World Cup Open Thread -- June 11
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 9:00 AM EDT
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PrintAll the world's eyes turn to South Africa for the next month as the World Cup officially opens today. For the soccer fan, it's truly like Christmas. If Christmas only came once every four years! So I'm pretty excited this morning.
And for the American soccer fan, it should be an entertaining beginning. Our rivals in Mexico open their tournament against South Africa in Group A action in just a few minutes (tune into ESPN at about 9:25 a.m. eastern time). Seeing El Tri fall to Bafana Bafana this morning would be nothing short of spectacular fun. (Unfortunately, also quite unlikely). Later today, France faces Uruguay at about 2 p.m. And who can't enjoy a little hatred of the French? It's all in good fun, right?
But even if you're not rooting for the same teams as me, hopefully you'll enjoy a little soccer talk to get you through your day.
Don't forget, head over to The Only Colors for all of tomorrow's action, including USA-England!
- ESPN's SA-Mex preview
- ESPN's France-Uruguay preview
- SBNation: 2010 World Cup Likeability Rankings. This article is must read pure fun.
- Of course, you can look across the pond for coverage at The Guardian or share your favorite links too.
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omg there's a live stream yesss
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/gamecast?id=264031&cc=5901&ver=us
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ESPN3.com has live video
if you’re into that sort of thing. Otherwise, I gotta believe either ESPN or the BBC would have some sort of gamecast.
by Pete Rossman on Jun 11, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I should have known that nice normal sports would do that
so stoked. I couldn’t call in sick today to watch the first matches.
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I thought about it, but without cable at home, there was very little point
My two favorite teams are the Tigers and Brewers. Drunk tigers. That sounds about right.
Me in 140 characters
I know very little about Soccer
But’ I’ll root for Italy, because my dad is rooting for them.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
I thought he was trapped in the closet
My two favorite teams are the Tigers and Brewers. Drunk tigers. That sounds about right.
Me in 140 characters
Not to place drop or anything
But I was in Marseille the night France beat Spain back in 2006. That was some serious celebrating.
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game, the American game. It will repair our losses and be a blessing to us." Walt Whitman
i would also throw in
that Mexico is like the White Sox. I love to see them lose
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by rock n rye on Jun 11, 2010 9:23 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
nahhh, I gotta root for the Concacaf types
This region doesn’t get any respect, I’d love to see a good showing out of Mexico or the US.
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I understand your reasoning
But I just can’t root for Mexico. Particularly against the underdog host-country team.
Fight for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I very happy today.
What with the World Cup starting and the NCAA dropping the freaking HAMMER on Southern Cal yesterday. What a wonderful couple of days. Too bad the Tigers couldn’t pick it up in Chicago, but at least I have things to distract myself with.
i know it isnt but...
Vuvuzela sounds like a dirty word
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by rock n rye on Jun 11, 2010 9:59 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
That is one spectacular crowd
Fight for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 10:02 AM EDT reply actions
Fine time for my Direct TV signal to go choppy
Fight for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 10:15 AM EDT reply actions
I believe I can sum it up when I say
the guys wearing yellow are chasing around the guys wearing black while we all wait for the guys wearing black to score inevitably.
Now use your imagination!
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow, Mexico is just completely dominating.
Has South Africa held the ball for a minute total yet?
by SweetLouDoubleU on Jun 11, 2010 10:19 AM EDT reply actions
Fun fact just shown on ESPN's Gametracker
South Africa is only the third African side to play in an opening game at the World Cup, the previous two both won 1-0: Cameroon vs Argentina (1990) and Senegal vs France (2002).
Of course, this doesn’t make a difference if South Africa can’t, y’know, get it on Mexico’s side of the field. First step for Bafana Bafana – get a dictionary and look up “counterattack”.
that was exciting for roughly five seconds
maybe they’ll do it for 10 next time.
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I am v impressed with the streaming video
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The fact that Mexico hasn't scored yet
is surprising. SA is just holding on enough to be annoyingly effective (if you’re rooting for Mexico, that is)
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game, the American game. It will repair our losses and be a blessing to us." Walt Whitman
I don't think that's going to last too much longer.
Mexico is controlling it too well, they’re getting too many chances, and the home club can’t seem to get anything going offensively.
Nice service there, nicer play by the SA Goalie.
by SweetLouDoubleU on Jun 11, 2010 10:26 AM EDT reply actions
I'm visiting my parents this weekend....
My mom says the TV sounds like Bees.
by SweetLouDoubleU on Jun 11, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I HATE MY WORK COMPUTER
Apparently I’m on Adobe Flash Player -3, so I can’t run ESPN’s video. Thankfully I’m a seasoned veteran of finding bootleg feeds.
Umpteenth Izzo/Cavs post is done. Now I can focus on the game.
Fight for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 10:28 AM EDT reply actions
I hope he stays
which isn’t easy for me to say as a Michigan fan/alum. He’s good for college basketball, and the Big Ten especially.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
As a Notre Dame fan...
I’ve seen the Irish get spectacularly outcoached just about every time they played Pitt. You guys could do a whole lot worse than Dixon.
When isn't he outcoached?
Not to say he’s a bad coach, but the Big East is absolutely LOADED with quality coaches.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I was trying to be nice, but you’re right.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope he stays as well...
…Hes hands down the best coach in the country…Universiry needs him to stay…How was the rally last night?
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 11, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I love soccer...
…I cant believe the WC is finally here…been a logn 4 year wait!!!
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 11, 2010 10:33 AM EDT reply actions
OK I barely survived the confederations cup
without wanting to shove those horns. a whole month of this will drive me nuts.
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 10:36 AM EDT reply actions
They're not as bad
as that stupid ass drum at Indians games.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
at least you can pretend you're at a very boring rave
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Oooooh close
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game, the American game. It will repair our losses and be a blessing to us." Walt Whitman
CRAM IT HAWK
oh, sorry, reflex
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Speaking of the beautiful game...
did anyone watch DC United vs. Seattle last night? What an ending to that game.
yeah
that was an exciting couple of mintes
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
well, that was the closest one yet
I guess
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+1
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by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
soccer's offsides rule and hockey's icing
two most confusing things to a casual american spots fan?
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 10:46 AM EDT reply actions
Yes
I still don’t fully understand icing sometimes.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
what's not to understand?
Although, the NHL could make it easier by putting in no touch icing
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Referee interpretation, mostly
why they let it go at times.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah, I guess that's true
Usually because they thought a defensive player could make a play on it, or whatever. Another one of those “ref’s discretion” things that drive sports fans nuts
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I'd include
the infield fly rule and charging in basketball in there as well.
by Pete Rossman on Jun 11, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
no, it's the refs who don't understand charging!
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
or travelling, or palming, or...
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I'm not really looking forward to waking up at 6:30 to watch soccer before work the next few weeks
A morning person I’ve never been.
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South Africa is putting the pressure on
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Tough to dive at a ball above your head
Fight for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Ive been watching Soccer for over 20 yrs...
…and nothing beats the World Cup…Love the champions league and watching the premiership in England but the World Cup is hands down the greatest sporting event…Hands Down.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 11, 2010 10:51 AM EDT reply actions
Like the way ESPN is using shading on the offsides replays
Fight for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 10:52 AM EDT reply actions
Lunch time!
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game, the American game. It will repair our losses and be a blessing to us." Walt Whitman
If South Africa wins this game
How quickly does Morgan Freeman buy the movie rights? 10 minutes? 15?
Question from a hockey novice....
Is it required that a team score a goal before I can shout “goooooooooooooooooal”?
are there currently people aroudn you?
if not, shout to your heart’s content
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
does anyone know if we can cancel baseball for the next month/
because I’m all for it.
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 10:57 AM EDT reply actions
I'll simplify your blogging...
- Bottom of the lineup blew it.
- Bullpen didn’t allow anymore runs.
- Getting runs are necessary to win however
- Papa Grande likes to dance.
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you forgot
- Rick is cute and trying to get his shit together
Director of the 2010 Free Casper Wells campaign
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Only on days Rick pitches.
There’ll be additions depending on who pitches.
- Verlander is nasty
- Scherzer used his good eye OR Scherzer used his brown eye.
- Bondo for comeback player of the year
- Galarraga (I’ll never remember how to spell that) was classy and good.
- Rick stayed cute but should be down in Toledo.
- Thomas did good for a spot start, but I still think wanker is a funny word.
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this complicates my methods slightly...
but life aint easy. : )
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So ladies
I pick Mexico for this game , Uruguay for evening.
I also pick final Argentina – Brasil.
USA ?? – they have some chance for Quarterfinals
Let's see
Mexico – They’ll break through eventually and score
France – Always seem to do well in World Cup action, even though they made it here almost by accident
Final: Brazil-Spain
USA – Probably round of 16 and that’s it, but I may be a bit pessimistic.
by Pete Rossman on Jun 11, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
USA ALL THE WAY
But if I were a betting man, I’d go with Spain over the Netherlands in the final.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm half Dutch
So it was hard to pick against them – but they do have a tendency to flame out earlier than they should.
by Pete Rossman on Jun 11, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah they do
but if Chicago can win the Stanley Cup maybe this is the year something crazy happens.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
after the group stage, I gotta root for England
grandma from liverpool and all.
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Brazil for me
Friends/family down there.
Yes, I know it’s like rooting for the Yankees.
Fight for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
accident? Is that what they're calling Henry's crossover dribble these days?
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Yup
They’ve got a league going over at BHGP, the SB Nation Iowa blog. I thought it was going to be simple, but they made draw an option during the group stage. So we’ll see how that goes.
by Pete Rossman on Jun 11, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I think ESPN on tv will rerun some of them
Director of the 2010 Free Casper Wells campaign
No Run Support
ESPN Classic has most of the reruns, I believe
There could be very few things in life better than waking up on a Saturday morning to watch soccer, though, IMO.
Fight for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I know one
Sleeping in on a Saturday and still seeing the soccer that you missed.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!1
Fight for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 11:17 AM EDT reply actions
whoa...South Africa!
I’d just clicked over to the espn gamecast window, and they flashed a “1” in Mexico’s column for a second before fixing it….
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You cannot kick a soccer ball more solidly than the SA scorer did on that goal
Fight for The Only Colors: Green and White!
by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 11:26 AM EDT reply actions
how old is this guy?
i didnt know 60 year olds could play professional soccer
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He's old, no question
but he’s the guy Mexico needs in this situation. If they score, my money is on him.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
you should know better than to say that!
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well, it's not like basketball where the last 2 minutes can take 20 minutes
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I probably said "I hope this is a fast 3 outs" last oct 6
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
if any South Africans are reading this, they're probably cursing you right now
of course, that 3 outs reference probably went right over their heads, “what, is that like an over??”
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I can confirm none of the last 500 visitors
came from the entire continent. so I think we’re safe.
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
does it say anywhere how much stoppage time there's been?
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They announce it when it gets close to 90 minutes
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
thanks.
I’m a bit rusty, I haven’t been keeping up with soccer the last year or so
Director of the 2010 Free Casper Wells campaign
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in that case, check this out
http://www.theonion.com/interactive/the-onion-sports-introduction-to-world-cup-soccer,17558/
thanks for the excuse to post the link :)
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Good Stuff...
..Soccer is a beautiful game to watch…Could watch it all day long.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 11, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Mexico will get one in here...
…this game will end in a 1-1 draw
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 11, 2010 11:39 AM EDT reply actions
Mexico hasa very underated team...
…Small but quick gritty and young.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 11, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Nuts
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by KJ@theonlycolors on Jun 11, 2010 11:40 AM EDT reply actions
Great Defender for Barcalona...
…He comes up a lot like that.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 11, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Greatest Sporting Event In The World...
…it was bound to happen.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 11, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
SA bringing in a striker in place of a mid?
interesting
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sometimes I wish soccer had time outs
like when I drink too much coffee on a friday morning.
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 11:50 AM EDT reply actions
it makes me want to sing
mr jones and me
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I went 2-1 mexico
but you don’t see me rooting for myself to be correct
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I wanted it to go in
but I’m not too broken up about it after the fact
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Stadium would have errupted...
….would have been cool to see.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 11, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
bright side:
group A just got more interesting!
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 12:01 PM EDT reply actions
A draw this afternoon
will turn it into a dogfight. I’d like to see that.
by Rob Rogacki on Jun 11, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
The Three Lions are in the same position as the US
Everyone is saying that this first game matters, but in reality, they just have to take care of business against Algeria and Slovenia to get into the round of 16.
Although the winner of tomorrow’s game probably wins the group.
My two favorite teams are the Tigers and Brewers. Drunk tigers. That sounds about right.
Me in 140 characters
Which fact is more ridiculous?
I saw a poll that said:
Only 4% of English football fans (people surveyed) picked England to win the World Cup. OR
Over 50% of US football fans (again, people surveyed) picked the US to win the World Cup.
I like to be confident in my teams, but that over 50% is absurd.
My two favorite teams are the Tigers and Brewers. Drunk tigers. That sounds about right.
Me in 140 characters
I was not aware there were that many crazy people in the US
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
They Could be
Like me and not be able to name any teams in the world cup besides the US England and that’s it. I didn’t know it was in South Africa until this morning when i watched some of the game.
I hate Soccer, but this year I giving it a chance and while I understand nothing and am confused most of the time lost the rest of the time. I at least know what a goal is except for when it’s not =/.
is it time for the next match yet????????
Director of the 2010 Free Casper Wells campaign
No Run Support
no one in the pool i'm in got a point for that first match
I have france 1-0
Director of the 2010 Free Casper Wells campaign
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I have france 1-0
but now that I see Alli has that I may need to change things up!
by Kurt Mensching on Jun 11, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
If no one else is, I'll take Uruguay
Karma is a less than kind, Henry.
My two favorite teams are the Tigers and Brewers. Drunk tigers. That sounds about right.
Me in 140 characters
Soccer is boring
but the guy who announces GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLS is awesome so go him.
I believe the term you are looking for is "laser"
My two favorite teams are the Tigers and Brewers. Drunk tigers. That sounds about right.
Me in 140 characters
Hmph, this didn't show up on my RSS and I totally forgot about the thread.
Oh wells. First game seemed entertaining, at least from the gamecast.
That is so annoying.
How the hell did this become the popular thing to do? We Americans don’t have silly noisemakers like this, do we?
…
…
Oh. Carry on, then.
I'm dying to get out of here so I can go home, pick up my brother, and get to the game.
Because leaving Detroit just to drive right back is so fun. But seriously, anxious for my first game this year, ahmg.
are these different announcers? I don't have the sound up very high
Director of the 2010 Free Casper Wells campaign
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ah ok
i havent been reading/watching pregame or anything since im at work
Director of the 2010 Free Casper Wells campaign
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I'm watching Univision
Since I can’t access espn3 at home. Stupid earthlink. But this is fun, too.
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game, the American game. It will repair our losses and be a blessing to us." Walt Whitman
//resists asking who that good looking very tall frenchman is
Director of the 2010 Free Casper Wells campaign
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Hello everyone
I see 0s and I’ve been hearing the word “squander” a lot in these telecasts, I’m glad it’s not another Tigers game.
still zeroes, eh?
second half any better than the first?
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If you don't know about this........
Type “french military victories” in Google and hit “I’m feeling lucky”, worth it.
French free kick just outside the box
If it’s not going to end in a classic 0-0 disappointment, this is our only hope.
not a soccer fan here
anyone know of a good link or something they can send me that has just a quick: “everything you need to know about the world cup?”
ESPN has pretty good coverage, so I'd go to ESPN.com
Has history of the teams, venues, schedules, groups…etc.
Shameless plug alert
I wrote a fairly entertaining preview at D4L (link in my signature).
Dirty Tackle is a Yahoo blog that provides some great coverage too.
Glad I had a staff meeting that lasted the two hours this game took
/Sarcasm’d
My two favorite teams are the Tigers and Brewers. Drunk tigers. That sounds about right.
Me in 140 characters
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