Sorry to see the USA didn't make it through. I didn't get to see either of those games, but I enjoyed Japan vs Brazil. Shocking for the game to nearly finish 1-0 to Japan at half time... normality was of course restored.

I didn't fancy Brazil previously, but they're certainly hitting their stride now. I'm tempted to bet on Argentina but it depends who they face on the way up (I'm hopeless at working these things out).

You didn't miss anything in the US-Ghana match, except a game-winning penalty awarded on a total non-call.

It was a bummer. Teams really have to come ready to play immediately. The US never got into their game. Thinking about the way the tourney is done, It seems like using the round robin to seed the brackets might produce better football. A slow start would put you in a tough place but not send you home immediately... it might just make the tourney too long though.

The referees have been horrid, I hope they get over themselves before they start knocking contenders out. The one that sticks in my craw was the red card for Mastroeni, that was a yellow. They wanted to even out the squads and they did without considering that they had a bunch of guys already carrying yellows from the previous match and it would even out eventually. The Italy match could have been won.

2 Guys from Holland want to help the US team. :D

Ecuador is out. :sniff: They had a chance but couldn't close the deal. Beckam is still scary good on the set pieces. Rooney is one hell of a player but man he looks like a scarey red-ass.

Don't know that I can get behind England with its stupid "supporters" still doing their very worst once again, how predictable and ugly.

Is racist-nationalist the explanation?

I am 100% behind my team and don't view any of the people back here at home flying the St George Cross as having any connection with the criminals currently abroad - except where they live.

I share nationality with some people who like to fight, hurt people randomly and cause trouble in the streets, but I do not share their opinions or sensibilities. I'd rather not open the paper/ watch the television and see men from my country behaving this way, but they are not the England football team and they don't represent the country or the real fans.

I do understand that the Germans living in cities where matches are played might be apprehensive. And yes, some will want England out, in the hope that the criminal element return home. I just hope enough people get a positive experience of England supporters to prove England + football + beer does not always = trouble.

Anyway, back to the football.... A frustrating game, but flashes of brilliance from Rooney. Yes he does look like he'd be a bit tidy - it's the red faced spud look. Glad to see Beckham's still got it - only England player to score in 3 world cups. (I was watching in my knickers, I hope that wasn't what made him sick.... they can't see through the tv can they?)

Portugal next for us - on my birthday! Here's hoping Sven's men can pull it out of the bag & make my night. If you see what I mean :) Not thinking any further ahead than that. Mostly because I can't work out who we would be facing.

I too feel so sorry for the german people dealing with our criminally drunken brain challenged exports, the only comfort to offer them is that they are truly a very tiny minority and to please THROW AWAY THE KEY!!!

It was such a relief to see Becks bend it, and restored my faith in the magic man he is. Half my town was screaming at him so to do and I'm sure he heard. (I think on the basis of that, he must have seen you too Sundae!) But, they really have to do more and do it better if they are to beat the old adversary Portugal. I am seriously concerned about the less than energetic play so far and yes it's warm but come on Engerland, they can relax after the game not during it.

I almost always start the World Cup swearing I'm not going to watch, there's cricket to watch after all, but here we go again.

I just watched the video highlights of Italy v Australia. You upside down folks can feel free the whine about that call even if it goes against your national character.

Saw that. That was my first take on it, but you don't just throw your whole body in front of the attacker in the box. Maybe it wasn't a penalty, but it wasn't a proper tackle either...!

Well, I was a fullback back in the day so I may have a wee bit of bias. ;)

Goal of the Tourney! Video of the top goals very cool.

What is this World Cup thing that you talk of.....?
Currently sulking as I believe we are out thanks to an Argentinian ref, but at some level I realise everyone feels victimised by decisions if their teams aren't good enough to win on their own.

BIG sigh

Will continue watching of course. Just with less passion (and less beers)

I think it may be too late for this, but oh well.
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