2010 South Africa FIFA World Cup thread

[Regulus Tera]

Predictions thread: http://www.nuklearforums.com/showthread.php?t=37891&page=6

Group A:
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

Group B:
Argentina
Nigeria
Korea Republic
Greece

Group C:
England
United States
Algeria
Slovenia

Group D:
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

Group E:
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Group F:
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

Group G:
Brazil
Korea DPR
Côte d'Ivoire
Portugal

Group H:
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

I predict Mexico will fuck up tomorrow morning. Because we always fuck up under pressure. Also, one African team will make it to at least fourth place.

So, about the vuvuzelas... where can I get one? I wanna annoy some people here. They are not necessarily less annoying than European horns.

[Bells]

Vuvuzelas are just those Big plastic horns you blow on, i'm pretty sure you can get one of those on any Party Supply store

Or just Yell real loud and high pitched, it's just as annoying

[Amake]

Oh right, that ball game. Some months back I got a few bucks in a promotion for some betting site and I put it all on the longest odds bet available, which I think was Nigeria to win the world cup. I'd totally forgotten about it, so thanks for this thread.

Not that I remember the name of the site or anything useful. Could that be a problem you think?

[Geminex]

Unless Nigeria's team suddenly decides to show the world their previously hidden talent, I don't think it'll be make a difference.

[Bells]

Well, it was a 1x1 tie, but South Africa really worked to deserve a victory in there!

[Melfice]

So, about the vuvuzelas... where can I get one? I wanna annoy some people here. They are not necessarily less annoying than European horns.

If you get one, do your duty.
Blow it once, then melt it.

Bloody annoying and noisy things.

[krogothwolf]

New Zealand is totally going to own all!

[Professor Smarmiarty]

France and Argentina totally didn't want to win. Must be banking on beating the other two.
NZ will beat Italy 3-0.

[Regulus Tera]

Mexico deserved to lose.

What the fuck at Aguirre not putting Ochoa.

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

France and Argentina totally didn't want to win. Must be banking on beating the other two.
NZ will beat Italy 3-0.

I dunno, France seemed to be pushing it pretty hard in overtime. Just couldn't seem to get over the hurdle.

[Aldurin]

Mexico deserved to lose.

What the fuck at Aguirre not putting Ochoa.

They have enough people for a team?

Anyway, I'll quote a local radio station in my area to explain how I feel about the World Cup.

"The rest of the world is watching the World Cup, while here in America it's just another Friday with nothing happening."

[Regulus Tera]

They have enough people for a team?

What is this even supposed to mean?

Predictions:

Argentina 2 - 0 Nigeria
South Korea 1 - 1 Greece
United States 1 - 2 England

Wishing for:

Argentina 0 - 1 Nigeria
South Korea 2 - 1 Greece
United States 0 - 3 England

I'll be very cross with you fuckers if you guys don't beat the shit outta the Yanks.

[Bells]

Since i think Maradona is a Huge Assbutt (Yell in your head when you hear me saying "Huge" ) i really really want Nigeria to kick Argentina's ass.

And honestly? They have a chance. Nigeria has a really fast and physically strong team while Argentina... it's not all that right now and is pretty much all attack and some long air game.

USA X England though is likely to be a great game to watch, a tie wouldn't surprise me.

EDIT: Also.... maybe you guys don't know this, but security for both England's and the US team are super crazy and borderline paranoid, there is actually an army Helicopter parked outside, near where the US team is training and security is just flat out insane.

They have Bomb searches on the Stadium today, and will have another one before the game with Devices that can find bombs inside concrete structures. Also England's team trains in a Police Station turned fortress.

...damn

[Professor Smarmiarty]

I dunno, France seemed to be pushing it pretty hard in overtime. Just couldn't seem to get over the hurdle.

They maintained an overly defensive formation and they weren't pushing hard ennough.

Here's hoping England lose to the USA. I have feeling it will happen and guessed as much in our prediction pool. Englands team is so ridiculously overrated its not funny.

Edit: Koreaaaaa koreaaaaaa koreaaaaaa koreaaaaa

[Solid Snake]

So on a scale from 1 to 10, just how suicidal is the country of England after losing a match to a country that calls the game soccer?

EDIT: And let's not kid ourselves here, for the people of England tying the United States is the same thing as losing the match.

[Revising Ocelot]

So on a scale from 1 to 10, just how suicidal is the country of England after losing a match to a country that calls the game soccer?

EDIT: And let's not kid ourselves here, for the people of England tying the United States is the same thing as losing the match.

I wouldn't say suicidal. More homicidal.

Rob Green won't be sleeping tonight.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

England football team is crappy, I was predicitng a 2-1 loss for England- there team is hyped just because the EPL gets most media coverage but they are not good.
What violent tackling by England though. Putting in reducers left and right- that's how we play football on the playgrounds because we're used to rugby. Surprised they got away with it.

[Bells]

And germany is kicking Australia's ass right now. 4x0 and well deserved.

Germany is now a top favorite for me. Their game is fantastic a nice example of "German Precision". Also... Australia seems to be playing Rugby, or they think they are Megaman, their movement is entirely dash based!

Later today we have Italy !

[Professor Smarmiarty]

I'm in Dresden right now and they going fucking nuts outside. I only came in to change because there be crazy shits tonight.
The red card on Cahill was absolutely fucking bullshit but nobody here cares.

[Bells]

you really think that red card was overkill by the referee? I mean, he went with his knees straight at the other guy's legs (their knees collide too) and the referee was right there, so he saw it. Also, the Instructions given by FIFA to all referees is to Punish heavily any tackles and slides from behind...

I was bit surprised with the Red Card, maybe a Yellow one would suffice, but Australia was playing a bit too rough anyway...

[Professor Smarmiarty]

He kept his feet and his studs in, he drove his power into the ground not into the player, he was going for the ball- at first I thought the German had been booked for diving. That's our base type of tackle where we play without shin guards or anything and nobody ever gets injured- it wasn't a reducer.

[Corel]

I'm in Dresden right now and they going fucking nuts outside. I only came in to change because there be crazy shits tonight.
The red card on Cahill was absolutely fucking bullshit but nobody here cares.

Remembered when this happened in the last Euro, almost instantly the streets were covered with people celebrating (and someone was driving a tractor full of people around)

This was also around the time when being patriotic in public was becoming more acceptable again.

This is why I love German people; they will celebrate everything. When they lost to Spain at the final, they still went crazy celebrating!

[Geminex]

Ah, yes. 4-0.
I'm in Australia at the moment, actually, and what I found most entertaining was the degree of optimism that Aussies showed to begin with. I actually saw a sports-news clip where an analyst said, with a straight face, that he'd judge the odds at about 50/50.
...
hahahaha yeah

This is why I love German people; they will celebrate everything. When they lost to Spain at the final, they still went crazy celebrating!
Hell, we celebrated eurovision. Eurovison. Damn right we'll celebrate anything. Also, drink to it. Though that might be because we actually make good beer, unlike to other countries I could name.

[Osterbaum]

We celebrate a lot of things here in Finland, but football isn't one of them.

[synkr0nized]

Argentina 0 - 1 Nigeria

Wow. That one was quite a dream. And way unlikely.



Obviously I should wait until a few more games are played to be sure, but it seems like each group, save for a couple, has one powerhouse team that is likely to dominate the rest. I may be relying too much on reputation and history, though, and will be happy as these games continue to unfold if the standings are closer than I expect.

[Corel]

Bwhaha, oh man New Zealand. Way to equalise in the 92nd minute.

Anybody looking forward to the last game of today? I'm looking forward to it tremendously.

[Bells]

Italy 1 X Paraguay 1. Now THAT was a surprise! A Lovely one!

Also Japan won their game, me likey!!!

I'll watch Brazil's first game in a mall near my house, the usually put this huge screen by the food court, should be fun

[Professor Smarmiarty]

See in the civilised world where we play civilised sports we have video referees so people can't score from blatantly offside positions.

[krogothwolf]

See in the civilised world where we play civilised sports we have video referees so people can't score from blatantly offside positions.

But they can from Handballs?

[Professor Smarmiarty]

? Are you calling football a civilised sport?

[krogothwolf]

? Are you calling football a civilised sport?

Well, it's more civilized then American Football, Hockey and Lacrosse at least.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

But less civilised than rugby, cricket or league.

[krogothwolf]

But less civilised than rugby, cricket or league.

League?

Wait...how is Rugby, a sport were you have to tape your ears back so they don't get ripped off, civilized?

[Bells]

League?

A League = 5.55600 kilometers

Can you really say that Football is more civilized than 5.55600 kilometers?

[Professor Smarmiarty]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_league What the fuck guys.

[Corel]

League?

Wait...how is Rugby, a sport were you have to tape your ears back so they don't get ripped off, civilized?

Players as a whole are generally much more respectful to your fellow player and especially the referee. There's a lack of annoyance or frustration to your opposition, probably because you are hitting them. Football players can get wound up a bit. See Tennis players.

More importantly the crouds seldom go into riots or acts of hooliganism (Which you could aruge is a result of Football being more popular so there's more of them)

Edit: That and I despise diving immensely, whoever is doing it.

Edit edit: Good on the Ivory Coast, I wanted them to win but they played some fun watching football even if it was a draw.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Hahahaha Spain.
#And ho fuck is diving bad

[Solid Snake]

So, it looks like African soccer refs hate the United States about as much as basketball refs hate the Celtics...

[krogothwolf]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_league What the fuck guys.

Well, aren't Rugby Union and Rugby League still considered Rugby?

Woohoo go Serbia! Beat those evil Germans!

[Bells]

well, so far, a lot of surprises!! I thought this worldcup would be a bore but it's actually turning out quite interesting to watch!!

also

North Korea have maintained that reports that four of their players have gone AWOL are wide of the mark and put the confusion down to a ''clerical error''.





There had been suggestions that the players may have tried to defect after the official teamsheet for North Korea's 2-1 defeat to Brazil on Tuesday listed the players Kim Myong-Won (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/117876), An Chol-Hyok (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/68016), Kim Kyong-Il (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/133781) and Pak Sung-Hyok (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/147559) as absent.
But it has now been revealed that the Koreans put the wrong information on their teamsheet.


"The team sheet was filled in incorrectly,'' a source told Goal.com. ''The North Korean team marked four players absent. This is due to the fact that in their last tournament, the AFC Challenge Cup, each squad was only allowed to have 18 players so they thought it was the same at the World Cup.


"The mistake was noticed at the stadium and brought to the attention of the team but by then it was too late. It was then picked up by an Italian journalist. There is no truth to the rumours and no players have defected or gone AWOL."
Earlier FIFA said there was no information on reports that four North Korea players have gone missing.


FIFA communications director Nicolas Maingot told a media briefing on Friday: "We have no information on this - we have only been contacted on this issue by the media. Our media officer with the Korea DPR who has spoken to their delegation completely deny these rumours."

[BloodyMage]

Well, aren't Rugby Union and Rugby League still considered Rugby?

Woohoo go Serbia! Beat those evil Germans!

They have different rules.

[krogothwolf]

They have different rules.

So? Canadian Football and American Football have different rules and we still just call em Football.

[synkr0nized]

LIQUOR






FOOOTBAALLLL

[Professor Smarmiarty]

So? Canadian Football and American Football have different rules and we still just call em Football.

Fiddling with the numbers of things isn't really changing the rules. If I gots to look up what the differences are they are the same game whereas if you've watched 2 minutes of union and 2 minutes of league you'll se they are markedly different games.

Also England are even worse than I predicted and I predicted they would be horrible.

[Melfice]

New Zealand is, last I saw, tied with Italy. 1 - 1.
New Zealand was actually in the lead too. Italy made their goal due to a beautiful dive by some bloke I can't bother remember the name of. Sure, Smith held his shirt, but he went down well after Smith let go. Penalty. 1 - 1.

Bugger.

EDIT: And New Zealand stunts by keeping the tie. Anybody who bet on this match in favour of New Zealand just made a fortune.

[Osterbaum]

The NZ goalie is good. Great match (atleast the end result), I was totally rooting for NZ. I wouldn't want Italy to win.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

That game was pretty mcuh why football is a stupid sport. Cheating Italians robbed NZ of the upset of all time and probably a place in the second round too. They did it all the way to winning the cup last time too

[Osterbaum]

The referees made some pretty questionable decisions.

[Solid Snake]

That game was pretty mcuh why football is a stupid sport. Cheating Italians robbed NZ of the upset of all time and probably a place in the second round too. They did it all the way to winning the cup last time too

As an American who watched that game against Slovenia, trust me, I can completely relate.
...I wonder if there's some bias among refs against England and her (former) colonies. "The world has been ruled by Anglos for too long!" or somethin'.

[krogothwolf]

Fiddling with the numbers of things isn't really changing the rules. If I gots to look up what the differences are they are the same game whereas if you've watched 2 minutes of union and 2 minutes of league you'll se they are markedly different games.

There are more significant differences between the 2 then fiddling with the numbers. It still looks like Rugby to me, rule changes or not and that's my point. It's still Rugby even if it's different rules.

Ref's always make bad or Questionable calls though, I personally think it's an ego trip or revenge for something. They always claim they're unbiased but I think that's a load of hogwash. But really great teams over come refs.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Itºs not so much bias against English (England get away with murderous tackles constantly) as bias against weaker nations, probably not intentional but they expect them to play cleaner and have the better of things.
Iºll accept that rugby and league are the same game only if we accept American football is also rugby but for pussies.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10653351 NZ captain is smashing the ref. You could say he is bitter but he is incapable of telling a lie and is more morally upright than Jesus so I doubt it.

And NZ canºt overcome bad refs calls because they not a great team, they only learnt how to play last week.

Brazilians going mental outside.

[Melfice]

Yeah, honestly, after the penalty was given, Di Rossi and another player were CHEERING and it's caught on film.
I understand there's a rule against changing what's written down on the papers, which is more than logical, but this was so blatantly a dive and... why the fuck would you cheer about being tugged down, am I right?

FIFA needs to grow some balls and call the penalty void. It will cause a shitstorm of immense proportions, but it needs to be done.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

They need to introduce a new rule of "Donºt be a pussy". Red card for diving, red card for falling over to light tackles, red card for crying/protesting. Itºll sort everything out.

[Melfice]

They need to introduce a new rule of "Donºt be a pussy". Red card for diving, red card for falling over to light tackles, red card for crying/protesting. Itºll sort everything out.

They just need a second ref behind a TV screen somewhere with a direct line to the field-ref.
As the ball comes into the 16 meter zone and there's a foul being made, the TV-ref gets the final say. Shitload of cameras around the 16 meter zone so every goddamn angle is covered.

Things get crowded in that zone, and even both flag-men and the ref together can't see everything going on there. They need cameras.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Well defos as I said earlier in the thread lots of other sports have them and use them as refs no reason soccer canºt. They got 3D cameras, they can get video ref ones.
My strategy will work better though.

Holy fuck France is a trainwreck http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/20/world-cup-2010-france-training-ground-refuse-train Players refusing to train after Anelka sent home for swearing at coach who deserved it.

Also that Brazil game was crazy shits, just a massive fight.

Re beating, I was going to put money on NZ win but didnºt becaus Iºm iffy on gambling. I gave some tips to my friends to put money on Smeltz scoring first goal because it was paying 35 to 1 and they made a mint. I do have bett with my supervisor to extend my holiday if NZ progresses to second round. He thought it was suckers bet, we will see.

Watching the highlights again the Italians are celebrating the penalty and goal as if they won a world cup semi against Brazil not a group game against a team ranked 72 places below them that they had to cheat to beat. Sad.

[Bells]

Also that Brazil game was crazy shits, just a massive fight.

Yeah, Ivory Coast started playing nice. But once we shoved 3 goals on their asses they started to kick and ram people like crazy! In my opinion the ref was too soft... a couple of Yellow cards around would calm things down. But they were just beating down Brazil... Kaka lost his temper (understandable, he took a beating too) and got the red card. Didn't deserve in my opinion.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Well yes but Brazil are hardly innocent in the field of diving, at the last world cup they basically perfected it so I donºt feel too bad for them.

[Bells]

On another news, Portugal beat North korea 7-0 today and now i fear for the North Korean players safety when they get home

[Professor Smarmiarty]

In other news I just claimed my bet of about 36 beers from some foolish people in Porto.

Also it was the first match broadcast live in North Korea. Good choice that one.

[krogothwolf]

And NZ canºt overcome bad refs calls because they not a great team, they only learnt how to play last week.

Least that's better then Canada, I'm not even sure they know how to tie their shoes yet.

Dude NZ is going to go to the second round! AND FRANCE SHALL BE ELIMINATED! BOOYAA! God I hate france, they're a bunch a whining pampered brats.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Least that's better then Canada, I'm not even sure they know how to tie their shoes yet.

Dude NZ is going to go to the second round! AND FRANCE SHALL BE ELIMINATED! BOOYAA! God I hate france, they're a bunch a whining pampered brats.

They pretty much have to beat Paraguay. I was the only person in tyhe world prior to the tournament who put NZ to the second round and even I had them losing to Paraguay.

[Osterbaum]

God I hate france, they're a bunch a whining pampered brats.
I'm pretty sure that's Italy.

[krogothwolf]

They pretty much have to beat Paraguay. I was the only person in tyhe world prior to the tournament who put NZ to the second round and even I had them losing to Paraguay.

Yeah well, damnit SMB, it would be awesome if they make it to the second round, don't ruin things for the person you converted to cheer for NZ, it's not nice.

Italy, France. They pretty much act the same on the football field. Just Italy headbutts less.

Read somewhere there were 123 yellow cards and 10 reds after yesterday's matches. That seems like an excessive amount.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Mexico and Uruguay first through and didn't play out a convenient draw either.

[Bob The Mercenary]

I'm rooting for Uruguay or Mexico now because if either of them win, the town I work in is going to turn into a three mile long block party. :dance:

[krogothwolf]

I'm rooting for Uruguay or Mexico now because if either of them win, the town I work in is going to turn into a three mile long block party. :dance:

Mexico is playing Argentina. I think it's safe to say they'll be going home. Uruguay though has a good chance to beat South Korea.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Because we live in the 21st century, you can get posts LIVE!
At half time England 1-0 due toa comical ankle goal. Are they so bad they have turned around to become good again?
USA robbed by a ridiculous offside decision, so it sits at 0-0.

[Solid Snake]

USA robbed by a ridiculous offside decision, so it sits at 0-0.

Again?
*sigh*

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Now US is attempting to set a new record for most missed shots. They throwing away the game here by missing a whole succession of easy shots.

[krogothwolf]

That sounds about right for US. If England beat's Slovenia though, US needs to win.

This group seems like such a mess.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

US playing the showman score the winner in the last minute which both qualifies them and gives them top of the group (thus probably avoiding Germany in the second round).
Shitty England get through thanks to having the weakest group in the competition.

[krogothwolf]

US playing the showman score the winner in the last minute which both qualifies them and gives them top of the group (thus probably avoiding Germany in the second round).
Shitty England get through thanks to having the weakest group in the competition.

Dude, England is totally awesome! They're gonna win this World Cup! They say so every time, so they have to be right! They probably even have a parade planned out in advance!

My Co-Workers friend fiance is going to be in tears because Slovenia got eliminated.

[Bells]

My Co-Workers friend fiance is going to be in tears because Slovenia got eliminated.

Well you tell her she is not alone Goddamnit! *sob*

Also, right now there is a great deal of a chance that the USA might get Germany while England would face Gana in the next Round.

That might seem like a easy game for England (it isn't) but it also means that they might get Mexico or Argentina in the Round after that (while the USA would get Uruguay or South Korea)

[krogothwolf]

Hell, there's a good chance Germany won't even make it into the next round. They could tank on the game today! That would be great to be honest.

[Solid Snake]

Nah guys.
There's only one way this should happen:

America v. Germany: it's 1944 All Over Again Baby
I guess England v. Germany arguably works even better as a WW2 allegory, but dammit, I'm a Yank, and we arrogant Yanks refuse to acknowledge Britain's majority contributions to the war effort!

(I can guarantee you that if the U.S. does face Germany, as opposed to actually having any articles in the newspaper actually talk legitimate football strategy, every article in the United States will contain outdated WW2 allusions. Hell, that's basically what happened with U.S. v England, except there it was the Revolutionary War.)

...But no actually Germany and America are my two favorite teams in this World Cup, so I probably shouldn't hope they face each other.

And England has no right to complain about the U.S. winning Group C: The U.S. should have won the group with seven points (not five) and arguably should have beaten Algeria 2-0 (although if the earlier goal had counted, the U.S. probably wouldn't have scored in the 91st minute, so it probably would have been 1-0 either way.)

I'd predict Germany and Serbia to win today. In which case I presume Serbia would have the tiebreaker over Germany since they beat 'em. That would be a lucky outcome for the Brits, I'd think...although if the U.S. manages to beat Germany I'd like their odds in the following match, whereas if England beats Serbia they'll be inevitably crushed by Argentina.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

The only real World War 2 matches would be Russia vs Germany and maybe China vs Japan (where China splits in half halfway through and starts scoring own goals to spite the new faction).
If Germany and Serbia are level it comes down to goal difference firstly and only if that is even does Serbia get top for winning. Germany will win today easily I feel, Germans always fuck up their group games and always make it through. They've never failed to get out of a group despite some atrocious performances,
All games tonight are simply warmups for the mighty NZ dismantling of Paraguay tommorow however.

Edit: In other sports related news, there is currentely a game at Wimbeldon where the 5th set is 39-39. The live feed on the guardian is relaying it as two zombies playing each other in a slowly growing wilderness, finding energy from eating the crowd- the umpire having lost his voice and speaking in the croak of a crone.
Edit 2: And on it goes, the commentator is going insane:
What happens if we steal their rackets? If we steal their rackets, the zombies can no longer hit their aces and thump their backhands and keep us all prisoner on Court 18. I'm shocked that this is only occurring to me now. Will nobody run onto the court and steal their rackets? Are they all too scared of the zombies' clutching claws and gore-stained teeth? Steal their rackets and we can all go home. Who's with me? Steal their rackets and then run for the tube.

It's 48-48. What further incentive do you need?

[Meister]

I can guarantee you that if the U.S. does face Germany, as opposed to actually having any articles in the newspaper actually talk legitimate football strategy, every article in the United States will contain outdated WW2 allusions.
That is basically what happens in England every time Germany's up against them.

e: unironically rooting for Ghana here because the horns and illegal fireworks are beginning to get on my nuts.

[krogothwolf]

What the heck Ghana! Why didn't you beat Germany! WHY!!!!!

This world cup is starting to make less sense the more it goes on. Teams are beating teams they shouldn't, then losing to teams they should beat. Though this is why sports is awesome, everything can go from normal to messed in the span of 1 game.

[Solid Snake]

Hmm. The United States gets Ghana; England will face off against Germany.
I'm not sure whether that's a good or a bad thing for the Americans.
But at least I'll have the chance to root for Deutschland against the Brits.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

The US should be happy to avoid Germany. They always look terrible but they know how to win when its important as they say. Much better chance against Ghana.
Germany will defeat England, I th ink 1-0. Or maybe on penalties if fate wants to be a dick to England

Edit: In paper this morning suggestions from some Italians (who have turned against the Italy team for being shit) that Italy might buy the Slovakia game- as in offer contracts with Italian clubs to some of their players. It is a big suggestion but its not like they don't have a history of it. Slovakia totally needs to draw to help NZ though.

Edit2: Paraguay diving already. Stupid football.
Also slovakia scored which means NZ need to score- a 0-0 draw no longer good enough. oh no.

[krogothwolf]

sad :( NZ is gone, But Italy is too! Yay!

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Totally robbed. At least we finished higher than Italy.

[Bells]

Go to youtube right now... pick ANY video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKttENbsoyk

See that Football shapped icon on the right of hte time bar just under the video?

VUVUZELA FILTER!

[Melfice]

Go to youtube right now... pick ANY video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKttENbsoyk

See that Football shapped icon on the right of hte time bar just under the video?

VUVUZELA FILTER!

You could have at least picked the better version, with Run DMC. :crossarms:

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Ghana score within 5 minutes, US in trouble.

[Bells]

Uruguay beats South Korea, not really surprised but it was a beautiful match to watch

Also, Trivia bit on Ghana Vs USA... Mick Jagger and Bill Clinton in the stadium watching the game!

EDIT:

Also, for those of you who like to see the current format of the Tournament.

= My Prediction

SIDE A

Paraguay X Japan = Japan
Spain X Portugal = Spain

Germany X England = Germany
Argentina X Mexico = Argentina

SIDE B

Holand X Slovakia = Holand
Brazil X Chile = Brazil

Uruguay X South Korea = Uruguay
USA X Ghana = Ghana

[Cloud Strife]

Trying to find a site that's streaming live... but can't seem to find one. Help? Trying to keep up with USA/Ghana.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

http://livesport21.com/world-cup-2010-south-afrika/usa-vs-ghana.html

Great save by Ghana keeper just after half time. Still 1-0

[Cloud Strife]

Thanks, Smarty. Here's hoping USA pulls another one out of the hat.

EDIT: Woo! Tied it up! Go Donovan!

[Bells]

Holy crap, Penalty goal for the USA it's 1-1 right now!

[Professor Smarmiarty]

US through on goal but couldn't put it away, straight at keeper. Still 1-1
Let's play prediction game:

SIDE A

Paraguay X Japan = Paraguay
Spain X Portugal = Portugal

Germany X England = Germany
Argentina X Mexico = Argentina

SIDE B

Holand X Slovakia = Holand
Brazil X Chile = Brazil

Uruguay X South Korea = Uruguay
USA X Ghana = USA

Quarters Winners:
Paraguay
Germany
Holland
Uruguay
Semis Winners
Germany
Holland
Winner
Germany

Edit:
Extra timeeeeeeee. Americans know all about extra time, here they will thrive.

[Bob The Mercenary]

Gah, if this goes to double-OT I won't be able to see the end. Thanks for the link to the live stream, Smarty.

[P-Sleazy]

They don't call the U.S. team the Cardiac Kids for nothing.

[Cloud Strife]

Dammit. 2-1 Ghana.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Ghana goalllllllll!!!!! There is no double OT, if it is equal at the end of OT it goes to penalties. Very good strike from Ghana, he didn't dive and go for the penalty which is uncommon.

All over, USA going home. USA players look completely broken. They should have won, the goals they let were poor defending.

[Cloud Strife]

Congratulations to Ghana on remaining in the World cup and foiling the USA yet again. -sigh-

[Bob The Mercenary]

fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff...

[Melfice]

Guys... this irks me.
I know it's a great deal more letters, and I know our fans (IDIOTS) are saying it too, but could you just say The Netherlands in these things? Instead of Holland?
I am well aware there is historic precedence in calling us Holland. There's probably numerous instances of official paperwork referring to us as such.

But Holland is really just two of our provinces. North and South Holland.

You guys really wouldn't like it if I said "Hey, I'm going to New York this summer!" And then I end up going to Florida, or something, right?
Or... or... "Hey, I'm going to Montreal!" and then I end up in... Vancouver.
While fully meaning the USA and Canada respectively.

Please?

Also: Smarty, you really want a Germany - Netherlands finale, don't you?
Considering the way this year's tournament is going, I'm really seeing the odds in favour of the Dutch, though.
Of course, that means shit, because the Netherlands are neither shitty, nor good (or popular favourites, which is almost just as good as being... well, good.). We'll see what happens!

[Professor Smarmiarty]

I know it's not accurate but Holland is far easier to type than The Netherlands so I can't be fucked. Most people think my country is part of Australia so I'm allowed to do it in return to others.
And if I get that final I'll win our prediction pool fo sure.

[Bells]

I must say, it's an vice of language around here. Not only we hear it "Holland" ( Holanda ) all the time, everywhere, but even in the Broadcast in the games, where the Local TV uses the FIFA Footage but with their own graphics, Netherlands gets refered to as Holland and even the short name is "HLD"

EDIT:

Also, please, Allow me to be an Ass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckcacl9zJRI

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Germany England- here's hoping for England loss on penalties. Among media there seems to be almost a desire for the game to go to penalties so England can purge their demons.

Edit: Comical refering rules out an England goal. 1966 in reverse?

[Green Spanner]

Edit: Comical refering rules out an England goal. 1966 in reverse?

Even if England loses, at least the Germans can't complain anymore about '66.

Or at least, they shouldn't complain anymore.

EDIT: Game might as well end now to be honest.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

England has conference level defending. Germany could have scored 10. David James the keeper has been englands best player by a mile and they still conceded 4 which says something.
In championship manager I once perfected a no defence (0-7-3) strategy but I was considerably more successful than England who also don't seem to be playing any.

[Green Spanner]

England has conference level defending.

I disagree. Players in the conference seem to give a shit, which is more than can be said for England throughout this whole competition.

Seriously, we should spend the next four years training up the successors to these aging prima donnas.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Time till someone said on the BBC that the disallowed goal would have changed things: 5 min. Oh dear.

[krogothwolf]

You guys really wouldn't like it if I said "Hey, I'm going to New York this summer!" And then I end up going to Florida, or something, right?
Or... or... "Hey, I'm going to Montreal!" and then I end up in... Vancouver.
While fully meaning the USA and Canada respectively.


Actually, it should be more like mentioning Alberta or BC and ending up in Quebec. Even then it's a bit forgivable because Canada is freakin huge.

do you guys have a short form for The Netherlands to be called?

[Professor Smarmiarty]

This argentina side are going to be very very hard to beat.
Another bad referee decision, one argentina goal miles offside. Made even worse because it was shown on the big screen at the ground (which is not allowed) so everyone knew ref was wrong.

[Melfice]

Actually, it should be more like mentioning Alberta or BC and ending up in Quebec. Even then it's a bit forgivable because Canada is freakin huge.

do you guys have a short form for The Netherlands to be called?

Ironically... Holland. ¬___¬ EDIT: Rather, that is the most common form. It's simply the Netherlands, and it's the Dutch who inhabit it.
Which IRKS ME TO NO END, for reasons mentioned earlier. (Also, thanks for the correction on Canada-stuffs.)

*sigh* Forget my little rage from earlier?

Also, my parents were raging on Germany winning. Despite my arguments of England having been shit this tournament and that, for once, Germany hasn't scored the winning goal in the last five minutes, they still argue that Germany is always lucky.

I agree that the disqualified goal (or, rather, the non-goal) from England should have counted, but I doubt it would have made a real big difference in the end, regardless of what any sports-reporter says. Germany was on a roll, and there was little stopping them.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

The majority of reports I've read, including the hundreds of comments on the guardian, agree that the goal would have changed nothing. And anyone who doesn't is wrong because England were awful, their defencewas awful, they were lucky it was 10-1. That goal would have changed nothing, German were slaughtering hteir defence.

[Green Spanner]

The thing is that the goal would have happened very soon after Germany already conceded. That may very likely have put Germany off balance, allowing England to potentially take the initiative.

You have to factor the psycological aspects of the goal really. The ultimate effects it would have had is hard to say, but to say it would have made no difference is just naive.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Yes but England were so ridiculously shambolic at the back there is no way they were going to score as many as they would concede. The English defence was so so bad there is no way I can see that goal making a difference.
You can't let the disallowed goal cloud how ridiculously bad England were playing.

[Green Spanner]

But the goal, disrupting their attack. Goals have an undeniable effect on the mindset of the team (e.g if a team is 2-0 down at half time, they will tend to go all out in the second half, having nothing to lose, such as in the US-Slovenia game where the US equalised probably due to this).

Yes, England's defence was lacking, but you have to bear in mind that Germany was on the attack. If the goal had been allowed, it could have thrown them off enough for England to launch a counter-attack, making any issues with defence far less relevant.

Again, I'm not saying if the goal had been allowed, England would have won like, 2-12. What I'm saying is that claiming that a goal conceded not long after another that would have equalised would have had absolutely not effect on anything is actually pretty dumb, especially as you seem to be suggesting that the only factor in the game was England's defence.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

I'm not saying its the only factor I'm saying its by far the most dominant factor. And Germany would have been on the attack anyway, that's how this team plays- they've been on constant attack in all their games. The English forwards were doing nothing and the midfielders had one tactic of just rushing the centre which the Germans had fairly well worked out, nobody on the wings. All of England were bad but the defence were worst.
Yes you could say that goal would have changed things but to do so you would have to ignore how both teams were playing. The german goals were all due to England not being able to defend, whereas England goals- particularly the disallowed one- were more out of nowhere and unlikely to repeat.
If anything I think Germany would have scored more if the England goal went in as the pressure would force them to focus more- they got rather profligate in the second half with thier good lead.

I just don't see moral papering over large tacitcal and technical deficinies

[Ravashak]

Ironically... Holland. ¬___¬ EDIT: Rather, that is the most common form. It's simply the Netherlands, and it's the Dutch who inhabit it.
Which IRKS ME TO NO END, for reasons mentioned earlier.I sooooooooo understand and agree with this, I try to educate people about this too, but it's quite an uphill battle. Might help that I don't live in either of the two provinces, but in (south east) North Brabant, which is south of the Sewer of Europe (Rhine for Germany, and Meuse for France).

[BloodyMage]

There were massive holes in the English defence from the very beginning, and the German players were very good at spotting those holes and getting into the position. Going in to the second half drawing might have boosted morale, but their defence had lacked awareness and marking right from the beginning, so I can understand why they would still have lost despite the disallowed goal, though maybe Germany might not not have gotten both of their second half goals, and maybe only one, because the goal would have rallied them a little. Still, England played poorly and didn't deserve to win, with or without that goal, so yeah.

[krogothwolf]

Well, even with a called off goal, it could also have motivated England with the we can beat them and maybe they could have played stronger.

I hate the whole "if the goal counted" argument because honestly the way I see it a team should be able to overcome those sorts of things, don't blame crap on the crappy refs that have to ref a game with split second decisions. If England was a great team they would have been able to battle back.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Well, even with a called off goal, it could also have motivated England with the we can beat them and maybe they could have played stronger.

So they played like a 3rd division side instead of a sunday pub team? They would have needed massive improvement.
Really the biggest problem was the tactics. Pretty much every playthe english were out of position- they had no width, all the midfielders were bunched in a group, they were playing a very static 4-4-2 even when 3 goals down which prevented any good opportunities. England actually dominated possession but never had the opportunity to do anything with it. Germany were running out of midfield, across the marking zones and just catching everybody out of position.
To be honest this has been a problem with England for a long time. Under Sven when they ahd better success opponents would normally dominate games but superior England finishing would help them out.


To move to the Argentina game, has Maradona played us all with his bizarre selections and antics and is actually a good manager? Cause Argentina are really firing.

[Bells]

FUCK YOU MARADONA!!

Mexico Got robbed blind!! I got really mad about game... that illegal goal broke the focus of Mexico that opened that silly mistake for the second goal.

The honest result of that Match was 1-1

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

So they played like a 3rd division side instead of a sunday pub team? They would have needed massive improvement.

Wow! Germany let a sunday pub team score two goals on them?

Now that is embarrassing.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

It was a combination of Germany also being poor and individiual efforts by the english

[synkr0nized]

I realize this is late, but I was out with friends for most of the weekend.

The US team, while understandably upset at their loss, deserved it. We played horribly, and that's not the kind of play that makes it to the final rounds of the World Cup. Good luck to Ghana, but I expect they will be off'd by Uruguay (or definitely Brazil if it comes to it). I'm anticipating a great match when Argentina and Germany meet.

[krogothwolf]

So they played like a 3rd division side instead of a sunday pub team? They would have needed massive improvement.

Was just making a point that the psychological effects of a goal/no-goal go both ways. No point in crying about bad goals or no goals because you can't change the fact.

Hell, if the goal had counted the Germans could have been pissed that they let a Sunday Pub team score on them and really slaughter them!

Mexico shot themselves in the foot, with the help of video review, because they exploded about the bad call and that messed up their first half. The realistic score of the match was 3-1, not 1-1, because they got all stupid because of the bad call. Ref's can't really call back a goal afterwords, and even if they can(can they?)it's very uncommon because of the fact there is no video review so they can't go over the goal again. Teams have to know that, yet they freak out over bad calls and go insane because of it so they ended up shooting themselves in the foot.

[Solid Snake]

The US team, while understandably upset at their loss, deserved it. We played horribly, and that's not the kind of play that makes it to the final rounds of the World Cup. Good luck to Ghana, but I expect they will be off'd by Uruguay (or definitely Brazil if it comes to it). I'm anticipating a great match when Argentina and Germany meet.

I agree that the U.S. team deserved to lose, but I'll also note that I do feel that the United States was the stronger team overall. They were undoubtedly the best team in Group C in terms of sheer talent and I do think their game against Ghana overall revealed that the U.S. was the more skilled team (more and better shot opportunities, more consistent play.)

The problem is twofold:

1) The U.S. has crappy transitional defense. Their defense is actually pretty fine normally, so long as they're expecting the attack: but when the opposing team suddenly and unexpectedly crosses midfield with a counterattack, when the majority of the American team is on the other side of the field, their defenders crack under pressure. That's basically how Ghana scored both their goals: the U.S. was attacking down on Ghana's end, Ghana suddenly reversed fortunes, and the goaltender and the one or two defenders who could oppose Ghana's shots were caught napping.

2) The U.S. lacks a legitimate striker. Plenty of good passers, and one or two folks like Donovan who can capitalize on scoring opportunities. But they need a legit, top-of-the-world quality striker to really hammer in goals, particularly on more-difficult-than-average shots. Donovan might be close, but he's just not quite there.

If the U.S. had resolved those two issues they easily would have beaten Ghana and probably faced off against Brazil in the semis. With that in mind, I can't be too disappointed in America because they're very, very close to being a Top Five caliber World Cup team with a decent chance to win every four years. Oh, sure, Brazil and Argentina (and probably Germany and the Netherlands) would still kick their asses, but I can't think of many others who'd take a victory over the U.S. for granted.

Given where we were twenty years ago, it's pretty incredible that I can legitimately argue that America fielded a better team than the likes of England, Italy or France this year.

[synkr0nized]

I agree with your first point. Our defense, especially to those I watched the games with who never played the sport, came off appearing lazy and unable to sprint, especially when a team such as Ghana used bursts of momentum to carry offensive plays. I would say transition is something they'll need to work on, for sure.


As to our offense, sometimes it felt like 4-4-2 wasn't working well enough due to little midfield support from the outsides to the strikers. Granted I didn't catch every game (stats aside), however, so I might be basing this assessment from too few pushes on our offensive side.

[Bells]

Mexico shot themselves in the foot, with the help of video review, because they exploded about the bad call and that messed up their first half. The realistic score of the match was 3-1, not 1-1, because they got all stupid because of the bad call. Ref's can't really call back a goal afterwords, and even if they can(can they?)it's very uncommon because of the fact there is no video review so they can't go over the goal again. Teams have to know that, yet they freak out over bad calls and go insane because of it so they ended up shooting themselves in the foot.

Refs can reverse their calls, but they are strongly advice to not do so unless it's absolutely flawless the notion that it was a bad call. Besides the Ref in the field they have 2 guys on the sidelines and a second ref outside the field. They all have earpieces and they get information when needed, but in Football it's strongly advised to empower the rep and give value to his professional judgement on the field.

It's done that way because Fifa wants a margin of Human error in there to preserve the "Heart" of the game. To prevent it from being too mechanical and relying too much on Technology and cameras.... it's pretty much just tradition, but a ref can reverse and late call pretty much anything. It's just not done because that would open precedents for teams worldwide to challenge bad calls from past present and future, so, it would be shitstorm.

In this particular case, the Replay screen in the stadium showed that the Goal was illegal, but neither ref on the field could be 100% sure, in those cases, decisions should favor the defense. Of course... THAT is not a writen rule, just they way things are

[Professor Smarmiarty]

I'm pretty sure they don't want video refs because its easier for them to rig games without them.

[Bells]

Oh c'mon now... if you start to rely on video too much everything becomes subjective. Not all replays are crystal clear. And if for every foul or dangerous play someone calls for a "Replay Video" a game would run for 4 hours! And the ref would loose any power he has, because people would give all value to the video, which is most cases is open to Interpretation, so now you have pressure from all sides coming from onto the ref and 505 of all his calls in this scenario would be called "rigged" anyway.

So, it's not perfect but it's less flawed!

Also, just to say... i want Brazil to Win, of course. But my second pick for "most awesome Final Game" would be Japan Vs Ghana. That would be SO awesome if it happened....

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Rugby has video replays with only stoppages for contentious tries which takes about 10 seconds. There is no reason to not have video refs

[Bells]

On more awesome news, Paraguay X Japan is going on right now and after a incredibly balanced game, we are at penalties.

GO JAPAN GO !

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Penalties: So cruel, so unfair, so beautiful.
I hope someone cries.

[Bells]

Everyone is crying but Paraguay got this one 5-3

[Green Spanner]

Spain deserved to win that. Portugal seemed to barely be playing at all. Except the goalie. My candidate for man of the match.

That backpass before the goal, in my opinion, is what a perfect backpass should be.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Some thinking material to tide you over in the break:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBkbj_S3etY&feature=player_embedded

[Solid Snake]

THE NETHERLANDS DID IT
...Awesome. No Brazil in the Semis is always a good thing (though as an American it makes me feel even worse insofar as if America won games it could/should have they'd have a legitimate chance in hell at reaching the finals right about now.)

[Professor Smarmiarty]

My awesome predictions go further and further.I couldn't believe that people were going in with Brail as favourites to this game. Netherlands were plaing much better and in a way that would trouble the Brazilian gameplan. All the pundits are just like "It's Brail they'll win".

[Melfice]

Welp.
I'm confident it's actually going to be Netherlands - Germany now.

And Germany's gonna win that by scoring the 0-1 in the last five minutes like they always do. :argh:

[Professor Smarmiarty]

And then I shall laugh at you all from my golden throne of predictive genius.

I'm taking a risk with Paraguay tonight. They haven't looked that good but I think they've got 1 great game in them.

[Bells]

God damn it.

Although it was a sad defeat i got really, really mad over that referee... i mean, diving and scouting for opportunistic fouls and corners is a valid strategy, but it really sucks when it makes the team you like, to loose.


GO GHANA! FUCK EVERYBODY ELSE! GO GHANA!

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Brazil can't really complain about other teams diving- they have been one of the most blatant offenders over the years.

Edit:I've worked out a perfect way towin the world cup as a big team.
Step 1: Make sure the other nation is a smaller tv audience/has less influence in fifa than you
Step 2: Start fight during game- get game called off
Step 3: Rely on FIFA corruption to bring you through.
I was totally advocating Brazil to do this once down to 10 men.

E3: Early goal to Germany, as predicted.

[TheBoltman]

It's really fun being a Germany fan right about now.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

My prediction of a Germany win is looking pretty good right about now.

[Melfice]

Uh... I'm not following it live, and I just clicked the first link in Google so... but is Germany winning 4-0 from Argentina?
FOUR-nil!?

Oh, man.

EDIT: i mean, diving and scouting for opportunistic fouls and corners is a valid strategy, but it really sucks when it makes the team you like, to loose.

If it's a valid strategy when it happens to the other team only, then it's not a valid strategy, now is it? ;)

[Bells]

If it's a valid strategy when it happens to the other team only, then it's not a valid strategy, now is it? ;)

No no no it's like, you can totally lie. But it sucks if you get caught...

Also, i Looooooooooooooved Germany today. 4-0 On Argentina? Thank you!!

But the greatest world cup final can no longer be, even though both teams played just about enough to make me wish for it real hard... Japan X Ghana.

And about Ghana... how the freaking fuck can you get blessed with a penalty kick with 10 seconds left in overtime before the match is over, just to kick the post and them proceed to loose the match in the Penalty shootout?! How you do that?

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Yep, 4-0. Not even a lucky 4-0. They really desrved it. Played the Argies off the park.
I bet they missing Zanneti and Cambiasso now.

Hahahaha, you just reminded me of Ghana. Hahahahaha

[Bells]

So i just went trough an awkward moment...

I had a few friends here at home just now, and we were just hanging out talking about the world cup, when a friend of mine mentions the teams still in the game after Brazil and Ghana went out... Argentina, Germany, Spain, Paraguay, Uruguay and Netherlands...

As soon as he says this, i respond without thinking...

"Wait... in the first African world cup, the only Black guy playing for the Cup is german?!"

http://sportpedia.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/cacau.jpg

[Melfice]

Hey, there's alse Eliah, playing for the Netherlands. I'm not entirely sure where he's from exactly, but he's black.

[Bells]

Hey, there's alse Eliah, playing for the Netherlands. I'm not entirely sure where he's from exactly, but he's black.

That's still somehow weird to me!!

[Solid Snake]

...Dammit refs, that was not offsides by Paraguay. Goal should have counted.

My guess: FIFA wants Spain to win this game at all costs.

[Bells]

I really don't buy into the whole "Global Conspiracy of soccer" deal... part of the game is all the crazy stuff that can happen. For my money, Germany is a strong contestant. But i would just love if the Final was between Netherlands and Spain, cause neither has ever won the world cup.

How crazy is Spain X Paraguay right now? Paraguay gets a Penalty, looses, RIGHT AFTER THAT within 1 minute, Spain gets a Penalty, scores but it's nuled because there was invasion (you can't enter the area until after the penalty) and on the second try, the Goalie blocked the shot.

It's 0x0 and i'm loving it. This is actually a very fun world cup to watch

[Professor Smarmiarty]

The reason there is "global conspiracy" is
A) Fifa is more evil and corrupt than Spectre
B) In this very world cup- they changed the rules of the qualifiers HALFWAY THROUGH qualifying to save France and Italy at the expense of smaller teams. Like they have already done it!

[Solid Snake]

I certainly think FIFA would consider it advantageous to have Spain in the semis over the likes of Paraguay.

I'm not saying FIFA refs can singlehandedly alter the course of every match. Clearly, if a play is absolutely incontestable or if one team is playing far better than the other, it'd look too suspicious for FIFA to intervene. That's why France and Italy were eliminated in the first round -- they were so poor this year that even favorable refereeing could not have saved them.

But there's been enough shoddy calls throughout this tournament, generally favoring certain teams over others, that's raised some flags with me. Just look at the sheer lack of yellow and red cards Spain's been "awarded" all tournament. Spain's had a tortured history with football and this is one of Spain's best teams yet...maybe FIFA feels it's finally time to reward them or something.

With that in mind, I predict a Spain-Holland final, with Spain winning. Germany should beat Spain, but I'm just sayin' I won't be surprised if some terrible no-call costs their chances to advance.

(I wonder how many NPF folks are from Espana...I guess I'll soon be finding out.)

[Bells]

B) In this very world cup- they changed the rules of the qualifiers HALFWAY THROUGH qualifying to save France and Italy at the expense of smaller teams. Like they have already done it!

And both teams got out in the very first round... what kind of lame ass conspiracy are they running there?!

Also, they changed Yellow card rules too. Before, at the end of each round, all yellow cards would get wiped. Now, on the second round they only get wiped for the Semi-Finals. Making Yellow cards much more dangerous... the effectiveness is debatable, but it's a change that actually aimed to improve the overall game.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Yeah well there is only so much rigging you can do! Both teams were so abject that even withthe favourable refeering they recieve couldn't get through.
But they not going to rig the whole cup and I don't think the bad refereeing is due to FIFA rigging, it's just bad refereeing. What I do blame them for is lack of video technology which does favour bigger teams.##

E: Dutch in final where I think they'll lose to whoever makes it oppositely.
Interestingly because Dutch haven't lost a game through tournament they are still unofficial world champions (starting from first international ever if you beat the champions in a game you take the title) so the winner of the final will hold both titles.
Van Bommel must have something on all the referees as he has been continually murdering players every game, could have pickedup 10 yellows in this game alone, while going unpunished. Oh wait he got a yellow in this game for kicking the ball away in celebration becasue he thought the game was over...