The Official World Cup Thread

[studioDIM]

And I thought it was an experienced defender that took the dive

It was actually a forward that did the action, the defender defended, and wrongly so

Chris, i am impressed that someone realised Australia and New Zealand are different places

I have to say, there might be a few more surprises for you in this thread: like defenders that defend, and attackers that attack.
But that's football, not netball

FLAAAAAAAAAME babe, flame.

[studioDIM]

Actually im kinda suprised the italian team showed up.. what with their comfy couches and plentyfull supply of weed

Yeah, the old adage "grass is always greener on the other side" for once proved true.

Welcome to DaFlame DaForce!

Lele

[mcphep]

i could have sworn it was Grosso that went down? a defender no? it was certainly an ugly dive.

...and in netball only attackers attack and defenders defend. there is no more to it than that really

[studioDIM]

i could have sworn it was Grosso that went down? a defender no? it was certainly an ugly dive.

You are so very right
Grosso IS a defender, which at the time was playing the forward, as we had one defender unruly sent off, and the midfield engaged to the yellow demons.
I should double check, but i think he did play most of the second half as a forward-going wing, of course running back as needed.

As for the dive, well.
In soccer there is a component of guile and cunningness.
Which he played to perfection, given that a contact was made.
In the interviews he did NOT say he dived, rather that he lost balance at the second contrast, tried to stay up, but his back foot touched the guy and he went down.
That's clearly visible on the replays
Sure it was an ugly impact on the ground :P

Lele

[jacksc02]

i hope this ref isnt planning a trip to australia!

[studioDIM]

nor to Italy!
Sending off materazzi was foolish.
It's not like because he gave us an OBVIOUS penalty we can forgive him, now, is it?

[mcphep]

This made me smile;

'When in the 92nd minute, our defender headed into the area and was taken down for a nailed-on penalty, I think it was something fantastic,' Lippi said.

'And Totti converted it with real skill.'

Pressed about the penalty decision, Lippi said: 'There were two fouls on him. He didn't go down under the first and he carried on dribbling and then sustained another clear foul.

'Why?' he asked the news conference. 'Does anyone have any doubts about the penalty?'

Can't argue with that!

[studioDIM]

Indeed. especially, can anyone argue with the slowmo replays of the action?

Foul doesn't mean a broken leg or ankle, ya know.
It's enough to TOUCH the other person's leg, and not get to the ball FIRST.
If it's in the penalty area then it IS a penalty

As for grosso, he indeed is a defender, but what does an external defender does when he hugs the sideline and drives into the other team area's?
g'nite for now, keep the flaming up!!!

Lele

[mcphep]

some great looking games tonight. I'm sure things will continue tomorrow.... any bets on Brazil being knocked out???

[jacksc02]

yeah time for brazil to go!

[studioDIM]

I'd love Ghana to win.
Can't help but side with the underdogs (after tonite, lol!)

Lele

[DaForce]

Damn, its a shame we lost, I had the perfect pic lined up for you Lele

Ah well may as well still post it. Its too funny not to

[jonnybefree]

hahaha, can't look at it.

[ene.xis]

was surprised the goal for the italian side came too late...was starting to doubt my knowledge on international footbal...
still i think italy was quite luky with the matches drawn till the semi final...theill meet ukrain in the next match....i guess if ukrain doesn t come up with a much better performance and will, italy is going to make theyr competion s performance!

[ene.xis]

ohh....and althoug i support all the african teams in the world cup...i guess brazil will take todays match to prove why they are the world champions...
they have an amazing team!...maybe not the best technical management, but that s another story...