# 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [June 10, 2010, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677 "2010-06-10T17:32:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 100
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1981 "2010-06-30T16:46:15Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > PS-“Dives” are carded. Again, we’ve only got _one_ – and it certainly wasn’t for diving. Yes, because the officiating at this World Cup has been soooo good. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1982 "2010-06-30T16:56:22Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > Correct. But I contend through the shown facts that we’re indeed really good in the key areas that make opposing teams have to foul in order to stop you. Well, it’s not just _me_ as the facts that **RNATB** didn’t understand show. Then why is it that Japan have had far more fouls committed against them but are in the middle or the bottom of the pack in all of those categories? ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1983 "2010-06-30T16:58:02Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > Yes, because the officiating at this World Cup has been soooo good. Simply contesting the silly notion that we have a a team of divers and the reasons why. Haven’t missed more than a handful of La Furia Roja match in decades and that’s simply not the way we play – and now less than ever. Did Capdevilla exaggerate the elbow? Maybe, maybe not. Was it thrown? Absolutely. And that’s your Red card right there. Perhaps Capdevilla should have waited for this to happen? [Italy 2 – 1 Spain Quarter-finals 1994 FIFA World Cup](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rAu9HjQHDY) End of. For me anyway. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1984 "2010-06-30T16:59:49Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Then why is it that Japan have had far more fouls committed against them but are in the middle or the bottom of the pack in all of those categories? Dude, you make a living out of “being right” about everything. So answer your own self. I’ve already explained why. Cheers! ETA: As well as your dislike of the Spanish NT as far back as the Confed Cup – when I remember telling you, your keepers would do you in. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1985 "2010-06-30T17:11:46Z")
Well, at least you were right about _something_, then. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1986 "2010-06-30T17:29:31Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > PS-“Dives” are carded. Bwahahahahahaha!!! You mean, “About one in ten dives are carded, _if_ the official is feeling especially generous that day.” ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1987 "2010-06-30T18:40:32Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > We have no TV until Saturday because the guys putting new sod in our garden cut the cable line accidentally… so that’s fine with me. 🙂 You do know that the first 2 QF matches are on Friday, right? Holland-Brazil is at 10AM EDT. I’m assuming you’re not on the other side of the Int’l date line. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1988 "2010-06-30T18:45:59Z")
Yes, but I’m at work during those anyway. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![bucketybuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1989 "2010-06-30T21:22:06Z")
> [@duality72](#): > > This doesn’t engender much sympathy. It’s a contact sport. If you’re running around off-balance such that the slightest touch topples you over, it’s your fault, not theirs. What a load of rubbish. Perhaps we should give Ronaldo and Messi shoulder pads and let them barge their way through. If even the best players in the world want to get through properly organised defences then they will have to push themselves to the limits of their pace, dexterity or just skill. You will not get past a top class defender by simply running past him. Well, you can go past, but he will have the ball. Attacking players taking risks to create scoring opportunities will be off-balance frequently, thats the game. And as for the “slightest touch”? Try this. Run behind an olympic sprinter, and kick his ankle/shin when he is at full flight. What happens? He will trip and fall. And thats just running in a straight line. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1990 "2010-06-30T22:01:26Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > Yes, because the officiating at this World Cup has been soooo good. > [@mhendo](#): > > Bwahahahahahaha!!! > > You mean, “About one in ten dives are carded, _if_ the official is feeling especially generous that day.” Yes yes and yes. Blatter’s show has been just short of horrendous when it comes to the officiating; not sure why he is so darned opposed to instant replays seeing as we did that the additional goal line officials experimented with in the Europa League were even more inept. That said, my reasoning stands, we’re one of the most attacking teams at the WC – and certainly the ones with most possession by quite a bit. Thus as **bucketybuck** explains quite well, a team going forward is always going to experience more fouls than one holding back. Why? Read his post. Or try running full speed past me and see how easily I can make you go head over heels. So to those that say we’re divers I’ll simply say that, all things being equal, Spain should have gotten at least two to three additional PK calls. So talk about Capdevilla all you want, but why not comment the way Torres was taken down in the box early in the match? In the end, one can only hope the (mis) calls even out. Been that way for ever. Doesn’t mean that I agree with it. In fact, instant replays should have been in place years ago…but one can only play with the rules as are, not as they should be. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1991 "2010-06-30T22:11:10Z")
PS-In case it wasn’t clear I meant to say two or three additional PK calls _over the course of our four matches thus far_. In the match vs Portugal I only saw the one vs Torres. But in the other three I’d argue we didn’t get many – if any – favorable calls. ---
**Author:** ![Xan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ac8455/32.png) [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1992 "2010-06-30T22:55:32Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > PS-In case it wasn’t clear I meant to say two or three additional PK calls _over the course of our four matches thus far_. In the match vs Portugal I only saw the one vs Torres. But in the other three I’d argue we didn’t get many – if any – favorable calls. For the record I wasn’t bashing Spain when I posted that video. I didn’t mean any sort of insult by it. The only fouls I really notice are the ones commentators bring to my attention. I’m new to the sport so legit tackles and fouls are are hard for me to distinguish. ---
**Author:** ![mittu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@mittu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mittu)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1993 "2010-06-30T22:59:42Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > I’ve decided to cheer for Uraguay, on the sound reasoning that they are the only team that was eligible to take permanent possession of the original trophy that has not won the title since Brazil did it in 1970. That’s some pretty flaky reasoning right there. I’m going to support Paraguay [for a very good reason.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/29/larissa-riquelme-lingerie_n_629975.html) ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1994 "2010-06-30T23:49:43Z")
> [@Xan](#): > > For the record I wasn’t bashing Spain when I posted that video. I didn’t mean any sort of insult by it. > The only fouls I really notice are the ones commentators bring to my attention. I’m new to the sport so legit tackles and fouls are are hard for me to distinguish. None taken. I can certainly see how some of the intricacies – and yes, trust me, there are many – of the game can be lost on a fairly new spectator. And obviously announcers in the US and/or nations newish to football are and/or should be wary of getting into them if only because they are trying to capture their audience first and foremost. As they should. As for the back-and-forth between **RNATB** and myself, pretty sure it’s par for the course between opposing footy fans – just slightly more than ribbing each other. No big. At least on my end. > [@mittu](#): > > That’s some pretty flaky reasoning right there. I’m going to support Paraguay [for a very good reason.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/29/larissa-riquelme-lingerie_n_629975.html) I’ve been reading about her for some time. And you’re right. Those are, at the very least, _two_ mighty reasons to get…hmm…behind…in front…of Paraguay. Certainly beats **Frank’s** bookish approach. 😉 But on a personal note, I’d need a heck of a lot more. No need to get into detail. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1995 "2010-07-01T00:21:11Z")
I am rooting for Spain, mainly because of their relatively clean play, but also because they’re about the only team remaining who has never won the WC but has a reasonable chance to. They’ll need a more creative offense if they’re going to compete with the likes of Brazil and Argentina, though. ---
**Author:** ![PopeJewish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@PopeJewish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PopeJewish)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1996 "2010-07-01T01:14:18Z")
> [@Knorf](#): > > I am rooting for Spain, mainly because of their relatively clean play, but also because they’re about the only team remaining who has never won the WC but has a reasonable chance to. They’ll need a more creative offense if they’re going to compete with the likes of Brazil and Argentina, though. I’m rooting for Spain cause I was given their group during our friendly betting draw, so if Spain wins I get about $400 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1997 "2010-07-01T01:31:12Z")
> [@mittu](#): > > That’s some pretty flaky reasoning right there. I’m going to support Paraguay [for a very good reason.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/29/larissa-riquelme-lingerie_n_629975.html) I support Argentina for nearly the same reason. C’mon, who doesn’t want to see what’s under [these short shorts](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Boca_diego_retro.jpg)?!? ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1998 "2010-07-01T01:35:53Z")
> [@Knorf](#): > > I am rooting for Spain, mainly because of their relatively clean play, but also because they’re about the only team remaining who has never won the WC but has a reasonable chance to. They’ll need a more creative offense if they’re going to compete with the likes of Brazil and Argentina, though. I daresay our offense is as creative as they come in terms of providing chances. _Finishing_ has been the Achilles Heel though. Appreciate the support. TY. > [@PopeJewish](#): > > I’m rooting for Spain cause I was given their group during our friendly betting draw, so if Spain wins I get about $400 😃 Jeepers! Your user name is just begging for a retort to that one. But I’m on my best behavior. So thanks as well. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/1999 "2010-07-01T02:27:54Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > As for the back-and-forth between **RNATB** and myself, pretty sure it’s par for the course between opposing footy fans – just slightly more than ribbing each other. No big. At least on my end. Speak for yourself. I hope you burn in hell. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![lisiate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f05b48/32.png) [@lisiate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisiate)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677/2000 "2010-07-01T21:24:13Z")
I’m away on holiday for the next week so here are my (rather random) picks for the rest of the tournament. **Quarterfinals** **Netherlands v Brazil** [Brazil to win a less than stellar match 2-1. **Uruguay v Ghana** Ghana to keep the dream alive for Africa by a very defensive 1-0 win. **Argentina v Germany** in the game of the tournament Germany wins 3-2 with Ozil hailed as the best player in the world. **Paraguay v Spain** Emulating Switzerland, Paraguay choke Spain to a 0-0 draw and go through on penalties. **Semifinals** **Brazil v Ghana** in a shock result Ghana get a debatable goal, Brazil goes down 1-0. **Germany v Paraguay** Paraguay collapse 3-0 to Germany. **Third Place Match** Brazil, free from all cares about winning the whole thing put 3 past Paraguay to take third. **Final** In a replay of their group match, Ghana goes out to an early lead, with Germany equalising early in the second half. The winner is created by Ozil with 2 minutes left in the match. Germany win 2-1. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677.md?page=99) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africa/542677.md?page=101)