World Cup Anyone?

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:03 pm

I know that we're an international bunch so I just was wondering if anyone was excited as I am for the World Cup? I'm a huge England football (aka soccer) fan and hope that they go all the way.

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:25 pm

I can't focus on another sport as long as the Stanley Cup Finals are going on...

I love the spirit of soccer fans, though. Except for the maiming and beating up of rival fans and players, and sometimes their OWN players. Mostly love the loud cheering and boisterous singing.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:28 pm

I'm with the Socceroos, Alisha. I don't like our chances of getting into the secound round but since we haven't been there for 32 years it's still a huge buzz!!

We had a 1-1 draw with Holland this morning, so that's heartening.......

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:33 pm

I read that report out on Australia Howard....seems like Cahill had an intersting goal to even things up

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:46 pm

Yes... I haven't seen any vision of it yet, Alisha, but I'm sure there will be a replay tonight - or at least highlights on one of the sports shows.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:17 am

Hmmmm.... a goal from a missed penalty by Mark Viduka. Lucky, but we'll take 'em any way they come!!

squid · Post by **squid** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:56 am

I'm a big football fan. Unfortunately, Canada hasn't had a team in the World Cup since Mexico hosted. (I think CONCACAFF had a couple extra slots that year!) I generally cheer for England based on ancestry, but the great thing about living in Canada is that you can find just about any bunch of people cheering for just about any team that's still in it! That won't be England past the quarter-finals I'm afraid. I do draw the line at cheering for Australia, though. There have been too many stinging Ashes defeats for me to do that.

Steve: Cheering for England is a bit like cheering for the Leafs. You know the outcome long before the season's even started, but you cheer anyway, despite yourself.

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:29 pm

Howard, is that you on the far right?

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:10 pm

Er..... close, Alisha. I'm a fair bit older - but I'd certainly have a beer in my hand!!

I can understand that, John. I'll never get over Johnny Wilkinson.....

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:24 pm

I'm not much of a soccer fan but I love the World Cup! No Canada (again), but like John says, you can usually find a nice watering hole full of ex-pats cheering for England.
http://www.weebls-stuff.com/toons/footy/

ben_hall · Post by **ben_hall** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:26 pm

Ever notice that countries that call it "soccer" instead of "football" aren't very good? And don't tell me the US is ranked as high as fifth, the FIFA rankings are always totally off the mark. Dominating a weak region and never winning in Europe is nothing to be proud of! Sorry, end of rant. Go Ivory Coast...

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:35 pm

Ivory Coast is OK Ben, but Togo has better voodoo...
http://togo.worldcupblog.org/group-g/african-voodoo-magic-at-world-cup-2006.html

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 2:49 pm

Ben, my thoughts exactly. How the USA can be higher than England makes no sense to me. The U.S. did pull a tough group for the WC though...

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:13 pm

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your leanings) the game will probably never be known here as anything other than "soccer". The governing body is pushing hard by changing its name from the "Australian Soccer Federation" to "Football Federation Australia".

They are going to have a tough time convincing millions of feral "Aussie Rules" football, Rugby and Rugby League fans that it's the right way to go, however!

mgauction · Post by **mgauction** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:19 pm

I just came back from the UK and football is it! Drinking my favorite beers in a UK pub and watching football is the best! Man, if I lived in the UK I would be a huge football fan. Can't believe that the USA team is so highly rated.