Neil

If you squint your eyes, hobshobs' name is merely an anagram of Dave, so there you go.

Been saying for a while Kanji should have the keys to the forum, might see some proper change round this place. Instead we get ST and Rich come-at-me-bro-ing the fuck out of each other, it's just not good enough and I'm pretty sure it's not what Dave and The Order envisaged would become of this place.

Is this a Krul heel turn?

He is though. He had a ridiculous game against Man United where he completely dominated. Since then I think he's been exclusively shite. He was good for us because of how we played him, but anyone who watched us regularly with a few brain cells could see if we were going to progress as a footballing side - just like how we got rid of Cahill (about 2 years too late) - we needed to get rid, and thus why the fee we got was so hilarious.

Argentina's central midfield is weak. Belgium should be really getting at them and dominating but there's fuck all movement going forward bar Hazard.

Think Brazil have looked better personally. I'd probably agree there. Argentina really have just relied on Messi to do something most of the time (then again same with Brazil and Neymar?) The supporting casts for both teams haven't done much in an attacking sense so far.

Argentina are playing very similar to Brazil. Looking good in brief spells, generally looking mediocre. Then again Belgium have shown close to zero urgency bar Hazard.

See, I'm not disagreeing with much of what you've said. They do win with moments instead of a repetitive flow and smoothness to their game. I just take issue with them merely being a bunch of hackers, which they aren't. Where Brazil have been "shown up" is seeing teams with considerably less talented players employ a more open style of play and although everyone knows the Brazil of the past 20 years, give or take a few performances as exceptions, aren't anywhere near the same style of the classic 70s/80s sides, the football they've played relative to the quality they have in their side has been disappointing and not befitting of a country which prides itself on how they play just as much - if not more - than if they win. Colombia progressing would have been great because most people didn't expect them to play so well this tournament. It's the other sides catching up to the 'benchmark' of Brazil which has turned general opinion perhaps against them a bit more, I think. The current standard Brazil are playing at is pretty much what it's been like for as long as I can remember, in terms of the recent past. I don't think they're just a team of hackers, though. Aggressive, yes. Overly aggressive at times? Yes. But there's clearly more to them than that. I will however be interested to see how they approach the Germany game, now that the one man who was capable of stereotypically top-drawer Brazilian flair is crocked.

Might go for Argentina to win by 1 goal. Can see another 1-0/2-1.

Such hyperbole. Because lovely, pretty Brazil dare to be aggressive they're now a bunch of hackers? They've not played as well as they potentially could have, that's for sure. But a) they haven't played that badly either and b) as I think Tooj pointed out, this team aren't going to go all joga bonito on you, even if they have some clearly quality players.

You can think whatever you like about Brazil's tactics but it'd be a shame for Brazil to make the final of their own World Cup? Not having that. Brazil staying in the WC is massive for this WC as a whole.

I'll hold my hand up and thought the Netherlands were out when they were 0-1 down, even with 10-20 mins to go. Just didn't expect them to have the mental strength to come back. I think some might be overlooking them a bit. Brazil are without Neymar and Silva, Argentina frankly solely rely on Messi - Netherlands have as good a chance as any.

Barely had a bet in the past week or 2, dunno what's wrong with me. Brazil/Messi bet is still possible.

I'll say it again - it's all set up for Messi to lead Argentina to glory. Everything is falling into place.

Nailed on to come on and score the winner.

Collapsed lung? "I think he'll be alright to carry on."

Just hanging out with Cannavaro, Veron and Vieri - what of it?

Yeah but he's turboshit.

Haha, idiots. Fred.

The one goal that I hold most 'symbolic' next to that Barca generation was Villa's (second?) against Real in the 5-0, when turned inside near the centre circle then played a through-ball that was stupidly good and Villa just tapped it under Casillas and it trickled in. Brilliant.

Do you know why they are called mes que en club? It's because at the time Camp Nou was the only place Catalans could speak their own language during the Franco regime. Has f*ck all to do with the questionable actions of today, just thought I'd mention that. :lol:

Argentina v Belgium is delicately poised. Both sides have had identical tournaments. Single goal wins, ET needed in their last game, flattering to deceive. Only, Argieland have the best player in the world on their books. This WC is slowly turning into the year Messi single handedly drags an unimpressive side to glory - exactly what the doubters claimed he had to do to truly be among the best ever.

Recurring theme this WC is how close the games are. So many 2nd round games going to extra time or decided late. Good to see.

He's class.

That's his idol actually, Johan Cruyffts.