Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

Because it took 90+ minutes to get to the exciting few moments?

I can watch that on SportsCenter.

Even golf and baseball have a much greater frequency of exciting plays.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

I actually thought it was one of the best matches in the World Cup - the goal in the end was just a bonus. BUT, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We have a local sports commentator that says every basketball match should start 80-80 with 8 minutes left on the fourth quarter. :p

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

The thing that is most frustrating to me is the amount of impact that a bad call by the referee can make to this game. In basketball, baseball, hockey, and football, there are many scoring opportunities. Due to this, a bad call by the ref is not as important as it is in soccer. Since the soccer scores are so low, one bad call can immensely impact a game.

For instance, in USA's last two games, there were two goals disallowed for phantom off-sides penalties (or some other foul). These were two mistakes by refs. One bad call during the match against Slovenia cost the US the match. The bad call today almost did the same. In order for this game to be more enjoyable for me, the refs' impact must be lower.

Andy B.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

What offside?

(Seriously, it was so close I can see how the AR made the call. Even with lines drawn on the screen in super slo mo and freeze frame, it can't be proven either way.)

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

Phantom off-sides ;)

The reason, I think, that most Americans don't like soccer is because they don't appreciate how little it takes for everything to break loose and become exciting. From watching a few WC games with my co-workers I noticed that few of them notice the subtleties of play that get me all excited and on the edge of my seat. Heck, half the fun is watching the build-up on each offensive attack and how quickly it can become a counter attack.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

I don't know, I've always been a huge soccer fan, and not just because of offensive plays or really great attack strategies. Defensive strategies are just as impressive sometimes.

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Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

Soccer is the only sport I will actually sit down and watch. I can't stand watching any other sport. I don't know I just find soccer fun to watch. I don't even watch the super bowl.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

The beauty of soccer is its subtlety. A goal isn't subtle, Portugal over N Korea 7-0 is not subtle, but just like golf, just like baseball, only when you really know the game can you see these things - and yes, they can get you on the edge of your seat.

Is it true that more people know the rules of soccer than any other sport? That it is played in every country of the world? I have no sources, but I can imagine these to be true.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

LUUUUUUUUUIS FABIAAAAAAAAAAANO

and

KAKAAAAAAAA


These guys played together on my favorite team here in Brazil (São Paulo Futebol Clube)!!!!

I hope so much that USA goes ahead at competition. The last finals of Confederations Cup between Brazil and USA was epic!!!!!

We're waiting for Argentina on the final match!!!!

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5fYJ...layer_embedded

Great video.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

How nice was Honda and Okazaki's goal!!!!! :yikes:

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

France and Italy not making it on is a pretty sad story. :(

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

France was not on top of its game the entire tournament, same with Italy. And frankly, Italy has been riding on luck for a few years now.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

The whole story behind France is sad. Manager and Coach are both fired...

Italy did ride on luck but I thought they would make it through the first round.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread
 

And there are those that say France shouldn't even have been in the World Cup, so it's not like that's a surprise...

Though I agree on France being a sad story. If the only time you act like a team is to protest one of your teammates being sent home for mouthing off to the coach, you are sad. Period.