World Cup and European leagues

[Hoosier Titan]

At some point in the second half, the Italians more or less stopped diving, and they played better as a result.  By the time they scored the winning goal, I really couldn't fault them.  They deserved it.

In a poll on bbc.co.uk, 58% of the respondents said that today's was the game of the Cup.  I enjoyed Argentina-Mexico more, but it was a good game.

I like the goals people have mentioned, and, in addition, Gerrard's second goal (the second against Sweden) and the Zidane to Henry goal against Brazil.   Ypsi, you might have made that goal (I am not claiming I could), but I don't think any of us could have made it look as pretty as that!

[Mr. Ypsi]

I like the goals people have mentioned, and, in addition, Gerrard's second goal (the second against Sweden) and the Zidane to Henry goal against Brazil.   Ypsi, you might have made that goal (I am not claiming I could), but I don't think any of us could have made it look as pretty as that!

Henry probably does deserve credit for BEING that open (not sure whether it was his credit or Brazil's fault), but I figure I could have done as well - who's gonna bother to check the 57-year-old fat guy (especially with a cigarette dangling from his lips and a beer in his hand)??!!   And no, mine wouldn't have been as pretty as Henry's, but a goal is a goal.

I just wanted to make sure the REAL credit went to Zidane for that goal.

[Ralph Turner]

I like the goals people have mentioned, and, in addition, Gerrard's second goal (the second against Sweden) and the Zidane to Henry goal against Brazil.   Ypsi, you might have made that goal (I am not claiming I could), but I don't think any of us could have made it look as pretty as that!

Henry probably does deserve credit for BEING that open (not sure whether it was his credit or Brazil's fault), but I figure I could have done as well - who's gonna bother to check the 57-year-old fat guy (especially with a cigarette dangling from his lips and a beer in his hand)??!!

I just wanted to make sure the REAL credit went to Zidane for that goal.

I agree with the comment about Zidane.  I am usually more impressed with the pass than the goal.

I usually list my favorite goals by:

1)  the pass/assist or the play that made the goal possible.
2)  the hustling effort that allows the hard-working player to take advantage of the rebound or the miscue by the defender/goalkeeper.
3)  the breakaway.
4)  the set plays.
5)  the penalty kicks.

I think that I am rooting for Zidane and Ribery.

[Jim Matson]

I finally got to watch an entire match today and wow, was it a great one.  As Hoos Titan mentioned, once the Italians stopped the drama, their play picked up.  They were the better team today.  Fabio Grosso has one of the best goals of the tourney - absolutely perfect.  Lehmann had no chance on the play.

France wins 3-1 tomorrow.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Who would have thought after all of this, we'd all be rooting for France?  I think at this point even those "Freedom Fries" people are on board.

Portugal and Italy?  Imagine if this is the final?  Undoubtedly the two least honorable footballing nations going head to head for the biggest prize in sport.  This would be awful.  Although my unfounded rumor about Silvio Berlusconi buying off the refs in Italy's favor is looking pretty credible at this point.

Go Team Z!

[Hoosier Titan]

Henry probably does deserve credit for BEING that open (not sure whether it was his credit or Brazil's fault), but I figure I could have done as well - who's gonna bother to check the 57-year-old fat guy (especially with a cigarette dangling from his lips and a beer in his hand)??!!   And no, mine wouldn't have been as pretty as Henry's, but a goal is a goal.

I just wanted to make sure the REAL credit went to Zidane for that goal.

Great image!  That sight could replace the old "Wide World of Sports" opening..."The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat" on the same play!

I'm not sure how it happened, but I was only vaguely aware of Zidane before this World Cup.  I'm really glad I have gotten to see him playing so well.

The ESPN World Cup site continues to have great opinion pieces.  There's one today about the Brazil-France game which concludes that the Beautiful Game was in evidence...but it was being played by France.  And another analyzes what changes new England head Steve McClaren must make to overhall that side.

I'm in physical therapy for a rotator cuff repair a month ago and I've cancelled my appointment to watch the match this afternoon--go France! Here's hoping the official is as good as the Mexican guy yesterday--France has SIX players who could be ineligible for the final should they get another yellow.

[Greek Tragedy]

The cross from Zidane was special.  Sometimes the pass is better than the goal, but I think they were at least equal on this ocassion.  Not only was Henry in the right place at the right time, he had to finish it as well.  Remember the pace on the ball, the spin and striking the ball mid-air, and also getting it past the goalie.  Professionals sure make it look easy...and sometimes they make a total hash of it as well.  There have been plenty of goal opportunities I've seen this World Cup where I've asked myself, "How they heck did you miss that?!"  So, I'll stop short of saying, "That Henry goal, anyone could've done that!"  

As for Brazil's lack of defense.  I remember watching a replay of the goal, and they showed the angle from the other end.  The thing I remember very well is that there were FOUR Brazilian players bsaically standing in a line between the 18 and 12 yard line watching the ball and Henry running past them and then scoring.  Even at this level, players "forget" to play defense...or are too lazy to.

[gobombers15]

As for Brazil's lack of defense.  I remember watching a replay of the goal, and they showed the angle from the other end.  The thing I remember very well is that there were FOUR Brazilian players bsaically standing in a line between the 18 and 12 yard line watching the ball and Henry running past them and then scoring.  Even at this level, players "forget" to play defense...or are too lazy to.

I don't think Brazil "forgot" to play defense or were too lazy. I read an article somewhere that it was a simple miscommunication. Half the defenders thought they were pulling an offsides trap and the other half thought they were marking all the way to goal. Coming from a former defender, that's the worst thing that can happen to you on free kicks. I can promise you that it was not Brazil's plan to leave Henry open at the back post off of a free kick. It was a fatal error.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

In terms of the Henry goal, the most likely cause was the fact that Roberto Carlos, while often deadly on free kicks, has never been a top-notched defender, even less so now that he is aging.  They just should have had someone else on Henry.



That being said, France - Italy on Sunday; I bet someone is making a killing off the bookmakers.  I'm rooting for France and the odds of that happening before the Cup started were a lot worse.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Well, France did hang on for the win, so maybe the coach was right afterall, but I really didn't like that they TOTALLY abandoned offense for the last thirty minutes.  Most of the time they didn't even play 'keep-away' - they just did deep clearing kicks then waited for the next onslaught.  Portugal must have had possession for about 85% of the last thirty minutes!  When you let a good team attack you THAT many times, odds are they are going to score (there must have been AT LEAST 7 or 8 times where their lead probably should have disappeared).

Oh well, they're in the final (and I'm not ), so I guess it worked!

When I heard who the ref was, I thought Italy had hit the jackpot a second time (it was the guy from USA-Italy - never did I think he would work past group!).  I feared that whoever made the finals would probably be down several players, but the ref mostly held off on the cards.  France will be missing a sub (Saha), while Portugal will be missing key defender (and captain?) Carvalho.  But at least it wasn't the carnage of USA-Italy!  If he had given a yellow to either Zidane or Figo (both of whom already had one in knockout), I would have put out the 'hit' myself (unless it was CLEARLY deserved) - what a way that would have been to end glorious careers!

[foul_language]

I had hoped to see France play Germany, but I guess not. Makes it easier for me to pick a favorite in the finals: France for me.

Kiss of death...

I hope it doesn't come down to the last two minutes of a 30-minute overtime. Well, actually, that would be OK.

I think that mini-game they call overtime is a killer. Especially in devilish heat, playing two hours of soccer at full bore must pull everything out of a player. Not even fumes to run on at that point.

[Mr. Ypsi]

It has always seemed unfair to me that one pair of teams gets an extra day of recuperation before the final games than the others (anyone have any stats on winning % with the extra day?), but this year it should balance out: Germany and Italy have an extra day over Portugal and France, but they played OT, while the others didn't.

I would be SO pleased if Zidane scored (or assisted) on a goal or two and went out a winner (and I predict he will). 

I'm conflicted on the other game (remember that my likely daughter-in-law is a Portugal fan!) - to have Figo also score (or assist) and go out a winner would be great, but they ARE the ultimate floppers and whiners (Ronaldo probably should have gotten at least two yellows for diving today).  And Lehmann is 36 (even keepers do eventually wear out!) and also deserves a victory.  I think I'll just enjoy that game without a preference or a prediction.

[Jim Matson]

Pick the winner, the score and the same for the 3rd place game.

[David Collinge]

3rd Place Game:  Germany 3, Portugal 1
Final: Italy 2, France 0

[Mr. Ypsi]

Germany 2, Portugal 1
France 2, Italy 1 (OT?)