World Cup 2006

[Kalah]

It seemed Brazil waited until 1 minute into overtime before they started going into high gear. That won't do..

[jeff]

It seemed Brazil waited until 1 minute into overtime before they started going into high gear. That won't do..

Well they now have four years to think about that.

[Kalah]

It would have been too much with Brazil in another final this year. I mean, 1994, 1998, 2002... Let's have something new for a change. How about Italy-Portugal? Or Germany-France?

[jeff]

It would have been too much with Brazil in another final this year. I mean, 1994, 1998, 2002... Let's have something new for a change. How about Italy-Portugal? Or Germany-France?

Well with my American knowledge of the game Portugal just seems too flat to be much of an opponent for the French. Germany does seem beatable even with home field advantage, so I think Italy - France.

[Justice]

I would like Germany - France with Germany as the winner

[Gaidal Cain]

Let's have something new for a change.

Considering that France only has been in one final, and Portugal never has been there, of course there will be something new

[Paulus1]

I'll put my money on a final between Germany and France.

Germany have been playing relatively well, and has the home field advantage. France seems to have finally picked up their game for the two last matches, and if their Midfield with Viera, Makelele and Zidane can hold on to the level from the games against Spain and Brazil, this one should easily go to the french.

[asandir]

here's how i would prefer to see it end

germany fourth (just can't forget '74)
france 3rd (who likes the french? )
italy 2nd (they've got theirs)
portugal WINNER - they have never won it yet

[[T]osHiro]

Yeah, Germany - France sounds really nice. I was hoping for Germany - England final, but their loss to Portugal seems fair. Sometimes England plays a boring match...

[soupnazii]

i think Germany and France have a pretty good chance at the finals, but i cant help but really really hope Germany gets knocked out by Italy... i know germany is anti-semitic at all now or anything and there is no reason for any hard feelings, but beeing an Israely jew i cant help but hope they get knocked out now even though I know they have a good chance at the finals. i think it will end up with Germany-Italy, and the Germans will win with home field advantage.

here's how i would prefer to see it end

germany fourth (just can't forget '74)
france 3rd (who likes the french? smile_teeth )
italy 2nd (they've got theirs)
portugal WINNER - they have never won it yet

i would prefer same only with Italy switched with Portugal. i get the impression they are playing real hard and solid and stand good chances.


btw, did anyone see that pro-Germany judge in Germany's last game (forgot against who)? now thats really unfair, cause any other referee and they would have lost fair and square.[/quote]

[Kalah]

It's Germany-Portugal in the final, I think. France just don't seem to want it as much as the Portuguese. And Italy - well, I just don't want 'em in the final; and what I wants, I gets.

[Paulus1]

Not really connected with the WC, but did anyone read about Greece being suspended from all international football?

[Gaidal Cain]

Haven't read about it, only heard about it on the radio. And speaking of suspensions- Frings seems to be suspended after being involved in the big fight at the end of the quarterfinal...

[Kalah]

Yes, Greece has been suspended from all international matches, because the Greek government refuses the Greek Football Association sovereignty in cases related to football.

FIFA's statement (my translation): "September 2005 FIFA gave the Greek FA a deadline until July 15. 2006 (!) to get a correction in the sports' law from the Greek authorities, to have it in accordance with FIFA's and UEFA's rules. Despite repeated warnings, the Greek government has not respected that cases related to football can only be handled by the Greek FA. Instead, the newly presented plans for a new law for the professional league another example of interference from the government into the affairs of the FA".

So even though the deadline doesn't expire for another 12 days, FIFA means it would not have been met.

What this means is that all members of the Greek FA; clubs, referees and players cannot participate in any international matches, effective immediately. They cannot stage any matches on Greek soil either. I wonder what will happen to Norway's match there on the 7th of October.

Also, Frings has been suspended for one match after hitting Cruz in the face. This means the important player will miss the semi, but will reappear for the final if the Germans make it there.

[Paulus1]

What this means is that all members of the Greek FA; clubs, referees and players cannot participate in any international matches, effective immediately. They cannot stage any matches on Greek soil either. I wonder what will happen to Norway's match there on the 7th of October.

From what I read from online newspapers it also means, that greek players are barred from appearing for clubs outside of Greece.

If Greece doesn't change the law or abandon it altogether by the time qualification for EC 2008 starts, my guess is that they won't get the chance to participate.... which would make things a whole lot easier for Norway.


Edit:
link to the official press release in english
http://www.fifa.com/en/media/index/0,13 ... eid=118144

[Kalah]

Whether it becomes easier for Norway or not depends on the result in October. If that match is played, see, and we win, we lose three points. Why? All the games Greece play will be annulled.

Personally, I don't think Greek players will be barred from playing for their clubs outside of Greece; the EU wouldn't like that. Also, as I read the text it mentions the word "international" several times, and in this context that means international matches. Meaning the Greek international teams (all age levels) will be banned from contests, Greek refs (who are necessarily subordinated the Greek FA) will not be allowed to judge any international matches (they will simply not be appointed to any), and the players will not be allowed to play for Greece. Greek clubs will not be allowed to play any matches staged by UEFA/FIFA, meaning Champions League etc.

It doesn't say anything about Greek players detached from the Greek FA; meaning players who play abroad (like Dabizas) and thus are subordinated the local FA - they will still be allowed to play for their clubs but no international matches.

[Paulus1]

IMO it definitely will be easier for Norway, since a major competitor for group top spots will disappear (Greece was seeded from 1st tier IIRC).

After reading the english press release myself, I think your interpretation of it is correct.

btw, back on topic I predict a 2-1 win for Germany tomorrow.

[ThunderTitan]

And Italy goes to the final after 2 goals in the last few minutes of the second half of overtime.

[Gaidal Cain]

Good game from both teams. Interesting to see Italy through this WC- they seem to be a good deal more willing to go on the offence than they used to. And they still only have let in one goal- made by one of their own. Portugal or France have a tough final ahead of them. Or a tough fight for the bronze...

[asandir]

It's Germany-Portugal in the final, I think. France just don't seem to want it as much as the Portuguese. And Italy - well, I just don't want 'em in the final; and what I wants, I gets.

oops!!!!

well that's part one of my wish completed, now for portugal to beat zee french tonight