FIFA WORLD CUP 2014 THREAD

Originally posted by SunDevilNiner79:

Originally posted by fortyninerglory:

I believe the old NASL had something in place very similar but FIFA forced them to remove it from their game. There has to be an out of the box idea to solve the problem. But as 4ML alluded to, is it really a problem? I've been involved in penalty shootouts and they're quite fun to play in and definitely watch. But the goalie is really at a disadvantage. It really feels like the game sometimes comes down to flipping a coin. Anyway, the offsides pitch *no pun intended* was mainly about modifying the rule in general and not just a solution to PK's.

What I don't like about it is goalies ayre so screwed, they have to rely on guesswork it seems

Yeah, its really not fair. And penalty taker can like start and stop to f**k with the goalie even more.

Goalies are definitely at a disadvantage but it's not total guess work. Some of its instincts and some of it is preparation and some of it is guesswork. A goalkeeper has to learn the tendencies of each player - especially PK tendency. They also are supposed to watch videos to see the form of each player to have a better idea where the player will kick or when he will fake. A great penalty kicker will have a same starting form regardless of where he's shooting.

Plus, every shootout I've seen - and I've been watching/playing soccer since I was 3...it is rare that both teams make 5 of 5 kicks. It is very common to see a goalie stop at least one kick. 2 stops happen enough times. All the pressure is on the kickers. And, it may seems like if a kicker hits the ball in the side of the netting - goalie can't do much...but it's not easy to hit the corners - especially in a pressure situation like that.

haha what a scumbag move and marcelo doesn't react at all to it -- maintains the same boyish grin lolz

Originally posted by DRnSFw:

Lol, I love Marcelo.

really cool article about soccer clubs vs international teams

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/could-the-world-cup-champion-beat-the-best-club-team-in-the-world/

Enjoy the home-field disadvantage

Every Brazilian who thought of skipping the final to wallow in his or her grief now has a reason to get out of bed on Sunday -- to boo the team that has caused Brazil such misery, embarrassment and salty tears, Argentina.

If you find it hard to fathom that the home fans would support a nation that eviscerated their erstwhile heroes 7-1, you fail to understand the enmity they feel toward their fierce South American rivals. The level of dislike Brazilians bear toward the Germans is a Chihuahua compared to the slavering, rabid pit bull of loathing that they reserve for their now brutally noisy neighbors. Also, Brazilians appreciate beautiful soccer when they see it, and some of the stuff Die Mannschaft displayed on Tuesday belonged in the Museum of Modern Art.

After Andre Schurrle kicked the extra point to make it 7-0 by ripping a thunderous left-footed drive into the top corner in the 78th minute, the most extraordinary thing happened. The remaining Brazilian supporters, while choking back their sobs, gave the German substitute a standing ovation. Then five minutes later as the Germans continued to toy with the abject hosts, stringing together a half-dozen one-touch passes while the Brazilians chased their shadows, the fans Ole-ed their skill.

By contrast, on Wednesday, Argentina got a taste of the warm and loving reception that awaits them on Sunday at the high temple of Brazilian futebol, the Maracana. As Argentina's turgid semifinal with Netherlands lurched into extra time, everyone in Arena Corinthians not wearing blue and white whistled and jeered La Albiceleste's every touch. So even though Brazil and Argentina share a continent, the final will feel like a home game for Germany. The din figures to be relentless, and if Argentina have any doubts whether Brazilian fans are any good at booing, all they have to do is ask Fred.

Sabella will step down as Argentina's coach regardless of the result on Sunday.

http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/7/11/5890679/alejandro-sabella-argentina-world-cup

is angel di maria playing or not?

Originally posted by PRIMETIME21:
is angel di maria playing or not?

Soccer injuries - you never what the f**k is going on.

Lol, USA fans upset Tim Howard not nominated for golden glove. Dude played great in the Belgium game, but he isn't the best in the tourney

Originally posted by vrabbit:
really cool article about soccer clubs vs international teams

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/could-the-world-cup-champion-beat-the-best-club-team-in-the-world/

Cool article, makes a lot of sense as well.

No1curr bout 3rd place.