Who's ready for the World Cup?

[md4958]

Originally Posted by Don Fernando

the point is that this is proof for what I said earlier (and that the FIFA isn't following their own rules). Greg and I talked about this earlier in the topic, and this confirms what I said to Greg before.

I dont mean whats YOUR point Ferdie... I mean what is the point in having a system to review plays except the ones that need reviewing the most??

Thats like having a bathroom in your office that you can use anytime, except when you NEED it.

Man I got a kick outa this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVim7rjfKOQ

[mithrilG60]

Originally Posted by ChicagoWhiteSox

Man I got a kick outa this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVim7rjfKOQ

Google "funny rugby commerical" for a similar take that's just as hilarious (I don't want to post it here as it'll drag the thread off topic).

FIFA is a joke...every other sport has evolved with the times and uses technology to prevent errors. FIFA just says 'even with technology mistakes are made' and uses that as an excuse to not do anything about it.

Thankfully the games today weren't ruined by any big mistakes.

Portugal v Spain tomorrow should be a good one!

[Don Fernando]

Originally Posted by md4958

I dont mean whats YOUR point Ferdie... I mean what is the point in having a system to review plays except the ones that need reviewing the most??

Thats like having a bathroom in your office that you can use anytime, except when you NEED it.

ah ok, I misunderstood

well, the point is that the poor countries don't want the use of electronics as they can't afford it, so Blatter buys their votes by promising that electronics won't be allowed if they vote for him, so he can maintain his position as Mafifa president.

[bobarian]

This is the much like the rule the NFL has regarding stadium replays. Most plays are replayed on the big screen but anything borderline controversial is not allowed. But I think this is a minor issue, showing he replay in stadium has nothing to do with implementing technology for certain situations in major competitions. If it were limited to the goal line in the WC, Euro Cup, etc, it would be helpful in settling unjust situations. I think the offside's plays would be much harder to include.

[fhrblig]

Originally Posted by bobarian

This is the much like the rule the NFL has regarding stadium replays. Most plays are replayed on the big screen but anything borderline controversial is not allowed. But I think this is a minor issue, showing he replay in stadium has nothing to do with implementing technology for certain situations in major competitions. If it were limited to the goal line in the WC, Euro Cup, etc, it would be helpful in settling unjust situations. I think the offside's plays would be much harder to include.

Well, the NFL breaks that rule sometimes, too. Although I admit, I kind of enjoy hearing the entire crowd react to a bad call on a replay (like the Ed Hochuli incident). Of course, in that case it helped that I'm a Broncos fan...

Now that the US is out, I'm following my usual pattern of rooting for any and all underdogs. Anything that would make for an unexpected final would be nice. Go Chile!

[TheRiddick]

Originally Posted by Don Fernando

the point is that this is proof for what I said earlier (and that the FIFA isn't following their own rules). Greg and I talked about this earlier in the topic, and this confirms what I said to Greg before.

Ferdinand, latest BS from FIFA is that supposedly and according to them, it is up to local soccer organization to be in charge of Jumbotrons during games, thus, FIFA's excuse is that SA organizers "broke" the rule. I did not argue with you rpoint about the rule, simply pointed out that replays were being shown, rules or no rules. No issue on my side.

What I find really appalling, though, is FIFA's latest stance on the England and Mexican (especially Tevez's replay) non-calls. FIFA stated there are sorry the replays were shown, but then in that same statement did not offer any apology for the mistakes themselves.

Blatter is being re-elected time and again by all the third world leagues, for obvious reasons. As I discussed with another local yesterday, the entire WC format must change. Why are teams such as North Korea playing while those from, say, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Romania and a number of others stay home? Why I am watching New Zealand play when I know Sweden will play a MUCH better game? FIFA needs to use world rankings a few months prior to WC and Top 32 teams are allowed to play in the tournament. No more "weak" teams. Same for refs, select top ones, Colina should have stayed eligible for as long as he is fit, best ref I have seen ever. I am over 50 now, but still keep up with young bucks indoors and out, why are refs limited to 45 YO? Stupid decision, IMO. Do you think Colina would have allowed these goals to stand?

Arghhh...

[Don Fernando]

The Netherlands game wasn't ruined, but with the use of footage that penalty would never have been given.

[Don Fernando]

I know you did not argue with me on this point Greg, I just stumbled upon this and provided it as a support to what I said earlier.

Ofcourse the MaFifa is blaming it on the local FA, but that is BS as this tournament isn't played under the South African FA flag but under the FIFA flag. But the MaFIfa is never wrong, we all know that [add sarcastic smile here]

[TheRiddick]

Russian News today (I am watching as I type) are really covering the subject, replays games from past events as well.

Blatter has to go, there is no argument left for him to retain the seat. And Platino should as well, IMO. Start with new blood and change things. The only way to improve the game is make sure only top teams participate. What does anyone care if North Korea fans watched the cup at home or not? Would FIFA sell more seats if that same Brazil played Sweden instead?

Hopefully Spain vs Portugal won't be affected by officiating, although I will bet that Portugese players will spend at least 15% of it play acting and rolling on the grass. Spain? Maybe 5-10%. Anyone recall any BS like that in the England/Germany game?

[BigAsh]

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

Hopefully Spain vs Portugal won't be affected by officiating, although I will bet that Portugese players will spend at least 15% of it play acting and rolling on the grass. Spain? Maybe 5-10%. Anyone recall any BS like that in the England/Germany game?

Hey we're an emotional people!

[Don Fernando]

Originally Posted by BigAsh

Hey we're an emotional people!

I can see you dive to the dirt and start rolling with tears in your eyes at EPIC too, when someone comes close to you with a hand delivered bomb.

[BigAsh]

Originally Posted by Don Fernando

I can see you dive to the dirt and start rolling with tears in your eyes at EPIC too, when someone comes close to you with a hand delivered bomb.

grabbing my knee too!....hahaha........no dirt rollin' for me....now you on the other hand....

[Don Fernando]

Originally Posted by BigAsh

grabbing my knee too!....hahaha........no dirt rollin' for me....now you on the other hand....

I will wear wooden shoes and give you something to cry about

[TheRiddick]

Originally Posted by BigAsh

Hey we're an emotional people!

I owe you a sincere apology! Seems Torres has been usurping most of both teams' time with theatrical falls and lots of hand flailing... What a clown and a waste of a talent, IMO. Just suck it up and play.

So far, Portugal seems to have an edge in my book. Let's see how second half goes. Shame that only one of these may be playing Brazil. Looking at the brackets again, Brazill has only one real contender on their side, Dutch. And then 4 top notch teams have to knock each other out on the other side: Germany, Argentina, Spain and Portugal.

[Don Fernando]

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

I owe you a sincere apology! Seems Torres has been usurping most of both teams' time with theatrical falls and lots of hand flailing... What a clown and a waste of a talent, IMO. Just suck it up and play.

So far, Portugal seems to have an edge in my book. Let's see how second half goes. Shame that only one of these may be playing Brazil..

Nobody will be playing Brazil in the semis!

[Don Fernando]

I agree that there should be a new qualification system, but doing it based on the world ranking isn't fair to the lower ranked team. Slovakia wouldn't have qualified, yet they reached the 2nd round and kicked Italy out of the tournament.

I would rather see a system like with (ice)hockey or the Davis Cup, with a promotion/relegation system. The top teams are qualified for the worldgroup, and the lesser teams can promote to that group if they preform well in qualifiers.

ps: from the 32 countries that started in this worldcup, 26 are in the top 32. Sweden isn't even in the top 32.

[mithrilG60]

Originally Posted by Don Fernando

I would rather see a system like with (ice)hockey or the Davis Cup, with a promotion/relegation system. The top teams are qualified for the worldgroup, and the lesser teams can promote to that group if they preform well in qualifiers.

Or a fixed system where the top 12 or 16 ranked teams at a predetermined cutoff time automatically qualify and the remaining berths are allocated equally per geographical area for regional qualification tournaments thus ensuring a truly global representation at the World Cup.

[md4958]

Blatter released a statement today

Blatter said Tuesday that FIFA deplores "when you see the evidence of refereeing mistakes." It would be "a nonsense" not to consider changes, he said.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...cc=5901&ver=us