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WORLD CUP OPEN THREAD

Not awake for this morning’s Australia v Croatia match. Coverage over to you in comments.

Posted by Tim B. on 06/22/2006 at 12:21 PM
  1. Dunno about the Aussies, but the US got beat by Ghana.

    Posted by Dave S. on 2006 06 22 at 12:29 PM • permalink

  2. hasn’t started yet…
    ...waiting…
    ...waiting…
    ...waiting…

    Posted by murph on 2006 06 22 at 12:35 PM • permalink

  3. boy, did the US stink.

    blech

    Posted by Mr. Bingley on 2006 06 22 at 12:46 PM • permalink

  4. I don’t think I could have stayed awake for any of ‘em.

    Posted by paco on 2006 06 22 at 01:02 PM • permalink

  5. #3. Mr Bingley clearly hasn’t seen much of England this World Cup.  They sucked like absolute gravitational collapse.

    Posted by Hector Cross on 2006 06 22 at 01:13 PM • permalink

  6. Hey, what a great turn of phrase, Hector; you should copyright it.

    Posted by Mr. Bingley on 2006 06 22 at 01:19 PM • permalink

  7. Well Hector clearly hasn’t been made aware of the fact that ENGLAND ADVANCED AND WE DIDN’T!!

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 06 22 at 01:36 PM • permalink

  8. Just a yojimbo suggestion.  For today only.

    New National Anthem:  “Advance Australia!”

    Good luck and may you suck with the same absolute gravitational collapse that England suffered from all the way into the second round.

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 06 22 at 01:41 PM • permalink

  9. I don’t know where this came from, but I did not write it and I thought it was good enough to save:
    THE DANGER OF SOCCER
    As I strolled by a local park the other evening, I watched a group of young boys trying to keep a large ball in the air using only their feet. I asked one of the adult supervisors what was going on, and he informed me that they were having “soccer practice”. Observing this exercise a while longer, something jogged my memory. I said to myself , “Soccer practice, my ass. They’re learning how to goose step.” Did Adolf and Uncle Joe have their young socialists playing real football? Hell no!! They were teaching them how to crush freedom in Eastern Europe under the guise of soccer… Wake up America!!! First, they take away real football in Ann Arbor or Tuscaloosa and make you play games without using your hands. Next, they’ll come to confiscate your guns. And before you know it, there’s no more free press, religion or speech and you’re being marched off to the nearest feminist sports collective to get estrogen shots. Remember, it starts with soccer.

    Posted by Latino on 2006 06 22 at 01:42 PM • permalink

  10. Good one…

    I donno, tho.  It seems as if kids play soccer only cuz it’s the only one their yuppie moms will drive them to.

    As soon as they can drive themselves, they take up girls as a sport.

    Posted by trainer on 2006 06 22 at 02:30 PM • permalink

  11. Girls are sport ? Who knew..?

    Posted by JAFA on 2006 06 22 at 02:38 PM • permalink

  12. Croatia-Australia live-blog now open. Fifteen minutes to go. Go Socceroos !

    Posted by JAFA on 2006 06 22 at 02:44 PM • permalink

  13. One minute to go

    Posted by Melanie on 2006 06 22 at 02:59 PM • permalink

  14. LAUNCH AIRCRAFT!

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 06 22 at 03:00 PM • permalink

  15. Can you find anything duller than guys in shorts running around the lawn while drunks howl for ... what exactly? Oh, yeah. To win the Hooligan Cup.
    It’s like watching people paint a house on one of those home improvement shows. Jeez. What a hot turd on a cold skillet.

    Posted by Gary from Jersey on 2006 06 22 at 03:01 PM • permalink

  16. YUUCK!

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 06 22 at 03:02 PM • permalink

  17. (#1)  Dunno about the Aussies, but the US got beat by Ghana.

    (#3)  boy, did the US stink. bleh

    QUAGMIRE

    Posted by WingDynasty on 2006 06 22 at 03:06 PM • permalink

  18. goal japan!

    Posted by Mr. Bingley on 2006 06 22 at 03:49 PM • permalink

  19. Equalizer!

    Posted by Quentin George on 2006 06 22 at 03:50 PM • permalink

  20. Scores tied at halftime. If it stays at 1-1, Australia qualfies.

    Posted by Quentin George on 2006 06 22 at 03:50 PM • permalink

  21. The clown of a goalkeeper for Australia should have been taken off at half time.


    What a joke.


    The full responsibility for leaving this total incompetent on the field is Hiddinck’s. You see better at kiddies games.


    Hope these characters don’t actually try to re-enter Australia.


    The games not over but what a display of sheer and total incompetence.

    Posted by MarshallD on 2006 06 22 at 04:24 PM • permalink

  22. Australia equalize! Back in it!

    Posted by krossport on 2006 06 22 at 04:36 PM • permalink

  23. Soccer really never did a damn thing for me.

    My idea or ideas of a “World Cup” are what I wore playing baseball or football…and anything with DDD, behind a number….say like, 36.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 06 22 at 04:42 PM • permalink

  24. Croatia down to 10 men. Looking good for the ‘roos.

    Posted by krossport on 2006 06 22 at 04:42 PM • permalink

  25. Ah crap. Now Australia down to 10.

    Posted by krossport on 2006 06 22 at 04:44 PM • permalink

  26. Another Croatian sent off, final whistle. Australia go through. Interesting match.

    Posted by krossport on 2006 06 22 at 04:52 PM • permalink

  27. Congratulations to Australia! Well done. You’re relentless. Best of luck in the Round of 16. (The US team will be watching from the sofa).

    Posted by JDB on 2006 06 22 at 04:55 PM • permalink

  28. Can I take back everything I said about the Hun, Merck.


    This English referee has just put in one of the most shocking, shocking, shocking display I have ever seen at this level.


    But the key still is- what a grossly incompetent goalkeeper Australia had. Totally incompetent.


    And Hiddinck has to take the blame for putting him in goal or anywhere on the field for that matter in the first place, then leaving him on. Half time was the last point at which he should have been left on field.


    How many times have I seen kiddies’ games where a coach tears his hair out on the sideline trying to tell some Under 4 goalie “This is how you catch a ball.” Hiddinck even did it half way through the first half. You cup your hands and don’t let a ball dribble over the line. This goalie made about 6 vital mistakes in this game, but ultimately the responsibility must be Hiddinck’s.


    So could the Press cut the pscho-phantic crap about how great he is for taking Australia this far, and start doing what the Press in every mature soccer nation does- crucify him for vital errors in leaving a clown of a goalie on the field.


    Even Russia won’t want him after this- I do believe that Thargomindah has a vacancy though for a coach for their Under 7 Divison 10 team. Hiddinck- don’t cry. There will always be a job available in Australian soccer- where the cringe factor is still rampant.

    Posted by MarshallD on 2006 06 22 at 04:59 PM • permalink

  29. I’ve always held that a good side could beat any referee, but this match tested my belief.

    Posted by Andrew R on 2006 06 22 at 05:01 PM • permalink

  30. I agree MarshallD that it was virtually criminal to put Kalacs in goal. Some teams might have the luxury of keeping their second goalie match-fit, but we’re not one of them.

    Posted by Andrew R on 2006 06 22 at 05:13 PM • permalink

  31. Can I be the first to say: In Australia to today we’re all wogs.

    Posted by Henry boy on 2006 06 22 at 05:16 PM • permalink

  32. Australia deserved clear win but can live with this.  Kalacs had a bad day - forget about it.

    Posted by harryc on 2006 06 22 at 05:18 PM • permalink

  33. This English referee has just put in one of the most shocking, shocking, shocking display I have ever seen at this level.

    Yay, good to see England having an impact on the World Cup. Giving one player three yellow cards must be a record. I was watching the Brazil-Japan match, Brazil are beginning to look very good, and Ronaldo can score goals even if he in training to be Michael Moore’s body double.

    Posted by Ross on 2006 06 22 at 05:18 PM • permalink

  34. Hmmm. There’s only one “to” in “today”.

    In Australia today we’re all wogs.

    That’s better.

    Posted by Henry boy on 2006 06 22 at 05:19 PM • permalink

  35. I’ve not watched a soccer game since I was about 17 and used to stay up late to watch the 1st Division (hello, West Ham supporters!).

    I made the mistake of turning the teev on early for the froglet, and got sucked in at the 85 minute mark.

    I didn’t understand much at all (having come in so late), but it was fun to watch, although the cameras returning to a lass in the crowd reminded me of why I can’t be stuffed watching sport on tv generally. I’m interested in the game, not the racks.

    Posted by Nilknarf Arbed on 2006 06 22 at 05:20 PM • permalink

  36. Congrats Australia. Australia has really surprised the world. And tonight the 20,000 Aussi fans in Stuttgart are having the party of their lifetime.

    The English referee was really sloppy. That makes me wonder whether he is a cricket fan as he denied Australia a penalty.

    Theoretically Australia can meet England in Final, but I don’t think even a dumb person will bet about this. However thinking about a Football ashes final can make our imaginations go wild.

    Posted by Rezwan on 2006 06 22 at 05:45 PM • permalink

  37. I had to use my mind control on the ref in the last few minutes, which is why he gave three yellow cards to Simunic. Blame me, not Ref Cole, he had no say in it..

    It was hard, but it made my prophecy of 10 a side and a draw come true.
    Too bad I didn’t have any money on it.
    I’m too honest, knowing my powers.

    Bring back Schwartzer - for the penalty shoot out against Italy.

    Posted by Barrie on 2006 06 22 at 05:50 PM • permalink

  38. I tried to listen to the game on the radio on the way to work but since everyone’s on the field’s name ended with “ovic” found it impossible to figure out who was playing who…(They shoulda just gone with “Bruce” for the Aussies)

    Since 3 or 4 of the Croatians were Australian born it is nice to send them packing.

    However I am happy to call myself Margos Maidovic today in honour of the Aussie Croatian contingent.

    Posted by Margos Maid on 2006 06 22 at 05:55 PM • permalink

  39. Memo:
    For Americans who have trouble with our ‘shoot through’.
    Croatia now have to ‘shoot through’ because Australia goes through.
    A ‘penalty shoot out’ is lethal for one of the teams which must shoot through, but for none of the players involved.

    I hope that’s clear.

    Posted by Barrie on 2006 06 22 at 06:28 PM • permalink

  40. #35, there two lass’s in the crowd the camera kept tabs on, a croation girl and an aussie girl, seemingly equally endowed.

    #37 I still don’t understand why Simunic was able to stay on the field after that.  In the last few minutes, the ref looked like he was loosing control of the whole game.

    Posted by darrinh on 2006 06 22 at 06:36 PM • permalink

  41. #37 The ref’s name was Poll not Cole, but it doesn’t matter. 
    The only useful poll is the final score.

    I really DID predict the result - see earlier thread.
    #40 No darrinh, I told you, - I had the ref under full mind control.

    Posted by Barrie on 2006 06 22 at 06:54 PM • permalink

  42. America - First in war.  First in peace.  Last in World Cup play.

    Posted by TimShell on 2006 06 22 at 07:31 PM • permalink

  43. #40: lass’s? croation? loosing?
    Hey, Kalac of spelling, hope you’re not a native speaker.

    Posted by Honkie Hammer on 2006 06 22 at 07:33 PM • permalink

  44. #43, pre-coffee post, please accept my apologies.  :)

    Posted by darrinh on 2006 06 22 at 07:40 PM • permalink

  45. Say TimShell,

    USA “first in war”?

    Surely not in time:

    USA WW1 1917-1918
    USA WW2 1941-1945

    USA missed the first two quarters both times.

    Posted by Geoffrey MG on 2006 06 22 at 08:04 PM • permalink

  46. Go Aussies .. Italy, you’re next !

    Posted by Jono on 2006 06 22 at 08:21 PM • permalink

  47. boy, did the US stink.

    Dude.  Soccer.  You’re being redundantly repetitious.

    Posted by richard mcenroe on 2006 06 22 at 08:48 PM • permalink

  48. #36 I don’t know what your feelings are about derivatives, but I bet I could find someone dumb enough today to back an Australia vs England final. (It’s a shame for the game we can’t meet them earlier.)

    Posted by Andrew R on 2006 06 22 at 09:02 PM • permalink

  49. I’d back an Australia vs England final. If offered good enough odds - which seems unlikely…

    Posted by sam on 2006 06 22 at 09:10 PM • permalink

  50. While I understand the sensitivity of the above US commenters and I am not generally a follower of the “world game” I still have to say that in my opinion the Australia/Croatia game was one of the most exciting examples of professional sport I have witnessed.

    It had everything: goals, controversy, hard physical contact, commitment, no clear leader till the end, good looking girls, hysterical coaches.  It kept me glued to the tv and ready to go out and play soccer the first chance I get.

    As an Australian it was doubly wonderful.  Croatia is the team who beat us by 7 goals last year.  It is a team and a country with whom we have an affinity and friendship.  Go Australia!

    Posted by allan on 2006 06 22 at 09:42 PM • permalink

  51. #50 i think croatia beat us 7-0 back in 1998 or ‘97…  so it was payback time…

    numerous posters, i think that blonde aussie chick was much better endowed than the croatian chick, that was another clear win for aussie sheilas…

    and i know one or two croatians, and while individually they can be ok people, the country and the balkans as a whole is a bunch of nutters and these guys got what they deserved..  the croatiian police had to go and put a guard on mark viduka’s house in croatia in case it got burnt down if we won…  those fruitcakes will not forgive us for this….  andu know how long blakans types bear grudges…  any offence committed since the middle ages is considered recent and deserving of retribution at the first possible opportunity!!!

    Posted by casanova on 2006 06 22 at 10:41 PM • permalink

  52. I’m disappointed that my American team couldn’t pull it out (hey—at least we scored a goal on our own).  But kudos to the Australians.  Good luck against Italy.  And don’t think it can’t happen—after all, if we can avoid a loss against them…

    Posted by sjens on 2006 06 22 at 11:12 PM • permalink

  53. Italy next.

    The essential accoutrements to watching an Italy game is

    1.  a box of tissues- these blokes fall down and cry every two minutes, more so when a ball is taken away from them, or someone actually touches them in a tackle;

    2.  bandaids- they scream like howling babies when touched in a minor way and it helps to be able to throw something symbolic at your TV screen- “Here’s a bandaid you babies.”

    As for Kalacs in goal, it is imperative he be made an example of. Symbolically he should be told to go home- but not back to Australia- please!!!! (I hear commentators say all the time that this or that team is “going home”- when in reality they are sticking around to get drunk and pick up chicks- the true secret of World Cup football).

    If that is the last of Australia’s goalies in the squad, an urgent call should be put out to the nearest available to sit on the bench- anyone will do- there must be hundreds who would best this total incompetent.


    Now for their humping. The Italians that is.


    There are kiddies present watching these games. A few of us once resolved to yellow card anyone caught humping- terribly un-Australian- and ungentlemanly- there is an offence called ungentlemanly conduct and humping is squarely within those parameters- but the Discrimination Commissioner received a complaint about sexual discrimination on field and we had to cut it out- that is why they keep doing it- it is absolutely disgusting- I spew when watching them do it.

    Posted by MarshallD on 2006 06 22 at 11:33 PM • permalink

  54. If you stare long enough at those Croat fans in the stands in their check shirts, do you get a 3D image?

    Posted by slatts on 2006 06 22 at 11:35 PM • permalink

  55. Guus made an almost Kalaclysmic error today, and we got away with it -just. 

    He must be proud he is associated with this heroic Aussie team - WE make *him* great too!

    Posted by Barrie on 2006 06 23 at 12:25 AM • permalink

  56. The referee was shit, the Croatians played rough, we didn’t get the handball we deserved, our goalie was very poor - and somehow we still won.

    Fuck we are good. Bring on the I-ties!!!

    Posted by The Best Infidel on 2006 06 23 at 12:35 AM • permalink

  57. Italy will be nervous Australia will be relaxed.  Shwarzer in goal no worries we will skip into the next round.

    Posted by Howzat on 2006 06 23 at 12:58 AM • permalink

  58. bastards, I wish they would be more predictable. I put money on them to beat Japan by on goal…they had to do it in two. I had them to beat Brazil, unlikely yes but the odds were good, but they lost. Then I had them to beat Croatia but not they had to draw. I’ll have them to be beaten by Italy and they’ll probably win it.

    O/T Harriet has died at the grand old age of 176.
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1670600.htm

    Posted by cjblair on 2006 06 23 at 03:57 AM • permalink

  59. O/T Big Brother “Adults Only” has been axed: Hallelujah!!!!! 
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1670479.htm

    Posted by cjblair on 2006 06 23 at 04:02 AM • permalink

  60. email from my soccer loving brother-in-law working in yankee-land

    “Couldn’t have enjoyed seeing a team get done as much as those bloody world war starting croats.

    I was tracking the first half from my desk and then snuck out to the pub for the 2nd half.  Talk about tension.  I had a very stern looking Croat on one side and an American who kept telling me in a big loud voice how dirty they are.  There were lots of Aussies as well and I must admit I enjoyed a few Aussie Aussie Aussie chants.

    Awesome result.”

    Posted by entropy on 2006 06 23 at 06:28 AM • permalink

  61. #60 The only problem, entropy, was half the Aussie team has Croat roots, including captain Viduka and one Aussie was actually playing for them too. 
    So I guess the odds favoured us.
    Especially the on-field swearing in Croatian.

    Posted by Barrie on 2006 06 23 at 08:39 PM • permalink

  62. 335 That pair made it on to the front page of the papers Nilk..

    Posted by crash on 2006 06 25 at 08:42 AM • permalink

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