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They're Off!!!
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Well... certainly not a scintillating performance from our wee Stevie. Did he do anything of note?
RSA started off utterly hopeless and gradually improved. Fairly open game in some ways but the quality of some of the football was laughable, and the defending for the Mexico goal absolutely criminal.
The Mexicans have always puzzled me: good on the ball but they usually always fail to deliver.
Absolutely top class goal though to open the tournament. That is how to score a goal from that wide angle, across the keeper, and just inside the top corner. Brilliant finish. And the lad never even looked up. It's that magical sense of knowing exactly where the limits of the goal are... or a large slice of luck!
Michael Kenrick, Posted 11/06/2010 at 17:24:01
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I thought Pienaar did OK and covered loads of ground in trying to close down the Mexicans who are much better than expected... I thought they outplayed England for long periods during the warm up game.
South Africa defended poorly but when they had the ball they played some really excellent football. I reckon the altitude will definitely suit the South Americans and really think that only the Spaniards can do it for Europe.
I certainly do not agree with you about Pienaar who was involved throughout and never hid... but then, that is the way he always played for us.He shirks nothing and puts 100% effort in every game he plays.
He showed some nice touches and, like Trevor, I feel that he put himself about a lot... and was fouled a lot as well (just like in the Premier League).
His strength, though, is in moving the ball around quickly and playing rapid interchanges with like-minded players who are on the same wavelength (e.g. with Leighton Baines) and that doesn't seem to be SA's strength, though they did pass it nicely at times.
His strength, though, is in moving the ball around quickly and playing rapid interchanges with like-minded players who are on the same wavelength (e.g. with Leighton Baines) and that doesn't seem to be SA's strength, though they did pass it nicely at times.
Certainly on today's display evidence, he won't be setting the world alight but the point is that we know what he can do for Everton in David Moyes's team. Outside of that, there are the highs of the Confederations Cup and the lows of Dortmund to muddy the impressions of just how good he really is.
Fun game to watch. Some nice attacking by both sides. And none of the nasty stuff, which was really good to see. Even Blanco was respectful!
By the way, why was the Mexican goal dis-allowed in the 1st half? We have the games on ESPN over here and I'm not sure what the final reason was. Off-side?
By the way, why was the Mexican goal dis-allowed in the 1st half? We have the games on ESPN over here and I'm not sure what the final reason was. Off-side?
Yup, Offside James. It was a good decision, very close though.
It was good to see that there was very little play acting and I thought the ref was good.
On the subject of Pienaar, I hope he has a good World Cup and I hope he stays with us for at least another year, he is a cracking player (but not great today though).
It was good to see that there was very little play acting and I thought the ref was good.
On the subject of Pienaar, I hope he has a good World Cup and I hope he stays with us for at least another year, he is a cracking player (but not great today though).
As soon as he got the ball, 2 or 3 Mexicans were on him. His touch and close control looked good but he didn't do much of note. From a selfish point of view, if he has a quiet game, I think he will come back to us with his tail between his legs!
Laws of the game:
"A player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the
second-last opponent."
There was only the 1 defender on the goal line as the keeper had come out, so it was an absolutely correct decision by the officials.
"A player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the
second-last opponent."
There was only the 1 defender on the goal line as the keeper had come out, so it was an absolutely correct decision by the officials.
A poor game was all I thought. I also had a moment where I regretted booking the entire tournament off on annual leave to watch. Just a moment though.
Pienaar — well, all I can ask is just what is it that makes some Everton fans think this guy can play centrally, just behind the striker? I've never seen him play well in that position for club or country!
Pienaar — well, all I can ask is just what is it that makes some Everton fans think this guy can play centrally, just behind the striker? I've never seen him play well in that position for club or country!
He was poor today; sure he worked hard, and he was marked closely, but he gave the ball away far too much and his passing was guarded instead of adventurous. Disappointed in him.
The guy that scored the opener also got man of the match, he covered over 65 yards to connect with the through ball and score a goal any striker would be proud of. Shocking defending for the equaliser with three Mexicans all open to score. Pienaar didn't do much during the game.
Sorry, apart from the goal, I found it really boring. It was like watching a mid-level Championship-standard match. Two very poor sides. The Mexico keeper and the guy up front Franco were horrible.
Correct decision or not, the offside was a joke. The keeper made a huge mistake, and no one marked the attacker. The offside was a safety net for South Africa.
I don't think that "Pienaar effectively became the 'keeper" as the commentators put it. The keeper was the keeper. He decided (poorly) to come for the ball, he shouldn't have been given a 'get out of jail free' card.
I don't think that "Pienaar effectively became the 'keeper" as the commentators put it. The keeper was the keeper. He decided (poorly) to come for the ball, he shouldn't have been given a 'get out of jail free' card.
We all watch a game differently, but I thought the Mexicans were so intent on stopping Pienaar playing they forgot they had a game to win! Guaranteed that without Pienaar keeping 2/3 Mexicans busy SA wouldn't have scored in a month of Sundays and Mexico would have had 3 or 4 goals.
Watched a bit of it in work and thought it was a reasonble match... but my god - those vavazuelas... or whatever they're called — are a right royal pain in the arse...
Watching France with the sound down, to avoid the feeling that I'm getting chased by a swarm of bees.
Watching France with the sound down, to avoid the feeling that I'm getting chased by a swarm of bees.
Offside only applies if the 'keeper plus one outfield player are behind the ball (from the defence's point of view). You can question the rule's value but it *is* nonetheless the current law.
Ciaran, my thoughts exactly! It's like a giant wasp that needs pasting!
Haha... I'd take a giant rolled up newspaper to anyone with a horn!
I'd be right behind you! It was seriously really irritating!
Was not overly impressed by Pienaar I must admit. This might knock him back a little.
And I am not the first to say that I am pulling hairs out hearing those fucking things whatever they are. I wish the person next to whoever it is playing it would grab it and stick it up their arse for the love of god.
On a more positive note, the opening goal is already a contender for Goal of the Tournament. What a pearler that was.
And finally, I fancy Argentina to win this one. 24 years since they won it and, with the closest anyone will ever come to Maradona in Messi, I believe this is their year.
Missed Uruguay - France
Opinions?????
Opinions?????
It was poor, James... the group looks open.
I'm at a loss to see why Frank Ribbery is constantly talked about in terms of massive money...
Diaby was about the only player who acquitted himself well.
I'm at a loss to see why Frank Ribbery is constantly talked about in terms of massive money...
Diaby was about the only player who acquitted himself well.
I thought SP had a good game... he tired from his first half chasing but he was the one linking their deep midfield up with a sole attacker and bringing people into the game.
Absolutely correct decision for the offside.
Absolutely correct decision for the offside.
Ciaran - Thanks Brother. If it's looking that wide-open, I'll say Mexico thru for sure. And then... SA.
You didn't miss much, James — it was poor. Such a shame as in the last World Cup the first really poor game was about half-way through the tournament, and I think it involved France as well.
Domenech is a goon. Not playing Malouda was daft. And The Juggler thought twice after he claimed the penalty. Oh the irony...
Domenech is a goon. Not playing Malouda was daft. And The Juggler thought twice after he claimed the penalty. Oh the irony...
Michael,
I guess if his last name was Rooney you'd be waxing lyrical about a brilliant strike... not luck.
SA were unlucky though with that last-minute chance, being denied by the width of a post. That said, it was a poor finish.
As a South African, I thought we where lucky to get a point out of the game. We had 2-3 clear cut chances we squandered. Mexico, for all the possesion, didn't fair much better in front of goal.
We were great on the counter but woeful everywhere else. Poor in the air at defending crosses/corners and especially weak down the left side.
The midfield was non-existent in tracking back and sloppy in possesion. Thought Modise down the right was quite good.
All in all, it's a good point, but could have been so much more.
I guess if his last name was Rooney you'd be waxing lyrical about a brilliant strike... not luck.
SA were unlucky though with that last-minute chance, being denied by the width of a post. That said, it was a poor finish.
As a South African, I thought we where lucky to get a point out of the game. We had 2-3 clear cut chances we squandered. Mexico, for all the possesion, didn't fair much better in front of goal.
We were great on the counter but woeful everywhere else. Poor in the air at defending crosses/corners and especially weak down the left side.
The midfield was non-existent in tracking back and sloppy in possesion. Thought Modise down the right was quite good.
All in all, it's a good point, but could have been so much more.
My ears are still ringing from those blasted tuneless horns and that was before switching the TV to mute at half-time in the first game. Those at the game could suffer damage to their hearing. Perhaps authority should supply them with ear plugs.
As for the media, surely it is not beyond their technical ability to muffle the awful din of the horns while still allowing commentary. If nothing is done about it, this will be the quietest ever World Cup in our household.
Agreed that the Uruguay-France game was a snooze-fest. Forlan should have put his chance away but snatched at it. France might have shaded it overall but neither side looked all that great, to be honest. Just made up that Henry didn't score with that late free kick.
But those fucking vuvuzela horns, Jayzus! Even as an ex-SA native, I have no qualms asking for this cultural touchstone to be banned for the rest of the tournament.
When they used to honk car horns parked inside the stadium before in the SA league games (which they may still do — it's been a while since I watched Orlando Pirates take on Kaiser Chiefs in Xhosa :D ), at least there was only handful of cars. They're recording decibel levels of 145db in those stadiums and take it from someone with permanent cochlea damage from a rock concert a few years back — that's LOUD!
But those fucking vuvuzela horns, Jayzus! Even as an ex-SA native, I have no qualms asking for this cultural touchstone to be banned for the rest of the tournament.
When they used to honk car horns parked inside the stadium before in the SA league games (which they may still do — it's been a while since I watched Orlando Pirates take on Kaiser Chiefs in Xhosa :D ), at least there was only handful of cars. They're recording decibel levels of 145db in those stadiums and take it from someone with permanent cochlea damage from a rock concert a few years back — that's LOUD!
Brendan (24) - "The Juggler thought twice". Ha Ha. Good one. Is that what he's been called?
So, what do you think? One game, I know. But pick the 2 teams out of this group. In order.
So, what do you think? One game, I know. But pick the 2 teams out of this group. In order.
10 years from now, MLS will be vying with EPL as the top pro league on earth. Not trying to start an argument. They just will.
But I'll consider the last nail in the Second Rate League coffin driven when I no longer hear those stupid horns at MLS games. We don't call them Vesuvias or whatever. But it's the exact same horn.
The weird thing is that everyone not blowing the horn hates them. Everyone. Yet teams still let them in.
You there in England? Watch out. Someone WILL be showing up to EPL games next season blowing away. You need to nip that shit in the bud.
But I'll consider the last nail in the Second Rate League coffin driven when I no longer hear those stupid horns at MLS games. We don't call them Vesuvias or whatever. But it's the exact same horn.
The weird thing is that everyone not blowing the horn hates them. Everyone. Yet teams still let them in.
You there in England? Watch out. Someone WILL be showing up to EPL games next season blowing away. You need to nip that shit in the bud.
Denver - Take a pill dude.
SA had their chances and easily could have won. Your team was NOT woeful. Whoever you play next will be very nervous about being too ambitious going forward.
Yes, Mexico could have finished SA off in the 1st half. But as the game went on, SA played better and better.
If you followed Mexico friendlies the last few weeks across Europe, they should have beaten England and got better and better as they went along. They're a well-manged, talented, confident team and SA just missed beating them.
I understand you wanted the 3 points. But disappointed or not there are more positives to take from today than your list of negatives.
I have Mexico and SA going thru. What do you think?
SA had their chances and easily could have won. Your team was NOT woeful. Whoever you play next will be very nervous about being too ambitious going forward.
Yes, Mexico could have finished SA off in the 1st half. But as the game went on, SA played better and better.
If you followed Mexico friendlies the last few weeks across Europe, they should have beaten England and got better and better as they went along. They're a well-manged, talented, confident team and SA just missed beating them.
I understand you wanted the 3 points. But disappointed or not there are more positives to take from today than your list of negatives.
I have Mexico and SA going thru. What do you think?
James;
Before today I would have gone for France and Uruguay.
After today I now have to agree with you and go for SA and Mexico. The prediction game eh? No wonder there is no such thing as a poor bookie.
It is too feckin' cold to bring horns to a ground in this part of the world. The only horns that there will be in English grounds is at TV games when the cheerleaders are doing their thing...
Before today I would have gone for France and Uruguay.
After today I now have to agree with you and go for SA and Mexico. The prediction game eh? No wonder there is no such thing as a poor bookie.
It is too feckin' cold to bring horns to a ground in this part of the world. The only horns that there will be in English grounds is at TV games when the cheerleaders are doing their thing...
I thought Forlan looked like the quality player he is. He was certainly the best forward on the pitch. Him and Diaby were the only good players to watch. Ribery, as mentioned earlier, was crap!
Ribery is usually crap to be honest! Never understood the hype with him... has a decent centre of gravity, but has the same end product as Tony Hibbert 90% of the time.
I reckon France have received the kick up the arse they need and will grab another 4 points and qualify. It's a toss up between the other three who qualifies other than them.
I reckon France have received the kick up the arse they need and will grab another 4 points and qualify. It's a toss up between the other three who qualifies other than them.
Brendan O'D. Since Mexico is our #1 rival, we know all about them. Not just talent, but desire, national pride, etc.
They have a really good manager finally, to run the show. Quarter-Finals? Who the hell knows what happens. But I'd be surprised they don't get that far. SA? It's their country. Why not root for them. So I am for 2nd in the Group.
Plus, fuck the Frogs. My country's done as much as possible to prevent French being the 2nd language of France and they've acted that they were doing us a favor chasing the Germans out. May they finish last in the Group and tournament.
Those damn horns. All these years suffering them here. To find out that horn is some national thing in SA. Pretty funny. But they have to go.
They have a really good manager finally, to run the show. Quarter-Finals? Who the hell knows what happens. But I'd be surprised they don't get that far. SA? It's their country. Why not root for them. So I am for 2nd in the Group.
Plus, fuck the Frogs. My country's done as much as possible to prevent French being the 2nd language of France and they've acted that they were doing us a favor chasing the Germans out. May they finish last in the Group and tournament.
Those damn horns. All these years suffering them here. To find out that horn is some national thing in SA. Pretty funny. But they have to go.
James,
True, there's a lot to be positive about, especially the way the two games panned out, but I still think we were really bad in the 1st half, and the defending for their goal was shocking.
We might struggle against taller opponents as Mexico won most of the headers in our penaly area... and they are hardly a tall team.
I've no doubt we can compete with both France & Uruguay, especially as I don't think we played that well today, but still picked up a point. Also, from all accounts both those teams were poor.
If we are to progress from this group, we'll need to be more clinical in front of goal. We'll definitely create enough chances.
Not sure who'll go thru... don't think Uruguay will be one of the teams though.
True, there's a lot to be positive about, especially the way the two games panned out, but I still think we were really bad in the 1st half, and the defending for their goal was shocking.
We might struggle against taller opponents as Mexico won most of the headers in our penaly area... and they are hardly a tall team.
I've no doubt we can compete with both France & Uruguay, especially as I don't think we played that well today, but still picked up a point. Also, from all accounts both those teams were poor.
If we are to progress from this group, we'll need to be more clinical in front of goal. We'll definitely create enough chances.
Not sure who'll go thru... don't think Uruguay will be one of the teams though.
Ciaran (20) — Well, Bayern Munich paid a ton of cash for him. Hard to disconnect talking about him from that fee.
He's a good player. How good, I judge by how good compared to play in EPL. I know other leagues have top sides. But top to bottom or even top half of a league, there's EPL and then everyone else.
If Ribbery had to throw down week in and out in EPL, we'd find his full measure.
Same reason I line up the best in the world as Rooney, Ronaldo, Drogba, then Messi. Messi's the goods for me. No question. But 39 games in EPL first please, not the two-team La Liga. Rooney, Ronaldo, and Drogba have proven it over and again.
I put Messi right up there and above Ribbery certainly. But excelling in EPL remains the standard for me. Telling, I believe, that no EPL team challenged BM's bid for Ribbery.
He's a good player. How good, I judge by how good compared to play in EPL. I know other leagues have top sides. But top to bottom or even top half of a league, there's EPL and then everyone else.
If Ribbery had to throw down week in and out in EPL, we'd find his full measure.
Same reason I line up the best in the world as Rooney, Ronaldo, Drogba, then Messi. Messi's the goods for me. No question. But 39 games in EPL first please, not the two-team La Liga. Rooney, Ronaldo, and Drogba have proven it over and again.
I put Messi right up there and above Ribbery certainly. But excelling in EPL remains the standard for me. Telling, I believe, that no EPL team challenged BM's bid for Ribbery.
I thought Pienaar was the only SA player really giving it horns in the first half... but when Modise along side him is nowhere to be seen and the DFM gives everything away its tought to take on a whole Mexican side by yourself...
I thought SA were the better team in the 2nd half.. the goal would stand up for goal of the season anywhere... not just the finish but the sublime passing to get it there...
Real shame it ended in a draw.... SA would have been bouncing last night if we had won!
I thought SA were the better team in the 2nd half.. the goal would stand up for goal of the season anywhere... not just the finish but the sublime passing to get it there...
Real shame it ended in a draw.... SA would have been bouncing last night if we had won!
Were in a no-win situations.
Pienaar has a good World Cup — more teams will be wanting to swipe him;
Pienaar has a crap World Cup — his value depreciates;
Pienaar gets injured — his value depreciates;
Pienaar forced to stay with us for one season — no heart and toys out of the pram.
Pienaar has a good World Cup — more teams will be wanting to swipe him;
Pienaar has a crap World Cup — his value depreciates;
Pienaar gets injured — his value depreciates;
Pienaar forced to stay with us for one season — no heart and toys out of the pram.
Think back to Moseys's comment to peanuts... EFC are good for Pienaar.
Never a truer statement... others take note.
Of course early days yet.
Never a truer statement... others take note.
Of course early days yet.
If Pienaar has a bad World Cup, surely he is more likely to stay at Everton? The top teams won't be interested anymore, he will drop his wage demands as he will be made to realise he is not so god-like, and sign on for another four years at Goodison.
James Flynn (#35). Sounds like you are a typical English loving, media hyped up, Premier League fan.
All the English media do is cream about how good the Premier League and the national team are. How many English teams were in the final of this year's Champions League, or even semi-finals for that matter? The Spanish League may be dominated by the top two, but so is the PL. How many years since anyone rather than Man Utd or Chelsea have won the league?
The PL has hit it's peak and on the way down now due to the financial incapabilities of the club's owners. As for the national team, we have been shit for a long time. When was the last time we got to a tournament final? England has only three or four players that would get in the Spanish world cup squad, let alone their first team. Our media rave about Torres and Fabregas being two of the best players in the world. They may be good, but both can't get in the Spanish first-team when everyone is fit.
Wake up and smell the coffee.
All the English media do is cream about how good the Premier League and the national team are. How many English teams were in the final of this year's Champions League, or even semi-finals for that matter? The Spanish League may be dominated by the top two, but so is the PL. How many years since anyone rather than Man Utd or Chelsea have won the league?
The PL has hit it's peak and on the way down now due to the financial incapabilities of the club's owners. As for the national team, we have been shit for a long time. When was the last time we got to a tournament final? England has only three or four players that would get in the Spanish world cup squad, let alone their first team. Our media rave about Torres and Fabregas being two of the best players in the world. They may be good, but both can't get in the Spanish first-team when everyone is fit.
Wake up and smell the coffee.
Lyndon 14:
"Offside only applies if the 'keeper plus one outfield player are behind the ball (from the defence's point of view). You can question the rule's value but it *is* nonetheless the current law."
Sorry to be pedantic but it's comments like this that cause confusion. To be onside you need 2 opposition players, or the ball, between you and the goal. When you start talking about goalkeepers it's easy to confuse stupid people!
From your description of offside you could play your keeper as a striker and the opposition would always be offside!
James,
The amount of money someones willing to pay for a player is no real indication of the value on the pitch..
I give you one João Alves de Assis Silva.
The amount of money someones willing to pay for a player is no real indication of the value on the pitch..
I give you one João Alves de Assis Silva.
Matthew (40) - I wouldn't know what the English press do. I'm in America. Do they really cream over the EPL? According to so many in here, EFC is shit on by the English press. Repeatedly, it seems.
Are you referring to ManU, Chelsea, and Arsenal being creamed over? If so, I'd say they've earned the accolades. The rare chance I get to see Barca or Real Madrid on TV here, I'm right there because they're beautiful teams to watch. But Barca finshed 3 points ahead of RM, then 28 points over the 3rd place team and 36 over 4th place? Sorry Matthew, that league's inferior.
As far as the CL, whatever does that have to do with the stronger league? These are the best club teams in Europe. And I'm first to put Barca and RM right up there. Would like to see them thru the 38 game EPL grind, that's all. Not all the soft touches and pushovers they feast on in La Liga week after week.
That aside, took your advice on the coffee. Smelled great. Tastes even better.
Are you referring to ManU, Chelsea, and Arsenal being creamed over? If so, I'd say they've earned the accolades. The rare chance I get to see Barca or Real Madrid on TV here, I'm right there because they're beautiful teams to watch. But Barca finshed 3 points ahead of RM, then 28 points over the 3rd place team and 36 over 4th place? Sorry Matthew, that league's inferior.
As far as the CL, whatever does that have to do with the stronger league? These are the best club teams in Europe. And I'm first to put Barca and RM right up there. Would like to see them thru the 38 game EPL grind, that's all. Not all the soft touches and pushovers they feast on in La Liga week after week.
That aside, took your advice on the coffee. Smelled great. Tastes even better.
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1 Posted 11/06/2010 at 17:37:20
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"Ineffectual"
Can't decide whether that's a good or bad thing!