The World Cup thread!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

the US is playing very well

[nbrans]

ok, nice ball from Donovan, that's more like it.

[Slo spurs fan]

The US is lucky to be tied, but they've played well
I think it is well deserved.

[MannyIsGod]

Thats a red?!?!????!?!?!?

[nbrans]

Bull. Shit.

[SPARKY]

Oh boy.

[Bob Lanier]

10 on 10, bitches! Keep up with the reds!

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah, the fix is fucking in. Fuck that.

[spurschick]

This is nuts.

[Slo spurs fan]

It is a red!!!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

that was a bad foul, but I'm not sure that was a red card worthy foul

[Slo spurs fan]

It was stupid foul.

[MannyIsGod]

Wow, what a pile of shit.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Yeah, the fix is fucking in. Fuck that.
I wouldn't say its fixed. The foul was a bad foul, you can't argue against that. Still I'd say that was a bad call from the referee, and you have to play through those.

[MannyIsGod]

Arena is pissed and rightfully so. No way thats a red if there wasn't a red already in this game.

[spurschick]

FUUUUUUUCK! We are so close to that second goal.

[Slo spurs fan]

Wow, what a pile of shit.
It was a VERY hard foul, Manny.

[nbrans]

I hate Italy. They're the absolute worst. Diving, dirty play.. they really suck.

[SPARKY]

We're in this bitch.

[MannyIsGod]

I dno't think the fix is in, I was just making a sarcastic comment after what was said earlier.

[spurschick]

Still I'd say that was a bad call from the referee, and you have to play through those.

Ain't that the theme of the year... are Javee and Bavetta working this match?

[MaNuMaNiAc]

I dno't think the fix is in, I was just making a sarcastic comment after what was said earlier.
http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif either way, I don't think the US had to worry, they are outplaying Italy by a mile.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Ain't that the theme of the year... is Javee and Bavetta working this match?
:lmao:lmao :tu

[Slo spurs fan]

I think your team will win this.
Italy play like shit today.

[MannyIsGod]

I'll defer to you guys who watch this sport far more than me on the legitimacy of the red. I was listening to the Mexico broadcast as well, and the color guy thought it was a bad call, while the play by play guy thought it was a stupid foul.

I agree it was stupid, but I just didn't think it was red worthy.

[velik_m]

USA should take the lead in the first half.

Italy will come out reorganized in the second.

GO USA!

[spurschick]

Gatorade truly knocked the ass out of their World Cup commercial. It always gives me goosebumps.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

I'll defer to you guys who watch this sport far more than me on the legitimacy of the red. I was listening to the Mexico broadcast as well, and the color guy thought it was a bad call, while the play by play guy thought it was a stupid foul.

I agree it was stupid, but I just didn't think it was red worthy.
it was both a stupid foul, and a bad call. That foul was for a yellow card at the most.

[velik_m]

I'll defer to you guys who watch this sport far more than me on the legitimacy of the red. I was listening to the Mexico broadcast as well, and the color guy thought it was a bad call, while the play by play guy thought it was a stupid foul.

I agree it was stupid, but I just didn't think it was red worthy.

it was a nasty foul, def. a red-worthy, but criteria in this WC was a bit loose, there should be more red cards IMO.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Gatorade truly knocked the ass out of their World Cup commercial. It always gives me goosebumps.
is there a place on the net where I could see it?

[polandprzem]

Well by the book it was definately a red card. And too me as well. Now it's 10-10 and the second half will belong to Italy.
De Rossi is taht kind of guy who can foulout of the game, if Gatuso would be 100% he would be playing instead of de rossi. Well Totti was not playing well so good for Italy.

10-10 Loooks like more situiacions in the 2nd half

[TDMVPDPOY]

is there a place on the net where I could see it?

try youtube

[MannyIsGod]

Damn, this should be a good 2nd half.

Compare this team to the team that played the other day and I think more people will understand why we were upset.

[sa_butta]

anyone have a link to watch or listen to the game?

[MannyIsGod]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc1UbF3pcDQ&search=gatorade%20soccer

[sa_butta]

Damn, this should be a good 2nd half.

Compare this team to the team that played the other day and I think more people will understand why we were upset.They were not agressive at all, they have more shots on goal and higher percentage of posession.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc1UbF3pcDQ&search=gatorade%20soccer
thanks manny

[ALVAREZ6]

This game is pretty damn interesting, I think Italy is going to win though, even though I want USA to win.


The thing that concerns me with USA is that even though they have been good at getting into attacking distance, they don't know what to do from there. They get in great positions to score, and then don't know what to do.

[Bob Lanier]

10 on 9, bitches! :elephant

I want to see 5 on 5 by the end of the game.

[nbrans]

Fucking dive. And he gets a red. Utter, totaly, complete bullshit.

Edit. Ok, that was a stupid foul. Nevermind.

[MannyIsGod]

Wow. That really hurts.

[SPARKY]

Ugh.

[MannyIsGod]

Now we have to play for a tie.

[Slo spurs fan]

Foul from behind is yellow card.
Two yellow cards is red card.
Simple like that.

[spurschick]

is there a place on the net where I could see it?

http://www.gatorade.com/film_and_downloads/commercials/

Click on "It's a whole new ball game"

[MaNuMaNiAc]

WTF? I missed it, the US got ANOTHER red card??

[MannyIsGod]

:lmao

The Mexican commentators are riping Italy for being divers.

[polandprzem]

Do not think it should be yellow, but oh well....

[Slo spurs fan]

This is war, not a game.

[MannyIsGod]

Kasey Keller is making me miss Brad Friedel so much.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

I just saw it again and I have to say I agree with Slo Spurs Fan, it was a yellow card, and since he already had one, it was a red card.

[Slo spurs fan]

Do not think it should be yellow, but oh well....
Foul from behind is yellow card by the book.

[Slo spurs fan]

Phiew....

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Its the Italy Olympic diving team playing out there

[MannyIsGod]

40 minutes of withstanding the Italians is going to be a difficult task.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Kasey Keller is making me miss Brad Friedel so much.

Your main problem isn't the goalie. So far in the Cup, the US has shown the creativity of a bricked wall, and the scoring touch of a nerd in his prom night.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Your main problem isn't the goalie. So far in the Cup, the US has shown the creativity of a bricked wall, and the scoring touch of a nerd in his prom night.
I don't agree but :lmao those were some funny ass analogies! http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[MannyIsGod]

Withouot a doubt our main problem isn't the goalie, but Keller isn't play as well as an American goalie needs to play in order to make up for this teams difficencies. Brad Friedel played very well in 02 and ws a huge reason the US advanced.

[Slo spurs fan]

Oh by the way Manumania, your team was G R E A T against Serbia.

[nbrans]

This is going to be a long 35 minutes.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Oh by the way Manumania, your team was G R E A T against Serbia.
:tu

[MannyIsGod]

We're going to see one half of the feild in this half.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Come on US!!!

[Slo spurs fan]

What a weak finish by Reina

[MannyIsGod]

Man, I wish they would have looked for a better shot there.

[MannyIsGod]

At some point, you gotta put in Johnson for Mcbride. You're not going to be able to hit McBride with crosses in the 2nd half.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Withouot a doubt our main problem isn't the goalie, but Keller isn't play as well as an American goalie needs to play in order to make up for this teams difficencies. Brad Friedel played very well in 02 and ws a huge reason the US advanced.

Well, I agree to some extent. I even think Howard is a better goalie than Keller, but, if you expect to progress a lot in the Cup, your best player shouldn't be your goalkeeper (unless you are Italian or German).

Right now the match is complicated for the US, some dumb challenges after Italy was left with 10 men, they should have kept the ball with patience.

Now they have to hold the Italian attacks, which may be a good thing, they might lose some cover at the back, exposing their defense. Let's not forget that there are 17 players (-3 sent off, -2 goalies) covering the whole pitch.

[nbrans]

I'd consider putting in Beasly for McBride and moving Donovan to the forward spot for more speed.

[Slo spurs fan]

That was not offside.

[nbrans]

He's taking out Dempsey???? He's been one of the few good players. I don't know about this...

[Slo spurs fan]

Shit...

[SPARKY]

Fuck me.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

wow, McBride SUCKS

[MannyIsGod]

Man, I'm not sure taking out the most creative player the US has had all day for the least creative we had in the last game but maybe Dempsey was getting tired.

Damn, nice play by McBride/Donovan.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Damn, that was close, you can't spare the Italians...every chance must end in the back of the net.

[spurschick]

Too many missed opportunities.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaal!

EDIT: SHIT! http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smidepressed.gif

[MannyIsGod]

Offside!?!???@?@?@

[SPARKY]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[Slo spurs fan]

No goal...

[MannyIsGod]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[nbrans]

Oh nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[NASpurs]

That fuckings sucks

[MannyIsGod]

Godamn, McBride is killing me.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Stupid McBride, he should have moved out of there.

[spurschick]

SON OF A BITCH!! :madrun

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Offside!?!???@?@?@
yeah, it was, preety clear too, I don't know how I didn't see it

[SPARKY]

Awesome. Arena just yelled "Fuck you".

[MannyIsGod]

Please put Eddie Johnson in for McBride, please please please.

[Slo spurs fan]

Mc Bride was the last one who touched the ball.

[SPARKY]

How many Italians are going to have ass injuries today?

[nbrans]

Now bring in Johnson for McBride. Good lord.

[MannyIsGod]

At least the US is attacking well being down here. Godamn I'm proud of my team regardless of what happens.

[austinfan]

Damn.

But otoh Italy is playing like absolute crap, even being a man up. If we can keep pressuring, we just might be able to pull this off.

[MannyIsGod]

Mcbride never touched the ball Slo.

[David@SLCC]

I think Johnson or Ching would do a better job than McBride. He's a good player, but not for this kind of game.

[Slo spurs fan]

That was close

[austinfan]

At least the US is attacking well being down here. Godamn I'm proud of my team regardless of what happens.

Me too. No matter what the score ends up being, our team can say that they gave it everything they had.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Italy have no more substitutions left. If Perrotta can't go on, it will be 9 vs. 9

[Slo spurs fan]

Mcbride never touched the ball Slo.
Yes he was. If he did not touch the ball it would be goal.

[SPARKY]

That was definitely a foul.

[MannyIsGod]

This ref is card happy.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Yes he was. If he did not touch the ball it would be goal.

No, he didn't touch it, but he moved his leg and blocked Buffon's vision. That's why it's offside.

[NASpurs]

This is like watching the fucking Mavs/Spurs. Let them play refs!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

That was a nice dive :lol I guess Americans are getting the hang of it too

[MannyIsGod]

Slo, he did not touch the ball. They said he was offsides and obstructing the keeper.

[austinfan]

This ref is the Dick Bavetta of FIFA. What a drama queen.

[Slo spurs fan]

Slo, he did not touch the ball. They said he was offsides and obstructing the keeper.
You are right.

[SPARKY]

Nice defense.

[MannyIsGod]

Thank you Kasey. Fuck, nice save.

[David@SLCC]

Nice save...

[NASpurs]

I don't know that Italian's name who just had that shot attempt but he looks like Vin Diesel. :lol

[MaNuMaNiAc]

somebody take McBride out, shoot him, knock him out, anything! just TAKE HIM OUT!! HE SUCKS!!!

[nbrans]

US getting tired.

[Slo spurs fan]

I don't know that Italian's name who just had that shot attempt but he looks like Vin Diesel. :lol
Alessandro Del Piero

[MannyIsGod]

I stop breathen when Italy has possesion like that.

[nbrans]

Time for a sub. Come on, Arena. 15 minutes left.

[MannyIsGod]

Arena is killing me with his refuseal to play Eddie Johnson.

[MannyIsGod]

Thats where Mcbride is going to score, not off shots.

[nbrans]

ok, now, seriously. Johnson.

[MannyIsGod]

Man, with as tired as these teams look you woud think Arena would use his damn subs.

[nbrans]

This is ridiculous. Is he not going to bring in Johnson? Anyone?

[MannyIsGod]

Or anyone at this point. The team looks insanely tired and fresh legs must surely be better.

[nbrans]

This is not good. Italy could easily pounce in the next seven minutes.

[MannyIsGod]

Onyewu is our MVP

[MannyIsGod]

At least Italy looks as tired as the US

[NASpurs]

It probably feels like time is going at a crawl for the US team if they're wanting a tie.

[MannyIsGod]

I don't think I've taken a breath in five minuts

[spurschick]

Onyewu is our MVP

No shit! He came out so aggressive at first, I though he was going to get tossed, but he was able to reign it in and use his head.

[MannyIsGod]

The only reason to keep McBride in this long was for his ability in the air on set pieces. But damn, I wish Johnson would have played.

[MannyIsGod]

Godamn I nearly die on every ball into the box

[Slo spurs fan]

Congrats on your first point against Euro teams on European land in history of worldcup.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

pfff what the hell was that Beasley??

[austinfan]

Congrats on your first point against Euro teams on European land in history of worldcup.

3 minutes stoppage time. Don't jinx it!

[MannyIsGod]

a couple more minutes. Hold on, HOLD ON.

[MannyIsGod]

Slo, we've had draws before. The US has never had a win.

[NASpurs]

half a minute left

[MaNuMaNiAc]

great game by the US

[NASpurs]

Game over! US is still alive in this crazy group

[nbrans]

Whew.

[Slo spurs fan]

Good game USA.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Lippi (Italian coach) is Paul Newman's unrecognized brother.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Slo, we've had draws before. The US has never had a win.
on European soil? really?

[austinfan]

Wow! Honestly, guys, after the way we played against the Czechs, I was expecting a rout. But the fact that we played Italy of all teams to a draw, with a man down, I am very, very happy.

[spurschick]

Great effort! I can't complain.

[velik_m]

entertaining game.

[MannyIsGod]

Ok. I hope Italy will play for a win. However, the US is the early game in the final game and Italy and the Czechs will know how hard they need to play. Somone posted an article brining up this possible scenario and showing how Italy and the Czechs could just play for a draw ensuring both advance.

[Slo spurs fan]

Slo, we've had draws before. The US has never had a win.
USA against EURO teams on EUROPEAN land 0-8 prior this game.

[Bob Lanier]

That fucking ref stopped with 3 red cards. I wanted to see 5 on 5. :(

[Slo spurs fan]

Ok. I hope Italy will play for a win. However, the US is the early game in the final game and Italy and the Czechs will know how hard they need to play. Somone posted an article brining up this possible scenario and showing how Italy and the Czechs could just play for a draw ensuring both advance.
Both games will be at the same time.

[velik_m]

Ok. I hope Italy will play for a win. However, the US is the early game in the final game and Italy and the Czechs will know how hard they need to play. Somone posted an article brining up this possible scenario and showing how Italy and the Czechs could just play for a draw ensuring both advance.

aren't the final games at the same time?

if USA wins and Czechs and Italy draw you're out

[SPARKY]

Musberger all over the ref.

[MannyIsGod]

I stand corrected, I thought they had a draw.

[MannyIsGod]

Oh shit, they're at the same time? I didn't know that. You gotta forgive my stupid American ass, I'm here to learn from you guys.

[kolko]

Ok. I hope Italy will play for a win. However, the US is the early game in the final game and Italy and the Czechs will know how hard they need to play. Somone posted an article brining up this possible scenario and showing how Italy and the Czechs could just play for a draw ensuring both advance.
The two games will be played simultaneously.

[velik_m]

Musberger all over the ref.

all the red cards were the right decision, offside goal too.

that handball in penalty box though...

[Extra Stout]

Landon Donovan wins the Styrofoam Peanut award for his performance in the first two matches.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Ok. I hope Italy will play for a win. However, the US is the early game in the final game and Italy and the Czechs will know how hard they need to play. Somone posted an article brining up this possible scenario and showing how Italy and the Czechs could just play for a draw ensuring both advance.

The final games of each group will be played simultaneously, to avoid teams doing that kind of stuff.

[MannyIsGod]

I still gotta come back to Arena not using his subs. WTF? The team was dead tired, fresh legs in that last 15 minutes would have at least provided a shot or 2.

[velik_m]

Oh shit, they're at the same time? I didn't know that. You gotta forgive my stupid American ass, I'm here to learn from you guys.

yeah at the same time to prevent fixing.

[Das Texan]

The officiating was absolutely bullshit in this match.


I hope that ref is banned from World Cup games for life. Its not like he has been void of troubles in the past. What a bunch of horseshit.


I dont like how we were content toward the end to get a tie.


We controlled this fucking game for most of it, how the hell did we not win?


Riduclious.

But it could have been worse, we played tons better at least.

[~Sweetmelody~]

Thank God for yahoo! Somehow I couldn't access the board and was going nuts trying to find info on the game.

Stupid work, they want to block my sites pffff! :lol


Does anyone know if ESPN will re-air this game, later tonight.

[austinfan]

Italy looked like ass out there. Second only to England in overratedness this World Cup.

[SPARKY]

Well, we're still alive. Somehow. On to Thursday.

[Das Texan]

I still gotta come back to Arena not using his subs. WTF? The team was dead tired, fresh legs in that last 15 minutes would have at least provided a shot or 2.



ya i thought that was absolutely stupid. how the hell can you leave fresh legs on the sidelines when you could really use a goal down the stretch there.


You could argue that cost us a real chance at victory.

[MannyIsGod]

I'm sure they'll replay the game on ESPN classic at some point this evening.

[Slo spurs fan]

The officiating was absolutely bullshit in this match.


I hope that ref is banned from World Cup games for life. Its not like he has been void of troubles in the past. What a bunch of horseshit.


I dont like how we were content toward the end to get a tie.


We controlled this fucking game for most of it, how the hell did we not win?


Riduclious.

But it could have been worse, we played tons better at least.
Maybe it was bad, but it was bad for both teams, not just for USA.

[mookie2001]

fucking beasly blows


we couldnt even complete a fucking pass in the first half too

good game though
at least we didnt get chode bloaded (Leinarted)

[MaNuMaNiAc]

The officiating was absolutely bullshit in this match.


I hope that ref is banned from World Cup games for life. Its not like he has been void of troubles in the past. What a bunch of horseshit.


I dont like how we were content toward the end to get a tie.


We controlled this fucking game for most of it, how the hell did we not win?


Riduclious.

But it could have been worse, we played tons better at least.
pfff... come on! I know it was your team playing, but the ref wasn't that bad

[Das Texan]

Maybe it was bad, but it was bad for both teams, not just for USA.



I never said it was bad just for us.


That was just a fucking riducliously officiated game. That should not be happening ever on this level.

[Slo spurs fan]

And BTW did you saw Ghana-Chech game?
I don´t think you guys can beat Ghana.
I will rout for you, but it will be very tough.

[velik_m]

Arenas really fucked up with not pulling out Pope earlier. he was just asking for that second yellow in the first half and finnaly got it in the second.

[Das Texan]

And BTW did you saw Ghana-Chech game?
I don´t think you guys can beat Ghana.
I will rout for you, but it will be very tough.


It will take a miracle.


We havent even scored a goal this entire world cup. We are way too complacent and dont go attacking nearly enough.

I dont like Reyna in the middle, I have never thought he really sets people up all that well....

We are in trouble. Ghana is a tough, tough team.


*prays for a miracle*

[ALVAREZ6]

Italy plays like a bunch of girls.


That game was intense, really good game, but hey, a draw is a draw. Not many people thought USA would win, so USA fans shouldn't be mad. They are still alive.

[velik_m]

I never said it was bad just for us.


That was just a fucking riducliously officiated game. That should not be happening ever on this level.

apart from couple of offside calls i didn't see anything wrong with it. The red cards were justified, so was disallowing the goal.

[Slo spurs fan]

That was just a fucking riducliously officiated game. That should not be happening ever on this level.
No it was not. And Pope should get red in the first half trough, becouse he was last player infront your goalie.

Our very good ref just said (on our national TV) it was very well officiated game and I agree with him.

[Das Texan]

The first red card on the US was worth a yellow at worst...just a really good tackle. Defintiely not worth a red. He was late on the tackle, but not THAT late. But we will just have to settle for a tie because some coach is easily content with a fucking tie.

[Das Texan]

Call me a homer I guess, we just never get a damn break on this continent in this sport. Ever.

[velik_m]

The first red card on the US was worth a yellow at worst...just a really good tackle. Defintiely not worth a red. He was late on the tackle, but not THAT late. But we will just have to settle for a tie because some coach is easily content with a fucking tie.

unless you get the ball it's not good tackle.

it was a very hard start from the back -> red card.

[Slo spurs fan]

The first red card on the US was worth a yellow at worst...just a really good tackle. Defintiely not worth a red. He was late on the tackle, but not THAT late. But we will just have to settle for a tie because some coach is easily content with a fucking tie.
Masteoeni hit Pirlo in his leg with bottom of the shoe. He could brak guy´s leg easely.

[Slo spurs fan]

Call me a homer I guess, we just never get a damn break on this continent in this sport. Ever.

Homer.

[whottt]

On the post game they said that Ref had been suspended before, for irregular calls and wasn't allowed to ref in the Last World Cup.

[Slo spurs fan]

On the post game they said that Ref had been suspended before, for irregular calls and wasn't allowed to ref in the Last World Cup.
Doesn´t matter, this game was well officiated.

[polandprzem]

That fucking ref stopped with 3 red cards. I wanted to see 5 on 5. :(

It's not Bad Boys times

[polandprzem]

Oh shit, they're at the same time? I didn't know that. You gotta forgive my stupid American ass, I'm here to learn from you guys.

I forgive you man :tu


----Hey- the yellow card - the guy firsly touched the ball then made a little contact with the opponent.



Good dramatic game. Now it's be or not (to) be in the turnament for everybody in theis gropu i the next game. We should see 2 fantastic fight games.

That was a war game with a victims :))

[Gerryatrics]

Doesn´t matter, this game was well officiated.

Bullshit. I mean, how can anyone actually believe that? Bogus calls left and right, the ref never had control of the game. The red card on Mastroeni was ridiculous, a just horrific call. Sending Pope off on such a weak foul was ridiculous, he already had a yellow, at least give him a warning instead of tossing him right away. The Italians were diving like... well, Italians. The ref wasn't in the action at all, he'd look over, see an Italian player writhing around on the ground and automatically call a foul. How many times were Italian players carted off on a stretcher only to come back in 20 seconds later, but he kept giving them call after call. The Italians got some bad calls too but it was the US that got screwed by the two weak red cards.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Bullshit. I mean, how can anyone actually believe that? Bogus calls left and right, the ref never had control of the game. The red card on Mastroeni was ridiculous, a just horrific call. Sending Pope off on such a weak foul was ridiculous, he already had a yellow, at least give him a warning instead of tossing him right away. The Italians were diving like... well, Italians. The ref wasn't in the action at all, he'd look over, see an Italian player writhing around on the ground and automatically call a foul. How many times were Italian players carted off on a stretcher only to come back in 20 seconds later, but he kept giving them call after call. The Italians got some bad calls too but it was the US that got screwed by the two weak red cards.
bullshit, the second red card was warranted period. Its wasn't a horribly officiated game, it was decent though. Italy did dive quite a bit. Still, if you start blaming this tie on officiating, its a cop out.

[sabar]

One really weak red card, rest of the game was pretty decent.

[polandprzem]

I do agree with Garryatrics - the referee should call a penalty and then Italy would have a chance to make it 2:1

[sabar]

A shame there's so much USA hate from foreign and domestic people :rolleyes
And then people wonder why interest is low in the US. No one thinks we can do it, there's no heart or support from anyone.

[Gerryatrics]

bullshit, the second red card was warranted period. Its wasn't a horribly officiated game, it was decent though. Italy did dive quite a bit. Still, if you start blaming this tie on officiating, its a cop out.

Which second red card? The second red card of the game or the second red card to the US? Even Giorgio Chinaglia said the ref blew it and the US got screwed. Blaming a teams poor play on officiating is a cop out. Blaming horrible officiating for screwing over your team when they dominated the game is not. The Italians tried to take McBride's head off, but it was the US that had to play half the game a man down.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Which second red card? The second red card of the game or the second red card to the US? Even Giorgio Chinaglia said the ref blew it and the US got screwed. Blaming a teams poor play on officiating is a cop out. Blaming horrible officiating for screwing over your team when they dominated the game is not. The Italians tried to take McBride's head off, but it was the US that had to play half the game a man down.
the second red card on the US, and you are exhagerating what the referee did. It wasn't ass bad as you make it out to be.

[polandprzem]

A shame there's so much USA hate from foreign and domestic people :rolleyes
And then people wonder why interest is low in the US. No one thinks we can do it, there's no heart or support from anyone.

oh cry oh cry


:lol

[MannyIsGod]

I still think the first red card was just called because Italy was a man down. I didn't really have a problem with the 2nd one however. I was more pissed at Pope at that point.

[polandprzem]

I still think the first red card was just called because Italy was a man down. I didn't really have a problem with the 2nd one however. I was more pissed at Pope at that point.

:pctoss

Maaan what Pope has to do with soccer? :huh

[SPARKY]

1st red was BS. No call on the hand ball in the box was shitty too. One win with a little help from the Italians and the US is moving on.

:hat

[Gerryatrics]

the second red card on the US, and you are exhagerating what the referee did. It wasn't ass bad as you make it out to be.

The second yellow card might have been justified on Pope, the first one was weak. Pope and the Italian were side by side, the Italian had a hold of Pope's jersey and pulled him down on top of him. That was another case of the ref not seeing the action but seeing a player laying on the ground and making an automatic call. Three red cards in a single game isn't bad? 17 fouls in a half on one side, doubling up fouls on one side isn't bad? Italians diving like it's the 3 meter springboard and the ref dutifully calling fouls on the US every time isn't bad?

[polandprzem]

The second yellow card might have been justified on Pope, the first one was weak. Pope and the Italian were side by side, the Italian had a hold of Pope's jersey and pulled him down on top of him. That was another case of the ref not seeing the action but seeing a player laying on the ground and making an automatic call. Three red cards in a single game isn't bad? 17 fouls in a half on one side, doubling up fouls on one side isn't bad? Italians diving like it's the 3 meter springboard and the ref dutifully calling fouls on the US every time isn't bad?

Jeeeeezz - stop whining :rolleyes

[Gerryatrics]

Jeeeeezz - stop whining :rolleyes

If you can't add to the discussion why don't you shut the fuck up? The officiating in this game was bogus, pointing that out isn't whining, it's being a fan of the game and actually wanting them to get it right. The asshat ref is banned from officiating in his own country, he was kicked out of the 2002 World Cup, but somehow he comes in, sends off two US players on bullshit or weak red cards, misses a dozen calls, loses control of the game. Whining? Fuck that.

[TDMVPDPOY]

you wont get a fair game if italians keep on divin :(, you should be happy at least totti didnt spit on ur players faces

[polandprzem]

If you can't add to the discussion why don't you shut the fuck up? The officiating in this game was bogus, pointing that out isn't whining, it's being a fan of the game and actually wanting them to get it right. The asshat ref is banned from officiating in his own country, he was kicked out of the 2002 World Cup, but somehow he comes in, sends off two US players on bullshit or weak red cards, misses a dozen calls, loses control of the game. Whining? Fuck that.

Okay - now you lost control. :rolleyes

I can STFU cause what else to add? The officiating ewasn't that bad. Are you watching soccer a lot? Or just when the WC is on tv?
I do not see many mistakes by the ref. plus he has half a second to make a decision we have a diferent angels replays, and it's tough to officiate a soccergame by one ref, that's why you can see many player flopping, and it's normal that;'s the way the game is.
And you are complaing like he just killed your dog. Oh come on. To me you are whining but that's probably just me .

[MaNuMaNiAc]

If you can't add to the discussion why don't you shut the fuck up? The officiating in this game was bogus, pointing that out isn't whining, it's being a fan of the game and actually wanting them to get it right. The asshat ref is banned from officiating in his own country, he was kicked out of the 2002 World Cup, but somehow he comes in, sends off two US players on bullshit or weak red cards, misses a dozen calls, loses control of the game. Whining? Fuck that.
http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif yes, by all means, blame the ref. It couldn't have been because your team didn't capitalize on their chances (which were plenty by the way), or that Italy's defence was good enough to withstand a good US offense. Yes some calls were bogus, but the ref wasn't the reason you tied today.

[Buenos Hairys]

ARGENTINA KNOWS ALL. ACCEPT OR FORNICATE.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

ARGENTINA KNOWS ALL. ACCEPT OR FORNICATE.
actually, that should be everyone's philosophy on life http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[GrandeDavid]

^Word! Sounds like Brazil's philosophy as well, at least the fornicate part. ha ha

[MaNuMaNiAc]

^Word! Sounds like Brazil's philosophy as well, at least the fornicate part. ha ha
:lmao :tu

[Gerryatrics]

http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif yes, by all means, blame the ref. It couldn't have been because your team didn't capitalize on their chances (which were plenty by the way), or that Italy's defence was good enough to withstand a good US offense. Yes some calls were bogus, but the ref wasn't the reason you tied today.

The US didn't finish, but Italy's defense wasn't exactly great. And yes, I believe the referee's horrible officiating directly contributed to the outcome of the game. There's a big difference between playing 11 on 10 and 9 on 10. Not to mention the Italians flopping and dragging the game to a halt every five minutes.

[GrandeDavid]

But in fairness, those red cards were legit. I think Johnson was already carrying a yellow and that clip of that Italian guy's ankles was bogus, however intentional or not.

[whottt]

Every article I have read on the game said that ref sucked ass and fucked the game up royally...even the Italian recap.

About 3 articles I have read said that 3 Red Cards in a game like that ties a World Cup record...Seems like the total would be higher...

Link:

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldFootballNews&storyID=2006-06-17T201326Z_01_L17308134_RTRIDST_0_SPORT-SOCCER-WORLD-REDS.XML

[polandprzem]

Good I'm going to sleep

[whottt]

Oh...and the reason the guy got suspended before? Handing out Red and Yellow Cards inconsistently.

[Gerryatrics]

Okay - now you lost control. :rolleyes

I can STFU cause what else to add? The officiating ewasn't that bad. Are you watching soccer a lot? Or just when the WC is on tv?
I do not see many mistakes by the ref. plus he has half a second to make a decision we have a diferent angels replays, and it's tough to officiate a soccergame by one ref, that's why you can see many player flopping, and it's normal that;'s the way the game is.
And you are complaing like he just killed your dog. Oh come on. To me you are whining but that's probably just me .

Yes I watch a lot of soccer. Now please point out where during this World Cup a player was sent off for one of the dozen tackles identical to Mastroeni's. If you couldn't see the Italians flopping and getting call after call I can't help you. It's ridiculous that a player hits the ground like he was shot when the replay clearly shows he wasn't even touched by another player. We have the luxury of replays, but the ref has the luxury of being within several feet of the actual play. And no he didn't kill my dog, but he tried to kill my country's National Team's chance of advancing to the Round of 16. The officiating sucked, the ref tied the freakin' record for red cards. To me you're either blind or trolling, but maybe that's just me.

[Gerryatrics]

Every article I have read on the game said that ref sucked ass and fucked the game up royally...even the Italian recap.

About 3 articles I have read said that 3 Red Cards in a game like that ties a World Cup record...Seems like the total would be higher...

Link:

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldFootballNews&storyID=2006-06-17T201326Z_01_L17308134_RTRIDST_0_SPORT-SOCCER-WORLD-REDS.XML

The reason the record is so "low" is because a red card is supposed to be used as a last resort for a serious, reckless foul that endangers the safety of an opponent, like deliberately elbowing a player in the face. Not for hard fouls with a play made on the ball, jersey tugging, a stiff wind, the opponents diving like there's gold buried in the field etc. A red card for a tackle made on the ball is bogus, unless he goes right for the leg with spikes up from behind. A red card for a bogus yellow card and a weak second yellow card, well that's just poor form from the ref.

[polandprzem]

Yes I watch a lot of soccer. Now please point out where during this World Cup a player was sent off for one of the dozen tackles identical to Mastroeni's. If you couldn't see the Italians flopping and getting call after call I can't help you. It's ridiculous that a player hits the ground like he was shot when the replay clearly shows he wasn't even touched by another player. We have the luxury of replays, but the ref has the luxury of being within several feet of the actual play. And no he didn't kill my dog, but he tried to kill my country's National Team's chance of advancing to the Round of 16. The officiating sucked, the ref tied the freakin' record for red cards. To me you're either blind or trolling, but maybe that's just me.

That's why you've got tro deal with different refs.
They said that they will whistle more and will be pulling card when someones try to flop without a contact.
This was the first ref that was pretty stable with his calls. The reds cards where where they should be. And maybe something was happening at the last 5 minutes of the game when I was sleeping.(?)

All I know that on the WC are not the best refs in the worls. The best are European ofcourse, but even in Europe you've got leauges with a different officiating like in England they allowe much more contact then in Spain leauge, so you've got to deal with that.
To me that was not that bad of a game from the officiating point of view.
[The refs were eximend in threes and thay had to spek the same language so the officiating be better - well it's not]
But taht was not bad officiating game in my opinion.

And good night!

[spurschick]

I'm tellin' ya... these guys went to the Javee/Bavetta/Salvatore School of Reffing.

[Oscar DeLa]

I don't know what it is but we really blow in futbol, hopefully Ghana scores twice on themselves!

I guess the Colombus Thundertides arent world class opponents too!

[danyel]

I watched the game and I thought the red cards were legit, Mastroenni foul was really hard, he hit the side of the foot with the back of his shoe.

Kezman was sent off yesterday against Argentina in a similar foul, thats a red.

[danyel]

a red card is supposed to be used as a last resort for a serious, reckless foul that endangers the safety of an opponent, like deliberately elbowing a player in the face.

WTF?? Its not a flagrant type 2 foul. A red card could be awarded in different situations, stopping a clear gol situation with a foul, hard foul from behind, and of course yellow + yellow = red. Not the refs fault that Pope got himself sent off for stupid fouls he should have known better.

[Phenomanul]

The only missed call was the hand-ball in the box by the Italian defender...

Every other 'major' call was legit.

-- Red on De Rossi - Legit (So far the most unsportsman-like play in the tournament)
-- Double yellow on Pope - Legit (the dude kept fouling every Italian he covered)
-- Red Mastroeni - Legit (Excessive force on the stud-first tackle from the side... would be a red in most leagues)
-- Beasley's Nullified goal - Legit (If McBride does not pick up his foot, then the goal would be legit - it's a shame too)


Random game comments:

I would agree that the Italians were flopping excessively and stopping the clock every 3 minutes or so...

Props to Kasey Keller on those amazing saves near the end of the game..

A little too late from Donovan but it seemed like he finally started to do something on the field.

I too was perplexed why Arenas would hold off on his last substitution... when you have few players on the field an injection of fresh legs can help the team out greatly... Reminds me of Mejia-Baron who kept his 2 remaining substitutions in a game between Mexico and Bulgaria in 1994.... Mexico lost that 2nd Round game in a penalty shootout on worn legs... the two subs would have made an impact on that front... another from the world of World Cup could of would ofs...

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

the ref was from Uruguay, what do u expect?

He is still dirty his team didnt make the finals :smokin

it still feels great knowing that our aussie boys made sure Recoba and his goons didnt make it back to the World Cup this year :lol

[rascal]

The US didn't finish, but Italy's defense wasn't exactly great. And yes, I believe the referee's horrible officiating directly contributed to the outcome of the game. There's a big difference between playing 11 on 10 and 9 on 10. Not to mention the Italians flopping and dragging the game to a halt every five minutes.

No ,The Americans stink. If it wasn't for a lucky own goal, they would still be looking for their first goal of the tournament.

[Gerryatrics]

WTF?? Its not a flagrant type 2 foul. A red card could be awarded in different situations, stopping a clear gol situation with a foul, hard foul from behind, and of course yellow + yellow = red. Not the refs fault that Pope got himself sent off for stupid fouls he should have known better.

No shit. Now when did any of the other situations that can earn a red card happen during the match? That's right, they didn't. Di Rossi was sent off for violent behaviour, trying to take McBride's head off with his elbow, a clear call. Mastroeni was sent off for a hard tackle, from the side, playing the ball, spikes down, his slide led to him clipping the Italian player's ankle, a yellow card at best. Pope was sent off for two yellow cards for what amounted to jersey pulling and flopping by the Italians, he was sent off in the second minute of the second half to leave the US squad with 9 men.


is guilty of serious foul play
is guilty of violent conduct

A tackle, which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

That's what we're talking about here, deliberately endangering an opponent. There have been several tackles identical to Mastroeni's in this World Cup and not one of them earned a red card. It was a bogus call.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

No shit. Now when did any of the other situations that can earn a red card happen during the match? That's right, they didn't. Di Rossi was sent off for violent behaviour, trying to take McBride's head off with his elbow, a clear call. Mastroeni was sent off for a hard tackle, from the side, playing the ball, spikes down, his slide led to him clipping the Italian player's ankle, a yellow card at best. Pope was sent off for two yellow cards for what amounted to jersey pulling and flopping by the Italians, he was sent off in the second minute of the second half to leave the US squad with 9 men.



is guilty of serious foul play
is guilty of violent conduct


A tackle, which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play.
That's what we're talking about here, deliberately endangering an opponent. There have been several tackles identical to Mastroeni's in this World Cup and not one of them earned a red card. It was a bogus call.
fine, believe what you need to believe. If it makes you feel better about your team believing you got robbed by the ref, go ahead, but reality is something else.

[Gerryatrics]

fine, believe what you need to believe. If it makes you feel better about your team believing you got robbed by the ref, go ahead, but reality is something else.

Go ahead and believe you have any idea what the hell you're talking about. Apparently only your view is reality, not the views of millions of fans that agree that the officiating was horrible and affected the game.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Go ahead and believe you have any idea what the hell you're talking about. Apparently only your view is reality, not the views of millions of fans that agree that the officiating was horrible and affected the game.
yeah, the five million watching from the US http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[Trainwreck2100]

Lay off, these Argies still believe the won the gold w/out help from the zebras.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853182.stm


Moments later, Mastroeni was off too. His two-footed, reckless lunge on Pirlo was deserving of a red card and left referee Jorge Larrionda with little option. If Larrionda was expecting a quieter second half, it did not last for long.

Pope slid through Gilardino and was handed his second yellow of the evening, as USA were unbelievably reduced to nine men. http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/matchreport/0,,1800462,00.html


American numbers were reduced further when Pope received his second booking for chopping down Gilardino. Another urgent reshuffle saw the USA playing 4-3-1, and the strategy was out of sorts when Carlos Bocanegra thumped a header against his own crossbar.
Seriously, I'm searching all over the net for an article that states this was a HORRIBLE (as you put it) officiating. All I could find was the American players bitching.

The US played a great game, and IMO they deserved to win it. They didn't, not because they got "screwed" by the ref like you are whining, but because they failed to capitalize on their chances. The refereeing was neither horrible, nor good, it may have been subpar, but you play through subpar refereeing, you don't bitch and moan and say you got robbed http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Lay off, these Argies still believe the won the gold w/out help from the zebras.
more inane comments from Trainwreck... what a shock! http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smirolleyes.gif

[Trainwreck2100]

If the mavs taught us anything, as long as you win who cares how you did it.

[Gerryatrics]

Seriously, I'm searching all over the net for an article that states this was a HORRIBLE (as you put it) officiating. All I could find was the American players bitching.

It doesn't surprise me that reading apparently isn't one of your strong suits.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5058558.stm

PLAYER RATER Which red card offence was worse? According to you, Daniele De Rossi's elbow which gets 81.8% of the vote.

HALF-TIME: What a 45 minutes of football - fluctuating fortunes which had something for everyone. And with all still there to play for the second half should be just as intriguing.

"It wasn't high and it wasn't a straight red. It was a yellow and a warning to calm down. Players must think the referee's desperate to even it up and not take the gamble."
Chris Waddle, BBC Five Live Sport


49 mins: USA coach Bruce Arena is prowling the touchline and clearly wants an argument with any Fifa official in sight. It is the fourth time three men have been sent off in a World Cup finals match. The other matches? Brazil v Czechoslovakia (1938), Brazil v Hungary (1954) and Denmark v South Africa (1998).

PLAYER RATER: Should he stay or should he go? 36% said Pope deserved to be sent off, 64% said he didn't.

47 mins: RED CARD
The Uruguayan referee is throwing his cards around like confetti. Eddie Pope catches Alberto Gilardino and receives a second booking and his marching orders.


"The officials were rubbish. This is the greatest football tournament in the world and they were not up to the job. Bruce Arena got his tactics wrong against the Czech Republic but he did his homework here and Italy couldn't dictate the game. And you have to give the back four of the nine so much credit - I hope they get a day off tomorrow."
Chris Waddle, BBC Five Live Sport

Even Giorgio Chinaglia, one of the biggest Italian homers around said the match was officiated poorly and that the US deserved to win.

[Ariel]

This is about the plays and nothing else. Virtually anyone outside the USA can see it for what it was:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853182.stm


Moments later, Mastroeni was off too. His two-footed, reckless lunge on Pirlo was deserving of a red card and left referee Jorge Larrionda with little option.

The Sun - English newspaper

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2006280013,00.html


Yank pair Pablo Mastroeni, for a sliding studs-first challenge, and the twice-booked Eddie Pope soon followed him off.

[...]

But the Yanks' slight edge after that disappeared just before the interval when ball-winner Mastroeni was dismissed for a reckless lunge from behind on Andrea Pirlo.

And the turnaround was complete less than two minutes into the second period when Pope exited too.

The US defender followed up a first-half booking for a clumsy challenge with a second yellow card for a slightly mis-timed tackle on Gilardino.

The Daily Telegraph - English newspaper

http://wc2006a.telegraph.co.uk/Document.aspx?id=EA6D4F27-19D9-4319-A838-5E6C281CABE2


It was the United States' own fault that they found themselves with nine players - one fewer than the Italians - for nearly half this extraordinary match

[...]

But fate indeed was to deal them a kinder card, for their suicidal tendency turned out to be shared by the United States' defensive midfielder Pablo Mastroeni, who, with the interval looming, launched a dangerous challenge, late and high on Andrea Pirlo's ankle, to which the Uruguayan referee had no hesitation in responding with the second red of the first half.

If that seemed the last thing the Americans needed, there was worse in store a minute after the resumption as the central defender Eddie Pope, already cautioned for foul on Gilardino, committed another and went the way of Mastroeni.

The Guardian - English newspaper

http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/matchreport/0,,1800462,00.html


Pablo Mastroeni summed up the USA's adventure when he advanced to chip a 30-yarder on to the roof of Buffon's net. But a minute before half time he was dismissed for a late lunge at Pirlo's ankle. It was one of the aspects Fifa asked its officials to clamp down on and referee Jorge Larrionda was left no option with either sending-off.

American numbers were reduced further when Pope received his second booking for chopping down Gilardino.

I'm now going to post some Spanish articles, too long for me to translate, but available for anyone who speaks Spanish to read.

Marca - Spanish newspaper

http://www.marca.es/mundial2006/marcador/jornada2/ITA-USA.html


44'
¡EXPULSIÓN DE MASTROENI!. El jugador estadounidense casi le parte el tobillo a Pirlo.

http://www.marca.es/edicion/marca/futbol/mundial/es/desarrollo/660595.html


Italia sólo pudo empatar ante Estados Unidos en un partido violento

[...]

Nada más sacar, mientras la hinchada italiana digería el inesperado empate, De Rossi comitió una estupidez que el colegiado uruguayo Jorge Larrionda, acertadísimo durante los 90 minutos, castigó con la roja.

[...]

En medio de la locura en la que se convirtió el partido durante la última fase de la primera mitad, Mastroeni se precipitó en un balón dividido y se llevó por delante el tobillo de Pirlo. El pensador de los 'azzurri' fue cosido a patadas durante todo el partido a pesar de que Larrionda le intentó proteger mandando a la calle a Mastroeni.

http://www.marca.es/mundial2006/clavesdelpartido/archivo/170606italia-estadosunidos.html


Pese a las airadas protestas de Bruce Arena, el colegiado uruguayo Jorge Larrionda acertó en su decisión de anular un tanto a Bearsley por fuera de juego de McBride, que se interpuso en la trayectoria del balón estorbando a Buffon. Larrionda también expulsó merecidamente tanto a De Rossi como a Mastroeni y Pope, que se emplearon con una dureza inusitada en este comienzo de Mundial.

Diario As - Spanish newspaper

http://www.as.com/futbol/crr/partido.html?p=0189_10_02_0353_0393


Al rato, una espeluznante entrada de Mastroeni a Pirlo equilibró las cosas. Diez contra diez y cuarenta y cinco minutos por delante.

[..]

Eddie Pope, a la calle. Nada más empezar la segunda parte. Segunda tarjeta. Merecida. Pudo haberle hecho mucho daño a Gilardino.

El Mundo Deportivo - Spanish newspaper

http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/20060618/NOTICIA222524925.html


En el último de la primera mitad Mastroeni vio la roja directa por dura entrada por detrás a Pirlo y, en el primero de la reanudación, el central Pope vio la segunda amarilla por otra entrada por detrás a Gilardino.

El Pais - Uruguayan newspaper

http://www.elpais.com.uy/Especiales/Mundial2006/not_222097.asp


El referí uruguayo fue implacable para sancionar las faltas fuertes y fue así que Italia quedó con diez jugadores por la expulsión de Daniele De Rossi a los 28 y Estados Unidos con nueve por las de Pablo Mastroeni y Eddie Pope a los 44 y 46, respectivamente.

[...]

Luego expulsó también a Pablo Matroeni por una falta contra Andrea Pirlo y a Pope por una segunda y ruda entrada contra Gilardino, luego de que ya la anterior había significado la primera tarjeta amarilla.

Televisión Nacional de Chile - Chilean broadcasting network

http://deportes.tvn.cl/detalle.aspx?IdC=203785&IdS=13


Pero lo que vino fue la también inexplicable dura entrada de Mastroeni sobre el tobillo de Pirlo y la consiguiente expulsión del estadounidense (m.45).

[Gerryatrics]

Lay off, these Argies still believe the won the gold w/out help from the zebras.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f7/Hand_of_God_goal.jpg/445px-Hand_of_God_goal.jpg

Help from the zebras? No, that was an obvious clean play, if you think otherwise you're a whiner. Don't forget, it's the Hand of God and the Argentinian born player who gave up 6 goals to Argentina so they could make up a 4 goal differential and advance to the final when he had only given up 6 goals in the previous five games and Argentina had only scored 6 goals all tournament (did they ever give that one a clever name?) that means all Argentines are futbol experts and don't actually have to explain any of their "analysis" to us ignorant Americans.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

It doesn't surprise me that reading apparently isn't one of your strong suits.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5058558.stm






Even Giorgio Chinaglia, one of the biggest Italian homers around said the match was officiated poorly and that the US deserved to win.
I see, so you have Chris Waddle and Giorgio Chinaglia, now llok at Ariel's post http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif and tell who's the one that doesn't know how to read. You sure do know how to whine though

[MaNuMaNiAc]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f7/Hand_of_God_goal.jpg/445px-Hand_of_God_goal.jpg

Help from the zebras? No, that was an obvious clean play, if you think otherwise you're a whiner. Don't forget, it's the Hand of God and the Argentinian born player who gave up 6 goals to Argentina so they could make up a 4 goal differential and advance to the final when he had only given up 6 goals in the previous five games and Argentina had only scored 6 goals all tournament (did they ever give that one a clever name?) that means all Argentines are futbol experts and don't actually have to explain any of their "analysis" to us ignorant Americans.
I exlained it plain and simple, you're the homer that doesn't want to face facts, which is the US was good yesterday, but not good enough to win I'm afraid.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

You got one red card that should have been a yellow (and even that is questionable) the other red card was a yellow + a yellow and that last play DEFINATELY deserved a yellow, so how the fuck can you justify it other than being a complete fn homer??

[MaNuMaNiAc]

This is about the plays and nothing else. Virtually anyone outside the USA can see it for what it was:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853182.stm

Moments later, Mastroeni was off too. His two-footed, reckless lunge on Pirlo was deserving of a red card and left referee Jorge Larrionda with little option.
The Sun - English newspaper

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2006280013,00.html

Yank pair Pablo Mastroeni, for a sliding studs-first challenge, and the twice-booked Eddie Pope soon followed him off.

[...]

But the Yanks' slight edge after that disappeared just before the interval when ball-winner Mastroeni was dismissed for a reckless lunge from behind on Andrea Pirlo.

And the turnaround was complete less than two minutes into the second period when Pope exited too.

The US defender followed up a first-half booking for a clumsy challenge with a second yellow card for a slightly mis-timed tackle on Gilardino.
The Daily Telegraph - English newspaper

http://wc2006a.telegraph.co.uk/Document.aspx?id=EA6D4F27-19D9-4319-A838-5E6C281CABE2

It was the United States' own fault that they found themselves with nine players - one fewer than the Italians - for nearly half this extraordinary match

[...]

But fate indeed was to deal them a kinder card, for their suicidal tendency turned out to be shared by the United States' defensive midfielder Pablo Mastroeni, who, with the interval looming, launched a dangerous challenge, late and high on Andrea Pirlo's ankle, to which the Uruguayan referee had no hesitation in responding with the second red of the first half.

If that seemed the last thing the Americans needed, there was worse in store a minute after the resumption as the central defender Eddie Pope, already cautioned for foul on Gilardino, committed another and went the way of Mastroeni.
The Guardian - English newspaper

http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/matchreport/0,,1800462,00.html

Pablo Mastroeni summed up the USA's adventure when he advanced to chip a 30-yarder on to the roof of Buffon's net. But a minute before half time he was dismissed for a late lunge at Pirlo's ankle. It was one of the aspects Fifa asked its officials to clamp down on and referee Jorge Larrionda was left no option with either sending-off.

American numbers were reduced further when Pope received his second booking for chopping down Gilardino.
I'm now going to post some Spanish articles, too long for me to translate, but available for anyone who speaks Spanish to read.

Marca - Spanish newspaper

http://www.marca.es/mundial2006/marcador/jornada2/ITA-USA.html

44'
¡EXPULSIÓN DE MASTROENI!. El jugador estadounidense casi le parte el tobillo a Pirlo.
http://www.marca.es/edicion/marca/futbol/mundial/es/desarrollo/660595.html

Italia sólo pudo empatar ante Estados Unidos en un partido violento

[...]

Nada más sacar, mientras la hinchada italiana digería el inesperado empate, De Rossi comitió una estupidez que el colegiado uruguayo Jorge Larrionda, acertadísimo durante los 90 minutos, castigó con la roja.

[...]

En medio de la locura en la que se convirtió el partido durante la última fase de la primera mitad, Mastroeni se precipitó en un balón dividido y se llevó por delante el tobillo de Pirlo. El pensador de los 'azzurri' fue cosido a patadas durante todo el partido a pesar de que Larrionda le intentó proteger mandando a la calle a Mastroeni.
http://www.marca.es/mundial2006/clavesdelpartido/archivo/170606italia-estadosunidos.html

Pese a las airadas protestas de Bruce Arena, el colegiado uruguayo Jorge Larrionda acertó en su decisión de anular un tanto a Bearsley por fuera de juego de McBride, que se interpuso en la trayectoria del balón estorbando a Buffon. Larrionda también expulsó merecidamente tanto a De Rossi como a Mastroeni y Pope, que se emplearon con una dureza inusitada en este comienzo de Mundial.
Diario As - Spanish newspaper

http://www.as.com/futbol/crr/partido.html?p=0189_10_02_0353_0393

Al rato, una espeluznante entrada de Mastroeni a Pirlo equilibró las cosas. Diez contra diez y cuarenta y cinco minutos por delante.

[..]

Eddie Pope, a la calle. Nada más empezar la segunda parte. Segunda tarjeta. Merecida. Pudo haberle hecho mucho daño a Gilardino.
El Mundo Deportivo - Spanish newspaper

http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/20060618/NOTICIA222524925.html

En el último de la primera mitad Mastroeni vio la roja directa por dura entrada por detrás a Pirlo y, en el primero de la reanudación, el central Pope vio la segunda amarilla por otra entrada por detrás a Gilardino.
El Pais - Uruguayan newspaper

http://www.elpais.com.uy/Especiales/Mundial2006/not_222097.asp

El referí uruguayo fue implacable para sancionar las faltas fuertes y fue así que Italia quedó con diez jugadores por la expulsión de Daniele De Rossi a los 28 y Estados Unidos con nueve por las de Pablo Mastroeni y Eddie Pope a los 44 y 46, respectivamente.

[...]

Luego expulsó también a Pablo Matroeni por una falta contra Andrea Pirlo y a Pope por una segunda y ruda entrada contra Gilardino, luego de que ya la anterior había significado la primera tarjeta amarilla.
Televisión Nacional de Chile - Chilean broadcasting network

http://deportes.tvn.cl/detalle.aspx?IdC=203785&IdS=13

Pero lo que vino fue la también inexplicable dura entrada de Mastroeni sobre el tobillo de Pirlo y la consiguiente expulsión del estadounidense (m.45).
Yeah, its evident, Gerryatrics and his "millions of fans" claim they were robbed, it must be so http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smirolleyes.gif

[Gerryatrics]

http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/minbymin/0,,1788313,00.html


21 min Eddie Pope is booked for sitting on Gilardino. That looked a bit harsh - they were all over each other and just fell in a heap. Anyway, the ref had a great view from about 60 yards away, and he got his yellow card out.


RED CARD! Mastroeni sent off! The referee predictably evens things up by sending Mastroeni off for a tackle that was, In My Haughty Opinion, a yellow card at worst. He was late on Pirlo, with studs showing, but it was a genuine attempt to play the ball and there is no way in the world that was a red card. Well, no way in the world it should have been, anyway. That was disgracefully weak refereeing.


46 min We're off again. “The BBC apparently ran a poll on De Rossi's card and found 83% agreed he should be sent off,” says Kyle Brown. “What do the other 17% think should be required - guns or knives?”

47 min “Are you kidding me?” says Toby Koschalka (and a couple of (hundred) others). “I'm no fan of the Italian game or the Azzurri but that was as red as they come - straight in on his ankle, whether it was intentional or not.” It was a mistimed slide tackle – a slide tackle, not an over-the-ball tackle - with no malevolent intent deep in the opposition half. If that’s a red card we might as well all enjoy a game of chess and forget football.


54 min Cannavaro brings down MC Dempsey, and Del Piero has come on for Zaccardo. “Someone might want to tap Schlepp Blather on the shoulder and remind him that the United States of America could turn FIFA headquarters into an ashtray at any time of its choosing,” chuckles Whitley.

56 min So far Italy haven't really threatened. Okay, they did hit the bar but there's been no sustained pressure. It's like everyone's just taking stock for 15 minutes, allowing the chips of this increasingly ridiculous match to fall where they may before Italy get on with the job of winning it.

57 min Robbie Graham has pointed out that this referee is now described as “a wanker” on Wikipedia. And they say it’s unreliable!


60 min USA have a half-hearted appeal for handball by Nesta inside the box turned down. It would have been an absurdly harsh decision, which makes it surprising he didn't give it etc and so forth. Let me rephrase all of the above: that was handball by Nesta.


Full time: Italy 1 USA 1 That's the end of one of the most surreal matches in World Cup history - three red cards, one slapstick own goal, a dubiously disallowed goal and lots of other stuff to put the hurt on the funny bone. To return to an unpopular theme, it was a talking dwarf and some gentle erotica away from being a David Lynch film. The USA deserved their point, and can go through if they beat Ghana and Italy beat the Czechs.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

dubiously disallowed goal?? pfff... McBride couldn't have been more offside. Fine, I'm tired of arguing this shit, you want to think you were robbed, go ahead, I've got nothing invested either way.

[Gerryatrics]

You got one red card that should have been a yellow (and even that is questionable) the other red card was a yellow + a yellow and that last play DEFINATELY deserved a yellow, so how the fuck can you justify it other than being a complete fn homer??

I can justify it because the one red card should have been a yellow, the last play deserved a yellow but the first play that earned Pope a caution didn't. Two players got sent off on bogus calls, and I'm an fn homer for pointing out that didn't exactly help the US' chances in that match? It was a US player that almost got taken out by a cheap shot, but it was the US that had to play a man down in the second half.

[Gerryatrics]

dubiously disallowed goal?? pfff... McBride couldn't have been more offside. Fine, I'm tired of arguing this shit, you want to think you were robbed, go ahead, I've got nothing invested either way.

For what it's worth, I actually agreed with the ref's call on that play. It was the two red cards, a missed hand ball, a whole hell of a lot of flopping and a few random fouls that I disagreed with. And maybe if you did have something invested in the game you could watch a freakin' replay and see just how badly the calls were blown.

[Ariel]

http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/minbymin/0,,1788313,00.html
No matter how many quotes you make out of it, that's ONLY ONE link, off the play by play of ONE guy. In fact, I even quoted the official match report from the same newspaper, which states:

The Guardian - English newspaper

http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/matchreport/0,,1800462,00.html


Pablo Mastroeni summed up the USA's adventure when he advanced to chip a 30-yarder on to the roof of Buffon's net. But a minute before half time he was dismissed for a late lunge at Pirlo's ankle. It was one of the aspects Fifa asked its officials to clamp down on and referee Jorge Larrionda was left no option with either sending-off.

American numbers were reduced further when Pope received his second booking for chopping down Gilardino.
But that's besides the point. The thing is, even if you find a report supporting your view, it doesn't prove you were robbed. It would take an overwhelming majority of people agreeing with both calls being wrong for you to validate your claims.

But judging from some of your other posts, you can't handle an independent view contrary to yours... so please, resort to whatever other topic you can find to divert the talk away from the issues...

[MaNuMaNiAc]

For what it's worth, I actually agreed with the ref's call on that play. It was the two red cards, a missed hand ball, a whole hell of a lot of flopping and a few random fouls that I disagreed with. And maybe if you did have something invested in the game you could watch a freakin' replay and see just how badly the calls were blown.
well last I checked I'm not the only one that thinks this way Gerry, are all those people also mistaken? Give me a fucking break. If anything this whole thing proves that the match was not as black and white as you make it out to be. I agree some calls were bad, what I don't agree with is your intent on blaming the fact that you didn't win completely on the ref, which is exactly what you are doing by saying the ref robbed the US. That is bullshit. Anyway, I'm off to sleep a bit before I wake up and see Brasil play.

[Gerryatrics]

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/2559/vlcsnap2130362dg.png

Bastard! He almost took his leg off with his spikes up, two footed, from behind tackle of death.

[Gerryatrics]

well last I checked I'm not the only one that thinks this way Gerry, are all those people also mistaken?

Last I checked I'm not the only one who feels the way I do. So why don't you drop the "people agree with me" bullshit and try adding some actual analysis of the damn game. If you think the game was called fairly, why don't you explain how both reds were the right call?


I agree some calls were bad, what I don't agree with is your intent on blaming the fact that you didn't win completely on the ref, which is exactly what you are doing by saying the ref robbed the US. That is bullshit. Anyway, I'm off to sleep a bit before I wake up and see Brasil play.

I don't think the blown calls by the ref is entirely to blame for the draw, but I do think that the blown calls did contribute to the outcome, which shouldn't happen on this stage of the game. The US didn't finish on a couple of plays that they should have, and I have no clue why Arena thought it was a good idea to save his last substitution, but the US had to play the second half a man down due to blown calls.

[Gerryatrics]

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/4374/78nf1.jpg

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/9743/86zc1.jpg

[velik_m]

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/4374/78nf1.jpg

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/9743/86zc1.jpg

that's a red.

[Gerryatrics]

http://www.edmontonsun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2006/06/18/1639436-sun.html



CARD-HAPPY REF AFFECTS CONTEST

Message to FIFA: Take three or even four players out of every game and you've got a thriller.

Just instruct your referees to follow the example of Uruguayan Jorge Larrionda and you'll have wide-open matches with teams playing nine a side.

Larrionda ejected two Americans and one Italian player in yesterday's 1-1 draw in the World Cup at Kaserslautern, and in the final 43 minutes of the game it was nine against 10 instead of 11 vs. 11.

That meant end-to-end soccer, with shots and saves to thrill the crowd at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion as FIFA president Sepp Blatter watched from the VIP box.

Sorry. Blatter and the fans know deep down this isn't how it should happen.

Although the absence of the three players accidentally created a thrilling spectacle, soccer is all about skilfully creating those chances. It's not about desperate attempts to hoist balls upfield for tired forwards to chase against exhausted defenders.

Red card after red card made it an unreal game and both teams will suffer down the line. At the end, those players still on the field barely had enough energy to walk off, and now they have to lift themselves again for another game in five days.

U.S. coach Bruce Arena diplomatically said that, at this level, referees have a difficult job. Larrionda made mistakes, the same as the players, he said.

He also said he had often prepared his team for the possibility of playing 10 against 11. But never nine against 10.

U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller, the man of the match for his standout saves, described the game as "crazy." Nobody likes a game where the referee becomes the centre of attention, he said.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi didn't enjoy the short-handed game, either.

http://www.eitb24.com/portal/eitb24/noticia/en/sports/football/more-football/world-cup-germany-2006-italy-and-us-draw-1-1-after-controversial-?itemId=D37947&cl=%2Feitb24%2Fdeportes%2Ffutbol%2Fmas_futbol&idioma=en

Italy and the United States slugged out a bruising 1-1 draw in the most controversial match of the World Cup so far in which three players were sent off in their Group E clash on Saturday.

http://www.followfollow.com/news/loadnews.asp?cid=TMNW&id=285664

Daniele De Rossi was rightly red-carded for a savage elbow on Brian McBride and, knowing how referees work, the Yanks really should have been cuter and not given yet another fusspot with a whistle, Uruguay's Jorge Larrionda, the chance to even things up. Pablo Mastroeni was daft enough to lunge into a challenge and he too was on his way to the dressing-room before half-time. And just moments after the restart defender Eddie Pontiff (admin won't let me mention Pope!), having been booked in the first half, picked up another card rather harshly for a careless challenge.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,28749-2231640,00.html

The US’s tactics were a Faustian pact given Fifa’s clamp-downs on aggressive challenges. This is a World Cup where tackles with the potential to harm are considered to be no less serious than those that actually do.

So by the 47th minute it was ten men against nine as Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope were dismissed by the hyper-correct Uruguayan referee, Jorge Larrionda. Unlike De Rossi, they were not malicious, just reckless. These days, that is enough.

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=65152

In a game swamped with red cards Italy and the United States tied on Saturday in Germany.

According to referee Jorge Larrionda this has probably been the least fair-play 2006 World Cub match so far, with two American players and an Italian sent off for playing it too roughly.

Only three more clashes in the whole World Cup history have seen this number of red cards. Curiously enough, Italy has been a side in one of these three games - against Brazil in 1938.

http://express.lineone.net/sport.html?fSKU=2006-06-17T234523Z_01_EVA779298_RTRIDST_0_OUKSP-UK-SOCCER-WORLD-ITALY-ANALYSIS.XML

The red cards, only the fourth time there have been three dismissals in a match at a World Cup finals, may leave the impression this was a dirty game but that would be a harsh judgement.

Certainly, there could be no argument with Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda's dismissal of Italy's Daniele De Rossi for an ugly elbow on Brian McBride, which left the blood-splattered striker needing three stitches below his left eye.

Americans Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope then paid the price for the lowered tolerance towards late tackles from behind.

[Gerryatrics]

that's a red.

I guess we should start preparing for 7 on 7 matches then, because that's a tackle you see every game. Or better yet, let's not even bother to play a complete game. If one-footed tackles made on the ball deserve a red card, jersey pulling, bumps and heavy breathing do too.

[velik_m]

I guess we should start preparing for 7 on 7 matches then, because that's a tackle you see every game. Or better yet, let's not even bother to play a complete game. If one-footed tackles made on the ball deserve a red card, jersey pulling, bumps and heavy breathing do too.

it's not on ball, it's on the foot (see the ball moving away)
it's spikes first.
it's on the standing foot of a player.
it's a red card.

[Gerryatrics]

it's not on ball, it's on the foot (see the ball moving away)
it's spikes first.
it's on the standing foot of a player.
it's a red card.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/4374/78nf1.jpg http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/9743/86zc1.jpg http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4259/99ko.jpg http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2544/104zj.jpg

The ball is moving away because Mastroeni toed it away. The Italian player actually steps on Mastroeni's foot, then his foot slides off, hooks on Mastroeni's foot and he trips over it.
If that's "spikes first" then every tackle is a red card. You can't have your cleats flat on the ground or you wont really slide that well. He has his foot flat to the ground and he makes a play on the ball, he doesn't lift his foot and go for the players leg.
Clipping a player's standing foot calls for a red card? Again, then why don't we see 4 or 5 red cards a match.


http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3931/267or.jpg

Mastroeni clipped the boot of the Italian player but, if you look at the followthrough Mastroeni's lead foot actually ends up ahead of the Italian player's legs. He tripped him up, a clear foul, perhaps deserving of a yellow card, but nobody calls a red card on a tackle like that.