themanupstairs

What's he been banned from doing exactly? Taking bribes? Driving? Eating Qatarwurst?

Dos Santos, Herrera, Peralta and Layun really impressed me for Mexico. Loved their movement with and without the ball. Great to see. I guess that's what I've missed by only watching NUFC all year. I sincerely hope they give Brazil a game and not lay down and take it up the chihuahua. Quite liked Chupo-Moting and Chedjou for Cameroon, but they're a poor side really. Not much cohesion or fluency in their game. A patch job of their more outstanding players on the plane, and nowt more. BAE doesn't deserve to play in the world cup ffs.

4 Mexico players in the penalty area when Peralta scored. Any one of them would have tucked that rebound in if he hadn't. LOVE that attacking mentality. Fuck off Pardew you dour cunt.

Keegan said before the match started that it was a type of grass (even mentioned the technical spec) used specifically for torrential rain conditions, and can absorb quite a hefty amount of water.

Mexico manager http://i.imgur.com/q68snXO.jpg

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

This Miguel Layun fella has been superb. Couple of crosses in the first half that fell short, but other than that he's been excellent for Mexico down that left side. I'm a fan now.

Refs have been overly dramatic and theatrical so far. Really deliberate in every action.

Who cares? The cunt should be watching the match now anyway. What's he doing reaffirming commitments when there's world cup on the telly?

Related to the Qatar bid apparently. Come on!

Laying down parallel to the tv on an uncomfortable sofa at home. It's 8pm. I'm shirtless, and sipping on ice water, and swatting away mosquito f***s. I just picture this: http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110519033949/slaveleia/images/0/08/Jabba_the_hutt.jpg You're not far off

Sounded to me like detail was what the man was after

Laying down parallel to the tv on an uncomfortable sofa at home. It's 8pm. I'm shirtless, and sipping on ice water, and swatting away mosquito fucks.

Loving this eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-puuuuutooooo lark. Hoping for a Cameroon goal kick every attack.

Mark Halsey, Andy Gray, Kevin Keegan, Michel Salgado, Andy Cole ...all indirectly discussing the possibility of "Brazil needing to win", after Keys had asked them if they thought the refs from last night "were given a wink that Brazil needed to win". They must also all be deluded to question the integrity of FIFA organized tournaments.

Seems that Chicharito isn't starting for Mexico

Howay then. Off to the Lush Lasses of football thread.

Love, Serbia. Nothing to do with this. It has gone too far, but long story really. Maybe half of country (Croatia) was supporting Brasil yesterday. Especially ones who follow football every day, go on matches, read news about football federation every day etc. Why is that?

Love, Serbia.

The cross that Luiz couldn't connect with properly was delicious.

Was willing them on to score for fun last night until Fred dived to win the penalty, then looked to the heavens to thank God. That boiled my piss no end tbh.

awesome

What do you expect him to say? Roberto Martinez is spanish and did the same re the Haidara tackle. It's all mind games ffs, he knows deep inside it's not a penalty. I expect him not to make a complete fool out of himself, and not delude himself, his team or his fans in thinking the win was 100% deserved/a present from the heavens for good behavior/par for the course/etc... Brazil could have easily been embarrassed last night by a determined Croatian team, and it should have served as a reminder that neither Scolari nor his team can be complacent if they are serious about the tournament - and they can win it. Scolari said that had it been reversed roles he'd be saying the same as Kovac. He said Croatia were excellent and should qualify from this group with ease. Also, Brazil were the better side all game, Croatia were unlucky but let's not make it like they dominated Brazil and draw would've been the fairest result. 'Embarrass' Which part of the word "could" is difficult to understand? That was clearly not Brazil at their best. If that was the best they could do in this tournament, then they haven't got a chance. Moreover, had the match ended in a 1-1 draw, the Brazilian fans would have seen it as an embarrassment. Regardless of opposition, they would have expected to win the opening game of the world cup they are hosting. There's no telling what could have been had the ref not awarded a penalty for that blatant "miracle" dive. Up until that point, Brazil were struggling to create anything, and would have got more frustrated as the half wore on.

Huh? He saved two excellent shots and couldn't do anything in the goal. He did everything that was asked for him? Or are you one of those putting the ''Olic clatters over him'', on him? Yes yes. I'm one of those putting it on him.

What do you expect him to say? Roberto Martinez is spanish and did the same re the Haidara tackle. It's all mind games ffs, he knows deep inside it's not a penalty. I expect him not to make a complete fool out of himself, and not delude himself, his team or his fans in thinking the win was 100% deserved/a present from the heavens for good behavior/par for the course/etc... Brazil could have easily been embarrassed last night by a determined Croatian team, and it should have served as a reminder that neither Scolari nor his team can be complacent if they are serious about winning the tournament - and they can win it.