[E63]

Anyone else supporting Russia, or for that matter staying up for the game?

[thoma]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Brazil don't have the cutting edge against well-organized defending, it may haunt them in the knockout stages.

Very well said. The finish was missing, with due respect to the Mexican keeper. Was it the Germans, they would have not played straight to the keeper on at least 2 of the 5 saves. Super reflexes Ochoa.

Amp, thanks for reliving the past. The final in which Baggio's missed a penalty is the earliest one that lives clear in my mind. A bubble gum with trump cards was doing the rounds after Italia '90 which was the sole trigger that hooked me to the world cup. I guess I still have those collection lying with me!

[ampere]

Originally Posted by thoma

Very well said. The finish was missing, with due respect to the Mexican keeper. Was it the Germans, they would have not played straight to the keeper on at least 2 of the 5 saves. Super reflexes Ochoa.

+1. I too feel that Brazil this time lacks the bite. Like the West Indian fast bowlers, I have always seen them, hunt in packs, pairs etc. But this time I dont see that. Had it been the Germans, it may have been a different scoreline.

Amp, thanks for reliving the past. The final in which Baggio's missed a penalty is the earliest one that lives clear in my mind. A bubble gum with trump cards was doing the rounds after Italia '90 which was the sole trigger that hooked me to the world cup. I guess I still have those collection lying with me!

The other thing which I still remember from Italia 90 is the anthem. (Final Countdown by Europe). And needless to say, it was made even more famous in India by one of those earliest Salman Khan movies !

[ghodlur]

I was disappointed to see the way the Belgians played their match. Their passing was so rough and they looked for every opportunity to knock of the Algerian players. Agreed its a rough sport but the way the tournament is progressing the matches are getting more rougher.

I wish FIFA would have introduced fair play award. Wonder who would have the winner if so.

[naveenroy]

Ah, well played Mexico! The goalie Ochoa was simply too good today. Hope Brazil get booted off soon. So boring to watch them play.

And sorry - found Belgium boring too. Whattay hype. I was so hoping Algeria to keep it at a draw.

[yosbert]

So after seeing most of the teams in action in the first round, I want to see a Germany-Netherlands final.

[tiger_stripes]

Originally Posted by ampere

+1. I too feel that Brazil this time lacks the bite. Like the West Indian fast bowlers, I have always seen them, hunt in packs, pairs etc. But this time I dont see that.

That's true. Fred is looking lackluster in front. They are missing an ace striker like Ronaldo to set the pigeons aflutter in the defence. They need to get their act together fast if they want to compete with the likes of Germany and Netherlands.

[DCEite]

Slightly OT,
But couldn't resist

Indians Excited about FIFA is Just Like... ... .. . Brazilians Excited about Nag-Panchami !!

[thoma]

I'm glad that all the teams I love are doing great after the first week. Netherlands > Germany > Italy > Argentina in the order of their performance in their first games.

Which are the next games to look forward in the coming week and a half?

[Ddrive]

Superb diverting of a Neymar header and the lucky tap-off of that Luiz's flip at point blank range, Ochoa was the real man of the match yesterday. Prevented 2 sure shot goals (say at-least), leaving the Brazilians frustrated and clue-less.

Oh yeah, this is how the Goalies win matches for you.

[joe1980]

Originally Posted by thoma

I'm glad that all the teams I love are doing great after the first week. Netherlands > Germany > Italy > Argentina in the order of their performance in their first games.

Which are the next games to look forward in the coming week and a half?

Spain vs Chile today should be interesting as this is a deciding match for Spain. If they loose, they are out of the tournament. Likewise, Portugal vs USA should be a deciding match for Portugal. Loosing means exodus for these two giants!

[a*ed]

Originally Posted by DCEite

Slightly OT,
But couldn't resist

Indians Excited about FIFA is Just Like... ... .. . Brazilians Excited about Nag-Panchami !!

So you should watch/support a game only if your country is competing in it?

[Chetan_Rao]

Neymar may be ridiculously talented, but he can also be just plain ridiculous sometimes. The amount of play-acting and the unwavering willingness to drop to the pitch at the minutest contact is horrendous to watch. Quite a few times, I was hoping the referee would haul him up to his feet and order him to get on with it.

He isn't the only one doing it to be fair, but he's one of the worse ones.

[thoma]

Originally Posted by joe1980

Spain vs Chile today should be interesting as this is a deciding match for Spain. If they loose, they are out of the tournament. Likewise, Portugal vs USA should be a deciding match for Portugal. Loosing means exodus for these two giants!

How about watching the dutch score a 5 goal-er over Australia tonight? I guess it should be a cake walk for Spain and Portugal.

[aryasanyal]

Originally Posted by thoma

How about watching the dutch score a 5 goal-er over Australia tonight? I guess it should be a cake walk for Spain and Portugal.

The Dutch have met the Aussies 3 times till now in friendlies only, and have never beaten them. 2 drawn and 1 won by the Socceroos.

Wondering if the Oranje will take this revenge as well