Rio de Janiero - 2014 Fifa World Cup Thread

[FootballLight]

First topic message reminder :

This **should** be the main article for the Fifa World Cup 2014 competition that happens in 10 days time. Lets try and keep the debate simple yet reasonable about all of the build-up, the stadiums, the countries, the players, the qualifying, the winners and most importantly, the "bought" 2022 World Cup.

Enjoy! (And... lets try and make this World Cup as good as possible considering all of the poor build-up, tragic deaths and he outrageous violence that has been happening over recent months)

[Scrumpy]

He wasn't match fit! 

[DirectView]

He wasn't match fit! 

   

[Duty281]

Today then:

Germany 2-0 Portugal
Iran 0-2 Nigeria
Ghana 2-1 USA

Should be a quite interesting three games. Nigeria should be comfortable over Iran, but any outcome is possible in the other two games - particularly if Ronaldo starts well against Germany, of course.

Ahh Ronaldo is rubbish over-rated player, when was the last time you saw him doing a seizable contribution for his national team's cause?  

Germany rightly crushed the over-rated Portugal and Ronaldo's team to 4-0, the only decent team Portugal can win is England.

Some of the bet sites should have gone nuts in giving more or less equal odds for Portugal on Germans game, I bet germany to win by 3-goal margin and made a wealth out of it.   

Sorry, what?

[FootballLight]

Here we are! The game of the tournament right here. As if Ivory Coast are playing 2 of their group matches at 2AM when Iran v Nigeria is the worst game in the World Cup in terms of quality. Disgraceful. But I suppose if that's how it fits the schedule then we can do nothing about that. Nigeria don't have a bad team but they are never going to get through this group and Iran are just laughable to be in this World Cup. Nigeria to win 1-0. Emineke.

[DirectView]

Today then:

Germany 2-0 Portugal
Iran 0-2 Nigeria
Ghana 2-1 USA

Should be a quite interesting three games. Nigeria should be comfortable over Iran, but any outcome is possible in the other two games - particularly if Ronaldo starts well against Germany, of course.

Ahh Ronaldo is rubbish over-rated player, when was the last time you saw him doing a seizable contribution for his national team's cause?  

Germany rightly crushed the over-rated Portugal and Ronaldo's team to 4-0, the only decent team Portugal can win is England.

Some of the bet sites should have gone nuts in giving more or less equal odds for Portugal on Germans game, I bet germany to win by 3-goal margin and made a wealth out of it.   

Sorry, what?

India has IPL but the suck at T20
US have NFL but they suck at International Rugby, similarly
England have EPL [the greatest foot ball league] but the suck big time in the international scenario.

[CFCNick]

Today then:

Germany 2-0 Portugal
Iran 0-2 Nigeria
Ghana 2-1 USA

Should be a quite interesting three games. Nigeria should be comfortable over Iran, but any outcome is possible in the other two games - particularly if Ronaldo starts well against Germany, of course.

Ahh Ronaldo is rubbish over-rated player, when was the last time you saw him doing a seizable contribution for his national team's cause?  

Germany rightly crushed the over-rated Portugal and Ronaldo's team to 4-0, the only decent team Portugal can win is England.

Some of the bet sites should have gone nuts in giving more or less equal odds for Portugal on Germans game, I bet germany to win by 3-goal margin and made a wealth out of it.   

Sorry, what?

India has IPL but the suck at T20
US have NFL but they suck at International Rugby, similarly
England have EPL [the greatest foot ball league] but the suck big time in the international scenario.

It's not the same sport.

[Duty281]

Today then:

Germany 2-0 Portugal
Iran 0-2 Nigeria
Ghana 2-1 USA

Should be a quite interesting three games. Nigeria should be comfortable over Iran, but any outcome is possible in the other two games - particularly if Ronaldo starts well against Germany, of course.

Ahh Ronaldo is rubbish over-rated player, when was the last time you saw him doing a seizable contribution for his national team's cause?  

Germany rightly crushed the over-rated Portugal and Ronaldo's team to 4-0, the only decent team Portugal can win is England.

Some of the bet sites should have gone nuts in giving more or less equal odds for Portugal on Germans game, I bet germany to win by 3-goal margin and made a wealth out of it.   

Sorry, what?

India has IPL but the suck at T20
US have NFL but they suck at International Rugby, similarly
England have EPL [the greatest foot ball league] but the suck big time in the international scenario.

You appear to be lacking in gray matter, dear fellow.

[skyeman]

Today then:

Germany 2-0 Portugal
Iran 0-2 Nigeria
Ghana 2-1 USA

Should be a quite interesting three games. Nigeria should be comfortable over Iran, but any outcome is possible in the other two games - particularly if Ronaldo starts well against Germany, of course.

Ahh Ronaldo is rubbish over-rated player, when was the last time you saw him doing a seizable contribution for his national team's cause?  

Germany rightly crushed the over-rated Portugal and Ronaldo's team to 4-0, the only decent team Portugal can win is England.

Some of the bet sites should have gone nuts in giving more or less equal odds for Portugal on Germans game, I bet germany to win by 3-goal margin and made a wealth out of it.   

Sorry, what?

India has IPL but the suck at T20
US have NFL but they suck at International Rugby, similarly
England have EPL [the greatest foot ball league] but the suck big time in the international scenario.

Are you on the strong stuff?

[FootballLight]

I knew Iran were a poor side, but in these first 10 minutes or so, they have just either been terrible or Nigeria have just been all over them. Iran are sitting back, allowing no space in behind but they are allowing Nigeria the chance to run at their defence and they will beat them for pace and power with Emineke, Moses and Musa in their front 3. They have Obafemi Martins to come on if needed as well Nigeria. This may be something more than 1-0. But Nigeria do look a half decent African side, can see why they won the ACON. Yobo, Emineke, Obi Mikel, Musa, Moses, Martins, Ambrose etc. Decent players.

[FootballLight]

Even John Obi Mikel as well, good player, forgot about him. We knew this would be a poor quality game because they both are the 2 worst teams in their group (arguably) but Nigeria don't have that bad of a team. Iran do though, they are seriously struggling to deal with Nigeria's front 3.

[Duty281]

Oh and when did Ronaldo last make a good contribution to Portugal? The playoff against Sweden, where he scored a hat-trick.

[compelling and rich]

Today then:

Germany 2-0 Portugal
Iran 0-2 Nigeria
Ghana 2-1 USA

Should be a quite interesting three games. Nigeria should be comfortable over Iran, but any outcome is possible in the other two games - particularly if Ronaldo starts well against Germany, of course.

Ahh Ronaldo is rubbish over-rated player, when was the last time you saw him doing a seizable contribution for his national team's cause?  

Germany rightly crushed the over-rated Portugal and Ronaldo's team to 4-0, the only decent team Portugal can win is England.

Some of the bet sites should have gone nuts in giving more or less equal odds for Portugal on Germans game, I bet germany to win by 3-goal margin and made a wealth out of it.   

Sorry, what?

India has IPL but the suck at T20
US have NFL but they suck at International Rugby, similarly
England have EPL [the greatest foot ball league] but the suck big time in the international scenario.

It's not the same sport.

not sure india suck at 20/20 either, if world cup final means sucking then sign me up!!

[FootballLight]

Oh an forgot a CB talent at Chelsea, Omeuro. (Or however you spell his name).

What are people's opinions on England's chances of going through? Also what do you think about Rooney's comments and the formation that Hodgson should play/stick with? What about their style & players also?

[kingraf]

Ronaldo has tendinitis of the knees, I believe. It's not like he just developed it after this defeat either... did you miss Ronaldo being nursed through the final parts of the club season?

[DirectView]

Today then:

Germany 2-0 Portugal
Iran 0-2 Nigeria
Ghana 2-1 USA

Should be a quite interesting three games. Nigeria should be comfortable over Iran, but any outcome is possible in the other two games - particularly if Ronaldo starts well against Germany, of course.

Ahh Ronaldo is rubbish over-rated player, when was the last time you saw him doing a seizable contribution for his national team's cause?  

Germany rightly crushed the over-rated Portugal and Ronaldo's team to 4-0, the only decent team Portugal can win is England.

Some of the bet sites should have gone nuts in giving more or less equal odds for Portugal on Germans game, I bet germany to win by 3-goal margin and made a wealth out of it.   

Sorry, what?

India has IPL but the suck at T20
US have NFL but they suck at International Rugby, similarly
England have EPL [the greatest foot ball league] but the suck big time in the international scenario.

It's not the same sport.

not sure india suck at 20/20 either, if world cup final means sucking then sign me up!!

what about the previous editions outside 2007?

[CFCNick]

England will get through

[DirectView]

Ronaldo has tendinitis of the knees, I believe. It's not like he just developed it after this defeat either... did you miss Ronaldo being nursed through the final parts of the club season?

Similar like how Rafael Nadl had tendinities after Halle match?   

[skyeman]

Rooney and sturridge up front, got to be. Play as positive as Saturday, that should see them through.

[compelling and rich]

Today then:

Germany 2-0 Portugal
Iran 0-2 Nigeria
Ghana 2-1 USA

Should be a quite interesting three games. Nigeria should be comfortable over Iran, but any outcome is possible in the other two games - particularly if Ronaldo starts well against Germany, of course.

Ahh Ronaldo is rubbish over-rated player, when was the last time you saw him doing a seizable contribution for his national team's cause?  

Germany rightly crushed the over-rated Portugal and Ronaldo's team to 4-0, the only decent team Portugal can win is England.

Some of the bet sites should have gone nuts in giving more or less equal odds for Portugal on Germans game, I bet germany to win by 3-goal margin and made a wealth out of it.   

Sorry, what?

India has IPL but the suck at T20
US have NFL but they suck at International Rugby, similarly
England have EPL [the greatest foot ball league] but the suck big time in the international scenario.

It's not the same sport.

not sure india suck at 20/20 either, if world cup final means sucking then sign me up!!

what about the previous editions outside 2007?

why you discounting 2007, because they won it?!!    so in 5 tournements they have won it and got to a final. yeah really sucking at it that

[skyeman]

Today then:

Germany 2-0 Portugal
Iran 0-2 Nigeria
Ghana 2-1 USA

Should be a quite interesting three games. Nigeria should be comfortable over Iran, but any outcome is possible in the other two games - particularly if Ronaldo starts well against Germany, of course.

Ahh Ronaldo is rubbish over-rated player, when was the last time you saw him doing a seizable contribution for his national team's cause?  

Germany rightly crushed the over-rated Portugal and Ronaldo's team to 4-0, the only decent team Portugal can win is England.

Some of the bet sites should have gone nuts in giving more or less equal odds for Portugal on Germans game, I bet germany to win by 3-goal margin and made a wealth out of it.   

Sorry, what?

India has IPL but the suck at T20
US have NFL but they suck at International Rugby, similarly
England have EPL [the greatest foot ball league] but the suck big time in the international scenario.

It's not the same sport.

not sure india suck at 20/20 either, if world cup final means sucking then sign me up!!

what about the previous editions outside 2007?

Not a good example DV.

India recently won the ICC T20 final and were in the WC final. That sucks?

[compelling and rich]

Today then:

Germany 2-0 Portugal
Iran 0-2 Nigeria
Ghana 2-1 USA

Should be a quite interesting three games. Nigeria should be comfortable over Iran, but any outcome is possible in the other two games - particularly if Ronaldo starts well against Germany, of course.

Ahh Ronaldo is rubbish over-rated player, when was the last time you saw him doing a seizable contribution for his national team's cause?  

Germany rightly crushed the over-rated Portugal and Ronaldo's team to 4-0, the only decent team Portugal can win is England.

Some of the bet sites should have gone nuts in giving more or less equal odds for Portugal on Germans game, I bet germany to win by 3-goal margin and made a wealth out of it.   

Sorry, what?

India has IPL but the suck at T20
US have NFL but they suck at International Rugby, similarly
England have EPL [the greatest foot ball league] but the suck big time in the international scenario.

It's not the same sport.

not sure india suck at 20/20 either, if world cup final means sucking then sign me up!!

what about the previous editions outside 2007?

brazil suck at football.......... if you discount 50, 58, 62, 70, 94, 98, 02

[kingraf]

What does Ronaldo have to do with Nadal?

[FootballLight]

Iran do look nervous but have certainly settled into their rhythm at the back. The goalkeeper needs to be tested though from Nigeria as he looks uncomfortable. Iran also need to put 4/5 bodies when attacking/hitting on the break to have a chance of getting a shot off or doing some damage to Nigeria's defence. But their doing ok so far.

[DirectView]

brazil suck at football.......... if you discount 50, 58, 62, 70, 94, 98, 02

Do I have to make you sound silly? Duty was optimistic in his comments and articles but wasn't silly but your comment says all your wisdom , so take a

 

What does Ronaldo have to do with Nadal?

Something common between the two when they lose, you already figured it out I guess.

[Guest]

Ah but Iran have a guy that moves like Jagger  

[DirectView]

Ah but Iran have a guy that moves like Jagger  

A future English captain perhaps?

[compelling and rich]

im not quite sure DV gets sarcasm as well

[FootballLight]

It will be a very interesting game on Thursday. Uruguay lose and they are out of the competition, highly possible at the moment. England lose and Costa Rica and Italy take points off each other, they are both out. So they both really need to win at the moment. I'm going for a 3-3 as both teams need to go for it, have really good attacking qualities but yet poor defensive qualities as shown in their opening games. But, if England can sure up their defence, then a 3-1/3-2 could be on the cards for them

Regarding Rooney though, I couldn't leave him out if I was in charge of England. He has the United factor which threatens teams and he consistently plays well for club and country and is a man that you can always rely on for scoring goals when up top because he has done it now for so many years, since he first came onto the scene at 16 year old really. So for more than a decade, he has scored consistently and important goals, that is some record that you can not leave out.

With the formation, I think 4-4-2 suits England, even if it maybe isn't as useful in the modern game. Sterling and Welbeck just need to drop 15 years or so into a wide midfield position. We know Welbeck can attack at a defender, so he can be useful there but more importantly he will track back and will look to win the ball back, so he helps down the right hand side. That can give Sterling the license to bomb forward and almost play as a third forward to adapt into a 4-3-3 as his lightning quick pace can take him past any defender and he has good qualities all around and can too also do a half decent job tracking back and trying to rat the ball off opponents. Him and Baines could be a real force down the left flank. Attacking and defending. He should have Henderson/Wilshire in midfield as an engine to give off some energy and Gerrard as this holding playmaker to spray the passes and just act as a counter shield in front of the defence to allow Baines the initiative to bomb forward with Sterling and for Johnson to support Welbeck as well.

But a decision that has questioned me is, did Hodgson consider asking Terry to come out of retirement for one last World Cup? Weall know that the weakest part of England's team is their defence, but look at the record and clean sheets Chelsea's defence have kept this season. Terry and Cahill have been partners at CB for most of the season and have hardly put a foot wrong. Surely that defensive partnership would have been useful in this World Cup because it could stop them leaking goals in this World Cup and make them look a little bit tougher to break down, especially if they want to play on the counter attack. As much as I don't like Terry, him and Cahill, because of how well they have done with Mourinho at Chelsea this season with their clean sheets, it would be hard not to ask Terry out of retirement for one last World Cup alongside Cahill. All Hodgson would need to say and train with them is, show and tell me what you have done at Chelsea this season, put it into training and then into games and no doubt we could do well. I feel with Terry and Cahill against Italy, England may have at least got something from that game.

[skyeman]

im not quite sure DV gets sarcasm as well

He sounds like he after a rise and a laugh.

I am taking it for what it is. PISH  

[Lowlandbrit]

If Iran tried to branch out from their 'just kick it forward as soon as possible' style a little they could actually get something here.

[westisbest]

This could be the first 0-0 of the tournament.

Nigeria a long way off from players they had of yester year.

Rufai, George, Yekini, Okocha, Amokachi, Oliseh, Amunike, Yakubu, Kanu, to nane a few.

[skyeman]

It will be a very interesting game on Thursday. Uruguay lose and they are out of the competition, highly possible at the moment. England lose and Costa Rica and Italy take points off each other, they are both out. So they both really need to win at the moment. I'm going for a 3-3 as both teams need to go for it, have really good attacking qualities but yet poor defensive qualities as shown in their opening games. But, if England can sure up their defence, then a 3-1/3-2 could be on the cards for them

Regarding Rooney though, I couldn't leave him out if I was in charge of England. He has the United factor which threatens teams and he consistently plays well for club and country and is a man that you can always rely on for scoring goals when up top because he has done it now for so many years, since he first came onto the scene at 16 year old really. So for more than a decade, he has scored consistently and important goals, that is some record that you can not leave out.

With the formation, I think 4-4-2 suits England, even if it maybe isn't as useful in the modern game. Sterling and Welbeck just need to drop 15 years or so into a wide midfield position. We know Welbeck can attack at a defender, so he can be useful there but more importantly he will track back and will look to win the ball back, so he helps down the right hand side. That can give Sterling the license to bomb forward and almost play as a third forward to adapt into a 4-3-3 as his lightning quick pace can take him past any defender and he has good qualities all around and can too also do a half decent job tracking back and trying to rat the ball off opponents. Him and Baines could be a real force down the left flank. Attacking and defending. He should have Henderson/Wilshire in midfield as an engine to give off some energy and Gerrard as this holding playmaker to spray the passes and just act as a counter shield in front of the defence to allow Baines the initiative to bomb forward with Sterling and for Johnson to support Welbeck as well.

But a decision that has questioned me is, did Hodgson consider asking Terry to come out of retirement for one last World Cup? Weall know that the weakest part of England's team is their defence, but look at the record and clean sheets Chelsea's defence have kept this season. Terry and Cahill have been partners at CB for most of the season and have hardly put a foot wrong. Surely that defensive partnership would have been useful in this World Cup because it could stop them leaking goals in this World Cup and make them look a little bit tougher to break down, especially if they want to play on the counter attack. As much as I don't like Terry, him and Cahill, because of how well they have done with Mourinho at Chelsea this season with their clean sheets, it would be hard not to ask Terry out of retirement for one last World Cup alongside Cahill. All Hodgson would need to say and train with them is, show and tell me what you have done at Chelsea this season, put it into training and then into games and no doubt we could do well. I feel with Terry and Cahill against Italy, England may have at least got something from that game.

Well thought out post FL, very reasoned and i agree with the Terry view.

[DirectView]

for so many years, since he first came onto the scene at 16 year old really. So for more than a decade, he has scored consistently and important goals, that is some record that you can not leave out.

Agreed, so Rooney can pack his back with his so called junk records with him.

[FootballLight]

It will be a very interesting game on Thursday. Uruguay lose and they are out of the competition, highly possible at the moment. England lose and Costa Rica and Italy take points off each other, they are both out. So they both really need to win at the moment. I'm going for a 3-3 as both teams need to go for it, have really good attacking qualities but yet poor defensive qualities as shown in their opening games. But, if England can sure up their defence, then a 3-1/3-2 could be on the cards for them

Regarding Rooney though, I couldn't leave him out if I was in charge of England. He has the United factor which threatens teams and he consistently plays well for club and country and is a man that you can always rely on for scoring goals when up top because he has done it now for so many years, since he first came onto the scene at 16 year old really. So for more than a decade, he has scored consistently and important goals, that is some record that you can not leave out.

With the formation, I think 4-4-2 suits England, even if it maybe isn't as useful in the modern game. Sterling and Welbeck just need to drop 15 years or so into a wide midfield position. We know Welbeck can attack at a defender, so he can be useful there but more importantly he will track back and will look to win the ball back, so he helps down the right hand side. That can give Sterling the license to bomb forward and almost play as a third forward to adapt into a 4-3-3 as his lightning quick pace can take him past any defender and he has good qualities all around and can too also do a half decent job tracking back and trying to rat the ball off opponents. Him and Baines could be a real force down the left flank. Attacking and defending. He should have Henderson/Wilshire in midfield as an engine to give off some energy and Gerrard as this holding playmaker to spray the passes and just act as a counter shield in front of the defence to allow Baines the initiative to bomb forward with Sterling and for Johnson to support Welbeck as well.

But a decision that has questioned me is, did Hodgson consider asking Terry to come out of retirement for one last World Cup? Weall know that the weakest part of England's team is their defence, but look at the record and clean sheets Chelsea's defence have kept this season. Terry and Cahill have been partners at CB for most of the season and have hardly put a foot wrong. Surely that defensive partnership would have been useful in this World Cup because it could stop them leaking goals in this World Cup and make them look a little bit tougher to break down, especially if they want to play on the counter attack. As much as I don't like Terry, him and Cahill, because of how well they have done with Mourinho at Chelsea this season with their clean sheets, it would be hard not to ask Terry out of retirement for one last World Cup alongside Cahill. All Hodgson would need to say and train with them is, show and tell me what you have done at Chelsea this season, put it into training and then into games and no doubt we could do well. I feel with Terry and Cahill against Italy, England may have at least got something from that game.

Well thought out post FL, very reasoned and i agree with the Terry view.

Thanks, appreciate it mate

[Hammersmith harrier]

What is the point of you Direct View?

[FootballLight]

for so many years, since he first came onto the scene at 16 year old really. So for more than a decade, he has scored consistently and important goals, that is some record that you can not leave out.

Agreed, so Rooney can pack his back with his so called junk records with him.

How is that a "junk" record in the slightest? There aren't many players that have records like that. Especially people that don't fall into the bracket "World Class" as I'd like to call it or in another words, very top quality players. You name me a lot of players that for a decade have a scoring record like Rooney's at the top level of football. Yes, sure, there are a few, I'll admit to that, but there aren't a lot of them about, that is for sure. Especially there aren't many that don't fall in the "World Class" band that's for sure. I don't see the point in your comment really. Why would you leave England's best current player in terms of quality out of the team altogether?

[Guest]

Nigeria may need a miracle from Musa and Moses   

[FootballLight]

Just tell me DirectView, all you have done so far is criticise people's opinions, almost wind people up with your petty little digs at people and make a laughing stock of yourself on a fairly popular thread that will be seen and posted on for another 3 weeks. Just tell me, how do you feel about that and what's your "direct view" on these topics? Or do you just come on here to genuinely criticise everyone else without your own opinions?

[skyeman]

Nigeria may need a miracle from Musa and Moses   

Moses will part the defense second half  

[FootballLight]

Did I say 15 years in my long, older comment? :Laugh: I meant to say drop 15 yards. Talk about grammar errors there. I also missed a full stop at the end of my first paragraph as well.  Control/grammar freak. Midway through the 3rd paragraph, I'm meant to put "all around and can *also*", I put too in there for some reason? Start of the final paragraph "We all"*. Midway through the final paragraph, meant to put "it would be hard not to ask Terry to consider coming out of retirement". Then that's it, grammar updated and improved.

Amazing how many mistakes you can spot by just reading back through a long comment that I quickly typed up in 5 minutes time. :Laugh:

Anyway, I'm off to watch the rest of the game and then Ghana vs USA later in the evening, good night to all.

[FootballLight]

P.S. It looks as if Hammersmith has got rid of the "pest" DirectView (thankfully). :Laugh:

See ya later.

[Lowlandbrit]

Is there a single Nigerian player that hasn't woefully misplaced a pass in this game?

[Duty281]

So this is the worst game of the tournament thus far, all agreed?

Don't think Bosnia or Argentina will have too many problems beating Nigeria and Iran.

[kingraf]

This match hurts my eyes

[DirectView2]

P.S. It looks as if Hammersmith has got rid of the "pest" DirectView (thankfully). :Laugh:

See ya later.

Yes he did, congrats to him if that was his mission.   

Yes I was taking a mini-dig at every player possible to create a funny on otherwise a serious forum, but seems like critics are not accepted here even if spouted in a mild manner.

Good luck enjoy the rest of the world cup.

No more Direct Views.   

[kingraf]

This match hurts my eyes

[westisbest]

Boring game.

Wanted to watch the match later, but am falling asleep.

Haven't looked, but is there a highlights programme for those late games the next day?

[kingraf]

Did you just get banned and setup a secondary account in five minutes? Bravo sir.

[CFCNick]

Just under 90 minutes to go. USA! USA! USA!

(and then Belgium tomorrow for £260)

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I'd like to apologise for this game

Its the first I've bet on

And I bet on both teams to score

Its all my fault

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