We had Paul's predictions in prime time newscasts since the start of the World Cup. Blame it on Italy's extremely poor performances!
World Cup 2010 - South Africa Thread
- Thread starter Jax
- Start date
We had Paul's predictions in prime time newscasts since the start of the World Cup. Blame it on Italy's extremely poor performances!
And here I thought it was a German phenomenon. His predictions have been mentioned in the news here, too, if it's any consolation.
That's true! We were just... there, and we got our asses kicked without any flash or style. As Italians, it's the worst thing they could do!At least the French added some drama to their suckitude.
Misery loves company. And heavy sledgehammers.
Now that you mention it, why was there no behind-the-scenes drama?
Was there at least a lot of public outrage?
Was there at least a lot of public outrage?
Not really. People were disappointed, but it was not unexpected. The team was old and weak, and we played really bad. Lippi's choices were criticized for relying on players that were either too young and inexperienced , or too old and already satisfied with 2006 World Cup. There was no fire, no spirit in any them. So we got mopey for a couple of days, and then moved on.
Actually, it was one of the few instances where my fellow countrymen acted almost like adults!
Edited to add: Lippi was already supposed to move away from the national team after the Cup. Most of the old players were never supposed to wear the azure shirt again. So it was hardly a revolution when the new coach, Cesare Prandelli, was sworn in just a couple of day after the return in Italy and pledged to find new talents to found a new team.
Watching tonight made me remember how many big talents have underperformed and before the WC began I posted my dream WC 2010 XI team wondering if it would change as the tourney progressed.
I know we have 3 matches left but before it was...
---------Casillas---------
Maicon, Vidic, Pique, A.Cole
Sneijder, Xavi, Lampard, Messi
-------Drogba, Rooney-------
and now I would say so far it would be...
---------Neuer---------
Lahm, Mertesacker, Lucio, A.Cole
Robben, Sneijder, Orzil, Messi
-------Forlan, Villa-------
I know we have 3 matches left but before it was...
---------Casillas---------
Maicon, Vidic, Pique, A.Cole
Sneijder, Xavi, Lampard, Messi
-------Drogba, Rooney-------
and now I would say so far it would be...
---------Neuer---------
Lahm, Mertesacker, Lucio, A.Cole
Robben, Sneijder, Orzil, Messi
-------Forlan, Villa-------
Random note, but apparently Cristiano Ronaldo just became a father to a baby boy, whose mother seems to be American. Let's just hope that when he grows up, he has all his father's talent and none of his lesser qualities. 
And that he chooses to play for the United States when he becomes old enough.
And that he chooses to play for the United States when he becomes old enough.
I missed today's game but I'm glad Holland won.
Although apparently this happened:
And this is just for kicks:
Yay internet.
Although apparently this happened:
And this is just for kicks:
Yay internet.
In Hockey, there's a penalty that gets doubled if there's blood. I've always wondered why someone doesn't do that.
Aw, a little trash talking is always good for a sports discussion. Just don't take it too seriously in the end and feel confident your team will redeem you on the field.
BTW, I have no horse in the race, but I feel it should be an exciting match. My plan is to buy a German beer and a Spanish beer (if I can't find one, I'll go with Spanish wine) and drink both. That way I'm supporting both sides (my plan at the moment is to throw my support behind the Dutch anyway).
I'd agree with that... except I wouldn't have Lucio. Partly because he's a complete thug, and partly because I think Lugano had a better tournament for Uruguay.
Also wouldn't have Cashley - does Contreau play in that position? If so, he'd be in my XI. Good player.
I missed today's game but I'm glad Holland won.
And this is just for kicks:
Yay internet.
Beautiful.
Who is Orzil?
And I'm not sure about Neuer. Iker Casillas still seems to be the better goalie - unless I missed something.
I assume he means the German midfielder, Ozil is it? Neuer makes me a little nervous, but he has been improving, at least he seems more at ease.
Edit: Yeah, Özil.
Who is Orzil?
And I'm not sure about Neuer. Iker Casillas still seems to be the better goalie - unless I missed something.
Yeh Ozil, to be honest there not been really any outstanding goalies but Iker Casillas who I normally consider to be the best in the world had looked rather shaky to me in this World Cup.
My XI
----------------Neuer-------------
Van der wiel-----Lucio---Pique---Lahm
Robben---Schweini--G. Silva--Sneijder
---------Mueller---Klose-------------
----------------Neuer-------------
Van der wiel-----Lucio---Pique---Lahm
Robben---Schweini--G. Silva--Sneijder
---------Mueller---Klose-------------
Ditto.
