Rio de Janiero - 2014 Fifa World Cup Thread

[Fernando]

First topic message reminder :

I can live with diving but when going down on purpose injures a player it's going too far really. You're trying to con the ref and injure someone.

[kingraf]

Football trivia - A win in the final, and Klose becomes just the third footballer to win a gold, silver and bronze medal at the world cup. Remarkable career.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I'm all on the German express, although I will happily do the math needed to see who wins if Germany leaves the station at 80mph and Messi is further away but going 100mph (basically, I only want Argies to win it if its down to Messi)

[Hammersmith harrier]

I can forgive the Germans after all we declared war on them but I can't forgive the Argentinians for trying to take what is rightfully ours.


Kommen Auf Deutschland.

[Hammersmith harrier]

I'm all on the German express, although I will happily do the math needed to see who wins if Germany leaves the station at 80mph and Messi is further away but going 100mph (basically, I only want Argies to win it if its down to Messi)

German engineering and efficiency will get them there first regardless Dolph.

[Duty281]

"Oh you're German? I'm sorry, I thought there was something wrong with you."

"Their eyes were so lit up with national fervour, I thought they were going to invade Poland again!"

"" It's Hitler!" "Ask him who won the war." "Nah, It might upset him.""

"" German women?" "Good card players! But I wouldn't give them the time of day.""

[Dolphin Ziggler]

That stunt the Argies pulled before the World Cup about the Falklands was the scummiest act of political sh!te I remember a football side making in my lifetime

[mystiroakey]

I have a vision

Neuyer to do his usual sweeper keeper stuff- but he miss times it against a messi run and takes him out and gets sent of with a red!

[kingraf]

Not exactly Nostradumus, there Oakey, Neuer is due a howler channeling his inner Franz Beckenbauer...

[mystiroakey]

You have it as well graf?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

The last day. World Cup 2014 has been a pleasure.

[kingraf]

I hope not, Oakey, I like this German team, and they are due something... But things like Neuers sweeping have a nasty habit of backfiring at inopportune times. I also hope it fails early so to prevent a season of goalkeeping howlers from less dexterous goalies.

[Steffan]

Come za Germans. Do it for Deutschland...do it for Europe

[mystiroakey]

I need messi to get a hatrick and win the golden boot- but other than that Germany can win 4-3

[Duty281]

I'll say a two nil German win. I did say before the tournament began that only two teams could win the World Cup, and I intend to stick with my second choice.

Argentina have only played one team of note, the Dutch, and looked thoroughly ordinary in that encounter. And they haven't won a game by a greater margin than a single goal all tournament. Average.

Germany, meanwhile, have got to the final (as I predicted) in a battle-hardened and confident state having brushed past Portugal, squeezed by fair France and blitzed Brazil. The last result of course will have left Germany in no doubts of their invincibility and sheer superiority.

Yes 2-0 Germany, with Mueller to score both and take the Golden Boot. Overrated Messi (I do wish pundits would stop comparing him to the real greats of the game like Maradona) to be largely anonymous.

[mystiroakey]

I am just hoping Messi can produce - otherwise we could be in for a very boring night.

The way Germany dealt with France was first class- scored in 10 and then france only got two chances on goal in 80 mins. its pretty much total football going on with them at the minute.

The game against Brazil doesn't tell us enough-Any top 50 side would have shredded that non existent defense.

But either way- both games they were in perfect control.

Brazil wouldn't have scored against them if they had to score.. 

How do you carve out a chance against Germany is the problem and messi's last game wasn't good. His delivery was the worst i have seen it. But if one man can. Its him.

[Stella]

Comparisons are worthy, duty.

Germany 3-1.

[Nachos Jones]

Messi over-rated? Wow, I cant believe that. He has had a solid tournament and produced when required. When you are the best player in the world, teams will mark you out of games and that makes it difficult but he has scored 4 goals and had some assists as well.

Argentina are not a great side but Messi is what holds them together. Over-rated? Not a chance in my eyes.

[mystiroakey]

well i got 25/1 on Argentina 1-0 with Messi scoring.


I think if Germany win it could be anything. But if Argentina does that's a decent price for that outcome

[Duty281]

23/10 at Ladbrokes for Germany to win to nil inside the ninety minutes.

Don't mind if I do!

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Where are you seeing that?

[Duty281]

Where are you seeing that?

Me or Mysti?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

The 23/10

[Nakatomi Plaza]

It's in the Goal market section, Skybet are offering the same bet at 5/2.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I didnt see the nil, was going a bit mad there thinking they'd doubled the price on a German win! Never mind, i don't need to invest more on them!

[mystiroakey]

yeah its 2.3 on a german win inside 90, not bad tbh.

3.3 to nil

[Liam]

Just can't see anything other than a German win. Just look the complete side and, after years of rebuilding and nuturing their young talent, it seems like it is peaking and living up to its expectations. Argentina need to defend like they did vs Holland and a little bit extra, plus hope Messi can produce one magic performance.

[Knowsit17]

Hope and think Germany will pull it off. Argentina are no side you should sell short but the wind is in German sails.

Not the best record Argentina can boast either. Knocked out in 2006 and 2010 by German sides with many of the same players as now. And lost to them at the 1990 final as if that wasn't enough. A telling pattern? We shall see...

[Nakatomi Plaza]

I'm with the majority, and think Germany will do it. They've improved as the tournament progressed, whereas Argentina as an attacking force have regressed.

Messi's had to carry the burden for Argentina, due to Aguero and Di Maria being injured and Higuain misfiring. The semi final looked a game too far for him as he continually made bad decisions, trying to take on too many players.

Fancy Thomas Muller, who's probably the best big game player in the world, to get on the scoresheet tonight.

[sportform]

who cares about that when North Korea are in the final

I still think Qatar have a great chance of winning it.

[sportform]

Not too bothered who wins just want a good game. Have a slight preference for Argentina if Lionel Messi can have a great game. 3-2 and a Messi hat-trick would be good.

Goal of the Tournament for me has to be Robin Van Persie's header vs Spain. Miles ahead of the rest. No other striker would have thought about heading it and Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer said as much. Tim Cahill was probably second with his first time volley and James Rodriguez (have done it myself and see plenty more score similar goals including kids) was third.

Player of the Tournament is a little bit more difficult. There has been plenty of good performances without anybody being outstanding. Maybe Javier Mascherano is just pipping it but Hummels, Messi, Robben, Rodriguez, Muller and some others have done well too.

[Hammersmith harrier]

The Rodriguez goal is the hardest to pull off, back to goal, controls it on his chest prior to which he checked where his marker was, spun and hit the perfect left foot volley. I doubt very much a kid could pull of skill like that.

[Guest]

Goal of the Tournament for me has to be Robin Van Persie's header vs Spain. Miles ahead of the rest. No other striker would have thought about heading, Tim Cahill was probably second with his first time volley and James Rodriguez (have done it myself).

What? RVP`s goal is very good but its not sensational, cream your pants stuff. To say its miles ahead of the rest is delusional. You say no other striker would have thought about heading the ball, did you ask them? You make it out like headering is an unknown in football. As for your Rodriguez comment about having done it yourself is quite funny.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I like the RVP goal, but I'd put Rodriguez and Cahill ahead.

[kingraf]

Of the three, I like Cahill's the least. It's still a splendid goal, but you see that sort of goal a few times a season. The Rodriguez goal was technically marvelous, a real work of genius, but I "literally" (to borrow a phrase) died watching RvP's effort. Casillas didn't move, and it's for a very good reason. Of the three, it's possibly technically the least difficult (only possibly, still has to spring an offside trap, and then judge the displacement of a 40-yard throughball) but in terms of audacity (longest headed goal in world cup history I believe), and WTF, I give it to him.

[Stella]

Rodriguez - Excellent technique, and vision.

Van Persie - the same as above but not quite as orgasmic.

Cahill - technique was obviously good, but you see these goals now and again, (scholes, tugay etc)

[sportform]

The Rodriguez goal is the hardest to pull off, back to goal, controls it on his chest prior to which he checked where his marker was, spun and hit the perfect left foot volley. I doubt very much a kid could pull of skill like that.

I've seen 10 year old kids do exactly the same. I have done it plenty of times. It is hardly the most difficult skill.

I have never seen anybody score a goal like RVP.

[Nachos Jones]

For me its between Cahill's goal and Rodriguez' goal with Cahill slightly ahead. Both proper quality of timing and execution.

Will we get a new thread for the final as this one must be over the limit?

[Duty281]

The Rodriguez goal is the hardest to pull off, back to goal, controls it on his chest prior to which he checked where his marker was, spun and hit the perfect left foot volley. I doubt very much a kid could pull of skill like that.

I've seen 10 year old kids do exactly the same. I have done it plenty of times. It is hardly the most difficult skill.

I have never seen anybody score a goal like RVP.

Why are you not playing professional football then, if you've done it plenty of times?

[Stella]

The Rodriguez goal is the hardest to pull off, back to goal, controls it on his chest prior to which he checked where his marker was, spun and hit the perfect left foot volley. I doubt very much a kid could pull of skill like that.

I've seen 10 year old kids do exactly the same. I have done it plenty of times. It is hardly the most difficult skill.

I have never seen anybody score a goal like RVP.

I played at a half decent level, and have never seen a player do exactly the same as Rodriguez. Seen the odd swivel,and volley, but the way he kept it down, and checked for space was magnificent.

[sportform]

Goal of the Tournament for me has to be Robin Van Persie's header vs Spain. Miles ahead of the rest. No other striker would have thought about heading, Tim Cahill was probably second with his first time volley and James Rodriguez (have done it myself).

What? RVP`s goal is very good but its not sensational, cream your pants stuff. To say its miles ahead of the rest is delusional. You say no other striker would have thought about heading the ball, did you ask them? You make it out like headering is an unknown in football. As for your Rodriguez comment about having done it yourself is quite funny.

Sorry but can't agree with you. I doubt you would have gone for a header and pulled it off if you were in Van Persie's place. If you were in Rodriguez's place I am pretty sure you would have tried a chest and volley.

Typical England stuff. People wanting style over technique. Go down you local park, Rodriquez's goal would be 100% easier to copy.

[Nachos Jones]

The Rodriguez goal is the hardest to pull off, back to goal, controls it on his chest prior to which he checked where his marker was, spun and hit the perfect left foot volley. I doubt very much a kid could pull of skill like that.

I've seen 10 year old kids do exactly the same. I have done it plenty of times. It is hardly the most difficult skill.

I have never seen anybody score a goal like RVP.

Why are you not playing professional football then, if you've done it plenty of times?

Sod that, if you see 10 year olds doing it, become an agent and sign them up. Could be worth millions for you in a few years

[Guest]

The Rodriguez goal is the hardest to pull off, back to goal, controls it on his chest prior to which he checked where his marker was, spun and hit the perfect left foot volley. I doubt very much a kid could pull of skill like that.

I've seen 10 year old kids do exactly the same. I have done it plenty of times. It is hardly the most difficult skill.

I have never seen anybody score a goal like RVP.

Your saying a 10 year old kid has the technical ability to perform multiple skills like that & volley a goal, with that amount of power in his weak little legs, past the no.1 Uruguayan/Galatasaray keeper, from outside the box? No chance.

[Duty281]

How oes a diving header have more technique than a player positioning himself perfectly, making a perfect touch, and then a perfect, powerful connection into the top corner?

[sportform]

The Rodriguez goal is the hardest to pull off, back to goal, controls it on his chest prior to which he checked where his marker was, spun and hit the perfect left foot volley. I doubt very much a kid could pull of skill like that.

This video took about 5 seconds to find. Just shows how easy chest and volley is.

[Duty281]

The Rodriguez goal is the hardest to pull off, back to goal, controls it on his chest prior to which he checked where his marker was, spun and hit the perfect left foot volley. I doubt very much a kid could pull of skill like that.

This video took about 5 seconds to find. Just shows how easy chest and volley is.

Rodriguez was 24-30 yards from the goal. Bit different.

[GSC]

I feel as though the bbc care more about Hansens retirement than anyones whos had to suffer him.

[Guest]

I've just gone in my garden, my mate threw me a ball & I headed it over the garden fence, which I pretended was Casillas. It wasn't difficult.

[GSC]

But do you have a good engine and some pace John?

[Duty281]

I've just gone in my garden, my mate threw me a ball & I headed it over the garden fence, which I pretended was Casillas. It wasn't difficult.

Well done, John! In human history, only you and RVP have ever done that!

[GSC]

Though to be fair, beating a fence is probably harder than Casillas these days

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