teams in this World Cup that deserves the cup more than either the Italians or the French. Had any of those teams made it to the final, we would've seen a much better final match. I mean, the 3rd place match between Germany and Portugal was more entertaining, and was much better football, than this match.
That's always the way though. The final means too much, and teams just seize up. Nerves, defensiveness, whatever - the final is rarely that good a game in terms of football as such.

THough of course there wasn't any real pressure on the 3rd/4th place match. It's a dead rubber of a game.
Who really cares about it? Can anyone tell me (without googling) who came 3rd last time round?.

That said, I agree with you. I'd have prefered seeing Germany/Argentina in the final.

Turkey and South Korea was 4th.... no need for google.

Well, the Romans beat the Gauls today :D

Turkey and South Korea was 4th.... no need for google.
That was a strange World Cup ....

What the hell are the Italian players doing with that cup?

That was a strange World Cup ....

Aren't they all in their own ways? I think North Korea came in 4th at one point.

Turkey and South Korea was 4th.... no need for google.
Aye, and before that it was Croatia over Holland, and before that it was Sweden over Bulgaria.

I was too young for the 1990's tournament... I was 1.

Well, at least it's only Italy's 4th World Cup victory. In 2010, when they go to South Africa, they'll have to take the trophy with them, so Germany can bring it home LOL.

Aye, and before that it was Croatia over Holland, and before that it was Sweden over Bulgaria.

I was too young for the 1990's tournament... I was 1.
Italy beat England.

Well, the Romans beat the Gauls today :D

"I came, I saw, I conquered by penalties!"

Well, at least it's only Italy's 4th World Cup victory. In 2010, when they go to South Africa, they'll have to take the trophy with them, so Germany can bring it home LOL.
Heh, assuming they qualify for 2010. FIFA are fucktards for not letting the winners automatically qualify for the next tournament.

Well, at least it's only Italy's 4th World Cup victory. In 2010, when they go to South Africa, they'll have to take the trophy with them, so Germany can bring it home LOL.
You do realize that this means that Italy has won it more times than Germany?

"I came, I saw, I conquered by penalties!"


Wasn't that veni, vidi, PK? :D

Heh, assuming they qualify for 2010. FIFA are fucktards for not letting the winners automatically qualify for the next tournament.

If the Italian team aren't all in gaol for match fixing.

I agree. I can think of several teams in this World Cup that deserves the cup more than either the Italians or the French. Had any of those teams made it to the final, we would've seen a much better final match. I mean, the 3rd place match between Germany and Portugal was more entertaining, and was much better football, than this match.

Come on, finals are always less spectacular, and Italy and France both play more defensively than, say, Germany.
However, I must say that in this match France was slightly superior. But you have to score in order to win, and having a great goalie and a great defense is worth just as much as having a great striker.

Wasn't that veni, vidi, PK? :D
In the 90's it was Veni, Vidi, Visa: I came, I saw, I bought.

Italy beat England.
We'd stopped caring by then.

Italy beat England.

So did Northern Ireland.

It's not that hard.

If the Italian team aren't all in gaol for match fixing.

It's not the players fault, they'll be in Serie C1 next year. :D

Aren't they all in their own ways? I think North Korea came in 4th at one point.
Nope. North Korea's high point in the World Cup was when they beat Italy 1-0 in the group stages of the 1966 tournament.

Edit: Actually, a quick search on wiki shows that their high point was probably the 24th minute of the second round match against Portugal in 1966 when they scored their third to take a 3-0 lead. They lost 5-3.

You do realize that this means that Italy has won it more times than Germany?
And your point is? Besides, Italy has 4 total victories in the World Cup. Germany has 3. Not much of a difference.

It's not the players fault, they'll be in Serie C1 next year. :D

Now, who would put Serie C1 players in the next Italian side? :p

The ITalian goalie drugged Barthez during their "hug".

Nope. North Korea's high point in the World Cup was when they beat Italy 1-0 in the group stages of the 1966 tournament.

Edit: Actually, a quick search on wiki shows that their high point was probably the 24th minute of the second round match against Portugal in 1966 when they scored their third to take a 3-0 lead. They lost 5-3.

Well, you know, a guy called Eusebio was playing for Portugal...

So did Northern Ireland.

It's not that hard.
And in 40 years time that will still be the high point of Northern Ireland's football history.

Well, you know, a guy called Eusebio was playing for Portugal...
True. I think he got a hat trick in that match.

I want to know who was the ABC editor who has a sense of humor. They had a montage and U2 was singing One and when they got to the line "we hurt each other" they showed Rooney stomping on Carvalho's bits.

And in 40 years time that will still be the high point of Northern Ireland's football history.

Likewise with England and 1966. :p

True. But if you really ask me, I think Germany and Portugal both deserved to be in the finals more. That would've been a match to see as a final match.


Well, you dont understand how sports work then, the teams that win deserve to move on and the teams that lose do not deserve to move on.


FORZA ITALIA

WORLDS BEST


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ITALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, you know, a guy called Eusebio was playing for Portugal...

Ah that's what it was.... I had quarterfinals and 4th stuck in my head. <smacks forehead>

WE WIN THE WORLD CUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am an Italian-American who was rooting for Italy for the whole thing, and i am SO glad we won it!!!!!!!! Vive Italia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great all around effort, great game, great world cup!!!!!

I want to know who was the ABC editor who has a sense of humor. They had a montage and U2 was singing One and when they got to the line "we hurt each other" they showed Rooney stomping on Carvalho's bits.

Yeah, they did stuff like that all the way through the song. I think the person(s) that put that together were pissed off about US being eliminated in group play, an ddecided to have a sick sense of humor. There were a lot of clips in that montage of players and officials attacking one another.

Well, you dont understand how sports work then, the teams that win deserve to move on and the teams that lose do not deserve to move on.


FORZA ITALIA

WORLDS BEST


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ITALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I understand sports quite well. And I suggest you stop making personal attacks against me, or I'll be forced to report your posts to the mods. I am, at least, trying to be civil. Which is more than can be said for you.

Italy wouldn't have advanced, and neither France, weren't for some controversial calls made during prior matches.

On ITV as soon as the song went "There she goes!" it showed Zidane's headbutt and him walking off the pitch.

ROFL!

Aren't they all in their own ways? I think North Korea came in 4th at one point.
I just remember emerging from the pub after the Brazil game in 2002, thinking, "We lost. It's 9:30am, I'm drunk. It's a nice day, what shall I do with it?"

Yeah, they did stuff like that all the way through the song. I think the person(s) that put that together were pissed off about US being eliminated in group play, an ddecided to have a sick sense of humor. There were a lot of clips in that montage of players and officials attacking one another.

Then it would have to be Whinealda, Pouty, and Waahboa! They've been crying about it since day 1. Also, I'm only slightly disappointed that Italy won because now everyone will say how great the U.S. team was to tie the Italians being a man down. Bah! I couldn't pull for the French though since Domenech hates Scorpios and that would be me.

Merde.

I just found out that France lost. Since I've been rooting for them since the US was knocked out, I'm going to have to endure a good week or so of stupid anti-French jokes.

The pains of being a Francophile in the US.

That's right! Italy the entire way! GO ITALIA!

I understand sports quite well. And I suggest you stop making personal attacks against me, or I'll be forced to report your posts to the mods. I am, at least, trying to be civil. Which is more than can be said for you.

Italy wouldn't have advanced, and neither France, weren't for some controversial calls made during prior matches.


Half the WC is controversial calls.

ITALIA!

And your point is? Besides, Italy has 4 total victories in the World Cup. Germany has 3. Not much of a difference.

Not much? In this case, I take 4, thanks.
You should hear the feast here... Looks like 3 million people are driving to the center of Rome.:fluffle:

Then it would have to be Whinealda, Pouty, and Waahboa! They've been crying about it since day 1. Also, I'm only slightly disappointed that Italy won because now everyone will say how great the U.S. team was to tie the Italians being a man down. Bah! I couldn't pull for the French though since Domenech hates Scorpios and that would be me.
Please, the US didn't score that much. I think in all, they scored only 1 goal. That goal against Italy, was Italy's own fault. Had that not happened, Italy very well may not have made it out of group play.

I just remember emerging from the pub after the Brazil game in 2002, thinking, "We lost. It's 9:30am, I'm drunk. It's a nice day, what shall I do with it?"

I don't know who made me more pissed, Seaman or Ronaldinho.

Merde.

I just found out that France lost. Since I've been rooting for them since the US was knocked out, I'm going to have to endure a good week or so of stupid anti-French jokes.

The pains of being a Francophile in the US.

Then you tell them their team didn't make the 2nd round despite being ranked 5th.

Merde.

I just found out that France lost. Since I've been rooting for them since the US was knocked out, I'm going to have to endure a good week or so of stupid anti-French jokes.

The pains of being a Francophile in the US.

You're not the only one. Germany is going to hear about losing the World Cup on it's own soil for weeks to come too. Frankly it's ridiculous.

Please, the US didn't score that much. I think in all, they scored only 1 goal. That goal against Italy, was Italy's own fault. Had that not happened, Italy very well may not have made it out of group play.

Oh I agree with you.... I just think people are going to be saying that.

Thank god the Italians won.

This was a good day for Europe.

Likewise with England and 1966. :p
Erm, that was my point. England won the sodding thing, Northern Ireland can't even qualify.

Wow, isn't it amazing at how many people think Italy are going to win on penalties..... I dunno I think France can still pull it off. :rolleyes:

Half the WC is controversial calls.

ITALIA!
Glad that you see that, and accept that Italy was given the World Cup.

Not much? In this case, I take 4, thanks.
You should hear the feast here... Looks like 3 million people are driving to the center of Rome. :fluffle:

One more WC victory than Germany isn't that big a deal.

Oh I agree with you.... I just think people are going to be saying that.

Then they're idiots and you should ignore then :)

I don't know who made me more pissed, Seaman or Ronaldinho.
For me, it was an easy call: it was the beer before breakfast that made me more pissed.

Although Seaman was unbelievable in letting in that goal. What was he doing, savouring the moment? Thinking of how he might make some money on TV?

Erm, that was my point. England won the sodding thing, Northern Ireland can't even qualify.

Im saying in 80 years you still wont have won.

The difference is, the English actually care.

One of our players is also a Milkman.

A MILKMAN!

Edit: But I still think Norn Iron has a chance to win it this year.

Thank god the Italians won.

This was a good day for Europe.
France has seceded from Europe?:confused:

Bad losers!

As long as he's sent off, I'm fine...:p


You win the unofficial prediction of the match contest!!! :D

France has seceded from Europe?:confused:

Bad losers!
I think he was saying that he was happy that it wasn't a non-European nation that won. He might have been happy if France, Germany, or Portugal had won the cup.

Im saying in 80 years you still wont have won.

The difference is, the English actually care.

One of our players is also a Milkman.

A MILKMAN!
That's not such a big deal. We still have at least one milkman left in England: we get our milk delivered. (Though he is struggling to maintain his round.)

France has seceded from Europe?:confused:

Bad losers!
No, there was a previous thread where ---Russia---- was claiming that the French players don't represent France (and so, I assume, not Europe either) because they weren't born there. Despite the fact the majority of them were.

For me, it was an easy call: it was the beer before breakfast that made me more pissed.

Although Seaman was unbelievable in letting in that goal. What was he doing, savouring the moment? Thinking of how he might make some money on TV?

Hahaha good call. I think he was picturing having his ponytail cutoff before the medals ceremony.

Glad that you see that, and accept that Italy was given the World Cup.





Given it by the superior skill of their players.


ITALIA!

Then you tell them their team didn't make the 2nd round despite being ranked 5th.

Most of them picked Germany as their second team, but then again, France did go further than them.

Most of them picked Germany as their second team, but then again, France did go further than them.

I must not be most of them then because England is my one and only team. (Not that they got past the quarterfinals or anything)

I think he was saying that he was happy that it wasn't a non-European nation that won. He might have been happy if France, Germany, or Portugal had won the cup.


Indeed.

But I feel bad for Fabien Barthez. Such a great goalkeeper who was misplaced in such a team.

He is one of my favorite football players.

Given it by the superior skill of their players.


ITALIA!

Riiiiight...those very same skills that nearly cost Italy several matches early on in the tournament, and nearly cost them their chance at the cup, except for the fact that they were favored in at least 2 of their matches.

Most of them picked Germany as their second team, but then again, France did go further than them.

The FIFA rankings were posted before the WC started. And Germany went further than France in the last WC. So, I don't see how France could've faired better in the rankings, when Germany got 2nd place in 2002.

Riiiiight...those very same skills that nearly cost Italy several matches early on in the tournament, and nearly cost them their chance at the cup, except for the fact that they were favored in at least 2 of their matches.



The FIFA rankings were posted before the WC started. And Germany went further than France in the last WC. So, I don't see how France could've faired better in the rankings, when Germany got 2nd place in 2002.



Nearly nearly nearly nearly nearly nearly....


NOPE


ITALIA CHAMPIONS!

In any case this is the ITALY v FRANCE thread whine about germany elsewhere.

This thread: #1/#2 only.

Riiiiight...those very same skills that nearly cost Italy several matches early on in the tournament, and nearly cost them their chance at the cup, except for the fact that they were favored in at least 2 of their matches.



The FIFA rankings were posted before the WC started. And Germany went further than France in the last WC. So, I don't see how France could've faired better in the rankings, when Germany got 2nd place in 2002.

Up until this week FIFA rankings were based on previous 8 years, now it will only be previous 4. Also Germany got hosed since they didn't play any qualifying matches.

Indeed.

But I feel bad for Fabien Barthez. Such a great goalkeeper who was misplaced in such a team.

He is one of my favorite football players.

Well, as you can imagine, I love the entire German National team. They really did a fantastic job this cup. I'm just sorry they lost to Italy. They worked harder for it, and up until that point, were undefeated in the tournament. But, oh well, everyone has their off-days, and unfortunately, that one was Germany's. Klinsmann will have learned from the mistakes against Italy though. I think in 2010, we will see an even better German team. Of course, there are all the other cups to consider that will come before the next WC, and we can see if Klinsmann remains with the team, and if the team keeps getting better.

Congrats to Italy. But great effort France also. What a shame Zidane... oh well. Wonderful job Germany! :)

In any case this is the ITALY v FRANCE thread whine about germany elsewhere.

This thread: #1/#2 only.
Would love to see you try and make me.

Germany is a better team than either France or Italy.

I must not be most of them then because England is my one and only team. (Not that they got past the quarterfinals or anything)

England was one of the biggest disappointments in this WC. I thought they had a great midfield and could aim to the cup. Looks like I was wrong.

Some of the strongest teams (England and Brazil, and partly Argentina) underperformed, and the quality of game was not high, or we could not have won (I think 1970 was probably the best WC ever, but also 1982 and 1998 were good). This said, France and Italy deserved the final, for the good reason that no team they met deserved to beat them.

Well, as you can imagine, I love the entire German National team. They really did a fantastic job this cup. I'm just sorry they lost to Italy. They worked harder for it, and up until that point, were undefeated in the tournament. But, oh well, everyone has their off-days, and unfortunately, that one was Germany's. Klinsmann will have learned from the mistakes against Italy though. I think in 2010, we will see an even better German team. Of course, there are all the other cups to consider that will come before the next WC, and we can see if Klinsmann remains with the team, and if the team keeps getting better.

Yeah Euro 2008 qualifying starts next month. You heard it here first... it will be Andorra and the Faroe Islands in the finals. :p

No, there was a previous thread where ---Russia---- was claiming that the French players don't represent France (and so, I assume, not Europe either) because they weren't born there. Despite the fact the majority of them were.
One of these days I'll work out how to use those pesky emoticon thingies. ;)

Would love to see you try and make me.

Germany is a better team than either France or Italy.
Which is why Italy outplayed them when the two met, not just in the semi-final, but in the pre-tournament friendly as well. What was that? 4-1?

Well, as you can imagine, I love the entire German National team. They really did a fantastic job this cup. I'm just sorry they lost to Italy. They worked harder for it, and up until that point, were undefeated in the tournament. But, oh well, everyone has their off-days, and unfortunately, that one was Germany's. Klinsmann will have learned from the mistakes against Italy though. I think in 2010, we will see an even better German team. Of course, there are all the other cups to consider that will come before the next WC, and we can see if Klinsmann remains with the team, and if the team keeps getting better.


You have to admit though.

Bastian Schweinsteiger was on fire in the 3rd place match :)

England was one of the biggest disappointments in this WC. I thought they had a great midfield and could aim to the cup. Looks like I was wrong.

Some of the strongest teams (England and Brazil, and partly Argentina) underperformed, and the quality of game was not high, or we could not have won (I think 1970 was probably the best WC ever, but also 1982 and 1998 were good). This said, France and Italy deserved the final, for the good reason that no team they met deserved to beat them.
I could argue that, but seeing as debates tend to devolve into flame wars, I'm not going to bother with it.

Either way, I do agree that England didn't play all that well in this WC. Neither did Brazil or Argentina. They certainly deserved being beaten.

England was one of the biggest disappointments in this WC. I thought they had a great midfield and could aim to the cup. Looks like I was wrong.

Some of the strongest teams (England and Brazil, and partly Argentina) underperformed, and the quality of game was not high, or we could not have won (I think 1970 was probably the best WC ever, but also 1982 and 1998 were good). This said, France and Italy deserved the final, for the good reason that no team they met deserved to beat them.

I think it all came down to coaching and Sven did a lousy job of it. You don't put Rooney up front in the 4-5-1, he's just not suited to that formation. Glad Sven's going, but I don't have high hopes for McLaren either.

Would love to see you try and make me.

Germany is a better team than either France or Italy.


:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Sore losers - seriously, isnt germany used to losing yet? ww1, ww2, they were even half-property of the soviet union for the cold war. Why all this crying?

Italy has arisen,
With Scipio's helmet
binding her head.

Where is victory?
Let her bown down
God has made her
the slave of Rome!

Which is why Italy outplayed them when the two met, not just in the semi-final, but in the pre-tournament friendly as well. What was that? 4-1?
You seem to forget that I have more faith in the German team than in statistics.

And, in case you also forgot, friendlies don't count. Germany played conservatively during their friendlies to save for the matches that actually counted. Not their fault that Italy and everyone else took the friendlies as seriously as if they were counting towards the Cup itself.

With that said, my family and I believe friendlies shouldn't be played at all prior to the beginning of the Cup. They're pointless.

[QUOTE=New Granada
Italy has arisen,
With Scipio's helmet
binding her head.

Where is victory?
Let her bown down
God has made her
the slave of Rome![/QUOTE]

Come on, our national anthem is already a bit ridicule in Italian... :p

You seem to forget that I have more faith in the German team than in statistics.

And, in case you also forgot, friendlies don't count. Germany played conservatively during their friendlies to save for the matches that actually counted. Not their fault that Italy and everyone else took the friendlies as seriously as if they were counting towards the Cup itself.

With that said, my family and I believe friendlies shouldn't be played at all prior to the beginning of the Cup. They're pointless.


Have to disagree... they help build match fitness and help managers with squad selection. Not that they always use it to their best advantage. You have to remember that most national teams barely spend any quality time together... you know like snuggling and drinking hot chocolate.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Sore losers - seriously, isnt germany used to losing yet? ww1, ww2, they were even half-property of the soviet union for the cold war. Why all this crying?

First of all, politics has nothing to do with the World Cup. Stick to the topic.

Secondly, since you seem intent on trying to start another flame war on this thread, I've reported your post to the mods. Have a nice day.

Come on, our national anthem is already a bit ridicule in Italian... :p


Its a fantastic anthem :)

Ranks up there with the Marseillaise, "spill impure blood" &c.

Have a nice day.


An EXTRAORDINARILY nice day. :D :D :D :D :D

I could argue that, but seeing as debates tend to devolve into flame wars, I'm not going to bother with it.
Assuming you mean the sentence about France and Italy deserving to reach the final, there is truth to that.

France drew with Switzerland and South Korea. The first one was a fair result as Switzerland had a great defence but a poor attack, while the second one was slightly unfair as France should have been 2-0 up but had a perfectly valid goal disallowed before S. Korea equalised.

They then beat Togo - while they may have made it look hard, they deserved the win.

In the knockout rounds they beat Spain, Brazil and Portugal. Spain, while having some clearly very talented players, just didn't play very well against France and deserved to lose. Similarly with Brazil - they were crap and France probably should have won by more. Portugal never really looked like scoring and France quite comfortably defended a 1-0 lead.

Italy:
Beat Ghana and the Czech Republic in the groups, both deserved. They outplayed the US in the other group game, but overall a 1-1 draw was probably a fair result.

Beat Australia - yes, the penalty may have been dodgy, but Italy comprehensively outplayed Australia despite having a man sent off. Australia did no way deserve to win.

Beat Ukraine - Ukraine just didn't turn up. No problems there.

Beat Germany - a very good match between two well matched teams, but ultimately Italy played better football and deserved to go through.

Have to disagree... they help build match fitness and help managers with squad selection. Not that they always use it to their best advantage. You have to remember that most national teams barely spend any quality time together... you know like snuggling and drinking hot chocolate.
Considering that these teams play together for the Euro Cup, and I think one other aside from the World Cup, I would hope that the coaches could figure out what squads to use before going into the World Cup. Plus, the friendlies sometimes result in injuries that cause the coaches to change their squads at the last minute.

Its a fantastic anthem :)

Ranks up there with the Marseillaise, "spill impure blood" &c.

Well, I can't think of Humphrey Bogart singing "Fratelli d'Italia" in his café in Casablanca...

Well, I can't think of Humphrey Bogart singing "Fratelli d'Italia" in his café in Casablanca...


Wasnt him who sang it, was the other guy.

Anyway, it has some very nice lyrics.

And whats more, Italia earned the right to have it played at the end of the world cup.


VITTORIA!

Assuming you mean the sentence about France and Italy deserving to reach the final, there is truth to that.

France drew with Switzerland and South Korea. The first one was a fair result as Switzerland had a great defence but a poor attack, while the second one was slightly unfair as France should have been 2-0 up but had a perfectly valid goal disallowed before S. Korea equalised.

They then beat Togo - while they may have made it look hard, they deserved the win.

In the knockout rounds they beat Spain, Brazil and Portugal. Spain, while having some clearly very talented players, just didn't play very well against France and deserved to lose. Similarly with Brazil - they were crap and France probably should have won by more. Portugal never really looked like scoring and France quite comfortably defended a 1-0 lead.

Italy:
Beat Ghana and the Czech Republic in the groups, both deserved. They outplayed the US in the other group game, but overall a 1-1 draw was probably a fair result.

Beat Australia - yes, the penalty may have been dodgy, but Italy comprehensively outplayed Australia despite having a man sent off. Australia did no way deserve to win.

Beat Ukraine - Ukraine just didn't turn up. No problems there.

Beat Germany - a very good match between two well matched teams, but ultimately Italy played better football and deserved to go through.

While I agree that these were the outcomes of each match, that still doesn't mean that I can't feel that Germany deserved better. Nor does it mean that my faith in the team should be lessened. So, please, stop trying to convince me that I should be trashing the German team with the rest of the world. They're my team, and I support them. Even if they had lost group play, I would still support them.

You seem to forget that I have more faith in the German team than in statistics.

And, in case you also forgot, friendlies don't count. Germany played conservatively during their friendlies to save for the matches that actually counted. Not their fault that Italy and everyone else took the friendlies as seriously as if they were counting towards the Cup itself.

With that said, my family and I believe friendlies shouldn't be played at all prior to the beginning of the Cup. They're pointless.
I didn't say friendlies do count. And whether or not Germany played conservatively in a match that was over 3 months before the tournament started (yeah, saving themselves :rolleyes:), 4-1 is still a comprehensive beating.

Fine if you have more faith in the team than in statistics, that's good. But the fact is that Italy outplayed Germany in the semi-final, faith in the team or not.

Considering that these teams play together for the Euro Cup, and I think one other aside from the World Cup, I would hope that the coaches could figure out what squads to use before going into the World Cup. Plus, the friendlies sometimes result in injuries that cause the coaches to change their squads at the last minute.

Yeah and the World Cup results in injuries which are devastating to club football (yes as a Newcastle fan I'm upset about Michael Owen). There is only Euro Cup and World Cup that National teams play for except for the Confederations Cup which I think is played by all of the Confederation winners, but I'm not 100% positive of that. I would say that friendlies are necessary but should probably be scaled back a bit.

They're my team, and I support them. Even if they had lost group play, I would still support them.

Don't worry. 4 years, just 4 years. And we'll see some crazy German action in South Africa! :)

I didn't say friendlies do count. And whether or not Germany played conservatively in a match that was over 3 months before the tournament started (yeah, saving themselves :rolleyes:), 4-1 is still a comprehensive beating.

Fine if you have more faith in the team than in statistics, that's good. But the fact is that Italy outplayed Germany in the semi-final, faith in the team or not.
Riiiight. It only took Italy 118 minutes to score.

While I agree that these were the outcomes of each match, that still doesn't mean that I can't feel that Germany deserved better. Nor does it mean that my faith in the team should be lessened. So, please, stop trying to convince me that I should be trashing the German team with the rest of the world. They're my team, and I support them. Even if they had lost group play, I would still support them.
I'm not trying to persuade you to trash your team. I'm saying that you should give credit where it's due, and say that Italy and France deserved to be in the final, whoever was 'more deserving' of actually being there.

I support England no matter what. We played crap in this competition. I still watched every minute of every match (except the Paraguay one when I was nowhere near a tv), and sat through almost three hours of the England-Portugal quarter-final. I'd bloody hope you support your team no matter what, otherwise you'd have no right to call yourself a fan.

Riiiight. It only took Italy 118 minutes to score.

2-0 ITALIA, no PKs.

Don't worry. 4 years, just 4 years. And we'll see some crazy German action in South Africa! :)
I'm gonna work really hard to save up plenty of money to go to South Africa and watch the German matches in person. That way, I can support my team even more than sitting at home and supporting them. Plus, I've never been to South Africa, so it'd be an interesting trip.

But I think the ultimate World Cup for me would be when Germany hosts again. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long :).

I'm not trying to persuade you to trash your team. I'm saying that you should give credit where it's due, and say that Italy and France deserved to be in the final, whoever was 'more deserving' of actually being there.

I support England no matter what. We played crap in this competition. I still watched every minute of every match (except the Paraguay one when I was nowhere near a tv), and sat through almost three hours of the England-Portugal quarter-final. I'd bloody hope you support your team no matter what, otherwise you'd have no right to call yourself a fan.
I never said that I didn't accept that Italy and France made it to the finals. I question whether they deserved to be there. That's all. I'm not trying to avoid the facts as they are.

And I know I couldn't call myself a true fan if I didn't support Germany through thick and thin. I've been called far worse for being a true fan for Germany during this WC.

Riiiight. It only took Italy 118 minutes to score.
Yes...you can outplay someone and not score. Not sure if you'd have watched the 2005 FA Cup final, but Manchester United wiped the floor with Arsenal for 120 minutes but couldn't score (mainly because Lehmann played a blinder), only for Arsenal to win on penalties.

They're my team, and I support them. Even if they had lost group play, I would still support them.

And you are right. Germany played an excellent WC, well beyond (my) expectations, and was very close to the final. My remarks were not intended to turn Germany performance down; one simply should not forget that teams like Italy and France tend to make it difficult for the opponents to play at their best. So, one should not wonder that, say, Spain performance in previous matches was better than in the one against France, when they deservedly lost. This does not happen by hazard.

I never said that I didn't accept that Italy and France made it to the finals. I question whether they deserved to be there. That's all. I'm not trying to avoid the facts as they are.
But they did deserve to be there because, as a previous poster said, no team they played deserved to beat them.

Yes...you can outplay someone and not score. Not sure if you'd have watched the 2005 FA Cup final, but Manchester United wiped the floor with Arsenal for 120 minutes but couldn't score (mainly because Lehmann played a blinder), only for Arsenal to win on penalties.
We only recently got a soccer channel here in the States, so I've never seen anything soccer tournaments except for the World Cup.

And I watched that match, Germany v. Italy, and from my family's perspective, Germany was equally matched with Italy. They made 2 fatal mistakes, due to fatigue, that allowed Italy to score at the last minute of the second over time period.

But they did deserve to be there because, as a previous poster said, no team they played deserved to beat them.
I disagree. Germany deserved to beat Italy. They worked hard to make it as far as they did. And considering Germany's national team history in the last several world cups, Germany had made several improvements for this cup.

In 2002, Germany played horribly, and yet made it to the final match against Brazil where they lost to a superior team.

A Brazilian friend of mine told me that soccer isn't always about statistics and match analyses. That sometimes, teams win by luck, which is why so many times, superior teams lose to lesser teams. Like Germany making it all the way to the finals in 2002. Terrible team, yet they still made it to the finals in 2002.

In my opinion, the Germany - Italy match was no different. A lesser team was able to beat a better team. Germany played far better than Italy during the entire tournament. Yes, Italy beat Germany during the friendlies, but that doesn't count since Germany wasn't playing to win in the first place. Klinsmann, a former World Cup champion himself, would know what matches are important, and which ones weren't. Hence why Germany played conservatively during the friendlies.

We only recently got a soccer channel here in the States, so I've never seen anything soccer tournaments except for the World Cup.

And I watched that match, Germany v. Italy, and from my family's perspective, Germany was equally matched with Italy. They made 2 fatal mistakes, due to fatigue, that allowed Italy to score at the last minute of the second over time period.
I guess we'll have to disagree then. I believe Italy played better than Germany and deserved to win.

Italiaaaaa Ai Rigorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrri!!! :d :d :d :d

as you can imagine, I love :fluffle: the entire German National team.reading your posts, that was very hard to guess :D :D :p :D

For me, it was an easy call: it was the beer before breakfast that made me more pissed.

Although Seaman was unbelievable in letting in that goal. What was he doing, savouring the moment? Thinking of how he might make some money on TV?

Expecting a cross and being caught out while probably carrying a back injury. Seamen played so well that cup, many times he came to England's rescue yet all anyone remembers is that one goal. Not that the saves, not the back injury taken in the first half...

We only recently got a soccer channel here in the States, so I've never seen anything soccer tournaments except for the World Cup.

I'm an Arsenal fan and that FA Cup Final mentioned should have gone to the Man U, as much as it pains me to say it. Only Lehman could hold his head high yet we won, Man United had chance after chance yet could not find a way past Lehman that day. Well they did but it was ruled out for offside and the other time was cleared off the line.

Man United, far better side on that day in all department but in goal, Arsenal won it on penalities.

Why dod people say Argentina didn't play well? Cruised through thei group, thrashed Serbia 6-0 with one of the finest goals ever, beat a skillful Mexican side, played well against Germany and where unlucky to lose. They played well but one poor subsitatuion and penalties cost them