WorldCup2010

deserved win for Holland, and I have to add that Holland was able to hold their own in every match they had so far. What makes me worry about their game is how they bend under pressure (first half with Brazil, and every win was with one goal difference) Germany, in that respect has very, very, convincing wins (3 matches with with more than 3 goals difference). We have to keep in mind that Germany suffered defeat against Serbia, so it is not "unbeatable" like Holland.......so far.
Spain, had a loss as well in the first game against CHF, but what makes me believe that they could win the world cup is that their "game" was consistent throughout the cup. Even in the game they lost, they showed respectable strength.
All the teams that made it so far showed quality and world class skill. There is no way we gonna see some boring football in couple of remaining games.

I would made one call based on previous world cup, where 3rd place was reserved for the unexpected ones. Uruguay-3rd, and let's see about the others

b.

Looked like an offside goal by the Dutch, and plenty of grabbing, whining, etc. I am not very impressed with their back 4. They certainly have some talented offensive players, but after watching the game and some of the attitudes and antics, I hope that either Germany or Spain sends them home. Congrats to Uruguay, whom I had picked as my dark horse early on. They gave it all they had, and with Suarez and a fully healthy Forlan they might have pulled it off.

Dirty tricks etc:-

Everyone hates penalty shootouts don't they? Seems so unfair for a 90minute + match to be decided in a few minutes like that.

Why not have a points system analogous to that in boxing?

So you could have maybe points for clear shots at goal (should encourage attacking football).
Plus anything else positive anyone can think of.

Then you could have negative points for offsides, fouls, arguing with the ref., maybe even corner kicks, plus whatever else anyone can think of.

Now there would be an additional incentive for good behaviour.

If there is a draw on goals, then the result is decided on points.

Only in the unlikely event of a points draw would you need a penalty shootout.

Could this work?

If so, could kill two birds with one stone.

this world cup is much more exciting than the last one in Germany, I think. So much unexpected is happening.
I am not a betting man on a sports but I would like to know the odds that places were offering on the result Argentina 0 - 4 Germany ? Must have been some crazy money.
I am so mad about Uruguay Ghana game. That should not count as a penalty, but as a goal and a red card. With the rules like this we are just encouraging dirty tricks. It just make you wonder why would not every player catch the ball with his hands and receive a penalty with red card. From Uruguay's point the consequences are worth the risk. Receive red card-who cares, because if the ball goes in, there is no next game anyway, Penalty, well that is waaaaaayyyyy better than a goal FOR SURE.
I think; you touch it with the hand on the way to goal, goal counts and you get red card. Let the team of the "handballer" weep and be sorry, like this we have the wrong team out of the competition.

Spain - Paraguay, what a show, crazy finish. Two penalties missed in a row did not happen since 1930 world cup, they say.

still think Spain is the "contender" for a cup, we'll see....... Torres is a bit of a worry.......hope he is going to redeem himself in the "moment of need" and score a goal ( that is his job, right?)


b.

So Spain is through.

I think Ashraf is right and it is going to be a Germany-Holland final.