Official NHL Thread

[hay_txa]

Off Zide says the ZDF!

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/9194/f2010063016035313962250.jpg

Kthxbye.and still the ball doesn't seem to touch xavi's foot. ))))))) you've convinced yourself that it was an offside so you see what you want to see. this pic from this angle doesn't show ****. and let me tell you this: if replays were available during this match, first of all it's not for sure that ref would have considered using it because portuguese didn't complain and second, if he had decided to watch the replay it's still not a fact that he would have ruled offside.

[armored_diplomacy]

QFT We have no respect for anything or anybody. LOL

We will see we will see.

:roll:

Come on ......
I find quite inappropriate Schweinsteiger´s comments, uncalled and an absurd and unfair generalization.
He´s not even worth a reply, and I won´t be as low as him.

Scr*w you, Schweinsteiger, whatever the resoult of the match is; who the h*ll do you think you are.

[Jobu]

Off Zide says the ZDF!

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/9194/f2010063016035313962250.jpg

Kthxbye.

The linesman was out of position. He should be even with the last defender, yet he appears to be slightly behind him which probably screened his view of Villa's offside foot. He is offside by about 8-10 inches. Tough call but Portugal sucked anyway. Spain deserved to go through in my opinion.

[Jobu]

All of the Blackhawks trades so far have been expected but the loss of Ladd is the only one that really stings. He was a solid player who did all the little things in front of the net and on the boards.
Good role players are not that easy to find.

[Climber]

:roll:

Come on ......
I find quite inappropriate Schweinsteiger´s comments, uncalled and an absurd and unfair generalization.
He´s not even worth a reply, and I won´t be as low as him.

Scr*w you, Schweinsteiger, whatever the resoult of the match is; who the h*ll do you think you are.

Well, i tried to be ironic. And los pingos se ven en la cancha, no?

[dttk0009]

:roll:

Come on ......
I find quite inappropriate Schweinsteiger´s comments, uncalled and an absurd and unfair generalization.
He´s not even worth a reply, and I won´t be as low as him.

Scr*w you, Schweinsteiger, whatever the resoult of the match is; who the h*ll do you think you are.

You're taking it way too personal. It's not even directed at you (unless you play for the Argentinian team). Besides, both teams, or rather, some players from both teams are ****-talking to each other at the moment. Who cares? It's just psychological warfare before kick off.

[armored_diplomacy]

Well, i tried to be ironic. And los pingos se ven en la cancha, no?

:hug:


You're taking it way too personal. It's not even directed at you (unless you play for the Argentinian team). Besides, both teams, or rather, some players from both teams are ****-talking to each other at the moment. Who cares? It's just psychological warfare before kick off.

:lol:
You´re right !

[Musashi]

Hitler is pissed off again ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN343OnMdp4


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Ln_rqPpPk

[Silent Reader]

EXPENSIVE GIFT
An Austrian goldsmith in Linz said he has been commissioned by a Russian businessman to cover a vuvuzela with gold and diamonds to the tune of $22,000. He said his customer plans to give it to a South African business associate in time for the final July 11.


Speaking of vuvuzelas, one of the hottest-selling items around South Africa these days are ``VuvuStops'', which are foam ear plugs, specifically marketed to people who are tired of the buzzing of the plastic horns.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/02/1711368/germans-argentines-exchange-heated.html#ixzz0sXDO3a9T

............................................................................

[KoTeMoRe]

and still the ball doesn't seem to touch xavi's foot. ))))))) you've convinced yourself that it was an offside so you see what you want to see. this pic from this angle doesn't show ****. and let me tell you this: if replays were available during this match, first of all it's not for sure that ref would have considered using it because portuguese didn't complain and second, if he had decided to watch the replay it's still not a fact that he would have ruled offside.

Yeah sure. Villa was offside, and it was a clear cut case of human refs being out to dry...the replays were available to the ZDF as it had it's own offisde line during the broadcasting. And they showed it repeatedly.

Are you retarded? Xavi hits the ball while Villa is in extension...he had already sprung forward before the ball was touched, matter of dash dynamics. So it was an offside. You're willing to bicker about something that's evident from a video perspective. The portugese didn't complain because they had no way to see the replay like Mexico or England.

I'm not speaking if the ref would have ruled it offside or onside. I'm telling you that Villa was in offside from a technical point of view. Period.

On the point of referees being arseholes the Japanese ref was the most retarded I've seen in about 4 or 5 WC finals.

[Alpheus]

Sutter's gone crazy. Tanguay I can understand, but Jokinen too?!? WTF, over?

[teleloe]

Simon Gagne waived his no-trade clause. Damn, hes been one of my favorite playesr since they acquired him in 1999. If they do trade him, I hope it is worth it cause he was an awesome player year i and year out. Plus the reason we came back against Boston. But so far this Off-season the Flyers Defense is now god-tier..

[Alpheus]

But so far this Off-season the Flyers Defense is now god-tier..

How is it significantly different then what they had last year? Top-4 still the same.

[teleloe]

They added Meszaros and O'Donnell

[Alpheus]

Okay, two solid veterans with limited offensive upside who will get limited minutes. Hardly a dramatic upgrade from last year. Philly does have a very nice top-4 however.

[USMC29]

I think Bowman is doing a good job trading, its been said that all these trades are in anticipation of the 2011/12 season. Tough to see buff, laddy, steeger and all the others go but we'll be fine.

[teleloe]

Its a huge improvement cause Parent was not great at all.. Theres 7 solid defensemen now.

[Alpheus]

Maybe you're right. Had a look at nhl.com and your 5-7 d-men were pretty awful.

[Jobu]

A few points in the Ghana-Uruguay match:

-Abreu was tripped in the box in the 2nd half, it should have been a penalty. Replay shows the defender deliberately kicked his leg out because he was caught in a bad position. So it was fitting that Abreu scored the winning penalty kick (a cheeky Panenka to boot.)

-The free kick that set up the final flurry and resulted in Suarez's red card and Gyan's missed PK was a dive. Watch the replay. There never should have been a foul called in the first place.


So in my opinion, in light of the above facts, Uruguay deserved to win anyway. The refs nearly handed Ghana a spot in the semifinals but the Black Stars could not capitalize on their opportunities.
Uruguay has a tall order now witout Suarez against Holland.

[teleloe]

I think Bowman is doing a good job trading, its been said that all these trades are in anticipation of the 2011/12 season. Tough to see buff, laddy, steeger and all the others go but we'll be fine.

Hawks are now the Thrashers farm team

[vinny_121_ND]

Senators stealing Gonchar was huge. Finally somebody quarterbacking the PP.

[hay_txa]

Yeah sure. Villa was offside, and it was a clear cut case of human refs being out to dry...the replays were available to the ZDF as it had it's own offisde line during the broadcasting. And they showed it repeatedly.

Are you retarded? Xavi hits the ball while Villa is in extension...he had already sprung forward before the ball was touched, matter of dash dynamics. So it was an offside. You're willing to bicker about something that's evident from a video perspective. The portugese didn't complain because they had no way to see the replay like Mexico or England.

I'm not speaking if the ref would have ruled it offside or onside. I'm telling you that Villa was in offside from a technical point of view. Period.

On the point of referees being arseholes the Japanese ref was the most retarded I've seen in about 4 or 5 WC finals.you keep saying the same **** over and over again but even your own evidence doesn't prove your point 100%. and judging from your other posts including in the netherlands-brazil thread, you are the retard. and a pretty emotional one it seems. come back after you cool off may be then there'd be a decent discussion.

[Silent Reader]

for thjose interested:

http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/adidasdfb/content/locale/com/?strcountry_adidascom=com

a graphic novel / video / turn-based internet game about the german team ^^

[nullterm]

Taylor freakin Hall.

[KoTeMoRe]

A few points in the Ghana-Uruguay match:

-Abreu was tripped in the box in the 2nd half, it should have been a penalty. Replay shows the defender deliberately kicked his leg out because he was caught in a bad position. So it was fitting that Abreu scored the winning penalty kick (a cheeky Panenka to boot.)

-The free kick that set up the final flurry and resulted in Suarez's red card and Gyan's missed PK was a dive. Watch the replay. There never should have been a foul called in the first place.


So in my opinion, in light of the above facts, Uruguay deserved to win anyway. The refs nearly handed Ghana a spot in the semifinals but the Black Stars could not capitalize on their opportunities.
Uruguay has a tall order now witout Suarez against Holland.

We're agreeing 100% ...what's going on Jobu?

Hay_Txa...judge me in the light of a few posts after almost three years of stay here. And dude you're in denial here. You're not interested in the game, you're interested on a winner. Sorry to say that's what I meant in the beggiing of this very thread. Winning is one thing, playing (well) is another.

[hay_txa]

so you were undercover retard for 3 years. :-P no offence, j/k ;-)


i think you're taking this issue too serious. if you take all the similar goals ever scored and watch the replays and zoom in the film, draw lines, etc. some1 will always be offside. it's just it is sooo close that it is natural for a ref (and opposition players) not to see it (IF villa really was offside) and not even technology shows it for 100%. what concerns to denial, read my posts again, i've not stated that villa was not offside. it is possible that you're right but at least your pic isn't convincing. and if this had happened to a team i really care for i still wouldn't have considered this a true offside anyway.
as for the game itself: neither of the teams were showing a great football before or after the goal anyways so it didn't really change anything except that the team that played a lil crappier than the other got eliminated. imho. i do care for football. but as much as i care this stuff doesn't bother me. now what happened with mexico and england - does, i have said that already.

[Climber]

Damsn, I feel ****ing sad. Hats off to Germany, well played

[Tokamak]

hahah WOW FOUR, well done Germany. Great game.

[Aerosoul]

I watched the games and thought about this after England lost.
I present you, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Angel of Death.
Mick supports the losing teams.
His son in the last picture.

http://submiturpics.com/images/m4ljdpzs9f64f2ewi1f.jpg

http://submiturpics.com/images/wu2wk56ub3iy50vzdokx.jpg

http://submiturpics.com/images/gqmo9mgvv3t5wtv651co.jpg

Link (http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Mick-Jagger-World-Cup-angel-of-death?urn=sow,253264).

[He219]

Thought I saw both Mick & Leonardo rooting for the Argentinians ...
;)

[JCR]

Thought I saw both Mick & Leonardo rooting for the Argentinians ...
;)

Leonardo was in South Africa, but with jeans, not with BDPs
And he was definitely rooting for Germany, I think.
Not only because of his famous german grandmother.
After all he made 2nd in a breakdance contest in a village disco near Bottrop in 1994... ;)

[GiladS]

Barely any vuvuzela noise in the latest match... well at least in comparison to what has gone on until now.

[JCR]

Majority of fans were Argentine, at least judging from the colours.
So dead silence mostly.

[Climber]

I`m still Sad, I don't think Futbol should make a 42 yo father and veteran so sad, but I feel like sh!t

[Eat a bullet]

Ahahaha...
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3037/eptsportssowexperts6282.jpg

[dttk0009]

Ahahaha...
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3037/eptsportssowexperts6282.jpg

I gotta admit, at first I was happy he was finally fed some of that humble pie. But when he embraced his daughter at the end of the game I did genuinely feel bad for him. He carries a tremendous burden on him, so much of it, and his situation is something I'll never be fully able to understand. I don't think he did well as a coach, but he definitely wasn't the worst one in the WC either. Best of luck to him, I guess.

[CMNot]

I like Maradona a lot more now than I did before the WC.

[toki]

Ahahaha...
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3037/eptsportssowexperts6282.jpg

I heard the Argentinians in the stadium spotted a group of Brazilians and taunted them before the game for their exit.
It seems at least one brazilian found his way to payback - lol. Check out the black and light blue shirt. It's a Gremio Porto Alegre shirt. look here (http://gremio1903.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/gremio-2x0-coritiba-17-11-2008.jpg) - Hehe

[TheEvian100]

Merkel is approaching the Putin level of awesomeness:

http://www.youtube.com/v/4IPhs3uTrF0

What other world leader has ever appeared on the pitch set, for a post-match interview after such a huge success?

[Aerosoul]

Just read that Sneijder has now been credited with the first goal against Brazil. First ruled an own goal, now officially credited to him. Good decision.

[Kruska]

Thought I saw both Mick & Leonardo rooting for the Argentinians ...
;)
Hello He219 - so was I :lol::oops: - awsome avatar you got there too :-)

Regards
Kruska

[toki]

Hello He219 - so was I :lol::oops: - awsome avatar you got there too :-)

Regards
Kruska

Leonardo is the only proper celeb at the world cup, rooting for mommies home country. GERMANY, yay.
Politicians not included. Angie!!! woot

[mudbunny]

Lot's of tough losses but that's the way it goes, there's only one happy team at the end of it all.

[Octavariable]

This just in...

the prima-donna quits as Argentina coach

[tluassa]

What other world leader has ever appeared on the pitch set, for a post-match interview after such a huge success?

She also drank beer with the players in the cabin after the match :) "Mother" cares for her players you know :)

[BlackFlag]

Sad news,

Bob Probert died.


Reports: Former Wings star Bob Probert dead at 45
Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Former Red Wings star forward Bob Probert is dead at 45 after collapsing on a boat Monday in Lake St. Clair, according to multiple media reports.

Both CKLW-AM 800 and the Windsor Star are reporting that emergency crews performed CPR on the former Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks forward and transported him to Windsor Regional Hospital.

Probert, 45, spent nine seasons with the Red Wings and seven with the Blackhawks.

Advertisement

One of the most feared fighters in the league, Probert accumulated 3,300 penalty minutes with 163 goals and 384 points and played in 1988 All-Star Game.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100705/SPORTS0103/7050383/1128/SPORTS/Reports--Former-Wings-star-Bob-Probert-dead-at-45#ixzz0sqccgkWg

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100705/SPORTS0103/7050383/1128/SPORTS/Reports--Former-Wings-star-Bob-Probert-dead-at-45

Only 45...

In my opinion, the greatest Enforcer of all time. I guess all the years of drugs and booze caught up with him. Not to mention the ridiculous heat wave we've had going in the area. (I'm a few miles away from Lake St. Clair)

RIP Probie. :(

[Meatwad]

^ Damn very sad indeed, probably the best enforcer in the game as already said.

[USMC29]

Sad news. RIP

[TheEvian100]

She also drank beer with the players in the cabin after the match :) "Mother" cares for her players you know :)

Merkel is ranking even higher in my book after this p-)

[Kruska]

She also drank beer with the players in the cabin after the match :) "Mother" cares for her players you know :)
Hello tluassa,

I wouldn't know which one looked worse, Merkel in SA or Kohl in Mexico. But it seems that only the German political prom's regularly attend the Football World Cup.

Regards
Kruska

[tluassa]

Hello tluassa,

I wouldn't know which one looked worse, Merkel in SA or Kohl in Mexico. But it seems that only the German political prom's regularly attend the Football World Cup.

Regards
Kruska

Helmut actually was a badass chancellor in most respects :)

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/2281/hb4zdejq4bb45b140d45pxg.jpg

[Jobu]

Helmut actually was a badass chancellor in most respects :)

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/2281/hb4zdejq4bb45b140d45pxg.jpg

He looks like some kind of Bond villain.

[tluassa]

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/3023/kohlfussballafp.jpg

"But it seems that only the German political prom's regularly attend the Football World Cup."

Just like drinking a beer in public here and there, this signals "beeing close to the People". Apart from that, some of our politicians did indeed have a life and actively played soccer in their youth :)

Like the notorious Gerhard S. - a great talent :) which other head of state has the ability to exchange headers with Pele ?

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3335/11442schroederpeleap.jpg

Now look at that kick ...

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/1182/fussballschroeder.jpg

[He219]

Uh oh!
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/8831/x610j.jpg (http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/8831/x610j.jpg)
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/769/610xch.jpg (http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/769/610xch.jpg)

An octopus named Paul sits on a box with decorated with a Spanish flag and a shell inside on July 6, 2010 at the Sea Life aquarium in Oberhausen, western Germany. Paul's task is to decide in favour of one of the shells hidden in boxes with the flags of Germany (L) and Spain to act thus as oracle for the upcoming semi-final match of the FIFA Football World Cup between the two countries on July 7, 2010 in Durban, South Africa. Paul, who had predicted well the result of five matches earlier in the tournament, this time decided for Spain.

[toki]

No problem, the last game he had wrong was the EURO 08 final, Germany-Spain.
EASY easy...

[stonecutter]

:) Looks like the infamous head-butt still hurts...

http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/materazzi-puts-headbutt-in-rearview-mirror--fbintl_ro-materazzi070610.html

[xav]

Looks like Europe rules afterall...

[toki]

Looks like Europe rules afterall...
Van der Vaart wishes Spain to win, Robben Germany. Netherlands - Germany would be a Bundesliga game. 6 of the dutchies play here, all of the Germans. Van Marwijk bondscoach, ex Dortmund said "good luck Germany, best football in the tournament" :-)

[Gleipnir]

Could be a nice little final reminiscent of 1974- only this time Germany is the side playing beautifully and the Netherlands winning it ugly.

[RSone]

Van der Vaart wishes Spain to win, Robben Germany. Netherlands - Germany would be a Bundesliga game. 6 of the dutchies play here, all of the Germans. Van Marwijk bondscoach, ex Dortmund said "good luck Germany, best football in the tournament" :-)

You do know Germany-Netherlands will be bloody personal to us, right?
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc258/RsShogun/e1125f60.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakker-Schut_Plan
Either the world cup or that, take your pick.p-):)

[Gleipnir]

I don't know- the rivalry isn't as it used to be- also the German team of today is very different in terms of including immigrants. I'm not sure they will have the same feelings going into a game against the Dutch. Maybe this final will bring the rivalry back, if it happens.

[RSone]

I don't know- the rivalry isn't as it used to be- also the German team of today is very different in terms of including immigrants. I'm not sure they will have the same feelings going into a game against the Dutch. Maybe this final will bring the rivalry back, if it happens.

Doesn't matter if the Germans feel or don't feel that way. As long as we do.p-)
We call it the calimero complex: They are big and I is small and that is not fair, oh no
p-):)

[Steak-Sauce]

You do know Germany-Netherlands will be bloody personal to us, right?
Either the world cup or that, take your pick.p-):)
Wouldn't you be already outgunned if I mobilize only Bavaria? p-)

[RSone]

Wouldn't you be already outgunned if I mobilize only Bavaria? p-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighty_Years%27_War
The Spanish outgunned us too. Guess how that ended.

[toki]

You do know Germany-Netherlands will be bloody personal to us, right?
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc258/RsShogun/e1125f60.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakker-Schut_Plan
Either the world cup or that, take your pick.p-):)
I think i live in #34, maybe #33 or slightly east... If we would stop shopping in the outlet stores and coffee shops of the province of Limburg it would dry out and fall off the nederlands like an overripe apple. The Belgians would annex it.

So... we take the world cup. And you can't do anyhting about it.

(edit: i live 3km east of #33)

[RSone]

I think i live in #34, maybe #33 or slightly east... If we would stop shopping in the outlet stores and coffee shops of the province of Limburg it would dry out and fall off the nederlands like an overripe apple. The Belgiums would annex it.

I'm a Frisian living in Noord-Holland. Limburgers are as foreign to me as the Chinese. Weird people in a rather nice looking piece of the country. Maybe we should deport the lot of them to Belgium and let you Dzgermanz buy timeshare farms and houses in sunny and bourgondic Limburg? It would at least keep you away from our beachesp-):)

[KoTeMoRe]

@Steak Sauce: You are outgunned, they can mobilize FIFA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htR8LuWbOws

All the German players will enjoy this kind of treatment...but hasn't Paul the Octopuss predicted a German Defeat at Spain's hands?

[toki]

...but hasn't Paul the Octopuss predicted a German Defeat at Spain's hands?

As mentioned before, the last game he erred was the 2008 EURO final: Germany - Spain.

[KoTeMoRe]

As mentioned before, the last game he erred was the 2008 EURO final: Germany - Spain.

Crickey...then I'd just want to see Van Bommel's ankles exposed to a diligent agressive treatment.

[Jobu]

In other news:

Wayne Rooney confirmed as the ugliest footballer on the planet.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.7a45d8e08d846949099d5b95a1fa7ea4.871&show_article=1

[Mackie]

Doesn't matter if the Germans feel or don't feel that way. As long as we do.p-)
We call it the calimero complex: They are big and I is small and that is not fair, oh no
p-):)


Is this compley *****-related? P-)
(Gleipnir is also interested)

[tluassa]

@ the dutch :)

We (a group of 10 devastated Germans ^^) over here just decided to show up in the Netherlands with German Shirts and some orange items ^^ and support the Dutch in Amsterdam in the finals :)

[Breakfast in Vegas]

@ the dutch :)

We (a group of 10 devastated Germans ^^) over here just decided to show up in the Netherlands with German Shirts and some orange items ^^ and support the Dutch in Amsterdam in the finals :)I was considering driving to Arnhem on Sunday, to enjoy the victory!

Condolences to the Spanish.... finishing second is much worse than finishing 3rd.

[He219]

Hup Holland Hup!
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/1756/610xnm.jpg
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/2306/610xxn.jpg

[Stevey1]

Congrats to Spain and bad luck Germany-you played very well at this tournament.

I thought the German players looked a little tired (understandably after the last 2 games), but Spain won because they crowded the midfield. For whatever reason, England and Argentina never adapted to Germany overrunning the midfield. At half-time in the England game, I thought Capello would surely switch to a 5 man midfield. It seemed common sense. But Argentina fell into he same trap. Short on numbers and flexibility in midfield. With the Germany rush-attack countered by Spain, they couldn't generate anything more than a couple of half-chances (despite good effort).

Spain just need to learn to be ruthless in the final third.

That Octopus is scaring me now.

[xav]

Paul the Octopus will predict the winner of the "small finale" game this friday

[mera]

VIVA ESPAÑA!!!
Long Life to Paul!!!
Good game of Germans.

VIVA LA FURIA ROJA!!

Small finale...JA JA JA

[Fuschimuschi]

Good game of Germans

What game have you been watching.
They were scared ****less.

Holland is going to win the final since they won't be as nice as our boys.

[Tyon]

And now the small final. The most stupid match of the whole WC.

[Fuschimuschi]

And now the small final. The most stupid match of the whole WC.

Yep, won't even watch. Our tournament ended yesterday.

Hope Uruguay wins it tbh, it's a tiny country that would probably be happier about coming in 3rd.

[GR7]

It looks like that Spain will create a history in this 2010 world cup?

[Breakfast in Vegas]

What game have you been watching.
They were scared ****less.

Holland is going to win the final since they won't be as nice as our boys.Exactly my opinion.

As much as I adore the German squad, they were far too kind to the Spanish (retrospectively).

The Dutch, I suspect, will seek to disrupt the Spanish midfield through any means possible and take their chances that way.

It won't make for better football necessarily, but could be a great deal more effective. The Spanish game, even though it involves great skill and execution that I respect, isn't pretty by any means either.

As for the 3rd place match... why bother?

[Jobu]

Schweinsteiger explains why Germany lost.

http://www.youtube.com/v/1DCe8rIi2Rk#t=0m20s

[Gleipnir]

Wow- not very respectful.

[Jobu]

Possibly bad news for the Dutch if they were planning to rough up the Spanish players as many have suggested.

Howard Webb is refereeing the final.

[toki]

Schweinsteiger explains why Germany lost.

Wow- not very respectful.

This wasn't south africa. 2 years old. Also IIRC, all but Lahm refused interviews.

[Mackie]

Exactly my opinion.

As much as I adore the German squad, they were far too kind to the Spanish (retrospectively).

The Dutch, I suspect, will seek to disrupt the Spanish midfield through any means possible and take their chances that way.

It won't make for better football necessarily, but could be a great deal more effective. The Spanish game, even though it involves great skill and execution that I respect, isn't pretty by any means either.

As for the 3rd place match... why bother?

The most incredible thing is how the media reacts. Spiegel lists some new talents to replace the failed talents for the Euro2008. o.O
Ten years ago this was impossible.

[Jobu]

This wasn't south africa. 2 years old. Also IIRC, all but Lahm refused interviews.

Well yea it says Euro 2008 behind him, still funny though.

[CMNot]

I hope Webb shows Van Bommel the red card he has diligently been working towards. Dirty ****.

[mera]

Long Life for the PULPO PAUL!!!
jejejeje

[Octavariable]

Congratulation to Spain for winning the WC..

Yeah, I know the game is in two days time, but the title is already won.

http://i31.tinypic.com/2qx6wep.jpg

[hay_txa]

and judging by those balls the score is gonna be 0-2 ? sounds good to me. :-)

[Facaletz]

don't know if you saw this yet,sorry if repost and NSFW
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWGGPSdgQ6Y

[xav]

Congratulation to Spain for winning the WC..

Yeah, I know the game is in two days time, but the title is already won.

http://i31.tinypic.com/2qx6wep.jpg

What about Germany Uruguay game ?

[Facaletz]

hey that's not true, I saw Paul choosing Holland

[Octavariable]

What about Germany Uruguay game ?

He chose Germany I think...

I'll try to find the pic

[Hollereer]

Paul ate the Spanish cookie, then embraced the Dutch box... He loves the dutch, and we win.

[He219]

Paul chose Germany and Spain to win ...

If he's right then I think people will pay more attention to his predictions than the sport!
:/

[tluassa]

Germany wins :)

http://z0r.de/1989

Always click on ramdom :)

RANDOM :9

[SHAM]

I would just like to sum up by saying...worst world cup ever!
De end.

[mera]

I just want to say...
YO SOY ESPAÑOL and proud of it!!
129156

[Palanqueta]

viva
espaÑa!!!!
campeones del mundo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[TheEvian100]

I can't beleive it's over!!! Congrats Spain, much deserved 1st title for a nation with excellent league, players and coaching staff. From now on Spain will sport a star on their outfits ;)

Forlan also got the golden ball by FIFA, he played excellent games. Much respect for Germany, Uruguay and the Netherlands that offered us awesome performances and fantastic goals and play (Muller, Klose, Robben, where to start and where to end...).

Big dissapointment from Argentina, Brazil and a bit less for Portugal. Moreover teams like USA, Slovakia or New Zealand could advance further than they did, but their current performance was indeed amazing! We'll watch them carefully in WC 2014 in Brazil!

[toki]

I can't beleive it's over!!! Congrats Spain, much deserved 1st title for a nation with excellent league, players and coaching staff. From now on Spain will sport a star on their outfits ;)

Forlan also got the golden ball by FIFA, he played excellent games.

Congrats Spain, Well deserved.
Müller got the golden boot and best young player award. He played third league last year and only had 2 caps before the cup. What a rise.
Forlan, also well deserved. I'm glad they didn't just pick a guy from the final.

[toki]

I can't beleive it's over!!! Congrats Spain, much deserved 1st title for a nation with excellent league, players and coaching staff. From now on Spain will sport a star on their outfits ;)

Forlan also got the golden ball by FIFA, he played excellent games.

Congrats Spain, Well deserved.
Müller got the golden boot and best young player award. He played third league last year and only had 2 caps before the cup. What a rise.


I would just like to sum up by saying...worst world cup ever!
De end.
Still bitter?

[California Joe]

Forlan was very, very impressive. Class act.

[Brother Blue Steel]

how can anyone say this was a well deserved win? Spanish players diving left and right, terrible officiating etc, they were practically given the win.

[mera]

crying...
Spain played the BEST football in the W.C.
Any team did not see the ball. Only kicks
Bad Referre but for Spanish!!

[SBL]

how can anyone say this was a well deserved win? Spanish players diving left and right, terrible officiating etc, they were practically given the win.

Because they still managed to outplay the Dutch?

I had fun watching the WC this year. It seemed to be more of a wide-open competition compared to years past, with the usual teams failing to dominate. But maybe I was just paying more attention this time around.

Again, congratulations to Spain.

[toki]

A friend of mine sat next to Manuel Neuer in the train from Frankfurt via. Cologne to Gelsenkirchen this morning. lol

A funny thought, returning from the world cup, hopping onto a train home with "normal" people around writing autographs. After all the frenzy i would be slightly worried about appearing in public.

[mera]

SBL, you are right...a wide open competition...remember JAPAN-PARAGUAY-GHANA...
And thanks from SPAIN!!

VIVA ESPAÑA
VIVA LA CAR*****O!!

VIVA SAINT IKER!!

[joemanu]

I had great respect for the Dutch team and really thought they were capable of beating us playing football, but they decided to play dirty instead and got a well deserve defeat.

For me, as an admirer of their past finalist teams, it has been sad to see them disgrace their tradition of beautiful football and replace it with a "no prisoners taken" tactic.

The world of football owes a WC to the Netherlands, but it would have been an injustice if this had been the team that finally got it.

[Müller]

Because spain always plays 100% clean...... gimme a f**king break.

The final sucked big time, horrid played, boring soccer.
The bronze game was so much better.

Now I'm just happy to know that there is no crappy soccer for another 4 years

[CMNot]

The bronze game was so much better

As it should be. It' a mickey mouse game for nothing, no pressure, better play.

[Stevey1]

how can anyone say this was a well deserved win? Spanish players diving left and right, terrible officiating etc, they were practically given the win.

I must disagree: The officiating wasn't terrible and those who argue that it was sub-par can point only to the fact that several Dutch players could have been sent off, but weren't. If anything, Spain has cause for more complaint.

In a brutal match, Webb got one corner decision wrong. Not bad.

[Breakfast in Vegas]

Forlan was very, very impressive. Class act.x2.

Forlan was a shining moment in this Cup.

One of my favorites. Classy in victory and defeat. He's Alec Guiness all the way.

[joemanu]

Because spain always plays 100% clean...... gimme a f**king break.

The final sucked big time, horrid played, boring soccer.
The bronze game was so much better.

Now I'm just happy to know that there is no crappy soccer for another 4 years

No team plays 100% clean, but yesterdays exhibition of foul play by the Dutch is going to be difficult to top.

Agreed that the final wasn't good, but that was totally because one team decided to play the other team's men and not the ball.

[LMHZ]

No comment

http://www.abload.de/img/1278875sdsdrshg.gif

SPAIN WORLD CHAMPION

http://i26.tinypic.com/5esmqu.gifhttp://cdn.content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/00020681.gifhttp://i31.tinypic.com/2mzy42t.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/1415d6p.jpg

[Redox]

how can anyone say this was a well deserved win? Spanish players diving left and right, terrible officiating etc, they were practically given the win.#
Even the dutch coach said that Spain played better and deserved the win.
But of course some random people on the internet always know better, no matter how obvious it is that they are wrong.

Also, what happened to just congratulating the winner? Has there always this bitching to be involved?

[Niels]

Very good WC, I'm glad the Dutch won.

[LMHZ]

The statistics speak

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/teams/disciplinary.html

[dttk0009]

The statistics speak

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/teams/disciplinary.html

Not really. I think some of the refs were really card happy and others were far too lenient, so those statistics are hardly an indicator of how rough a team plays.

[LMHZ]

Not really. I think some of the refs were really card happy and others were far too lenient, so those statistics are hardly an indicator of how rough a team plays.

Ok I accept the correction. Certainly you're right

[Redox]

Not really. I think some of the refs were really card happy and others were far too lenient, so those statistics are hardly an indicator of how rough a team plays.
Yeah the yellows maybe dont say that much. Also when a team has more possesion, it naturally commits less fouls. Doesnt say much about their fairness. Also another important part of fairness is the number of dives, which are not listed there.
But still the number of fouls commited by the dutch is extremely high. Thats statistically relevant and says something about their game this world cup.

[LMHZ]

I've seen hundreds of times and even protest, the goal is legal. 00:08 - 00:09 sec

http://www.elpais.com/videos/deportes/gol/Iniesta/elpviddep/20100711elpepudep_11/Ves/

[dttk0009]

Yeah the yellows maybe dont say that much. Also when a team has more possesion, it naturally commits less fouls. Doesnt say much about their fairness. Also another important part of fairness is the number of dives, which are not listed there.
But still the number of fouls commited by the dutch is extremely high. Thats statistically relevant and says something about their game this world cup.

They were easily the most physical team in the world cup. I think when they came up against Spain they had no game plan, much like Germany. It looks like the Dutch tried to risk it all and played very, VERY rough in hopes of mentally/physically wearing the Spanish team out and overwhelming thing. In a way, I'm glad the ref kept it together in the final, because it only adds to the complacency and composure the Spanish side showed last night.It would have been so very sad to see a final with 3 or 4 red cards, fighting, yellows everywhere.True, Spain is guilty of some diving earlier in the world cup (many teams were, actually), but they toned it down quite heavily towards the end. Even if I don't agree with the fair play award, the world cup certainly belongs nowhere else but Spain for the next 4 years.

[Quietscheentchen]

Congratulations Spain, deserved win.

From what i could witness, the Dutch team lost a lot of sympathies yesterday with their "style" of engaging the players of the spanish team, they should not loose even more by complaining about the ref.

Now i am eagerly waiting for Brazil 2014, should be great.

[Sada]

It was hard waking up early this morning for going to work. Spanish team surprised me favourably the way they ignored the most they could all provocations and faults and just concentrated in playing the ball...and scoring, not a thing that former spanish teams did in other WC. I suppose most of people here played some team sport, at least in school, and all of them can be played "playing" them or just going to disrupt the game and the adversary, but not posibly doing both things: basketball, handball, football is all the same. If you plan to play dirty, you´ll forget to play the game, you can win or not but you can´t complain if you´re defeated. The dutch was a stinking team, worst than I had imagined, now it´s very easy for them: coming back to their origines and playing voetbal like the olders. Cruyff, Neskeens, Rep and the rest of the gang lost the final agaisnt a team that played even better than them, but at least people remeber them and they changed the game for ever. That dutch coach that I don´t want to remember the name got out of his neck the silver medal angrily as it was a few thing for him! give me a rest, you got more than you deserved to have! I prefer to lose honorably any sport that winning being a gangster, if it´s a question of fighting, Spain has bad boy too but this would be a different sport.

In the close future it´ll be interesting to see what influences will be prefered by different countries. Germany lost, but at least it showed they chose to adopt a more creative approach to the sport, that it´s a brave move because they were successful with their old style before, maybe it´s a question of their young players being more veterans that they will compete for winning again. France imploded in a scandalous way, but they have their own good test for playing good football and it´s a matter of waiting for the new player to come.

[TheEvian100]

That's interesting, having won the WC earns you a kiss with the hot journalist :)

http://www.youtube.com/v/OFjgvR8GNIk

[coltfan111]

Thats his girl, she is hot as though.

[TheEvian100]

Thats his girl, she is hot as though.

I know, I know :)

[Climber]

I am sorry for what I am going to say, if somone is offended please frogive me and let me express my bitterness.

**** the EuroFootball.

I said it. I want revenge!!

[Tokamak]

I am sorry for what I am going to say, if somone is offended please frogive me and let me express my bitterness.

**** the EuroFootball.

I said it. I want revenge!!

In general this WC was very ...technical...not much style or attack but overall I think it was OK. Well, I still hate the vuvuzelas.

Better luck in four years.

[Tokamak]

http://i26.tinypic.com/1415d6p.jpg

HAHAHAHA I need to show it to my friends.

[Mackie]

I am sorry for what I am going to say, if somone is offended please frogive me and let me express my bitterness.

**** the EuroFootball.

I said it. I want revenge!!

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/wickerman_06/pinky-and-the-brain.gif

We will see

[Climber]

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/wickerman_06/pinky-and-the-brain.gif

We will see

In Brazil?

that's already said and done IMHO

[toki]

In the close future it´ll be interesting to see what influences will be prefered by different countries. Germany lost, but at least it showed they chose to adopt a more creative approach to the sport, that it´s a brave move because they were successful with their old style before, maybe it´s a question of their young players being more veterans that they will compete for winning again. France imploded in a scandalous way, but they have their own good test for playing good football and it´s a matter of waiting for the new player to come.

It's not so brave. Germany was not successful with the old formula anymore. But we're talking about decisions made ten years ago, not by Löw shortly before the cup.

Back in 2000 they decided the whole system needs an overhaul. IIRC the football federation now has 300 regional talent/scouting camps and around 50 performance camps. Guys like Khedira and Özil already went through this. There's way more emphasis on technique and professional tactical schooling than before. The whole youth development has the goal of a fast and very skillfull, technical game. It's the (new) philosphy of the federation.

Parallel to the federation the Bundesliga and lower league clubs have their own youth development. The Bayern school is rather famous. Guys like Schweinsteiger left their normal schools at a young age and went to football academies, in his case the Bayern school. Boarding schools that develop players. It's a dual system of clubs and football federation. The best youngsters will also be integrated into the national selection (courses). The local clubds should work together with the performance camps of the federation. It's a win win situation. The tactical schooling goes both ways.

Jogi Löw is only the last part in this whole process. He is not a lonely emperor, he is in line with the football federation and the youth selection coaches work to develop a national team that grows together in youth level. The target is to get those players together at young age and play one style. Özil, Khedira, Marin, Neuer, Boateng and Tasci (IIRC) played in the U21 EURO. Also in the prior selections. In the near future the senior squad will integrate more youth.

The perfect scenario would be that the now U16 players are supported and schooled in a way that most, if not all would end in the sphere of the senior squad. In past times, youth selections often only meant that. They didn't have staying power. There will be less late bloomers being called up into the national squad that went unnoticed before.

And there are big talents looming. The 2012 and 2014 team will be continously adding young players. There won't be a single aging golden generation IMHO.

It is more important to pick players for the national team that have been developed by the federation and show good performances than just picking the ten best names of the season and throwing them into the team. The club performance isn't the only thing a player brings to the table.

I'm pretty sure the generation of Schweinsteiger and Lahm (now 26) will be the oldest in our 2012 team. Which means a national team without 30 year olds.

[Eggy]

Two really horrendous tackles by the Dutch (should have been red cards on both accounts) and alot of diving and asking for cards by Spain. Not a good final, but the better team won. Spain can't complain about luck in the tournament as a whole though. Only 8 goals in 7 matches and half of those by a player that should have been suspended for punching someone in the face early on in the tournament.

[TheEvian100]

Top 10 goals (click to watch) (http://sportgr.s3.amazonaws.com/videos/100712/ekpompi/top10_goals.flv)

Top 10 moments (click to watch) (http://sportgr.s3.amazonaws.com/videos/100712/ekpompi/top10_mundial_moments.flv)

:)

[Breakfast in Vegas]

It's not so brave. Germany was not successful with the old formula anymore. But we're talking about decisions made ten years ago, not by Löw shortly before the cup.

Back in 2000 they decided the whole system needs an overhaul. IIRC the football federation now has 300 regional talent/scouting camps and around 50 performance camps. Guys like Khedira and Özil already went through this. There's way more emphasis on technique and professional tactical schooling than before. The whole youth development has the goal of a fast and very skillfull, technical game. It's the (new) philosphy of the federation.

Parallel to the federation the Bundesliga and lower league clubs have their own youth development. The Bayern school is rather famous. Guys like Schweinsteiger left their normal schools at a young age and went to football academies, in his case the Bayern school. Boarding schools that develop players. It's a dual system of clubs and football federation. The best youngsters will also be integrated into the national selection (courses). The local clubds should work together with the performance camps of the federation. It's a win win situation. The tactical schooling goes both ways.

Jogi Löw is only the last part in this whole process. He is not a lonely emperor, he is in line with the football federation and the youth selection coaches work to develop a national team that grows together in youth level. The target is to get those players together at young age and play one style. Özil, Khedira, Marin, Neuer, Boateng and Tasci (IIRC) played in the U21 EURO. Also in the prior selections. In the near future the senior squad will integrate more youth.

The perfect scenario would be that the now U16 players are supported and schooled in a way that most, if not all would end in the sphere of the senior squad. In past times, youth selections often only meant that. They didn't have staying power. There will be less late bloomers being called up into the national squad that went unnoticed before.

And there are big talents looming. The 2012 and 2014 team will be continously adding young players. There won't be a single aging golden generation IMHO.

It is more important to pick players for the national team that have been developed by the federation and show good performances than just picking the ten best names of the season and throwing them into the team. The club performance isn't the only thing a player brings to the table.

I'm pretty sure the generation of Schweinsteiger and Lahm (now 26) will be the oldest in our 2012 team. Which means a national team without 30 year olds.So we have something to look forward to at EURO2012?

[Gleipnir]

Two really horrendous tackles by the Dutch (should have been red cards on both accounts) and alot of diving and asking for cards by Spain. Not a good final, but the better team won. Spain can't complain about luck in the tournament as a whole though. Only 8 goals in 7 matches and half of those by a player that should have been suspended for punching someone in the face early on in the tournament.

Yeah- I also thought it was telling early on that Spain hadn't picked up a single yello card from any of their group matches. Oh well, that's football.

[LMHZ]

The only one who played football in this final was Spain, but ....
there is so blind as those who will not see

[Gleipnir]

The only one who played football in this final was Spain, but ....
there is so blind as those who will not see

Spain played well, but they were also very lucky in terms of the ref, that's all I'm trying to say.
The referee was inconsistent- Holland deserved some of those cards, and De Jong should have got a red. Van Bommek was lucky to escape too, but then again you think it is okay for Iniesta to lash out at a player off the ball which happened right in front of the linesman?
He didnt even get a card for that - what kind of messga does that send? especially considering yellow cards and free kicks were given to Holland for much less.
I am not trying to belittle Spain's good football, but again- Puyol hinders Robben and holds him from behind and no foul is given and no card, although Van Bronckhorst gets yellow for even less-
also, how a referee can see a free kick swerve off and change direction without hitting something and judge that this is a goal kick has nothing to do with a poor senibility for physics but favouritism.
Yes, Holland played very phsyically and players made bad tackles, so,e of which can be attributed to nerves. Van Bommel, De Jong and Heitinga are nastyy guys I won't excuse them but there were some very soft calls made- it seemed that any time a Dutch player made a tackle Webb gave a free kick- this really hindered gameplay.

I am not overly critical if a ref is harsh but consistent- this was not the case with Webb, you could see that his judgements were not balanced.

Spain played well but that is by no means the whole side of the story. If you can't see that then you have a poor understanding of football.

[toki]

So we have something to look forward to at EURO2012?
I hope so. :-) If you think that Hummels and Höwedes get into the team replace Friedrich and compete with Mertesacker and up front Klose will retire you have another youthful cut. I'm not so sure how Sandro Wagner fares at the moment, but a new forward wouldn't hurt either. There's enough depth at this age bracket at the moment.

Edit: Wagner is now Werder Bremen (previously Duisburg). We may see a breakthrough this year. This guy is good. I've seen him at Duisburg and obviously in the EURO 09 final where he scored two wonderful goals.

[ayanami_tard]

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/719/fvckbarca.jpg

how rude of them barca players щ(°Д°щ)

[LMHZ]

Spain played well, but they were also very lucky in terms of the ref, that's all I'm trying to say.
The referee was inconsistent- Holland deserved some of those cards, and De Jong should have got a red. Van Bommek was lucky to escape too, but then again you think it is okay for Iniesta to lash out at a player off the ball which happened right in front of the linesman?
He didnt even get a card for that - what kind of messga does that send? especially considering yellow cards and free kicks were given to Holland for much less.
I am not trying to belittle Spain's good football, but again- Puyol hinders Robben and holds him from behind and no foul is given and no card, although Van Bronckhorst gets yellow for even less-
also, how a referee can see a free kick swerve off and change direction without hitting something and judge that this is a goal kick has nothing to do with a poor senibility for physics but favouritism.
Yes, Holland played very phsyically and players made bad tackles, so,e of which can be attributed to nerves. Van Bommel, De Jong and Heitinga are nastyy guys I won't excuse them but there were some very soft calls made- it seemed that any time a Dutch player made a tackle Webb gave a free kick- this really hindered gameplay.

I am not overly critical if a ref is harsh but consistent- this was not the case with Webb, you could see that his judgements were not balanced.

Spain played well but that is by no means the whole side of the story. If you can't see that then you have a poor understanding of football.

Probably know more about football than me, I'm only 45 years and I've played as a semi-professional and professional in Portugal, Italy and Spain since the age of 17 to 29. And are you talking about two different issues, one is the work of the referee (disastrous) and other as both teams played.
Regarding Iniesta, if they are giving kicks continuously for 50 minutes, you end up falling into his own game (which is what I wanted Holland)
In any case, Holland was the best team we could play in the final, I was more afraid of Germany, Brazil, .... because they also recognize that Spain will have a hard time putting goal
Sorry I did not know to express myself better in English and please forgive my mistakes in writing
Regards

[Breakfast in Vegas]

Spain played well, but they were also very lucky in terms of the ref, that's all I'm trying to say.
The referee was inconsistent- Holland deserved some of those cards, and De Jong should have got a red. Van Bommek was lucky to escape too, but then again you think it is okay for Iniesta to lash out at a player off the ball which happened right in front of the linesman?
He didnt even get a card for that - what kind of messga does that send? especially considering yellow cards and free kicks were given to Holland for much less.
I am not trying to belittle Spain's good football, but again- Puyol hinders Robben and holds him from behind and no foul is given and no card, although Van Bronckhorst gets yellow for even less-
also, how a referee can see a free kick swerve off and change direction without hitting something and judge that this is a goal kick has nothing to do with a poor senibility for physics but favouritism.
Yes, Holland played very phsyically and players made bad tackles, so,e of which can be attributed to nerves. Van Bommel, De Jong and Heitinga are nastyy guys I won't excuse them but there were some very soft calls made- it seemed that any time a Dutch player made a tackle Webb gave a free kick- this really hindered gameplay.

I am not overly critical if a ref is harsh but consistent- this was not the case with Webb, you could see that his judgements were not balanced.

Spain played well but that is by no means the whole side of the story. If you can't see that then you have a poor understanding of football.Pretty accurate summary IMO.

[Breerman]

It's not so brave. Germany was not successful with the old formula anymore. But we're talking about decisions made ten years ago, not by Löw shortly before the cup.

Back in 2000 they decided the whole system needs an overhaul. IIRC the football federation now has 300 regional talent/scouting camps and around 50 performance camps. Guys like Khedira and Özil already went through this. There's way more emphasis on technique and professional tactical schooling than before. The whole youth development has the goal of a fast and very skillfull, technical game. It's the (new) philosphy of the federation.

Parallel to the federation the Bundesliga and lower league clubs have their own youth development. The Bayern school is rather famous. Guys like Schweinsteiger left their normal schools at a young age and went to football academies, in his case the Bayern school. Boarding schools that develop players. It's a dual system of clubs and football federation. The best youngsters will also be integrated into the national selection (courses). The local clubds should work together with the performance camps of the federation. It's a win win situation. The tactical schooling goes both ways.

Jogi Löw is only the last part in this whole process. He is not a lonely emperor, he is in line with the football federation and the youth selection coaches work to develop a national team that grows together in youth level. The target is to get those players together at young age and play one style. Özil, Khedira, Marin, Neuer, Boateng and Tasci (IIRC) played in the U21 EURO. Also in the prior selections. In the near future the senior squad will integrate more youth.

The perfect scenario would be that the now U16 players are supported and schooled in a way that most, if not all would end in the sphere of the senior squad. In past times, youth selections often only meant that. They didn't have staying power. There will be less late bloomers being called up into the national squad that went unnoticed before.

And there are big talents looming. The 2012 and 2014 team will be continously adding young players. There won't be a single aging golden generation IMHO.

It is more important to pick players for the national team that have been developed by the federation and show good performances than just picking the ten best names of the season and throwing them into the team. The club performance isn't the only thing a player brings to the table.

I'm pretty sure the generation of Schweinsteiger and Lahm (now 26) will be the oldest in our 2012 team. Which means a national team without 30 year olds.
As they were quick to point on tv here the Bayern youth academy until recently had a Swedish coach, Björn Andersson, who held the job for 14 years. Apparently Schweinsteiger, Müller and four other players in the German World Cup team came from there.

[LMHZ]

It's not so brave. Germany was not successful with the old formula anymore. But we're talking about decisions made ten years ago, not by Löw shortly before the cup.

Back in 2000 they decided the whole system needs an overhaul. IIRC the football federation now has 300 regional talent/scouting camps and around 50 performance camps. Guys like Khedira and Özil already went through this. There's way more emphasis on technique and professional tactical schooling than before. The whole youth development has the goal of a fast and very skillfull, technical game. It's the (new) philosphy of the federation.

Parallel to the federation the Bundesliga and lower league clubs have their own youth development. The Bayern school is rather famous. Guys like Schweinsteiger left their normal schools at a young age and went to football academies, in his case the Bayern school. Boarding schools that develop players. It's a dual system of clubs and football federation. The best youngsters will also be integrated into the national selection (courses). The local clubds should work together with the performance camps of the federation. It's a win win situation. The tactical schooling goes both ways.

Jogi Löw is only the last part in this whole process. He is not a lonely emperor, he is in line with the football federation and the youth selection coaches work to develop a national team that grows together in youth level. The target is to get those players together at young age and play one style. Özil, Khedira, Marin, Neuer, Boateng and Tasci (IIRC) played in the U21 EURO. Also in the prior selections. In the near future the senior squad will integrate more youth.

The perfect scenario would be that the now U16 players are supported and schooled in a way that most, if not all would end in the sphere of the senior squad. In past times, youth selections often only meant that. They didn't have staying power. There will be less late bloomers being called up into the national squad that went unnoticed before.

And there are big talents looming. The 2012 and 2014 team will be continously adding young players. There won't be a single aging golden generation IMHO.

It is more important to pick players for the national team that have been developed by the federation and show good performances than just picking the ten best names of the season and throwing them into the team. The club performance isn't the only thing a player brings to the table.

I'm pretty sure the generation of Schweinsteiger and Lahm (now 26) will be the oldest in our 2012 team. Which means a national team without 30 year olds.

That's a great initiative. Should encourage the training of young boys, for example, my two sons (11 and 6 years old) attending Atletico de Madrid school football in Spain.
The problem in many countries is that their teams are full of foreigners and their national teams are not competitive.
For example, Spain has few players resolute (in this world, only Villa really) because the big teams are outsiders (Messi, Ronaldo, Forlan, ...)

[KoTeMoRe]

Karma>>Dutchies/thread.

The Dutch team showed itself once again capable of failure and agression...

They even had the chances...but KARMA IS A BITCH. Remember being a bitch is a recognised profession in the Netherlands.

Congrats to Forlan for his golden ball.

[King of Scandinavia]

Gah...looks like I missed the party. Anyway, it's known now where 2014 WC will be hosted.

The question : When will the chosen 2018/2022 WC host be announced? I'm rooting for Australia and USA. :-)

[toki]

Gah...looks like I missed the party. Anyway, it's known now where 2014 WC will be hosted.

The question : When will the chosen 2018/2022 WC host be announced? I'm rooting for Australia and USA. :-)

Wikipedia says this december both cups 2018 and 2022 will be chosen.
In this case i trust wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_and_2022_FIFA_World_Cup_bids


2 December 2010: FIFA to appoint hosts for 2018 and 2022 World Cups

[KoTeMoRe]

Dude Van Persie made aRed Card foul after 56 seconds...who are you trying to fool Gleipnir? Your team was belittled and made to pieces by Spain. Had Holland played like Germany...gosh it would have been 3-0 after 90 minutes.

But those repeated kicks, fouls and dives made this game ugly...as any game Holland had played in this WC.

[Niels]

Your team was belittled and made to pieces by Spain.
For such a superior team they sure took a long time to score one measly goal.

[KoTeMoRe]

For such a superior team they sure took a long time to score one measly goal.

Oh if you're facing a bunch of hooligans attempting to break your legs at every action...you might find it dificult to play your best football. But...it was a matter of time. Either a red card or a goal was going to be scored.

Anyway Spain deserved every bit of this game...maybe not of this WC.

But the best defence won...8 goals scored only two suffered. That's in line with the previous winner.

[LMHZ]

For such a superior team they sure took a long time to score one measly goal.

Enough one goal. Even outside of time and unfair penalty, with this team deserve it

http://estaticos02.marca.com/blogs/el-otro-mundial/imagenes_posts/2010/07/13/holanda.jpg

[LMHZ]

Don't worry or be sad, it seems that they have been granted De Jong 8th dan

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/1166/ingodejongfb.jpg

[UltimaRatio]

made to pieces by Spain. Had Holland played like Germany...gosh it would have been 3-0 after 90 minutes.

Yes Spain showed in every single match of this WC that they can win by multiple goals... even against such superpowers as Chile or Paraguay.


Dude Van Persie made aRed Card foul after 56 seconds

Please don't make **** up.

[Breakfast in Vegas]

Yes Spain showed in every single match of this WC that they can win by multiple goals... even against such superpowers as Chile or Paraguay.
Spain lost against Paraguay. Sort of.

[Vehemence]

Spain lost against Paraguay. Sort of.

No they did not.

[Breakfast in Vegas]

No they did not.In a parallel universe they did.

[Vehemence]

In a parallel universe they did.

Congratulations Paraguay.

[CMNot]

Some of you guys make me laugh. In the same way that watching a retard drool is kind of amusing, because you're glad you're not dumb.

1 goal, 100 goals. All means the square root of **** all. It's like listening to Barca fans whine because they lost.

Football is a results based business. Simple.

I'm glad that after that performance Holland failed to get to the shootout they desperately wanted. Almost as glad as I was to see Robben choke on his lines and permit this whole debacle of retardation. And Cruyff agrees with me.

[Mackie]

Spain won, nothing can change it. WC is over.
Let's look at the new season and the transfer market.
A European football season 2010/11 thread, anyone?

[Eggy]

Dude Van Persie made aRed Card foul after 56 seconds...who are you trying to fool Gleipnir? Your team was belittled and made to pieces by Spain. Had Holland played like Germany...gosh it would have been 3-0 after 90 minutes.

But those repeated kicks, fouls and dives made this game ugly...as any game Holland had played in this WC.
Grow up kid. Shouldn't you be out celebrating anyway?

[FriFraFro]

Oh if you're facing a bunch of hooligans attempting to break your legs at every action...you might find it dificult to play your best football. But...it was a matter of time. Either a red card or a goal was going to be scored.

Anyway Spain deserved every bit of this game...maybe not of this WC.

But the best defence won...8 goals scored only two suffered. That's in line with the previous winner.
Wanker!!!!

[Climber]

I am still in that mood. Spain being the champion makes me sick. No offense intended, is just my feeling.

[Migs]

http://vuvuzela.ytmnd.com/

[Tyon]

Stole it from some blog.

Thanks Spain for getting the world cup for Portugal. According to the 1494 Treaty of Tordesilhas everything conquered by Spain east of 46 degree meridian is indeed property of Portugal. Can you please fedex the cup? Cheers!


:D

[WolverineBlue]

And we say goodbye to another World Cup -- until Euro 2012, adieu!

[Jobu]

Simon Gagne to Tampa.

The Lightning are starting to resemble a good team again. They certainly have lots of depth at forward now with St. Louis, Gagne, Stamkos, Lecav, etc.

But is their defense and goaltending good enough to make them a playoff threat?

[vinny_121_ND]

Kovalchuk for 102 million for 17 years?

[Jobu]

Kovalchuk for 102 million for 17 years?

It's a cap thing. Spreading it out over 17 years brings his cap hit down to the $6 million range.
He's 27 or 28 years old so realistically it's an 8-10 year deal at most.

[teleloe]

I am really really REALLY bummed to see Gagne go. He was my favorite player ever since i started watching the Flyers. What stings the most is who we got for him, but now that I think about it, I am sure one can argue Meszaros was apart of the deal too. When looking at the roster on paper, it looks like a cup contending team but well see. I am really looking forward to this season with all the moves that happened this off-season so far. Come on October, hurry up.

[vinny_121_ND]

It's a cap thing. Spreading it out over 17 years brings his cap hit down to the $6 million range.
He's 27 or 28 years old so realistically it's an 8-10 year deal at most.

what happens after those 8 years? Buy him out?

[Jobu]

what happens after those 8 years? Buy him out?

Yes, the buyout would cost about $2 million.
Looking at the numbers the Devils will do that at the end of 2017 so not even 8 years. After that it would be tough to get any of his salary back as cap space.

I expect the Blackhawks to do the same with Hossa after 2016.

[teleloe]

Bahahaaaa! Go play in the KHL, Kovie. Greedy sonofab*tch!

"The NHL has rejected Ilya Kovalchuk's 17-year, $102 million contract on the grounds that it circumvents the NHL's salary cap. The announcement was made just hours after a smiling Kovalchuk had been introduced by the Devils at a press conference."

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=328025

[Meatwad]

Bahahaaaa! Go play in the KHL, Kovie. Greedy sonofab*tch!

"The NHL has rejected Ilya Kovalchuk's 17-year, $102 million contract on the grounds that it circumvents the NHL's salary cap. The announcement was made just hours after a smiling Kovalchuk had been introduced by the Devils at a press conference."

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=328025

I don't see the big deal, many teams are circumventing the cap with these contracts already, i.e. ****ger, Hossa, Zetterburg and Luongo. The NHLPA will challenge the NHL on this and probably win unless the Devils and Kovy come to agree to submit a new proposal before this hits court. The thing is if the NHL wins this, it pretty much means a lockout next year as a new CBA will have to be forged.

[vinny_121_ND]

It's now gone to arbitration, and he will have final say yes or no. That's fair.

[boone]

New role for ex-Hab Laraque: Greens' deputy leader

Elizabeth May has named former Montreal Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque as the Green Party's deputy leader -- in an apparent move to boost the party's political presence in Quebec. link (http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20100731/laraque-green-party-100731/)
Christ, Georges.
facepalm/

[Vince S]

link (http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20100731/laraque-green-party-100731/)
Christ, Georges.
facepalm/


He's vegetarian. Nuff said

[nullterm]

Worse, a vegan.

And an enforcer who doesn't like enforcing. Which is the main reason he's done in the NHL.

[nullterm]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRvReWD0XrM

[Jobu]

Arbitrator rules in favor of the NHL.

Kovy back on the market.
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nhl/news/story?id=5450174

[Alpheus]

^^^ Predictable.

[Alpheus]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/No-hoax-Capitals-mistakenly-engraved-on-Prince-?urn=nhl-261871

Nice going morons.

[JUNKHO]

*facepalm*

[Meatwad]

That plate just went up in value. They should have an in house guy that does this for the NHL, not some moron that doesn't know the difference between the trophies. For now just tape a small peice of paper that says "Flyers".

[USMC29]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ec8PNGt7N0

[USMC29]

This Is what makes it for me. When my Dad, my Father cries, after the Blackhawks win. Honestly. no other sport comes close.

[vinny_121_ND]

He cried, ok, but mike milbury needs to stop talking.

[Alpheus]

Awww, poor Jeremy. Probably getting all teared up because his jockstrap is in the rafters at the United Center.

[USMC29]

He cried, ok, but mike milbury needs to stop talking.

Yeah milbury was just pissed that the Hawks won. ;)

[nullterm]

And to cap off an epic dead last season, Oilers goaltender Khabibulin has been found guilty of Extreme DUI in Arizona.

Khabi is now headed for 30 days at a whole different "camp" to start his season.

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00036/F_200704_April28ed_i_36954a.jpg

*facepalm*

[Meatwad]

^is tihs true? ****, they make you wear pink still?

Anyways New Kovy contract on the horizon, NHL still has to approve it. c'mon I hope the Devils get him.

[Supplanter]

Khabi is now headed for 30 days at a whole different "camp" to start his season.
Could be longer.

Khabibulin could face a minimum jail sentence of 30 days as well as fines and be required to use a breath-test machine before starting his vehicle.

The maximum penalty for the offence is a six-month jail term.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2010/08/27/edmonton-oilers-khabibulin-impaired-charge-trial-arizona.html

[Alpheus]

You mean Khabiboozin, right?

[USMC29]

Damn tent city! I love Maricopa county. That place is no joke.

[nullterm]

Pre-season has started, let the thread commence.

Stanley Cup Champion Chicaho Blackhawks have been dismantled by the salary cap will be interesting to see what happens after losing so much of their depth.

At the other end of the spectrum are my beloved Oilers....

Gone are head coach Pat Quinn, captain Moreau, no shows O'Sullivan & Nilsson, a bunch of others thrown onto the woodpile, and hopefully soon Souray too. Heck, even the team medical trainer and equipment managers were given the axe.

In is first overall draft pick Taylor freakin Hall and a big crop of rookies with head coach Renney as teacher as much as coach. Not much in terms of expectation on the season, but should be entertaining watching youth get their time in the spotlight with the old veteran leadership cast aside.

Horcoff again looking like he's got his wheels back, could *knock on wood* have a pretty solid comeback season for redemption. We shall see.

[paulmessen]

2 words, GO PREDS! Season tickets on the glass again this year, I'm ready! Can't wait to watch the first preseason game on Thursday!

[boone]

In is first overall draft pick Taylor freakin Hall and a big crop of rookies with head coach Renney as teacher as much as coach. Not much in terms of expectation on the season, but should be entertaining watching youth get their time in the spotlight with the old veteran leadership cast aside.
I've got a great deal of respect for teams that say they are rebuilding and to stick with them for a couple of years.
The Oilers have a good crop of young talent and should be interesting to watch.
At least management isn't bullsh*tting anyone
**edit....fixed retardedness on my part.

[USMC29]

Go Blackhawks. Maybe its that time of year to change my avatar again ;)

[Vince S]

Nah that one is fine ;)

As for hockey FFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU Quebec is the most retarded place with the Habs. Already there's ****storms because people are complaining there is not enough francos on the team. FFS this is a hockey club and last I checked it wasn't bound by their goddamn Bill 101. Then you also have the Carey Price thing... Forming a rookie is good and all but I found that trading Halak was a bad call, I mean it's the guy that kept them alive throughout the playoffs last year while Carey did squat.

[Jobu]

Speaking of Blackhawks and Oilers, what should we expect from Pisani?
I remember him being a pretty big part of the Oilers run to the finals a few years back (that shorthanded OT goal), but that's the only impression I have of him.

[vinny_121_ND]

has kovalchuk been signed?

[paulmessen]

has kovalchuk been signed?

Yes, the NHL finally approved the new contract with NJ if I remember correctly.

[click]

Go Wild! I watched the scrimmage game streamed online the other day. That was pretty sweet. I have been so out of the hockey loop thought in the last 7-8 years. I cant wait to get back into it. Who knows, maybe I'll go to a game this year.

[nullterm]

Speaking of Blackhawks and Oilers, what should we expect from Pisani?
I remember him being a pretty big part of the Oilers run to the finals a few years back (that shorthanded OT goal), but that's the only impression I have of him.

If he stays healthy (ulcerative colitis) you'll love him as a depth guy. He should be a great fit for the Hawks who lost their depth. Very smart hockey player, lives and breathes PK, and has a wicked clutch wristshot. Great guy in the room and the community, zero drama.

I was really hoping he'd retire an Oiler, that management would have kept him on through the rebuild.

I was also excited to see Reasoner as Hawk, but then he got traded to the Panthers.

[Alpheus]

Stajan has a separated shoulder, out indefinitely. ****

[nullterm]

Anyone in for another season of Fantasy Hockey?

[Alpheus]

I'm game.

123344565678

[vinny_121_ND]

Anyone in for another season of Fantasy Hockey?

yeah, I am. I'll only play if we're allowed unlimited transactions.

[nullterm]

I'm setting it up. Will send a link when things are ready.

Unlimited transactions and no "no cut list" on any players.

Live draft, but I recommend putting in your selections before hand just in case. If you want in, state what evenings works for you guys. Right now it's on Sunday at 8pm PDT, unless someone has a compelling argument otherwise.

[vinny_121_ND]

I'm setting it up. Will send a link when things are ready.

Unlimited transactions and no "no cut list" on any players.

Live draft, but I recommend putting in your selections before hand just in case. If you want in, state what evenings works for you guys. Right now it's on Sunday at 8pm PDT, unless someone has a compelling argument otherwise.
can we got 7pm PDT? That's 10pm eastern because I have to get up early in the morning.

[nullterm]

can we got 7pm PDT? That's 10pm eastern because I have to get up early in the morning.

Yeap, we can balance things out for you easterners.

[Alpheus]

Yeap, we can balance things out for you easterners.

Why, how very kind of you. :-P

[paulmessen]

I'm setting it up. Will send a link when things are ready.

Unlimited transactions and no "no cut list" on any players.

Live draft, but I recommend putting in your selections before hand just in case. If you want in, state what evenings works for you guys. Right now it's on Sunday at 8pm PDT, unless someone has a compelling argument otherwise.

My mens league games are on Sunday nights.

[vinny_121_ND]

My mens league games are on Sunday nights.

K, put it this way, what day are we available?

I'm free friday night and saturday night.

[Alpheus]

I can make room for pretty much any evening. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday preferred though.

[nullterm]

http://hockey.fantasysports.yahoo.com/hockey/register/joinprivateleague_league_select?.scrumb=
League ID: 56215
Password: blooddiamond

Post your team name, when you're available and I'll do my best to accommodate as many as I can.

Oct 7 is the start of the season, so Oct 6th is the latest for drafting.

Oh snap, Oilers vs Canucks right now!

[paulmessen]

http://hockey.fantasysports.yahoo.com/hockey/register/joinprivateleague_league_select?.scrumb=
League ID: 56215
Password: blooddiamond

Post your team name, when you're available and I'll do my best to accommodate as many as I can.

Oct 7 is the start of the season, so Oct 6th is the latest for drafting.

Oh snap, Oilers vs Canucks right now!

Any day but Sunday is good with me.

[nullterm]

http://hockey.fantasysports.yahoo.com/league/mpnet2010

For future reference.

[BlackFlag]

Blackhawks lost some depth, but still look good. Although, I'm going to say the Wings will take the Central. Hudler, and Modano are going to add a lot of offensive depth. I'm just worried about Howard, and the possibility of the dreaded sophomore slump. Although, at 26-27 years old, I think he may avoid pulling a Steve Mason.

Canucks scare me. They're out for blood this year.

In the East, I think Boston will be a great club with the additions of Horton, and Seguin. Tampa Bay looks like a potential Playoff team on paper.

Going to be a fun season to watch.

[paulmessen]

Blackhawks lost some depth, but still look good. Although, I'm going to say the Wings will take the Central. Hudler, and Modano are going to add a lot of offensive depth. I'm just worried about Howard, and the possibility of the dreaded sophomore slump. Although, at 26-27 years old, I think he may avoid pulling a Steve Mason.

I think you all will come out of the Central, you all have enough offensive talent to outscore almost all opponents. Jimmy Howard is still young, Mike Modano is at the end of his career, I see him as playing more of a leadership role then an offensive roll. Oh and looks like Jari Hudler is dtd with a foot injury(though not a fracture). Here's the link: http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2010/09/23/sports/doc4c9b4496bff02818982873.txt

As for my Preds, I think Matt Lombardi will round out a solid first line whose major asset is speed and agility. Kois****yn's biggest question will be his off ice attitude/actions. And of course the Weber/Suter D-line will be our anchor. Also, I hope Blake Geoffrin will have a stellar rookie season, considering he grew up in the Nashville suburb of Brentwood, if anything to give local youth hockey an added boost.

[USMC29]

Aight I'm down for some fantasy hockey!

[Alpheus]

Done and done. You suckers are going down.

[nullterm]

Six so far, alright size, but I'd like a few more numbers.

Pushing the draft to later next week, maybe even the week after.

[Supplanter]

I'm in this year, I forgot my yahoo password before last year's pool but remember it now :)

[boone]

And now for something completely different (http://www.iha.org.au/view/iha).......


(http://www.iha.org.au/view/iha)

[nullterm]

Draft pushed back till Monday 7pm PST. Does that not work for anyone?

We're at seven, would like to see if we could get a few more.

[nullterm]

And now for something completely different (http://www.iha.org.au/view/iha).......


(http://www.iha.org.au/view/iha)

Heck, I bet I could be a pro down there.

[paulmessen]

Heck, I bet I could be a pro down there.

You read my mind, If they pay in beer and get NHL games on tv down there, it sounds like my kinda pro league!

[CanadianStormtrooper]

Yes, the NHL finally approved the new contract with NJ if I remember correctly.

I'm looking forward to the season, especially the Devils and Blackhawks.

I used to be friends with toews (played against him in AAA bantam)
and am good friends with Travis Zajac on NJ

[boone]

I'm looking forward to the season, especially the Devils and Blackhawks.

I used to be friends with toews (played against him in AAA bantam)
and am good friends with Travis Zajac on NJ
Yeah, We all played with an NHL-er before we suffered a debilitating injury. Go **** yourself.
I played against Stanley Cup Champion Rod Brind'Amour in Bantam.........big ****ing deal.
He was good and I sucked. End of story.

[Meatwad]

Right boone, it's nothing to brag about.

Anyways on the topic of the southern hemisphere,
One of my friends from Christchurch in NZ plays ice down there, it's not as bad as you think, don't beleive you can skate circles around them just because its not exactly their sport culture. They have some players close to junior B maybe.

Many of the reasons we don't get players from these countries not for lack of athleticism but lack of scouting and proper training coaches, just to add to the smaller percentage of players that actually play ice hockey down there.

[paulmessen]

I'm looking forward to the season, especially the Devils and Blackhawks.

I used to be friends with toews (played against him in AAA bantam)
and am good friends with Travis Zajac on NJ

How is toews as a person?
I know a guy from buffalo whos family was close to patrick kane's family. Apparently he's been an asshole since peewee's haha.

[nullterm]

Draft is tomorrow, 7pm PST. Last chance to get in.

[nullterm]

Draft is in 3 hours. Last chance boys.

[Alpheus]

Only 7 teams is going to make for some stacked rosters.

[nullterm]

In past seasons we had 8, so pretty close. Maybe one more top guy per team. There'll probably be some choice free agents left over.

[USMC29]

Thought I might share this with yall

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Video-Kaspars-Daugavins-instant-hockey-legend-?urn=nhl-274370

[Alpheus]

^^^ Oilers will draft him, they like youtube goals.

[USMC29]

Yeah that was soooo dirty

[BlackFlag]

You guys see this yet?



Why is embedding not working anymore?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKTvD3LRSLs

BTW: Getting scared down there in Band Wagon city, USMC29?

[vinny_121_ND]

we got some stacked teams in our pool. Anybody could win really. I'm disappointed Henrik lunqvist wasn't drafted first overall.

[USMC29]

BTW: Getting scared down there in Band Wagon city, USMC29?

Hell no! Red wings are gay, we've been at war ever since the Original Six! We're still stacked no matter what people bitch about.

btw that commercial was creepy as hell haha

[nullterm]

we got some stacked teams in our pool. Anybody could win really. I'm disappointed Henrik lunqvist wasn't drafted first overall.

I still scratch my head at that hahaha

Will be good, interesting to see who goes hot, cold, injured.

[BlackFlag]

Anyone else spot the Su-35 Flanker on Bobrovsky's mask? Kinda cool.

[nullterm]

First period of Oilers vs Flames reaction... holy ****. Oilers are freaking exciting to watch. The kids are flying and the veterans got their mojo back. Giving me goosebumps knowing I get 2 more periods and 81 more games of this.

[nullterm]

4-0 Oilers over the Flamers to kick off the season. Eberle with an unreal highlight reel shortie and MacIntyre with a scary KO on Ivanans. I look forward to the rest of this season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uWbrZ_PE0U

Better angle and slow mo: http://video.oilers.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=4&id=77707

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U3Z92SdG8c