Well this one turned out to be a big disappointment. It sounds as if the IC vs. S&M would have been a better choice.
I'm not sure what we learned from this game. Both defenses were almost water-tight with both attacks being largely restricted to efforts from long-range.
I would say that Van der Saar was the busier keeper and Argentina did have the shot that came back off the post in the first half. However, the Dutch finished more strongly.
It looked like Argentina missed the intelligent running of Crespo and Saviola in attack.
The Dutch and Portugal seems to be a well matched pair while Argentina will surely have to much for Mexico.
Boring match. Stopped watching after the 70th minute. One of those matches that would have been better as a first or second group match. Memo to John Harkes: Harksie, you were a good player, but you are an awful announcer. Let that cut under your nose heal, and stop it with the non-stop repetitive effusive and extraneous babble. Stringing ever more adjectives in a row, or proving that you know each players club team 3 or 4 times a game, doesn't add up to good analysis. Worst World Cup announcing team, which seems to get the better games. Univision thanks you.
this match was a torture. But if these teams did not want to play this match... why do it at all?
Hollad did not seem interested to avoid Portugal and Face Mexico. Argentina was content to Meet Mexico. so, why didn't they get together, and call off this match?
reminds me Italy v. Mexico in 2002!
PS. How do I change my display picture?
Last edited by Thierry_Henry on June 21st at 2:35 PM.
Skavenjer, Worst World Cup announcing team :). That surely goes to the Balboa-O'Brien(?) tandem. Today's announcers are pure amateurs compared to those two. They positively ruined the England game for me yesterday. Oh, I have such fond memories of two years back when Euro 2004 was on PPV and we got directly the BBC/ITV feed. Plus, we have been exposed to good commentators through FSC. FOX should definitely try to get the rights for the next World Cup. It's either that or I have to start learning Spanish.
As for today's game, given Hollnad's poor record against Portugal, it's surprising that they didn't even try to win. Plus, Portugal looks pretty strong now. Argentina had a lot of good moments, just couldn't convert them. But I still think they are the strongest team together with Spain.
I don't think it was necesarily boring because of a lack of trying. There were 17 corners in the match, which tells me there was a lot of attacking play, especially on the wings. I think it was boring because neither team was willing to take a risk, and both defenses turned up and were rock solid, not giving up any clear cut chances. There were a number of half chances on both sides, but nothing to get excited about
I was really looking forward to this game, and I have to admit I was sorely dissappointed.
As for the other match, it is interesting that IC gave up 2 early goals again. They really need to break that habit. I'm glad they won the game this time, but does anyone know of another player that gave up two penalties to hand ball decisions in a single game? That was just bizarre.
I notice there have been a lot of complaints about the announcers in the US. Up here in Canada, I have been surprised by the quality of the coverage this time around. The match coverage has been shared between TSN and Rogers Sportsnet, and at this stage of the tournament, that means you can choose which game you want to watch. Every single game is televised live, and the announcers actually know a thing or two about football.
I also appreciate the coverage that Fox is doing up here as well. The commentary and analysis is interesting, and you guys do a surprisingly good job with the minimal amount of footage that you are allowed to show.
Yeah...I didn't mean to imply that the other announcers are much better than Delacamera (?) and Harkes, they are all pretty woeful. The English & Irish guy are OK, but I get the feeling they are compelled to mention certain statistics and factoids, like telling us it was Lampard's birthday 38 times. There is just too much extraneous chatter about too many things not happening in the game. Yes, we all know the Brazilians can play wonderful football, but in this Cup so far they have been decidedly average, you wouldn't know it from the glowing kiss #### announcing. Stop the analogies to other American sports, chances are if I watching at 10 AM on a thursday morning I know the game. The problem is they roll these clowns out every 4 years and they still suck as much as ever. Maybe Fox will get the WC rights next time...
Well, its not the game I hoped for but, it is the one I expected. Its bad for the fans but, smart for both teams. The last thing they both needed was to go through a war and then limp to the round of 16. I guess that, we'll have to wait til the quarter finals to see the first of the "wars."
Living here in Winnipeg Canada and getting having TSN/Sportsnet covering this great event has been a real treat. The in-studio team of Vic Rauter, Gerry Dobson, Craig Forrest and #### Howard have been fantastic. The host broadcast announcers have been pretty good as well.
As for ESPN/ABC announcers, I like JP Delcamera, Derek Rae and Tommy Smyth. But one question to my fellow American Friends here that I would like to know? has Derek Rae done commentary on one game yet in this World Cup for ESPN/ABC? I think he is the best thing ESPN has got. If they are not using him, then it is a shame.
I also would love to give a two thumbs way up to the Fox Soccer Channel's Ticket to Germany, shown every night here on Fox Sports World Canada at 10 pm Central. Fantastic. Max Bretos and Bobby Macmahon are soccer's version of Starsky and Hutch.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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