FIFA World Cup 2006 [R]

Wow Klose struck 2 goals!!

Were they headers? I am reminded of his three headers in Germany's first match against Saudi Arabia in the last world cup which Germans took away 8-0.

How where the ticket sales in the World Cup by the way? Cause probably that Brazil training session drawed more attention than the Tunisia VS Saudi Arabia match will.

Revenge!
It was horrible 4 years ago. One game started at 1:20 a.m.; another at 3:00 a.m. and the last one at 6:00 a.m.

I've heard a rumor that the only beer they serve at the world cup is Budweiser (American). If that's true, either the fans are bringing their own or there will be some rioting.

Hello all. Didnt read up on this thread yet, but saw Germany-Costa Rica and most of Poland-Ecuador. We were with a big group of visitors from across Europe, not standard football fans, so it was fun in an ironic kinda way.

The German, a Belgian and a Bulgarian or two at the head of one table were for Germany, a bunch of the rest of us for Costa Rica (the only ones in the entire pub/restaurant, by the way). Costa Rica was often weak of course, missing a sleigh of passes, chances, etc, but it was still very gratifying to see them score - twice, even! Specially since it was the same guy scoring twice, he must go into Costa Rican history. A moment of hope there when they got back to 3:2.

Ecuador was a surprise score, I hadnt expected them to win. Also a sympathetic outcome, and that kind of underdog achievements cant help but make you cheerful for a bit.

That doesnt mean I want Ivory Coast to win against Holland, tho...

Sunday we're playing Serbia ... might be tricky ... lot gonna depend on how we deal with Serbia.

Oh, and I have to say, however grudgingly <grits teeth>, that third goal of the Germans was quite magnificent.

They changed that .... a bit: at a third of the offically selling places in/around the stadiums you can get German Bitburger as well ....... looooooooooooooong queues in front of them.

I hope the German and you beat each other up? We have a tradition to keep up here.

Munich's city center was full of Costa Ricans yesterday evening. They were very cheerful, very proud of the two goals they scored, and they're making lots of compliments about Munich. Very nice atmosphere, even for people who aren't much into the sport itself.

They are very polite people, indeed.

Touché

Well done, Germany. I think we've already seen two of the "Goals of the Tournament"

Germany looked strong and positive. Dark horses? And full of goals, even without Ballack.

Because of he wasn't there: the defense was terrible!

I wonder what the Manneken Pis is wearing today.

Germany could do very well in this tournament...if they had a defence.

I thought Poland were abysmal btw. Cost me 50p. (Did I say I was a betting man?)

Off now to watch The Big Game, on a Big TV...by invitation only round The Cock pub. The invite is quite funny, mostly it lists the draconian measures to be taken against any rowdy behaviour. I will only whisper "come on Paraguay" very quietly into my beer. No one could accuse me of provocation eh?

Actually england have an excellent chance of going all the way. I'm not as gung ho about it as Spendius but with the metatarsal fixed...who knows.

England have huge following around the world. Even in parts of Germany, I know there are people who are proudly wearing their England flag-badge for every England game...

Well I really enjoyed those games yesterday, when you get 8 goals on the opening day games, you can't complain. Thanks to the cult legend that is Paolo Wanchope, the opener was as good as I've seen in a while. I didn't think Costa Rica were ever up to much to be honest, Germany, to their credit (given the pressures of an opening game) were constantly in control, that defence is looking a little open though. The way the balls were swerving yesterday was incredible, more of the same please.

On a personal note I'm obviously looking forward to the England game today but Argentina's game could be the best of the lot, Ivory Coast could do well today, they really could. It'll just be nice to see the likes of Crespo, Saviola, Messi, Riquelme and Aimar for the Argies though. :wink:

What's with the European teams playing for the offside?
The same German defender was late twice and was the main culprit for both Costarican goals (actually he was late three times, but once the referee called for an inexistent offside).
And the second goal for Ecuador was also a missed offside play.

BTW, Wanchope's 2 goals make him tie the lead with Ronald Gómez as Costa Rica's top goal scorer in World Cups. Will see who of those strikers scores in the next games and "becomes history".

Good lord, "Tin" Delgado scored for Ecuador (the second goal of the game and also his second in World Cups)... I think he scored once in the whole Mexican tournament a couple of years ago (he was a substitute in Pumas).

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As for today, I do hope Ivory Coast to be the surprise team of the WC.

Just under ten minutes to kick off.

Blood pressure slightly raised.
Small furrow on brow.
Sphincter twitching involuntarily.
Itch on right elbow, which is usually a good omen.

C'MON BOYS!!

Paraguay is reckoned to be a bit of a dark horse, although I've seen them in their shorts, and think it's a slight exaggeration.

Teams coming out onto the pitch............

2 MINUTES 50 SECONDS!!

1 - 0 TO ENGLAND!!

Well, I'd thought, the English had scored at least half a dozen times whilest Paraguay was completely out of touch.

(It was an own goal, btw.)

The 'strongest ever' English team since 40 years ... well, might be, they'll get better the last couple of minutes.