FIFA: 2010 World Cup Discussion Thread
05-25-2010, 04:14 PM
#41
Senior Moderator
http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/socc...ddW3tgM9EtHACO
:ghey:
The world's highest-paid soccer star, Cristiano Ronaldo, is fuming that Vanity Fair put him on the cover in tight underpants with rival player Didier Drogba.
Team Real Madrid stud Ronaldo is furious that after he stripped down to his underpants and showed off his ripped muscles for photographer Annie Leibovitz, the magazine bosses also ran a photo of Chelsea FC striker Drogba on the cover.
Rivalry between two of the world's best players is strong, and Ronaldo's team, Portugal, will take on Drogba's Ivory Coast in their opening World Cup match June 15.
One source told us that Ronaldo -- who earns $30 million a year and was recently linked to curvy beauty Kim Kardashian -- has complained Vanity Fair widely used his image to market its June issue. "Ronaldo is freaking out," the source said. "He says he wants to sue Vanity Fair for using his image to promote the issue everywhere.
"Even though this is pretty standard practice in the magazine world, he and his managers insist only they have control of his image and where it can be used.
"But no legal action has been launched, and there are whispers that what really upset Ronaldo was that, having stripped off to his underpants for the shoot in Madrid, he didn't envisage sharing the cover with another player photographed in Milan."
Ronaldo, 25, became the highest-paid soccer player in the world last June when Real Madrid bought him from Manchester United for a record-breaking $130 million.
But despite being one of the world's most popular players, Ronaldo, once linked to Paris Hilton, was blasted as "vain" by ex Nereida Gallardo, who told Britain's News of the World in 2008: "He likes his body to be smooth all over and would even use a hair-removal cream. He would also use tubs of moisturizer, coating every part of his body . . . His house is full of mirrors so he's always walking around glancing at himself."
Vanity Fair declined to comment, and Ronaldo's rep did not get back to us.
Team Real Madrid stud Ronaldo is furious that after he stripped down to his underpants and showed off his ripped muscles for photographer Annie Leibovitz, the magazine bosses also ran a photo of Chelsea FC striker Drogba on the cover.
Rivalry between two of the world's best players is strong, and Ronaldo's team, Portugal, will take on Drogba's Ivory Coast in their opening World Cup match June 15.
One source told us that Ronaldo -- who earns $30 million a year and was recently linked to curvy beauty Kim Kardashian -- has complained Vanity Fair widely used his image to market its June issue. "Ronaldo is freaking out," the source said. "He says he wants to sue Vanity Fair for using his image to promote the issue everywhere.
"Even though this is pretty standard practice in the magazine world, he and his managers insist only they have control of his image and where it can be used.
"But no legal action has been launched, and there are whispers that what really upset Ronaldo was that, having stripped off to his underpants for the shoot in Madrid, he didn't envisage sharing the cover with another player photographed in Milan."
Ronaldo, 25, became the highest-paid soccer player in the world last June when Real Madrid bought him from Manchester United for a record-breaking $130 million.
But despite being one of the world's most popular players, Ronaldo, once linked to Paris Hilton, was blasted as "vain" by ex Nereida Gallardo, who told Britain's News of the World in 2008: "He likes his body to be smooth all over and would even use a hair-removal cream. He would also use tubs of moisturizer, coating every part of his body . . . His house is full of mirrors so he's always walking around glancing at himself."
Vanity Fair declined to comment, and Ronaldo's rep did not get back to us.
05-26-2010, 08:28 AM
#45
Senior Moderator
05-26-2010, 08:58 AM
#46
Q('.')=O
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
USA 2 - 4 Czech Republic 
(Favorite team other than USA). But it was definitely not USA's strongest squad.
We should see their strongest squad and how they perform on Saturday vs Turkey, should be a great game. Can't wait!
(Favorite team other than USA). But it was definitely not USA's strongest squad.We should see their strongest squad and how they perform on Saturday vs Turkey, should be a great game. Can't wait!
05-26-2010, 09:21 AM
#47
Senior Moderator
Anyone watch England-Mexico? Thoughts?
05-26-2010, 11:12 AM
#48
Q('.')=O
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
I did. Mexico looked the much better team in the first half, England got lucky cus Mexico could have been up 3-1 by halftime. But England started to play better in the 2nd half. They gotta get some of their shit together. But still, they didn't have Lamps, Terry, or Ashley Cole in... and their problems were in midfield (Lamps would help with that) and Mexico killing them down the sidelines (Ashley Cole woulda done much better).
05-26-2010, 01:43 PM
#51
Suzuka Master
Damn, bummed local boy Brian Ching didn't make the final 23 man roster. Somewhat surprised Eddie Johnson didn't make the cut and Beasley did (looks like he's back from exile).
05-29-2010, 06:29 PM
#53
Q('.')=O
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Wow the USA played like absolute shit in the first half. Second half was a different story, the subs made a huge difference....
Here is my starting USA lineup based on what I've seen:
G-Howard
D-Bocanegra
D-Cherundolo
D-Onyewu
D-DeMerit (he played like absolute shit this game but hopefully it was a bad day)
M-Bradley
M-Torres
M-Donovan
M-Dempsey
F-Altidore
F-Findley
...and somehow work Holden in midfield if needed...
And OMG cut Bornstein already WOW what a baddie...
Here is my starting USA lineup based on what I've seen:
G-Howard
D-Bocanegra
D-Cherundolo
D-Onyewu
D-DeMerit (he played like absolute shit this game but hopefully it was a bad day)
M-Bradley
M-Torres
M-Donovan
M-Dempsey
F-Altidore
F-Findley
...and somehow work Holden in midfield if needed...
And OMG cut Bornstein already WOW what a baddie...
05-29-2010, 07:07 PM
#55
05-30-2010, 11:52 PM
#56
What Would Don Draper Do?
i'm somewhat surprised that DMB made the squad too. he's barely played club soccer over the last 4 years too, and after last summer's debacle in the confederations cup, i wasn't expecting him to get another chance. but kudos for him to getting fit.
Wow the USA played like absolute shit in the first half. Second half was a different story, the subs made a huge difference....
Here is my starting USA lineup based on what I've seen:
G-Howard
D-Bocanegra
D-Cherundolo
D-Onyewu
D-DeMerit (he played like absolute shit this game but hopefully it was a bad day)
M-Bradley
M-Torres
M-Donovan
M-Dempsey
F-Altidore
F-Findley
...and somehow work Holden in midfield if needed...
And OMG cut Bornstein already WOW what a baddie...
Here is my starting USA lineup based on what I've seen:
G-Howard
D-Bocanegra
D-Cherundolo
D-Onyewu
D-DeMerit (he played like absolute shit this game but hopefully it was a bad day)
M-Bradley
M-Torres
M-Donovan
M-Dempsey
F-Altidore
F-Findley
...and somehow work Holden in midfield if needed...
And OMG cut Bornstein already WOW what a baddie...
i'd rather see clint in the midfield too. i dunno if findley is ready to start. it's really too bad charlie can't make it.
i like holden a lot, but that probably means clint goes up front.
it's a tough decision. i think we play 5 in the midfield against england. it's even tougher because landon is our best midfielder, attacking midfielder, forward, and winger.
06-02-2010, 03:40 PM
#58
I'm not into the World Football but thought you guys would like this WorldCup Calendar. One of the best I've seen for any sport.
http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/...o-english.html
http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/...o-english.html
06-02-2010, 04:14 PM
#59
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ Excellent Calendar/Schedule!
...and
Forza Italia!
¡Viva Argentina!
...and
Forza Italia!
¡Viva Argentina!
06-02-2010, 06:48 PM
#61
The sizzle in the Steak
Controversial World Cup ball defended by developer
Stars from England, Brazil and Italy have joined forces to criticise the controversial new ball to be used in the World Cup, but the developer insists there will be no cause for concern once the tournament gets underway in South Africa.
The Adidas 'Jabulani' ball has caused concern at training camps across the globe as the world's best players try it out ahead of the start of the World Cup on June 11.
It is believed to have an unpredictable swerving movement which makes its hard for goalkeepers and strikers to anticipate its direction in flight.
England goalkeeper David James says the ball is "horrible", Brazil forward Luis Fabiano calls it "weird" and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon fears its "unpredictability" could ruin the World Cup.
However, Dr Andy Harland, who developed the ball at Loughborough University's Sports Technology Institute in England, said much of the criticism was due to the unfamiliar effects arising from teams playing at altitude as part of their pre-World Cup training.
"I've seen nothing that's concerned me," he told Sky Sports News. "This ball has been around since December and been used since then around the world with very few comments.
"Teams have gone to altitude and you've seen comments come out in those circumstances.
"We've said all along it would affect the ball, but it should be said whichever ball you play with at altitude is going to be affected."
The ball is billed as the roundest ever made, a quality which would make it less stable in the air if not for a series of grooves on the surface designed to reduce aerodynamic problems.
Harland said not one team had contacted him to discuss the ball and added he was not surprised by the criticism.
"It's not entirely unexpected," he said. "Before every tournament players come out and voice their opinions.
"There are no secrets about this ball. The ball is designed to allow the very best players in the world to exhibit their skills."
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php...show_article=1
The Adidas 'Jabulani' ball has caused concern at training camps across the globe as the world's best players try it out ahead of the start of the World Cup on June 11.
It is believed to have an unpredictable swerving movement which makes its hard for goalkeepers and strikers to anticipate its direction in flight.
England goalkeeper David James says the ball is "horrible", Brazil forward Luis Fabiano calls it "weird" and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon fears its "unpredictability" could ruin the World Cup.
However, Dr Andy Harland, who developed the ball at Loughborough University's Sports Technology Institute in England, said much of the criticism was due to the unfamiliar effects arising from teams playing at altitude as part of their pre-World Cup training.
"I've seen nothing that's concerned me," he told Sky Sports News. "This ball has been around since December and been used since then around the world with very few comments.
"Teams have gone to altitude and you've seen comments come out in those circumstances.
"We've said all along it would affect the ball, but it should be said whichever ball you play with at altitude is going to be affected."
The ball is billed as the roundest ever made, a quality which would make it less stable in the air if not for a series of grooves on the surface designed to reduce aerodynamic problems.
Harland said not one team had contacted him to discuss the ball and added he was not surprised by the criticism.
"It's not entirely unexpected," he said. "Before every tournament players come out and voice their opinions.
"There are no secrets about this ball. The ball is designed to allow the very best players in the world to exhibit their skills."
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php...show_article=1
06-02-2010, 07:14 PM
#62
Q('.')=O
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Yea read that a while ago. Then again, the players are always complaining about the ball every world cup aka last cup all the keepers were like 'i hate the ball it swerves too much you can't tell what it will do etc...' bla bla bla
06-02-2010, 09:55 PM
#63
Senior Moderator
It happens every four years. The difference is that in the past, a lot of the complaints were from the free kick specialists that complained about the change in trajectory. This time, I've only heard complaints from GKs.
06-02-2010, 11:10 PM
#64
It's about $$$$$ Adidas is controlling it to fund their sponsorship. Most major leagues in any sport won't change the ball.
06-03-2010, 07:50 AM
#65
Senior Moderator
Korea DPR have been told by FIFA that Kim Myong-Won will only be able to play as a goalkeeper in the FIFA World Cup™ and not in his usual role as a striker.
Coach Kim-Jong Hun decided to name only two regular goalkeepers in his squad with Kim, who plays for Amrokgang, as the back-up. It was seen as an attempt to boost the nation's attacking options as they prepare to face Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal in Group G.
However the move has backfired spectacularly after FIFA confirmed to Press Association Sport that Kim will only be allowed to play as a goalkeeper, not as an outfield player. Unless there is an injury, no changes will be permitted to their final squad.
In a statement, world football's governing body said: "The squad lists that the teams had provided to FIFA by 1 June, 2010 are final and can no longer be changed. On the final lists must be no more than 23 players, three of whom shall be goalkeepers.
"The only exception is in the case of a serious injury of a player in the list of 23, who could be replaced up until 24 hours before the first match of the team in the competition.
"The three players listed as goalkeepers can only play as goalkeepers during the FIFA World Cup and cannot play outfield. This will be communicated to the teams in the team arrival meetings and will be enforced on match days." The statement added: "Kim Myong-Won will not be allowed to play as an outfield player if he has been put on the list as a goalkeeper."
Coach Kim-Jong Hun decided to name only two regular goalkeepers in his squad with Kim, who plays for Amrokgang, as the back-up. It was seen as an attempt to boost the nation's attacking options as they prepare to face Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal in Group G.
However the move has backfired spectacularly after FIFA confirmed to Press Association Sport that Kim will only be allowed to play as a goalkeeper, not as an outfield player. Unless there is an injury, no changes will be permitted to their final squad.
In a statement, world football's governing body said: "The squad lists that the teams had provided to FIFA by 1 June, 2010 are final and can no longer be changed. On the final lists must be no more than 23 players, three of whom shall be goalkeepers.
"The only exception is in the case of a serious injury of a player in the list of 23, who could be replaced up until 24 hours before the first match of the team in the competition.
"The three players listed as goalkeepers can only play as goalkeepers during the FIFA World Cup and cannot play outfield. This will be communicated to the teams in the team arrival meetings and will be enforced on match days." The statement added: "Kim Myong-Won will not be allowed to play as an outfield player if he has been put on the list as a goalkeeper."
Go DPRK! I like how this team is going to play Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Portugal, but their strategy is to load up on strikers.
06-03-2010, 07:59 AM
#66
Q('.')=O
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Well honestly, DPRK do have that one good striker... Jong Tae-Se. Scored two good goals vs Greece in a friendly just recently. But still, they have no chance in their group. I think the Ivory Coast vs Portugal game will be the most important game to see who gets 2nd.
But I hate both teams anyways...
06-03-2010, 03:32 PM
#72
Q('.')=O
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Also since it is each of their last friendlies, Japan vs Ivory Coast will play their friendly game with 3 'halves' aka 135 of play just so each side can get all their players on the field to take a look at them.
06-03-2010, 03:40 PM
#73
The Dumb One
iTrader: (1)
germany is clearly better... but bosnia was clinging for life, and i would have loved to see germany drop the game to bosnia.
that Ivory coast japan game sounds interesting.
06-04-2010, 10:12 AM
#75
Q('.')=O
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
FFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
DROGBA NOOOOOOO!!!!!
STOP playing these fucking friendlies so close to the cup!
Ballack out - huge loss for Germany
Essien out - huge loss for Ghana
Ferdinand out - huge loss for England
Drogba out (hopefully he can fight thru it though) - epic loss for Ivory Coast
I am going to have to adjust my bracket pics now...
DROGBA NOOOOOOO!!!!!
STOP playing these fucking friendlies so close to the cup!
Ballack out - huge loss for Germany
Essien out - huge loss for Ghana
Ferdinand out - huge loss for England
Drogba out (hopefully he can fight thru it though) - epic loss for Ivory Coast
I am going to have to adjust my bracket pics now...
ivory coast's tourney...
06-04-2010, 01:47 PM
#78
Q('.')=O
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/040620...jury-blow.html
Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba may recover from the elbow injury he sustained in a friendly match in 10 days' time - and be fit to play at the World Cup.
06-04-2010, 11:46 PM
#79
What Would Don Draper Do?
what a shame for all of these world class players to miss out due to injury.
i don't care what you think about the player or his team. but it sucks for any player to miss out on his dream of playing in the world cup due to injury.
beckham, essien, ballack, ferdinand...possibly drogba. suazo from chile may be out.
i ordered beckham and ballack jerseys a few weeks ago too.
i don't care what you think about the player or his team. but it sucks for any player to miss out on his dream of playing in the world cup due to injury.
beckham, essien, ballack, ferdinand...possibly drogba. suazo from chile may be out.
i ordered beckham and ballack jerseys a few weeks ago too.
06-04-2010, 11:48 PM
#80
What Would Don Draper Do?
even without drogba, i still think ivory coast can sneak past portugal.
portugal's looked bad since 08, and CQ has no idea what he's doing. obviously, the ivory coast vs. portugal match will be crucial.
portugal's looked bad since 08, and CQ has no idea what he's doing. obviously, the ivory coast vs. portugal match will be crucial.