   What's this I hear about the World Cup?
  News and updates, I guess.Australia just scored their first ever World Cup point. And then two more, to defeat Japan (3-1) about fifteen minutes ago. One of the few games viewable to Australian people that isn't at a ridiculously late time.I must say, I was disappointed when I saw Cahill on the substitute list at the beginning, but clearly he was being bridled, like some sort of heavy cavalry. Unfortunately, Australia have to play Brazil in our Group, so that's going to be a bit tricky.Starting after this is the US against the Czech Republic, so I guess you guys (seeing as most of you are American, or at least in the Lounge :D) can tack onto this thread and discuss events as they unfold. It's almost as if we have persistent data going on here or something.Question: Who thinks Japan's first goal (against Australia) was legal?Edit: Thanks Mods - HTTP500 errors   
  I'm in Sweden right now, so I wasn't that clear on the commentary, but it looked a fair bit dodgy to me.Still, it didn't really matter in the end, right? [grin]Of course, we did manage to rack up a fair collection of yellow cards as well, which could be costly in the next couple of matches...(Edit:) In the interests of linguistic fairness, maybe "dodgy" is a bit strong term, given that from what I remember on the replay I didn't think anyone was at fault for that one (and my knowledge on the finer rules of football are slim). However it sure was nerve-racking watching Australia racking up the fouls as they kept on failing to score the equaliser![Edited by - Trapper Zoid on June 12, 2006 10:21:36 AM];  It was very hard on Japan. They had lots of chances to finish Oz but just didn't pull it off.The japanese goal was fine imo ...I know it was controversial but the keeper went down too easily and should have been stronger if he is prepared to come out that like (especially considering some of the crunching tackles the Australians were doing) [wink]I welcomed Cahill's first goal as I felt Oz deserved at least a draw, but he should have definately been off the pitch seconds later when he took down Fukunishi in the box ...which should DEFINATELY have been a penalty (should have been 2-1 to Japan at that stage?) [smile]Cahill's second goal was a beauty but then again he should have been closed down sooner and not been allowed to shoot so freely. So incredible skill and placement on his part but also a terrible defensive error [smile]All in all, good match ...very frustrating in the second half as Oz were coming so close but not getting the goal. Great substitutions by the Oz Manager ...I still feel sorry for the Japanese though [sad]I predict the Czechs will destroy the USA. Goals from Nedved and Koller and maybe Baros if he comes on [grin] ...I love the World Cup!!   ;  I doubt the U.S. will win this match. If they do they will certainly lose the next one.   ;  Yellow card against the US in the fifth minute...wow...EDIT: AND A GOAL FOR THE CZECH REPUBLIC???!!Final score: 3-0 Czech wins [sad][Edited by - SticksandStones on June 12, 2006 12:01:17 PM];Quote:Original post by _goat What's this I hear about the World Cup? I think it's some kind of ball game or something.;Quote:Original post by SticksandStonesYellow card against the US in the fifth minute...wow...EDIT: AND A GOAL FOR THE CZECH REPUBLIC???!!Final score: 3-0 Czech wins [sad]You clearly didn't see how many yellow cards were handed out in the Australia-Japan match. I counted about 10.   ;Quote:Original post by _goatQuote:Original post by SticksandStonesYellow card against the US in the fifth minute...wow...EDIT: AND A GOAL FOR THE CZECH REPUBLIC???!!Final score: 3-0 Czech wins [sad]You clearly didn't see how many yellow cards were handed out in the Australia-Japan match. I counted about 10.10 in five minutes?   ;  Lots of cards in both:4 Aus, 3 Japan2 US, 4 Czechsource;  Yellow cards on Saturday;England 2 Paraguay 1Should have beenEngland 2 Paraguay 10 (and one red to Sven Erickson for mad substitution)Still, three points is three points, especially since Sweden drew Trinidad.   