I am unimpressed by Ecuador too, and I am sure Germany will show them up.
This by far is the fastest and most creative german team I have seen in a long time.
the sub-right winger they brought on against Poland, he had crazy speed.
Klose looks very much like a Klinsmann clone, though probably not as good in the air. guess they need someone like Bierhoff to complement him

and also watchout for the Italians. I was mucho impressed with them

That was a butt-whooping Argentina put on Serbia.

I am sure that ecuador will beat germany, godot. They needed a stoppage time goal to beat poland, and costa rica beat their “vaunted” defense for two goals.

Actually, rb, the German defense is anything but “vaunted.” Their defense is universally acknowledged as their weakest point. Maybe 10 years ago they had a “vaunted” defense, but no-one thinks that any longer. Their big problem is they lack pace at the back. So they looked really bad against Costa Rica, when they tried to defend high up the pitch and play offside. But against Poland, they defended deep, which makes a lot more sense and worked so much better. This German team is not great, but they’re certainly significantly better than 4 years ago.

Mexico are really struggling in this one. They badly need to change things around.

On the Klose-Klinsmann comparison:

Klose is bigger and stronger than Klinsmann was, and better in the air. Klinsmann however was a lot quicker, had a lot better movement, and was a much better finisher (and a prolific diver). They’re not particularly similar as players. Klose’s a bit of a battering-ram, Klinsmann was a rapier.

Mexico 0 Angola 0. Wow. Mexico are still very likely to go through, but they’re making heavy weather of a very easy group.

Klose is bigger but they are both very fast to the ball. Somehow Klose just doesn’t get to as many balls in the air as you would expect him to, while Klinnsmann used to have excellent positioning.

rb, they needed an extra time goal against Poland, but they created tons of chances and were a touch unlucky. Their defence looks shaky, but they can score with anyone I am guessing.
Tough break for Ivory coast. they looked as good as holland today

David Wright Is My Lord And Savior (JHeit) - 16 June 2006 02:49 PM

That was a butt-whooping Argentina put on Serbia.

I only saw the first half, but I have to say the Argentines are by far the most impressive team to my mind so far. Assuming Germany win their group and squeak past Trinidad & Tobago, I don’t give them any chance of getting past Argentina.

Argentina is the only team playing a 3-5-2 I think
Holland v Argentina is gonnabe good. the argentine defence didn’t look that impressive against ivory coast in the second half..
a team with good wingers might cause them problems

So it seems I am gonna be at Brewhouse cafe tomm for the games.
since last time it was full for the usa game, we are going for the earlier match to snag the best seats :-)

anyone in the atlanta area and thinking of watching the game? the atmosphere there is great

UNfortunately, I am no longer in the atlanta area, or else I would join you there.

Ghana!!!

So everyone is better than the US. great.

This match could be wide open, now that ghana has opened the scoring.

So everyone is better than the US. great.

This surprises you why?

This match could be wide open, now that ghana has opened the scoring.

That’s the dream.

Refs are trying to give this to the czechs. Giving them the ball on that challenge in the 35th minute just because their player was the one rolling around on the ground? Ridiculous.

Biggest wanker on the field? Poborsky.

Ghana fighting the refs well.

Those two yellow cards were amzingly weak.

Czechs really should have equalised there.

Is Baros unfit? Why don’t they throw him on?

Absolute bull. That was never a penalty. Never in a million years.

This ref isn’t biased, he’s just incompetent.

What was that red card about? This referee is on crack.

If that had gone in, game over. Czechs stay in this one. I loved Cech’s antics on the line - almost Grobelaaresque.

####. I wanted that goal.

I liked that that punkass kid from czech was crying. Cry, little boy, cry!

The red card was automatic, rLr. The ref decided that was a foul, so Ufalusji (?) denied Amoah a goalscoring opportunity. So Ufalusji must get a red card for the professional foul.

My error. Had forgotten that rule. I thought there was a Ghana foul at the other end just before that whole kerfuffle.