Good luck to all the teams playing in the FIFA Soccer World Cup that starts this morning!

For those in the US that haven't heard, all the games will be shown on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2.

malu

P.S.: GO BRAZIL!!!

Well done Bafana for drawing the opening match!

Does telling the games scores constitute as spoilers?

In case it is, the results are encrypted (use binary translator ):

Group A, day 1:

South Africa vs. Mexico : 00110001 00100000 01111000 00100000 00110001

Uruguay vs. France : 00110000 00100000 01111000 00100000 00110000

malu

There was an article in today's New York Times about the upcoming match between England and the United States. In this article, one guy, Roger Bennet, made this prediction:

Roger, trust me. As long as you Americans call this game soccer, instead of football like most of the rest of the world call it, your country will never be the true home of this particular sport. For comparison, take a look at this page from a British daily, the Guardian. Note how they call this game "football":

It\'s football, not soccer

Ann

Anyone watching the U.S. vs. England game?

I have to be honest: the US was VERY lucky in scoring that goal.

malu

what the heck happened with our goalie (England), that 'catch' was awful, well the uproar in the pub at the point was amusing at least!

So the score really was 1-1 after all!!!!

Okay, US, but it is football and not soccer after all!

Ann

Whee! The Games have begun! I love soccer!!!

An interesting fact: the US transmissions of the games are having a delay of at least 5 seconds!

(I can watch the games online on international channels and compare the game clocks)

I wonder why.

malu

Transmission takes time, decoding the signal takes time.

Last world cup one could hear who was watching analog and who was watching digital in the neighbourhood. The analog people knew every goal about 2 to 3 minutes before the digital people.

I grew up playing soccer (I think I was 5 or 6 years old when my parents signed my up for my first clinic) and I still love the sport to this day, though I no longer play (too slow, haha). I'm so excited about the World Cup, simply because it gives the sport some more exposure. A lot of the kids in my first grade class are talking about it, so that's neat to hear!

Anyway, here's hoping for a great run from the US team... but good luck to everyone!!

Tracey

Disappoining first game for The Socceroos. Okay to be honest I didn't have high hopes of a win, but uncertainly was not expecting the 4-0 thrashing we were handed by Germany. Let's do better next game boys!! As for England the goal the US scored was practically an own goal by the keeper I have no idea how that even went in.

Messi was unlucky to have his fantastic attempts at goal saved by The Nigerian goalkeeper, but the single goal of that match was a cracker of a goal. May have been from a set piece but a beautifully executed one.

I do have to say though so far the matches have been substandard when compared to Germany 2006. Tonight's schedule of matches looks promising especially The Netherlands vs Denmark and also Italy vs Paraguay!! I may just cheer for Paraguay though definitely still annoyed at how we lost the last time.

Australia, New Zealand and most of Asia also call it soccer.
Australia have been trying to change it to football - but with 3 other football codes already using the terminology (and having used it for a long, long time), they are in for a difficult slog to get it known as anything other than soccer.

Footballs are oval.
Soccer balls are round.

You can't be good at every sport. Personally, I'd rather New Zealand focus on their footy (rugby union) than soccer. Why they (NZ) are even at a world cup for soccer is beyond me when I am sure there are a whole heap of euro teams who can play 10 times better who missed out.

Whatever we call it, I hope everyone enjoys watching their favorite teams play.

Why rugby is even called football is beyond me last time I checked the scoring (apart from conversions and penalty kicks) in both League and Union involves carrying the ball across the line. At least with AFL to score involves kicking the ball between the goal posts.

I'm not too sure how the qualification stages actually work, but I do know that New Zealand like Australia before they left the Oceania Confederation for the Asian Confederation play a playoff in order to qualify because Oceania unlike the other confederations have no direct qualification into the finals. This caused heaps of criticism in Australia prior to the World Cup in Korea/Japan eight years ago where Australia once again fell short of qualifying because they were forced to play a playoff against Uruguay (we got our revenge 4 years later though) because prior to the playoff Australia was playing against teams which were far below whatever Australia's world ranking was at the time. In fact Australia to this day still holds the world record for most goals scored in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match (32-0 against American Samoa for those who are interested). This lack of competition is what many believe to be the reason for Australia's long absence from the finals.
Either way though New Zealand making the finals is a great achievement and I hope it does raise the sports profile in a rugby dominated country. Making the finals four years ago certainly raised the sport's profile here especially when the ratings came out saying that more people watched Australia lose to Germany than they watched the State of Origin rugby league match. Here's to FIFA selecting Australia to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup!

The games are getting very exciting in this second round of games. Many teams are anticipating their qualifications to the round of 16 by winning two games. Others are keeping themselves alive in this round by not losing, and making the last set of games decisive.

Let's go USA and Brazil!!!



malu

I predict that Americans with *never* call soccer "football". So that makes us different than parts of the world, so what?
American football is very entrenched in this country and we are spreading it to England and Europe.
On the other hand, the kids here are growing up playing soccer here in school and in leagues, so it is growing in popularity. It's a sport more kids can enjoy. But even then, it will probably never pass baseball as a kids league sport.
All the US needs is a referee that doesn't imagine things in the World Cup. Even Slovenia thought we had a goal.

Artemis

Agreed, Artemis... how crazy was that call?! I was yelling at the TV! I supposed I was hoping to be heard halfway across the world, lol. I heard that ref isn't going to be allowed to ref another World Cup match.

Overall, enjoying the games so far, though!

May the best win! I'm not much of a football/soccer/whatever you call it fan but I usually watch the games in which my country plays.

Of course I'd like to see Portugal reach the last game but I'm not setting my hopes too high since we're usually eliminated somewhere along the way to the greek or to the french... Maybe our luck will turn this year


FORÇA PORTUGAL!!

Brazil is already qualified, as is the Netherlands, for the next round.

Go Brazil!



malu

P.S.: Olive, Brazil is going to crush Portugal in the next game.

Related to your signature, "Ó mar salgado, quanto do teu sal são lágrimas de Portugal?" (translation: "Oh salty sea, how much of your salt are tears from Portugal?")

That's actually what I'm afraid of :p But as the saying goes hope is always the last to die

BTW:

Yeah, we'll cry a lot if Portugal doesn't get qualified for the next round... If there is one thing that puts life on hold in this country it's football. We're playing against the northern koreans right now and there isn't a soul on the streets. The only thing you hear now and then are those annoying vuvuzelas that seem to be lurking everywhere lately.

I think Fernando Pessoa is rolling in his grave. I don't think sports were exactly what he had in mind when he wrote "Mensagem" but it serves a lot of different purposes.

Way to go, !

OK, now I hope Brazil gets well prepared for Friday's game, having guaranteed a position in the next round or not.

malu

I'm looking forward to that match. Even if Brazil crushes Portugal we still have a chance of going of qualifying for the next round

And I hope my country's team doesn't get inflammed heads because of that whole 7-0 event. Even if they're more comfortable in the goal department it doesn't guarantee anything yet

Woohoo! England go through to the final 16! I'm genuinely happy about this, and I don't even like football.


- Alisha (who personally believes that any country who calls football 'soccer' should be automatically disqualified for not knowing what game they're playing!)

The US made it (just barely)!



And on Saturday we'll see USA vs. Ghana.

malu

Landon Donovan is my hero That is all.

What a fabulous, dramatic game! From not making it to the next round to winner of our group... the World Cup is craziness. Love it!

Tracey

Disappointed that Australia didn't make the round of 16 this time, but it was hard fought effort by our boys considering how we started off. Good luck to the rest of the teams!

come on England, we haven't won in over 40 years, make this the year we do!

Anyone here still watching the World Cup games?

I know that many of the countries people were cheering for were sent home already, but... are you still watching and cheering for (or against) another country, then? What are your expectations for the next round?

Those who win the quarterfinals Friday and Saturday get to play two more games (win or lose).

malu

I have been following them. I'm thinking the final will be between Argentina and Brazil they both have been playing well.

With the downfall of Brazil and Argentina, it is looking more and more like an European final (unless Uruguay, already qualified for the semifinals, and Paraguay, to play in a few minutes, beat the European giants).

malu

Yep, it's a (mostly) European semifinal.

malu

*waves flag*

Joining in to wave my flag as well

It definitely looks very good for european teams. Unless Uruguay does something about it.

I think the best thing in this worldcup is that good teams are prevailing to individual quality.Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo, went home. Argentina, with the best player in the world, was defeated today by a great Germany. Brazil, yesterday, with some trully amazing players (Kaka, Robinho, Alves, Maicon...), suffered the same fate against the Netherlands, again 11 players working like a real team. .

Spain has Villa, who right now is probably playing his best ever, but the rest of the guys... they are by no means far behind: Iniesta, Ramos, Xavi, Xabi, Busquets... Casillas finally today... They too are working as a whole team... and we made the semifinals for the first time ever, after our hardest match so far (kuddos to Paraguay for a great played game!)!!!!



A weird World Cup in many ways, with many countries out sooner than expected, with controversial referees and some hard to understand decisions. With a ball that seems to have a life of its own... But a very very fun competition to follow where, finally, team spirit, team work is being the key to success.

Let the games continue!!!!

I have seen a few matches when I have been visiting my friend, who is a football freak. (I can't quite bring myself to say "soccer freak".) I've been incredibly impressed by Germany, I must say. They are just incredibly good at scoring goals! They scored four goals against England, who, unfortunately, had a goal stolen from them by a lousy referee, and the match may have developed differently if their goal had been accepted. Still, I'm convinced that Germany would have won anyway.

Then Germany scored four goals again in the next match, this time against Argentina, which had looked so good up till then. Fantastic. Germany have played magnificently!

Ann

Much as I like to watch Portugal play and Christiano Ronaldo's ball skills my dad is of the opinion that he is a ball hog in that he wants to be the one to steal the glory from all others. This presents a problem for the rest of the team because of many wasted opportunities.

What marks players such as Lionel Messi of Argentina and David Villa of Spain is that inspite of their brilliant talent they recognise that football is a team sport and that there is no I in team. From all the games I have seen so far both Villa and Messi take a chance on goal when they see one, but they also create chances for their team members which to me marks them as better players overall.

Personally I think that Germany will be too strong for Spain given the way Germany overpowered Argentina in that quarterfinal.

According to my dad, since the top two South American teams were outplayed by The Dutch and The Germans respectively, he thinks that it'll be Germany vs The Netherlands in the final with Germany taking the title.

If Germany do win at least Australia losing 4-0 to them in their opening game is not that big of a blow. Though that being said I think given that Argentina lost 4-0 to them the Socceroos can probably feel better about their loss given that Argentina is a far more superior team than that of Australia. Not that I don't love my home team, just that I've been watching football long enough to know that the South American teams are in a class all their own.

Go Germany! I am so impressed with the team's performance so far. Incredible matches!

I hope they will continue to be a strong force on Wednesday when they play Spain. I want them to go all the way now and after they dismissed England and Argentina the way they did, anything is possible!

Sorry but I can't help it... gotta wave my flag again

Amazing game and amazing night out in our streets!

So it's Spain - Netherlands in the final!

Not sure who I want to support in this one. Give me reasons!

Wow! I was so surprised that Germany didn't make it to the final. But Spain played really well. Congratulations, Spain!

Ann

Congrats to Spain for making the final that was a cracker of a goal and in such a tense and close match too. The Netherlands are undefeated while the Spainards have lost one game so it'll be an interesting match up.

I wish both teams good luck in the final for me it doesn't matter who win because they both have never won the title and this is the first time Spain has made the final they've always been the team that has underperformed at the finals. They are however the reigning European champions so that might give them an edge. Sentimentally for us Aussies we'll be cheering on The Netherlands because we've had the most success on the world stage due to Dutch coaches, but I'll be happy to see either team win. In fact I'll be hoping for a European top three.

I guess technically I should be cheering for Uruguay to win the consolation game, so that CONCACAF won't be totally shut out.

On the other hand, the South Americans have always beaten us (USA) on a regular basis - they whip us like a rented mule. So, on the other hand - Go Germany!

IolantheAlias was asking for reasons to root for either team and I think every one we could come up with would work for both of them... At this point, I think it's just a matter of enjoying the game.

In 90 minutes, two teams that have made it this far because they deserved it the whole way through will be playing to become World Champion for the first time ever. Obviously, as a Spaniard, I'm hoping victory falls on our side, but above that, I'm really hoping we get to see a nice game.

4 years ago, Germany was having its world cup. And the country went crazy. I was living in Dresden at the time and was really amazed at the general spirit. Towns were painted black, red and yellow. There were national flags all over: in windows, balconys, cars... Everywhere you looked. And I thought 'That's the way to live a World Cup'. I must admit it got a little overwhelming after almost a month of championship...

But now, it's our streets that are filled with red and yellow. People smile more, there is a sense of happiness and a national feeling that I don't remember ever seeing (except maybe two years ago, during the final days of the EuroCup). And it is incredible. After a couple rough years, when the economic crisis has hit us pretty bad, unemployment rates are still way high, politicians are more worried about winning votes than solving the country's problems... this is giving most people a break, a reason to think about something else other than everyday problems.

And whether we lose or win in a little while, our national football team has already made history and reached a place it never had before. So, yeah, it'd be nice if we won, but I think tonight and tomorrow, and probably in days to come, Spain is going to be celebrating, no matter what happens.

Anyway... sorry for the rant, guys . Enjoy the game and let the best team win

As for the spirit 4 years ago in Germany - that was the first time EVER that Germans were openly proud of their country. I've never before seen so many flags. The World Cup helped us to get a more relaxed attitude towards patriotism. Just imaginge this:


You are Germany

It was an advertise that was also payd by the government. I don't think this would be necessary in the USA.

That is somehow similar to the situation in Spain, though in Germany's case it's probably a little more extrem. Here, wearing a flag, or having it on display... has always been associated to certain political ideas, with a wrong kind of nationalism. And it's a pity. I'm happy to see we're overcoming that.

Btw, our streets, right now, look and sound amazing. Don't think anybody here is going to be able to get much sleep tonight. Work tomorrow will surely be tough

And thus Paul the Octopus remains the most accurate known animal oracle.

Congratulations, Spain! You deserved to win.

And I must say that the German team played very well, too, and richly deserved their bronze medals.

Oh, and I loved Paul the Octopus!

Ann