Lively, lively games indeed! Active day indeed! Saudis pummeled Guatemala 6-0, CRC defeated Aussies 3-2, Nigeria stomped Croatia 5-2 and Spain beat Ecuador 2-0. Lots and lots of goals! Highlights available below. Tonights star match: England-Mexico!
http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcu​p/index.html
Originally posted by PalynkaExcellent predictive skills, dear Palynka! Indeed 0-0, an advantageous outcome for both since England probably qualifies for one of four best third places with three draws. The other matches compensated greatly for this dud. Mexico missed a PK and many opportunities.
How much are the odds on another 0-0?
http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/index.html
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Originally posted by PalynkaOnce those Colombian players mature they're sure to make a splash. Portugal is quietly having a very good tournament and Spain is scary good. Nigeria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are displaying awesome offense. France may yet right their ship and even Costa Rica has displayed awesome talent on the feet of their one creative guy with the American sounding name, Joel Campbell. Many teams are going to salivate over lots of these players. Argentina's Lamela is another one. Lots of speedy Egyptians have looked impressive!
Colombia looks like it may soon be the next Uruguay and make a decent splash at some future major tournament.
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Originally posted by scacchipazzoPortugal have been decent, but not to be candidates. We have some good talent, but very erratic... Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are probably doing well because Guatemala and Croatia's defenses have been atrocious. I expect their bubble to burst when they face a better challenger. I confess I haven't seen many games, though, but Nigeria came to Portugal to prepare for the tournament and they didn't impress...
Once those Colombian players mature they're sure to make a splash. Portugal is quietly having a very good tournament and Spain is scary good. Nigeria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are displaying awesome offense. France may yet right their ship and even Costa Rica has displayed awesome talent on the feet of their one creative guy with the American sounding nam ...[text shortened]... e players. Argentina's Lamela is another one. Lots of speedy Egyptians have looked impressive!
Originally posted by PalynkaYou are absolutely right. Thus far I am most impressed by Spain. However, teams who take care of business the way the Saudis and Nigerians have, even against weak oppossition, are dangerous and to be taken seriously in the knockout phase. I am sure you're right, but practice in tuning offenses si always a positive. Egyp gave Brazil a run for their money and are the most interesting dark horse IMHO. Their speed and ball handling is awesome indeed. Made one think they were Brazil wearing the wrong color kit! That's how good they are. Should have beaten la Verde Amerella handily. Brazil's defense is better than other years.
Portugal have been decent, but not to be candidates. We have some good talent, but very erratic... Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are probably doing well because Guatemala and Croatia's defenses have been atrocious. I expect their bubble to burst when they face a better challenger. I confess I haven't seen many games, though, but Nigeria came to Portugal to prepare for the tournament and they didn't impress...
Originally posted by scacchipazzoI cashed in on it, at least. 🙂 I have a bet for 0-0 for Portugal - NZ. It's not the result I expect, but it's much more likely than the 12-1 I got at Betfair.
Excellent predictive skills, dear Palynka! Indeed 0-0, an advantageous outcome for both since England probably qualifies for one of four best third places with three draws. The other matches compensated greatly for this dud. Mexico missed a PK and many opportunities.
http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/index.html
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Originally posted by PalynkaSurely Portugal can dispose of NZ, but we'll see. I swear I had not seen the result when I posted since I got home late. POrtugal 1-0 ovewr NZ! I am shocked Uruguay lost to Cameroon. Colombia should beat up on SK and France should dump Mali.
I cashed in on it, at least. 🙂 I have a bet for 0-0 for Portugal - NZ. It's not the result I expect, but it's much more likely than the 12-1 I got at Betfair.
Originally posted by scacchipazzoThey can (and did), but they are usually very anemic when they don't need to win (which they were). It wasn't far from what I expected, but they did score one...
Surely Portugal can dispose of NZ, but we'll see. I swear I had not seen the result when I posted since I got home late. POrtugal 1-0 ovewr NZ! I am shocked Uruguay lost to Cameroon. Colombia should beat up on SK and France should dump Mali.
Originally posted by PalynkaThat was one anemic group indeed. Do you have any idea why Mexico, 2nd place now plays Cameroon, 2nd place? Is it to allow leaders like Colombia to play third place finishers?
They can (and did), but they are usually very anemic when they don't need to win (which they were). It wasn't far from what I expected, but they did score one...
Originally posted by scacchipazzoMaybe, I'm not sure. Like you say, since there are some 3rd places that got qualified, I imagine some 2nd places need to play each other.
That was one anemic group indeed. Do you have any idea why Mexico, 2nd place now plays Cameroon, 2nd place? Is it to allow leaders like Colombia to play third place finishers?
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Originally posted by scacchipazzoexactly for that reason. first time england have reached the knockout phase since 97 i hear...
That was one anemic group indeed. Do you have any idea why Mexico, 2nd place now plays Cameroon, 2nd place? Is it to allow leaders like Colombia to play third place finishers?
i think the best thing about this tourney has been the crowds at each match.
Originally posted by trev33It has been enjoyable football-wise as well. Some impressive young talent like Lamela, likely to make a splash later and many others. I'm impressed with England's McManaman, Colombia's Muriel, Mexico's Guarsch, the entirety of Spain's squad, a Brazilian here or there, Egypt's tenacity, France's speed. Lot's left to enjoy!
exactly for that reason. first time england have reached the knockout phase since 97 i hear...
i think the best thing about this tourney has been the crowds at each match.
Originally posted by scacchipazzoThere will be 6 first placed teams, 6 second placed and 4 third placed teams making it to the round of 16. Four first placed teams will play the third place teams. The other 2 first placed teams will play against 2 second placed teams. The other remaining teams (second placed) will play against each other.
That was one anemic group indeed. Do you have any idea why Mexico, 2nd place now plays Cameroon, 2nd place? Is it to allow leaders like Colombia to play third place finishers?
Here are the brackets:
http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/34/54/83/fu20wc2011_matchschedule_en_03052011.pdf