The 2014 FIFA World Cup
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Mac, I never said that any of it is consistent and indeed it shouldn't be. It should be contradictory and infuriating and unfair because that is where the debate and the passion lies. If it were simple, automated and inherently fair then it would also be devastatingly sterile and boring.
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@Maynard:
When the game was solely played in England, by gentlemen, referees and other such irritating and interfering officials weren't even required. It was only the international uptake of the sport by Johnny Foreigner that introduced the concepts of cheating and foul play, thereby requiring referees to arbitrate and enforce the rules. A return to the English Corinthian spirit by all will once again render these petty bureaucrats redundant.
And imagine if Johnny Foreigner had not been authorized to play football. England might have won another world cup (or maybe two, but I doubt it, they are so great at not winning)
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In truth, if England had entered the World Cup in 1930, 34 and 38, we'd probably have won the tournament 4 times by now!
It's also important to remember that it wouldn't be a World Cup if England was the only participant - note to our transatlantic cousins!
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@Maynard:
The semi-final of the 1968 European Championships between Italy and USSR saw Italy progress after a drawn game as the result of a coin toss. Compared to that a penalty shoutout seems very fair and progressive!
I was reading a study by LSE which said that there's a 60/40 advantage for the team which shoots first, so the comparison may not be as farfetched as you might think!
Drawing lots is indeed a sorry way to determine a match, and a disservice to the athletes to have all their skills and efforts determined arbitrarily by some outside force (wink).
I like this concept very much: http://www.theadgalternative.com/
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Our British friends here suffer from no lack of patriotism …..
Am watching the French struggling with Nigeria (where did their game go?) and we are all a little on edge here before the evening game of the German team. -
Can't believe how poorly the Germans play. 35 minutes out of the first half, clear Algerian superiority. Very concerning….
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The Algerians have really surprised me so far, great first half.
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It seemed to me like Germany upped there game towards the end of the half but I was surprised by the first half, and I'd be a bit concerned if I were Germany.
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I think we all were, mclain. The Algerians were not desert foxes, but rather lions. Germany was lucky, their goalie Manuel Neuer saved them a number of times, and our nerves are in tatters. Against France in the quarters a whole different ball game (sorry for the pun) will be required.
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Muller had a bad day and still came away with an assist. I am pulling for you against the French. Algeria put forth a very impressive effort!
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Does it involve some sort of injury, like in Seul's post?
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Looks like Altidore is potentially available for tomorrow.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/30/jozy-altidore-ready-belgium-usa-klinsmann-referee
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Holy crap ! Belgium Vs USA it's like a craft beer World Cup :o
Trappiste or Bourbon barrel aged ???
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Today I will be supporting mainly Belgium.
