World Cup starts today

[GuenterMueller]

E and NL both have played a good WC so far. But I slightly prefer NL to win.

But much more I hope that it is going to be a really great match.

Guenter

[Intaris]

I was very disappointed Germany didn't get through to the final.

Back four were great.  Goalkeeper did well.

Problems were visible in midfield and in attack.  I think they were too wary of the spanish team to fully develop their own game.  Played too cautious and it showed.

On the other side, Spain played very well and were definitely the better team over the 90 minutes.  Difference was small (it was a very tense tight game) but I have to reluctantly admit the better team on then night won.

I also want to mention that this game was played in extremely good spirit.  Not a single yellow card, not a single bad tackle.  Excellent!  Refereeing was also very good.

The Irish commentators (Who I have great respect for regarding football : Eamonnm Dunpphy and Johnny Giles) commented on the possibilities in the final and summed it up in "Van Bommel will kick lumps out of the spanish team".  I think what he meant to say was "The Holland team will control the game through use of their physical prowess on the pitch". 

Either way come Sunday we'll have a NEW first-time world champion!  That's a good thing.

Shane.

[Hornless.Rhino]

So it looks like Spain won.

and on that note... bring on the Rugby World Cup and the Ashes.

[Darin.K]

and on that note... bring on the Rugby World Cup and the Ashes.

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I am confused, I thought I was watching the Rugby World Cup this afternoon...

[muks]

Spain Won and paul has got it right this time too. The game was very very roughly played and in sharp contrast to the semis. So many pulling down and kicking around the opponents that too is a final.. Hmmm who needs rugby anymore.

[Intaris]

I agree about the rugby aspect of the game.

Although I have to say that a rugby referee would probably haver sent off two of the Dutch players for ridiculous fouls.  The foot in the chest of Alonso was a foul in any sport I can think of except maybe Kickboxing.....

At the beginning of the match, I didn't mind who was going to be world champion but after seeing NLs approach to the game, I suddenly wanted Spain to win.

There was very little in it though...  Both sides had enough chances to seal the win.  How did Robben miss two golden chances?

Shane.

[TCPlomp]

Intaris, you dissappointme

However I was surprised we even finished the first 90 minutes with 11 players, the foot on the chest was a red-booking worth.

All in all we were able to win, but we choked (again).

Congrations to our spanish wire workers.

But fortunatly from now on I can go to sleep in a decent time (23.30 is a bit too late for a few weeks when you wake up at 6).

Coming back to the football vs. football discussion, I have one thing to add. It must be a sign when the main discussion after a final is not about the game but about the commercials in the half-time break... (yes NFL I am talking about you)

Ton

[muks]

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The Irish commentators (Who I have great respect for regarding football : Eamonnm Dunpphy and Johnny Giles) commented on the possibilities in the final and summed it up in "Van Bommel will kick lumps out of the spanish team".  I think what he meant to say was "The Holland team will control the game through use of their physical prowess on the pitch". 

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Some hint Really!!!

[Intaris]

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@TCPlomp wrote:

Intaris, you dissappointme

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Hey, at least I didn't congratulate you on a hat-trick...  Now THAT would have been unfair....

I think both teams were able to win and had enough chances to do so.  Despite some unusual referee decisions, both teams had ample opportunity to decide things for themselves.

Shane.

PS I was surpirsed to see the two royal families sitting next to each other on the stands.  I was thinking there might be war declared or something.....  I'd love to have been able to hear what pleasantries they were exchanging during the game....

[Intaris]

I see on different new web-sites that the dutch manager and players are blaming the referee for them not winning the match....

Was there some other football going on at the same time yesterday because in the match I was watching, the Dutch were very lucky to have 11 players on the pitch for much of the game and still had plenty of chances to wrap whings up themselves....