World Cup 2014 Super Thread copyright warning #1645

Beefy78

Pro. F wrote: »

Germany, Brazil, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Argentina have all had a hell of a lot more success than England in that time.

So? And?

You described England's World Cup record as being one of "perennial under achievement" But that simply isn't the case unless you believe that England are, or have been, a top-four nation in that time.

Top-eight is typical expectation from the English public and media, it's typical of whereabout they are in the World rankings around World Cup time and it's where England typically finish.

England's World Cup record is perennial mediocrity not under achievement.

Beefy78

Dickerty wrote: »

This tournament had better produce GREAT football, cause it's planning and legacy will leave a lot to be desired...

Difficult to produce great football on these sorts of pitches. I'd be tempted to give Rickie Lambert a lot of pitch time if I were Roy Hodgson. He's used to such lower-league conditions.

Diabhal Beag

Odds on Spain are fantastic

Pro. F

Beefy78 wrote: »

So? And?

You described England's World Cup record as being one of "perennial under achievement" But that simply isn't the case unless you believe that England are, or have been, a top-four nation in that time.

Top-eight is typical expectation from the English public and media, it's typical of whereabout they are in the World rankings around World Cup time and it's where England typically finish.

England's World Cup record is perennial mediocrity not under achievement.

I think in 30 years they should have managed to get into the top 4 more than once. Perennial mediocrity for a country with the strength of league and number of players available to select from is severe underachievement. And that's just the last 30 years. You could go back 140 years and for the vast majority of that time England have underperformed in international football.

mike65

When England pick a good manager they do well enough, when they don't - they don't.

astonaidan

I just remembered why I hate Spain, stupid Mendieta :mad:

patmac

I know I'm going to be unpopular here but fcuk England.

Beefy78

patmac wrote: »

I know I'm going to be unpopular here but fcuk England.

Boooo fcuk you guy

Dickerty

Beefy78 wrote: »

Difficult to produce great football on these sorts of pitches. I'd be tempted to give Rickie Lambert a lot of pitch time if I were Roy Hodgson. He's used to such lower-league conditions.

I bet the majority of Championship and even L1 pitches would be better than how that looks!

Corholio

Why do people object so much to people disliking England? Because anyone has an interest in an English based team that they must therefore not dislike their national team? 2 very, very different creatures. I've no problem saying I hope England don't do well.

It's also not hypocrisy to do that either, despite it being wheeled out every time tournaments roll round.

castletownman

I see they have a turtle now as the official animal to predict the winner of every game.

If I was a betting man, I'd pick a team based solely on my own inkling and intuition, not because a turtle randomly swam towards a country's flag.

falan

Nuri Sahin wrote: »

The pitch in Manaus is in grand condition. England vs Italy is the first game on it.

Are we sure that's a recent pic? That could be a picture from a few months ago for all we know? Just saying.

I guess the only way to find out is to watch the match on the day:)

*If that is the state of the pitch(es) then its truly shocking...

Beefy78

falan wrote: »

Are we sure that's a recent pic? That could be a picture from a few months ago for all we know? Just saying.

I guess the only way to find out is to watch the match on the day:)

*If that is the state of the pitch(es) then its truly shocking...

There seems to be contradictory claims about whether it was taken yesterday or four days ago.

falan

Beefy78 wrote: »

There seems to be contradictory claims about whether it was taken yesterday or four days ago.

If it was taken yesterday or four days ago then you would think they would at least have it marked out by now.

paulbok

As usual the English media have been quiet enough about their chances all year, but in the last few weeks as the tournament approaches, they come up with the usual BS of 'they might spring a few surprises'.
They ain't gonna get out of their group. They have a handful of good player, Hart, Gerrard (bit old to be considered great anymore), Rooney, Wiltshire and Sturridge. That's not going to be good enough against Italy or Uruguay, and there won't be any upsets from Costa Rica to give them a chance.
They are still going on about the so called 'Golden Generation' of 10 years ago, FFS. Slightly tarnished brass generation I'd have labeled them.

smackbunnybaby

Lads, is there an app for the McDonalds FF thing?
Don't see one...

Ormus

castletownman wrote: »

I see they have a turtle now as the official animal to predict the winner of every game.

If I was a betting man, I'd pick a team based solely on my own inkling and intuition, not because a turtle randomly swam towards a country's flag.

Really? Weird.

Beefy78

paulbok wrote: »

As usual the English media have been quiet enough about their chances all year, but in the last few weeks as the tournament approaches, they come up with the usual BS of 'they might spring a few surprises'.

They "might" spring a few surprise? No wonder you're outraged at such an OTT media reaction.

paulbok wrote: »

They ain't gonna get out of their group.

A view shared by most people I'd say, including a lot of the media in England.

mike65

South American pitches are ****e - doesn't matter what the level of the game is. Truth is if you want a proper playing surface northern Europe is the place to be. Perfect mix of rain, dry bits, wind and of course high quality maintenance.

Smithwicks Man

mike65 wrote: »

South American pitches are ****e - doesn't matter what the level of the game is. Truth is if you want a proper playing surface northern Europe is the place to be. Perfect mix of rain, dry bits, wind and of course high quality maintenance.

Hear, hear

brevity

The Guardian has an article here about the state of the pitch and stadium at Manaus.

In and around the changing rooms, naked power cables could be seen dangling from the walls. According to reports, outside the stadium workers were still applying a final coat of asphalt, while several security doors could be seen in their packaging, still waiting to be fitted.

I've an awful feeling that a lot of people are going to get hurt at this world cup.

My bets for the WC;

Argentina outright @ 5/1 EW
Higuain - Top Goalscorer @ 21/1 EW
Toure - Top Goalscorer @ 126/1 E/W :pac::pac:

Meglamonia

M!Ck^ wrote: »

My bets for the WC;

Argentina outright @ 5/1 EW
Higuain - Top Goalscorer @ 21/1 EW
Toure - Top Goalscorer @ 126/1 E/W :pac::pac:

Toure might miss the first game!

Aenaes

I'm currently reading All Played Out: The Full Story of Italia '90 by Pete Davies. He followed the England team around before and during the WC.
Anyway, there was lots of talk about stadiums not being ready back then too. It crops up almost every tournament.

Meglamonia

Meglamonia wrote: »

Toure might miss the first game!

Knex*

Dunno what to make of all the group spin off threads. Would rather it was all here save for the odd match thread, tbh.

Perhaps not feasible.

Darkglasses

Knex. wrote: »

Dunno what to make of all the group spin off threads. Would rather it was all here save for the odd match thread, tbh.

Perhaps not feasible.

Wait for it, something cool is going to happen.

Turtyturd

Knex. wrote: »

Dunno what to make of all the group spin off threads. Would rather it was all here save for the odd match thread, tbh.

Perhaps not feasible.

Seems like it will spread out the conversation alright and none of the threads will be busy, would have preferred all discussion here and just usual match threads myself.

glued

Anyone else fancy Croatia tomorrow night? Their midfield is far superior to Brazil's midfield. Mandzukic is suspended but I still think that Croatia can win 1-0 here.

Professional Griefer

I was tempted to bet on a draw with a free bet but its hard to see past Brazil winning tomorrow, can't wait.

Paully D

glued wrote: »

Anyone else fancy Croatia tomorrow night? Their midfield is far superior to Brazil's midfield. Mandzukic is suspended but I still think that Croatia can win 1-0 here.

I don't necessarily fancy them to win, but I think they have a good chance of picking up a result. I have a free bet for the first game so will probably throw it on Croatia double chance.

I posted a few pages back that only 3 favourites have won an opening game at the World Cup out of the last 10. Out of those 3 wins, Germany's 4-2 win vs Costa Rica was the biggest deficit.

At worst I think Croatia will keep it tight.

TheMilkyPirate

Decided to back the argies outright, I'm on holiday at the moment though and just wondering if they won their first game or two would their price for the tournament contact much?

Don't want to back then now because I'm wanting to keep my money for the holiday

GLaDOS

Had €4 in my PP account so threw it on Croatia @ 9/1 (think they could be gotten as high as 12/1 elsewhere). Seemed like good value and gives me someone to cheer for :pac:

Corholio

Croatia are severley hampered by a complete lack of wingers, even if Mandzukic had been playing he wouldnt have been effective as his overall play without aerial isn't all that great. Croatia also struggled in qualifying and barely made it to the finals, with all those same players.

Corholio

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2655237/Has-Gary-Neville-revealed-Englands-tactics-against-Italy-ahead-World-Cup-Group-D-opener.html

This is hilarious. The good, honest, patriotic Daily Mail promising not to reveal England's tactics.

Beefy78

For ****s sake. ****.

GLaDOS

That's actually hilarious

Kerrydude1981

Will there be a thread like their was for the Euro 2012?

It was called "Euro 2012 politically incorrect photos of hot girlies in the crowd"

Wonder will Russia bring their star of the Euro's with them

Meglamonia

Kerrydude1981 wrote: »

Will there be a thread like their was for the Euro 2012?

It was called "Euro 2012 politically incorrect photos of hot girlies in the crowd"

Wonder will Russia bring their star of the Euro's with them

Yeah there's a thread on this alrady :pac:

Kerrydude1981

Meglamonia wrote: »

Yeah there's a thread on this alrady :pac:

Just seen it :cool:

Meglamonia

Match of the day live:World cup preview on BBC 1 in 5 mins for anyone interested

The_Kew_Tour

just seen pics of the pitch for England v Italy game.

shocking

Kerrydude1981

Meglamonia wrote: »

Match of the day live:World cup preview on BBC 1 in 5 mins for anyone interested

Sound.

Was watching the film for the 06 World Cup there on BT Sports,amazing the way I can remember more about the 1990,94 and 98 World Cups,bloody bozze has my memory fecked

vidor

Meglamonia wrote: »

Match of the day live:World cup preview on BBC 1 in 5 mins for anyone interested

Linekar, Shearer and Ferdinand? Pure torture, that.

vidor

Kerrydude1981 wrote: »

Sound.

Was watching the film for the 06 World Cup there on BT Sports,amazing the way I can remember more about the 1990,94 and 98 World Cups,bloody bozze has my memory fecked

06 was a great tournament but that film was a mess, lots left out iirc and you can only tolerate Brosnan for so long!

wadacrack

http://www.punditarena.com/football/thepateam/world-cup-opener-preview-brazil-vs-croatia/

looking forwqard to the opener. Croatia and Brazil is a decent game ..I think it could be messi's World Cup

Kerrydude1981

RTE should have pulled out all the stops for Bill's last tournament,should have sent the panel out to Brazil like the BBC do,Dunphy would run riot

"Copacabana Baby"

efb

Come on Germany!!!

Beefy78

Lads, i'm going to bed. When I wake up it'll be the day that the World Cup starts.

Jesus Wept

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

just seen pics of the pitch for England v Italy game.

shocking

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/11/manaus-pitch-brazil-world-cup-2014-england-italy