World Cup 2010 Discussion Thread (may contain spoilers)

**MacBean** · 21st June 10, 10:33 AM

I realize its easy to take potshots as we sit in front of our TVs with DVRs, rewind, and slow motion, not to mention the benefit of all the TV cameras with different points of view. The officials have a tough time.

We saw two US players being held down securely in embraces while their goal was denied. Australian player makes a light tug on another's shirt and it becomes a penalty for Italy that ties the game that might have belonged to Australia; not even judgments. The cup is being decided by poor officiating and there isn't much anyone can do about it really. They do their best, but our living room eyes are better.

The New Zealand - Italian game was most exciting and impressive. Italy played well, but New Zealand out-headed the Italians completely in set pieces; not a single goal out of 13 corner kicks! The Italian corner kicks went sailing over the heads of everyone too often. The ball really flies. I would think soon I'd like to see shots on goal from the corner; that's always fun. I got a few goals that way when young, and I've seen a Brazilian do it frequently in years past (1982?)

**cavscout** · 21st June 10, 10:48 AM

Between the Brazil/Ivory Coast match and the US/Slovenia match (I'm sure there are plenty of others) I'm really tired of FIFA's hands-off approach to poor officiating. I've heard the rumor that the Official from the US match could be kicked out of the Cup but that does not solve the systemic problem. I'm honestly surprised that countries who have much more invested in Football/Soccer than the US don't raise a bigger stink about poor officiating to the point that it forces FIFA to allow for a review of a call, or at a minimum require the ref to specifically identify what is being called. I have to say Video Review and Challenges are two things that FIFA should seriously consider incorporating into it's practices.

**Lachlan09** · 23rd June 10, 05:25 AM

On June 26th 2010:-

Uruguay will meet South Korea at Nelson Mandela Bay

Slovenia will meet Ghana at Rustenburg

and

England will meet France at The Airport

**CDNSushi** · 23rd June 10, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by cavscout

I've heard the rumor that the Official from the US match could be kicked out of the Cup but that does not solve the systemic problem.

It's official. The official from the US Slovenia match has been sacked.

http://www.sportsknowitalls.com/socc...22-668-44.html

**xman** · 23rd June 10, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Lachlan09

England will meet France at The Airport

Or not ...

**Lachlan09** · 25th June 10, 08:14 PM

As it's transpired, for "England" read "Italy" ! How the mighty have fallen - 2006's finalists (incl World Cup winner) out in the first round !

I won’t predict Germany-England, the last time I supported Germany to beat England in 2001 (WC 2002 qualifiers), England absolutely thrashed them 5-1 ! I don’t wish to tempt fate this time around !

I’m sure if you go around various pubs etc Scotland on the 27th, you’ll see plenty German flags etc. It’s a tradition for Scottish people to support whoever is playing England.

**Lachlan09** · 26th June 10, 08:16 PM

Sorry to hear about USA exiting the Cup. It was a good game and I thought when they came back from behind (as they’ve done before) that they would clinch it. Better luck in 2014 – hopefully Scotland will make it next time too !

**Woot22** · 26th June 10, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by Lachlan09

Sorry to hear about USA exiting the Cup. It was a good game and I thought when they came back from behind (as they’ve done before) that they would clinch it. Better luck in 2014 – hopefully Scotland will make it next time too !

I hear you, was a great game, they played their hearts out and can hold their heads high on how they played. Like you said maybe in four years we will go even further in the tournament and it would be Outstanding if Scotland made it as well. It has been far too long since they have taken part.

**robthehiker** · 27th June 10, 07:48 AM

And more controversy... Sigh.

**YoungMan** · 27th June 10, 09:46 AM

I'll try to keep it professional for the Brits on the forum, but I was "surprised" at the lack of skilled play by the English squad. I'm thrilled for the Germans, I thought their play was inspired. The passing was simply top notch. I know they're young, but they're still my pick for the finals. With Spain I hope. They need some Euro 2008 revenge!