World Cup 2014 thread

[Cuthbert]

Originally Posted by Thom Yorke

Any chance we see Germany and USA basically just play to tie? A draw guarantees they both advance. The US would probably be happy just advancing and not having to outgun Germany, and Germany would get to avoid Belgium in the round of 16 by finishing 1st. Not saying they'd both intentionally throw the game to end in a tie, but rather just play ultra-conservative in the hopes of that happening. I don't know enough about soccer or the World Cup to know if teams would actually do that.

It's happened before and Jurgen Klinsmann is German as you know so he might be able to reach a gentleman's agreement with Joachim Low.

BBC Sport - World Cup 2014: 100 great World Cup moments - 37 days to go

Today looks back to an infamous match at the 1982 World Cup between West Germany and Austria, when both sides knew that a slender win for the Germans would send both teams through to the second-round at the expense of Algeria.

The match in Gijon indeed finished 1-0 to West Germany, leading to Algeria and neutral fans claiming the game had been fixed - allegations that were never proven despite an official Algerian protest.

I don't know if you can watch that video if you're in the US but it happened there. They were just tapping the ball back and forth passing the time once Germany got their goal. Every man and his dog knew what they were up to. There is another match I remember, Man. United vs Blackburn - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...em/9483868.stm

Man. United were winning the league and Blackburn were staying up, same again, just tapping the ball to each other pretty much.

The US are going through regardless, it would have to go tits up good and proper for them not to now.

[Mojo]

Do you really think so? It would only take wins for Germany and Ghana wouldnt it? And I havent seen enough from Portugal to think they can easily do away with Ghana.

I think theres a good chance Germany would be happy to draw.

[Cuthbert]

Originally Posted by Mojo

Do you really think so? It would only take wins for Germany and Ghana wouldnt it? And I havent seen enough from Portugal to think they can easily do away with Ghana.

Don't think so, one of them would have to win by two goals as it will come down to goals difference between the USA and Ghana and the USA won 2-1 so it'd be +1 and they'd go through.

Can see Ghana beating Portugal maybe but:

I think theres a good chance Germany would be happy to draw.

Agreed. You seen that picture of Bradley btw?



Basically 39 seconds to go, and he loses the ball, from there .

[TheBig3]

We deserved to lose that one. You could see the quit all over the field. I hope they take this as a lesson in not being a bunch of lazy, fat asses.

Originally Posted by Thom Yorke

Any chance we see Germany and USA basically just play to tie? A draw guarantees they both advance. The US would probably be happy just advancing and not having to outgun Germany, and Germany would get to avoid Belgium in the round of 16 by finishing 1st. Not saying they'd both intentionally throw the game to end in a tie, but rather just play ultra-conservative in the hopes of that happening. I don't know enough about soccer or the World Cup to know if teams would actually do that.

On NPR this morning they had the interview with the coach and asked him if he'd spoken to the german coach (who I guess is a friend) and he said it wouldn't happen. Both teams would play to win. I guess we'll see.

[Cuthbert]

To be fair if he says otherwise he'll probably be in trouble for bringing the game into disrepute. Germany will likely rest a few players, I very much doubt either team will go full throttle in this.

I want to see Julian Draxler get some minutes.

[FRED HALE SR.]

What an unfortunate collapse at the end. The USA looks good enough to go through with the goal differential, but we'll see how bad Germany punishes them. After watching Ghana play the Germans, they suddenly don't look so polished. Klose blows me away, the guy just has such a great knack for the goal, its uncanny.

[Cuthbert]

Costa Rica vs Useless Cunts

What do we reckon then?

[FRED HALE SR.]

Originally Posted by Christian Benteke

Costa Rica vs Useless Cunts

What do we reckon then?

I'll take Costa Rica with 3 goals. 2 by the hard working Joel Campbell. Why should England start fighting now.

[Cuthbert]

Exactly. Will not watch.

Italy vs Uruguay > this x 100.

[FRED HALE SR.]

Originally Posted by Christian Benteke

Exactly. Will not watch.

Italy vs Uruguay > this x 100.

I think Italy will find a way against Uruguay. They usually employ their defense and wait for openings in do or die matches. I think they have a bit more depth then Uruguay.