85 replies to this topic

[Pedro Cerrano]

This group is going to be a cluster-f, especially if Russia somehow loses this afternoon.

[Zwolfe0]

Russia looks too good, too early. The Dutch came storming out like a house on fire in 2008 and were quickly dispensed of in the quarterfinals by a scrappy Russian side. Teams that start out fast will eventually slide. You have to watch out for the teams that really have to win that last group game to go through. France in 2006 was on the verge of elimination and then snaked its way to the WC finals (and should have won). Greece parked the bus and scored when needed to win in 2004. Turkey could barely field a team in the 2008 knockout stages due to red cards and injury and still almost beat Germany to make the finals. This is why I think Denmark stands a good chance of making it to the quarterfinals and even the semifinals. It did the hard part, winning a game in that group, now it just has to sit back and play good defense for 2 games. If England can steal a win next game, it gets a fresh Wayne Rooney for the rest of the tournament.

[Zwolfe0]

1-1 Russia vs. Poland. Let's see if Russia is for real.

[Zwolfe0]

This group just got a lot more interesting. The Poland v. Czech game will be brutal. Who do you got tomorrow? I got Germany beating the Dutch 3-1 with a late goal by the Germans putting it out of reach. Portugal will channel it's inner inability to score and the Danes will oblige by making it 0-0.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Portugal wins 1-0 on a Ronaldo goal.

Unfortunately, I think Germany knocks the Netherlands out with a solid win 2-0 (two goals from Ozil). I had the Netherlands in a pool I'm doing similar to March Madness. Needless to say, I was not happy when they lost to Denmark.

[SportsGuy]

Lots of back and forth in the Portugal/Denmark match.

Portugal was up 2-0 and now its 2-1.

[Zwolfe0]

I really thought Denmark would level and go ahead of the group. Now if the Dutch win at 2:45 this group is going to be really exciting.

[SportsGuy]

Great match between Portugal and Denmark. Portugal almost choked but got a big 3 points.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Group of Death upholds its name.

Germany beats the Dutch 2-1. Just incredible that a team with as much offensive talent as the Netherlands scores 1 goal in two matches.

They're pretty much out of it, no team that has started 0-2 has ever advanced from group play. I'll say Germany and Portugal advance from this group.

[Brobey]

Group of Death upholds its name.

Germany beats the Dutch 2-1. Just incredible that a team with as much offensive talent as the Netherlands scores 1 goal in two matches.

They're pretty much out of it, no team that has started 0-2 has ever advanced from group play. I'll say Germany and Portugal advance from this group.

Van Marijk did a terrible job keeping Van de Vaart and Huntelaar on the bench to start the Denmark match and probably should have had them starting in this game, knowing they likely would need more than 1 goal since their defense was going to give up at least one to Germany.

Huntelaar played lights out during Qualifying and had a great Club season as well. I know there's a lot of talent up front for the Dutch but don't understand both those guys starting on the bench.

[Nuclear Dish]

Group of Death upholds its name.

Germany beats the Dutch 2-1. Just incredible that a team with as much offensive talent as the Netherlands scores 1 goal in two matches.

They're pretty much out of it, no team that has started 0-2 has ever advanced from group play. I'll say Germany and Portugal advance from this group.

I know it seems unlikely, but there is no reason to think that the Dutch can't still advance. A Germany win over Denmark is certainly possible, and that would mean the Dutch need to beat Portugal, possibly by 2 goals. It's a longshot, but far from impossible.

[Pedro Cerrano]

I know it seems unlikely, but there is no reason to think that the Dutch can't still advance. A Germany win over Denmark is certainly possible, and that would mean the Dutch need to beat Portugal, possibly by 2 goals. It's a longshot, but far from impossible.

As I stated above, they do not have history on their side.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Yahoo: Ronaldo bailed out in win over Denmark
http://sports.yahoo....er-denmark.html

Yahoo: Gomez scores 2 to give Germany 2-1 victory over Dutch
http://sports.yahoo....30701--sow.html

Fox Sports: Italy vs. Croatia preview (video)
http://msn.foxsports...generic-gallery

Fox Sports: Spain vs. Ireland preview (video)
http://msn.foxsports...generic-gallery

[BSLChrisStoner]

Two quick goals for Sweden, and they lead England 2-1 at the 59th minute.

[BSLChrisStoner]

England with the equalizer!

[SportsGuy]

What a shot by England there.

The talent level of these guys is insane.

[Pedro Cerrano]

What a shot by England there.

The talent level of these guys is insane.

They're not even playing with their best player.

[SportsGuy]

They're not even playing with their best player.

I actually meant soccer players in general.

As someone who only watches the world cup and this, the ability of these guys to have such control of the ball with their head and feet is really impressive. Make it look so easy.

[BSLChrisStoner]

England up 3-2, with 7 mts left...

[SportsGuy]

England wins...and now they get Rooney back.