Rio de Janiero - 2014 Fifa World Cup Thread

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

First topic message reminder :

Diego Costa for £32 million isn't looking to hot either...Chelsea could be looking at the 3 most expensive striker flops in history in Shevchenko, Torres and now Costa.

He lacks pace and mobility which for me are essential in the premiership.

Tbf this isn't the same Costa that's been playing for Atletico, a long hard season and a few injuries catching up with him here I think

[Nakatomi Plaza]

Famous last words Nando!

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Incredible scenes

[Fernando]

He's usually useless 95% of the time.

I suspect The Toure Brothers happy to be heading home considering their brother and the other guy who's father died.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Finally, finally, finally we get the game we've been hoping for. Greece vs Costa Rica in the KO stages of the World Cup #scenes

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Finally, finally, finally we get the game we've been hoping for. Greece vs Costa Rica in the KO stages of the World Cup #scenes

What a time to be alive

[monty junior]

How good is James Rodriguez, the money i put on Columbia a few months back is looking better and better.

[Scrumpy]

Greece FFs!

England hang your head in shame!

[Duty281]

England have scored the same amount, and conceded the same amount, as Greece.

Oh the injustice.

I blame Geoff Hurst for putting us in this bloody group!

[NickisBHAFC]

Costa Rica vs Greece. Does that depress anyone?

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Costa Rica vs Greece. Does that depress anyone?

Not really seeming as Costa Rica have been quite decent to watch, and Greece played very well tonight and generally do in the bigger games

[Scrumpy]

IMO Suarez should be banned for a very long time.

I bet fifa only give him a one game ban or do nothing at all!

[sportform]

Would Fifa also potentially be able to kick Uraguay out of the competition? Reinstate Italy potentially?

Failure to control players

Lets be sensible here, that would not happen. Yes he bit the guy but there have been examples of players punching other players at WC and FIFA did nothing.

They didn't kick France out for Thierry Henry's deliberate handball so that ain't going to happen.

[sportform]

Well Barkley and Oxlade aren't central midfielders that might be why Owen, Carrick and Cole should have gone; Baines, Gerrard and Henderson were all well and truly found as not being good for this level.

Sorry can't agree with you on Henderson who was for me England's best player. He done exactly what you need to do at this level, pass and move the ball quickly and try to move the opposition about. We need a football culture change in this country. Still too many fans, media, coaches, players are obsessed with trying to play wonderful long balls or beat loads of men dribbling. Look at how many times Sterling, Barkley etc just ran into defenders in the first two games because players like Gerrard look to go long too early and too much, slowing the play down and letting the opposition get back behind the ball. We didn't draw teams out and create very little space to try and get Sterling into. I would like to see more of Henderson and Wilshere in midfield maybe even Cleverly who played in wins against Italy and Brazil. We still don't appreciated the short passing game, one-twos, moving the ball in triangles etc.

[sportform]

Are you going to pay 70m+ for a player that gets banned for 12-15 games a season? No

If some team offers Liverpool that, I think they'll biting their hand off...

[sportform]

How good is James Rodriguez, the money i put on Columbia a few months back is looking better and better.

I haven't been convinced by Colombia. They are clinical on the counter attack but are quiet defensive. Japan dominated them but lacked firepower in the final third. Greece did the same too. I would fear for Colombia if and when they face any team with a real threat in front of goal.

[Duty281]

Play Cleverley? Are you having a giraffe?

I'm all for passing, creative football...something Cleverley wouldn't contribute to.

[sportform]

Play Cleverley? Are you having a giraffe?

I'm all for passing, creative football...something Cleverley wouldn't contribute to.

Just out of curiosity, what problem do people have with Cleverley from a technical point of view? Ie other than just saying players are crap.

[Duty281]

Play Cleverley? Are you having a giraffe?

I'm all for passing, creative football...something Cleverley wouldn't contribute to.

Just out of curiosity, what problem do people have with Cleverley from a technical point of view? Ie other than just saying players are crap.

He struggles with incisive passing, killer final balls, has little dribbling ability, hardly ever scores because of his poor finishing, has a substandard first touch, and is pathetically low in terms of assists for a supposed attacking midfielder.

I've only ever seen him have one good game..against Moldova.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-uniteds-tom-cleverley-barely-3297459

What does Tom Cleverley contribute? I haven't a clue.

[sportform]

Play Cleverley? Are you having a giraffe?

I'm all for passing, creative football...something Cleverley wouldn't contribute to.

Just out of curiosity, what problem do people have with Cleverley from a technical point of view? Ie other than just saying players are crap.

He struggles with incisive passing, killer final balls, has little dribbling ability, hardly ever scores because of his poor finishing, has a substandard first touch, and is pathetically low in terms of assists for a supposed attacking midfielder.

I've only ever seen him have one good game..against Moldova.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-uniteds-tom-cleverley-barely-3297459

What does Tom Cleverley contribute? I haven't a clue.

Well done for the quick Google search... I agree with much of that and use Cleverley a little bit in jest as I know it will rile people but Cleverley does pass and move the ball well. Has been in the top four or five English players in terms of percentages for the past two seasons. For me moving the ball quickly and accurately is one thing that the top international sides do much better than England. Too many fans, pundits, journalists think pace means having quick players who run with the ball. Pace is more about moving the ball through quick passing. I don't get the idea that every player in a team has to be wonderfully creative and have loads of dribbles, shots etc

Tom Cleverley may not be the answer but I am not sure he is the problem either. It will be interesting to see how well he does at Arsenal if that move goes through.

PS - For all those arguing about there being too many foreigners playing in the Premier League, Cleverley has played in 30 plus games for Man United in each of the past two seasons and people don't won't him playing. There is no guarantee these supposed good young English players not getting a chance will be much better.

[JamesLincs]

First caller into 5 live was a Liverpool fan and said...

"I'm glad he did it. Means nobody will buy him and take him away from us."

I just huh, what, eh, huh *bangs head against desk*

exactly what my mate said, without the bit saying he was glad he did it. but seemed happy that it possibly meant he wouldnt leave.

[kemet]

First caller into 5 live was a Liverpool fan and said...

"I'm glad he did it. Means nobody will buy him and take him away from us."

I just huh, what, eh, huh *bangs head against desk*

exactly what my mate said, without the bit saying he was glad he did it. but seemed happy that it possibly meant he wouldnt leave.

I do not think the hierarchy at FSG would be viewing this latest Suarez misadventure in quite the same light.

I would venture to say, there will quite a few more gray hairs in the coming weeks for the head honchos at Liverpool....

[sportform]

First caller into 5 live was a Liverpool fan and said...

"I'm glad he did it. Means nobody will buy him and take him away from us."

I just huh, what, eh, huh *bangs head against desk*

exactly what my mate said, without the bit saying he was glad he did it. but seemed happy that it possibly meant he wouldnt leave.

I do not think the hierarchy at FSG would be viewing this latest Suarez misadventure in quite the same light.

I would venture to say, there will quite a few more gray hairs in the coming weeks for the head honchos at Liverpool....

Surely Bayern Munchen will be interested.

[GSC]

So Uruguay go full Liverpool and claim its all a conspiracy vs Suarez.

[Kurt N. Jurqa]

So Uruguay go full Liverpool and claim its all a conspiracy vs Suarez.

I hope he gets a worldwide 2 year ban and then Liverpool can't even cash in on him so they lose out on a payday for sticking by the biting racist.

[GSC]

Don't worry, Crimey will be on in due course to remind us how Chiellini deliberately put his shoulder in Luis' jaw #freesuarez

[Hulking_up]

Number of footballers bitten by other footballers (not including Suarez) = 0
Number of footballer bitten by Suarez = 3

Jermain Defoe.

[socal1976]

Suarez is great, I love his ability, can't think of a player who moves better without the ball and anticipates the cross or opening like Suarez. So he likes a wee nibble occassionally. Sure he should get banned for a few games, and probably requires some psychological counseling. But, lets not get carried away he hasn't injured anyone although if I was Chiellini I would get some rabies shots as who knows where Suarez' mouth has been. His epic flop after the incident made it even more comical. I am not saying he should go unpunished or that he should get a slap on the wrist but I think people are getting carried away. He isn't an axe murder or ISIS follower or something. I for one find him so much fun to talk about on so many levels. He really does have a screw loose.

[owen10ozzy]

Greece vs Costa Rica #wow!

Ivory Coast, Italy, Spain, England ...

Possibly and likely add Portugal to that list then look at the performances of the likes of Algeria, Iran, Australia..

Whilst climate certainly has some part to play in what has been an entertaining and crazy to predict World Cup you have to look at the performances of the lesser nations on a whole and come to the conclusion they just want it more!

For them the World Cup is the platform to showcase what they can do...for each individual player it is an opportunity to put themselves on the radars of the biggest clubs in the world. For the likes of Spain etc they have that week in week out playing in the biggest leagues and in European competitions.

8 years ago it was Senegal and Ivory Coast coming to the fore...now it's your Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica. It's not just a case of it being at this world cup either...because all 3 nations have gradually been building and getting better..the likes of Martinez...Falcao...Vidal etc have shown the other lesser known players what there life can be like and the hunger and desire is their for all to see.

I'll dig out the link later (currently on my phone) but I read on the internet last night that the average wage of the players in the England squad under 23 is £44,600 a week!! That's not only scary but a huge tell tale sign of just one of the problems we have in this country and it is happening in countries like Portugal & Spain more predominately where the youngsters are now earning more money at a younger age mostly through moves to big European clubs.

Like I said, it's obviously not the only reason for the exits of big clubs and poor performances from others but it is a major part of the explanation as to why the lesser nations are doing so well. It started around the 1990's with Cameroon and every World Cup now it is occurring with more regularity...

1990 - Cameroon
1994 - Romania, Bulgaria, Nigeria
1998 - Croatia, Chile, Paraguay
2002 - Senegal, USA, S.Korea,
2006 - Ecuador, Ghana, Australia, Switzerland
2010 - S.Africa, Japan, Slovakia, New Zealand
2014 - Costa Rica, Chile, Australia, Iran, Algeria, USA

I'm not just talking teams who make it through to the latter stages but also teams who cause shocks/upsets or put up a much better performance than expected.

For the the World Cup has become the showcase of the unknown. Of course you will have your World Class players show up and perform and the very best will usually contest the final however there are more 'less adequate' teams overachieving at the expense of the supposed best nations in the World year on year.

[J.Benson II]

Suarez is great, I love his ability, can't think of a player who moves better without the ball and anticipates the cross or opening like Suarez. So he likes a wee nibble occassionally. Sure he should get banned for a few games, and probably requires some psychological counseling. But, lets not get carried away he hasn't injured anyone although if I was Chiellini I would get some rabies shots as who knows where Suarez' mouth has been. His epic flop after the incident made it even more comical. I am not saying he should go unpunished or that he should get a slap on the wrist but I think people are getting carried away. He isn't an axe murder or ISIS follower or something. I for one find him so much fun to talk about on so many levels. He really does have a screw loose.

Agreed. Dude clearly has issues that need sorting but the abuse he's getting is OTT. Biting someone is pure stupidity, but it's hardly something that will cause significant hurt to a player.
Someone who commits a violent tackle that can potentially cause a serious long term injury is far more deserving of a heavy ban/fine.

[Guest]

Suarez is great, I love his ability, can't think of a player who moves better without the ball and anticipates the cross or opening like Suarez. So he likes a wee nibble occassionally. Sure he should get banned for a few games, and probably requires some psychological counseling. But, lets not get carried away he hasn't injured anyone although if I was Chiellini I would get some rabies shots as who knows where Suarez' mouth has been. His epic flop after the incident made it even more comical. I am not saying he should go unpunished or that he should get a slap on the wrist but I think people are getting carried away. He isn't an axe murder or ISIS follower or something. I for one find him so much fun to talk about on so many levels. He really does have a screw loose.

Agreed. Dude clearly has issues that need sorting but the abuse he's getting is OTT. Biting someone is pure stupidity, but it's hardly something that will cause significant hurt to a player.
Someone who commits a violent tackle that can potentially cause a serious long term injury is far more deserving of a heavy ban/fine.

WRONG, being bitten hurts like hell. Just ask anyone bitten in a pub brawl or who's had a toddler sink their teeth into you. Adults shouldn't behave like that, it shows a complete lack of self control and he needs to be punished. However, whilst FIFA and the like tackle high profile cases like this, I'm sure they'll still continue to allow diving, simulating, tripping, berating of officials and homophobic abuse stating that they're all just part of the game and players should get on with it

[Stella]

Suarez is great, I love his ability, can't think of a player who moves better without the ball and anticipates the cross or opening like Suarez. So he likes a wee nibble occassionally. Sure he should get banned for a few games, and probably requires some psychological counseling. But, lets not get carried away he hasn't injured anyone although if I was Chiellini I would get some rabies shots as who knows where Suarez' mouth has been. His epic flop after the incident made it even more comical. I am not saying he should go unpunished or that he should get a slap on the wrist but I think people are getting carried away. He isn't an axe murder or ISIS follower or something. I for one find him so much fun to talk about on so many levels. He really does have a screw loose.

Agreed. Dude clearly has issues that need sorting but the abuse he's getting is OTT. Biting someone is pure stupidity, but it's hardly something that will cause significant hurt to a player.
Someone who commits a violent tackle that can potentially cause a serious long term injury is far more deserving of a heavy ban/fine.

WRONG, being bitten hurts like hell. Just ask anyone bitten in a pub brawl or who's had a toddler sink their teeth into you. Adults shouldn't behave like that, it shows a complete lack of self control and he needs to be punished. However, whilst FIFA and the like tackle high profile cases like this, I'm sure they'll still continue to allow diving, simulating, tripping, berating of officials and homophobic abuse stating that they're all just part of the game and players should get on with it

The pain doesn't last for long though, Dave, unlike a snapped leg. A bite to the face would have been very different of course, but it wasn't.

[Guest]

Suarez is great, I love his ability, can't think of a player who moves better without the ball and anticipates the cross or opening like Suarez. So he likes a wee nibble occassionally. Sure he should get banned for a few games, and probably requires some psychological counseling. But, lets not get carried away he hasn't injured anyone although if I was Chiellini I would get some rabies shots as who knows where Suarez' mouth has been. His epic flop after the incident made it even more comical. I am not saying he should go unpunished or that he should get a slap on the wrist but I think people are getting carried away. He isn't an axe murder or ISIS follower or something. I for one find him so much fun to talk about on so many levels. He really does have a screw loose.

Agreed. Dude clearly has issues that need sorting but the abuse he's getting is OTT. Biting someone is pure stupidity, but it's hardly something that will cause significant hurt to a player.
Someone who commits a violent tackle that can potentially cause a serious long term injury is far more deserving of a heavy ban/fine.

WRONG, being bitten hurts like hell. Just ask anyone bitten in a pub brawl or who's had a toddler sink their teeth into you. Adults shouldn't behave like that, it shows a complete lack of self control and he needs to be punished. However, whilst FIFA and the like tackle high profile cases like this, I'm sure they'll still continue to allow diving, simulating, tripping, berating of officials and homophobic abuse stating that they're all just part of the game and players should get on with it

The pain doesn't last for long though, Dave, unlike a snapped leg. A bite to the face would have been very different of course, but it wasn't.

I genuinely don't give a **** how long the pain lasts for, it's not something that has any place on a football pitch.

[Stella]

Suarez is great, I love his ability, can't think of a player who moves better without the ball and anticipates the cross or opening like Suarez. So he likes a wee nibble occassionally. Sure he should get banned for a few games, and probably requires some psychological counseling. But, lets not get carried away he hasn't injured anyone although if I was Chiellini I would get some rabies shots as who knows where Suarez' mouth has been. His epic flop after the incident made it even more comical. I am not saying he should go unpunished or that he should get a slap on the wrist but I think people are getting carried away. He isn't an axe murder or ISIS follower or something. I for one find him so much fun to talk about on so many levels. He really does have a screw loose.

Agreed. Dude clearly has issues that need sorting but the abuse he's getting is OTT. Biting someone is pure stupidity, but it's hardly something that will cause significant hurt to a player.
Someone who commits a violent tackle that can potentially cause a serious long term injury is far more deserving of a heavy ban/fine.

WRONG, being bitten hurts like hell. Just ask anyone bitten in a pub brawl or who's had a toddler sink their teeth into you. Adults shouldn't behave like that, it shows a complete lack of self control and he needs to be punished. However, whilst FIFA and the like tackle high profile cases like this, I'm sure they'll still continue to allow diving, simulating, tripping, berating of officials and homophobic abuse stating that they're all just part of the game and players should get on with it

The pain doesn't last for long though, Dave, unlike a snapped leg. A bite to the face would have been very different of course, but it wasn't.

I genuinely don't give a **** how long the pain lasts for, it's not something that has any place on a football pitch.

I agree 100%, along with a few other things. I think we disagreed on this when he bit Ivanovic for the same reasons, so I won't go on. The boy does need help  though.

[J.Benson II]

Suarez is great, I love his ability, can't think of a player who moves better without the ball and anticipates the cross or opening like Suarez. So he likes a wee nibble occassionally. Sure he should get banned for a few games, and probably requires some psychological counseling. But, lets not get carried away he hasn't injured anyone although if I was Chiellini I would get some rabies shots as who knows where Suarez' mouth has been. His epic flop after the incident made it even more comical. I am not saying he should go unpunished or that he should get a slap on the wrist but I think people are getting carried away. He isn't an axe murder or ISIS follower or something. I for one find him so much fun to talk about on so many levels. He really does have a screw loose.

Agreed. Dude clearly has issues that need sorting but the abuse he's getting is OTT. Biting someone is pure stupidity, but it's hardly something that will cause significant hurt to a player.
Someone who commits a violent tackle that can potentially cause a serious long term injury is far more deserving of a heavy ban/fine.

WRONG, being bitten hurts like hell. Just ask anyone bitten in a pub brawl or who's had a toddler sink their teeth into you. Adults shouldn't behave like that, it shows a complete lack of self control and he needs to be punished. However, whilst FIFA and the like tackle high profile cases like this, I'm sure they'll still continue to allow diving, simulating, tripping, berating of officials and homophobic abuse stating that they're all just part of the game and players should get on with it

Yeah, it may hurt but what I meant is that it wouldn't cause any long (or even short) term damage other then some teeth marks.
I'd rather be a victim of a Suarez bite than a high, two footed lunge.

[Guest]

[J.Benson II]

Suarez is pure entertainment! I love the melodramatic outrage from the English press too.

"He's disgusting! Hang him!"
"He's a vile monster! Worse than Jimmy Savile!"

It's absolutely hilarious. He bit Chiellini and then held his mouth as if Chiellini had nailed him in the mouth with his shoulder. Of couse, both guys went down like they had been hit with an axe. It was hilarious.

He is making this biting thing into his trademark. Who will be his next victim??  

Hodgson must be loving it as well. Takes attention away from another garbage England performance.

[Guest]

As for the WC, Holland's draw has seriously opened up. Beat Mexico, Costa Rica/Greece & it's basically a meeting with Belgium or Argentina in the semi's. I'd go with a Holland vs Argentina semi in that half. The other half is the tougher draw. It's likely to be a France vs Germany QF, with the winner facing one of Brazil, Chile, Colombia or Uruguay in the semi.

[DirectView2]

How about Nigeria Drawing or winning 1-0 vs Argentina?

[Pal Joey]

So what's your gut feeling for the Final, John?

I have a feeling it might be Argentina-Brazil but wouldn't mind seeing Holland in the final again.

For the other half - it would be nice to see Chile go a long way but probably unlikely.
A France-Germany QF would be great match. If either one of them got through to the final there would be more tears than 1950!

[socal1976]

Suarez is pure entertainment! I love the melodramatic outrage from the English press too.

"He's disgusting! Hang him!"
"He's a vile monster! Worse than Jimmy Savile!"

It's absolutely hilarious. He bit Chiellini and then held his mouth as if Chiellini had nailed him in the mouth with his shoulder. Of couse, both guys went down like they had been hit with an axe. It was hilarious.

He is making this biting thing into his trademark. Who will be his next victim??  

Hodgson must be loving it as well. Takes attention away from another garbage England performance.

Are we sure that vampires are Transylvanian, Count Suarez wants to suck your blood. The English media does get really carried away. I agree fully, having your leg broken by a reckless and vicious tackle is one thing, having Suarez give you a hicky is another thing. Don't get me wrong he should be punished and face a pretty lengthy ban, but this talk of banning for life or charging him and Suarez being the worst guy in football history is kind of silly.

[Guest]

Holland vs ? - Final

Holland should make it. Yes, Mexico are a good team but just see Holland edging it. Then Holland beat CR or Greece, then Holland should meet Argentina in the semi-final. Holland will sit deep, like Iran did, minimize the space for Messi & co, then hit on counter with Robben/RVP.

The other half is just a complete ? France vs Germany QF will be fascinating, so will Brazil vs Chile in the last 16. Toss of a coin games in my opinion.

[Pal Joey]

Some of my ancient ancestors were from Cluj. Don't worry - I've been de-fanged.
I love a good dose of blood but it has to be from a virgin maiden of course.

I can see the appeal it might have on Suarez though. He needs to work on his technique - aim a little higher and closer to a cartoid artery.

I think Italians are too emotional and are prone to over-reaction. That ought to be stamped out. Not good for the game.

[Guest]

Some of my ancient ancestors were from Cluj. Don't worry - I've been de-fanged.
I love a good dose of blood but it has to be from a virgin maiden of course.

I can see the appeal it might have on Suarez though. He needs to work on his technique - aim a little higher and closer to a cartoid artery.

I think Italians are too emotional and are prone to over-reaction. That ought to be stamped out. Not good for the game.

SO WHEN THE ITALIANS ARE ROLLING AROUND OVER REACTING, PLAYERS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO STAMP ON THEM UNTIL THEY STOP IT?
SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN!

[Nakatomi Plaza]

Messi's first goal as a 27 year old

[Nakatomi Plaza]

Boom, Ahmed Musa. 1-1

[kingraf]

Lol at Peter Odemwingie appearing to be a world class player..

[owen10ozzy]

Late in...but will throw in predictions anyway;

Argentina 3-1 Nigeria
Bosnia 2-0 Iran
France 2-0 Ecuador
Switzerland 2-0 Honduras

[Nakatomi Plaza]

Gol Messi

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Goalkeeper just running around when a dive might help?

[kingraf]

Can't believe anybody thought Bosnia would tank today.

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