This Summers Olympic football thread is now here! Keep checking for updates on games, squads and some live reporting on the knock out games. Reviews and news will be a plenty as well as i look to deliver all that is Olympic Football to TL!
Mens Football
Squads * Notes over aged players, your allowed 3 per squad
GK Jack Butland Birmingham City GK Jason Steele Middlesbrough DF Ryan Bertrand Chelsea DF Steven Caulker Tottenham Hotspur DF Craig Dawson West Bromwich Albion DF Micah Richards* Manchester City DF Danny Rose Tottenham Hotspur DF Neil Taylor Swansea City DF James Tomkins West Ham United MF Joe Allen Swansea City MF Tom Cleverley Manchester United MF Jack Cork Southampton MF Ryan Giggs* (c) Manchester United MF Aaron Ramsey Arsenal MF Scott Sinclair Swansea City FW Craig Bellamy* Liverpool FW Marvin Sordell Bolton Wanderers FW Daniel Sturridge Chelsea
GK Jung Sung-Ryong* Suwon Bluewings DF Oh Jae-Suk Gangwon FC DF Yun Suk-Young Chunnam Dragons DF Kim Young-Gwon Guangzhou Evergrande DF Jang Hyun-Soo F.C. Tokyo MF Ki Sung-Yueng Celtic MF Kim Bo-Kyung Osaka MF Baek Sung-Dong Júbilo Iwata FW Ji Dong-Won Sunderland FW Park Chu-Young* Arsenal MF Nam Tae-Hee Lekhwiya DF Hwang Seok-Ho Sanfrecce Hiroshima MF Koo Ja-Cheol (c) Augsburg DF Kim Chang-Soo* Busan IPark MF Park Jong-Woo Busan IPark MF Han Kook-Young Bellmare FW Kim Hyun-Sung FC Seoul GK Lee Beom-Young Busan IPark
GK Rafael Cabral Santos DF Danilo Porto DF Thiago Silva* (c) Milan DF Juan Internazionale MF Sandro Tottenham Hotspur DF Marcelo* Real Madrid MF Lucas Moura São Paulo MF Rômulo Spartak Moscow FW Alexandre Pato Milan MF Oscar Internacional FW Neymar Santos GK Neto Fiorentina DF Rafael Manchester United DF Bruno Uvini São Paulo MF Ganso Santos DF Alex Sandro Porto FW Hulk* Porto FW Leandro Damião Internacional
GK Jake Gleeson Portland Timbers DF Tim Payne 10 January Blackburn Rovers DF Ian Hogg 15 December Auckland City DF Tim Myers Waitakere United DF Tommy Smith Ipswich Town DF Ryan Nelsen* (c) Queens Park Rangers FW Kosta Barbarouses Panathinaikos MF Michael McGlinchey* Central Coast Mariners FW Shane Smeltz* Perth Glory FW Chris Wood West Bromwich Albion MF Marco Rojas Melbourne Victory DF Adam Thomas Waikato MF Alex Feneridis Auckland City DF James Musa Team Wellington MF Cameron Howieson Burnley FW Dakota Lucas Sunshine Coast MF Adam McGeorge Auckland City GK Michael O'Keeffe Fairfield University
GK José Mendoza Platense GK Francisco Reyes Olimpia DF Hilder Colón Real España DF Wilmer Crisanto Victoria DF Maynor Figueroa* Wigan Athletic DF Johnny Leverón (c) Motagua DF Orlin Peralta Vida DF David Velásquez Victoria MF Roger Espinoza* Sporting Kansas City MF Luis Garrido Olimpia MF Alexander López Olimpia MF Mario Martínez Real España MF Alfredo Mejía Motagua MF Andy Najar D.C. United MF Arnold Peralta Vida FW Jerry Bengtson* New England Revolution FW Eddie Hernández Motagua FW Anthony Lozano Alcoyano
GK David de Gea Manchester United GK Diego Mariño Villarreal GK Joel Robles Atlético Madrid DF Jordi Alba Barcelona DF César Azpilicueta Marseille DF Alberto Botía Sporting Gijón DF Álvaro Domínguez Borussia Mönchengladbach DF Iñigo Martínez Real Sociedad DF Martín Montoya Barcelona MF Ander Herrera Athletic Bilbao MF Isco Málaga MF Koke Atlético Madrid MF Javi Martínez* Athletic Bilbao MF Juan Mata* Chelsea MF Iker Muniain Athletic Bilbao MF Oriol Romeu Chelsea FW Adrián López* Atlético Madrid FW Rodrigo Benfica FW Cristian Tello Barcelona FW Álvaro Vázquez Espanyol
GK Karen Bardsley Linköping GK Rachel Brown Everton DF Anita Asante Göteborg DF Sophie Bradley Lincoln DF Ifeoma Dieke Vittsjö DF Claire Rafferty Chelsea DF Alex Scott Arsenal DF Casey Stoney (C) Lincoln MF Stephanie Houghton Arsenal MF Kim Little Arsenal MF Jill Scott Everton MF Fara Williams Everton MF Rachel Yankey Arsenal FW Eniola Aluko Birmingham City FW Karen Carney Birmingham City FW Kelly Smith Arsenal FW Rachel Williams Birmingham City FW Ellen White Arsenal
GK Jenny Bindon Hibiscus Coast DF Ria Percival FFC Frankfurt DF Anna Green Lokomotive Leipzig MF Katie Hoyle Bad Neuenahr DF Abby Erceg Fencibles United DF Rebecca Smith (c) VfL Wolfsburg DF Ali Riley LdB FC Malmö MF Hayley Moorwood Chelsea FW Amber Hearn FF USV Jena FW Sarah Gregorius Bad Neuenahr MF Kirsty Yallop Vittsjö GIK MF Betsy Hassett UC Berkeley FW Rosie White UCLA DF Kristy Hill Eastern Suburbs DF Rebekah Stott Melbourne Victory MF Annalie Longo Three Kings United FW Hannah Wilkinson Glenfield Rovers GK Rebecca Rolls Fencibles United
GK Derly Castaño University of Kansas GK Sandra Sepúlveda CD Formas Íntimas DF Nataly Arias University of Maryland DF Natalia Ariza Austin Peay State University DF Yulieth Domínguez 6 Estudiantes F.C. DF Natalia Gaitán University of Toledo DF Kelis Peduzine CD Eba MF Ana María Montoya University of Arizona MF Daniela Montoya CD Formas Íntimas MF Liana Salazar University of Kansas MF Yoreli Rincón XV de Piracicaba MF Carmen Rodallega CD Carlos Sarmiento Lora MF Catalina Usme CD Formas Íntimas FW Lady Andrade 1 CD Inter de Bogotá FW Tatiana Ariza Austin Peay State University FW Melissa Ortiz Lynn University FW Oriánica Velásquez Indiana University FW Ingrid Vidal University of Kansas
Well where to start in this packed house of footballing talent to be put on display this Olympics, from the newest team to enter in Great Britain, the first time since 1974 to the footballing elite in Brazil. There is going to be some great footballing talent on display from the Brazilian wonder kids to the cool calm Spanish under 23s.
The Favorites;
Spain
Well let’s start with the current world and European champions Spain. Spain have entered a very young squad (I know the others are young too with the under 23 rule but Spain’s is considerably young and inexperienced at major international level) with only a few notable stand out players the world will recognise. Jordi Alba, Juan Mata, David de Gea and Adrian Lopez the most notable players you might recognise if you didn’t follow Spanish football properly. With the likes of Juan Mata and Jordi Alba being involved in the recent European success they will be on a high and passing down the experience to the others around them and hoping they can win the Olympics, to add it to the other recent success of the national team. Their success is going to come down to can they make the creativity the senior team creates, so there possession will count for something. If this happens they will be very comfortable in their group and should be looking to get to the finals.
Brazil
By far the best squad of the tournament bar none, so many world class players and season pro’s as over 23 players. The Brazilians have always had wonder kids coming through, but as of late they have had a real bunch coming through the ranks, with the likes of Neymar Oscar and Moura being the exceptional talents being nurtured. To add to these fantastic youths they have added in the seasoned pros of Thiago Silva and Hulk who have been around the top level for a while for club and country. The Brazilian media have been hyping up their chances for this Olympics and see themselves as favourites like the rest of the world, so there is a bit of pressure for the youngsters, but if they can produce the football they produce for club level I’m pretty sure Brazil will be an unstoppable and sublime force to watch.
Outsiders
Uruguay
I can’t help but look at the big names in the Uruguayan team and think; wow maybe they can do something here. The biggest name probably known is Suarez and well we all know he has the passion and the ability to score from anywhere on the pitch if given the ball enough. They are probably my 3rd favourites in the competition to do something, with an above average first 11 that know each other and can do a lot of damage if given the ball to do so. They will be organised and quick.
Great Britain
Probably, the next team who has the potential to do some damage is Great Britain, but with the way they look to be set up I can’t see them going too far in this competition. They have been built around the idea of keeping the ball with a lot of Swansea based players in the team with season pros of Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards adding to the inexperienced youth in the side; will this work for Stuart Pearce? I think not. Giggs will be playing central midfield with Richards’s most likely centre back and Bellamy out wide on one of the wings as we will probably set up 4-3-3 with 2 wingers and a striker. Daniel Sturridge another good prospect of English football looking to recover from viral meningitis in time to make himself fit enough to play. The lack of goal scorers is another reason I think Great Britain will struggle, but maybe there is a chance of a few 1-0 wins to push them through, who knows it is football and they are the home team.
Too bad so few European teams and also no Argentina.
Countries like Gabon, Honduras, Belarus, New Zealand, UAE. really?
Should be Brasil vs Spain in the finals and maybe some interesting stuff from Mexico, Japan and maybe Switzerland or Senegal. And UK as huge dark horse.
Im not sure how the Qualification works either, if there is any. How Argentina the last 2 olympics winners aren't in the mens football i don't know! Germany not in the Ladies tournament either? :S
On July 13 2012 00:19 GTR wrote: Brazil is stacked as fuck, I'd be surprised if they drop a game all tournament.
My thoughts exactly. They really want to win this, because up until now they haven't won @ the Olympics. Iirc I read something like this, and thats why they are so stacked
I guess this is Giggs's first major international? Glad that he got the chance, always feel a little sorry for world class players born in insignificant football countries.
But yeah Brazil looks really scary, them and Spain favorites easily. I've actually never watched football olympics for some reason although I've seen several world/euro cups, not sure if it's even on free telly here.
People seem to be forgetting Uruguay! Obviously Spain vs Brazil will be a dream final, but i can't help but think Uruguay are the next best in the mens draw, and a long shot of team GB maybe doing something.
I remember seeing Messi in the Athens Olympics, when the big stars were saviola and tevez, so I'm hoping to get to see some huge upcoming talent now as well.
Oooh, some games played at St James' Park, small trip for me, might be worth a look anyone know what the deal is with these sorts of games, are they cheaper than regular club games? Tickets still available and what not?
Brazil is so sick good this tournament. Looking forward to seeing Sandro tear shit up playing in London where he plays for the greatest club in the world. Neymar with the flair.
I was hopeful for the British team until Bale pulled up with his knee. They're not going to be toothless, but Spain and Brazil both outclass them.
Looking forward to watching and hopefully getting some upsets, although with America failing to qualify I have to find a new team to root for. Britain winning on their home turf would be amazing to see and I'm always happy to see the Asian countries do well against the old powerhouses.
Its a joke that football is in the olympic program. No one really cares about this tournament. Sure we might see some fine players and entertaining matches but from a prestige pov this tournament has 0 value. Imho it should be taken off the olympics.
On July 20 2012 06:22 cheeseheadlogic wrote: I think the Packers got this, too much talent on the pitch.
hahahaha what makes this so awesome is your TL username.
On July 20 2012 07:06 DaCruise wrote: Its a joke that football is in the olympic program. No one really cares about this tournament. Sure we might see some fine players and entertaining matches but from a prestige pov this tournament has 0 value. Imho it should be taken off the olympics.
Meh, there are loads of olympic 'sports' which are a joke, JLIG, it at least gives a bunch of players who weren't taken to the Euros a run around, and the South American teams get to have some fun.
I don't know anything about this event but how come a lot of the regular national team players are missing? Is it that nobody cares about this tournament or that there are some stipulations involved?
On July 20 2012 07:24 Masamune wrote: I don't know anything about this event but how come a lot of the regular national team players are missing? Is it that nobody cares about this tournament or that there are some stipulations involved?
in the olympics you have to use players under 23 years, only three overaged guys allowed.
But I do know that not necessarily everyone takes the olympic soccer games to be too serious. Is the under-23 age restriction common among soccer tournaments or is this more of a thing to let younger/lesser known players get their name out?
On July 20 2012 22:09 Denzil wrote: really slow here
but when did we swap out beckham? i thought it was pretty much a conclusion that he'd be in the team he also scored a pretty decent goal recently
Was in the preliminary squad of like 25 or something but didn't make the final 18 cut. Strange descion which Pearce has had to defend at every press conference so far, and yes after his 2 wonder goals for Galaxy the other weekend, he is needing to hope that his GB team don't fail to badly.
On July 20 2012 21:57 IntoTheheart wrote: I don't know anything about soccer.
But I do know that not necessarily everyone takes the olympic soccer games to be too serious. Is the under-23 age restriction common among soccer tournaments or is this more of a thing to let younger/lesser known players get their name out?
Actually, it's because with the World Cup being the premier international tournament, FIFA didn't want the Olympics to steal its thunder, so they settled a compromise where it would basically be an U23 World Cup (only kind in international football) with the exception of 3 over-aged players.
Im really concerned about Mexico. They've looked really bad in the friendlies that Oribe Peralta has been starting. He may be their best finisher but he's pretty useless with the ball and kills build up's pretty bad. He doesn't even move well without it. The team is easily 5 times better with Raul Jimenez in there. Now to get dos Santos to work without messing up Fabian...
Olympic football is such a joke, don't think ill even bother to watch the final, why cant FIFA and IOC finally make an agreement to stop this bullshit with sending noname juniors on such important event. Now after allowing 3 players above 23 years old to play for one team it will be even worse, Neymar or Suarez playing with juniors wont fill the stadiums which btw are going to be half empty during most of the games, like usually. U23 Egypt vs Belarus for 40 pounds ftw
On July 22 2012 19:45 Itachii wrote: Olympic football is such a joke, don't think ill even bother to watch the final, why cant FIFA and IOC finally make an agreement to stop this bullshit with sending noname juniors on such important event. Now after allowing 3 players above 23 years old to play for one team it will be even worse, Neymar or Suarez playing with juniors wont fill the stadiums which btw are going to be half empty during most of the games, like usually. U23 Egypt vs Belarus for 40 pounds ftw
you're missing a lot then
in 88: Romario in 96 our squad had: Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and Bebeto in 2000: Ronaldinho
Messi and Tevez have played for Argentina very recently too.
Although I don't really like the Brazilian team this year, all our best promising players are there: Neymar, Pato, Lucas, Ganso, Damião, Oscar.
Argentina isn't there because they failed to qualify in the U20 south-american tournament
On July 20 2012 21:57 IntoTheheart wrote: I don't know anything about soccer.
But I do know that not necessarily everyone takes the olympic soccer games to be too serious. Is the under-23 age restriction common among soccer tournaments or is this more of a thing to let younger/lesser known players get their name out?
Actually, it's because with the World Cup being the premier international tournament, FIFA didn't want the Olympics to steal its thunder, so they settled a compromise where it would basically be an U23 World Cup (only kind in international football) with the exception of 3 over-aged players.
It's definitely a right call by FIFA. U don't need to have the best players of the world competing every second year, especially since there is some other major tournaments as well.
This brazil squad and spain squad are worth watching this for. I mean Oscar Neymar alone are worth watching brazil...and spain have great players coming through too, likes of Mata playing etc.
Don't be surprised if Korea medals. we have a fairly weak defence and average strikers, but our midfield is one of the best if not the best in the tourney, particularly our center mids. i think we can top our group, then meet GB or senegal. we beat senegal 3-0 a few days ago so im kind of hoping we meet them, but GB looks fairly weak too. as long as we don't meet uruguay with their beast forwards.
it seems to me like this tourney doesn't have a lot of playmakers, just a bunch of great forwards like neymar, cavani, suarez, etc. So i'll be curious to see as how this tourney goes. hopefully it doesn't turn into the copa america where all the teams had good forwards but terrible midfielders, which led to unattractive football and overall bad play
ahahha your writing these previews again! Always excellent stuff and I agree. We should give u a football badge and I hope to catch the highlights of each game in your threads.
Neymar is a clown who loves to dive. Touch him, he dives. Sure he is a talented player yes, but wouldn't be surprised to see him transition into olympic diving and win the gold.
Women's football fighting! goo! Yea Brazil is the clear favorite but it will be fun to watch and see how everyone does. Good luck to the Great Britain teams :D
On July 24 2012 11:12 CountChocula wrote: Will Park Chu-Young get to skip mandatory military service if he helps Korea win Olympic Football?
yes he will along with the entire team.
the thing is though, park chu young doesn't really need it since as monaco fc delayed his service by like ten years, which will allow him to have a full football career in europe. and even if he medals, he will still probably go do military service because there was controversy in korea because people thought he shouldn't get his military service delayed. idk, but koreans are sensitive about this stuff.
so basically, he will still probably go to the military
I just realized the tournament starts before the opening ceremony. :o
Football at the olympic games doesn't really matter, but watching Brasil will be fun for sure. Sort of a preview for the 2014 world cup, the team won't look that different there.
On July 24 2012 11:12 CountChocula wrote: Will Park Chu-Young get to skip mandatory military service if he helps Korea win Olympic Football?
Yes. Allong with the rest of the team.
Apparently being allowed to skip military service is a big perk for Korean Olympic medalists...
Wow, that's crazy. I asked that question on a bit of a long-shot since I thought only Korean footballers who do well at World Cups. That's pretty cool. I'd like to see him play on Arsenal for a few more years.
On July 24 2012 11:12 CountChocula wrote: Will Park Chu-Young get to skip mandatory military service if he helps Korea win Olympic Football?
yes he will along with the entire team.
the thing is though, park chu young doesn't really need it since as monaco fc delayed his service by like ten years, which will allow him to have a full football career in europe. and even if he medals, he will still probably go do military service because there was controversy in korea because people thought he shouldn't get his military service delayed. idk, but koreans are sensitive about this stuff.
so basically, he will still probably go to the military
Oh I see... I didn't know he had it delayed before already.
On July 24 2012 11:12 CountChocula wrote: Will Park Chu-Young get to skip mandatory military service if he helps Korea win Olympic Football?
Yes. Allong with the rest of the team.
Apparently being allowed to skip military service is a big perk for Korean Olympic medalists...
Wow, that's crazy. I asked that question on a bit of a long-shot since I thought only Korean footballers who do well at World Cups. That's pretty cool. I'd like to see him play on Arsenal for a few more years.
On July 24 2012 11:12 CountChocula wrote: Will Park Chu-Young get to skip mandatory military service if he helps Korea win Olympic Football?
yes he will along with the entire team.
the thing is though, park chu young doesn't really need it since as monaco fc delayed his service by like ten years, which will allow him to have a full football career in europe. and even if he medals, he will still probably go do military service because there was controversy in korea because people thought he shouldn't get his military service delayed. idk, but koreans are sensitive about this stuff.
so basically, he will still probably go to the military
Oh I see... I didn't know he had it delayed before already.
sorry man, but i wish he would leave arsenal ASAP. it seems like arsene wenger just hates the guy or something. i remember when arsenal was up like 5-1 against blackburn or something and he STILL didn't put park in.
On July 24 2012 11:12 CountChocula wrote: Will Park Chu-Young get to skip mandatory military service if he helps Korea win Olympic Football?
Yes. Allong with the rest of the team.
Apparently being allowed to skip military service is a big perk for Korean Olympic medalists...
Wow, that's crazy. I asked that question on a bit of a long-shot since I thought only Korean footballers who do well at World Cups. That's pretty cool. I'd like to see him play on Arsenal for a few more years.
On July 24 2012 22:00 Tazza wrote:
On July 24 2012 11:12 CountChocula wrote: Will Park Chu-Young get to skip mandatory military service if he helps Korea win Olympic Football?
yes he will along with the entire team.
the thing is though, park chu young doesn't really need it since as monaco fc delayed his service by like ten years, which will allow him to have a full football career in europe. and even if he medals, he will still probably go do military service because there was controversy in korea because people thought he shouldn't get his military service delayed. idk, but koreans are sensitive about this stuff.
so basically, he will still probably go to the military
Oh I see... I didn't know he had it delayed before already.
sorry man, but i wish he would leave arsenal ASAP. it seems like arsene wenger just hates the guy or something. i remember when arsenal was up like 5-1 against blackburn or something and he STILL didn't put park in.
Oh I see, that's a shame. I haven't been following Arsenal too closely.
Not that i care for the women tournament but do they have the 3 player rule as well? And is that rule new? I didn't know that yet and must say it makes the football tournament a little bit more interesting.
On July 25 2012 20:27 Pandemona wrote: There is no age restrictions in the womens tournament, it is the best women from the countries listed who are playing.
Oh i see, guess it makes sense. They can definitely make use of another tournament to get more famous. Although the male teams could easily set up enough players willing to play in the Olympics' Football tournament as well... It's sad they don't want another World Championship. ^^
On July 25 2012 20:27 Pandemona wrote: There is no age restrictions in the womens tournament, it is the best women from the countries listed who are playing.
Oh i see, guess it makes sense. They can definitely make use of another tournament to get more famous.
Indeed, however from when i last watched womens football, world cup i think? Germany/USA seem to be the big teams? Yet if you look at the USA womens squad list i posted, 80% of there teams players are not with a football club at this moment in time, whether thats because of weird football drafts in America i am not sure, but when you see that many players not playing at clubs you think that they haven't got very good players :S might be wrong though.
Yeah, Germany and USA are the best teams probably... i don't know much as well but they're always the teams that should win in the eyes of the experts.
edit: and slightly less so Brazil. edit2: just saw Germany is neither of the tournaments, lol. Thought they're atleast in the women one.
On July 25 2012 23:06 drew-chan wrote: not as familiar with the womans game, but isn't north korea good at footy?
Yes, most likely the 2nd best team in asia after Japan (current world champion) Group C is definitely the group of death, I can't wait to see USA-France, that game already tastes like a final.
Japan will probably win and they are now 1-0 up but there is still plenty left, this USA - France game has been great fun with it being 2-2 with still 10 minutes to go in the first half.
I missed the US game because my cable was out. I wonder what went on in the first 15 min that they went down 2-0 quick. Did they just come out flat footed and France beat them to the ball? Glad they were able to come back and take the victory. I know that North Korea was highly ranked for a while in Women's football but I believe they had some performance enhancing problems with some people getting dropped from the team, so the French team will probably be the biggest test in the first round. Now that they are through that it should be looking good to get into the next round
Well apparently, the organizers showed South-Korean flag next to the North-Korean players while they were introducing them or something similar. Match should be starting soon!
On July 26 2012 19:00 Gulf wrote: We should start a drinking game once the GB game starts, where you need to drink every time team GB gets called England
Ahhahahaha bitter brah bitter Or we should start a poll on how many more times Scotland will try to sabotage the olympics with mess ups like posting the South Korean flag instead of the North Korean
Yeah i saw that on the TV at my gym last night, was no sound. I was like i'm sure thats the south korean flag then heard about it once i got home lol.
Although i must get a bit conspiracy theory and wonder if all the calling team GB england is all part of some secret push to get Scotland to vote for independance
Japan is almost dominating Spain here. At the very least they are the attacking team.
Spain mainly focusing on countering.
EDIT: I just went through the whole thread and I am facepalming that Japan has only gotten one post mentioning them (thats Japan beating Canada because they are WC champions). Are all of you clueless about Asian football or what?
I'd easily consider the Women's team as title contenders and if the Men's team didnt have to probably face Brazil in the quarters they could have gone for a medal too.
This Japan side is the same/similar side to the one they are trying to put together at the moment? Which lost 5-0 to Australlia in world cup qualifying match?
On July 26 2012 23:43 Pandemona wrote: This Japan side is the same/similar side to the one they are trying to put together at the moment? Which lost 5-0 to Australlia in world cup qualifying match?
Ok guys, ITS TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!! Brazil vs Egypt (did i wrote it right?) Anyway, i dont really agree with the choice of take Huk, but i think even with him we can win it easily!
No1 can stop us! go for the first gold medal for the brazilian football team!
On July 27 2012 03:40 Chaves wrote: Ok guys, ITS TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING!! Brazil vs Egypt (did i wrote it right?) Anyway, i dont really agree with the choice of take Huk, but i think even with him we can win it easily!
No1 can stop us! go for the first gold medal for the brazilian football team!
lol HuK is in bad form i agree, Hulk isnt though he is scoring =P
LMAO Wow GB so fkn bad, pearce picks idiots. Giggs and Ramsey thinking good idea to play stupid Short Corner and passing it like they 5-0 up or some crap. Pass the ball away, Senegal break CBs still in other penalty area, and finally the Senegal striker finishes, 1-1 well deserved.
well its just the first game for all the teams. I don't know what's it like for you in other countries, but in Brazil we have a history of having a bad first game in almost every important world cup/olympic games. I don't like this Brazil at all, but let's what and see what they can do. I would also not rule out GB or Spain for the run for the title just now, let's wait for their next games.
On July 27 2012 06:09 fbs wrote: bleh, wanted Senegal to win, sooner we're out of this farce competition the better
this, hopefully Pearce gets the sack as well, fucking terrible.
i'm mad because there's no beckham
Mad? Dude im livid, its a fkn JOKE he is not involved its bullshit, Beckham is the best peice of merchandise England has, he is SO BIG its un true its bullshit. Specially with how bad Giggs is playing and how well Beckham is playing in the MLS. Did you see his goals the other day? Amazing!
I am mad that my local TV station showed Korea vs Mexico instead of Japan vs Spain. Just watched the highlight, Japan is so good its a shame that they only won 1-0. Why did Shinji Kagawa not participate in this Japan team? He's with ManU Asia tour obviously, so did he decline the chance to play in the Olympic or the manager did not pick him up?
Lol? The Bellamy challenge? Was a sick challenge, couldn't of happend to a better person! But yeah ok so that was a penalty...What about the chances Senegal had in the first half to level it up? There striker was in behind the back 4 on multiple occasions, his best chance being the chip over the keeper he some how puts wide and then he is 1 on 1 after a ball in behind which was nothing special which carved open Micah Richards and again he tries a touch to many and gets his shot blocked. GB were poor, very poor. Plus i dislike the manager for his team selection, no reason to not play Beckham after all he has done for the country and getting the olympics here in the first place.
Each squad is to consist of eighteen players, of which no more than three may be age 23 or older before the beginning of the next year.
That is a tricky limitation to work around.
But im kinda 50/50 on the beckham thing. But since im not a big football fan i'll just stay away from what i dont know lol.
Of course its a tricky descion, but 1 Beckham is a huge marketing tool, you put him in a team and another 10,000 people want to go and watch him. 2. he is playing well for LA Galaxy at the moment. 3. he helped win the olympic bid on his own and didn't get the send off from international football he deserved, this would of topped it off for him.
Instead he picks Giggs Bellamy and Micah Richards, Richards refused to be on the shortlist for his national team (England) for the U21 Euros squad, which if he had accepted he would of been playing in due to Cahill's injury. Thus he should of not even been considered >.<
On July 27 2012 17:41 Archybaldie wrote: When we're complaining about the selections. Remember:
Each squad is to consist of eighteen players, of which no more than three may be age 23 or older before the beginning of the next year.
That is a tricky limitation to work around.
But im kinda 50/50 on the beckham thing. But since im not a big football fan i'll just stay away from what i dont know lol.
Of course its a tricky descion, but 1 Beckham is a huge marketing tool, you put him in a team and another 10,000 people want to go and watch him. 2. he is playing well for LA Galaxy at the moment. 3. he helped win the olympic bid on his own and didn't get the send off from international football he deserved, this would of topped it off for him.
Instead he picks Giggs Bellamy and Micah Richards, Richards refused to be on the shortlist for his national team (England) for the U21 Euros squad, which if he had accepted he would of been playing in due to Cahill's injury. Thus he should of not even been considered >.<
I agree with this. Beckham's playing very well with the Galaxy right and considering his role in getting the Olympics to London, it wouldn't be ridiculous to say that the man earned his spot on the team.
And come on Korea you need to score! I can totally see them going 0-0, 0-0, 0-0 all three games and advancing because Mexico wins out lol.
On July 30 2012 05:42 {CC}StealthBlue wrote: Spanish team acting like sore losers, pushing the officials, really?
The ref did miss a blatant penalty a few minutes from time, but that's no excuse for their behavior. Muniain in particular was going mental even before that blown penalty decision, and probably should have been sent off in its aftermath for jumping into the ref from behind (when already on a yellow).
On July 30 2012 05:42 {CC}StealthBlue wrote: Spanish team acting like sore losers, pushing the officials, really?
The ref did miss a blatant penalty a few minutes from time, but that's no excuse for their behavior. Muniain in particular was going mental even before that blown penalty decision, and probably should have been sent off in its aftermath for jumping into the ref from behind (when already on a yellow).
The no call was outrageous, so I was sort of understanding how mad they were.
How did Spain turn out to be title contenders, really? Did you all just base that team on the Iniesta/Xavi team?
U23 Honduras, Morocco != National teams of Morocco, Honduras - so anyone who thought Spain'd advance from the groups easily has no clue about football.
Also Jordi Alba was a liability throughout all the games, he needs to remember wing backs need to defend too.
Just watched the Spain game. It's a shame they lost like that. Played better than Honduras for a majority of the game, but just terrible luck and a few critical missed calls cost them the game.
On July 30 2012 12:09 sharkie wrote: U23 Honduras, Morocco != National teams of Morocco, Honduras - so anyone who thought Spain'd advance from the groups easily has no clue about football.
Not knowing the capabilities of the morrocan and honduras u23 teams doesn't mean you know nothing about football. It means you don't know about about the u23 teams of morroco and honduras. Stop throwing this ridiculous sentence around as soon as someone says something misguided.
On July 30 2012 12:09 sharkie wrote: How did Spain turn out to be title contenders, really? Did you all just base that team on the Iniesta/Xavi team?
U23 Honduras, Morocco != National teams of Morocco, Honduras - so anyone who thought Spain'd advance from the groups easily has no clue about football.
Also Jordi Alba was a liability throughout all the games, he needs to remember wing backs need to defend too.
It's easy to say thata after the matches have been played isn't it.
And not knowing about FIFA rankings countries number 63 and 71 national teams doesn't mean you don't know shit about football.
In Europe the under 21 tournament in 2011 won by Spain, runners up Switzerland 3rd and 4th place were Belarus and Czech Republic.
Moving on to the U20 World Cup the next young tournament they do closest to Olympics age range. Winners Brazil in 2011 (you can see why with there talented squad) runners up Portugal. Mexico and France 3rd and 4th place. In the last 16 of the Under 20 world cup there was no sign of Honduras or Morocco (as they didn't qualify...)
So for you to continously tell us that we are "stupid" and "know nothing about football" for ranking Spain as second favorites in this tournament is quite silly and you have no leg to stand on either. There is absolute no reason to say Honduras and Morocco have good squads/teams when they have achieved nothing at under 21 or under 20 level prior to this tournament.
its called actually watching the teams play its not hard to predict favourites judging by stats gotten through wikipedia
Also the ones saying its not hard to say such statements after the games: I was ridiculed by almost everyone when I predicted Japan's strength. Yet they already passed group stage, more comfortable than Brazil.
True Japan are strong and people that watch the scene would realize that Japan has made great strides in their youth development. But Spain should have beaten Honduras in all honesty and should beat Morocco.
So your still standing by your judgement that Honduras youth team is better than Spains? And Japan's rivals Brazil's ? Yet Japan have won 2 games 1-0 1-0 and don't look good infront of goal (missing numerous chances vs Spain) and Brazil who have scored 6 in 2 games (conceding 3 all be it) are not as good? :S
Would you like to have a wager on who will go further Honduras/Japan vs Brazil? I could do with some easy money...
On July 30 2012 20:31 Pandemona wrote: So your still standing by your judgement that Honduras youth team is better than Spains? And Japan's rivals Brazil's ? Yet Japan have won 2 games 1-0 1-0 and don't look good infront of goal (missing numerous chances vs Spain) and Brazil who have scored 6 in 2 games (conceding 3 all be it) are not as good? :S
Would you like to have a wager on who will go further Honduras/Japan vs Brazil? I could do with some easy money...
No, Spain is definitely stronger than Honduras/Morocco. But your predictions earlier made it sound like Spain is in a group full of scrubs, they only have to play their usual possession football and they'd cruise through their group. That's disrespect to Japan, Honduras and Morocco. Especially since you probably created those predictions based on wikipedia facts and that you don't know any of the opposing teams' players (which in your eyes probably makes them not good)
On July 30 2012 20:31 Pandemona wrote: So your still standing by your judgement that Honduras youth team is better than Spains? And Japan's rivals Brazil's ? Yet Japan have won 2 games 1-0 1-0 and don't look good infront of goal (missing numerous chances vs Spain) and Brazil who have scored 6 in 2 games (conceding 3 all be it) are not as good? :S
Would you like to have a wager on who will go further Honduras/Japan vs Brazil? I could do with some easy money...
No, Spain is definitely stronger than Honduras/Morocco. But your predictions earlier made it sound like Spain is in a group full of scrubs, they only have to play their usual possession football and they'd cruise through their group. That's disrespect to Japan, Honduras and Morocco. Especially since you probably created those predictions based on wikipedia facts and that you don't know any of the opposing teams' players (which in your eyes probably makes them not good)
Football is a team game.
So your telling me you know every player in each the squads of Honduras Morocco and Japan? I only know one player for Honduras and thats the wigan player Figureoa who has been pretty poor last season in the premier league. Japan and Morocco i have not heard of any of those players in their squad. I watch alot of football, i have never seen you post in our football thread this season or last, i didn't see you around in the Euro posts i made either...and you question everyone in hear "of how much football they watch" and "if they know anything about football" seems abit hypercritical to me. And it's not disrespecting Honduras, Morocco and Japan in Spain's group.
Lets go into the Qualification process for this tournament.
Lets start with Japan, they had to go into Preliminary round 2 before they could get into the group phase in the Asia qualifiers, narrowly beating Kuwait 4-3...Kuwait can you name any of there players? They must be good if they pushed Japan the heavyweights that far? Then they went into Group C of qualifiers with Malyasia Bahrain and Syria...Should be a walkover? Chelsea play Malyasia international team on pre season tours (along with other clubs) and beat them comfertably. They finished with a record of 5 wins and 1 defeat, losing 2-1 to Syria, again can you name any Syrian players? Because surely if they beat the Japan team you have hyped up so much that they must be good? So as they finished top of their group, they were qualified into the Olympics.
Morocco now, they went into a tournament, like that of Under 21 championships in Europe, called the CAF U23 championships. They were seeded into Group A with Senegal Nigeria and Algeria. They beat Algeria 1-0, Nigeria 1-0 and lost to Senegal 1-0. Onto the semi finals they went finishing as second seeds in their group. Next up they would play Egypt, who qualified too as you know and have not looked to good. Losing 3-2 to Brazil after being 3-0 quite early on, and drawing 1-1 with New Zealand. They would win this game 3-2 not a bad feat that i would of said Egypt would of been favorites. This sets up a final against Gabon...good old Gabon, the great footballing Nation. They would lose 2-1 to Gabon in the final, how i don't know. So they finished 2nd and got seeded into the Olympics. Gabon's record at the Olympics, 1-1 draw with Switzerland and a 2-0 loss to Mexico.
Honduras now, they went into a CONCACAF olympic qualifying mini league/tournament. With the top 3 teams qualifying. Honduras would be in a group consisting of Mexico, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. Not much challenge to finish second there. They would finish 2nd, winning 3-1 vs Panama and 2-0 vs T&T, and losing to Mexico. Onto the knock out phases they went, where they would take on the mighty Canadian football team and win 3-1! Great result and onto the final they went where they would again play Mexico, and again lose. Finishing second above the other heavyweights of El Salvador Canada United States Panama Trinidad and Tobago Cuba (in that order)
Spain, how did they qualify? Oh yeah they qualified by winning the U21 European Championships. Which is held as a big deal throughout Europe, just like i would guess the U20 world cup is (how Brazil Qualified). On that justification i cannot agree that the prediction i wrote and the games we have whitnessed are not justifiable. Especially considering the squads as well, Spain squad is stacked with talent, from players over 23 which are key for their clubs (Mata, Lopez and Martinez) and players coming through DeGea man utd keeper, Alvaro Vasquez U21 player of the tournament, Jordi Alba, arguably the best LB at Euro 2012 (slightly bit of a bigger deal than Olympic football) .Spain have had a bad tournament, lost there temper in game 1 vs Japan and were down to 10 men, in game 2 they lost their heads as well due to maybe bad referee'n calls or just bad play on there account, but it was still a shock.
Saying it was dumb to have Spain as one of the favourites is really fucking dense, that squad is stacked as fuck. But they didn't perform at the level they are capable of, so they're out, that doesn't mean the players are trash though
i was pleased to see the crowd had my sentiments exactly... you might've heard the booing whenever a korean so much as fell over near the end of that game... but i'm sure the sk crowd just had more volume than the swiss.
korea to ro4! ^ that was a prediction not a statement
Wow, Spain out was a really BIG upset, if you watch the Spain-Honduras match highlights you can see that the cross-bar on both sides won't stop moving for a while, Spain wasn't lucky.
On July 22 2012 12:55 xMiragex wrote: Im really concerned about Mexico. They've looked really bad in the friendlies that Oribe Peralta has been starting. He may be their best finisher but he's pretty useless with the ball and kills build up's pretty bad. He doesn't even move well without it. The team is easily 5 times better with Raul Jimenez in there. Now to get dos Santos to work without messing up Fabian...
Welp, this has clearly been shown.
Mexico should drop Chavez instead of Ponce for dos Santos and move Ponce to Left Back (maybe not against really tall teams...even then maybe so). For the love of god, they need a Right Back that goes forward, Vidrio is mainly a Centre Back, Aquino can take out 1 or 2 guys by himself pretty regularly but can't do anything if nobody is remotely close to him to pass it off to. If Peralta isn't benched, i see Mexico getting beat hard in the semis...if they even make it that far with Peralta playing.
Thats like the most stupid thing i've ever read, i don't think he meant it racially? He just being idiot and raging at the loss, i can't find anything racially wrong with that? Unless someone can enlighten me?
He posted the message after playing in the 2-1 loss against South Korea on Sunday. He said in the tweet that South Koreans "can go burn" and referred to them as a "bunch of mongoloids."
On July 31 2012 05:55 Pandemona wrote: Thats like the most stupid thing i've ever read, i don't think he meant it racially? He just being idiot and raging at the loss, i can't find anything racially wrong with that? Unless someone can enlighten me?
He posted the message after playing in the 2-1 loss against South Korea on Sunday. He said in the tweet that South Koreans "can go burn" and referred to them as a "bunch of mongoloids."
yeah unfortunate, same with the female athlete from greece that was expelled because of badly worded joke on tweeter. i can understand but from what i understand there was a strict rule on what can be said and cannot be said on tweeter, the olympic committee encouraged the players to use tweeter for the fans but maintain mutual respect towards other athletes. it was just stupid to say anything negative, especially about another country, in public.
On July 31 2012 05:55 Pandemona wrote: Thats like the most stupid thing i've ever read, i don't think he meant it racially? He just being idiot and raging at the loss, i can't find anything racially wrong with that? Unless someone can enlighten me?
He posted the message after playing in the 2-1 loss against South Korea on Sunday. He said in the tweet that South Koreans "can go burn" and referred to them as a "bunch of mongoloids."
"Still, the Swiss team leader acknowledged that Morganella had to be sent home under the terms of the International Olympic Committee's code of conduct, which requires athletes to show mutual respect."
I'm not sure what exactly is the Committee's code of conduct or the exact words of the message, but it seems a pretty clear lack of respect for the other players. Even if he didn't write that "South koreans are a bunch of mongoloids", which I believe he did, and he was only talking about the players on the other team, it should be enough for the kind of punishment he received.
Well he clearly seemed to have issues during the game. And he pulled that lil stunt in game that gave park a yellow card, which raged korean netizens making nasty comments so that probably has to do with his lashing out as well.
I can understand doing what you gotta do to win the game. After all he risked getting a card himself with that lil joke. But with attitude like that... and having it on record where you can't redact what you post lol.... its a good call to keep him out of the game. Its not a professional conduct from an athlete. I suggest taking some anger management class.
Results like the Spain thing are unusual but not unheard of, football is not a perfect calculator which allows the quality team to win every time. Bad luck or things not going right is just part of the game, but the Spain team was definitely stacked. In fact Uruguay have been surprisingly bad and Senegal are so lucky to not have had 2-3 red cards more.
On July 31 2012 05:55 Pandemona wrote: Thats like the most stupid thing i've ever read, i don't think he meant it racially? He just being idiot and raging at the loss, i can't find anything racially wrong with that? Unless someone can enlighten me?
He posted the message after playing in the 2-1 loss against South Korea on Sunday. He said in the tweet that South Koreans "can go burn" and referred to them as a "bunch of mongoloids."
yeah unfortunate, same with the female athlete from greece that was expelled because of badly worded joke on tweeter. i can understand but from what i understand there was a strict rule on what can be said and cannot be said on tweeter, the olympic committee encouraged the players to use tweeter for the fans but maintain mutual respect towards other athletes. it was just stupid to say anything negative, especially about another country, in public.
I kind of disagree, the greek athelete used a term that is considered offensive to black people, not only that the "joke" included the black people being infected with a disease that may kill. On the other hand i kind of agree that the swiss was just being a bad loser and didn't mean to insult them the way people understood it, BUT his coach agreed that it he should be excluded so there may be more than we know.
On July 31 2012 16:49 Pandemona wrote: Yeah i can understand why he got kicked out, i mean you don't say stuff like he did, but i just didn't get how its deemed racist lol.
Discrimination against people from a particular country is racism, and he wrote insults against koreans? Yes, some people only acknowledge the most literal meaning of the word, but there is no clear agreement on the concept of "race" and several definitions, from sources like the United Nations or the law of some countries, have no distinction between "racial" or ethnic discrimination. It's the same thing.
On July 31 2012 19:58 Pandemona wrote: Yeah i guess, but he was never speaking about the whole of South Korea, just the football team. Oh well he is gone now
"He said in the tweet that South Koreans "can go burn" and referred to them as a "bunch of mongoloids.""
We don't have the original message, but it seems he never talked specifically about the team. There's good odds he didn't really mean it, but from what we know the message was refering to south koreans in general. The message was clearly racist.
Yeah but to me thats him saying about the football team. You've just played and lost vs South Korean football team your going to aim your rants at the south korean football team, not SlayerS or Coach Lee xD
congrats to GB on defeating the Brazilians. Just saw the brackets. Hoping for a USA vs Japan finals. Too much Brazil vs USA Olympics. I want to see that World Cup rematch ^^
On July 31 2012 20:21 Pandemona wrote: Yeah but to me thats him saying about the football team. You've just played and lost vs South Korean football team your going to aim your rants at the south korean football team, not SlayerS or Coach Lee xD
lol normally yes but he was such an ass the entire game, his facebook page became bombarded by Korean netizens there to tell him how much they hated him. And you should know how crazy Korean netizens can get in starcraft - just imagine if it is for something like the Olympics. Yeah, I'm pretty sure he was talking to all South Koreans.
As somebody who's usually just watches soccer/football during Olympics/World Cup, who's the favorite in the top 8?
Saw Brazil earlier just style on New Zealand. Saw the Japan game, but seem's like the commentators mentioned they were holding back a handful of players considering they already advanced.
On August 02 2012 06:25 sung_moon wrote: As somebody who's usually just watches soccer/football during Olympics/World Cup, who's the favorite in the top 8?
Saw Brazil earlier just style on New Zealand. Saw the Japan game, but seem's like the commentators mentioned they were holding back a handful of players considering they already advanced.
Favorites are Brazil. It's hard to look past the quality of players they have in all areas of the pitch. Also they score goals much easier than any other side I've watched.
korea vs gb. this looks grim...we couldn't score against mexico and gabon, it'll be even tougher against gb in their home turf. korea really needs to be on that day to pull off a good match, score them goals!
On August 02 2012 07:28 jinorazi wrote: korea vs gb. this looks grim...we couldn't score against mexico and gabon, it'll be even tougher against gb in their home turf. korea really needs to be on that day to pull off a good match, score them goals!
11:30am saturday for me, great time
Should be quite easy for you if you defend well. I mean we have the worlds slowest Centre Backs >.< all it takes is a ball down the side of each of them and there all at sea. But not like it matters, the winners vs Brazil xD
On August 02 2012 16:52 Sated wrote: Nothing about the GB game made me happier than that racist prick Suarez getting booed every time he touched the ball :D
Haha you really think the man is racist. And booing him, real olympic spirit and all that. Stay classy.
On August 02 2012 07:28 jinorazi wrote: korea vs gb. this looks grim...we couldn't score against mexico and gabon, it'll be even tougher against gb in their home turf. korea really needs to be on that day to pull off a good match, score them goals!
11:30am saturday for me, great time
Should be quite easy for you if you defend well. I mean we have the worlds slowest Centre Backs >.< all it takes is a ball down the side of each of them and there all at sea. But not like it matters, the winners vs Brazil xD
All I gotta say is that I am looking forward to see who gets to go up and lose against Brazil ;D
On August 02 2012 16:52 Sated wrote: Nothing about the GB game made me happier than that racist prick Suarez getting booed every time he touched the ball :D
Haha you really think the man is racist. And booing him, real olympic spirit and all that. Stay classy.
He's scum no matter where he turns out for his side. It doesn't matter that it's the Olympics, he fully deserves to be booed for his actions whilst playing in England and it clearly isn't just me that thinks so.
Class has nothing to do with it. Such a generic, troll statement
I disagree with you therefore I must be trolling.
It's England though, You guys thrive on booing suarez, terry, ash cole whilst cheering giggs, rooney, tevez etc at the same time.
Not gonna continue, you've made your mind up and no one is going to change it. Boo away.
On August 02 2012 18:23 Sated wrote: I think you'll find plenty of people in England who boo Rooney and Tevez. I don't know what point you're trying to make...
I just think its a bit hypocritical to boo Suarez while captain of team GB is Giggs.
On August 02 2012 16:52 Sated wrote: Nothing about the GB game made me happier than that racist prick Suarez getting booed every time he touched the ball :D
I couldn't agree more. That whole Uruguay team was really unclassy last night and didn't do themselves any favours.. By the end of the game they were trying to kick England off the park. They weren't booing the national anthem just every time Suarez appeared on the screen.
Suarez needs to learn that racism is NOT acceptable and until he apologies and admits that he actually did something wrong no-one is ever going to respect him again. It's a shame because he's a talented player... but what a prick.
On August 02 2012 18:23 Sated wrote: I think you'll find plenty of people in England who boo Rooney and Tevez. I don't know what point you're trying to make...
I just think its a bit hypocritical to boo Suarez while captain of team GB is Giggs.
Well actually Giggs DID get booed a lot but Giggs is not in the same league as Suarez.
Apart from his affair Giggs has been a consummate professional. He trains incredibly hard and always conducts himself well on the pitch.
Lets compare this so Suarez.... racist abuse, ear biting(yes he actually did this), hair pulling, deliberate hand balling, hounding the referee all the time, claiming victimisation whenever anyone points out these things, refusing to ever apologise.
On August 02 2012 18:23 Sated wrote: I think you'll find plenty of people in England who boo Rooney and Tevez. I don't know what point you're trying to make...
I just think its a bit hypocritical to boo Suarez while captain of team GB is Giggs.
Well actually Giggs DID get booed a lot but Giggs is not in the same league as Suarez.
Apart from his affair Giggs has been a consummate professional. He trains incredibly hard and always conducts himself well on the pitch.
Lets compare this so Suarez.... racist abuse, ear biting(yes he actually did this), hair pulling, deliberate hand balling, hounding the referee all the time, claiming victimisation whenever anyone points out these things, refusing to ever apologise.
Indeed he had an awful reputation in the Netherlands before he even went to England and it's not just that he did all that stuff but that he also showed very little remorse for doing it.
Yeah, Japan doing well no longer surprises me either. Both men and women have improved so much in the last decade. Will be interesting to see how they perform in the World cup in 2 years time.
On August 04 2012 21:56 sharkie wrote: All Japan needed was a confidence boost which they received in the last two world cups for men and women
To what end exactly ? As much as I like where Japan is going in mens football they havent really done anything yet, nor will they for a while.
Are we seriously putting weight on performance in the olympics for the mens game ?
No one genuinely cares about the olympics except teams who have literally no scope elsewhere and the odd international under performer ala Brazil or Argentina (and not even that anymore) who wants to get some momentum by winning something . Case in point team GB, although being the host its rather reasonable that they would try harder.
The Womens tournament is a different thing though. That matters and that to me has probably been at a relative level a higher quality tournament then the mens. Most of the latter is like watching MLS.
On August 04 2012 21:56 sharkie wrote: All Japan needed was a confidence boost which they received in the last two world cups for men and women
To what end exactly ? As much as I like where Japan is going in mens football they havent really done anything yet, nor will they for a while.
Are we seriously putting weight on performance in the olympics for the mens game ?
No one genuinely cares about the olympics except teams who have literally no scope elsewhere and the odd international under performer ala Brazil or Argentina (and not even that anymore) who wants to get some momentum by winning something . Case in point team GB, although being the host its rather reasonable that they would try harder.
The Womens tournament is a different thing though. That matters and that to me has probably been at a relative level a higher quality tournament then the mens. Most of the latter is like watching MLS.
No one = Europe. The other continents do care quite a bit about this event.
On August 04 2012 21:56 sharkie wrote: All Japan needed was a confidence boost which they received in the last two world cups for men and women
To what end exactly ? As much as I like where Japan is going in mens football they havent really done anything yet, nor will they for a while.
Are we seriously putting weight on performance in the olympics for the mens game ?
No one genuinely cares about the olympics except teams who have literally no scope elsewhere and the odd international under performer ala Brazil or Argentina (and not even that anymore) who wants to get some momentum by winning something . Case in point team GB, although being the host its rather reasonable that they would try harder.
The Womens tournament is a different thing though. That matters and that to me has probably been at a relative level a higher quality tournament then the mens. Most of the latter is like watching MLS.
No one = Europe. The other continents do care quite a bit about this event.
And all of the best teams are from.... adding the fact that its mostly a junior tournament with lousy team prep. Its just not worth mentioning. Its the perfect opportunity for the Mexico' s and the Nigeria's of the world to get some silverware because everyone is bad.
How many people give a shit that Leo Messi has an olympic gold while Zidane doesnt ? Yeah exactly.
not sure, bertrand is left footed so the ball wouldn't of done any damage but the ball clearly dicked about on his arm, but i'm not sure where else you can put your arms
Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
not a fan of the stop start business. Just pick something and drill it like the koreans were doing.
And that even wasnt the problem if your going to shimmy atleast watch the keeper. He duped the keeper made him go for a false start and then panicked and knocked it into the side hed forced the commit on.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
On August 05 2012 06:16 Sated wrote: That's what happens when you fuck around with penalties instead of just drilling them into a corner. A couple of the others were lucky to score, too, only Giggs' penalty looked convincing IMO.
It was a matter of time that South-Korean keeper catches the ball. As you said, Giggs penalty and the 3rd(?) looked convincing, but the rest weren't that far away.
I would've thought nerves would end this game, to either team.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
hurr durr, so where's europe in this competition?
brazil, mexico, japan, korea
japan knocking out spain and korea knocking out swiss and UK.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
Because GB played like shit. That's why.
lol haters. we've outplayed every team we've played so far this olympics. sorry that reality sucks.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
hurr durr, so where's europe in this competition?
brazil, mexico, japan, korea
japan knocking out spain and korea knocking out swiss and UK.
I hate to break it to you, but outside team GB (and just this year for them to, home team and all) They dont really care, they rarely have. If they did well in the past it was mostly because the rest of the competition was god aweful.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
hurr durr, so where's europe in this competition?
brazil, mexico, japan, korea
japan knocking out spain and korea knocking out swiss and UK.
I hate to break it to you, but outside team GB (and just this year for them to, home team and all) They dont really care, they rarely have. If they did well in the past it was mostly because the rest of the competition was god aweful.
Hey guys, look, we have a mind reader over here.
Clearly Spain didn't care when they rushed the referee and pushed him around and got tons of yellows when they lost. And clearly Sturridge looked like he didn't give a fuck when he missed that penalty, right?
Athletes don't get to where they are by not wanting to compete. Fans might not care as much, but when athletes step into a stadium full of 70k people in a competitive match, they are trying their best. You're kidding yourself if you think otherwise. They didn't become that good by not being ridiculous competitive people by nature.
I think most football fans recognize that these teams aren't the very best that GB and Spain can put out, but they are still pretty stacked and you can count on it that they are giving 100% when they step out onto the field.
On August 05 2012 06:46 Ysellian wrote: I'm sure the fact that the Olympics coinciding with the European championship plays a big part in the poor results from European countries. Not to mention that qualifying
Also, Japan and Korea both have their domestic leagues in mid-season right now so their domestic league players are in the best shape of the year while Europeans are in pre-season training. Like even on Korea, the two players who got cramps in this game (Ki and Ji) were players who play on European teams, while their K League counterparts were fine. So fitness definitely plays, as well as selection as it seems those who played in the Euro are not selected to play in the Olympics.
Not sure if Brazil have their season coinciding with the normal FIFA schedule or if they play through the summer like MLS/Kor/Japan because they are in the southern hemisphere.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
Korea is a shitty team? Korea was dominant for half the game and Mexico is lucky to be tied in their game vs Korea because Korea arguably controlled the pace and outplayed them for most of the match. Also, Korea dominated against Swiss as well as Gabon.
On August 05 2012 06:46 Ysellian wrote: I'm sure the fact that the Olympics coinciding with the European championship plays a big part in the poor results from European countries. Not to mention that qualifying
Also, Japan and Korea both have their domestic leagues in mid-season right now so their domestic league players are in the best shape of the year while Europeans are in pre-season training. Like even on Korea, the two players who got cramps in this game (Ki and Ji) were players who play on European teams, while their K League counterparts were fine. So fitness definitely plays, as well as selection as it seems those who played in the Euro are not selected to play in the Olympics.
Not sure if Brazil have their season coinciding with the normal FIFA schedule or if they play through the summer like MLS/Kor/Japan because they are in the southern hemisphere.
We are in the beginning-to-mid of the season, but the squad is pretty mixed up with players who play in local clubs and players who play in european clubs.
On August 05 2012 06:46 Ysellian wrote: I'm sure the fact that the Olympics coinciding with the European championship plays a big part in the poor results from European countries. Not to mention that qualifying
Also, Japan and Korea both have their domestic leagues in mid-season right now so their domestic league players are in the best shape of the year while Europeans are in pre-season training. Like even on Korea, the two players who got cramps in this game (Ki and Ji) were players who play on European teams, while their K League counterparts were fine. So fitness definitely plays, as well as selection as it seems those who played in the Euro are not selected to play in the Olympics.
Not sure if Brazil have their season coinciding with the normal FIFA schedule or if they play through the summer like MLS/Kor/Japan because they are in the southern hemisphere.
I actually didn't know that Japan and Korea started at different times, but that is a pretty big advantage indeed. Brazil are mid-season as well.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
I find this ironic coming from a swedish with shitty swedish national soccer team.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
I find this ironic coming from a swedish with shitty swedish national soccer team.
You jelly?
Of course i am. They have a better football team, better starcraft players and better internet :/ But at least we have better looking women
But seriously. The asian teams look really strong. Europeans have been kinda dissapointing. However, it was nice to see Spain lose. I think it has much to do with the european leasues are on break (the big ones) and players are not in their best shape. Many of the asian leagues are in mid season and the players are in their best shape. Today each team are strong and you have to give 100% to win. I think many were underestimating the koreans and already was thinking about how to stop Naymar and the brazilian star team.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
I find this ironic coming from a swedish with shitty swedish national soccer team.
You jelly?
Of course i am. They have a better football team, better starcraft players and better internet :/ But at least we have better looking women
Debatable. I find Finnish and Russian women more beautiful than Swedish.
But seriously. The asian teams look really strong. Europeans have been kinda dissapointing. However, it was nice to see Spain lose. I think it has much to do with the european leasues are on break (the big ones) and players are not in their best shape. Many of the asian leagues are in mid season and the players are in their best shape. Today each team are strong and you have to give 100% to win. I think many were underestimating the koreans and already was thinking about how to stop Naymar and the brazilian star team.
Yup, Korea will need two lady lucks to defeat Brazil at this point.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
I find this ironic coming from a swedish with shitty swedish national soccer team.
You jelly?
Of course i am. They have a better football team, better starcraft players and better internet :/ But at least we have better looking women
But seriously. The asian teams look really strong. Europeans have been kinda dissapointing. However, it was nice to see Spain lose. I think it has much to do with the european leasues are on break (the big ones) and players are not in their best shape. Many of the asian leagues are in mid season and the players are in their best shape. Today each team are strong and you have to give 100% to win. I think many were underestimating the koreans and already was thinking about how to stop Naymar and the brazilian star team.
You are entitled to your own opinion... but Korean women are known for its beauty even without plastic surgery... But I do agree Swedish women are beautiful too.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
I find this ironic coming from a swedish with shitty swedish national soccer team.
You jelly?
Of course i am. They have a better football team, better starcraft players and better internet :/ But at least we have better looking women
But seriously. The asian teams look really strong. Europeans have been kinda dissapointing. However, it was nice to see Spain lose. I think it has much to do with the european leasues are on break (the big ones) and players are not in their best shape. Many of the asian leagues are in mid season and the players are in their best shape. Today each team are strong and you have to give 100% to win. I think many were underestimating the koreans and already was thinking about how to stop Naymar and the brazilian star team.
You are entitled to your own opinion... but Korean women are known for its beauty even without plastic surgery... But I do agree Swedish women are beautiful too.
Fixing their eyebrows is considered plastic surgery?
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
I find this ironic coming from a swedish with shitty swedish national soccer team.
You jelly?
Of course i am. They have a better football team, better starcraft players and better internet :/ But at least we have better looking women
But seriously. The asian teams look really strong. Europeans have been kinda dissapointing. However, it was nice to see Spain lose. I think it has much to do with the european leasues are on break (the big ones) and players are not in their best shape. Many of the asian leagues are in mid season and the players are in their best shape. Today each team are strong and you have to give 100% to win. I think many were underestimating the koreans and already was thinking about how to stop Naymar and the brazilian star team.
You are entitled to your own opinion... but Korean women are known for its beauty even without plastic surgery... But I do agree Swedish women are beautiful too.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
I find this ironic coming from a swedish with shitty swedish national soccer team.
You jelly?
Of course i am. They have a better football team, better starcraft players and better internet :/ But at least we have better looking women
But seriously. The asian teams look really strong. Europeans have been kinda dissapointing. However, it was nice to see Spain lose. I think it has much to do with the european leasues are on break (the big ones) and players are not in their best shape. Many of the asian leagues are in mid season and the players are in their best shape. Today each team are strong and you have to give 100% to win. I think many were underestimating the koreans and already was thinking about how to stop Naymar and the brazilian star team.
You are entitled to your own opinion... but Korean women are known for its beauty even without plastic surgery... But I do agree Swedish women are beautiful too.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
hurr durr, so where's europe in this competition?
brazil, mexico, japan, korea
japan knocking out spain and korea knocking out swiss and UK.
I hate to break it to you, but outside team GB (and just this year for them to, home team and all) They dont really care, they rarely have. If they did well in the past it was mostly because the rest of the competition was god aweful.
Hey guys, look, we have a mind reader over here.
Clearly Spain didn't care when they rushed the referee and pushed him around and got tons of yellows when they lost. And clearly Sturridge looked like he didn't give a fuck when he missed that penalty, right?
Athletes don't get to where they are by not wanting to compete. Fans might not care as much, but when athletes step into a stadium full of 70k people in a competitive match, they are trying their best. You're kidding yourself if you think otherwise. They didn't become that good by not being ridiculous competitive people by nature.
I think most football fans recognize that these teams aren't the very best that GB and Spain can put out, but they are still pretty stacked and you can count on it that they are giving 100% when they step out onto the field.
I didnt say the athletes involved didnt want to compete. Everyone involved wants to play to win. But do you really believe that as far as preparation and hype is concerned the results matter to them that much , the players will be disappointed sure. but the national interest and federation backing is a huge part of how well a team does when it goes into a tournament.
Its effectively a junior tournament. The european teams rarely dominate at that level its a pretty even field. And no I dont believe the players on european teams work as hard. They might lay it all out on the pitch at crunch time but the stark reduction in quality on the pitch is a direct result of failings of it. Something that they do not let happen at the top tier. And this isnt anything new. Its always been that way in the Olympics. They arent taken as seriously, but feel free to believe what you want, it doesnt really take a mind reader to see whats been happening for the last 5 iterations of the event.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
hurr durr, so where's europe in this competition?
brazil, mexico, japan, korea
japan knocking out spain and korea knocking out swiss and UK.
I hate to break it to you, but outside team GB (and just this year for them to, home team and all) They dont really care, they rarely have. If they did well in the past it was mostly because the rest of the competition was god aweful.
Hey guys, look, we have a mind reader over here.
Clearly Spain didn't care when they rushed the referee and pushed him around and got tons of yellows when they lost. And clearly Sturridge looked like he didn't give a fuck when he missed that penalty, right?
Athletes don't get to where they are by not wanting to compete. Fans might not care as much, but when athletes step into a stadium full of 70k people in a competitive match, they are trying their best. You're kidding yourself if you think otherwise. They didn't become that good by not being ridiculous competitive people by nature.
I think most football fans recognize that these teams aren't the very best that GB and Spain can put out, but they are still pretty stacked and you can count on it that they are giving 100% when they step out onto the field.
To be fair, he might have meant it's evident they care less from the players (especially the over 23's) chosen, not the effort given on pitch. For example Brazil chose Hulk, Thiago Silva, and Marcelo for their 3 overage selections. Spain chose Martinez, Mata, and Adrian Lopez. Things might have been different if they had chosen, say, Iniesta, Xavi, and Busquets.
It reminds me of the times when USA Basketball sends what should be a b-team roster to something like FIBA Championships. Those players play hard, but they're not the top talent, and it's kinda indicative about how little the country cares about FIBA (thankfully that's changing, as the coaches recognize the importance of maintaining an actual team, now that the skill gap between countries has narrowed considerably). It's annoying as a fan because you want to see your country's best players play, but I never read that much into it.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
hurr durr, so where's europe in this competition?
brazil, mexico, japan, korea
japan knocking out spain and korea knocking out swiss and UK.
I hate to break it to you, but outside team GB (and just this year for them to, home team and all) They dont really care, they rarely have. If they did well in the past it was mostly because the rest of the competition was god aweful.
Hey guys, look, we have a mind reader over here.
Clearly Spain didn't care when they rushed the referee and pushed him around and got tons of yellows when they lost. And clearly Sturridge looked like he didn't give a fuck when he missed that penalty, right?
Athletes don't get to where they are by not wanting to compete. Fans might not care as much, but when athletes step into a stadium full of 70k people in a competitive match, they are trying their best. You're kidding yourself if you think otherwise. They didn't become that good by not being ridiculous competitive people by nature.
I think most football fans recognize that these teams aren't the very best that GB and Spain can put out, but they are still pretty stacked and you can count on it that they are giving 100% when they step out onto the field.
I didnt say the athletes involved didnt want to compete. Everyone involved wants to play to win. But do you really believe that as far as preparation and hype is concerned the results matter to them that much , the players will be disappointed sure. but the national interest and federation backing is a huge part of how well a team does when it goes into a tournament.
Its effectively a junior tournament. The european teams rarely dominate at that level its a pretty even field. And no I dont believe the players on european teams work as hard. They might lay it all out on the pitch at crunch time but the stark reduction in quality on the pitch is a direct result of failings of it. Something that they do not let happen at the top tier. And this isnt anything new. Its always been that way in the Olympics. They arent taken as seriously, but feel free to believe what you want.
So we can agree on this: the players and coaches tried their best, but the old, rich, white men in suits watching from their glass and steel high rises didn't care as much so didn't prep the team as much. I'm okay with that.
But if you honestly believe kids who are under-23 playing in their first starting position in a major tournament don't see it as an opportunity to gain a bigger contract and more playing time in their club teams, perhaps you need to try to see these things from an individual "non-star" athlete's perspective. A Neymar already has it made. A guy like Cleverly? Still a ton to prove and this is a great opportunity to gain attention and more playing time next season with United.
Like I said: most of these young players haven't gotten to where they have without trying to be the best all the time and using every opportunity the impress whichever scout might be watching. These aren't old veterans with World Cup Titles and countless Premierships titles (okay, maybe Ryan Giggs lol). They are hungry and want more and have shit to prove.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
hurr durr, so where's europe in this competition?
brazil, mexico, japan, korea
japan knocking out spain and korea knocking out swiss and UK.
I hate to break it to you, but outside team GB (and just this year for them to, home team and all) They dont really care, they rarely have. If they did well in the past it was mostly because the rest of the competition was god aweful.
Hey guys, look, we have a mind reader over here.
Clearly Spain didn't care when they rushed the referee and pushed him around and got tons of yellows when they lost. And clearly Sturridge looked like he didn't give a fuck when he missed that penalty, right?
Athletes don't get to where they are by not wanting to compete. Fans might not care as much, but when athletes step into a stadium full of 70k people in a competitive match, they are trying their best. You're kidding yourself if you think otherwise. They didn't become that good by not being ridiculous competitive people by nature.
I think most football fans recognize that these teams aren't the very best that GB and Spain can put out, but they are still pretty stacked and you can count on it that they are giving 100% when they step out onto the field.
I didnt say the athletes involved didnt want to compete. Everyone involved wants to play to win. But do you really believe that as far as preparation and hype is concerned the results matter to them that much , the players will be disappointed sure. but the national interest and federation backing is a huge part of how well a team does when it goes into a tournament.
Its effectively a junior tournament. The european teams rarely dominate at that level its a pretty even field. And no I dont believe the players on european teams work as hard. They might lay it all out on the pitch at crunch time but the stark reduction in quality on the pitch is a direct result of failings of it. Something that they do not let happen at the top tier. And this isnt anything new. Its always been that way in the Olympics. They arent taken as seriously, but feel free to believe what you want.
So we can agree on this: the players and coaches tried their best, but the old, rich, white men in suits watching from their glass and steel high rises didn't care as much so didn't prep the team as much. I'm okay with that.
But if you honestly believe kids who are under-23 playing in their first starting position in a major tournament don't see it as an opportunity to gain a bigger contract and more playing time in their club teams, perhaps you need to try to see these things from an individual "non-star" athlete's perspective perspective. A Neymar already has it made. A guy like Cleverly? Still a ton to prove and this is a great opportunity to gain attention and more playing time next season with United.
Nope, when has performing well in the Olympics ever, I mean ever resulted in a player being given mad creds ? Never no club will heavily read into olympic performance. Club level football and poorly organized national teams are completely different playing fields. it might put you on a bit of a radar but frankly if your good enough you will already have been on it and your club or serious national team performance in a major tournament (should you be involved) will be the major factors.
That having been said, I dont believe that they arent seeing at as an oppurtunity. Why not ? Everytime you step on a football pitch as a kid you want to impress. That is without question. But its not as easy as "I will go on the pitch and play my best." And I dont think the team performing poorly will in anyway affect the prospects of the kids on the Spanish team or team GB.
Now if it was Brazil or last Olympics Argentina (which was stacked) getting knocked out in the groups. Then they'd have a problem because they really went for it.
I think Cleverly's play in the premier league in his short time before injury far outweighed anything he might have done in this tournament. And he was really really good. What do you think matters to Fergie?
This is you trying to win the argument for the sake of trying to win it.
If you're young, hungry, and still have a ton to prove, you work your ass off and try to boost your resume however possible. You can bet your ass off NBA #1 draft pick Anthony Davis tries his hardest when he gets playing time in the Olympics, even though most NBA fans consider NBA games to matter more. When you're young and hungry, you're out there with something to prove. I think it'd be more surprising if it was the opposite.
In terms of a player making headlines in the Olympics, I did not follow soccer as closely back then, but I do remember Carlos Tevez making a break out performance for Argentina back in the Olympics many years ago when he was still playing in Argentina. I have a feeling that really strong performance when he was young helped him through confidence, hype, marketing, etc, but I have no idea as I don't know if the media was already hyping him before the tournament.
You just keep repeating that players are young and hungry and want to try hard. Im not disputing that, Im just saying its not that simple when it comes to a teams performance. Also I didnt mention anything about Anthony Davis and frankly I dont care how well he does. Its the NBA where his real test lies anyway, playing well in a stacked team is about as creditworthy as beating highschoolers. But thats a digression I dont care about and more an opinion because frnakly i wouldnt know to much. Although ofcourse no effort will be spared in hyping that up.
On August 05 2012 07:43 Klogon wrote: This is you trying to win the argument for the sake of trying to win it.
If you're young, hungry, and still have a ton to prove, you work your ass off and try to boost your resume however possible. You can bet your ass off NBA #1 draft pick Anthony Davis tries his hardest when he gets playing time in the Olympics, even though most NBA fans consider NBA games to matter more. When you're young and hungry, you're out there with something to prove. I think it'd be more surprising if it was the opposite.
In terms of a player making headlines in the Olympics, I did not follow soccer as closely back then, but I do remember Carlos Tevez making a break out performance for Argentina back in the Olympics many years ago when he was still playing in Argentina. I have a feeling that really strong performance when he was young helped him through confidence, hype, marketing, etc, but I have no idea as I don't know if the media was already hyping him before the tournament.
He went to Corinthians after beasting it up for years at Boca and then to West Ham (and it was his time at West Ham that got him the big transfers). Yes massive hype for an olympic performance. And tbh Tevez's career has been a plethora of transfer nightmares for the clubs involved.
So if Cleverly stomped out the entire midfield, dominated every game Zidane style, pummeled in goals, had sublime assists, etc - are you saying that wouldn't help his career at all? If so, we're done. It was nice debating with you.
On August 05 2012 07:50 Klogon wrote: So if Cleverly stomped out the entire midfield, dominated every game Zidane style, pummeled in goals, had sublime assists, etc - are you saying that wouldn't help his career at all? If so, we're done. It was nice debating with you.
it would. But he didnt. And theres a reason for that, which isnt just limited to effort on the pitch. And those failings off the pitch, conditioning, squad training, mental prep, strategy, trust and coordination among others is what determines whether a performance is taken seriously or not. (please dont take this as a specific I mean generally any one of those could be lacking for any team at a particular point.)
When those things come together. Teams play well. And when teams play well after strong preparation, then people take notice. Why is that so hard to understand?
People kept hyping all this Spain and Brazil talk (and Brazil havent even been that good tbh, theyve been running on individuals) before the event and I didnt say anything, because well who cares. But I wasnt so sure taking into account the history of the even that they would just waltz past everyone. It hasnt happened before. Why would it happen now unless some serious changes were made, which clearly wasnt the case.
Team GB was lackluster they have the players to play fantastically but their midfield was paper thin. No one dropped to take a pass from the defenders and make things happen regularly out of fear of losing it. These are things that get worked on outside 90 mins and it doesnt matter how talented you are if your not well prepared its not going to work unless the other teams are just atrocious.
The reason the failings wont hurt the players to much (cept maybe GB and only in the media, not amongst clubs) to much either is because their clubs know theyre usually setup to fail in the national team.
What is with the discussion? GB got out played in midfield. Koo Ki combo was too much for them. Despite getting welfare penalty shots, still loses... and Korea had several other chances to score. Before anybody calls it blatant handball, look at it in slow mo, where else would you put your arm?
On August 05 2012 07:50 Klogon wrote: So if Cleverly stomped out the entire midfield, dominated every game Zidane style, pummeled in goals, had sublime assists, etc - are you saying that wouldn't help his career at all? If so, we're done. It was nice debating with you.
it would. But he didnt. And theres a reason for that, which isnt just limited to effort on the pitch. And those failings off the pitch, conditioning, squad training, mental prep, strategy among others is what determines whether a performance is taken seriously or not. Why is that so hard to understand?
People kept hyping all this Spain and Brazil talk (and Brazil havent even been that good tbh, theyve been running on individuals) before the event and I didnt say anything, because well who cares. But I wasnt so sure taking into account the history of the even that they would just waltz past everyone. It hasnt happened before. Why would it now unless some serious changes were made, which clearly wasnt the case.
Team GB was lackluster they have the players to play fantastically but their midfield was paper thin. No one dropped to take a pass from the defenders and make things happen regularly out of fear of losing it. These are things that get worked on outside 90 mins and it doesnt matter how talented you are if your not well prepared its not going to work unless the other teams are just atrocious.
I think we're arguing past each other a little bit right now because I largely agree with you that level of prep does matter from an overall perspective. Like how much support you get from your club boss to train for this, how many days and resources your national federation got to prepare the team, etc. It'd be ignorant to say these things do not matter as it is all necessary support to have a team firing at 100%. However, my main point is that to say that the players and coaches who have careers on the line are not trying their best is false. Giggs probably gives less of a shit than the younger players.
I bolded the part of your quote because that is exactly my point. If he had, he'd break out not only in the public eye, but in confidence, etc. And he knows that. Why wouldn't he take that opportunity then and go for it? Young players will push themselves for a shot at a breakout performance like that. They are less worried about the failure and more concerned about the small chance of shining.
On August 05 2012 08:00 ExceeD_DreaM wrote: What is with the discussion? GB got out played in midfield. Koo Ki combo was too much for them. Despite getting welfare penalty shots, still loses... and Korea had several other chances to score. Before anybody calls it blatant handball, look at it in slow mo, where else would you put your arm?
On August 05 2012 07:50 Klogon wrote: So if Cleverly stomped out the entire midfield, dominated every game Zidane style, pummeled in goals, had sublime assists, etc - are you saying that wouldn't help his career at all? If so, we're done. It was nice debating with you.
it would. But he didnt. And theres a reason for that, which isnt just limited to effort on the pitch. And those failings off the pitch, conditioning, squad training, mental prep, strategy among others is what determines whether a performance is taken seriously or not. Why is that so hard to understand?
People kept hyping all this Spain and Brazil talk (and Brazil havent even been that good tbh, theyve been running on individuals) before the event and I didnt say anything, because well who cares. But I wasnt so sure taking into account the history of the even that they would just waltz past everyone. It hasnt happened before. Why would it now unless some serious changes were made, which clearly wasnt the case.
Team GB was lackluster they have the players to play fantastically but their midfield was paper thin. No one dropped to take a pass from the defenders and make things happen regularly out of fear of losing it. These are things that get worked on outside 90 mins and it doesnt matter how talented you are if your not well prepared its not going to work unless the other teams are just atrocious.
I think we're arguing past each other a little bit right now because I largely agree with you that level of prep does matter from an overall perspective. Like how much support you get from your club boss to train for this, how many days and resources your national federation got to prepare the team, etc. It'd be ignorant to say these things do not matter as it is all necessary support to have a team firing at 100%. However, my main point is that to say that the players and coaches who have careers on the line are not trying their best is false. Giggs probably gives less of a shit than the younger players.
I bolded the part of your quote because that is exactly my point. If he had, he'd break out not only in the public eye, but in confidence, etc. And he knows that. Why wouldn't he take that opportunity then and go for it? Young players will push themselves for a shot at a breakout performance like that.
yea but no amount of pushing will provide that performance without all those factors involved. Its literally swimming against the tide. Realistically without experience and the aforementioned factors as "teams" they arent really any better than the others in the olympics. Smaller teams try a little harder and the gaps closed. And most footballers are pretty smart. They know how good they are as individuals and as teams relative to everyone else.
The hypothetical situation where Cleverly stomps every midfield that faces up to him was never going to happen. And everyone kinda knew that from the first game they played, even if they didnt say it. And honestly if he genuinely believed that, as well as he did play this tournament, against SK he was incredibly passive. I dont want to say it as a definite but maybe they really didnt believe that it was worth it to take the game over. I think Keown and Savage had something to say about that aswell but I wasnt really listening with all the other events going on. Certainly didnt look like it.
On August 05 2012 08:11 Sated wrote: Rebs, if any of the players at the games are being scouted by any club at any level then it is going to be important for their career to do well. Scouts can only report on what they see from a player, and if they see that a player doesn't try every game then what use is that to a club? Players aren't stupid about these sorts of things so they're going to try their best.
You have no idea what your talking about as usual. I never at any point argued that the players arent giving it all on the pitch. atleast not in terms of raw effort. I did hint there is a possibility somewhere of not taking a game over. Obviously the conversation is to dense for you. But we already know that.
The point is. Them not doing well will not concern any clubs. And it has absolutely nothing, nothing to do with effort.
edit: oh and vice versa for a team performing well. Unless the olympics becomes a bonafide high level tournament. This one certainly isnt. The womens is though.
Well olympic soccer is really nothing compared to the major tournaments. Ofc the players are still fighting for their country as there is medals for share. But not many gives value to olympic soccer other than that.
On August 05 2012 08:46 Juissi wrote: Well olympic soccer is really nothing compared to the major tournaments. Ofc the players are still fighting for their country as there is medals for share. But not many gives value to olympic soccer other than that.
I think on the men's side it's the kind of event you care about when you win a medal but not really otherwise. I mean, I'm sure Argentinian fans where really happy about winning 2004 and 2008, for example. But outside of Argentina I doubt too many people really cared.
Great Britain was VERY lucky to receive both penalties. The referee was probably paid by the British team. The first penalty was a given because it was a hand ball. But the second penalty should not have been given. In the premier league, no way is that a penalty.
To back up my argument as to why I think the ref was paid by the British is because of so many yellow cards received by the Korean team. Most of them were light conservative tackles and some light pushing. Had this been in the premier league, they would not have received yellow cards.
Great Britain showed that it was a strong team in the group stages but South Korea outclassed them.
I hope Great Britain takes this opportunity to improve their U23 team.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
I find this ironic coming from a swedish with shitty swedish national soccer team.
You jelly?
Of course i am. They have a better football team, better starcraft players and better internet :/ But at least we have better looking women
But seriously. The asian teams look really strong. Europeans have been kinda dissapointing. However, it was nice to see Spain lose. I think it has much to do with the european leasues are on break (the big ones) and players are not in their best shape. Many of the asian leagues are in mid season and the players are in their best shape. Today each team are strong and you have to give 100% to win. I think many were underestimating the koreans and already was thinking about how to stop Naymar and the brazilian star team.
You are entitled to your own opinion... but Korean women are known for its beauty even without plastic surgery... But I do agree Swedish women are beautiful too.
I'd take swedish girl over Korean any day.
I'd take european chicks over koreans till my 30s and then go for a korean. Slower aging
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
hurr durr, so where's europe in this competition?
brazil, mexico, japan, korea
japan knocking out spain and korea knocking out swiss and UK.
I hate to break it to you, but outside team GB (and just this year for them to, home team and all) They dont really care, they rarely have. If they did well in the past it was mostly because the rest of the competition was god aweful.
Hey guys, look, we have a mind reader over here.
Clearly Spain didn't care when they rushed the referee and pushed him around and got tons of yellows when they lost. And clearly Sturridge looked like he didn't give a fuck when he missed that penalty, right?
Athletes don't get to where they are by not wanting to compete. Fans might not care as much, but when athletes step into a stadium full of 70k people in a competitive match, they are trying their best. You're kidding yourself if you think otherwise. They didn't become that good by not being ridiculous competitive people by nature.
I think most football fans recognize that these teams aren't the very best that GB and Spain can put out, but they are still pretty stacked and you can count on it that they are giving 100% when they step out onto the field.
I didnt say the athletes involved didnt want to compete. Everyone involved wants to play to win. But do you really believe that as far as preparation and hype is concerned the results matter to them that much , the players will be disappointed sure. but the national interest and federation backing is a huge part of how well a team does when it goes into a tournament.
Its effectively a junior tournament. The european teams rarely dominate at that level its a pretty even field. And no I dont believe the players on european teams work as hard. They might lay it all out on the pitch at crunch time but the stark reduction in quality on the pitch is a direct result of failings of it. Something that they do not let happen at the top tier. And this isnt anything new. Its always been that way in the Olympics. They arent taken as seriously, but feel free to believe what you want.
So we can agree on this: the players and coaches tried their best, but the old, rich, white men in suits watching from their glass and steel high rises didn't care as much so didn't prep the team as much. I'm okay with that.
But if you honestly believe kids who are under-23 playing in their first starting position in a major tournament don't see it as an opportunity to gain a bigger contract and more playing time in their club teams, perhaps you need to try to see these things from an individual "non-star" athlete's perspective perspective. A Neymar already has it made. A guy like Cleverly? Still a ton to prove and this is a great opportunity to gain attention and more playing time next season with United.
Nope, when has performing well in the Olympics ever, I mean ever resulted in a player being given mad creds ? Never no club will heavily read into olympic performance. Club level football and poorly organized national teams are completely different playing fields. it might put you on a bit of a radar but frankly if your good enough you will already have been on it and your club or serious national team performance in a major tournament (should you be involved) will be the major factors.
That having been said, I dont believe that they arent seeing at as an oppurtunity. Why not ? Everytime you step on a football pitch as a kid you want to impress. That is without question. But its not as easy as "I will go on the pitch and play my best." And I dont think the team performing poorly will in anyway affect the prospects of the kids on the Spanish team or team GB.
Now if it was Brazil or last Olympics Argentina (which was stacked) getting knocked out in the groups. Then they'd have a problem because they really went for it.
I think Cleverly's play in the premier league in his short time before injury far outweighed anything he might have done in this tournament. And he was really really good. What do you think matters to Fergie?
You have it switched actually.
Their Midfield was Class...Allen and Cleverly worked together wonderfully and the midfield looked comfortable and Tidy on the Ball....Their Defense was Laughable though..
On August 05 2012 11:20 Bennett87 wrote: Great Britain was VERY lucky to receive both penalties. The referee was probably paid by the British team. The first penalty was a given because it was a hand ball. But the second penalty should not have been given. In the premier league, no way is that a penalty.
Even Joe Allen was laughing when the second penalty was given.
On August 05 2012 11:20 Bennett87 wrote: Great Britain was VERY lucky to receive both penalties. The referee was probably paid by the British team. The first penalty was a given because it was a hand ball. But the second penalty should not have been given. In the premier league, no way is that a penalty.
To back up my argument as to why I think the ref was paid by the British is because of so many yellow cards received by the Korean team. Most of them were light conservative tackles and some light pushing. Had this been in the premier league, they would not have received yellow cards.
Great Britain showed that it was a strong team in the group stages but South Korea outclassed them.
I hope Great Britain takes this opportunity to improve their U23 team.
LOL so many sore losers - South American referees are often stricter. Well played South Korea, they were the much better team.
I thought Brazil was the best country for soccer/football? Shouldn't they be dominating the Olympics? I think I read something like only those 23 years and under can compete in the Olympics for Brazil, is that the reason why they aren't as good as they can be?
Excuse my ignorance, I know literally nothing about soccer. Hearing Korea being in the semi-finals piqued my interest. I didn't get to watch SK vs GB but I will definitely watch SK vs Brazil.
Yes, the team is composed by U23 players, but you can bring 3 over aged players to compete too. So in the end the national teams aren't really their top shape that you see in WC.
Brazil used to be among (if not) the very best football powerhouse up to 2002, but quality started falling since then and after the fiasco of 2006 and 2010 they are trying to renew the team.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
hurr durr, so where's europe in this competition?
brazil, mexico, japan, korea
japan knocking out spain and korea knocking out swiss and UK.
I hate to break it to you, but outside team GB (and just this year for them to, home team and all) They dont really care, they rarely have. If they did well in the past it was mostly because the rest of the competition was god aweful.
Hey guys, look, we have a mind reader over here.
Clearly Spain didn't care when they rushed the referee and pushed him around and got tons of yellows when they lost. And clearly Sturridge looked like he didn't give a fuck when he missed that penalty, right?
Athletes don't get to where they are by not wanting to compete. Fans might not care as much, but when athletes step into a stadium full of 70k people in a competitive match, they are trying their best. You're kidding yourself if you think otherwise. They didn't become that good by not being ridiculous competitive people by nature.
I think most football fans recognize that these teams aren't the very best that GB and Spain can put out, but they are still pretty stacked and you can count on it that they are giving 100% when they step out onto the field.
I didnt say the athletes involved didnt want to compete. Everyone involved wants to play to win. But do you really believe that as far as preparation and hype is concerned the results matter to them that much , the players will be disappointed sure. but the national interest and federation backing is a huge part of how well a team does when it goes into a tournament.
Its effectively a junior tournament. The european teams rarely dominate at that level its a pretty even field. And no I dont believe the players on european teams work as hard. They might lay it all out on the pitch at crunch time but the stark reduction in quality on the pitch is a direct result of failings of it. Something that they do not let happen at the top tier. And this isnt anything new. Its always been that way in the Olympics. They arent taken as seriously, but feel free to believe what you want.
So we can agree on this: the players and coaches tried their best, but the old, rich, white men in suits watching from their glass and steel high rises didn't care as much so didn't prep the team as much. I'm okay with that.
But if you honestly believe kids who are under-23 playing in their first starting position in a major tournament don't see it as an opportunity to gain a bigger contract and more playing time in their club teams, perhaps you need to try to see these things from an individual "non-star" athlete's perspective perspective. A Neymar already has it made. A guy like Cleverly? Still a ton to prove and this is a great opportunity to gain attention and more playing time next season with United.
Nope, when has performing well in the Olympics ever, I mean ever resulted in a player being given mad creds ? Never no club will heavily read into olympic performance. Club level football and poorly organized national teams are completely different playing fields. it might put you on a bit of a radar but frankly if your good enough you will already have been on it and your club or serious national team performance in a major tournament (should you be involved) will be the major factors.
That having been said, I dont believe that they arent seeing at as an oppurtunity. Why not ? Everytime you step on a football pitch as a kid you want to impress. That is without question. But its not as easy as "I will go on the pitch and play my best." And I dont think the team performing poorly will in anyway affect the prospects of the kids on the Spanish team or team GB.
Now if it was Brazil or last Olympics Argentina (which was stacked) getting knocked out in the groups. Then they'd have a problem because they really went for it.
I think Cleverly's play in the premier league in his short time before injury far outweighed anything he might have done in this tournament. And he was really really good. What do you think matters to Fergie?
You have it switched actually.
Their Midfield was Class...Allen and Cleverly worked together wonderfully and the midfield looked comfortable and Tidy on the Ball....Their Defense was Laughable though..
Then we were watching different games. A laughable defense concedes more goals than GB did.
looking comfortable on the ball and actuall doing something with it are completely different things. The lack of belief has become a typical thing for teams from the island at major events.
On August 07 2012 05:21 Wampaibist wrote: ABBY WOMBACH!!!!!!!! she is undoutbly one of the greatest
That penalty was a gift. Even the crowd (which was actually chanting for the US) saw it was a stark bs call. There is absolutely know way anyone ever can possibly avoid getting hit like that on the hand.. ever.
both these semis have been significantly more entertaining than anything the mens tournament has produced. And im the type that goes "lol womens football."
The women's games have been a lot better than then men's games so far. Both semifinals have been so good, though I do feel bad for Canada they aren't getting any calls from this ref.
Yeea... Um just watching Canada vs USA in Women's football.
Must stupid and ridiculous 3rd goal by the USA. Referee's call was just plain stupid. And what the hell is a indirect free kick inside the penalty box anyways? Sigh...
Besides that complain, the game is fun. A lot of goals and big plays. Sinclair hat-trick !
wow if I was Canada id be really upset this reffing is getting a bit silly. And it doesnt seem biased, its just incompetent. Impressive crowd, pretty intelligent to.
On August 07 2012 05:33 Rebs wrote: wow if I was Canada id be really upset this reffing is getting a bit silly. And it doesnt seem biased, its just incompetent. Impressive crowd, pretty intelligent to.
I almost guarantee they will lodge a complaint about the reffing after the game. There have even been a few calls that should have gone US way but didnt. But giving an indirect free kick inside the box is probably the most absurd call I've ever seen. Then giving a handball off it that late basically a gift. Game has been really good otherwise.
On August 07 2012 05:33 Rebs wrote: wow if I was Canada id be really upset this reffing is getting a bit silly. And it doesnt seem biased, its just incompetent. Impressive crowd, pretty intelligent to.
I almost guarantee they will lodge a complaint about the reffing after the game. There have even been a few calls that should have gone US way but didnt. But giving an indirect free kick inside the box is probably the most absurd call I've ever seen. Then giving a handball off it that late basically a gift. Game has been really good otherwise.
Well she has to give the freekick because the keeper didnt release it from her hands in time. You can get away with that if you put it down, that was a pretty elementary mistake. But the Pen was just garbage.
On August 07 2012 05:33 Rebs wrote: wow if I was Canada id be really upset this reffing is getting a bit silly. And it doesnt seem biased, its just incompetent. Impressive crowd, pretty intelligent to.
I almost guarantee they will lodge a complaint about the reffing after the game. There have even been a few calls that should have gone US way but didnt. But giving an indirect free kick inside the box is probably the most absurd call I've ever seen. Then giving a handball off it that late basically a gift. Game has been really good otherwise.
Well she has to give the freekick because the keeper didnt release it from her hands in time. You can get away with that if you put it down, that was a pretty elementary mistake. But the Pen was just garbage.
That wasnt even the call. The call was delay of game or something
It is bullshit but take a screenshot where the ref was its so hard to see everything. If i was canada I would be upset with the calls but the play in the game has been so extraordinary.
It is bullshit but take a screenshot where the ref was its so hard to see everything. If i was canada I would be upset with the calls but the play in the game has been so extraordinary.
there aren't 5refs ? /e apparently not still they're normally really good to judge those things and it's really clear here.
On August 07 2012 05:33 Rebs wrote: wow if I was Canada id be really upset this reffing is getting a bit silly. And it doesnt seem biased, its just incompetent. Impressive crowd, pretty intelligent to.
I almost guarantee they will lodge a complaint about the reffing after the game. There have even been a few calls that should have gone US way but didnt. But giving an indirect free kick inside the box is probably the most absurd call I've ever seen. Then giving a handball off it that late basically a gift. Game has been really good otherwise.
Well she has to give the freekick because the keeper didnt release it from her hands in time. You can get away with that if you put it down, that was a pretty elementary mistake. But the Pen was just garbage.
That wasnt even the call. The call was delay of game or something
yes and delay of game happened because she was holding on to the ball to long. Wasting time is fine, everyone does it but you push the rules to do it. Not break them :p. (example you drop the ball to your feet you squeeze an extra few seconds out)
Ususally they are pretty lenient about it the first few times its done and then they just card the keeper if its to much and you just restart. But they can certainly give that indirect free kick if they want, its rare to see though. Personally I dont mind it, the mens game could use some of that.
Also no one is going to lodge any complaints. Its bad reffing but there have been far worse travesties.
On August 07 2012 05:33 Rebs wrote: wow if I was Canada id be really upset this reffing is getting a bit silly. And it doesnt seem biased, its just incompetent. Impressive crowd, pretty intelligent to.
I almost guarantee they will lodge a complaint about the reffing after the game. There have even been a few calls that should have gone US way but didnt. But giving an indirect free kick inside the box is probably the most absurd call I've ever seen. Then giving a handball off it that late basically a gift. Game has been really good otherwise.
Well she has to give the freekick because the keeper didnt release it from her hands in time. You can get away with that if you put it down, that was a pretty elementary mistake. But the Pen was just garbage.
That wasnt even the call. The call was delay of game or something
yes and delay of game happened because she was holding on to the ball to long. Wasting time is fine, everyone does it but you push the rules to do it. Not break them :p. (example you drop the ball to your feet you squeeze an extra few seconds out)
Ususally they are pretty lenient about it the first few times its done and then they just card the keeper if its to much and you just restart. But they can certainly give that indirect free kick if they want, its rare to see though. Personally I dont mind it, the mens game could use some of that.
Also no one is going to lodge any complaints. Its bad reffing but there have been far worse travesties.
ummm you almost never see or give a free kick inside the box... especially in an elimination game at 75 Minutes.
On August 07 2012 05:33 Rebs wrote: wow if I was Canada id be really upset this reffing is getting a bit silly. And it doesnt seem biased, its just incompetent. Impressive crowd, pretty intelligent to.
I almost guarantee they will lodge a complaint about the reffing after the game. There have even been a few calls that should have gone US way but didnt. But giving an indirect free kick inside the box is probably the most absurd call I've ever seen. Then giving a handball off it that late basically a gift. Game has been really good otherwise.
Well she has to give the freekick because the keeper didnt release it from her hands in time. You can get away with that if you put it down, that was a pretty elementary mistake. But the Pen was just garbage.
That wasnt even the call. The call was delay of game or something
yes and delay of game happened because she was holding on to the ball to long. Wasting time is fine, everyone does it but you push the rules to do it. Not break them :p. (example you drop the ball to your feet you squeeze an extra few seconds out)
Ususally they are pretty lenient about it the first few times its done and then they just card the keeper if its to much and you just restart. But they can certainly give that indirect free kick if they want, its rare to see though. Personally I dont mind it, the mens game could use some of that.
Also no one is going to lodge any complaints. Its bad reffing but there have been far worse travesties.
ummm you almost never see or give a free kick inside the box... especially in an elimination game at 75 Minutes.
Not really, maybe not for that particular offense. Mostly because keepers arent dumb enough to get caught doing it.
But indirect free kicks inside the box occur often enough.
On August 07 2012 06:13 MooseyFate wrote: This game is so sloppy. Fun to watch, but really sloppy.
its 2 hours in. It was brilliant quality wise for about 100 minutes. Those girls are completely spent at this point, its amazing how well they are going still. Very impressed.
On August 07 2012 05:33 Rebs wrote: wow if I was Canada id be really upset this reffing is getting a bit silly. And it doesnt seem biased, its just incompetent. Impressive crowd, pretty intelligent to.
I almost guarantee they will lodge a complaint about the reffing after the game. There have even been a few calls that should have gone US way but didnt. But giving an indirect free kick inside the box is probably the most absurd call I've ever seen. Then giving a handball off it that late basically a gift. Game has been really good otherwise.
Well she has to give the freekick because the keeper didnt release it from her hands in time. You can get away with that if you put it down, that was a pretty elementary mistake. But the Pen was just garbage.
That wasnt even the call. The call was delay of game or something
yes and delay of game happened because she was holding on to the ball to long. Wasting time is fine, everyone does it but you push the rules to do it. Not break them :p. (example you drop the ball to your feet you squeeze an extra few seconds out)
Ususally they are pretty lenient about it the first few times its done and then they just card the keeper if its to much and you just restart. But they can certainly give that indirect free kick if they want, its rare to see though. Personally I dont mind it, the mens game could use some of that.
Also no one is going to lodge any complaints. Its bad reffing but there have been far worse travesties.
ummm you almost never see or give a free kick inside the box... especially in an elimination game at 75 Minutes.
Not really, maybe not for that particular offense. But indirect free kicks inside the box occur often enough.
Yeah, and even for that offense (holding the ball in the hand longer than six seconds) I've seen it. That's why keepers usually use other ways to play for time that will only result in a booking.
What a shame, great game tainted by horrible reffing. Congratz to the Canadians for showing a lot of heart despite the adversity. They still have a shot at the bronze so its not completely over.
Tough luck canada. Morgan was the best player in extra time. Looked by far the most dangerous after the 90 (and considering how beastly Sinclair was that game, thats something.)
On August 07 2012 06:13 MooseyFate wrote: This game is so sloppy. Fun to watch, but really sloppy.
its 2 hours in. It was brilliant quality wise for about 100 minutes. Those girls are completely spent at this point, its amazing how well they are going still. Very impressed.
Not just now, I'm talking about the whole game. Canada at least had some control with the ball, US mostly got the ball and blasted a long cross hoping there was someone at the other end. US had some great strikes but Canada controlled the game/ball much better.
On August 07 2012 06:13 MooseyFate wrote: This game is so sloppy. Fun to watch, but really sloppy.
its 2 hours in. It was brilliant quality wise for about 100 minutes. Those girls are completely spent at this point, its amazing how well they are going still. Very impressed.
Not just now, I'm talking about the whole game. Canada at least had some control with the ball, US mostly got the ball and blasted a long cross hoping there was someone at the other end. US had some great strikes but Canada controlled the game/ball much better.
Not really, if anything most of the second half it was Canada lofting balls for Sinclair to chase down. Both controlled it really well for large parts of the game, the USA grew more into it as it went on longer.
If you can run the channels and get to the byline and put balls into space, theres not much more to do (teams like United do that week in week out.)
Shocking, this match was everything that was wrong with competitive sport for me. Canada lost due to ref decisions and the massive amount of harsh challenges, crippling two players who looked very hurt and hitting a third.
I mean seriously, I've seen more honour in a game of murderball.
Talk about "play to win". The team actually trying to play to the rules lost here.
On August 07 2012 06:54 floor exercise wrote: Hope Japan crushes USA again after watching that
After seeing japan struggling against France, USA is gonna beat japan in rematch.
Im actually really worried for Japan, of the 4 semi finalists they really didnt impress me at all after going ahead.
Aside from the usual being clinical infront of goal and reasonably well organised, they werent very good at defending their lead. They did it, but they werent very good.
Man, why can't Canadian Football ever get a break? Could we please, for once in my lifetime, actually get lucky about something? Anything? Damn.
I really hope Japan wins. After what happened tonight I think I would loose it if I saw Leroux with a gold medal around her neck...
And for the love of God can we have a decent ref the next time? I've seen the US beat Canada in women's Football often enough, even in extra time at the Olympics, but to lose like that is just crushing. Sinclair has the game of her life, as good a game as any female player has ever had, and we lose because the ref is incompetent.
I just hope Canada wins a major event (Olympics or World Cup - hopefully both, but that's wishing for a lot :/ ) while Sinclair is still playing. It's hard to oversate how much she deserves it.
Man, sucks to be a Canadian Football fan. But usually it's just "lol we suck". Tonight just hurts. I'll take last place over losing in overtime due to a blown call any day.
Congrats to the US team, but as far as I'm concerned it's a tainted win.
God damn it, I was really thinking that Canada could make the upset and defeat USA, well no luck, still amazing game tbh. It's gonna be an amazing finals, Japan vs USA. Tomorrow Mexico vs Japan in the men's semi's VAMOS MEXICO!!
The women played some very entertaining semi finals today. Canada should have definitely won if not for the calls, but GO 'MURICA! hahah. I think USA will crush Japan in the final though.
For the men tomorrow, I think Japan will beat Mexico and I am just PRAYING that Korea can beat Brazil. I think the game will be much closer than people expect (some betting sites are +700 for Korea lol) but I worry about fatigue on the Korean players as the same players have hustled like crazy every game.
On August 07 2012 08:32 Fischbacher wrote: Man, why can't Canadian Football ever get a break? Could we please, for once in my lifetime, actually get lucky about something? Anything? Damn.
I really hope Japan wins. After what happened tonight I think I would loose it if I saw Leroux with a gold medal around her neck...
And for the love of God can we have a decent ref the next time? I've seen the US beat Canada in women's Football often enough, even in extra time at the Olympics, but to lose like that is just crushing. Sinclair has the game of her life, as good a game as any female player has ever had, and we lose because the ref is incompetent.
I just hope Canada wins a major event (Olympics or World Cup - hopefully both, but that's wishing for a lot :/ ) while Sinclair is still playing. It's hard to oversate how much she deserves it.
Man, sucks to be a Canadian Football fan. But usually it's just "lol we suck". Tonight just hurts. I'll take last place over losing in overtime due to a blown call any day.
Congrats to the US team, but as far as I'm concerned it's a tainted win.
Edit: oh, and happy birthday to me.
It really does suck for players like Charmaine Hooper (who is retired) and Sinclair as well but that is life.
Sinclair has always been a beast on the pitch. Whatever man.
Anytime i ever watch international football it seems like refs always fuck things up. It's half the reason I can't take the sport seriously. Maybe if they put in some goal line tech at least...
On August 07 2012 09:20 DannyJ wrote: Anytime i ever watch international football it seems like refs always fuck things up. It's half the reason I can't take the sport seriously. Maybe if they put in some goal line tech at least...
after long debate goal line tech is being added. as for replay review, still a no. fifa says controversy is part of the game...and i kinda agree, its where those extra drama comes from. as for acting/diving/faking, they need to be bitch slapped upon replay review.
Aren't they experimenting goal line detection for the next WC? I remember I read somewhere that in some european league/cup or something they were doing experiments with that technology.
I think goal line detection is very acceptable, but nothing more than that. Some people want replay checking, but that would make the game stop way too often, so in the end I believe having the referee calls is better for the viewers, even if they fuck up sometimes.
Also, SK can beat Brazil, there is definitely an acceptable chance of that, but it will likely only happen if the brazilian team plays too sloppy, otherwise I don't see how SK can stop the brazilian attacks. Lee Bumyoung has shown to be a very good goalkeeper though, but still...
On August 07 2012 06:54 floor exercise wrote: Hope Japan crushes USA again after watching that
After seeing japan struggling against France, USA is gonna beat japan in rematch.
Im actually really worried for Japan, of the 4 semi finalists they really didnt impress me at all after going ahead.
Aside from the usual being clinical infront of goal and reasonably well organised, they werent very good at defending their lead. They did it, but they werent very good.
Both teams have sort of suspect defenses, Japan has lots of trouble with the US attacking athleticism so they really have to keep the ball because the US are very dangerous every time they can go forward. In the World Cup final last year, the US could have scored multiple goals early, they had tons of great chances they blew before Japan really woke up and got in control--they can put pressure to break down the US defense but the US is so deadly on the counter with Alex Morgan (she's becoming like the women's CR in my eyes) it's still tough.
brazil vs korea, super exciting by being starcraft fans you're automatically underlings of the korean people, show your prideful cheer towards your dear leaders of korean football!
On August 07 2012 10:39 fabiano wrote: Aren't they experimenting goal line detection for the next WC? I remember I read somewhere that in some european league/cup or something they were doing experiments with that technology.
I think goal line detection is very acceptable, but nothing more than that. Some people want replay checking, but that would make the game stop way too often, so in the end I believe having the referee calls is better for the viewers, even if they fuck up sometimes.
Also, SK can beat Brazil, there is definitely an acceptable chance of that, but it will likely only happen if the brazilian team plays too sloppy, otherwise I don't see how SK can stop the brazilian attacks. Lee Bumyoung has shown to be a very good goalkeeper though, but still...
Let's wait and see
I think they are going to start experimenting with it. I know during the Euro Cup they added officials to the end line for the purpose of seeing if the ball crosses the line for a goal or not, but after the drama over the Ukraine no call and all the arguments there (especially after them being the host nation and it possibly leading to an unexpected tie or potential win) I believe that FIFA is moving towards goal line technology.
I definitely would like to see South Korea beat Brazil. I was sad that Honduras didn't manage to hold them off because I think it would have been weird/incredible to see two NA region and 2 Asian region teams in the final four of a football tournament. How bizarre would that be? No Europeans? No South Americans? I know the African nations have had some limited success in the Olympics before with teams like Nigeria. I guess it might have been a problem for ticket sales although I assume that will surely take a hit now that the host nation is eliminated. I'm hoping for a Mexico vs SK finals because I feel like Mexico is one of the perennial underachievers and deserves a shot at a title. I'm hoping SK gets there because... starcraft :D
So.. it starts in about 7 hours? Never watched a full match before, but this seems pretty interesting and intense to watch. The SC2 WCS Korea is on in like a hour, lol oh well I'll get some sleep I guess.
I don't have much Canadian pride but their loss was really painful to watch Dx, not badminton-painful but more of the 'give us a break! why can we not win without so much bs'. I always had the attitude of 'LOL we have a football team!?'. But I really wanted them to win that one after seeing how well Canada played vs USA.
On August 07 2012 12:56 jinorazi wrote: brazil vs korea, super exciting by being starcraft fans you're automatically underlings of the korean people, show your prideful cheer towards your dear leaders of korean football!
This post made me rofl.
Made me almost want to cheer against them precisely for the reason you just mentioned. (can't deny i'm an underling because of SC.)
korea is doing really good but its just couple of chances that brazil gets that we should be scared of. korea pressuring opponent is nothing new and they're good at it but never finishes
On August 08 2012 05:01 TemplarCo. wrote: Well imo, that's game over for South Korea, an American Final Mexico vs Brasil.
GL to you guys but Brasil is on fire :D
Indeed they are, but this game, they've had little control of it, and also South Korea is letting them of the hook, if Mexico doesn't do that and prevent the counter-attacks I think we can take it.
On August 08 2012 05:43 TehPrime wrote: LMAO, korea.
It was obvious from the beginning.
Line up wise, yes, it looks one-sided but the game wasn't completely one-sided until the life was sucked out the team and the terribad Korean substitute goalie who let in basically little taps that probably amateur goalies could have made saves to The game should have been a lot closer. Two obviously penalties one in the first, the other in the 2nd, not being called. Could have been a 2-1 SK or 2-2 Game going into 60minutes, instead it was 2-0.
i feel korea has slight advantage vs japan because they'll be more hungry with military exemption staring right at em. should be awesome match nonetheless, i hope 3-0 victory to avenge what happened last time we met.
No disciplinary action until after the bronze medal game for the Canadian girls, lmao.
What a joke. That makes it even worse. Fifa circus continues. They're trying to play it down as much as possible, but everyone knows they would suspend anyone who speaks out against the officials. It's policy. - -
There was this one crazy guy at the bar saying the Mafia was involved.
On August 08 2012 22:55 StarStruck wrote: No disciplinary action until after the bronze medal game for the Canadian girls, lmao.
What a joke. That makes it even worse. Fifa circus continues. They're trying to play it down as much as possible, but everyone knows they would suspend anyone who speaks out against the officials. It's policy. - -
There was this one crazy guy at the bar saying the Mafia was involved.
Wow, so they're essentially saying it is ok to stomp on someone's head, and they'll just punish you after the tournament is over?
so the women's and men's final will be on the same time on different dates. 19:45 is 7:45pm london time?? so it'll start around 3:45AM in california???
On August 09 2012 05:03 ~~Kyo~~ wrote: so the women's and men's final will be on the same time on different dates. 19:45 is 7:45pm london time?? so it'll start around 3:45AM in california???
London is 8 hours ahead of California. if it starts at 7:45 P.M. in London, it will be 11:45 AM in California
On August 09 2012 05:03 ~~Kyo~~ wrote: so the women's and men's final will be on the same time on different dates. 19:45 is 7:45pm london time?? so it'll start around 3:45AM in california???
London is 8 hours ahead of California. if it starts at 7:45 P.M. in London, it will be 11:45 AM in California
On August 08 2012 09:25 Kojak21 wrote: Oh shit i thought they actually put football in the olympics. not soccer
To be an olympic sport the sport must be practiced by men in at least 75 countries and four continents, and by women in at least 40 countries and three continents. American football won't be included any time soon, probably never.
US is so lucky to have the lead with the missed handball and all the chances, Japan's attack has been so sharp and US hasn't created much after the first 10 minutes.
from the 10th minute on Japan is so strong. I dont think the US will keep getting this lucky. Step it up ladies and play some defense please! LOLLLLL Bueller tackles the Japanese girl to the ground and she gets hurt? hahahhaa
On August 10 2012 04:49 illsick wrote: are you guys (Americans) watching this online or on tv? I'd rather watch it on a tv broadcast than watch it through a stream.
It's on NBC sports network (used to be Versus). Also I get an Olympic Soccer channel which it's also on.
On August 10 2012 04:55 Shellshock1122 wrote: Goallllll!!! Lloyd is on fire!
I was about to berate her for not passing it, then she does that, heh.
haha yea it's one of those things where it's a silly wtf decision when she takes that shot and puts it in the stands but when they put it on frame it's like Hooray!!
On August 10 2012 04:55 Shellshock1122 wrote: Goallllll!!! Lloyd is on fire!
I was about to berate her for not passing it, then she does that, heh.
haha yea it's one of those things where it's a silly wtf decision when she takes that shot and puts it in the stands but when they put it on frame it's like Hooray!!
On August 10 2012 04:55 Shellshock1122 wrote: Goallllll!!! Lloyd is on fire!
I was about to berate her for not passing it, then she does that, heh.
haha yea it's one of those things where it's a silly wtf decision when she takes that shot and puts it in the stands but when they put it on frame it's like Hooray!!
I thought Sawa had that goal for sure. had a second of relief. and then goal anyways haha. It was only a matter of time though. The US defense has struggled so much this tournament
Hope Solo so good! but I think she's going to need to apologize to Chastain about that twitter fight. Looks like Chastain was 100% correct about the USA defense
On August 10 2012 05:25 Shellshock1122 wrote: Hope Solo so good! but I think she's going to need to apologize to Chastain about that twitter fight. Looks like Chastain was 100% correct about the USA defense
The US defense has never been that good, the team is almost entirely built on their prime attacking talent. And general athleticism.
On August 10 2012 05:25 Shellshock1122 wrote: Hope Solo so good! but I think she's going to need to apologize to Chastain about that twitter fight. Looks like Chastain was 100% correct about the USA defense
The US defense has never been that good, the team is almost entirely built on their prime attacking talent.
Yea we are so screwed when Rampone finally retires. She's by far the oldest player on the team and seems to be the only player that knows what is going on. I was surprised that she has had some big blunders this game. Usually it's the other defenders
Congrats to the USA women's national team and their 4th gold medal (3rd straight)!
Owning the women's world cup is a curse in the olympics. No team can win both consecutively. Last team that had a chance was 1999 Women's world cup champion USA who lost to Norway in the 2000 Olympic finals (the only time the USA had won a World Cup since Women's football was added to the Olympics and also the only time the USA women's team did not win the gold medal).
Post game profound analysis by Kristine Lilly "What did the USA do to win this game?" response "Well the USA scored two goals and Japan scored only one goal." hahahha best answer
On August 08 2012 22:55 StarStruck wrote: No disciplinary action until after the bronze medal game for the Canadian girls, lmao.
What a joke. That makes it even worse. Fifa circus continues. They're trying to play it down as much as possible, but everyone knows they would suspend anyone who speaks out against the officials. It's policy. - -
There was this one crazy guy at the bar saying the Mafia was involved.
Wow, so they're essentially saying it is ok to stomp on someone's head, and they'll just punish you after the tournament is over?
Better watch out next World Cup ladies. :x
Reports indicate that they are looking into the post game comments, not into the head stomp.
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
I find this ironic coming from a swedish with shitty swedish national soccer team.
You jelly?
Of course i am. They have a better football team, better starcraft players and better internet :/ But at least we have better looking women
If you say so, then why are the Swedish women in the Olympics quite ugly? (no offence):
On August 10 2012 05:46 Shellshock1122 wrote: Owning the women's world cup is a curse in the olympics. No team can win both consecutively. Last team that had a chance was 1999 Women's world cup champion USA who lost to Norway in the 2000 Olympic finals (the only time the USA had won a World Cup since Women's football was added to the Olympics and also the only time the USA women's team did not win the gold medal).
Post game profound analysis by Kristine Lilly "What did the USA do to win this game?" response "Well the USA scored two goals and Japan scored only one goal." hahahha best answer
On August 05 2012 06:15 TheSwedishFan wrote: Lol, what an upset. How could they lose to a shitty team like south korea... Well they've had a good night after all the gold medals, they cant have it all.
I find this ironic coming from a swedish with shitty swedish national soccer team.
You jelly?
Of course i am. They have a better football team, better starcraft players and better internet :/ But at least we have better looking women
If you say so, then why are the Swedish women in the Olympics quite ugly? (no offence):
Swedish women in the 2012 Olympics
Well, i dont know about you but i found these women quite attractive. Wouldn't want to kill myself if i woke up after a late night out and i found one of them laying beside me... You sir have a weird image of what i woman actually looks like if you are using the word ugly to describe them. Try going out and stop watching internet porn
On August 11 2012 04:31 aznball123 wrote: ahh crap forgot this was today lol, got my new pc yesterday and was playing too much sc2. missed only first half though ^^
You missed quite a nice goal. The goalie should have had a better position and taken that ball though.
On August 11 2012 05:41 TehPrime wrote: So many fouls during that game.
Korea 17 fouls
Japan 22 fouls
That ref was quite a card-happy.
There's no denying that SK was playing very physically in the first half, the ref had to do something (there was almost a fight lol). It was much better in the second half, so he did a good job of keeping it under control.
The Korean U23 football team is in a much superior league compared to Japan. I see a lot of potential from Korea's midfielder (Seung Yeung Ki?) and the forward Park Chu Young showed an excellent display of goal scoring and goal setting today.
Korea outclassed and totally demolished Japan today.
Japanese probably have better passing skills but Korea played a very canny game -- precisely because Korea knows how to break down the Japanese team from countless previous encounters. Start out being by physical and apply intense pressure and the Japanese passing game will break down. Very important win for Korea!
Japanese passes were quite terrible today. I saw about three very clumsy passes (like 10 feet off target) from their midfielders.
Also Japan's goal scoring ability is very weak and their defence is pathetic... look how Park Chu Young just ripped through their defence even when there were three defenders surrounding him. Either Park Chu Young has amazing dribbling skills or Japan's defence is just badly coordinated. Probably both.
Gotta give credit to Yuki Otsu though, he had two good chances but they were not utilized properly.
To be fair, both teams have great passing but this game got so physical that neither team could get it going until the first goal against the run of play got the Japanese pushing forward a little more.
On August 11 2012 18:44 krndandaman wrote: man did anyone ever expect korea taking 3rd? korea did awesome
On July 24 2012 08:24 Tazza wrote: Don't be surprised if Korea medals. we have a fairly weak defence and average strikers, but our midfield is one of the best if not the best in the tourney, particularly our center mids. i think we can top our group, then meet GB or senegal. we beat senegal 3-0 a few days ago so im kind of hoping we meet them, but GB looks fairly weak too. as long as we don't meet uruguay with their beast forwards.
it seems to me like this tourney doesn't have a lot of playmakers, just a bunch of great forwards like neymar, cavani, suarez, etc. So i'll be curious to see as how this tourney goes. hopefully it doesn't turn into the copa america where all the teams had good forwards but terrible midfielders, which led to unattractive football and overall bad play
Neymerda needs to leave the team, but he won't because if the coach takes him out the brazilian media and the brainless Neymerda fans will shit all over Mano Menezes
neymar is like stephano, he's good but he's not the absolute best, yet a lot of people talk like he's the best player in the world which makes a lot of other people hate him
It's a shame coaches and players still don't realise that all of the most prodigious attacking talent in the world means nothing, when you're leaky at the back.
I actually had Mexico as favourites so I'm not at all surprised they won. They always do good in the world cup etc and Brazil rely too much on individual performances and they don't play as a team.
I agree with the BBC commentator's assessment that the Brazilians played an arrogant game. If they had played as they did after they scored the goal we would have seen a very different match...
... But they didn't. And I'm very happy we got to spoil Brazil's party once again.
On August 12 2012 01:08 DwD wrote: I actually had Mexico as favourites so I'm not at all surprised they won. They always do good in the world cup etc and Brazil rely too much on individual performances and they don't play as a team.
Mexico never do good in world cups They have only reached the quarter finals twice and both of which on home turf. Even their youth is mediocre most of the time. Not winning any youth world cups and this being their first gold medal.
On August 12 2012 00:53 Asha` wrote: Painful loss for Brazil.
Really need to sort out their defending, obviously the better team but they just concede stupid goals time after time.
Rofl. Better individually perhaps, but Mexico was way way way way way better as a team.
I think that Brazil's offense side is much stronger than Mexico's, even looking at it collectively as opposed to individually. But Mexico played better today, it's a fact.
On August 12 2012 01:08 DwD wrote: I actually had Mexico as favourites so I'm not at all surprised they won. They always do good in the world cup etc and Brazil rely too much on individual performances and they don't play as a team.
Mexico never do good in world cups They have only reached the quarter finals twice and both of which on home turf. Even their youth is mediocre most of the time. Not winning any youth world cups and this being their first gold medal.
On August 12 2012 01:08 DwD wrote: I actually had Mexico as favourites so I'm not at all surprised they won. They always do good in the world cup etc and Brazil rely too much on individual performances and they don't play as a team.
Mexico never do good in world cups They have only reached the quarter finals twice and both of which on home turf. Even their youth is mediocre most of the time. Not winning any youth world cups and this being their first gold medal.
Typical. Completely forgot about the under 17 world cups and Mexico won two of them But honestly, under 17 is pointless to bring into the argument because these guys don't qualify for the Olympics. The difference of play between under 17 and under 23 is huge so the argument that these guys would do well in the Olympics is weak.
EPT
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Uruguay![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Flag_of_Gabon.svg/22px-Flag_of_Gabon.svg.png)
Gabon![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Flag_of_Mexico.svg/22px-Flag_of_Mexico.svg.png)
Mexico![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Flag_of_South_Korea.svg/22px-Flag_of_South_Korea.svg.png)
South Korea![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Flag_of_Switzerland.svg/20px-Flag_of_Switzerland.svg.png)
Swtizerland![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Flag_of_Belarus.svg/22px-Flag_of_Belarus.svg.png)
Belarus![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/05/Flag_of_Brazil.svg/22px-Flag_of_Brazil.svg.png)
Brazil![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Flag_of_Egypt.svg/22px-Flag_of_Egypt.svg.png)
Egypt![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/22px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png)
New Zealand![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Flag_of_Honduras.svg/22px-Flag_of_Honduras.svg.png)
Honduras![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/22px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png)
Japan![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Flag_of_Morocco.svg/22px-Flag_of_Morocco.svg.png)
Morocco![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Spain.svg/22px-Flag_of_Spain.svg.png)
Spain![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/eDlQ7.jpg)
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Cameroon![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/DDyOb.jpg)
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Canada![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/22px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png)
South Africa![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4c/Flag_of_Sweden.svg/22px-Flag_of_Sweden.svg.png)
Sweden![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/eUwD2.png)
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Colombia![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/22px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)
France![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Flag_of_North_Korea.svg/22px-Flag_of_North_Korea.svg.png)
North Korea![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a4/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg/22px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png)
United States
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