FIFA World Cup discussion thread

i think belgium are the smokies here. they have a great side.

In general on the World Cup, I think this has been the best one I've ever watched. The games and play style have been really good to watch, and even though the Aussies lost all three group games, they really had a sort of "We don't care about reputation, were gonna go for it anyway" attitude that was awesome. I see where ange is taking them.

South Africa was ruined (for me) by the incessant drone of vuvuzelas. I just couldn't watch. Germany was ruined by the ball.

I love the EPL and the soccer World Cup is the best wc in sport.

I just wish so much that they would allow more physicality. How much better would it be if they stopped giving penalties for the ridiculous antics of players milking them?! This just makes me sick! My god, have some masculinity and pride!

There is a t-shirt that says "soccer is 90 minutes of pretending you're hurt, rugby is 80 pretending you're not."

I do enjoy the sport, and realise it it's popularity worldwide, but think it would get even more popular if they cut out the softness.
 
@happy tiger said:
Another World Cup done and dusted for the Australians

Am I being to harsh but watching our side is like watching the Australian Gymnastics team at the Olympics

We seem 4 years behind in the development and skills of the top countries

When we lose Bresciano and Cahill I am concerned we won't even qualify for the World Cup

We lack genuine finishing class

Then again I'm shocked we got 4 goals at this WC
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We're still behind the rest of the world, however we are improving at a rapid rate. Considering a decade ago we weren't regularly qualifying for the world cup I don't think it's a poor representation of our development as a footballing nation.

Football continues to grow at the junior level, the A-League will continue to improve and should be attracting as many big names as it can. The only missing link is quality coaching at all levels to continue fostering development of quality juniors, and players at the top domestic level.

This World Cup has been a success in my opinion. We gave the Chileans and the Dutch a real scare. We were poor against the Spanish, but it is hard to kick on when you know the dream is already over. The Spanish were humiliated and out for blood as well. Promising signs for the future and hopefully Ange and the bulk of this young squad, along with the unearthing of a few quality finishers/midfielders will see a more serious attempt mounted at the silverware next time.
 
Oh, and what excuses do the Suarez apologists have in store for his latest misdemeanour? Is it the English media's fault again?

Here's a proposal put forward by the FA for the next EPL season should he continue with the Scousers:

![](https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQCh3BHvfboVMKiwghVv-XsiLXH9gPUsZv6wh4cWyViOPMiyvhb3w)
 
@Cultured Bogan said:
@happy tiger said:
Another World Cup done and dusted for the Australians

Am I being to harsh but watching our side is like watching the Australian Gymnastics team at the Olympics

We seem 4 years behind in the development and skills of the top countries

When we lose Bresciano and Cahill I am concerned we won't even qualify for the World Cup

We lack genuine finishing class

Then again I'm shocked we got 4 goals at this WC

We're still behind the rest of the world, however we are improving at a rapid rate. Considering a decade ago we weren't regularly qualifying for the world cup I don't think it's a poor representation of our development as a footballing nation.

Football continues to grow at the junior level, the A-League will continue to improve and should be attracting as many big names as it can. The only missing link is quality coaching at all levels to continue fostering development of quality juniors, and players at the top domestic level.

This World Cup has been a success in my opinion. We gave the Chileans and the Dutch a real scare. We were poor against the Spanish, but it is hard to kick on when you know the dream is already over. The Spanish were humiliated and out for blood as well. Promising signs for the future and hopefully Ange and the bulk of this young squad, along with the unearthing of a few quality finishers/midfielders will see a more serious attempt mounted at the silverware next time.
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Yep a total success. It is hard to imagine that there is so much belief despite losing all 3 games. Australia gave a fantastic account and I would say provided the best game so far with that game against Holland, which was perhaps the best I have ever seen Australia play. Finishing was our problem and overall we are but one classy striker and midfielder off causing some major upsets. If we had any of Viduka/Kewell/Grella/Laziridis in there we would actually be pretty formidable. Here's to the next generation under Ange.
 
I don't think it's all doom and gloom for the Aussies. We had some quality players who missed out through injury. I think we can come out and win the Asian Cup on home soil, which will give the squad a lot of confidence. Cahill will be a big loss, but we've got 4 years to find another quality finisher. A lot of the guys we used here weren't even in contention for national team spots 12 months ago, so for the team to take some quality teams all the way I think we've done alright. We probably just held onto Holger for a year too long

With this starting 11 I think we can win the Asian Cup
GK Ryan/Langerak (I was not impressed by Ryan, but I don't think Mitch will be playing much football so it's still a coin toss)
RB Franjic
CB Williams (would've held our defence together well here I think)
CB Spiranovic
LB Davidson
CM Jedinak
CM Milligan
RM Kruse (the forgotten man at the moment, would have been a good attacking outlet for us)
AM Bresciano (Asian Cup will probably be his international swansong)
LM Leckie (the find of the tournament)
CF Cahill (unless he can commit to another 4 years which is unlikely, he may need to move on shortly after the Asian Cup)

Then you've got the likes of Bozanic, Good, Oar, Halloran and Jesus as back up.
 
It's definately not doom and gloom for the Aussies. Despite the 3 losses, it's still been a very positive campaign and a step learning experience for plenty of players.
Not many of the team were regulars that long ago. Bresciano and Cahill are quality so they were always going to perform. Guys like Davidson, Spiranovic and Leckie were awesome. Tom Oar, Matt Ryan and McGowan will hopefully be better players for it. Bozanic, Halloran, Troisi and Taggart all got tastes of what's to come while Milligan, McKay and Jedinak gave what we expected. Add the likes of Williams and Kruse to this lot and you have some added quality which we were lacking at times. Hopefully Rogic and DaSilva continue to develop as they are the two classiest young players we have that can break down locked defenses with their magic touches.

World Cup qualification is never easy and neither is the tournament itself obviously but I'm confident this group of young men can continue to perform after Cahill and Bresciano have left the team. Ange has the team playing a positive style where the players can express their qualities. It's entertaining and it's the way the game should be played.

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@turnstyle said:
i think belgium are the smokies here. they have a great side.

In general on the World Cup, I think this has been the best one I've ever watched. The games and play style have been really good to watch, and even though the Aussies lost all three group games, they really had a sort of "We don't care about reputation, were gonna go for it anyway" attitude that was awesome. I see where ange is taking them.

South Africa was ruined (for me) by the incessant drone of vuvuzelas. I just couldn't watch. Germany was ruined by the ball.

I love the EPL and the soccer World Cup is the best wc in sport.

I just wish so much that they would allow more physicality. How much better would it be if they stopped giving penalties for the ridiculous antics of players milking them?! This just makes me sick! My god, have some masculinity and pride!

There is a t-shirt that says "soccer is 90 minutes of pretending you're hurt, rugby is 80 pretending you're not."

I do enjoy the sport, and realise it it's popularity worldwide, but think it would get even more popular if they cut out the softness.
Click to expand...

Belgium to me look flat, they just seem to lack something. I guess they've taken the 6 points on offer, but they have a lot of improvement to do before they can talk about winning. They will probably get the Americans in the round of 16 so they have time but some of their big guns have been big disappointing. I always thought the Euros in 2016 would be their time to win a big trophy, they're still a young squad.

For me, the dark horse is Colombia, they're so deadly on the counter it is great to watch. If Chewy Suarez does cop a suspension, then Colombia should be able to knock over Uruguay setting up a potential Quarter Final with Brazil (which would be a belter).
 
If I had to pick a winner now, I couldn't go past Brazil. They just don't lose at home. If for some reason they mess it up, it'll be because the Netherlands, France or Columbia. Those 3 teams are playing the best football of the tournament. The dark horse outside that could be Argentina if they choose to start having a go.

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Argentina would still be my tip, they've got the talent, if they start clicking they'll be near unstoppable.

Holland have a great run in to the semis (Mexico in the R16 followed by Greece/Costa Rica in the quarters).
 
Although belgium have scraped through in their first two games I still reckon they have plenty of improvement each time they play and with a quality squad and depth they my tip to beat Brazil in the final. Gotta say just how good this cup has been. Plenty of goals and quality matches.
 
@Blackpearl said:
@Tigerspirit said:
@Blackpearl said:
Have always reckoned that three sides in particular play to a different set of rules than all other teams in a world cup. Italy, Germany and Brazil will never have 50\50 decisions go against them. The non penalty against the azzuri today was an absolute joke and solo typical of officials too gutless or perhaps some other reason, to make crucial decisions. And don't get me started about 2006 and socceroos v Italy. Cmon Uruguay and saurez, send the azzuri back to Rome.

Pity you think that way…... If you had any idea about football without the typical aussie tall poppy syndrome...,
You would envy the top three teams you mentioned, as statistic show year after year after year those teams are elite and to become elite is hard work and effort and part of there DNA, pity you dont have it...

_Posted using RoarFEED V.4_

lol, obviously my twenty tears of coaching successful football sides is nowhere near your expertise or knowledge of football. however, tall poppy syndrome .. the only so-called ' tall poppy ' for want of better description at this world cup were spain, whose play and skill has been admired by all over the past six years or so and who regretably and unfortunately were ' cut down '.

I tend to think of the azzuri, because of their undoubted diving ability, as ground hugging creepers rather than tall poppies.

further to my comments about preferential treatment to certain countries by officials and among a litany of examples this one stands out.

no cards or free kicks for this one by the german goalkeeper in a past world cup semi final v france, which Germany went onto win in a penalty shoot-out.

http://champions-league-betting.com/all-time-worst-football-injuries/

no doubt most have seen this one over the years but it always holds true. things never change for some. suarez hat trick please 😛ray:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8YL8Q3h_Zs
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Well theres the reason australian football is not up to standards, if it's got redneck coaches guiding and advising them as you claim!!!!

Whats your opinion on an attacking player getting a red card and your Suarez headbutting and biting in regagards to referee favourtism???!!!!!!!??!!??!
Your opinions stink hod help what you coach tosser…

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@Cultured Bogan said:
Oh, and what excuses do the Suarez apologists have in store for his latest misdemeanour? Is it the English media's fault again?

Here's a proposal put forward by the FA for the next EPL season should he continue with the Scousers:

![](https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQCh3BHvfboVMKiwghVv-XsiLXH9gPUsZv6wh4cWyViOPMiyvhb3w)
Click to expand...

Uruguay are shoe ins now CB

They have the put the bite on their opponents and come up wanting more

Bearing their teeth at the right time in tournament if you ask me :wink:
 
@Marshall_magic said:
I disagree, they need Suarez and he has bitten off more than he can chew with this one. He will play no further part in the tournament.
Click to expand...

Gotta disagree MM, once they get over the initial teething problems Uruguay will be nipping at the heels of all their opponents

They don't need Suarez to chew up and spit out all their competitors
 
@Marshall_magic said:
The Norwegian bookie apparently offered $175 about it.
Click to expand...

The sad part is that Australia was at longer odds to win the tournament then what they aged offering for a Suares bite hahahaha

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