2002 FIFA World Cup Review

By Tom Bramwell Published 6 May, 2002

Review - EA's inevitable World Cup cash-in gets a red card

Version tested: Xbox

New, but not improved

'2002 FIFA World Cup' Screenshot 01b

Individually quite realistic, but then they're not moving...

World Cup 98 signalled the FIFA franchise's passage from cash cow to respectable football monopoly. After a near miss with its qualifying edition, Road To The World Cup 98, the game fused accessible, addictive gameplay with - at the time - fantastic visuals. Like World Cup 98, 2002 FIFA World Cup is a deviation, but no less an integral part of the seasonal football franchise. Selling strongly on the back of tournament hype and available on every format under the rising sun, the game already looks to have capitalised on the mass hysteria surrounding the illustrious competition.

Obviously the game's distinguishing suffix is now a prefix, but the changes run a lot deeper than marketing, with major departures in the areas of graphics and gameplay. As you might expect, although the standard issue Quick Start mode and other distractions complement the spectacle, the main focus is the World Cup mode, packed with spectacular venues from Korea and Japan. Obviously at the time of publication the official squads were still only drafts, but the team data should also be largely accurate. Opting for the main event, you can choose any of the teams taking part in the tournament and even play in the correct groups, enjoying the sumptuous presentation as though the games were being played live on your TV set.

As series fans will know, EA Canada has been telling anybody who will listen about the startling changes to the formula made by FIFA World Cup, and I'm about to do the same. Unfortunately for the developer, I have a slightly different take on proceedings. To begin with, the players have received a lot of pampering, both visually and statistically. Star players - the world's best, as dictated by EA - receive increased emphasis in the departments that make them strong. For instance, David Beckham is a superb crosser of the ball, and Thierry Henry has the pace of a racehorse, while Emile Heskey merely resembles one.

Look away now

'2002 FIFA World Cup' Screenshot 02b

The level of presentation is unmatched elsewhere

Each of the players in the game (at least those we recognise) sports an extremely detailed face and body. Michael Owen enjoys his typical inch-long short back and sides, and his nose, eyes and mouth all look fairly well proportioned. His face contorts with a number of expressions depending on his situation, perhaps best emphasized by the zooming camera work that now follows goal celebrations and shameful misses. This enhanced realism should put the game a notch above its direct competition, but like the rest of the players in the game, Owen's head is too big for his body and squashed down into his neck. Despite superb mimicry on the whole, the illusion is spoilt by this, and furthermore by the player's unblinking eyes and gaping mouth. His shirt is creased around the waist but barely moves, and although unmistakably fast he doesn't run low to the ground, stretching his legs out like the real Owen, and on the whole players lack fluidity of movement.

This is a by-product of the overuse of motion capture. Like previous games, the scene overall amounts to a jumble of poorly connected motion capture animations. While other titles in the series are just as guilty of this, it's the robotic feel applied to such realistic players which unseats FIFA World Cup. Player models are clotheshorses to abundant detail, and yet no attention has been spared for the simple transition from a despairing lunge to a light canter towards the halfway line, and it shows the whole game up. Other little problems work to highlight these flaws. Players clip through one another and even the ball at times, often as they move between set animations, and this looks especially bad during close-ups. The ball actually slides back onto the feet of pass and shot making players - again, accentuated by close camerawork - and despite most of the players casting a shadow from each floodlight, the ball is apparently transparent.

Further visual touches do little to rescue the blemished aesthetic. Highlighting the arcade nature of the game, EA Canada has supplemented the imagined visuals with coloured spots on the pitch to track moving players, while adding a pronounced motion blur to fast players and a fiery effect to speeding shots, complete with sound effect. I didn't find these useful however, and they can't be turned off. Tut tut.

Shortcomings continued

'2002 FIFA World Cup' Screenshot 03b

The (real) stadiums all look fabulous, as they doubtless will when the competition takes place

As you might expect, the tarnished visuals do little for the gameplay, but the changes made by EA Canada fight to bring the whole thing down by themselves. Every kick, from passes and goal kicks to shots and crosses, now relies on the staple power bar, which charges up as you hold down the relevant button.

Because of this forced delay between input and reaction, the game loses its immediacy, and even on its sternest setting the liberal refereeing often leads to quick turnover up and down the field. This in turn creates the false impression in the player's mind of a sluggish control system, perpetuated by unfeasible slowdown in animation as players congregate on the ball and play it between them. One-touch football is almost completely absent, and you will find none of the depth of the simulation-focused Pro Evolution Soccer. To add insult to the injury of PlayStation 2 owners who might purchase FIFA World Cup, their version of the game suffers from even more slowdown than the Xbox and GameCube versions, which in turn occasionally strain the hardware on replays and close-ups.

Those PlayStation-less gamers among you may find solace in FIFA World Cup's 'lite' simulation features, but these too are limited. Fatigue accumulates during a game, rendering over-used players (usually down the right flank) completely useless midway through the second half, and although passing, lobbing, through balls and one-twos are options for those seeking greater depth, the poorly realised power bar interferes with a potentially enjoyable dynamic. Shots can't be directed as accurately as in the likes of Pro Evo, and World Cup offers none of the little dinks and cunning technique of that game, while tackling is simplistic and often brutally inefficient. Seasoned players should have no trouble tracing a line to the goal through an easily fooled defence.

Maybe next time...

'2002 FIFA World Cup' Screenshot 04b

However once I got onto the playing surface, I quickly lost interest

For all its shortcomings though, there is no game closer to the televisual experience of the World Cup than 2002 FIFA World Cup. To magnify this, EA's commentary team is eminently respectable, comprising people's favourite John Motson and Scottish loudmouth Andy Gray. The pairing might not work particularly well in real life, but they do work surprisingly well here. Motto has an enormous array of metaphors and expressions which he puts to use throughout the game, and the commentators' respective analysis is mapped superbly to the events on the pitch. Intro and exit comments are almost insightful, and Man of the Match awards are presented, although disappointingly this is usually a goal scorer's distinction.

Returning to the downward spiral though, gone are the rousing pop and rock melodies of Robbie Williams and co., replaced by BBC Sport style classical themes, unfortunately executed with none of the pizzazz and none of the notoriety of the channel's themes. Even the game's sound effects fall short of the standards set by their predecessors; slide tackles sound like someone kicking up gravel, and players grunt and moan far too audibly to be realistic.

It's hard not to take a negative tone with this game, and I'm sure by now the conclusion (and pun) must be obvious, but I'll say it anyway: EA has dropped the ball with its latest release. Let's hope this poor showing doesn't return the series to its position of outright inferiority. Lacking the depth of its major rival, saturated with problems and bloated with unnecessary detail which actually works against the developer, this FIFA is a blotch in the copybook of an otherwise competent arcade football series. Not even sterling presentation and John Motson can rescue the party, and ultimately this deeply average incarnation of FIFA may not sell as well next time unless something is done to rectify the situation.

6 / 10

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About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (231) Latest comment 9 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Monkey #1 10 years ago

    I lost all interest in FIFA once I started playing ISS on PS1, since then its been Konami for me (although ISS does have several niggles that really piss me off!)

  • Divebomb #2 10 years ago

    This 'game' is absolutely terrible.

    It features slowdown WHILE YOU ARE PLAYING - not just on replays or highlights. During this slowdown you can't kick or pass, it's just awful.

    It also crashed twice in 2 days, the first XBox game I've seen crash.

    Added to the above, annoying touches like on the team select screen, player 2 not being able to select his own team, needing player 1 to do it for him.

    Also, there isn't the option to have a multiplayer WC tournament - you can only pick one team to play as.

    I had such high hopes for this game but after 2 days it got taken back.

  • skalmanxl #3 10 years ago

    All the latest EA sports games I've played...where to a point...shite.

  • LaundroMat #4 10 years ago

    Are there other World Cup themed footy games appearing?

  • miffo #5 10 years ago

    never owned a football game. which one is the best on xbox?

  • #6 10 years ago

    stupid idiots .. *kicks EA*

  • otto #7 10 years ago

    Strange that a team of developers from a country with such an astonishing footballing pedigree should have bodged it so badly...

  • AOFanboi #8 10 years ago

    Since this title is not only XBox but XPlatform (ahahaha.), perhaps there is an advantage to sticking to as few platforms as possible...

    Cash-in = crash-in.

  • otto #9 10 years ago

    Cor, slow day on the boards, Bank Holiday in the UK isn't it? Regular posters must all be stuck in traffic jams on their way to Filey...

  • DaM #10 10 years ago

    FIFA may not sell as well next time unless something is done to rectify the situation.

    ? When do bad reviews hurt FIFA games selling?!

  • skalmanxl #11 10 years ago

    Cor, slow day on the boards, Bank Holiday in the UK isn't it? Regular posters must all be stuck in traffic jams on their way to Filey...

    I've spent most of my day looking and reading stacks of my old game mags.

  • AnotherMartin #12 10 years ago

    "Cor, slow day on the boards, Bank Holiday in the UK isn't it? Regular posters must all be stuck in traffic jams on their way to Filey..."

    I probably because no ones at work, people have actualy got things to do when at home other than waste time on the net ;-)

  • Mugwum Verified Operations Director, Eurogamer Network #13 10 years ago

    DaM,

    "When do bad reviews hurt FIFA games selling?!"

    What I really meant was that lots of people have now bought this, and shortly it will become apparent to them that it is not very good. Thus, it's unlikely those same people will be so hasty to rush out and buy the next one.

  • Nobby #14 10 years ago

    I'm another who was converted the minute I played ISS. The only problem I have with ISS is the utterly terrible ref.

  • Khab #15 10 years ago

    This is one of the reasons I'm getting me a console - the only footie game available on the PC is this pile of cash...

    As I remember, though, the 2001 edition was supposed to have been rather good - never played it though. Might it be worth picking up on budget?

    edit: Spelling!
    Edited by 1 at 06/05/02 @ 15:05

  • Nemesis #16 10 years ago

    Aye, a slow old day. Lucky I got that GC on Friday ;-). Star Wars is a blast!

    I don't think this EA series has *really* progressed much since WC98 which is a shame. I felt they were finally making progress with the series. Hey ho.

  • Sucram #17 10 years ago

    Bloody hell, it hardly feels like a year's gone by since the last one.

  • Nemesis #18 10 years ago

    You mean they wait a year???

    I thought it was about 6 months since we got the last!

  • Damo #19 10 years ago

    nah the MD versions of fifa always came across to me as being slow and based around shite motion capture...good to see lots of things change :)

    That and the fact that at the time fifas competition for my time was sensi soccer...not much of a decision really :p

  • Maxim #20 10 years ago

    Nicely selected team on the front of the review! Thanks Mugwum!

  • otto #21 10 years ago

    Have the people of Portugal declared war on EA Canada yet for giving their team pink shirts?

  • Gestalt #22 10 years ago

    I'd be more worried about that dodgy look pink guy with the big ears in the background. ;)

  • nalmeida #23 10 years ago

    Hey otto, Portugal here, they are not that pink, but... hey that's not our goalkeeper...


    P.S. Regarding that guy in the back, well since I saw a monkey winning an election in the uk I got a lot more of respect for this guys.

  • #24 10 years ago

    Removed -Tom
    Edited by 1 at 07/05/02 @ 09:56

  • miffo #25 10 years ago

    this guy sounds manic, just like George's boss [in Seinfeld]...

  • Blerk #26 10 years ago

    American football--- now there's athletes!

    I agree - football's crap. But American Football better? You must be joking! A bunch of brain-dead college drop-outs in 18 tons of protective gear so they don't mess up their hair or break a fingernail, games that last three days because they have to stop every time the ball hits the bloody ground, five hours to decide whether to throw the ball or kick it, pre-prepared plays with little or no spontaneous action... it's sheer tedium at it's most American. Makes proper football look like the most interesting game in the world!

  • nalmeida #27 10 years ago

    Well European Scum I hope someone ban you of this foruns, and no, it's not because what you said about Europe (that is understandable since you probably never got out of your room and believe in what american tv stations tell you), it's because of what you say about your own country, open your eyes it's all you have to do. Oh and the cardboard boxes must be very big in the states , that's the only way they can fit inside a car and a colour TV, wait... maybe they use Xboxen boxes for that :)

  • Gestalt #28 10 years ago

    "That's why all the great inventions come from America. *SNIP* Helicopters, planes, trains, electricity, assembly line, atomic bomb, submarines, the internet and an ungodly amount of other inventions"

    Not sure if you're intentionally taking the piss, but almost nothing you listed there was actually invented by Americans. Helicopters were invented by the French, trains by the English, submarines by the Dutch, and most of the key people working on the atomic bomb were Europeans, even though the project was managed by Americans. Electric batteries, light bulbs, transformers and motors were all invented by Europeans. I'll give you planes and the internet, but the world wide web and HTML were invented by Europeans. :)

  • otto #29 10 years ago

    nalmeida, the cardboard boxes *are* very big in the States, they have to be, a third of the population live in them.

  • Divebomb #30 10 years ago

    Electric batteries, light bulbs, transformers and motors were all invented by Europeans.

    Transformers are a US invention, although Japan thought up robots that change into cars and guns and stuff :p

    Sorry guys, thought this thread could do with a little frigging humour...

  • Super Stu #31 10 years ago

    European Scum: I am actually starting to enjoy your rants. I can now look at Springer whilst channel surfing and be satisfied in the knowledge that you Yanks -are- in fact a bunch of cheesy bell ends.

    "Makes me sick! It's quite possibly the most unsophisticated game on the face of the planet."

    Football, I believe, is the most popular sport on the planet. So, once again it's World vs USA on opinion.

    "American football--- now there's athletes"

    Yes, a bunch of fat bastards running around for 60 seconds until the line up is changed and someone else comes on. Want a decent ball carrying game? Try Rugby (on which Amercian Football is probably based).

    "That's why all the great inventions come from America"

    That is quite possibly the biggest bunch of fucking bollocks that I've read on the website in my years of coming here.


  • Gestalt #32 10 years ago

    "Transformers are a US invention"

    Based on work by Faraday, a Brit.


    "although Japan thought up robots that change into cars and guns and stuff"

    :)

  • binky #33 10 years ago

    well, i quite like it.

    :)

    but to be honest i still wouldnt pay 45 quid for it. the lack of anything other than the standard world cup mode was a bit disappointing to be honest.

    But with a choice between this and the poor show of ISS. i think this comes out on top!

    and i quite like the music as it goes :)

    I DO agree with the need for an option to turn off the silly effects on the shots and passes by star players tho.

    I think if u turn star players off this gets rid of it.

  • Polymath #34 10 years ago

    At the risk of becoming hopelessly mired in this vitriolic mess...

    In defence of american football...
    (Which I don't particularly like)

    If you've actually ever had to deal with a professional am football player in person, it's actually quite daunting. Certainly they are less cardiovascularly fit than "real soccer" players... but the nature of the game is very different.

    The stop-go aspect of am football actually allows for a completely different tactical level in which central coaching can select individual plays that are specifically designed. This stop and go pattern also allows greater specialization in player selection where one can substitute a defensive team at times, a team set for scoring field goals, etc.

    It's actually more reminiscent of large scale military operations than most other games, because of the increased emphasis on play planning for limited intervals of game play.

    But... returning to the subject of physical fitness... comparing some of the catching/scoring specialists to players that serve as tackling specialists is probably useless. Their body habiti are more often than not, optimized to their roles... which may or may not involve cardiovascular fitness...

    Good examples of brilliant professional players are beyond my sports knowledge, but the bright college level quarterbacks that I know have impressed me at numerous levels including intellectual. Indeed, given the short amount of time within which each exchange takes place, it requires a rather swift mind to make brilliant plays.

    The game is different... and showcases a different mindset, that while I do not like, does have particular merits.

    WRT: inventions...

    Not to be particularly snide, but have you ever wondered how many inventions get credited to the wrong people?

    =)

    Seriously though... Science and technology have always had an off and on relationship. Some cultures innovate well and others optimize well (oversimplificiation, as usual). Despite the plethora of critical inventions, some civilizations still stagnated (Arab states, contributing hugely to math with 0, astronomy... China and gunpowder etc...) whereas others take the inventions and completely pummel the originator. Ironic isn't it?

    And yes, this game is very poor...

  • otto #35 10 years ago

    I once read a superb article in the Economist which explained why football and American Football were perfect metaphors for Europe and the US respectively, with football being all about creativity, fluidity and skill, American Football being all about organisation, strategy, breaks for TV ads, yadda yadda yadda...

    But that's all I can remember. :)

  • Halo.Jones #36 10 years ago

    Woo Hoo!

    An Anti-american thread after the bank holiday.

    :)

  • nalmeida #37 10 years ago

    Not to be particularly snide, but have you ever wondered how many inventions get credited to the wrong people?

    Not that many, or at least not as many as you want us to think of...

  • Super Stu #38 10 years ago

    Gestalt:

    On a completely unrelated note (although this is the current "hot" thread as it were, so I'll post it here): It's been confirmed by my import colleagues that a PAL transformer will power an NTSC Cube, negating the stepdown requirement.

    Hope this helps

  • Errol #39 10 years ago

    Polymath - you obviously have a lot of time on your hands.

  • Polymath #40 10 years ago

    Nalmeida,
    I guess my thrust was rather about the whether history remembers as accurately as we suppose. Certainly, in science, credit is given to the first publication... but some individuals, like Newton, sit on their "discoveries" for who knows how long. Surely there are instances where someone "discovered" something but did not feel compelled to get credit.

    Alternatively, in medical science, 2 or more groups will leapfrog until reaching a "discovery", each building on the findings of the other. So... which one really discovered it, if both contributed to the body of knowledge that the "discovery" is predicated upon?

    Anyway, I'm just blathering.

    I'm really sleep deprived.

    Almost done with work...

  • Polymath #41 10 years ago

    Otto --
    Are you implying that you're american...?

    Since that's all you remembered?

    ;)

  • otto #42 10 years ago

    Eh? Nah, me yurpean, though I like to think of myself as a citizen of the world ;) - I did live in the States for a while though, was a big follower of the Kansas City Chiefs...

    That article I referred to has really stuck in my memory, there have been loads of times when I wish I'd made a copy of it to quote from... Oh well... I think it was in the pre-internet days...

  • Polymath #43 10 years ago

    It is certainly a reasonable metaphor, though I suppose many citizens over here might take issue with the bit about commercial breaks.

    And yes, the Economist is superb!

  • binky #44 10 years ago

    Does anybody have any idea when we xbox owners should be expecting out free software and pad??

  • ssuellid #45 10 years ago

    Some poster last week said that they had already received their free XBox stuff. I have not received mine yet tho but I only sent the form a week ago.

  • Kylun #46 10 years ago

    was a big follower of the Kansas City Chiefs

    Ha! Me I supported Tampa Bay Buccs - I could've gone for Miami, but coming from Norwich I'm fond of my underdog.

    And just the add to the mix; Having been nearly 50 domestic club games and over 10 (if not many more) internationals for Rugby, I still say that one the best ever sports occasions I've ever seen was at an American Football game. It is a good, if different, game.

  • binky #47 10 years ago

    What games did u ask for ssuellid?

    I put down Amped and Dead or Alive in the end. Played Dead or Alive on a demo disc the other dday and it werent half as bad as i thought it would be :)

  • Thamuhacha #48 10 years ago

    KONAMI

    KONAMI

    KONAMI!!

    Nuff said

  • otto #49 10 years ago

    "I still say that one the best ever sports occasions I've ever seen was at an American Football game. It is a good, if different, game."

    Agreed. I like 'em both. I also quite enjoy watching baseball. However, I have major problems with the crowd behaviour at US baseball matches. The last one I saw was the LA Dodgers v. Atlanta Braves, in LA, and I went with a bunch of work people from my uncle's firm. They spent the whole game chatting, eating and drinking and didn't pay any attention AT ALL to the match. Wait, at the beginning of the game they unfurled a 'banner' of computer printout paper (remember that stuff?) which said something anodyne like 'Go Dodgers'. A steward (some teenage girl in bobby socks) immediately came up to us and confiscated it! Can you IMAGINE that happening at a European sports event??

  • nalmeida #50 10 years ago

    Well, in Europe she would get herself a serious problem

  • Kylun #51 10 years ago

    Can you IMAGINE that happening at a European sports event??

    er.... yeah. I mean people get busted for standing up don't they?

  • otto #52 10 years ago

    er.... yeah. I mean people get busted for standing up don't they?

    They DO?? Not in Belgium they don't. I've not been to a Premiership game since I left Blighty, which was before the advent of all-seater stadiums, all I can say is if a cute teenage girl in shorts walked up to a bunch of Chelsea supporters and tried to confiscate their sticks of celery, she'd have her hands full.
    Edited by 1 at 07/05/02 @ 14:20

  • nalmeida #53 10 years ago

    Well in here (Portugal) people standing up jumping and making the famous wave is part of the whole football xperience, so unless you are talking about chess (yes it's a sport to) no one gets busted in these shores because of that

  • Nemesis #54 10 years ago

    Due to the tiered seats in the UK stadiums, when your footy team gets close to scoring you all stand up, because otherwise your view is blocked. It's like a ripple effect.

    Sit down. Stand up. Sit down. Stand up. Every. Single. Time.

    Needless to say, Leicester City haven't stood up much this season!

  • Gestalt #55 10 years ago

    No skin off my nose, I'm not a footy fan anyway. :p

  • Whizzo #56 10 years ago

    I'm not a footy fan anyway.
    Support Man Utd then do you? ;-)

  • skalmanxl #57 10 years ago

    Does anybody have any idea when we xbox owners should be expecting out free software and pad??

    I believe it takes a month for it to arrive, it said something about it at the bottom of the application form.

  • Nobby #58 10 years ago

    "wait for ISS 2 on XBOX"

    ISS is a cheap imitation of PES really. I got the first and it wasn't bad - better than fifa - but PES blows it out the water.

    Anyone ever seen a football game in America (rather than an american football game, which would be rather confusing)? Utterly, utterly terrible. It's an insult to football really how poor they were. Saying that, the US football team isn't that bad, but they all play in Germany etc. They're even above Scotland in the fifa world rankings. I'm so ashamed.

  • otto #59 10 years ago

    scum I'm making a gesture with my right hand, forefinger & thumb together, feeding the ducks...

  • #60 10 years ago

    yeah.. stupid *kicks scum*

  • skalmanxl #61 10 years ago

    Sitting at home feeding the ducks at night are you otto?

  • #62 10 years ago

    wwhaaaaaaaaahahahahaha

  • Khab #63 10 years ago

    Hmmmm... that Ljungberg is doin' alright, isn't he?

  • Gestalt #64 10 years ago

    Well, duh. ;) If you're going to be like that, we might as well just say that everything's invented by Africans, because we all have African ancestry if you dig far enough back...

  • Gestalt #65 10 years ago

    I think someone's been on the Becks already...

  • Whizzo #66 10 years ago

    I think someone's been on the Becks already...
    That'll be Victoria I should think...

  • skalmanxl #67 10 years ago

    Atleast they are keeping it in the proper place...

    I think someone's been on the Becks already...

    You think a couple of (dozen) bottles of Beck's cause this. I'd belive that foul crack is to blame.
    Edited by 1 at 07/06/02 @ 15:18

  • Gestalt #68 10 years ago

    Who's foul crack?

  • skalmanxl #69 10 years ago

    The stuff that Leroy on the corner sells?

  • UncleLou #70 10 years ago

    Germany 2 Cameroon 0!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Worst. referee. ever. He gave yellow cards to everyone who even dared to breathe. Hardly anyone not burdened by a yellow card in the match against Spain. Wait a sec...the referee was from Spain...I smell a conspiracy!

    edit: If it IS Spain, of course. I simplified it so it would match my conspiracy theory.
    Edited by 2 at 11/06/02 @ 15:05

  • Nemesis #71 10 years ago

    Any French in the house?

    No? Packed already then. Aha ha ha

    /gasp/

  • Whizzo #72 10 years ago

    UncleLou at least you got something that from the brief half-time highlights I saw was worth watching. The Ireland match was pretty poor, especially after Ireland got their first goal. If the Republic end up facing Spain on Sunday I wouldn't rate their chances particularly highly.

  • BartonFink #73 10 years ago

    Obviously you missed the second half.

    Poor first half...
    Good second half...

    Great result...
    Still unbeaten...
    Edited by 1 at 11/06/02 @ 15:00

  • Whizzo #74 10 years ago

    Obviously you missed the second half.
    Of the Ireland match? Nope I saw the entire game and was rather disappointed in Ireland once Keane had got his goal they seemed to ease off a bit. They did pick up in the second half though. I was happy to see Duff actually looking happy about something with his goal as he'd been whinging about fairly petty things throughout the match.

  • BartonFink #75 10 years ago

    Yup after the goal they seemed to lose their way. It didn't help that Harte had an absolute nightmare.

    Duff definately seemed happier after moving to the Left wing. His goal although deserved was a bit of a laught on the keepers part.
    Breens goal was pure class...as was Keanes
    Edited by 2 at 11/06/02 @ 15:17

  • Whizzo #76 10 years ago

    The first two goals were very good and Duff's is probably the worst example of goalkeeping we've seen so far this world cup! :-)
    They all count though and the Saudi's can at least go home knowing they're as good as France when it comes to scoring in this years tournament! ;-)

  • UncleLou #77 10 years ago

    Heard on the radion this morning that all the world cup games are broadcasted on the internet site

    www.fussballfueralle. de

    Apparently tho, I was not the only one who heard this, so you just can't get through at the moment. The site is a reaction of some "pirates" to the fact that many matches in Germany are pay-TV only. Thought you might be interested.
    Edited by 1 at 14/06/02 @ 09:47

  • FWB #78 10 years ago

    The first two goals were very good and Duff's is probably the worst example of goalkeeping we've seen so far this world cup! :-)

    Err... every goal in that game was an example of awful keeping. Ok, so Keane hit the first in a flashy fashion, but the keep really should have had it covered.

    The goals of the tournament, for me, so far are Senegal's vs Denmark, Uruguay's opening goal and Forn's against Senegal.

  • otto #79 10 years ago

    Goal of the tournament so far for me was Batistuta's really embarrassing own goal in the match against England. Oh hang on, I dreamt that one... :(

  • FWB #80 10 years ago

    Goal of the tournament so far for me was Batistuta's really embarrassing own goal in the match against England. Oh hang on, I dreamt that one... :(

    That reminds me, Senegal's against France was a beauty too. It was great to see Petit and Barthez being responsible.



  • Errol #81 10 years ago

    The goals of the tournament, for me, so far are Senegal's vs Denmark, Uruguay's opening goal and Forn's against Senegal

    What about some of the ones scored by Brazil ? One of their centre-backs scored an amazing acrobatic goal against Costa Rica, and Roberto Carlos's free kick was not too shabby either.

  • BartonFink #82 10 years ago

    FWB - Err... every goal in that game was an example of awful keeping
    Yea Yea what ever you say. /lol

  • otto #83 10 years ago

    Agh! Belgium have just qualified! I'm surrounded by Belgians looking happy - what an awful sight! Please make it stop, THINK OF THE CHILDREN!

  • Whizzo #84 10 years ago

    I'm surrounded by Belgians looking happy - what an awful sight!
    Just tell them they're breaking some sort of EU regulation otto, it might shut them up...

  • FWB #85 10 years ago

    Yea Yea what ever you say. /lol

    Irish are we? ;)

    What about some of the ones scored by Brazil ? One of their centre-backs scored an amazing acrobatic goal against Costa Rica, and Roberto Carlos's free kick was not too shabby either.

    No doubt great goals, but I the others are that tad more classy for me, especially Senegal's - beautiful example of teamwork, running, passing and finishing.


  • BartonFink #86 10 years ago

    FWB - Err ummm English are we??

  • otto #87 10 years ago

    Barton - he's Polish I think - (ssshh, don't mention Portugal ;))

    Anyway this is a bit shit but what the hell:

    http://www.talksport.net/cobranded/talksport/viral_3.ht ml

    The 'viral' gives it away a bit.

  • FWB #88 10 years ago

    FWB - Err ummm English are we??

    Nope. Not a trace of it in my blood. But I am a British citizen. :)

    Barton - he's Polish I think - (ssshh, don't mention Portugal ;))

    :) I am so ashamed of my team that there are no words to describe it. I've had to resort to promoting my other backgrounds - Ukrainian and German - this will be even more of the case when I witness our performance at 12.30. Arhh well, at least I have something to look forward to. Should be picking up my Gamecube this afternoon, my first ever console. I can feel myself turning into a hideous fanboy as we speak.



  • otto #89 10 years ago

    my other backgrounds - Ukrainian and German

    I'd keep schtumm about the Ukrainian one if I were you, at least the Poles made it to Japan. But a multicultural background is always useful for these events. I'm waiting to decide whether I'm German or English this World Cup, let's see who makes it to the quarter finals.

    my first ever console. I can feel myself turning into a hideous fanboy as we speak.

    Just like me! Yay! :)

  • Killerbee #90 10 years ago

    Apologies if you've seen this already...

    To the tune of "Three Lions":

    They're going home,
    They're going home,
    They're going...
    The French are going home] x2

    Isn't it great, thank God it's true.
    Although they missed Zizou,
    It won't do.
    They're not through.
    The Froggies went and threw it away.
    At the end of the day
    They forgot how to play
    Now we're all singing...

    Not a single goal -
    Frank Leboeuf still moaning.
    Lemerre on the dole,
    No more Gallic groaning.

    All of your taunts, all of your jeers,
    But who is staying here?
    You were sh1te,
    And it's clear.
    There's no use blaming
    The referee,
    Or the pitch, or Henry,
    Or Zidane's dodgy knee,
    You're just plain rubbish.

    Bunch of whingeing tw*ts ,
    Team of graceless losers,
    Treze-goal my a*se,
    Heading down the boozer.

    ("And here's Rommedahl for Denmark, Rommedahl.. yes! And Denmark lead the
    World Champions.... Oh, a dangerous looking attack here for Senegal, great
    ball to Diop, who scores! The holders are staring opening day defeat in the
    face... Tomasson for Denmark. Can he finish it off here? He can. It's
    Denmark 2 France 0, and the French are going home...)

    Their mascot's a hen,
    They elected Le Pen.

    [They're going home,
    They're going home,
    They're going...
    The French are going home] x2 and continue.

    Not a single goal -
    Frank Leboeuf still moaning.
    Lemerre on the dole,
    No more Gallic groaning.

  • otto #91 10 years ago

    I kind of feel sorry for the French. At least they owned up afterwards & said they deserved it. It's pretty embarrassing for them, even England did better than that in 1970. And look what happened to us!

    If anyone deserves our abuse and vitriol it's Argentina. That twat Batistuta saying afterwards that they were still the best team in the competition and that they should have beaten England on merit. Dickhead. Can't accept the fact that they were outplayed. Now *that's* arrogance.

  • BartonFink #92 10 years ago

    So otto who are the best team left in the World Cup? and if you even attempt to say England I will fall off my seat laughing.

  • Errol #93 10 years ago

    Brazil. No question.

  • FWB #94 10 years ago

    Arrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhh!!! The match you all were waiting for, the big one, the one that matters is over and the result... WE BEAT THE US! Damn straight. Tis a pity that Portugal lost, but nice goal by the Koreans.

  • BartonFink #95 10 years ago

    Yea but you are still heading home none the less

    The Portugal game was hilarious...
    Korea should really have put them away at the end...
    Portugal unlucky to hit the post...
    Edited by 1 at 14/06/02 @ 15:34

  • otto #96 10 years ago

    It seriously is wide open now, it's just been an incredible tournament so far. Seriously, imagine how much you'd have won if you'd have bet that three of the top favourites would have gone out at this stage, with the hosts both winning their respective groups? Incredible.

    I think this could finally be Spain's World Cup. The Brazilians look beautiful but you can score against them.

  • Whizzo #97 10 years ago

    Korea should really have put them away at the end...
    Yeah they had so many chances at the end but they just couldn't make use of them.

    Poor discipline really cost Portugal today, how Couto(sp?) didn't get sent for touching the ref like that I don't know...

    The next round beckons...

  • UncleLou #98 10 years ago

    As if it wasn't bad enough that all the matches were during work-time, the Germany-Paraguay match tomorrow will be at 8:30 am. On a Saturday! Not the best time to be in the pub and drink a couple o' beers, really.

    Oh how I want to see Chilavert cry...

  • BartonFink #99 10 years ago

    otto - I think this could finally be Spain's World Cup Or even Denmark as you said it's wide open

  • otto #100 10 years ago

    Denmark

    lol

    they might beat England but only cos England are crap :)

  • full effect #101 10 years ago

    It could be Englands world cup as England looks to have the best defense. It will be a different England team on the pitch tomorrow let's hope owen starts doin the buisness.

  • BartonFink #102 10 years ago

    /me falls of seat laughing

    England /lol - 1 goal from open play
    /me falls off seat again

    They will be very lucky to get past Denmark not to mention Brazil.

    Edited by 1 at 14/06/02 @ 16:41

  • Nemesis #103 10 years ago

    Barton you will EAT your words mate!!!!

  • BartonFink #104 10 years ago

    We will see tomorrow :)

    Just can't see England beating Denmark.
    Nor can I see Ireland beating Spain.

  • Nemesis #105 10 years ago

    Man, why has no-one got faith in the England team

    /another sad shake of head/

  • Khab #106 10 years ago

    I'd say this'll be between Brazil (unless they too fall prey to the big-name washout), Spain, England and Denmark.
    On the other hand, my heart tells me that Ljungberg and Larsson can take us to the semis at least. So you'd better watch out...:)

  • otto #107 10 years ago

    Barton just doesn't like England. He's not English you see :)

    I think England could go all the way if they're lucky. But so could any of them. And since when are England lucky?

  • Khab #108 10 years ago

    Since Sven-Göran Eriksson... :)

  • BartonFink #109 10 years ago

    I'd say it's between
    Brazil, Sweden, Spain, Italy and Germany
    Edited by 1 at 14/06/02 @ 17:12

  • FWB #110 10 years ago

    Yea but you are still heading home none the less

    I think you're missing the point: WE BEAT THE US! :)

    Just can't see England beating Denmark.

    Doesn't matter. There is no way in hell they'll get past Brazil in the quarters. The S.Americans may not have a decent defense, but they won't be challenged by our pathetic team.

    Brazil, Sweden, Spain, Italy and Germany

    Sweden are looking damn fine. For me it is either Brazil, Sweden or Senegal.

  • Khab #111 10 years ago

    Ooops, ok, I forgot about the italians... doh. OTOH, they haven't been impressing me...

  • Khab #112 10 years ago

    Sweden are looking damn fine. For me it is either Brazil, Sweden or Senegal.

    Let's all hold out thumbs for the yellow-and-blues on sunday, then, 'cuz then we've got the silver in a little box...

  • BartonFink #113 10 years ago

    Brazil side of the draw looks open and shut

    Brazil v's Sweden semi-final

    The other side is wide open...
    Although I thinks it's going to be Germany v's Spain

  • Nemesis #114 10 years ago

    Well I think we can go all the way. Italy have been ok, it's kinda Totts and 10 grease-monkeys TBH.

    Watch this space.

  • Khab #115 10 years ago

    Well, Denmark just don't have much luck today, do they? I'd switch keepers if I were Mortensen, I would...

    Poor sods.

  • otto #116 10 years ago

    AAAAAAAAAre you watching, aaaaaaaaaaare you watching,
    AAAAAAAAAre you watching BartonFink?
    AAAAAAAAre you waaaaaaaaatching BartonFink!!

    :pPP

    :)))

  • Nemesis #117 10 years ago

    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh would Barton care to be eating his WORDS.

    mwahahahahahahahahahahaha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

  • Whizzo #118 10 years ago

    Well I agree with Barton England are complete crap aren't they.... ;-)

    Bring on the Belgians, when we beat them otto will be happy! :-)

  • otto #119 10 years ago

    when we beat them otto will be happy! :-)

    Got myself into enough trouble over that for one day, so not saying anything :}

  • Khab #120 10 years ago

    Could everyone PLEASE hold their thumbs around 8:30 AM CET tomorrow morning for that game to go as smoothly for Sweden as this did for England? Please?

  • Moonbender #121 10 years ago

    I'll hold my thumbs, but we will have to reschedule that football match, I won't be awake at that time. 4 PM okay with you? :p

  • otto #122 10 years ago

    I shall be cheering my Swedish m8s on :)

    Incidentally, Denmark beat France 2-0, England beat DK 3-0, you know what that means? Yes, we beat France 5-0! :D

  • Khab #123 10 years ago

    Now I'm really, REALLY certain I *don't* like the golden goal silliness...

  • otto #124 10 years ago

    :(

  • Khab #125 10 years ago

    Bwahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! It's not fair! It's not fair! It's not fair!

  • Par #126 10 years ago

    What's not fair?

  • skalmanxl #127 10 years ago

    Sweden got kicked out of the footy WC by Senegal. I couldn't care less.

  • Khab #128 10 years ago

    Well I care, and although the teams were very even, I think the golden goal rule makes for poor matches... Oh well.

  • Whizzo #129 10 years ago

    I think the golden goal rule makes for poor matches...
    Well the game has to be decided one way or the other and as an Englishman I obviously hate penalty shootouts with a passion...

    The last 5-10 minutes of any football match pretty much turn into golden goal any way, anyone get a winning goal that late would have to be stupid to do anything other than waste as much time as possible to get the win.

    Ireland were very unlucky today, I thought they could have done it but the lottery of penalties settled it. The quality of penalty taking from both sides was pretty ropey though.

    Now if the Spainish actually understood the offside rule it could have been a different story...

    Sweden were desperately unlucky too, I almost thought the goal of the tournament was going to be scored by a Southampton player! :-)
    Edited by 1 at 16/06/02 @ 17:50

  • BartonFink #130 10 years ago

    /me munch munch munch munch
    eating words
    munch munch munch munch
    Well done England

    Penalties suck....
    /me crying into coffee

    Still not going back on what I said though
    Brazil v's Someoneorother
    Germany v's Godknowswho
    Semi-finals

    will do more word munching if required

    Well done England hope ye go all the way but Brazil though??

    /me back to crying into coffee
    Edited by 1 at 17/06/02 @ 10:17

  • BartonFink #131 10 years ago

    USA beating Mexico 2-0 who'd have thunk it

  • UncleLou #132 10 years ago

    Have you also read that George W. Bush didn't watch Poland-USA because he "had a meeting"? At 4 a.m.?????? LOL.

    About the result: A strange World Cup, indeed. Hope our boys will destroy the US come Friday. I just couldn't bear their arrogance if they entered the semi-finals.

  • Errol #133 10 years ago

    USA are a hard working, fit team - but they hardly warrant further progression in the worlds premier footballing event.

  • UncleLou #134 10 years ago

    I hope you are right, Errol, but I've heard this since their first match...btw, the Germans do not warrant any further progression also, judging by how they have played till now.

    /me sings: "Ein Rudi Völler, es gibt nur ein' Rudi Völler,..."
    Edited by 1 at 17/06/02 @ 10:37

  • otto #135 10 years ago

    I can't look at Rudi Völler and his horrible mullet without thinking of Frank Rijkard and the spitting incident. Hmm.

    Gutted for Ireland and Sweden, also for Mexico (that *has* to hurt), now I'm beginning to get nervous that the Belgians may actually beat Brazil and totally ruin my day.

  • Errol #136 10 years ago

    Germany vs USA could quite possibly be the most boring match of the tournament thus far.

    With two, workman-like teams slogging it out, with very little flair or skill - It is unlikely to make exciting viewing.

  • UncleLou #137 10 years ago

    Hehe, the Llama incident must have deeply impressed you at that time. Well, who wasn't impressed? Klinsi devoting his goal to Rudi who was sent off, too.

    I would have liked to see Ireland win, but I have no problem with Senegal beating Sweden. I am really excited to see who will stop Senegal.

    Edit: Errol, you can bet your console (whichever it is, note my clever reference to gaming) I WILL be excited, but that's rather due to my Football-patriotism than to the expectable "quality" of the match.
    Edited by 1 at 17/06/02 @ 11:01

  • Whizzo #138 10 years ago

    Belgians may actually beat Brazil and totally ruin my day
    Well they might just do it, Brazil are leaking goals and if Belgium can keep their defence steady they could get a result. I should imagine it would be unbearable to be in Belgium if they turn over the Brazillians otto? :-D

  • Slacker #139 10 years ago

    The belgians will be terrible if they win but i'll be cheering them on today anyhow- I'm just thinking how great it will be (edit: or should i say 'would be'... not that the belgians really have much chance getting through... :-D)to rub my Belgian work-mates' noses in a 5-0 thrashing from England on Friday!
    Edited by 1 at 17/06/02 @ 11:37

  • Whizzo #140 10 years ago

    The belgians will be terrible if they win but i'll be cheering them on today anyhow
    I'll be cheering them on too I'm afraid otto, no matter how potentially interesting an England-Brazil game might be, I just don't really like the Brazillian team.

  • Nemesis #141 10 years ago

    I can't believe the USA are still going!

    I got them in the sweepstakes w00t.

  • Whizzo #142 10 years ago

    I can't believe the USA are still going!
    They probably did weight training using Xboxes! The US doing so well is a surprise, maybe America will actually wake up to the fact there's a tournament going on.

    Saying that there was a England fan's video diary on the BBC the other day and even some of the Japanese public didn't really know it was on....

  • Errol #143 10 years ago

    Predictions for Brazil v Belgium :

    I say 4-1.

  • Nemesis #144 10 years ago

    Brazil are still walking it.

    But they do give goals away, but that's how they play. Personally I love watching them play, but you only really get to see the skill in slo-mo. I'd love them to have camera's closer to the touchlines.

  • otto #145 10 years ago

    The US doing so well is a surprise, maybe America will actually wake up to the fact there's a tournament going on.

    On my way to work this morning, walking to my local tube station in a Belgian suburb, there were three Yank kids running around waving US flags and screaming, and the match was still going on. We really don't want to encourage that sort of behaviour. Come on Germany, bury 'em!

  • Nemesis #146 10 years ago

    Don't cheer the Germans, how they are in the finals I don't know.

  • Slacker #147 10 years ago

    Perhaps, since they werent actually watching the match, they didnt even know it was on.. a random burst of patriotism maybe? I wouldnt put it past the Yanks ;-)

    And I know its USA, but can we really cheer on Germany? Oooooh- its a tough one! :-)

    Incidentally, otto, out of interest- where abouts in Belgium do you live- suburb of Brussels? If you dont mind me asking that is...

  • otto #148 10 years ago

    Well I'd cheer the Germans anyway cos I'm half German, though they're a bit shite nowadays compared to the glory days. No more shite than half the other teams left in the tournament though. Oh & Slacker, I'm in Kraainem.

  • Nemesis #149 10 years ago

    Well, Otto, you know, cheer for your 1/2 team, but do it quietly eh!

    We've a guy at work who's English/Greek Cyp. So when England are winning he supports them, or when Cyprus are playing etc etc. When Ireland are playing he cheered them because his Grandad was 1/2 Irish. One can take it a step too far!

  • Super Stu #150 10 years ago

    Well, I'm %110 Welsh.

    Come on you taffs!

  • Nemesis #151 10 years ago

    Welsh....so Mark Hughes is having an easy summer then!

  • otto #152 10 years ago

    Well Nem it works both ways, you have twice the chance of winning but you also have twice the chance of losing. And you can never really enjoy it either way cos some idiot will say "ah yes but you're not *really* English/German (delete as applicable) are you??" and go & rub some shit in your face. :(

  • Nemesis #153 10 years ago

    Or "You just pick the side that's winning" which is my line to my friend, and it's pretty much true. I'm English true and true, but the mix of different nationalities in London is fantastic, it brightens up the pub matches!

    Although it was a sad day when the South Africans lost; barstaff and temps across the city were sulking.

  • Slacker #154 10 years ago

    Well if you are part German otto, then thats ok :-)
    (i live pretty close to you then- near Roodebeek metro stop, though not for much longer, I move back to the UK in a couple of weeks)

    I have a mate who is part Welsh... doesnt make it known when they play football- he always supports england, but for some reason he is very Welsh when it comes to rugby...

  • Slacker #155 10 years ago

    Nemesis- same watching the matches in brussels- it makes victory that little bit more sweet though when you actually have a group of sulking Danes next to you in the pub during the match ;-) mwahahahahahaha!!!

  • otto #156 10 years ago

    near Roodebeek metro stop

    well well, small world, we've probably sat next to each other on the metro without realising it. I'm the one playing with a GBA (you can't miss me, I'm the only one in Belgium it seems).

    I remember watching the game in Euro '96 when England spanked Holland 6-1 or something. I was in Kitty O'Sheas with a pub full of Dutch people including the Dutch Crown Prince who happened to be doing a stage at the time. Now *that* was fun! >:}

  • Super Stu #157 10 years ago

    Welsh....so Mark Hughes is having an easy summer then!

    I notice we managed to beat the Germans very recently. I wonder who will manage the same feat at the World Cup?

  • Slacker #158 10 years ago

    Not the ONLY one on the GBA, otto ;-)

    I was in Kitty o'Sheas on saturday for the England match- didnt make it there for the Ireland one though... glad I didnt- would have been far too tense! It was bad enough just watching t at home- dont know if I could have taken it in an Irish pub...

  • otto #159 10 years ago

    Heh - well next time I'm on the metro and see someone playing with a GBA I'll go up to him and say "Slacker!", and if he punches me in the mouth I'll know it's not you! May see you in Kitty's for the footy, it's literally only a few doors down from my office.

  • otto #160 10 years ago

    Bit soon to say maybe but Brazil appear to be going through, looking far from unbeatable though. England must fancy their chances. What a pity we'll have to play them in the heat of the day though.

  • otto #161 10 years ago

    Brazil 2 Belgium 0, me gloats, & thinks England should have no problem as long as they play like they did against the Argies & Danes.

  • Whizzo #162 10 years ago

    The Belgians were very unlucky, they should have gone into the second half a goal up, what the ref saw there I do not know. Brazil look decidedly average and England, if they play as well as they can, should do alright.

  • Nemesis #163 10 years ago

    It's not going to be an easy game against Brazil!

    Count your lucky stars; I've advised my girlfriend we will not go away for the last week in June if England get to the final! (we both hit 30 at the same time).

    I think she's secretly hoping we lose!

  • otto #164 10 years ago

    You're not even 30?? And all this posturing about how you're an ancient elder statesman pottering about in a stannah stairlift... /tuts/

  • Nemesis #165 10 years ago

    Well I will be in, oh, 13 days time! Plus my kids are quite old, so I feel like an old man!

    Still, didn't stop me buying comics in Forbidden Planet, even if I was the only suit in there! Wanted the Essential Spidey stuff, but they didn't have it :-(

  • Slacker #166 10 years ago

    Hahaha! I know I said i'd be cheering for belguim but i still cant help but rub it in to people at work... ahhhh... will be even sweeter if we win friday though...

  • BartonFink #167 10 years ago

    After watching the Brazil nuts again I am begining to think that England can punish them at the back they look veeeeery dodgy.
    If England can get their defence right they may well pull it off.
    /me starts munching words again
    I think England can do it...but only if their defence is rock solid and Owen is on song.

  • Nemesis #168 10 years ago

    Tomatoe Sauce with that BartonFink????

    (Must restrain myself from writing Batfink deletedeletedeletedeletedelete)

  • BartonFink #169 10 years ago

    Hmmm Yorkshire Relish I think..

  • otto #170 10 years ago

    Your bullets cannot harm me, my wings are like a shield of steel!

    Um, anyway, Barton you sure this isn't a new tactic to get our hopes up and make us all overconfident before we crash and born in a Nigeria-style performance on Friday?

    edit - uh that would be 'burn'
    Edited by 1 at 17/06/02 @ 17:48

  • BartonFink #171 10 years ago

    Sure ye don't need me to do that ... ye do that well enough on yer own.

    I do think ye have a great chance of going through on Friday though.

  • Nemesis #172 10 years ago

    ...dunno bout getting in for 7.30am at work though!

  • BartonFink #173 10 years ago

    Methinks I will be a tad on the late side on Friday

  • otto #174 10 years ago

    If we're 3-0 up by half time on Friday then they won't see me in the office before lunch, if it looks as if it's heading to penalties I'll be straight to the office, no interest in what happens...

    :(

  • skalmanxl #175 10 years ago

    Did you hear that the S. Korean fella who scores against Italy got the boot from Perugia?

  • Nemesis #176 10 years ago

    Well I wouldn't wanna go play in Italy after that would you? Talk about inviting the Mafia to come get you!

    I've got a few hours off Friday morn! Oh yes.
    Edited by 1 at 19/06/02 @ 15:49

  • Whizzo #177 10 years ago

    It does seem rather petty that they've given Ahn the boot. Italy have some justification in feeling that the ref seemed to be rather harsh on them, however that doesn't explain why they sat back on their one goal lead or how they managed to miss the back of the net from right in front of the posts just after Korea equalised!

  • ssuellid #178 10 years ago

    Sorry to those who have seen this on the other thread but its a public service announcement.

    The number for the Argentinian embassy is 020 7318 1300. They apparently get quite irate if you call them and say you are from British Airways and ask if they still need 22 seats back from Japan on the 30th June.

  • Nemesis #179 10 years ago

    Because Whizzo, sometimes in life, being arrogant means eventually someone will slap you back down.

  • DocX #180 10 years ago

    "Italy have some justification in feeling that the ref seemed to be rather harsh on them"

    Eh? Were we watching the same match? I thought Italy got away with murder in the first half, diving, shirt tugging, elbows flying. I think they got what they deserved if the ref stuck it to 'em later on.

  • Whizzo #181 10 years ago

    being arrogant means eventually someone will slap you back down
    Indeed it does, I just wish the Italians would at least accept the fact they didn't win the match was due to their own tactics and the fact the Koreans wanted it more, something that happens in football all the time.

  • Whizzo #182 10 years ago

    Eh? Were we watching the same match?
    Well having an onside goal disallowed is pretty harsh isn't it? The ref did seem to treat the Koreans much more tamely.

  • otto #183 10 years ago

    It's easy to feel miserable and whinge about how you wuz robbed, God knows the English are past masters at that, but it doesn't change a thing and doesn't make you feel any better, if you want an example of how to lose gracefully I'd say you could look at the French, god knows I hate em ;) but they said the right things after they were knocked out despite being desperately unlucky with several refereeing decisions - compare that to the Italians and Argies who insist that they're the best in the world despite the fact that they're patently *not*.

  • Nemesis #184 10 years ago

    But we always ARE robbed!

    *cough*

  • DocX #185 10 years ago

    Funny stuff :)

    USA style commentary

    Yank reactions


  • FWB #186 10 years ago

    Pretty damn funny. I liked this typical Canadian response in particular:

    Please don't make fun of the USA "soccer" team. They're obviously a superior brand of American: they travelled outside their country without getting completely lost!
    Robert, Canada

  • otto #187 10 years ago

    Hilarious! I especially liked this:

    US sportswriter John C. Pochansky
    "Now we face spunky Germany"

  • Super Stu #188 10 years ago

    LOL

    I read those comments.. why is it people from all other countries laughed at the story (which was clearly just a bit of fun) yet the Yanks didn't?

    The Canadians appear to have a sense of humour at least.

  • FWB #189 10 years ago

    yet the Yanks didn't?

    Well to be fair there were a few who seemed to, and asked that we ignore their humourless comrades.

  • Whizzo #190 10 years ago

    asked that we ignore their humourless comrades.
    Yes some of the Americans did see it for what it was, just a bit of fun. The ones that didn't though really need to get a grip on reality, all the talk about taking "soccer" and making it their sport and demolishing everyone else almost looked like they could have been written by a certain troll who posts here.
    Edited by 1 at 20/06/02 @ 12:21

  • Super Stu #191 10 years ago

    Quote of the Day (from Monday's Express, I believe).

    Said BBC interviewer John Humphrys on England's football squad:

    "Can you imagine what it would be like living in London if that bunch of precious, over-paid tossers win the World Cup?"

    Said Conservative MP Michael Fabricant responding to John Humphrys' England team slur:

    "It's a shame the European Court of Justice has forced Britain to get rid of the death penalty for treason."


    Mr Fabricant.. John Humphrys is Welsh, you tit.

  • Whizzo #192 10 years ago

    John Humphrys is Welsh, you tit.
    Humphry's speech makes him sound more of a tosser than anyone in the England team though.
    Edited by 1 at 20/06/02 @ 12:27

  • Super Stu #193 10 years ago

    He's right though.

    Stop stuffing us at rugby and we might lend a clapping hand or two at your footy matches

    ;)

  • Whizzo #194 10 years ago

    Bugger..

    England simply weren't good enough, Scholes was shockingly poor and Seaman obviously thought, as everyone else did, the free kick was going to be a cross. What's the phrase about assumptions?

    The ref was amazingly poor though, why Ronaldinho got sent off I've no idea, was it the dodgy barnet? It certainly wasn't for the tackle.

    No complaints, Brazil were better even with 10 men but I really wish someone would tackle Rivaldo really hard at some point so when he rolls around on the ground he actually is hurt, the big poof!

    "We're coming home! We're coming home! We're coming, England's coming home!"

    Now when's our first Euro 2004 game.....
    Edited by 1 at 21/06/02 @ 10:54

  • otto #195 10 years ago

    Suddenly I've remembered that I also carry a German passport

    *cough*

  • Whizzo #196 10 years ago

    Suddenly I've remembered that I also carry a German passport
    I would have loved an England-Germany final, but as that's not going to happen I'm supporting the US at lunchtime! ;-)

  • Errol #197 10 years ago

    England were outplayed from start to finish. The only reason we even scored, was because the Brazilian defender decided (for some inexplicable reason) to provide a perfect pass to owen in his own box !

    The sending of of Ronaldinho was a joke (and the performance of the referee(s) in general needs some examination, I think).

    We can only hope that our youthful squad has gained much experience from this adventure; this will set them in good stead for the Euro Championships and the 2006 World Cup.

  • BartonFink #198 10 years ago

    Whizzo check out

    http://www.uefa.com/competitions/EURO2004/FixturesResul ts

    Oh errr very difficult group England have :)
    Edited by 1 at 21/06/02 @ 11:07

  • Whizzo #199 10 years ago

    Oh errr very difficult group England have :)
    England will get through that, so it's Oct 12 in Slovakia, can't wait.
    Edited by 1 at 21/06/02 @ 11:17

  • otto #200 10 years ago

    England will get through that

    Famous last words...

    Ah it's great to get back to knocking the national team :)

  • Whizzo #201 10 years ago

    Famous last words...
    That's not a great group to deal with though, more the "Group of Sleep" than the "Group of Death", there's some pretty easy wins there.... ;-)

    And yes you can quote me on that if we don't comfortably deal with the Slovaks in October...

  • Killerbee #202 10 years ago

    Never mind, eh?

    Brazil will probably win it now, and fair play to them - they were the better team out there today.

  • UncleLou #203 10 years ago

    Sorry guys, I feel for you.
    *claps hands and eagerly awaits the annihilation of the US today*

  • Whizzo #204 10 years ago

    *claps hands and eagerly awaits the annihilation of the US today*
    Don't get too cocky! I expect Germany to win but until the final whistle blows it's always best to be a little more humble... ;-)

  • UncleLou #205 10 years ago

    My cockiness was caused by your statement of supporting the US, Whizzo ;-)

    But I am REALLY pretty sure we beat them easily, honestly. No reason to get excited.

  • Whizzo #206 10 years ago

    U S A! U S A! U S A! ;-)

  • UncleLou #207 10 years ago

    Pah, nothing can shatter my confidence in the spitit of our team.

    (expect me back on EG on June 24, 2006 if we lose today)

  • Slacker #208 10 years ago

    *sob* Another 4 years of harping on about 1966 and what could have been then.... oh great. :_( I wish we could have just won the damn thing so we could start living in the present again!

    Ah well...

    At least there is the prospect of the USA getting whipped later on to cheer me up... ;-)

  • otto #209 10 years ago

    I am really looking forward to seeing those footballing upstarts soundly spanked by a second-rate German side. And Whizzo you should be ashamed of yourself. :)

  • Whizzo #210 10 years ago

    Whizzo you should be ashamed of yourself.
    U S A!
    There isn't a team on Earth (hmm maybe Argentina) that I want to do more poorly than Germany, I'm English for crying out loud! :-D

    Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light....
    Edited by 1 at 21/06/02 @ 13:01

  • otto #211 10 years ago

    Gah Whizzo you're turning into european scum!!!

  • Whizzo #212 10 years ago

    Must go and buy an Xbox. My transformation would be complete!

    Nah Germany should win, probably by a single goal, however Portugal and Mexico should have won as well. We shall see, it's not a game I'm all that bothered about the result but considering just how many upsets there's been there's always room for more...

  • UncleLou #213 10 years ago

    Whizzo, immediately leave this thread! Shoo!

  • Whizzo #214 10 years ago

    Just saw the Ronaldinho foul again from another angle and it looked like he may have elbowed Mills in the face, perhaps the red was justified after all...

  • UncleLou #215 10 years ago

    Ah, already trying to come to terms with the past, aren't we? ;)

  • Slacker #216 10 years ago

    All decisions in England's favour are justified! Even ones that dont actually make a difference...

  • UncleLou #217 10 years ago

    Oh, the Germans are playing with a black ribbon to honour Fritz Walter.

  • jaa #218 10 years ago

    Ah it's great to get back to knocking the national team :)

    You're amateurs when it comes to knock the national team. Believe me.

    Now when's our first Euro 2004 game.....

    Around 2007. We should have all the stadiums ready by then.

  • UncleLou #219 10 years ago

    American fandom

    Edited by 1 at 21/06/02 @ 13:31

  • ssuellid #220 10 years ago

    A slight pisstake of the yanks: -

    http://w ww.brokennewz.com/usnews/ssphere.asp

  • DocX #221 10 years ago

    Gutted :-(

  • otto #222 10 years ago

    Such a letdown isn't it? Can't see us having a better chance for a looong, long time to come.

    Still, at least we sent Argentina home. :)

  • DocX #223 10 years ago

    The Germans are 1 up, I see. I'd rather they won than the USA. That's got to be a first for me!

  • otto #224 10 years ago

    Well that was a pretty unconvincing German win...

    Looks like a Brazil-Spain final then...

    bah

  • Whizzo #225 10 years ago

    Well that was a pretty unconvincing German win...
    Nice save on the line by the German defender...

    The Septics were the far better team but it doesn't really matter if you don't put it in the back of the net.

  • UncleLou #226 10 years ago

    "But I am REALLY pretty sure we beat them easily, honestly. No reason to get excited."

    HEY! Which moron logged in under my name and voiced such crap?

    *sigh*

    At least we have won.

    Come on, Whizzo, please kick me.

  • Whizzo #227 10 years ago

    Kicks UncleLou! :-)

    Someone posted the following earlier "Germany should win, probably by a single goal" hmmm
    Edited by 1 at 21/06/02 @ 15:43

  • UncleLou #228 10 years ago

    /me gets up again, holding bum/

    Thank you. I feel a little better now.

  • UncleLou #229 10 years ago

    w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t

    You know why!

  • DocX #230 10 years ago

    What was it Beckenbauer said?

    If you put all the German team in a sack & punched it, whoever got hit would deserve it.

    Why just one punch though?

  • otto #231 10 years ago

    I may yet win the World Cup

    *me falls over*

  • UncleLou #232 10 years ago

    *me catches otto*

    Calm down, I fear it won't happen...

    Isn't it strange that Germany and Brazil NEVER faced each other in the World Cup? Maybe this time!

  • otto #233 10 years ago

    I'm really, really counting on Turkey... I could then be in line to win some serious money... :)

  • UncleLou #234 10 years ago

    Hey, I want to be safe on the streets when Germany wins the World Cup - I fear war when we beat Turkey. And I'll be afraid to enter my favourite Kebab-restaurant. Incredibly nice guys, but I couldn't bear their accusing eyes...

    Gosh, under my window there is a pack of drunken morons crying "Deutschland - Finale" - makes me wish we don't win (er, I didn't say that).

  • FWB #235 9 years ago

    Sure, how much?