Quarter-finals

Illusion · 06-26-06, 07:51 PM

We still have 2 games pending, but what are your thoughts about the three set quarter-final matches?

Bulldog · 06-26-06, 09:40 PM

I like Argentina,England, Italy and... France!!
Wouldnt that be nice!!

Illusion · 06-26-06, 09:44 PM

France has Spain's number, but do you really think they will get past Brazil? (assuming Brazil beats Ghana)

Bulldog · 06-26-06, 09:51 PM

Well I have to admit I dont like Brazil so I might be hoping more than thinking but I think France or even Spain have a decent shot at beating the Scratch.
Brazil is good from the midfield up but weak when its attacked.
Of course anyone who plays them in semis is probably going to be underdogs but I just think Brazil will be playing on the final game. Actually before the WC I had picked England to take them down in semis but I think it might happen before...

moses millsap · 06-26-06, 10:17 PM

Here's my thoughts on the world cup (yeah, no capital letters):

**** Luis Medina Cantalejo. No, literally. I hope Satan rises from the depths of hell and rams that bastard until _________ (be creative and fill in the blank)

Illusion · 06-27-06, 03:42 AM

Originally posted by OWNED

Here's my thoughts on the world cup (yeah, no capital letters):

**** Luis Medina Cantalejo. No, literally. I hope Satan rises from the depths of hell and rams that bastard until _________ (be creative and fill in the blank)

In the movie Little Nicky satan was shoving pineapples up Hitler's ass, so that will do.

Baphomet · 06-27-06, 11:19 AM

Spain will have it hard against France.
Will they go to penalty kicks, just like Ukraine and Switzerland?

Bulldog · 06-27-06, 11:42 AM

Its hard to know, its definitely gonna be a tough game.
I dont bet on draw's, to me it kills the excitement of watching the game but the Draw at +205 or so doesnt look like a bad pick to me

Baphomet · 06-27-06, 12:03 PM

That pick sounds great, a good draw, and then Spain or France wins 1-0.

juuso · 06-27-06, 01:53 PM

I just took Spain +145 with 6 units. Spain have been playing great soccer and despite their history in the past WC's they are strong contender imo.

Baphomet · 06-27-06, 03:30 PM

Germany vs Italy & Portugal vs Brazil

Just like I said last week.

Germany 2 v Brazil 0 Final

moses millsap · 06-27-06, 03:47 PM

Can't go against history, Spain continues to suck in WC play.

Baphomet · 06-27-06, 03:54 PM

DAMN! I'll kill Zidane, just hate him so much, and France in general... phew damn.
Spain, has such a bad record...

dave11486 · 06-27-06, 04:35 PM

Originally posted by Baphomet

Germany vs Italy & Portugal vs Brazil

Just like I said last week.

Germany 2 v Brazil 0 Final

I like that and I agree.

Bulldog · 06-27-06, 04:58 PM

Guys,

I wouldnt bet on that Germany-Brazil final just yet.
They are sure two of the favorites but I think Argentina is as good as either.
If they play a good game Saturday, they could advance.
And I know some of you think England is overrated but imo they have enough talent to advance as well.
Cant wait for those lines!!

moses millsap · 06-27-06, 10:08 PM

Germany-Argentina
Argentina will outplay Germany for 80 minutes, but two phantom whistles in the last 10 minutes of regulation leads to the tying and winning goal by Germany.
Germany 2-1

Italy-Ukraine
The ref will completely pass out due to extreme boredom in the 89th minute of a 0-0 game. When he arises from the grass, he finds it necessary to blow his whistle and call for a penalty kick for Italy, even though all the action is going on the other side of the field as Ukraine has a 3 on 1 break. Tough luck for the men in yellow.
Italy 1-0

Portugal-England
Portugal hits the post 3 times in this match and none go in. Beckman on a free kick shoots it nice and slow right in front of the goalie, but luckily there is a ref standing in the wrong spot (right in front of the goalie) and it karams off his head and slips into the back of the net. Celebration in the streets of London.
England 1-0

Brazil-France
High scoring affair that ends 2-2 in regulation. Brazil scores quickly in OT, but France answers with a late one to tie it up. 4-3 Brazil in penalty kicks with one more kick left for France and he hits the post! Oh wait! The ref calls a penalty on the penalty kick! What? Absolute madness on the field leads the refs to huddle in a conference. When they come back, they announce that one of Brazil's successful penalty kicks won't count, so it's 3-3. Of course, there is no logical explanation for this, but these are the World Cup refs, they can do what they want. France sinks it in the back of the net to win 4-3 on penalty kicks.
France 3-3 (4-3 PK)

McBa1n · 06-27-06, 10:32 PM

hahaha!
I'm gonna run with your picks, Owned.
Quality stuff haha.
Sad how all of that COULD happen haha.

I'm naming my first born after you (and spell his/her name in caps, ala you) if the Brazil/France game ends that way.
haha, im still rolling

moses millsap · 06-28-06, 12:59 AM

Glad it made you laugh. Wait for the semi-final previews

tacomax · 06-28-06, 06:26 AM

Originally posted by OWNED

Glad it made you laugh. Wait for the semi-final previews

It's funny 'cos it's true.

moses millsap · 06-28-06, 08:58 AM

Originally posted by tacomax

It's funny 'cos it's true.

Seriously though, I have enjoyed watching the WC, but the refs are just atrocious. I'll be sure to

plenty again before posting the semi final previews

Bulldog · 06-28-06, 09:14 AM

Funny Stuff!!
I also like your picks... all except Germany!!

Baphomet · 06-28-06, 11:27 AM

It's all possible.
Football refs haven't been so good.

Still think Germany v Brazil will be the final.

Bulldog · 06-28-06, 01:45 PM

Thats a pretty good bet Baphomet.
Ill take it step by step.
My picks for the quarterfinals are
Argentina, Italy, England, France...
couple of underdogs in there I know, but Im gonna stick with them!!
Someone else have picks??
What lines do you like??

McBa1n · 06-28-06, 03:34 PM

This is so hard to pick the final 4. I can make a good argument for any team to move on.
I think I'm done wagering for the cup - it's all TOO close. I'd say the 2 SAFEST bets are Italy's D vs Ukraine (Plus Italy has a LOT of punch up front that just needs to finish already) and Brazil over France. Brazil, while shaky at the back, still finds ways to keep the ball out of the net - not to mention their ability to make runs on offense. You just can't keep them off the board with Barthez in net. Barthez has yet to have his classic meltdown/bonehead play. I'm just waiting for it to happen, just like I was waiting for Spain to choke in the big spot... France's D has been very good so far, however, as well as Ukraine's organization at the back has improved greatly over the past 3 games.

Bulldog · 06-29-06, 09:28 AM

I think you are right about games been very close and the tough it becomes to bet on them.
I think Italy is worth a shot. The problem is that I would pick them to advance, not necesarily to win in regulation, and the line to advance is -350 or higher. I still think Im gonna go for it.
I also like England to advance -180 or so.
The other games Im not touching. The only kind or smart play would be Brazil... but I hate their guts!!
Viva le France all the way!!

totobernal · 06-29-06, 09:52 AM

IMO, we saw the best of italy the first game against ghana, I think they'll play another great game against ukraine, they'll play offensive from the beginning

Bulldog · 06-29-06, 10:18 AM

You think their worth a shot to win in regulation????

totobernal · 06-29-06, 10:28 AM

I'll have to see the starting lineup, and see if luca toni is playing, and with who, if totti goes from the start, then I like italy

Bulldog · 06-29-06, 11:28 AM

Toni, Iaquinta, Gilardino.. they're all good.
Wouldnt care if Del Piero starts instead of Totti, Im not sure his ready to go a full 90... nevertheless 120

totobernal · 06-29-06, 12:53 PM

I don't know if it's just me, but i think del piero kinda slows the offensive, I think totti is more offensive and quick, kind of like riquelme and aimar on argentina, IMO

McBa1n · 06-29-06, 03:29 PM

I don't think Totti nor Del Piero has really done anything dramatic enough yet this cup to really favor either clearly.
Del Piero, though, has been an utter bust, other than a couple of dives that led to 40 yd+ free kicks.

The one guy that HAS to play is Gattuso.. He has been hosed by subs for those 2 guys, and while he doesn't have the offensive flair - he's a freakin maniac on both ends of the field creating turnovers, making smart passes, aggravting the opposition, and everything he's been known for during his career. I think he's been their best player every game he's played because of things that don't show up on the score sheet.

I don't know who is going to get Toni the ball (how many chances has he had so far? sheesh - he's got to finish already), but they have to find someone or that game is going to be brutal... And Del Piero just doesn't look like he has the ability to be a top line finisher. The goals have to come from somewhere.

I just hexed Del Piero and Totti, they both probably will have their best games and score 100 goals and set up 1000 more.

Bulldog · 06-29-06, 04:44 PM

I agree that Gattuso has to play...
Pirlo also has to step up his game, hasnt been the same guy that carries Milan every week (probably misses Kaka, huh?)
Anyway, Italy will find a way to win 1-0 like they always do...

ali_g · 06-29-06, 06:19 PM

i cant wait to see italy out of this tournament! seems everything italian in football is fixed.... last year serie A juventus and ac milan are under investagation. and the penalty kick bull shit call against the aussies. anyways germany, italia, england, brasil advance! final will be another classic brasil vs germany! third place goes to england!

McBa1n · 06-30-06, 06:36 AM

Sheesh - Pirlo has been VERY brutal so far... Almost a semi-non-factor... I mean, for a world class player, that is.
hehe - you bet he misses Kaka.. Kaka is probably the most under-rated player this cup so far. He's dominated the midfield way more than Ronaldinho, if that's even possible (I love how Ronaldinho doesn't dive like a skirt - he plays tough).

Pirlo needs more space to create or has to do better with his hook ups. He's created quite a few 'ok' chances, but he isn't the stud you'd think he'd be so far... I wouldn't write him off at all, though. He's played solid, at worst, and that is good enough for Italy in their next game (he was invisible for a game, though).
Maybe he just isn't good enough for the international stage... Some guys just aren't (*cough Del Piero cough*)...
I doubt it, but he's a key if Italy wants to get to the finals...
Plus freakin Toni has to bury one, already.
My dog has at LEAST 2 goals off of his chances...