Well, time for some statement that will come to bite me in the ass, but… anyone else think both Brazil and Argentina are looking a bit weaker (or less strong) than expected? Neither of them really controlled their games (vs a bunch of tough ex-Yugo’s) and look a bit panicky. Maybe time for a first European World Champion in South America.
There: cue the magnificent free flowing attacks for their next games :D.
That goal makes me so happy! It’s such a shame about that own goal.
Bosnia pull one back. There is weakness in Argentina’s defense again this World Cup.
Seems to me like Brazil, Argentina, and Spain among the four favorites have questions at keeper. Spain has already seen its keeper shelled, and Argentina is going to be sweating this one out because of a keeper being unable to handle a shot right at him. …against a better team they might be in trouble. I’ve got to wonder how Brazil’s keeper would handle trouble. Considering the level of scoring in this tournament this might become a big issue.
Well, I doubt any Bosnians see it this way at the moment, but they’ve got a lot to be proud of. I’ll be looking forward to their next match.
They are in a group with Iran and Nigeria, I think they have a decent chance of getting to the next round!
If you’re an Argentina supporter, there is reason for concern. Despite the greatness of Messi’s goal, without that unlucky own goal after the second minute it would have ended 1-1. It could have gone awry for Argentina so easily. Quality opposition will find a way to punish them.
Well, Bosnians got more goals than the Argentines, but that Messi goal was a classic Messi goal. Argentina not as strong as I’d expect them to be. Not being a fan, I hope that’s structural, rather than the more likely explanation that they’re still getting into their stride.
Hats off to the Bosnians, though. Strong effort, good showing.
ESPN coverage would be so much better if the others at the desk were throwing spitballs at Alexi Lalas while he holds forth. Not a fan of him either.
I saw Vedad Ibisevic score a goal on a high school pitch in suburban Chicago about 8 years ago. Too bad he didn’t stay in the States longer.
How’s Lynsey Hipgrave doing on ESPN?
Certainly it is true that neither have been special in their opening games. Both have looked frail enough in defence that other teams will score against them. Can they and will they improve? Perhaps. Look what happened with Spain in 2010 (and then look what happened to them the other night)
Most impressive teams so far have been Holland and France with other danger teams Germany v Portugal tonight, (Germany are my pick for the tournament)
I remembered nachtmusick’s post from last week - spot on - and here we are! First up: Germany-Porto then USA-Ghana (who have knocked USA out the last 3 times). The latter game starts at 1 AM here (GMT+3).
First, I am hugely enjoying this tournament (despite having nearly no time to watch it.) Second, nobody but the Dutch have really distinguished themselves yet. Brazil were the least convincing 3-1 winners ever. Argentina were probably lucky to take three points. France looked good, but Honduras looked awful. Italy didn’t do anything particularly well except exploit a massive and inexplicably unfixed* vulnerability down England’s left flank (and retreat into their predictably boring yet effective defensive shell after taking the lead.)
I would be willing to pay twice as much for my cable subscription if they did that.
Representing the trope of “the clueless bimbo there to add a bit of sex appeal for uncommitted viewers” with aplomb.** Also, “attractive British woman who is hosting this American program for no apparent reason at all (except the sex appeal thing)”, for which Cat Deeley has presumably received a massive licensing fee from ESPN.
She’s alright, I suppose, but ESPN has more than enough non-experts already on its payroll. I don’t understand why they decided they needed a British non-expert to go with them.
*one might be forgiven for thinking Roy Hodgson was new to the game. I mean, really.
**I may be impugning her intelligence without cause, but she’s not really doing anything other than taking us to breaks and saying “yay, England!” occasionally.
Hmmm, she’s certainly not clueless on the BBC radio show she does with Danny Baker.
Append: “US TV is a different gig I suppose” to my previous post.
Last two times. Three cups ago the US went out to Germany in the quarter finals.
Hopefully Germany drops four on Portugal and Ronaldo gets red carded. Even if germany and the us win, goal differrential is going to be key for us advancement.
BBC’s excitable commentator Jonathan Pearce got hilariously confused by the goal-line technology during France-Honduras, getting so carried away when the “No Goal” came up that he didn’t realize it was for Benzema’s initial attempt only, and the subsequent “Goal” was for the own goal. He was still mutttering about the “controversy” some minutes later, despite Martin Keown trying to gently explain to him what had happened. Then he called “3-0” when France hit the side netting. Of course he got thoroughly Phil Nevilled on Twitter afterwards.
I don’t know anything about her, to be honest. Whatever her merits as an analyst, ESPN clearly isn’t very interested in them. That said, there obviously wasn’t a great deal of thought put into any of ESPN’s analyst choices. Gilberto Silva was a pretty good player, but he’s fucking useless as an English-language broadcaster. It takes him 30 seconds to complete any short sentence because he has to struggle to find the vocabulary. If they wanted a token Brazilian I’m sure Juninho (the Middlesborough one) was available.
They do go a bit far with the “legendary foreign player pundit” thing. ITV have Fabio Cannavaro, who struggles to express himself in English, and I’m not sure he totally understands the questions. I find it slightly embarrassing to watch, and sometimes change channel when he’s on, which can’t be what ITV had in mind. Juninho’s on BBC, I think, and he’s obviously far more comfortable with English.