FIFA World Cup Thread

[Thanas]

The Octopus seems to agree with that assessment, Thanas:
Oracle Octopus prediction worries Germany.

His record is so far only unblemished when Spain is not playing. He predicted a German win against Spain in the Euro 2008 - and we lost. Now he predicts a Spanish win... heh.

[Thanas]

15 minutes now. Go Germany.


We need a Netherlands-Germany final.

[Thanas]

Spain is controlling the game as expected so far, they have great possession.

Especially their flankers are great.

[Thanas]

Ramos, you fucker. That should have been yellow.

[Thanas]

What a shot by Trochowski.

[Thanas]

Well, halftime, with Spain having more possession and Germany having two good counters.

Spain is a bit better, but not by much.

Germany seems to be a little bit intimidated by the Spanish.

[Siege]

Spain is the slightly better team so far, but not by much. Villa is a master at piercing the German defenses though. Argentinians take note! Overall impression is that the match just kind of rolls along; it hasn't been terribly exciting yet. Here's to hoping that whoever wins, does so only after an extension and a set of penalties -- a long slogging match and a day less rest might give the Netherlands an advantage on Sunday .

[Havok]

I hate ABC for not showing this. Soccer on the radio sucks because I don't recognize all the names and terminology yet.
Been a pretty good match so far though.

[D.Turtle]

Its a very tactical game - not many chances, but so many opportunities for chances - especially by the Spaniards.

However, the Germans have kept up quite well so far.

Heres hoping for the best

Whoever wins this game is the favorite for the world championship.

[Crown]

Germany have set up to contain (well to be fair sometimes press) and counter, and that counter part has been absolutely devastating for them all tournament, for Spain it's the same old, same old, keep possession, press and break down the defence.

The threat at Germany's counter attack (again best in the tournament) is the only thing that his making Spain tentative.

[Thanas]

Spain is the slightly better team so far, but not by much. Villa is a master at piercing the German defenses though.

Yeah, he and Pedro are great. Boateng especially has a lot of problems with him, though he's gotten better over the last ten minutes or so.


EDIT: That said, this reminds me a lot of 2008.

[Thanas]

WE have to contain Alonso a lot better. This is unacceptable.


EDIT: Janssen for Boateng. Good choice.

[Thanas]

Neuer deserves a medal.

[Thanas]

Jansen has a great game so far.

[Thanas]

Kroos for Trochowsky. More younger players or what is Löw hoping for here?

[Havok]

So did Germany just blow it's load already or what? 11-2 on shots? The commentators say the Germans look dead on their feet so far. Accurate assessment?

[Thanas]

So did Germany just blow it's load already or what? 11-2 on shots? The commentators say the Germans look dead on their feet so far. Accurate assessment?

No, dumb assesment. The Spanish are best at the passing game and that is what they are doing. 11-2 is not even an accurate count.

EDIT: Read the Guardian liveblog.

[aerius]

Looks like Germany's overplaying the ball when they have possession. There's been several chances where they could've broken downfield on the counter but they wasted too much time passing the ball around waiting for a good setup, and by the time that happened the chance was gone. Same thing when they got the ball in the attacking zone, they had chances to put the ball on net but wasted them trying to make passes or go in for the perfect position for a shot.

It's like watching a Leafs game in hockey.

[Crown]

Iniesta is about the size of one of Klose's legs!

[Thanas]

Kroos. What an opportunity - sadly the spanish goalie is up to his game.

[Thanas]

Looks like Germany's overplaying the ball when they have possession. There's been several chances where they could've broken downfield on the counter but they wasted too much time passing the ball around waiting for a good setup, and by the time that happened the chance was gone. Same thing when they got the ball in the attacking zone, they had chances to put the ball on net but wasted them trying to make passes or go in for the perfect position for a shot.

Another dumb assesment. Look at the space the spanish leave - there is almost none. The Spanish are playing a very strong defensive game.

[Crown]

GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL!

[Thanas]

And Spain makes the goal. I think this might be it.

[Havok]

Ach!

[Crown]

OMG WHAT THE FUCK was Pedro doing?