2006 FIFA World Cup

[sohotrightnow]

To be honest, Ukraine did not play that bad. It was 1-0 Italy when Ukraine took a hard shot which the goalie redirected to the center of the penalty box. Ukraine almost scored off the rebound, but an Italian defender was covering the backside of the goal and saved a sure goal with his foot. It looked like one of the Italian defenders used his hand to stop the shot though. Less than a minute later, Italy counterattacked and scored to go up 2-0. Ukraine hit at least 2 crossbars and had several chances to make this a closer game.

[FLAK]

I might have a biased opinion, but honestly to me, Rooney didnt deserve to be sent off. I didnt think it looked intentional when he stepped on the guy, it looked like he was losing his balance and threw his foot out to keep from falling, unfortunately his foot found the guys groin. Sucks that he now can only come back for the final, if England can pull it off.

[Brent Burns]

When was the last time WC has seen all-European Final Four? Seems strange without a South America team such as Brazil or Argentina not being in the semifinals! Zindane sure postponed his retirement.

[WaterBoy]

I can't say for sure whether Rooney was going to get a red for the "stomp." In fact, as a retired soccer ref, I can tell you that a lot of the time the ref doesn't know for sure immediately- part of the decision is based on the conduct of the player afterwards, and rethinking what happened in the play to make sure you're making the right decision.

If there was any doubt in the ref's mind about what color card it was going to be, it had to all be erased when the push happened after the play.

Rooney did it to himself and his team. In my opinion, the ref clearly made the right move. If anyone deserves the heat, it's Rooney.

[JosueSays]

Rooney should have recieved way more cards throughout this tournament. In fact, that's the only thing that he didn't get that he deserved... more cards.

I have to admit, though, that I am pretty dispirited about this world cup.... It's not necessarily tha tthere are TOO Many of them, even though there are, but they are issued wrongly. It just seems that the refs know the rules of the game but dont know the game. I think understanding both of those is important to officiate well and fairly...

[Brent Burns]

I read that Franz Beckenbauer gave his balancing opinion that it is players' fault as much as it is the refs' fault. He opined that the players' acting made it difficult for the refs. Hmmm... Weren't Germans known for that for many years? We all know that Rooney is no Bobby Charlton.

[FLAK]

Rooney should have recieved way more cards throughout this tournament. In fact, that's the only thing that he didn't get that he deserved... more cards.

For what? saying a few four letter words to some referees? just because he cant swear in another language doesnt make him any more guilty than any of the teams that blatently dive all over the field. He couldve easily dove when he was getting raped by those two portugese defenders, but instead he tried to fight for the ball and lost his balance and stepped on a guys wedding tackle. I respect that alot more than the wuss who fell to the ground crying and grabbing his eye because he lost the ball, when replay shows there was nothing close to touching his face.

[StrykerFSU]

I think the commentator doing the game summed it up best when he described Rooney as a "thug".

[JosueSays]

Ummm, if by going by the ball you mean grabbing at them and pulling them, then I don't see how you can see that as valient or respectable. You can double team in soccer and they were doing so with skill and legitmacy. He was grabbing the players, as he always does, and pulled one of them down and then "accidentally" stepped on his crotch. It doesn't help his case when he later pushes one of the players IN FRONT OF THE REF. Rooney is an brutish idiot and i stillc an't believe people see him as tenacious and respectable when the only reason heg ets away with a lot of the fouls he commits is because of his iconic status. He just does a lot of stupid things that someone that is respected as much as he is shouldn't do in a game. It's no one's fault but rooneys that he can't control himself enough, it's remarkable considering the fact that so much is at stake.

Anyway, so it turns out Frings is suspended for punching Cruz during the fight that broke out after the Argentina game. Do you guys think this will be a big set back against Italy? I wonder who will substitute him for the next game, maybe odonkor?

[jessexy]

It's not necessarily tha tthere are TOO Many of them, even though there are, but they are issued wrongly. It just seems that the refs know the rules of the game but dont know the game. I think understanding both of those is important to officiate well and fairly...

again, if we go back to the directives that Sepp Blatter made himself about what should be a red card and a yellow card just before the start of the WC, then you'll understand why these referees are giving so many cards. he specifically said, elbowing and serious fould should be red cards (Mastroeni's was deemed serious), and dissent and shirt pulling should be yellows. Shirt pulling happens every time two players go shoulder to shoulder for a 50-50 ball. these are all experienced referees. they know the game. the are following the directives of the leadership of FIFA.

and Rooney is a thug. what happened in his childhood that made him such an angry teenager. he's been acting out like this since he made the full squad at Everton at 16. anyone remember his return to everton while he played for ManU? he scored a goal against his hometown club and then gave the fans the finger. what a joke.

[StrykerFSU]

One team's preparations for the World Cup
http://gprime.net/video.php/soccerpractice

[Zeuslax]

One team's preparations for the World Cup

That's hilarious......If only it would have shown them after not getting the call from the ref, jumping up right away and arguing.

[laxfan25]

Well I've now been able to watch two of the World Cup games, England - Portugal and Italy v Germany - which is pretty much my soccer viewing since the last WC final - sorry!
I was sincerely shocked to see the amount of flopping, wailing, knee and head-grabbing going on. It was like Leonard Pinth-Garnell's "Bad Theater". It was laughable, and I understand the refs can give a yellow card for a flop, but most are reluctant to. For a new observer but veteran official - they really need to clean up the acting, it does detract from the sport.
I loved the video that StrykerFSU posted - it's obvious they've practiced that play - saw it in the game!
It has still been fun to watch - if you call 118 minutes of no scoring fun. The end of the Italy game was exciting. I think they'll take the whole thing. A friend of mine is going to Italy, leaving tomorrow night - so she may be there for the party on Sunday. I'll make the time to catch the Finals on Sunday - hope it's a good one.

Bonus points for the Leonard reference...

[onpoint]

I agree that Rooney deserved some cards, but there is no doubt in my mind that he is the heart and soul of the English side. His production wasn't great this WC, but the energy he brought after being subbed in was incredible. Frankly, thug or not, soccer needs more guys like Rooney. He doens't dive, he gets the crowd excited and he's always going full speed. I'd take Rooney over Portugal's C. Ronaldo any day of the week.

[laxfan25]

Frankly, thug or not, soccer needs more guys like Rooney.

It figures that one of those "thugs" from the MLL would be cheering on the dastardly side of the sport!
You probably feel the same way about MDIA lacrosse...