Why am I in the black book? I said I am happy England went through? Wait, I'm getting nationalities confused here )
As for Italy, well we played AWFUL today. Deservedly went out. As I was saying yesterday, when there's no quality, there's no quality. Nothing to do about that. I'm curious to see the outcome of Germany vs England at this point. I will certainly root for England (no offense to the German people here! )
"Are we on coms?" (if you don't know where this is from... you've missed some really good stuff! )
Why am I in the black book? I said I am happy England went through? Wait, I'm getting nationalities confused here )
As for Italy, well we played AWFUL today. Deservedly went out. As I was saying yesterday, when there's no quality, there's no quality. Nothing to do about that. I'm curious to see the outcome of Germany vs England at this point. I will certainly root for England (no offense to the German people here! )
Twas a miserable game for Azzuri...a real shame. I was in Rome in 2006 when they won and it was quite the party. That's one place where Italians have quality!
In the Germany v. England match I am pulling for Germany (sorry, sorry) and I think they will pull it off. I just don't know if England has the cohesion to beat such a strong German side.
"We have all the time in the world..."
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,754Chief of Staff
In the Germany v. England match I am pulling for Germany (sorry, sorry) and I think they will pull it off. I just don't know if England has the cohesion to beat such a strong German side.
Hey...no problem....support whom you like
Well....the Germans started off very well but then looked very poor against Serbia, whom are average best...but I'd never write the Germans off...
As for England ? We did what we always do at the World Cup...look poor for two games...pull it out in the third...then we usually look decent beating the oppositon in the last 16 only to have a good chance in the Quarter Finals and throw it away....so by that 'logic' we beat the Germans....
In reality it's a 50-50 game...whomsoever takes their chances...or gets a bit of luck...will go through.... -{
I just don't know if England has the cohesion to beat such a strong German side.
You're right about England's cohesion, if we play like we have been doing then we will be beaten. The German's however have a far from what I would consider a 'strong' side. They are decent enough going forward but look very vulnerable at the back.
They beat a very poor 10 man Australian side and they were very lucky against Ghana, who would have won comfortably if the had a decent finsher, and they were beaten by Serbia, who would have been soundly beaten by a strong German team.
I think overall England have a better squad, but ze German's have been playing better as a team. It should be a good match, if England can finally play to their potential then we will win. If the status quo is continued then we will be out.
1- On Her Majesty's Secret Service 2- Casino Royale 3- Licence To Kill 4- Goldeneye 5- From Russia With Love
Earlier today I told my wife I was getting nervous.
She asked, "About what?"
I said, "Tomorrow..."
"What's going on tomorrow, I thought we were going to relax?"
"The game..."
"What game?"
"USA v. Ghana."
"You're ridiculous!"
Maybe I am, but it doesn't stop the fact that I am nervous as all get out. I sure do hope the USA pulls this one out...I believe! I just hope it isn't as much of a nail biter as Wednesday's game. I literally cried when Donovan put his goal through, it was such a release of tension.
Ghana's the last African team in the tournament. I'm a bit surprised some Americans are getting into a 'soccer' tournament, didn't think it was your bag.
"This is where we leave you Mr Bond."
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,754Chief of Staff
The USA are a much better side than generally given credit for....they will have a tough game against Ghana...but I expect the USA will beat them and progress to the next round...
Earlier today I told my wife I was getting nervous.
She asked, "About what?"
I said, "Tomorrow..."
"What's going on tomorrow, I thought we were going to relax?"
"The game..."
"What game?"
"USA v. Ghana."
"You're ridiculous!"
Maybe I am, but it doesn't stop the fact that I am nervous as all get out. I sure do hope the USA pulls this one out...I believe! I just hope it isn't as much of a nail biter as Wednesday's game. I literally cried when Donovan put his goal through, it was such a release of tension.
It seems I had every right to be nervous. It was a shattering 2-1 loss to Ghana. To the Black Stars go the glory!
"We have all the time in the world..."
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Shame to see the U.S. bow out. A good showing. Maybe someday...
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I learned a long time ago not to expect much from the US men's soccer team. They're a bunch of perennial underachievers who always seem to find a way to shoot themselves in the foot. Landon Donovan in particular has always been something of an annoyance. He talks a good game but always seems to wilt under the international spotlight (the late goal against Algeria notwithstanding).
When it comes to US Soccer on the world stage, the women's team continues to shine brightest.
Ciao Fabio. Time to go back to Italy and shake hands with Marcello Lippi. You both destroyed two of Europe's great soccer countries. Arrivederci, don't let the door hit your butt on the way out.
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,754Chief of Staff
All credit to Germany....it just goes to show you what can be achieved with a little effort and belief !
I have no gripes with the result - Germany were simply the better side...ok, England were hard done by when Lampard's 'goal' wasn't given....and a goal for England could have seen them push on and win the game....England definately had the upper-hand at that time...but the Germans just played the game 'simply'....they always had a man open for a pass whereas England just played into 'blind-alleys'....and some of the German football was beautiful to watch - and it hurts to say that
Dreadful, lamentable... 4-1! 1941 Pearl Harbor more like, to plug the war analogy so tediously dug up by the tabloids in advance of the game, so it looks like we've lost the war, rather than a football match.
To make matters worse, when I got back to the flat I got beaten up by the weekly cleaner who was lying in wait, she did me good and proper. Well, they do say domestic violence increases after a defeat in a football match.
I'm here all week folks... unlike the England team.
The tabloids don't quite know how to play it. Normally they talk about a 'brave' defeat by the lions, or come up with gallows humour and a pun. The Sun baldly state 'You let your country down' as a headline. On telly often they cut away to show footage of our boys in Afghanistan in khakis cheering a goal. They should have had the cameras on the Taliban in their dugouts, they'd have had more to cheer.
The blame game is up and running, but the faceless men at the FA will escape as usual. The clever, clever team who renewed Fabio's contract before the tournament, so if they sack him now he walks away with £12m. Which does make you wonder if that wasn't Fabio's cunning plan; to make England play rubbish, he walks away from a job he's bored by with a massive payoff and straight into another lucrative job.
Anyway, c'mon JD, don't pull your punches I get riled by anti-English banter before a game, and if we'd gone out 2-1 thanks to a disallowed goal I'd be mad, but today we are all Scottish....
I learned a long time ago not to expect much from the US men's soccer team. They're a bunch of perennial underachievers who always seem to find a way to shoot themselves in the foot. Landon Donovan in particular has always been something of an annoyance. He talks a good game but always seems to wilt under the international spotlight (the late goal against Algeria notwithstanding).
When it comes to US Soccer on the world stage, the women's team continues to shine brightest.
Although I agree that Donovan wilted in the past he really stepped it up this Cup. He was a shining star, along with Dempsey, but in the game against Ghana it was Clark, Bocanegra, Altidore and Findley who didn't step up. The greatest fault falling on Altidore and Bocanegra. Altidore was selfish and didn't create opportunities for other players to strike on goal, instead relying on his not-so-fancy footwork. Bocanegra made one mistake...but it was a big one there in the 93'
I fully agree that we shouldn't expect much from the men's US soccer team. It's a shame really, because we do have talent...just not the punch of a successful team.
On another note...wow, Germany waxed England something furious. That German team is dangerous...I look forward to how they will handle Argentina in the QF!
Wow, some result! Still, given how badly we played this World Cup, it's just as well and better that we only made it as far as Round 16 then not making it at all. And what surprised me was that we were favourites to win that one from what I've heard. High time we got a proper manager in...
Well, I am most certainly rooting for Furia Roja at this point. Wait I take it back. All those I have rooted for have been sent home! ) I am a good omen normally, but...
I thought Spain played really well against Portugal last night, the result really doesn't reflect what was shown on pitch... they could've easily won 4-0. Portugal had two-three good chances in the first half, but Spain had like ten or more throughout the game, and in the second half Portugal basically never even saw the ball )
I'll say this: anyone BUT the Argentines. Sorry, I can't stand Maradona, never have, never will. And I can't stand the way they behave on pitch in general. Not my cup of tea. Messi is delicious (in terms of football!!) and I will be sorry for him, but for the others? Not one bit.
"Are we on coms?" (if you don't know where this is from... you've missed some really good stuff! )
The strongest teams out there are, surprise, surprise, Germany, Brazil, Spain and Argentina. Of the four I hope Spain or Argentina will win, but I suspect Germany and Brazil will find their ways into the finals...they are looking particularly strong as sides.
Time will tell.
All I know is that I am still fuming over USA's departure.
Anyway, c'mon JD, don't pull your punches I get riled by anti-English banter before a game, and if we'd gone out 2-1 thanks to a disallowed goal I'd be mad,
I'm not anti-English, I just do not like the England football team. I'll happily support an English team in Europe (with the exception of Chelsea who are obnoxious), but the national team is the Scotland fans dark other, their evil twin who gets to go to all the best parties and then sulks when the playboy bunny he fancies goes off with Johnny Foreigner. Time to ditch the 'Golden Generation,' they were a bunch of posers at the best of times. Better off building a workmanlike team than having a bunch of superstars who think they have a divine right to beat anybody.
but today we are all Scottish....
Welcome to despair. On your left you can see heart disease, and on your right you can see two women drunkenly fighting in the street.
Anyway, c'mon JD, don't pull your punches I get riled by anti-English banter before a game, and if we'd gone out 2-1 thanks to a disallowed goal I'd be mad,
I'm not anti-English, I just do not like the England football team. I'll happily support an English team in Europe (with the exception of Chelsea who are obnoxious), but the national team is the Scotland fans dark other, their evil twin who gets to go to all the best parties and then sulks when the playboy bunny he fancies goes off with Johnny Foreigner. Time to ditch the 'Golden Generation,' they were a bunch of posers at the best of times. Better off building a workmanlike team than having a bunch of superstars who think they have a divine right to beat anybody.
but today we are all Scottish....
Welcome to despair. On your left you can see heart disease, and on your right you can see two women drunkenly fighting in the street.
I couldn't agree more with your views of the England team. Bunch of wa**ers one and all. Over-paid, over-laid and over-rated. As an Englishman all I want is a result to justify all those wages. Perhaps this is why I'm a rugby man. Professional sportsmen, good at what they do, earn a realistic wage and keep their private lives private.
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
I couldn't agree more with your views of the England team. Bunch of wa**ers one and all. Over-paid, over-laid and over-rated. As an Englishman all I want is a result to justify all those wages. Perhaps this is why I'm a rugby man. Professional sportsmen, good at what they do, earn a realistic wage and keep their private lives private.
I don't think they are (quote word above with *) But I most certainly agree on the rugby part. Always loved rugby and its gentlemen, always will (which yes, for an Italian, and a woman even more so, is REALLY unusual.) I also have a lot of friends who are professional rugby players, former or current... and you bet I've met those who play for the Irish national team AND for England as well. Included the big star. Yeah that guy (no need to say his name right? ). But most of all, I've met quite a few of the All Blacks. Many New Zealanders come over to Europe before starting a professional career back home, just for experience.. and fun (In true rugby fashion! ). The time I was most aghast was when I heard Andrew Merthens talk northern Italian DIALECT of this area I turned to him and said (in English) "what? Since when can you speak the local dialect?" Him: "What, I've played in Calvisano, ya really think I didn't learn what mattered?"
I'll add that... NOBODY knows how to have fun like rugby players do. And I'll keep it at that, I know WAY too much
As far as football players, it's like the world, some are idiots, some are not. I will venture and say that by personal (professional) experience, meeting them allowed me to form a different opinion. E.g. David Beckham is a VERY courteous, nice and actually SMART guy. And I didn't think so before meeting him in person. I wouldn't say the same about Gerrard, and I think he has a much more favorable "public" image instead.. So it really takes a "face-to-face" to get a better idea about the person.
That said, it's unfortunately true that most of those who play football do NOT know what loyalty means anymore. Or sportsmanship. That is the worst part. The mentality of the sport at this point sucks. Long live rugby! (AND tennis, my personal favourite).
"Are we on coms?" (if you don't know where this is from... you've missed some really good stuff! )
Anyway, c'mon JD, don't pull your punches I get riled by anti-English banter before a game, and if we'd gone out 2-1 thanks to a disallowed goal I'd be mad,
I'm not anti-English, I just do not like the England football team. I'll happily support an English team in Europe (with the exception of Chelsea who are obnoxious), but the national team is the Scotland fans dark other, their evil twin who gets to go to all the best parties and then sulks when the playboy bunny he fancies goes off with Johnny Foreigner. Time to ditch the 'Golden Generation,' they were a bunch of posers at the best of times. Better off building a workmanlike team than having a bunch of superstars who think they have a divine right to beat anybody.
but today we are all Scottish....
Welcome to despair. On your left you can see heart disease, and on your right you can see two women drunkenly fighting in the street.
I couldn't agree more with your views of the England team. Bunch of wa**ers one and all. Over-paid, over-laid and over-rated. As an Englishman all I want is a result to justify all those wages. Perhaps this is why I'm a rugby man. Professional sportsmen, good at what they do, earn a realistic wage and keep their private lives private.
There has been a worrying trend emerging during this World Cup of politicians getting involved with football. Nigeria's President has banned them from International football for two years. FIFA have warned the French government for publicly hauling the French team and their halfwit manager over the coals and today a Tory posh boy politician who probably would not know a football if Wayne Rooney kicked it through the window of his mansion demanded an enquiry into the England teams performance.
Why can't these tossers get on with fiddling their expenses, cheating on their wives and generally being the only people in the country who behave worse than professional footballers? Football should be above scum like the landed gentry who make up the Tory party, not to mention that French guy who likes to get his photo taken while standing next to Carla Bruni.
I'm fine. It's just taken me a few days to stop laughing.
I'm not anti-English, I just do not like the England football team. I'll happily support an English team in Europe (with the exception of Chelsea who are obnoxious), but the national team is the Scotland fans dark other, their evil twin who gets to go to all the best parties and then sulks when the playboy bunny he fancies goes off with Johnny Foreigner. Time to ditch the 'Golden Generation,' they were a bunch of posers at the best of times. Better off building a workmanlike team than having a bunch of superstars who think they have a divine right to beat anybody.
Welcome to despair. On your left you can see heart disease, and on your right you can see two women drunkenly fighting in the street.
I couldn't agree more with your views of the England team. Bunch of wa**ers one and all. Over-paid, over-laid and over-rated. As an Englishman all I want is a result to justify all those wages. Perhaps this is why I'm a rugby man. Professional sportsmen, good at what they do, earn a realistic wage and keep their private lives private.
That's really interesting. But did you actually read it? No official allegation was made, let alone charges brought. And the person who complained was the woman's boyfriend - after she'd spent the entire night with a player in his room. Hmm...
Incidently, I was in Iraq at the time. Not many chances to buy a decent newspaper. Where were you?
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
Comments
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Roger Moore 1927-2017
As for Italy, well we played AWFUL today. Deservedly went out. As I was saying yesterday, when there's no quality, there's no quality. Nothing to do about that. I'm curious to see the outcome of Germany vs England at this point. I will certainly root for England (no offense to the German people here!
Twas a miserable game for Azzuri...a real shame. I was in Rome in 2006 when they won and it was quite the party. That's one place where Italians have quality!
In the Germany v. England match I am pulling for Germany (sorry, sorry) and I think they will pull it off. I just don't know if England has the cohesion to beat such a strong German side.
Hey...no problem....support whom you like
Well....the Germans started off very well but then looked very poor against Serbia, whom are average best...but I'd never write the Germans off...
As for England ? We did what we always do at the World Cup...look poor for two games...pull it out in the third...then we usually look decent beating the oppositon in the last 16 only to have a good chance in the Quarter Finals and throw it away....so by that 'logic' we beat the Germans....
In reality it's a 50-50 game...whomsoever takes their chances...or gets a bit of luck...will go through.... -{
You're right about England's cohesion, if we play like we have been doing then we will be beaten. The German's however have a far from what I would consider a 'strong' side. They are decent enough going forward but look very vulnerable at the back.
They beat a very poor 10 man Australian side and they were very lucky against Ghana, who would have won comfortably if the had a decent finsher, and they were beaten by Serbia, who would have been soundly beaten by a strong German team.
I think overall England have a better squad, but ze German's have been playing better as a team. It should be a good match, if England can finally play to their potential then we will win. If the status quo is continued then we will be out.
She asked, "About what?"
I said, "Tomorrow..."
"What's going on tomorrow, I thought we were going to relax?"
"The game..."
"What game?"
"USA v. Ghana."
"You're ridiculous!"
Maybe I am, but it doesn't stop the fact that I am nervous as all get out. I sure do hope the USA pulls this one out...I believe! I just hope it isn't as much of a nail biter as Wednesday's game. I literally cried when Donovan put his goal through, it was such a release of tension.
Ghana's the last African team in the tournament. I'm a bit surprised some Americans are getting into a 'soccer' tournament, didn't think it was your bag.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
It seems I had every right to be nervous. It was a shattering 2-1 loss to Ghana. To the Black Stars go the glory!
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
When it comes to US Soccer on the world stage, the women's team continues to shine brightest.
I have no gripes with the result - Germany were simply the better side...ok, England were hard done by when Lampard's 'goal' wasn't given....and a goal for England could have seen them push on and win the game....England definately had the upper-hand at that time...but the Germans just played the game 'simply'....they always had a man open for a pass whereas England just played into 'blind-alleys'....and some of the German football was beautiful to watch - and it hurts to say that
Good luck in the next round -{
Dreadful, lamentable... 4-1! 1941 Pearl Harbor more like, to plug the war analogy so tediously dug up by the tabloids in advance of the game, so it looks like we've lost the war, rather than a football match.
To make matters worse, when I got back to the flat I got beaten up by the weekly cleaner who was lying in wait, she did me good and proper. Well, they do say domestic violence increases after a defeat in a football match.
I'm here all week folks... unlike the England team.
The tabloids don't quite know how to play it. Normally they talk about a 'brave' defeat by the lions, or come up with gallows humour and a pun. The Sun baldly state 'You let your country down' as a headline. On telly often they cut away to show footage of our boys in Afghanistan in khakis cheering a goal. They should have had the cameras on the Taliban in their dugouts, they'd have had more to cheer.
The blame game is up and running, but the faceless men at the FA will escape as usual. The clever, clever team who renewed Fabio's contract before the tournament, so if they sack him now he walks away with £12m. Which does make you wonder if that wasn't Fabio's cunning plan; to make England play rubbish, he walks away from a job he's bored by with a massive payoff and straight into another lucrative job.
Anyway, c'mon JD, don't pull your punches
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Although I agree that Donovan wilted in the past he really stepped it up this Cup. He was a shining star, along with Dempsey, but in the game against Ghana it was Clark, Bocanegra, Altidore and Findley who didn't step up. The greatest fault falling on Altidore and Bocanegra. Altidore was selfish and didn't create opportunities for other players to strike on goal, instead relying on his not-so-fancy footwork. Bocanegra made one mistake...but it was a big one there in the 93'
I fully agree that we shouldn't expect much from the men's US soccer team. It's a shame really, because we do have talent...just not the punch of a successful team.
On another note...wow, Germany waxed England something furious. That German team is dangerous...I look forward to how they will handle Argentina in the QF!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4x05Z3MSkQ
Would really love our boys to realise that not everyone thinks they are Gods.
Now thats what I call a half-time team talk !! -{
I thought Spain played really well against Portugal last night, the result really doesn't reflect what was shown on pitch... they could've easily won 4-0. Portugal had two-three good chances in the first half, but Spain had like ten or more throughout the game, and in the second half Portugal basically never even saw the ball
I'll say this: anyone BUT the Argentines. Sorry, I can't stand Maradona, never have, never will. And I can't stand the way they behave on pitch in general. Not my cup of tea. Messi is delicious (in terms of football!!) and I will be sorry for him, but for the others? Not one bit.
And a thoroughly believable score afterwards.
http://apbateman.com
Well...we did manage to beat them a few weeks ago
All seemed okay a few weeks ago
Time will tell.
All I know is that I am still fuming over USA's departure.
I'm fine. It's just taken me a few days to stop laughing.
I'm not anti-English, I just do not like the England football team. I'll happily support an English team in Europe (with the exception of Chelsea who are obnoxious), but the national team is the Scotland fans dark other, their evil twin who gets to go to all the best parties and then sulks when the playboy bunny he fancies goes off with Johnny Foreigner. Time to ditch the 'Golden Generation,' they were a bunch of posers at the best of times. Better off building a workmanlike team than having a bunch of superstars who think they have a divine right to beat anybody.
Welcome to despair. On your left you can see heart disease, and on your right you can see two women drunkenly fighting in the street.
Brazil vs Argentina in Finals
Argentina takes the cup, they are looking really good this World Cup.
http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj258/monza860/
I couldn't agree more with your views of the England team. Bunch of wa**ers one and all. Over-paid, over-laid and over-rated. As an Englishman all I want is a result to justify all those wages. Perhaps this is why I'm a rugby man. Professional sportsmen, good at what they do, earn a realistic wage and keep their private lives private.
http://apbateman.com
I don't think they are (quote word above with *)
I'll add that... NOBODY knows how to have fun like rugby players do. And I'll keep it at that, I know WAY too much
As far as football players, it's like the world, some are idiots, some are not. I will venture and say that by personal (professional) experience, meeting them allowed me to form a different opinion. E.g. David Beckham is a VERY courteous, nice and actually SMART guy. And I didn't think so before meeting him in person. I wouldn't say the same about Gerrard, and I think he has a much more favorable "public" image instead.. So it really takes a "face-to-face" to get a better idea about the person.
That said, it's unfortunately true that most of those who play football do NOT know what loyalty means anymore. Or sportsmanship. That is the worst part. The mentality of the sport at this point sucks. Long live rugby!
Rugby players keeping their private lives private? I don't know where you were when the Poms pulled this one off in New Zealand... http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article4168101.ece
Why can't these tossers get on with fiddling their expenses, cheating on their wives and generally being the only people in the country who behave worse than professional footballers? Football should be above scum like the landed gentry who make up the Tory party, not to mention that French guy who likes to get his photo taken while standing next to Carla Bruni.
That's really interesting. But did you actually read it? No official allegation was made, let alone charges brought. And the person who complained was the woman's boyfriend - after she'd spent the entire night with a player in his room. Hmm...
Incidently, I was in Iraq at the time. Not many chances to buy a decent newspaper. Where were you?
http://apbateman.com