FIFA WORLD CUP 2010

[Padrino]

France, and now Italy at the bottom of their groups? Unbelievable!

It's Twilight Zone stuff

I really enjoy watching the big boys being cut down by the little guy, one upset after the other in this tournament. And New Zealand finishing unbeaten.....wow.

Next victim: Spain

[winelover]

Are any Americans* excited about the World Cup? I think Team USA has done really well and in the next round I think they'll beat Ghana to face Uruguay or South Korea in the Quarter-Finals. They even have a shout of making the Semis. Well done and also did you see how excited the US Team were after they had scored the winner yesterday? There was an almighty 'bundle' near the corner flag. Good team spirit.

The good thing about football (I mean 'soccer' to those who don't understand) is that it really is a truly global sport so international tournaments are truly universal which cannot be compared to any other sports (although I'd take the point on cricket and the staggeringly huge populations of India etc who play it).

Now being an England fan, having finished second in the group, one behind you guys, our route going forwards is a lot more tricky with Germany and then probably Argentina. I think we'll beat Germany and then lose to the Argies. From a fans perspective it is great though, as both of the next opponents are our arch-enemies given our shared history (without mentioning the Falklands or 1966 win over Germany in the World Cup Final or WWII).

COME ON ENGLAND!!

*referring to citizens of the USA for all the pedants out there.

[Erm310mce]

Are any Americans* excited about the World Cup? I think Team USA has done really well and in the next round I think they'll beat Ghana to face Uruguay or South Korea in the Quarter-Finals. They even have a shout of making the Semis. Well done and also did you see how excited the US Team were after they had scored the winner yesterday? There was an almighty 'bundle' near the corner flag. Good team spirit.

The good thing about football (I mean 'soccer' to those who don't understand) is that it really is a truly global sport so international tournaments are truly universal which cannot be compared to any other sports (although I'd take the point on cricket and the staggeringly huge populations of India etc who play it).

Now being an England fan, having finished second in the group, one behind you guys, our route going forwards is a lot more tricky with Germany and then probably Argentina. I think we'll beat Germany and then lose to the Argies. From a fans perspective it is great though, as both of the next opponents are our arch-enemies given our shared history (without mentioning the Falklands or 1966 win over Germany in the World Cup Final or WWII).

COME ON ENGLAND!!

*referring to citizens of the USA for all the pedants out there.

Absolutely, I'm thrilled for the US team, what a victory yesterday. I am also an Italian citizen, so I'm not so happy with the Azzurri. With Buffon and Pirlo in all three matches maybe it's different, but regardless, Lippi's old crew didn't have it this year. Time for Lippi to hang it up as well.

I'm focused on the US team and also agree they have a great shot of heading to the semis! I'm happy for Donovan, after having a disappointing 2006, he has really come back strong this cup. It's great to see.

[Mr. Japan]

The impossible is happened. We are out and behind the äll Whites" :-(((((

[khomeinist]

Lol. Yes UK Guy. There are many football fans in the US of A. The Yanks will be lucky to get by Ghana but it should be a good match. Don't knock Uruguay or Korea. Either could defeat USA (or England for that matter).

Spain/Chile folks. Don't miss it!

[Nino]

The impossible is happened. We are out and behind the äll Whites" :-(((((

Arrivederci campioni azzuri - you'll be back soon, no worries, Gino.

Hope the "Reds" make it tomorrow and don't have to pack & fly home too ......... we'll see.

Sunday : forecasted 30 C & sunny, good atmosphere in my pub, good cigars - look forward to the

penalty shoot out.

Some pics of yesterday's party :

[mazolaman]

cometh the hour,cometh the man,Wayne will help extinguish the German flame.....

Spain Chile should be a cracker.

Our cricket team aren't doing badly either......

[First Lady]

I am sorryn I feel England does not deserve to be in the game but good luck to them

Who do I back now..... that is the question as this Cup is anyones with some of the top 10 out of the cup... I think it will be the USA or Chile

Lisa

[Nino]

May the best team win, it sure will be lots of suspense and fun, especially if there's a penalty shoot out to end the match.

I will be enjoying the match smoking a good custom rolled in the pub with my mates, cheering for Germany - win or loose we'll celebrate.

BTW : The 3-lions shirt belongs to Andy, the (german) publican, he's made a bet that England will win .........

cometh the hour,cometh the man,Wayne will help extinguish the German flame.....

[brutusthebuckeye]

What a disgrace!!!! the Azzurri not making it thru the group stage......

They should be pelted with rotten fruit at the airport AGAIN!!! like they did back in the day when they lost to S Korea

Everybody was right... Italy was to old and Lippi stuck with em...great game by the Slovaks!!!!

Forza Italia Euro 2012.....

[First Lady]

Honestly I think the teams in the Top 10 in the world went in with the attitude that they didn't have to play hard as they would be able walk all over the smaller countries (Italy is always guility of this), I am happy that countries like the US are giving the big 10 a run for their money...

Let's hope it continues to be a interesting World Cup and there are lots of surprises coming up

[brutusthebuckeye]

Almost 12 hours later and i'm still pissed at the effort of the Azzurri in this years WC.....

Would love to see the U.S.A make a magical run!

[bunburyist]

Honestly I think the teams in the Top 10 in the world went in with the attitude that they didn't have to play hard as they would be able walk all over the smaller countries (Italy is always guility of this), I am happy that countries like the US are giving the big 10 a run for their money...

Let's hope it continues to be a interesting World Cup and there are lots of surprises coming up

That's the great thing about football - anyone really can beat anyone. Forget which world cup it was...maybe 95? When the All Blacks put 145 pts on Japan in the rugby. In 100 yrs that Japan team would never beat the Kiwis. The physical power difference was too great.

But in football you just need skill (being fit helps) and that's it. Plus the world cup is one quick tournament....so whoever's on form brings home the bacon. Come on England!

[Mr. Japan]

USA did well at confederation cup and we all thinked it was luck. No they are a good organized team.

And what about Blue Samurai (Japan) they also made it. Fantastic!

I still believe Argentina and England are the two that can win.

[Bartolomeo]

Italia.........my team and a huge disappointment

France.....well, their France and can't understand how they imploded at this Cup

USA......last minute goals will not be possible moving into the next rounds with quality of teams they will face

England........Overrated, dont understand why everybody else doesnt see this?

Argentina..........I am a huge Maradona fan and the team is playing very solid right now

Just some random thoughts from a soccer buff

Bart

[mazolaman]

England........Overrated, dont understand why everybody else doesnt see this?

Argentina..........I am a huge Maradona fan and the team is playing very solid right now

Just some random thoughts from a soccer buff

Bart

England have learned a lesson that Spain also learned in this world cup.

You can have great players,but they still need to play as a team.

England do have three world class players,Gerard,Rooney,Cole,And many other good players,Terry,Lampard.

Diego Maradonna is a cheat,a liar(it was the hand of God),and took drugs throughout his career to enhance his performance(even though he didn't need to)

If he were to lift the cup as both player and then manager,it would be a shocking day for football.

The Argentine defence isn't good,whoever has the guts to go for it,can beat them.

Go England.

[bunburyist]

England have learned a lesson that Spain also learned in this world cup.

You can have great players,but they still need to play as a team.

England do have three world class players,Gerard,Rooney,Cole,And many other good players,Terry,Lampard.

Diego Maradonna is a cheat,a liar(it was the hand of God),and took drugs throughout his career to enhance his performance(even though he didn't need to)

If he were to lift the cup as both player and then manager,it would be a shocking day for football.

The Argentine defence isn't good,whoever has the guts to go for it,can beat them.

Go England.

He was also arguably the most gifted footballer to ever walk onto a pitch. Such if flawed genius though, he did his fair share of the bad stuff.

Reckon England will beat Germany, but Argentina in the 1/4s..... I want to believe but if Messi has even a quite good game, nobody can stop him. Funnily enough I think the one team that could turn them over is Mexico. Otherwise I think they'll go all the way.

Uruguay, US or Ghana in the semi-final though - gotta be good for football. My money's on the Uruguayans.

[mazolaman]

It's tough to call isn't it?

I'm with you with Mexico,I think they can do it.

I know England can too.......

Another cricket one dayer tomorrow too.

[OZCUBAN]

What the F#$K somebody get the refs some glasses and a guide dog this is

ENLAND V GERMANY who said history does not repeat

[strayvector]

Pure class from the Germans.

[bunburyist]

Atrocious linesman call aside, England were......atrocious. 4-1. Against the Germans. Sigh. Credit must go to the team that played proper football. Well done Germany.

Probably a good game to watch in terms of action and entertainment.

Such a waste of talent. Ah well, time for a clearout and start from scratch.

[mazolaman]

Oh well,sob.....

[Nino]

What the F#$K somebody get the refs some glasses and a guide dog this is

ENLAND V GERMANY who said history does not repeat

Zorry, but ze ball waz not in - as you kan klearly zee from friendly japanese neutral sourze :

What a celebration in the village today - will have some pictures up tomorrow.

Today : All Out Party !!

Nino

[mazolaman]

Have to say Germany deserve their victory,as we were terrible.

The only Englishmen at the final will probably be howard webb and his team.

I'm also gutted for Mexico,who also suffered at the hands of a very bad linesmans decision.Really poor standards of officials today.

[Ken Gargett]

just watched the germany thumping of england. entertaining from a neutral point of view (well, as neutral as one can be if england is playing). they looked good. there were times when i thought they were back playing us it was so one-sided.

1/4 between them and argentina worthy of a final.

i understand the hatred england has for maradonna (i was actually living in england in 86 and rarely have i had so much fun) but it might just be he was taking the piss with the hand of god comment. and as much as england feel robbed by that (you blokes did get your only cup on a dodgy decision so complaints are a bit rich), he also scored one of teh most amazing goals ever seen.

agree with our expat friend from hong kong as to his abilities, though everything i ever saw of pele would have me pick him as the best i've ever seen.

on pele, a few years ago, was walking through the versace hotel on the coast to meet friends around 11pm and walked past a bloke having a drink at a table with a mate. you know how you see someone and you think you know them but you just can't pick them or quite remember who and where. said hi, he said hi back and on i went. got about ten steps before it twigged. pele. knew i'd seen him somewhere.