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World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

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Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

Terrierbyassociation said:
It's just another country that had a legit shot at getting it.
Click to expand...

I actually thought about this for a second and I'm now a little worried. This has vote trading between Europe and Asia written all over it. Being FIFA, that would be par for the course. I wonder if this is the first serious indication we may have already lost 2022.
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

3W said:
For the record, that makes my predicted knockout-round games thus:

Mexico v. Nigeria
England v. Ghana
Netherlands v. Paraguay
Brazil v. Chile
Argentina v. France
Germany vs. USA
Italy v. Cameroon
Spain v. Cote d'Ivoire
Click to expand...

And now, the thrilling conclusion:

Round of 16:
El Tri falls on its face again against a superior Nigerian side. We all laugh. England has relatively little trouble against a Ghana side lacking Essien. The Netherlands breaks down Paraguay and wins going away, Brazil grinds out Chile and has more than enough skill to make some chances on its own. France's foibles are more than enough to make Maradona's idiocy moot and Argentina moves on...

...and then we beat Germany.

What?

Yes, we beat Germany. I'm a believer that the farther a World Cup is held from continental Europe, the more the likelihood for screwy results. Well, here's one. Basically, it's a little revenge from 2002. The USA squad takes advantage of an early goalkeeping mistake to take the lead and takes the game to Germany for the first hour, building a 2-0 lead before Timmay! makes just enough saves to keep us in front. 2-1 to the Yanks.

Cameroon comes ****ed close to knocking off Italy, only to lose on penalties, while Cote d'Ivoire is brave, but just doesn't have enough for Spain.

Quarterfinals:
Nigeria v. England
Netherlands v. Brazil
USA v. Argentina
Italy v. Spain

England, playing a better game than the last for the fourth time in a row, sees off the last African squad without much worry. Just like happens in practically every World Cup, the Dutch fold in a big game.

As for the USA, they play well again (not as well as they play against Germany) and end up benefitting from Maradona screwing this one up, either with a goofy line-up, tactics or both. The match goes to extra-time 1-1 where Messi bags one and the USA gives up another one trying to press for a goal. 3-1 to Argentina in ET, but an admirable performance.

Meanwhile, Italy's olden generation gets run over by a younger, faster, better Spanish team.

Semifinals:
England vs. Brazil
Argentina vs. Spain

Had a ton of trouble picking these ones: In the first semi, I think England do well and outplay Brazil for large stretches, but some sort of fatal flaw (goalkeeping?) sends the match to penalties and England loses. Because England always loses on penalties. In semifinal two, Spain realizes exactly what it's up against and chokes in the big match.

The Final:
Brazil vs. Argentina

Maradona cracks under the pressure and tries to coach naked or on heroin or something like that. Brazil outmuscles Messi and takes its neighbors out behind the woodshed.

4-1 to the Selecao.
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

I just found out CBC is covering all the games live on their main network!

I probably won't watch it much since I don't particularly like their soccer coverage, but it's nice to know I'll have options when I get ESPN/ABC overload.

CBC actually had almost zero coverage of the Vancouver Olympics on the main network.

They are showing the Opening Ceremony now. Nelson Mandela won't be there because his great granddaughter died in a car crash last night. There will, however, be an Invictus inspired fly over.

1 hour, 17 minutes...
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

3W said:
I'm a believer that the farther a World Cup is held from continental Europe, the more the likelihood for screwy results.
Click to expand...

I agree the results are different outside of Europe, but I think they are generally more honest, not screwy.


I was reading about the Qater bid for 2022 and they were talking about playing all the games in climate controlled stadiums. How crazy would that be?

I have no problem with Europe getting the 2018 Cup, but I wish Blatter/FIFA wasn't running around telling other countries they should back out. Let the process run its course.
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

As we approach match-time, it's time to place your bets, and I'll go first:

2-1 to El Tri on a late winner from Dos Santos.
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

3W said:
As we approach match-time, it's time to place your bets, and I'll go first:

2-1 to El Tri on a late winner from Dos Santos.
Click to expand...

2-1 to South Africa. SA all over them early, Mexico fights back to make everyone nervous.

Edit: Teams in already!
South Africa: Khune, Gaxa, Mokoena, Thwala, Khumalo, Tshabalala, Pienaar, Modise, Letsholoyane, Dikgacoi, Katlego Mphela

Mexico: Perez, Rodriguez, Salcido, Marquez, Osorio, Aguilar, Juarez, Torrado, Franco, Vela, Gio Dos Santos
 
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Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

I'm watching via BBC iTV1 on Zattoo.com (not sure if that works in the US). Their commentators have a lot of angst about facing the US tomorrow. I hope it's justified.

The quality of soccer knowledge more than makes up for the pro-England bias.
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

LynahFan said:
I'm watching via BBC iTV1 on Zattoo.com (not sure if that works in the US). Their commentators have a lot of angst about facing the US tomorrow. I hope it's justified.

The quality of soccer knowledge more than makes up for the pro-England bias.
Click to expand...

The US has everything to gain and little to lose. The only bad result would be an England blowout. If it is a close game that England wins, well they were supposed to win. If it's a draw, that's as good as a win for the US. If the US wins, it will be absolutely devastating for the English.

For England, anything but a blowout is a loss. They invented the game and the US sucks, so they're supposed to win a cakewalk. The pressure is squarely on them. The US is supposed to lose. England HAS to win.
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

Hey, it's Shaun Bartlett! Forza Metro! :D
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

ESPN's first glitch didn't take long.

Edit: $100 million doesn't get you very much, apparently.
 
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Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

I'll take a draw, 1-1.

I think Mexico will have the run of play, but will fail to capitalize on its many chances. South Africa will be able to pull a point, most likely on a defensive breakdown by Mexico. Bafana Bafana!

No host in 19 matches has ever lost their opener. Will it be today?
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

What is the best place to watch online in the US?

I'm watching on ESPN 3 but quality isn't great.
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

As they say in Iran, death to Mexico.

Come on South Africa, Do it for Madibas.

It ends 1-1 with South Africa scoring first.
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

Come on, you Bafana!

Muck Fexico.
 
Re: World Soccer XIII: Through the Group Stages

Kepler said:
What is the best place to watch online in the US?

I'm watching on ESPN 3 but quality isn't great.
Click to expand...

Tell your boss you have a rare strain of flu and will be back at work in three weeks, then get your ass to a TV.
 
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