[WC 14] The Round of 16 Thread

[ElNono]

lol Gio :lol

[Relevancy]

We gotta take advantage of this sons. Holland will either break or bot give up, but these are the times where we just need to make shit happen

[Infinite_limit]

Time to see what this holland team is really made off.
Agreed. This game really needed a goal

[lefty]

I used to be a big time Cowboys fan but I had enough. I was a fan from 94-09. I still even have a Deion Sanders jersey in my closet. :lol All the things about it and dissecting how stupid it was, I had enough. It's a sport for people with the attention span of a gnat and don't mind being constantly raped by ads.

:lol no lube

[ElNono]

Mexico needs to keep playing... don't give them the ball

[Relevancy]

I dont think holland will come back, if my boys close spaces its done for tbh

[NASpurs]

Europeans should have trained in the AT&T Center with no air conditioner.

[ElNono]

Europeans should have trained in the AT&T Center with no air conditioner.

wondering if Robben HGH will start to act up, tbh

[DPG21920]

:cry Went to the bathroom and missed the goal

[Pelicans78]

I went to go take a dump and I missed a freakin goal.

[Jodelo]

Ochoa, wow... :wow

[DPG21920]

Mexico will have to stop pressuring so high IMO and if they do they will give up a goal. Mexico playing so well though and I should not be surprised with how well they did in group stage.

[ElNono]

holy shit ochoa

[Pelicans78]

Ochoa!

[NASpurs]

Ochoa :cry

[ElNono]

Mexico gave up the ball in the middle... smh

[FkLA]

Way too soon to just hand over possession...

[DPG21920]

What an incredible reaction save!

[NASpurs]

wondering if Robben HGH will start to act up, tbh

Is loss of hair a side effect of HGH? Those two niggas were bald before 30. :lol

[RD2191]

:wakeup

[Relevancy]

Ochoa is being god again

[FlAVaK]

Ted Mosby!

[ElNono]

Gio already out? Netherlands better not tie the game

[DPG21920]

When did Hulk move from Brazil to Netherlands?

What is with that sub, Mexico???

[NASpurs]

:cry ESPN Ochoa, you da real MVP :cry

[DPG21920]

Way too soon to just hand over possession...

You were as good in goal as Ochoa if you tried, right?

[NASpurs]

:lol wow

[elemento]

Happy for Ochoa

He definitely deserves a better team in Europe. He will get offers no doubt.

[ElNono]

Mexico is nervous as fuck... get the fucking ball

[ElNono]

cooling break at 67"... will the ref call it?

[DPG21920]

NED deserve a goal, but they seem to be wearing out quickly. With what little possession/counters MEX has had this half, NED looks gassed in defending.

[ElNono]

lol dive Robben

[NASpurs]

Must feel like an eternity for Mexican fans. Only 20 minutes have passed since half time. :lol

[DPG21920]

Stupid foul.

[DPG21920]

Van P header goal - coming up..

[Relevancy]

Were so close

[Sense]

Mexico not playing with confidence anymore.. at this point an equalizer seems inevitable.

[Infinite_limit]

Where is Van Persie?

[NASpurs]

When are the orange slices going to be passed out?

[FkLA]

Salcido looks tired as fuck

[NASpurs]

Robben is In my team, so of course. :lol

[FkLA]

You were as good in goal as Ochoa if you tried, right?

si

[ElNono]

wow RVP out?

[DPG21920]

Wow! NED subbing VP! Unreal.

[Infinite_limit]

wow RVP out?
He's nonexistent

[IronMaxipad]

10 minute extra time coming.. fuck

[ElNono]

:cry need more HGH... stop the game

[NASpurs]

I knew Van Pussy wasn't going to finish. He was bent over and looked liked he was going to pass out on that corner by Holland five minutes ago.

[velik_m]

This cooling breaks suck major ass

[elemento]

RVP is such a disappointment playing for the NT.

[ElNono]

hopefully the Netherlands lose this, and Van Gaal can enjoy the AC on the plane back home

[NASpurs]

Huntelaar can be that nigga

[Blizzardwizard]

Europe :cry

[DMX7]

I can't even tell if I'm watching a game or if I'm being brainwashed with the constant commercials and advertising. It's like visiting a website and getting bombarded by ads. Where's the ad blocker on my TV? :lol

I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm literally enjoying this game on my Sony tv while drinking a Coca Cola and charging my Visa credit card for my online purchases of some sweet new Adidas gear.

[ElNono]

bs call

[DPG21920]

bs call

:lol Well, NED should have had a penalty in the 1st half so I think that evens out.

[NASpurs]

I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm literally enjoying this game on my Sony tv while drinking a Coca Cola and charging my Visa credit card for my online purchases of some sweet new Adidas gear.

:lol seeing as you only see those ads before, halftime and after the game, it was a reach.

[DPG21920]

I wish they did away with the 3 sub rule. Why not allow as many subs as you want? Allow teams to use depth, keep guys fresh and have as much energy as possible.

[resistanze]

Ochoa even blocking offside goals

[DPG21920]

:lol Ochoa is like KG not allowing anything even after the play is over.

[Infinite_limit]

I wish they did away with the 3 sub rule. Why not allow as many subs as you want? Allow teams to use depth, keep guys fresh and have as much energy as possible.
Too much benefit to Defense, would be a mess with time wasting, and more strategic fouling

[DMX7]

:lol seeing as you only see those ads before, halftime and after the game, it was a reach.

And during... Are you missing those massive LED boards that surround the field?

[DMX7]

I just got a sudden urge for a budweiser... and strangely, to also go get my oil changed.

[ElNono]

Mexico was the better team up until the goal... then they started to play not to lose

[DPG21920]

Too much benefit to Defense, would be a mess with time wasting, and more strategic fouling

Disagree some. You can control that as well with officiating. If you played competitive soccer that stuff really didn't even happen without the 3 sub rule. They should do away with stoppage time as well. Just have the ref stop the clock so the time wasting is all for not.

[ElNono]

smh...

[DPG21920]

You knew it was coming - what a strike. MEX did well to defend corners as much as they did, but NED is too good to give that many corners to.

[Blizzardwizard]

YEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAA

FANTASY POINTS.

SNEIJDER :hat

[FkLA]

why does this always happen to us :(

[NASpurs]

And during... Are you missing those massive LED boards that surround the field?

You're comparing static ads with TV ads that break the game.

[resistanze]

Fuck

[Muser]

Lol Mexico. That's what you get for sitting back and inviting pressure

[ElNono]

Mexico gave them the ball... you can't do that

[Sense]

Mexico not playing with confidence anymore.. at this point an equalizer seems inevitable.

[Jodelo]

Mexico way too passive... Dumb!

[ElNono]

why does this always happen to us :(

because you stopped playing... ridiculous. You can't stop playing with 40 mins left...

[DMX7]

At least it can't end in a tie. Ties are so un-American. Somebody needs to lose.

[Jodelo]

Scored a goal = Stopped playing! :lmao

[DPG21920]

because you stopped playing... ridiculous. You can't stop playing with 40 mins left...

Subbing out Santos was a clear signal. They aren't good at defending corners and I thought VP (before subbed) would get one off the corners, but it turned out the same in the end. Too many corners given up by MEX and they invited that trouble.

[Sportstudi]

6 minutes? :lol For what?

[elemento]

Such a dumb mistake. They let Wesley alone in the middle of the area.

[Muser]

Penalty!!

Rofl Mexico

[Infinite_limit]

Disagree some. You can control that as well with officiating. If you played competitive soccer that stuff really didn't even happen without the 3 sub rule. They should do away with stoppage time as well. Just have the ref stop the clock so the time wasting is all for not.
If I'm a lower tier team, I would prefer this. A highly skilled team doesn't want an influx of fresh defenders & guys able to foul. It would make many games un-watchable. Would teams substitute tall defenders at every corner?

You would turn the most fluid & open game into the last minute of an NBA game. Not good.

[ElNono]

Eventually Robben was gonna get that

[Muser]

6 minutes? :lol For what?

Cooling break

[Sportstudi]

Looooool that was out before that penalty :lol

[NASpurs]

6 minutes? :lol For what?

Water break :lol

:lmao Mexico

[Jodelo]

Another dive!

[Blizzardwizard]

What a flop :lol

[FkLA]

depressing as hell, its our destiny

[elemento]

If Ochoa defends it he becomes a GOD in Mexico :lol

[DPG21920]

If I'm a lower tier team, I would prefer this. A highly skilled team doesn't want an influx of fresh defenders & guys able to foul. It would make many games un-watchable. Would teams substitute tall defenders at every corner?

You would turn the most fluid & open game into the last minute of an NBA game. Not good.

Have you ever played soccer? There are rules on subbing. You literally can't sub every second of the game. Even if you could, no, that wouldn't happen.

[ElNono]

Subbing out Santos was a clear signal. They aren't good at defending corners and I thought VP (before subbed) would get one off the corners, but it turned out the same in the end. Too many corners given up by MEX and they invited that trouble.

They had the ball all the 1st half.... they scored, and they gave the ball away... not even bother attacking... you can't do that against the Netherlands... first thing I said here was they have to win the battle of the midfield

[Sense]

It's like... we're cursed.

[Darth_Pelican]

heartbreak hotel for the be@ners

[Sportstudi]

Robben is such a flopping queen :lol

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

LMFAO choke-athon. Choke-o-meter off the scale.

[DPG21920]

Need to see a replay, but Robben has been amazing today overall. Constant attacking and has shredded their defense.

[resistanze]

Robben with the clutch dive

[NASpurs]

Mexico... I feel for you guys, no lie. Shit sucks.

[Darth_Pelican]

:lol gif the mexican player praying

[ElNono]

just hate seeing Van Gaal move on, tbh

[lefty]

Lol

[resistanze]

Mexico collapsed though wow

[elemento]

You can't quit playing an entire half against Holand. Fat pig screwed up big time and I feel sad for Mexico.

[DMX7]

Ouch, I feel bad for Mexico. Played well... that hurts.

[DPG21920]

Perfect penalty. Even if Ochoa guessed correctly, he couldn't save it.

[Robz4000]

:lmao Spicland

[Sportstudi]

Mexico... I feel for you guys, no lie. Shit sucks.

Same here.

[FkLA]

shades of France 98

[Sportstudi]

Perfect penalty. Even if Ochoa guessed correctly, he couldn't save it.

Just thought the same. Too good.

[RD2191]

:lmao

[IronMaxipad]

Fuck everything tableflip.gif

[Muser]

Feel bad for Mexico, but holy shit this World Cup is so good

[Malik Hairston]

I'm not a soccer expert on any level, but it seems like Mexico's strategy was horrendous in the latter part of this game..I'm not a fan of going ultra-conservative/playing not to lose in any sport, tbh..

The ITV announcer has been criticizing Mexico's coach for the past 20 minutes about not having the correct formation in the box to challenge a potential rebound, and he ended up being correct:lol..

[Trill Clinton]

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view3/1899644/mcnulty-kicks-desk-o.gif

this is some bullshit

[Dirk Oneanddoneski]

Mexican goalie looks like a be@ner version of Kobe

[DPG21920]

Robben with the clutch dive

Whether he dove or not, he's been amazing today. He's has attacked all game long and created chance after chance. He also got legitimately fouled in the first half with no call, so it evens out. Need to see the replay though to see if it was a flop and/or if the ball was out.

[Snaq O'Meal]

Floppen Robben is such a dirty cheat.

[ElNono]

RIP Mexico... you had a good run

[Sportstudi]

Huge luck for the dutch tbh.

[Darth_Pelican]

:lmao the Univision announcers sound like their spouses just died.

[Holden_Caulfield]

:lmao

[Jodelo]

Mexico :lmao

One of the dumbest teams ever. After scoring a goal and pretty much controlling the game, you just stop playing!

[Thebesteva]

Sorry beaners, no rioting in LA again. These faggots actually rioted after the Mexico win

[lefty]

just hate seeing Van Gaal move on, tbh

Son you're gonna hate MU

[velik_m]

Robben did what Robben does best - he flopped like there is no tomorrow

[Pelicans78]

What a freakin flop.

[DPG21920]

I'm kind of happy MEX didn't win. Seems like it would put more pressure on USA to win, especially since NED has been a top 2 team in this WC so far.

Great WC for MEX though - they came together much better than I expected and played an unbelievable brand of soccer at a high level. What a WC!!!

[Sportstudi]

Mexico :lmao

One of the dumbest teams ever. After scoring a goal and pretty much controlling the game, you just stop playing!

True, but Robben etc had huge luck as well.

[Muser]

Robben stayed on his feet earlier in the game when he could have easily took the contact and went down. I have no problem with him going down there, you shouldn't dive in like a retard

[ElNono]

Mexico :lmao

One of the dumbest teams ever. After scoring a goal and pretty much controlling the game, you just stop playing!

the day they figure out that it's ok to go up against a 'big' team and you're supposed to keep playing your game, that's the day they'll graduate.

[Malik Hairston]

Reminds me of England-France in Euro 2004 when England outplayed them all game, yet somehow conceded 2 goals to lose in the last 15 minutes:lol..

[FkLA]

:depressed

[ElNono]

Son you're gonna hate MU

I don't watch the EPL anyways... shitty league

[DPG21920]

Two questions on the "Robben Flopped" crowd:

1) Did you see a replay to confirm that?

2) Did he not get legitimately fouled in the box with a no call in the first half?

[IronMaxipad]

Juega como nunca, pierde como siempre.

that round of 16 destiny

[ElNono]

excellent opportunity to get rid of the dutch... now they're gonna play either the goatfuckers or ticos...

[TDMVPDPOY]

lol clearly that was a dive, u dont reward a player a foul if u miss called a previous call, that shit makes no sense...

anyway...cholos rioting yet?

[Jodelo]

Two questions on the "Robben Flopped" crowd:

1) Did you see a replay to confirm that?

2) Did he not get legitimately fouled in the box with a no call in the first half?

1) yes
2) yes

[velik_m]

that "cooling break" clearly FIFA knee-jerk reaction to Euro teams dropping like flies... they're killing the one advantage americans team have...

I thought the advantage was talent - guess not.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Midget wetback coach crying about ref and diving :cry

[FkLA]

Juega como nunca, pierde como siempre.

that round of 16 destiny

:(

[DPG21920]

True, but Robben etc had huge luck as well.

How did Robben have luck? He absolutely dominated the game. He was doing fine even when MEX was playing their game, but then when MEX backed off, Robben completely and consistently destroyed them and created chances. I don't like Robben, but he was incredible today and was EASILY the best player on the pitch today.

[TDMVPDPOY]

the black players on the dutch team are the weakest link, they look inferior to the black africans on other teams in this world cup, the black dutch africans all they do is stand aronud kick it upfield...

[DPG21920]

excellent opportunity to get rid of the dutch... now they're gonna play either the goatfuckers or ticos...

Yup - this was a huge game because winner was virtually gifted a win next round. Massive result. NED had been the best team IMO so far and go a terrible draw with MEX. Getting past that with the benefit of next round is massive.

[Sense]

True, but Robben etc had huge luck as well.

Nah to be fair Robben never complained or at least it seemed of possible penalties against him .. like two or three even. He even jumped Rafa on what could have been easily called one, and even Rafa knew as soon as he slid.

[RD2191]

:wakeupOh well, not like soccer is a real sport anyways.

[Malik Hairston]

The Robben call really wasn't that bad, tbh, that was poorly challenged by the defender and he could have received an easy penalty if he had dived earlier(which a pro flopper would take every time).

[DPG21920]

1) yes
2) yes

So then it evens out. You can't complain about flopping in one moment then say nothing about not getting one called on him.

[Trill Clinton]

Mexico :lmao

One of the dumbest teams ever. After scoring a goal and pretty much controlling the game, you just stop playing!

yea they played very timid at the end...can't do that with robben tha gawd out there. they should have kept dos santos in the game.

[TDMVPDPOY]

How did Robben have luck? He absolutely dominated the game. He was doing fine even when MEX was playing their game, but then when MEX backed off, Robben completely and consistently destroyed them and created chances. I don't like Robben, but he was incredible today and was EASILY the best player on the pitch today.

he didnt do much man

[Sense]

Juega como nunca, pierde como siempre.

that round of 16 destiny

Couldn't be more true... last 3 world cups they have outplayed their rival, and they still manage to lose on stupid mistakes.

[Malik Hairston]

Teams that play ultra-conservative and play not to lose deserve to lose, tbh, we see it in the NFL all the time..

I understand it to an extent, but why alter your entire approach when you've already shown that you were playing at a superior level than them?(even as the underdog)..

[DPG21920]

he didnt do much man

Disagree. He created the most chances, attacked and put pressure on MEX a ton and won a lot of the corners that led to the first goal. Then he drew the penalty for the winner. I don't get how you can say he didn't do much.

[Blizzardwizard]

Lot of saltiness right now, but Mexico were unlucky.

Europe :cry

[DPG21920]

What kind of message does it send to your team that you sub De Santos out that early? Mexico played a very great WC and even today. But their strategy back fired and it was very obvious - especially against a team like NED.

[Sportstudi]

How did Robben have luck? He absolutely dominated the game. He was doing fine even when MEX was playing their game, but then when MEX backed off, Robben completely and consistently destroyed them and created chances. I don't like Robben, but he was incredible today and was EASILY the best player on the pitch today.

I'm not denying that Robben gave everything he could and that he was the best player on the pitch, but that penalty was a dive. And I don't care if there was one possible penalty denied just before half time. One wrong call doesn't justify to get an underserved penalty as a compensation.

[Infinite_limit]

LOL @ shitty ESPN

Um we have to cut away to Sportscenter to talk about Dwayne Wade & Manziel

[Malik Hairston]

For the die-hards here, is it common for a player of Robben's age to still look that fast and explosive, tbh?:lol..isn't 30 years old considered ancient for a player with his style of play?..

[ElNono]

Mexico did a good job nullifying RVP and Schneider (until the 1st goal), they also did a good job on Robben, who they didn't let get his shot off. They just looked like they didn't expect to be up and didn't know what to do when they went up 1-0.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Disagree. He created the most chances, attacked and put pressure on MEX a ton and won a lot of the corners that led to the first goal. Then he drew the penalty for the winner. I don't get how you can say he didn't do much.

dude he only attacked into the box 2 times,
first time he kept on going instead of diving which the goalie blocked
2nd time he was fouled but kept on going and finally dived to get the call
corner kicks any clown can take corners...

[DPG21920]

I'm not denying that Robben gave everything he could and that he was the best player on the pitch, but that penalty was a dive. And I don't care if there was one possible penalty denied just before half time. One wrong call doesn't justify to get an underserved penalty as a compensation.

Well two things: 1) It wasn't so clear that it was a "dive". Was it questionable? Sure, but it looked like it was contact in the box. 2) Has nothing to do with a makeup call. It's about complaining. You can't act like they were cheated when they weren't called for a clear penalty. Has nothing to do with making up for a missed call and everything to do with objectively looking at the opportunities throughout the game.

[dfens]

I'm kind of happy MEX didn't win. Seems like it would put more pressure on USA to win, especially since NED has been a top 2 team in this WC so far.

Great WC for MEX though - they came together much better than I expected and played an unbelievable brand of soccer at a high level. What a WC!!!

shit take.

[DMX7]

What kind of message does it send to your team that you sub De Santos out that early? Mexico played a very great WC and even today. But their strategy back fired and it was very obvious - especially against a team like NED.

I knew it was bad as soon as I saw it. With the water breaks, no excuse for tired players either.

[velik_m]

just hate seeing Van Gaal move on, tbh

:lol Van Gaal is my favourite coach, used to have him in my avatar here few years ago. I guess we're destined to become mortal enemies :lol

[DPG21920]

dude he only attacked into the box 2 times,
first time he kept on going instead of diving which the goalie blocked
2nd time he was fouled but kept on going and finally dived to get the call
corner kicks any clown can take corners...

He attacked way more than two times - you are just lying :lol. MEX did ok at not letting him get his shot off, but he still collapsed MEX's defense several times and won a lot of corners. It's ultimately what led to Mexico's demise.

[TDMVPDPOY]

For the die-hards here, is it common for a player of Robben's age to still look that fast and explosive, tbh?:lol..isn't 30 years old considered ancient for a player with his style of play?..

robben has always beene about himself first, a 1 man show team...

[DPG21920]

shit take.


Link?

[NASpurs]

For the die-hards here, is it common for a player of Robben's age to still look that fast and explosive, tbh?:lol..isn't 30 years old considered ancient for a player with his style of play?..

He just turned 30. :lol Looks deceive him.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Can Argentina beat the Netherlands?

[FkLA]

1.Almost every team parks the bus when they're up. Plenty go on to hold on their lead, we are just cursed.

2.Gio always gets subbed. Aquino isn't even a defensive player, I thought he did fine.

[apalisoc_9]

The Robben call really wasn't that bad, tbh, that was poorly challenged by the defender and he could have received an easy penalty if he had dived earlier(which a pro flopper would take every time).

It was a legit foul. Mexicans complaining...:lol

Also, Greece and Costa Rica wouldn't be that easy of a route as well..Greece is probably the best team at parking the bus and el ticos just beat both Uru and Italy..

For the Millionth time, the gap between Powerhouses 2nd tier, 3rd tier teams aren't as big as it used to be 15 years ago..

Heck no one got embarrassed in this year's world cup..Literally every team has a player or two that plays in Europe and with a significant role..

[DMX7]

He just turned 30. :lol Looks deceive him.

He looks 40.

[velik_m]

It's like... we're cursed.

Or like... not that good.

[Malik Hairston]

He just turned 30. :lol Looks deceive him.

He looks at least 35, tbh:lol, but faster than everybody around him..

[dfens]

How did Robben have luck? He absolutely dominated the game. He was doing fine even when MEX was playing their game, but then when MEX backed off, Robben completely and consistently destroyed them and created chances. I don't like Robben, but he was incredible today and was EASILY the best player on the pitch today.

robben didn't dominate shit, one run in the first half after an unpredicted slip and flopping like a faggot is not dominating :lol
ochoa was the best player today.
another bad take.

[ElNono]

:lol Van Gaal is my favourite coach, used to have him in my avatar here few years ago. I guess we're destined to become mortal enemies :lol

:lol no doubt. I even like RVP and Schneider on that Netherlands team, but I can't get past that douchebag sitting on the bench.

[ElNono]

1.Almost every team parks the bus when they're up. Plenty go on to hold on their lead, we are just cursed.

2.Gio always gets subbed. Aquino isn't even a defensive player, I thought he did fine.

Aquino was great, IMO

[DMX7]

For the Millionth time, the gap between Powerhouses 2nd tier, 3rd tier teams aren't as big as it used to be 15 years ago..

Heck no one got embarrassed in this year's world cup..Literally every team has a player or two that plays in Europe and with a significant role..

Agreed. Similarly in basketball, other countries have players playing the United States. Just look at different in Olympic play from 1992 to 2004.

[velik_m]

It was a legit foul. Mexicans complaining...:lol

Also, Greece and Costa Rica wouldn't be that easy of a route as well..Greece is probably the best team at parking the bus and el ticos just beat both Uru and Italy..

For the Millionth time, the gap between Powerhouses 2nd tier, 3rd tier teams aren't as big as it used to be 15 years ago..

Heck no one got embarrassed in this year's world cup..Literally every team has a player or two that plays in Europe and with a significant role..

True, Greece parked their bus all the way to the Euro title.

[dfens]

Can Argentina beat the Netherlands?

yes. The dutch defenders are shit against quick technical players as you probably saw today. On the other hand argentina's defense :lol But definetly possible and it would lead to a dream final :lol :lol

[Sense]

ESPN showing 2-0 final... sure seemed that way though.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Whoever wins in Costa Rica vs. Greece, it will be the first time either team makes it to the WC quarterfinals. You could say they'd be cannon fodder for Holland, but the way this tournament has been going so far, and with the Dutch's choking record in the World Cup, you never know.

[DPG21920]

robben didn't dominate shit, one run in the first half after an unpredicted slip and flopping like a faggot is not dominating :lol
ochoa was the best player today.
another bad take.

Cool story.

[TDMVPDPOY]

:lol no doubt. I even like RVP and Schneider on that Netherlands team, but I can't get past that douchebag sitting on the bench.

u talkin about that former barcawanker kluivert on the bench next to van haal?

[dfens]

:lol no doubt. I even like RVP and Schneider on that Netherlands team, but I can't get past that douchebag sitting on the bench.

besides Kuyt every player on that team is a douchebag. The most physical (and dirty) team yet the first to flop theatrically. It's like italian football without the subtlety.

[ElNono]

Can Argentina beat the Netherlands?

Argentina needs to get that far first.. but this world cup so far, except for France and Colombia that haven't slipped, every other team can beat anybody.

The amount of goals tells you that defenses are not that great, and offense is ruling here.

[FkLA]

Or like... not that good.

6 consecutive Round of 16 appearances suggest we are, we are not elite but it's damn hard to lose all six of them even if you tried...it's mental at this point, not lack of quality.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Heck no one got embarrassed in this year's world cup..

5-1 anal rape of spain is not a beating, then what do you call it?

[ElNono]

u talkin about that former barcawanker kluivert on the bench next to van haal?

I don't mind kluivert, but Van Gaal thought he was more important than Barca when he was there. I'm glad he got the boot and we moved on to the Pep era.

[apalisoc_9]

Heck Iran only needed a flick or two and they would have won against Argentina...:lol

The Gap is getting smaller and Smaller IMO..in 20 years time, I wouldn't be surprised if some CONCAFF team or Asian team becomes a top 5 team in the world.

African teams will never be good though despite the talent because they have least organized teams in the world..Talent wise, Africa is only behind SA and Europe..But niggas gonna be niggas.

[TDMVPDPOY]

6 consecutive Round of 16 appearances suggest we are, we are not elite but it's damn hard to lose all six of them even if you tried...it's mental at this point, not lack of quality.

game was over when u clowns putted in that cholo chicharito...fkn overrated clown, glad he didnt started or else the world has to watch him praying for a corn chip

[apalisoc_9]

5-1 anal rape of spain is not a beating, then what do you call it?

You know that's not what I meant...
























SPAIN :lmao










DIEGO COSTA :lmao

[DPG21920]

NED, in a very tough group, had 3 3 wins and 9 total points. Only 4 teams went 3-0 in their group stage and NED had the toughest group of those that did that. Then when you factor in record in group stage & strength of group stage NED had 10 goals for, 3 against. No other team scored that many goals.

[it's me]

Talking about lucky mother fuckers...... Holland joining Brazil..... It would have been good if both teams lose today TBH.

[ElNono]

NED, in a very tough group, had 3 3 wins and 9 total points. Only 4 teams went 3-0 in their group stage and NED had the toughest group of those that did that. Then when you factor in record in group stage & strength of group stage NED had 10 goals for, 3 against. No other team scored that many goals.

tbf, group stage doesn't matter. Now you're entering direct elimination and anuses get tight. This is when NED chokes, they always do it. They survived today, but it's a matter of when not if.

[DPG21920]

tbf, group stage doesn't matter. Now you're entering direct elimination and anuses get tight. This is when NED chokes, they always do it. They survived today, but it's a matter of when not if.

Not the point - point was I said NED was clearly a top 2 team going into today and some brand new poster got offended because he hates NED.

[dfens]

tbf, group stage doesn't matter. Now you're entering direct elimination and anuses get tight. This is when NED chokes, they always do it. They survived today, but it's a matter of when not if.

they do have a tradition.

[FkLA]

feels like 6 all over again tbh

[ElNono]

Not the point - point was I said NED was clearly a top 2 team going into today and some brand new poster got offended because he hates NED.

I had Colombia and France top 2 looking at the tourney so far... but top-4 I would buy.... it just doesn't matter though. Now its win or go home. The right strategy, a bit of luck and you can beat anybody.

[TDMVPDPOY]

what i dont get why did they schedule 2 good matches during the day in hot tempretures, fck ratings, put those matches at night or someshit, ppl would still wake up to watch those games

[NASpurs]

Not the point - point was I said NED was clearly a top 2 team going into today and some brand new poster got offended because he hates NED.

You think they're better than France?

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

To all the Mexicans going "oh, cursed": sons, you should be happy, considering how your team sneaked into the tournament. The times you've been knocked out in the WC:

2014: Holland (Rnd. of 16)
2010: Argentina (Rnd. of 16)
2006: Argentina (Rnd. of 16)
2002: USA (Rnd. of 16)
1998: Germany (Rnd. of 16)
1994: DNQ
1986: Germany (Quarterfinals)
1982: DNQ
1978: Group Stage
1974: DNQ
1970: Italy (Quarterfinals)
1966-1950: Group Stage
1938: Withdrew
1934: DNQ
1930: Group Stage

Your ceiling is the quarterfinals, and playing home. Every time you've been knocked out in the round of 16, those were better teams, the favourites before the match. You can give them a hard match, but that's overachieving, not the other way round. The only upset was the 2002 loss to the USA. You rate your league, players and National League way too high. You can eventually make life difficult to the powerhouses in any given match, but you're not that good to become a dominant force.

[DPG21920]

I had Colombia and France top 2 looking at the tourney so far... but top-4 I would buy.... it just doesn't matter though. Now its win or go home. The right strategy, a bit of luck and you can beat anybody.

Wow - So NED plays Spain (crushed them and set the tone for the WC), Chile (an very, very good team) & Australia (weak team who played surprisingly well) and wins them all including scoring the most goals 10 and giving up 3 (only one more than Colombia who played Greece, Japan, Ivory Coast).

Like you said, it doesn't matter - it was a side argument and I don't see how with the actual group stage results (strength of group, goals for and against) that you could be offended by the comment.

[FkLA]

Rule of thumb: don't take DPG seriously when he discusses something other than basketball.

[DPG21920]

You think they're better than France?

No. Do people not read :lol. I said judging by the group play, NED was a top two team in the group stage. That doesn't mean they are a favorite to move on or better than teams that did not have quite the group stage performance, but a side note about them entering into this game.

[DPG21920]

Rule of thumb: don't take DPG seriously when he discusses something other than basketball.

:lol Someone who couldn't make the UTSA men's league team talking to a State Champion/Actual NCAA college soccer player :lol

[TDMVPDPOY]

No. Do people not read :lol. I said judging by the group play, NED was a top two team in the group stage. That doesn't mean they are a favorite to move on or better than teams that did not have quite the group stage performance, but a side note about them entering into this game.

wtf this clown

runners up 4 years ago, and anal rape spain openning match, if they arent favourites then what are they? making up the numbers?

[ElNono]

Wow - So NED plays Spain (crushed them and set the tone for the WC), Chile (an very, very good team) & Australia (weak team who played surprisingly well) and wins them all including scoring the most goals 10 and giving up 3 (only one more than Colombia who played Greece, Japan, Ivory Coast).

Like you said, it doesn't matter - it was a side argument and I don't see how with the actual group stage results (strength of group, goals for and against) that you could be offended by the comment.

I'm looking at team top to bottom. I think Colombia has better game and so does France. NED is excellent at the counter and if you give them the ball. But they struggle if you take the ball away from them.

Anyways, I'm heading out. Good luck Ticos!

[Relevancy]

The star power of Sneijer and Robben won them the game, at the end individual power made the difference.

we cant really complain about the penalty, it was a 50/50 call, it could have been called or it could not have been called, I cant really complain. Im honestly happy with Mexicos performances, remember, they were about to not make the WC because they played like shit against concacaf teams when in reality they were a better team.

Coming into the WC, I had low expectations that Mexico could go far, I thought that shitty period they went through with el chapo was gonna transcent to the wc, but it didnt, we played better.

so at the end we exceeded expectations which makes me happy.

[FkLA]

To all the Mexicans going "oh, cursed": sons, you should be happy, considering how your team sneaked into the tournament. The times you've been knocked out in the WC:

2014: Holland (Rnd. of 16)
2010: Argentina (Rnd. of 16)
2006: Argentina (Rnd. of 16)
2002: USA (Rnd. of 16)
1998: Germany (Rnd. of 16)
1994: DNQ
1986: Germany (Quarterfinals)
1982: DNQ
1978: Group Stage
1974: DNQ
1970: Italy (Quarterfinals)
1966-1950: Group Stage
1938: Withdrew
1934: DNQ
1930: Group Stage

Your ceiling is the quarterfinals, and playing home. Every time you've been knocked out in the round of 16, those were better teams, the favourites before the match. You can give them a hard match, but that's overachieving, not the other way round. The only upset was the 2002 loss to the USA. You rate your league, players and National League way too high. You can eventually make life difficult to the powerhouses in any given match, but you're not that good to become a dominant force.

'94 we lost in PKs to Bulgaria in Round of 16, we were favored. '98 we had Germany down 1-0 and gave up two late goals similar to what happened today. '06 we played toe to toe with the Argies before Maxi went god mode in extra time.

So don't tell us how we should feel faggot.

[NASpurs]

Good luck Ticos!

Im going to throw up from nervousness. :lol

[it's me]

Be@ners are a disappointment TBH ... always bragging about their league, their NT.... 120 mill in be@n land, 50 mill here in the States, to be kicked out on first knock out stage systematically every fucking single WC...... come on, I had the hope they would get fucking flopper Robben out, but can't even get the job done even being 1-0 at min 87 WTF????

[dfens]

Not the point - point was I said NED was clearly a top 2 team going into today and some brand new poster got offended because he hates NED.

the point was not about the number of points, the point is what did they prove. They beat a self loathing spain and a good chillibe@ner side while barely beating australia. The points in the group stage are nice but 9 pts is not critical, but the ability that translates to winning in the knock out stage is.
They proved that they are uncreative and rely on some key guys for bailouts.
They also showed a fragile defense, not exactly a strength in a knock out 1 game at a time tournament, wouldn't you say?
They showed that they can't control the pace of a game against a good technical side. ()

France showed more, unquestionably.
Germany also clearly showed more.
Colombia showed more (against comparable competition from a playing level pov).
Mexico showed more (even today, minus the EPIC choke - which falls solely on the coach!).

Netherlands showed as much as brazil, an exceptional, physical, counter attacking side with a great dose of luck.


Btw, I don't hate NED, I just dislike their primitive style of play that has always been a time bomb in knock out competition. A good team, but certainly not unquestionably top 2.

[diego]

besides Kuyt every player on that team is a douchebag. The most physical (and dirty) team yet the first to flop theatrically. It's like italian football without the subtlety.

The most infuriating thing is that they constantly complain to the ref and get into opponents face, and the ref doesnt do anything (vlaar and sneijder are the worst). Today Martins kicked a guy on the floor after being whistled and not only wasnt cautioned, he started barking at the Mexican player, of course not a single card for them today- robben should have one for his double flop, Martins threw an elbow shortly after mexicos goal (plus the dead ball hit on the floor).

And of course there will be no review of that martins hit despite it being the definition of unsportsman behavior.

[FkLA]

:lol Someone who couldn't make the UTSA men's league team talking to a State Champion/Actual NCAA college soccer player :lol

The fact that you played in college makes you good at analyzing a sport you hardly follow ?

[DPG21920]

The star power of Sneijer and Robben won them the game, at the end individual power made the difference.

we cant really complain about the penalty, it was a 50/50 call, it could have been called or it could not have been called, I cant really complain. Im honestly happy with Mexicos performances, remember, they were about to not make the WC because they played like shit against concacaf teams when in reality they were a better team.

Coming into the WC, I had low expectations that Mexico could go far, I thought that shitty period they went through with el chapo was gonna transcent to the wc, but it didnt, we played better.

so at the end we exceeded expectations which makes me happy.

Good post. People who actually know soccer and aren't cliff jumpers with little sports knowledge (FkLA) should feel this way IMO. Mexico, with the help of USA, barely got into the WC. They came together and were one of the better teams/surprises in group stage. They played a good game today, but ultimately their individual talent and strategy was not good enough. They had a chance, so it feels worse, but before the WC, if you set this course, most MEX fans would have signed up and been so proud.

[DPG21920]

The fact that you played in college makes you good at analyzing a sport you hardly follow ?

:lmao hardly follow

[Relevancy]

Ochoa will go to a top league. The one who I see going far is Herrera, dude is talented.

[dfens]

The star power of Sneijer and Robben won them the game, at the end individual power made the difference.

we cant really complain about the penalty, it was a 50/50 call, it could have been called or it could not have been called, I cant really complain. Im honestly happy with Mexicos performances, remember, they were about to not make the WC because they played like shit against concacaf teams when in reality they were a better team.

Coming into the WC, I had low expectations that Mexico could go far, I thought that shitty period they went through with el chapo was gonna transcent to the wc, but it didnt, we played better.

so at the end we exceeded expectations which makes me happy.

wrong take.
The mexican coach lost the game when they decided to not play their usual game and defend, while not being comparable in size and strength to the dutch. This compressed the mexican midfield and defence and brought nothing while allowing the dutch to come with their defenders at the middle of the pitch and throw ball after ball in box. The first goal came exactly from such a play. The second one was because they had fallen mentally from the first goal.

Star power didn't win this one. This one was lost, not won.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

'94 we lost in PKs to Bulgaria in Round of 16, we were favored. '98 we had Germany down 1-0 and gave up two late goals similar to what happened today. '06 we played toe to toe with the Argies before Maxi went god mode in extra time.

So don't tell us how we should feel faggot.

:cry but we're rivals :cry
:cry Mexico powerhouse :cry
:cry We beat Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti and Jamaica all the time :cry
:cry we should be world champs :cry
:cry why always this :cry
:cry 'muricans gonna laugh at me :cry
:cry while I clean their dishes :cry

[dfens]

Good post. People who actually know soccer and aren't cliff jumpers with little sports knowledge (FkLA) should feel this way IMO. Mexico, with the help of USA, barely got into the WC. They came together and were one of the better teams/surprises in group stage. They played a good game today, but ultimately their individual talent and strategy was not good enough. They had a chance, so it feels worse, but before the WC, if you set this course, most MEX fans would have signed up and been so proud.

dude, that's a bad take. Mex lost the game by allowing the dutch to attack them in their own box which resulted in alot of corners from guys that knew the dutch were better headers of the ball so they rushed to clear the ball in corners. Those corners led to all the dutch opportunities and to the sneijder goal. The second goal came after a mental collapse in like 5 minutes. Mex has nobody to blame but the coach. They were the better team and should have won this game.

[DPG21920]

the point was not about the number of points, the point is what did they prove. They beat a self loathing spain and a good chillibe@ner side while barely beating australia. The points in the group stage are nice but 9 pts is not critical, but the ability that translates to winning in the knock out stage is.
They proved that they are uncreative and rely on some key guys for bailouts.
They also showed a fragile defense, not exactly a strength in a knock out 1 game at a time tournament, wouldn't you say?
They showed that they can't control the pace of a game against a good technical side. ()

France showed more, unquestionably.
Germany also clearly showed more.
Colombia showed more (against comparable competition from a playing level pov).
Mexico showed more (even today, minus the EPIC choke - which falls solely on the coach!).

Netherlands showed as much as brazil, an exceptional, physical, counter attacking side with a great dose of luck.


Btw, I don't hate NED, I just dislike their primitive style of play that has always been a time bomb in knock out competition. A good team, but certainly not unquestionably top 2.

As I said, I was not evaluating their ability to move on, but how they played in just the group stage coming into this game. Playing in a tough group and still scoring a ton of goals, staying focused enough to get 9 points (even if not needed) and defending well enough to give up only 3 goals is huge to me. I thought they played an offensive/attack minded brand of soccer that was overall a top 2 performance in the group stages.

The point of that was not say they were a clear cut top 2 favorite, just that MEX got a tough draw and so did NED. I felt with how well NED played in group stage (whether you want to say top 2 or 3 or 4 - which is splitting hairs), that MEX winning might put some more pressure on USA as well.

[DPG21920]

dude, that's a bad take. Mex lost the game by allowing the dutch to attack them in their own box which resulted in alot of corners from guys that knew the dutch were better headers of the ball so they rushed to clear the ball in corners. Those corners led to all the dutch opportunities and to the sneijder goal. The second goal came after a mental collapse in like 5 minutes. Mex has nobody to blame but the coach. They were the better team and should have won this game.

Part of being a better team is strategy. They were the better team for 50 minutes, then their strategy failed them. They lacked the star power to execute their strategy, especially since they couldn't keep the ball in the 2nd half. I agree their coach lost the game, but it was a symptom of their talent vs NED. They didn't feel they could play their game for 90 minutes a win. They had to get a goal and hope for the best and it failed.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Rofl Mexico, biggest choke in world cup history?

[FkLA]

:cry but we're rivals :cry
:cry Mexico powerhouse :cry
:cry We beat Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti and Jamaica all the time :cry
:cry we should be world champs :cry
:cry why always this :cry
:cry 'muricans gonna laugh at me :cry
:cry while I clean their dishes :cry

You're an imbecile if you think any fanbase should be happy to be close so many times and keep falling short. Also nobody has claimed Mexico is elite.

Strong irony at the end too considering the fact that Argentina as a country isn't exactly well off.

[dfens]

The most infuriating thing is that they constantly complain to the ref and get into opponents face, and the ref doesnt do anything (vlaar and sneijder are the worst). Today Martins kicked a guy on the floor after being whistled and not only wasnt cautioned, he started barking at the Mexican player, of course not a single card for them today- robben should have one for his double flop, Martins threw an elbow shortly after mexicos goal (plus the dead ball hit on the floor).

And of course there will be no review of that martins hit despite it being the definition of unsportsman behavior.

I saw those too. They have a long long long history of doing shit like this but when they meet a team that plays them hard (not necessarily dirty) they fold. Like today vs mex before that dumb fat coach decided that the best way to win the game is to let a team taller by an average of 2-3 inches rain balls in their box. Talk about suicidal.

[Muser]

1.Almost every team parks the bus when they're up. Plenty go on to hold on their lead, we are just cursed.

Teams park the bus when they're up by 1 with about 5 minutes to go, not with 40 minutes of the game to go. That's being dumb not being cursed.

[dfens]

Rofl Mexico, biggest choke in world cup history?

Nothing but an argentina beating brazil in the final at this cup would beat the following:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguay_v_Brazil_%281950_FIFA_World_Cup%29

[IronMaxipad]

Teams park the bus when they're up by 1 with about 5 minutes to go, not with 40 minutes of the game to go. That's being dumb not being cursed.
This..

Mexican coaches are pussys

[DPG21920]

Teams park the bus when they're up by 1 with about 5 minutes to go, not with 40 minutes of the game to go. That's being dumb not being cursed.

Yup. Anyone who has not only played soccer but watched enough can differentiate the two. Especially against a team like NED, with much more pace and talent, you can't sit back and make it that easy. NED was able to save energy because they didn't have to defend and only had to focus on attacking.

MEX's defense, especially on set pieces/corners is lack luster and giving that many chances up to NED is silly. They had the right strategy, but really didn't execute it well. They packed it in way too early and guys like Robben shoved the ball down their throats and created enough chances in that last 35 minutes to win.

[FkLA]

Teams park the bus when they're up by 1 with about 5 minutes to go, not with 40 minutes of the game to go. That's being dumb not being cursed.

It was dumb for sure, mentioned that in the thread.

two minutes away tho :cry

[UNCLE-DREW]

I'm from NED and without sounding to one sided.. this coach of the beaners is so fucking clueless

NED switch from 5-3-2 counter to 4-3-3 with Depay coming in shortly after the 0-1.. you could see mexico didn't even know who to guard anymore and they were more talking to eachother then
defending a player.. add in that they forgot the game wasn't over at minute 55 rofl you could easily feel the 1-1 was coming..

After they figured it somewhat out how to defend.. van gaal changed Kuyt (who is a fucking working legend) switched from left back -> right back -> to striker next to Hunterlaar so Ned started to play 4-2-4 with
Depay / Hunterlaar / Kuyt / Robben and again this mexican fatty was clueless

NED was lucky this game but it was deserved since mexican showed up for 55 minutes only

the robben dive wasn't a flop.. in a dutch interview after the game he apologized for a flop in the first half (first dive).. the second one in minute 46 or something was a 10000% penalty.. if you saw the replay and still say it was a dive you are either retarted or just blind.. the actually penalty was a 50/50 and certainly not a flop just stupid from the defender

anyways should win from greece or costa and then we should have a big chance vs this one man show of messi or belgium imo

[ManuLoco]

Mexico will pull a Spurs, they'll come back next year and will go all the way, book it!

[DPG21920]

Mexico played a great tourney though and it's in the moment so fans most likely are pissed. When they step back, they will be proud.

Just like USA fans. If it unfolds the same way against Belgium as today for MEX, I will be upset, but happy about how they performed overall.

[Relevancy]

wrong take.
The mexican coach lost the game when they decided to not play their usual game and defend, while not being comparable in size and strength to the dutch. This compressed the mexican midfield and defence and brought nothing while allowing the dutch to come with their defenders at the middle of the pitch and throw ball after ball in box. The first goal came exactly from such a play. The second one was because they had fallen mentally from the first goal.

Star power didn't win this one. This one was lost, not won.Mexico was too happy to just let holanda have posession of the ball, they just fell back and did little to move further to at least cause problems, thing is, if Mexico really wanted the win, they could have kept there cool and do ground passes instead of launching the ball wherever, something that I saw during the last minutes. The coach has influence, yes, but at the end it depends how badly the players want to win, they will resolve the game how they best see it as. At the end Mexico wanted nothing to do with the ball, thats chickenshit that made me really mad. You cant blame robben for making every single one of our wingers look like shit, Robben did what Robben does best, take on players with his speed and cause danger, and guess what? He did that at the end, when it counted. Thats what I call individual power.

[DPG21920]

Kuyt was so underrated today. He really did all the things necessary to help NED stay in the game. Very, very good game from him.

[DPG21920]

Mexico will have to stop pressuring so high IMO and if they do they will give up a goal. Mexico playing so well though and I should not be surprised with how well they did in group stage.

This was something I said right after the MEX goal - it was meant to say they needed to be cautious, but not too cautious because NED is too dangerous to sit back on.

[ManuLoco]

I'm from NED and without sounding to one sided.. this coach of the beaners is so fucking clueless

NED switch from 5-3-2 counter to 4-3-3 with Depay coming in shortly after the 0-1.. you could see mexico didn't even know who to guard anymore and they were more talking to eachother then
defending a player.. add in that they forgot the game wasn't over at minute 55 rofl you could easily feel the 1-1 was coming..

After they figured it somewhat out how to defend.. van gaal changed Kuyt (who is a fucking working legend) switched from left back -> right back -> to striker next to Hunterlaar so Ned started to play 4-2-4 with
Depay / Hunterlaar / Kuyt / Robben and again this mexican fatty was clueless

NED was lucky this game but it was deserved since mexican showed up for 55 minutes only

the robben dive wasn't a flop.. in a dutch interview after the game he apologized for a flop in the first half (first dive).. the second one in minute 46 or something was a 10000% penalty.. if you saw the replay and still say it was a dive you are either retarted or just blind.. the actually penalty was a 50/50 and certainly not a flop just stupid from the defender

anyways should win from greece or costa and then we should have a big chance vs this one man show of messi or belgium imo

lol, it was a flop.

[dfens]

As I said, I was not evaluating their ability to move on, but how they played in just the group stage coming into this game. Playing in a tough group and still scoring a ton of goals, staying focused enough to get 9 points (even if not needed) and defending well enough to give up only 3 goals is huge to me. I thought they played an offensive/attack minded brand of soccer that was overall a top 2 performance in the group stages.

The point of that was not say they were a clear cut top 2 favorite, just that MEX got a tough draw and so did NED. I felt with how well NED played in group stage (whether you want to say top 2 or 3 or 4 - which is splitting hairs), that MEX winning might put some more pressure on USA as well.

3 goals in 3 matches is not good defense. Now it's at 4 goals, so one goal per match. WC winners don't receive that much, not by a longshot.

They didn't play an offensive brand of football, they played mainly counterattack because their defense is too shaky to play at midfield and doesn't have the technical ability to confidently pass under pressure.

Also, I wouldn't say that netherlands had a tough group. Spain was a total mess and it was 3 easy points for both chile and netherlands.
Australia shouldn't even be in the tournament!
Chile was the only good side and that was a close game, by no means did they dominate them.

There is no pressure on the usa :lol

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

anyways should win from greece or costa and then we should have a big chance vs this one man show of messi or belgium imo

What's the point in winning those matches? Sooner or later you're gonna choke. 1988 was an abherration, the only time someone applied the Heimlich maneuver on time on your squishy asses.

[Brazil]

Rofl Mexico, biggest choke in world cup history?

:lmao not even close

try France Germany, France leading 3-1 15 min to play as a starter

[Infinite_limit]

lol, it was a flop.
Sloppy challenge

http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac255/kegstermd/article-2674132-1F3F737B00000578-968_634x394_zps303ec0e6.jpg

http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/53b05501ecad04356d8877e7-856-609/robben-flop.jpg

[Relevancy]

How the fuck can you just fall back and let holanda touch the ball countless of times in the last minutes, thats fucking dumb.

[DPG21920]

3 goals in 3 matches is not good defense. Now it's at 4 goals, so one goal per match. WC winners don't receive that much, not by a longshot.

They didn't play an offensive brand of football, they played mainly counterattack because their defense is too shaky to play at midfield and doesn't have the technical ability to confidently pass under pressure.

Also, I wouldn't say that netherlands had a tough group. Spain was a total mess and it was 3 easy points for both chile and netherlands.
Australia shouldn't even be in the tournament!
Chile was the only good side and that was a close game, by no means did they dominate them.

There is no pressure on the usa :lol

I disagree with most everything you say, so it's all for not :lol

[FkLA]

Per ESPN, Mexico has scored first in four knockout games in their history and went on to lose all four--only team that has had that happen to them. :depressed

[dfens]

Part of being a better team is strategy. They were the better team for 50 minutes, then their strategy failed them. They lacked the star power to execute their strategy, especially since they couldn't keep the ball in the 2nd half. I agree their coach lost the game, but it was a symptom of their talent vs NED. They didn't feel they could play their game for 90 minutes a win. They had to get a goal and hope for the best and it failed.

You start by saying something right and then say something totally stupid. It certainly wasn't about star power, it was all about (bad) coaching.
I agree that the netherlands are a better team BECAUSE of a superior coach but this game was lost and the better field team was undermined by a dumb, chikened coaching decision. If you looked at the game mex were always going up but fat be@ner coach was yelling for them to come in their own side, so the players certainly didn't feel they couldn't do it anymore after outplaying the dutch for 50 mins.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

:lmao not even close

try France Germany, France leading 3-1 15 min to play as a starter
Wow, that sounds like game 6 times a 1000

[DPG21920]

If you really think that MEX's top players are better than NED's, I don't know what to tell you. At the end of the day, it was a combo of bad strategy and a world class player in Robben asserting his will on the game.