FIFA World Cup 2014 Brazil

[Pellissier]

About the penalty given to Holland, I think Robben set up a trap and the defender was ingenuous to fall for it. He shouldn't have put the foot since Robben was just looking for a contact of that kind to go on the ground. I can see that it wasn't a clear penalty but I give more fault to Marquez for his naivety than to the referee in this case.

Expanding the matter, lately (before the World Cup) I'm seeing this increasing trend of penalties given to players who purposely went towards the opponent when they could easily avoid the contact. More often than not they're awarded with what they wanted, a penalty. Sadly this can be seen more and more as we progress and it is different from simulating a foul, the trend we had a decade ago.

Originally Posted by SigUp

I don't think Germany's a favourite over France right now. French speed on the counterattack via Benzema will present many problems for the German defense. And I think the weak link called Höwedes will get exposed massively in the knockout stage.

France was probably in the easiest of the first round groups. Both Honduras and Switzerland put a really poor display against them while the match against Ecuador wasn't much more than a friendly match for les bleus. Before considering them as one of the favourites, I'm waiting for them to face more serious opponents.

[viperdk1]

The game really needed that goal. Been awful up to now.

[Mentar]

Originally Posted by SigUp

I don't think Germany's a favourite over France right now. French speed on the counterattack via Benzema will present many problems for the German defense. And I think the weak link called Höwedes will get exposed massively in the knockout stage.

Höwedes is doing the job he's been assigned. He's no left defender, but has to play this role - not because he would be the better left defender (Durm would be the better fit), but because of his strength in the air. Without Höwedes we would have lost against Ghana. His "weakness" has been vastly overstated, IMHO.

I would however expect Durm to get his chance against the better opponents, as a surprise move.

EDIT: Whoa! CR should have been given a hand penalty! My goodness!

[AntonKutovoi]

That's not football, that's bloody Mortal Kombat

[risingstar3110]

Based on current record, my prediction is Costa Rica gonna win the World Cup against Brazil, after 120 minutes by penalty.

Before that, they get to semi-final by defeating Netherlands on penalty also after a goalless draw

And for semi-final (you realises the pattern right), they will win against Argentina, also on penalty after 120 minutes.

New legend will be born from this World Cup, you heard from here first



Edit: no one watching this game? Or have you all died due to boredom?

[viperdk1]

Another half an hour of this is going to put me to sleep.

[Mentar]

Well, there is the overtime...

[ChampDream]

poor Costa Rica they were really close, but I don't think they can survive another 30 minutes.

[Jazzrat]

That sent off was a huge turning point for the game. The 10 man Costa Rica just wasn't doing much at all. Going to be a difficult extra time for Costa Rica and already spent all their substitution.

Their only chance is penalty shootout or a miracle and both seem unlikely seeing how they performed near the end of the 2nd half.

[risingstar3110]

FIFA should ban Greece and Costa Rica from ever played with each other again. This game has been damaging football image more than Maradona on drug

[ZGoten]

I find the game to be quite enjoyable.

[Evil Rick]

Well, would you look at that?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/wor...er-finals.html

[DarkJak2050]

Robben: Public Enemy #1 in Mexico.

Update:

1-1 after Extra Time for Costa Rica and Greece.

Shootout it is. 2nd of this World Cup.

[Mentar]

My goodness. One can literally see that it's only willpower that's keeping them upright. Totally wasted, totally spent.

It was no great football game, but I feel deep respect to both teams for fighting this hard for so long.

[DarkJak2050]

Greece's coach is sent off before the Shootout...

[Jazzrat]

Originally Posted by risingstar3110

FIFA should ban Greece and Costa Rica from ever played with each other again. This game has been damaging football image more than Maradona on drug

Oh this is far from boring, especially for two team that lacks any star player that other nation have and are about to make history for their respective nation. The saves that Costa Rica's keeper have made is superb and impressive, he should go home a hero irregardless of the result.

[Mentar]

Well, now he is a real hero

It was truly a heroic effort, to withstand the continuous onslaught with 10 players.

Congrats!!

[AntonKutovoi]

Costa Rica won. I still stand my ground: it wasn't a football match. It was battle. Long, tiresome, with losses, but still somewhat enjoyable to watch.

[risingstar3110]

Expected miracle against Netherlands?

[DarkJak2050]

Up next for Costa Rica is the Netherlands.

A tall task to fill...