2014 World Cup in Brazil

[Patriots Fan]

That was such a flop, it was obvious... nothing new here, another ref messes up another game. I was waiting for another PK shootout :/

The refs have been consistently bad in this world cup.

 

[Chaos Jackal]

Also, notice how Mexico is quietly peaking at the right time (after barely qualifying for the WC). Don't say I didn't tell you so when they end up beating the Dutch

You were saying?

That was such a flop, it was obvious... nothing new here, another ref messes up another game. I was waiting for another PK shootout :/

The refs have been consistently bad in this world cup.

No, it wasn't. I think it was a fair decision on the ref's side. You don't pull such pranks in 94' anyway, that's just dumb.
Mexico played a very good match... until they scored. Then they resumed the playstyle they had against Brazil, a boring defensive play. And they paid the price. Even without the penalty, I don't think they would have managed through the extra time.

 

[Riraito]

Oh well, no sleep for me again tonight! I didn't watch much of the match but gawd were we bad! But it seems we're making a habit of being shitty in the first half and then coming back stronger in the second half. I'm sorry for the players, having to play a match in temperatures like this.

 

[Patriots Fan]

Also, notice how Mexico is quietly peaking at the right time (after barely qualifying for the WC). Don't say I didn't tell you so when they end up beating the Dutch

You were saying?

That was such a flop, it was obvious... nothing new here, another ref messes up another game. I was waiting for another PK shootout :/

The refs have been consistently bad in this world cup.

No, it wasn't. I think it was a fair decision on the ref's side. You don't pull such pranks in 94' anyway, that's just dumb.
Mexico played a very good match... until they scored. Then they resumed the playstyle they had against Brazil, a boring defensive play. And they paid the price. Even without the penalty, I don't think they would have managed through the extra time.

Yeah, nice comment after the fact. DIdn't see you post ‘‘Netherlands is still going to win!" when they're down with 10 mins left in the game. You're probably like the Heat fans last year, who left the building when they assumed the Spurs had the Championship in the bag.... only to come running back when they realized the Heat pulled off a miracle and still had a shot (they eventually did win the Championship, and heat fans have the nerve to act like there was never any doubt the Heat would win)

Do you watch soccer outside of the WC? Robben is a notorious flopper, more than a few opposing players have publicly said he deserves an Oscar for his acting...

Ye, just replayed it in slowmo on my dvr. Marquez has his foot firmly on the ground before Robben tries to cut back inside, and Robben hits Marquez's foot. before flailing in the air..

Oh well, its not like I'm the only person to make a wrong prediction. Hopefully Brazil gets revenge for that WC loss in 2010 to the Dutch. Hopefully Hulk and a healthy Neymar get to dance all over the Netherlands

 

[Mistryss Nite]

That was such a flop, it was obvious... nothing new here, another ref messes up another game. I was waiting for another PK shootout :/

The refs have been consistently bad in this world cup.

The attack on Robben definitely met the minimum requirements of a PK. 'Twas not a dive. There was a bit of overreaction by Robben (he "used the situation"), but the maneuver was still a foul, as Robben had control of the ball at the time of "contact." Besides, the Netherlands was denied a PK earlier in the game that the ref did not call. As some announcers have said, perhaps that non-PK call weighed on the ref's mind, and the ref was making up for it.

Anyways, that game was quite a nail-biter. My heart is still calming down. I love it when players get desperate and actually play. I just hope that they can keep safe and healthy under that heat in Brazil.

 

[Patriots Fan]

That was such a flop, it was obvious... nothing new here, another ref messes up another game. I was waiting for another PK shootout :/

The refs have been consistently bad in this world cup.

The attack on Robben definitely met the minimum requirements of a PK. 'Twas not a dive. There was a bit of overreaction by Robben (he "used the situation"), but the maneuver was still a foul, as Robben had control of the ball at the time of "contact." Besides, the Netherlands was denied a PK earlier in the game that the ref did not call. As some announcers have said, perhaps that non-PK call weighed on the ref's mind, and the ref was making up for it.

Anyways, that game was quite a nail-biter. My heart is still calming down. I love it when players get desperate and actually play. I just hope that they can keep safe and healthy under that heat in Brazil.

Which is still a bad decision then, because I'm pretty sure refs are told not to give out "make-up calls" just to try to fix a previously botched/missed call. And especially if that call decides the outcome of the game. You just don't do that. Soccer is the only sport I can think of where refs consistently decide the outcome, rather than just letting the players play in clutch time.

And no, after further review, Marquez had his foot at point A before Robben. Not a foul, since Robben willingly collided into his foot.

 

[Mistryss Nite]

The refs have been consistently bad in this world cup.

I disagree. I think many of the refs have actually been making good calls and decisions, unlike in past WCs where several red and yellow cards were normal in a match. If anything, the refs have been letting the ball play. The refs are ignoring protestations for fouls and pks that are unfounded. Many of the refs seem to be using their own eyes to make decisions rather than rely on what players are saying. Of course, this can be a bad thing (Luis Suarez's bite, for instance).

All-in-all, I'm actually impressed at how well the referees are doing. They should never be at the center of attention at a WC. That is the players' job.

So, we will just have to agree to disagree.

 

[Patriots Fan]

The refs have been consistently bad in this world cup.

I disagree. I think many of the refs have actually been making good calls and decisions, unlike in past WCs where several red and yellow cards were normal in a match. If anything, the refs have been letting the ball play. The refs are ignoring protestations for fouls and pks that are unfounded. Many of the refs seem to be using their own eyes to make decisions rather than rely on what players are saying. Of course, this can be a bad thing (Luis Suarez's bite, for instance).

All-in-all, I'm actually impressed at how well the referees are doing. They should never be at the center of attention at a WC. That is the players' job.

So, we will just have to agree to disagree.

Then I guess the analysts will have to disagree with you too. Most were complaining about several of the penalties awarded through the first few matches, and Bosnia got jobbed by the refs decision to waive off a legit goal against Nigeria. And of course, the Suarez incident that went unnoticed..

 

[StarlightSearcher]

I do agree somewhat on Mexico getting shafted, but in that situation, it's a knee-jerk reaction and the refs would call it as such.

It's more "human error" then any bias.

 

[Mistryss Nite]

Then I guess the analysts will have to disagree with you too. Most were complaining about several of the penalties awarded through the first few matches, and Bosnia got jobbed by the refs decision to waive off a legit goal against Nigeria. And of course, the Suarez incident that went unnoticed..

There will always be bad calls by referees. However, the referees in this WC are doing much better than in recent previous WCs. I am sure those that watched the 2006 WC will remember the many red cards that were dished out, mostly undeservedly. And, just because a call is controversial it does not mean that the call is wrong. Clearly, the ref saw something or he did not see something. He does not have the benefit of looking at a replay a dozen times, from different angles to make his decision. People love to hate on the referees, especially if their team lost or is losing. I think that the referees deserve more respect than they are given. It is not a job I would want.

 

[Patriots Fan]

I do agree somewhat on Mexico getting shafted, but in that situation, it's a knee-jerk reaction and the refs would call it as such.

It's more "human error" then any bias.

Tl;Dr: Should refs make knee-jerk calls or let the players play it out? Does it really matter what decision they make?

I was about to say that refs shouldn't be making knee-jerk calls, but then I remembered a blatant no-call that decided (maybe?) the outcome of a different game, and I guess all I have to say now is: being a ref is a tough job... If the ref doesn't call the PK (and the Netherlands go on to lose), would it be fair for the Dutch fans to complain about the no-call?

The game I'm talking about (for anyone who's still reading my post...) is the 2011 Super Bowl between the 49ers and Ravens. Refs didn't call an obvious holding penalty against the Ravens, on the last play of the game, and people went on to complain that the refs' decision to let the players play it out cost the 49ers a fair shot to score the game-winning touchdown.

Edit: Ahh, Mistryss beat me to it lol... refs do have a tough job. Guess regardless of whether or not the ref makes the right call, there'll always be fans who will be upset by the ref's decision.

 

[Patriots Fan]

not that it matters much now, but googling Arjen Robben flop Mexico quickly shows that most people agree that Robben flopped. Also found this pretty funny take on what caused Robben to "fall": http://blacksportsonline.com/home/2014/06/arjen-robben-wc-flop-mashed-with-scarface-video/

 

[Luispipe8]

This match is so... I mean... I can't even talk right now. We(Costa Rica) had it in the bag right when the Greek found some magic energy pills in the field. This is so nerve wrecking, specially because most players in both teams are tired as hell.

 

[Patriots Fan]

This match is so... I mean... I can't even talk right now. We(Costa Rica) had it in the bag right when the Greek found some magic energy pills in the field. This is so nerve wrecking, specially because most players in both teams are tired as hell.

I know that feel bro... Mexico had it in the bag too, when disaster struck lol.

Losing a man seriously hurt CR's morale.

 

[Jungletoad]

Congratulations to Costa Rica for beating Greece and advancing! They have been fantastic this WC!

 

[Luispipe8]

Party. That's Costa Rica right now. A FRIGGING HUGE PARTY!!!!!! Can't be happier right now!!!! :'D

 

[StarlightSearcher]

Heartbreaking for a country like Greece, getting to this point for the first time in the history of their soccer program, only to lose in this way.

But, the people of Greece should be proud of their soccer team and so should Costa Rica as well for advancing.

Now, Costa Rica will have to face off against probably the best team (outside of Brazil) in Holland in the next round.

 

[Chaos Jackal]

Yeah, nice comment after the fact. DIdn't see you post ‘‘Netherlands is still going to win!" when they're down with 10 mins left in the game. You're probably like the Heat fans last year, who left the building when they assumed the Spurs had the Championship in the bag.... only to come running back when they realized the Heat pulled off a miracle and still had a shot (they eventually did win the Championship, and heat fans have the nerve to act like there was never any doubt the Heat would win)

Do you watch soccer outside of the WC? Robben is a notorious flopper, more than a few opposing players have publicly said he deserves an Oscar for his acting...

You didn't see me posting because I was watching the match. I'm not even Dutch, or a fan of the Netherlands. I just appreciate their playstyle and support it against playstyles like that of Mexico. Do excuse me for not posting "Netherlands is gonna win!" like a fanboy because I didn't want to skip the match.
As for watching football outside of the WC, yes, I do. Robben is a great player, especially considering his age. His acting is nothing out of the ordinary, half the players act when they are (not) fouled. Karagounis of Greece is a good example, and half the Costa Rica team today tried to cut the grass each time they fell. The Netherlands simply outplayed Mexico after the latter played too defensively, and it was only natural that they scored. They deserved the victory.

Can't believe my country played the way they played, I honestly expected them to do much worse. Congratulations to them, and good luck to Costa Rica in their next match.

 

[Patriots Fan]

Yeah, nice comment after the fact. DIdn't see you post ‘‘Netherlands is still going to win!" when they're down with 10 mins left in the game. You're probably like the Heat fans last year, who left the building when they assumed the Spurs had the Championship in the bag.... only to come running back when they realized the Heat pulled off a miracle and still had a shot (they eventually did win the Championship, and heat fans have the nerve to act like there was never any doubt the Heat would win)

Do you watch soccer outside of the WC? Robben is a notorious flopper, more than a few opposing players have publicly said he deserves an Oscar for his acting...

You didn't see me posting because I was watching the match. I'm not even Dutch, or a fan of the Netherlands. I just appreciate their playstyle and support it against playstyles like that of Mexico. Do excuse me for not posting "Netherlands is gonna win!" like a fanboy because I didn't want to skip the match.
As for watching football outside of the WC, yes, I do. Robben is a great player, especially considering his age. His acting is nothing out of the ordinary, half the players act when they are (not) fouled. Karagounis of Greece is a good example, and half the Costa Rica team today tried to cut the grass each time they fell. The Netherlands simply outplayed Mexico after the latter played too defensively, and it was only natural that they scored. They deserved the victory.

Can't believe my country played the way they played, I honestly expected them to do much worse. Congratulations to them, and good luck to Costa Rica in their next match.

Fanboy or not, comments like the one you made are generally frowned upon by many in the sports world (and that includes me). That's mainly because you're MIA while the team you were rooting for was pretty much dead, and then instead of giving props to the underdog, you decide to question people's predictions.

Sure, maybe I was a little too confident in my pick, but anytime some of you missed on your predictions, I didn't come and tell you about it. It just doesn't seem to be very sportsmanlike to come and remind others they were wrong....

Tell me you're joking.. seriously? LOL "His acting is nothing out of the ordinary"...wow. Yes, soccer players are known to be total floppers and pretend to get hurt everytime anyone touches them. That said, when you're regarded as a huge flopper by even your peers (soccer players), then surely that should be a sign that your flopping is on a whole other level? We're talking about THE Arjen Robben, the same guy responsible for getting the ref to give out a red card to the opposing team's Goalkeeper after he put together an Oscar performance and pretended to get socked in the face...

I've been waiting 4 years anyways for what will hopefully be a Brazil vs Netherlands rematch. Robben drew a few bogus calls in that too (by his wonderful acting per usual), so ask the Brazilians if Robben didn't flop, and I'm sure they'll agree with the Mexicans that Robben flopped. You can ask the English, the Germans, etc etc and anyone will agree that Robben flopped. He's made a living out of drawing penalties and red cards through his acting (which is arguanly unrivaled by any current player) and many nations have suffered defeat because of it.

Let's go Brazil, 3-1 over the Dutch (assuming they overcome the possible loss of Neymar against Columbia)

 

[Chaos Jackal]

I still don't get how I was MIA... what exactly should I do so as not to become MIA? Move my PC next to my TV so I can post while watching? Or carry a laptop and a 3G connection in the bus where I listened to the first half? I watched the match of the team I was rooting for. How is that MIA?
I wouldn't have called the wrong prediction in the first place if you hadn't said what you said. I don't tend to do so. And if you noticed I did say Mexico played good. I just said that from a point on they didn't. Which is right, flop or not.
I'm not gonna argue any further about flopping. You can believe anything, and you might be right or wrong. Just don't blame the loss of the match on a bad referee call and Holland's victories on Arjen Robben acting. And no, I'm not joking about what I said. Acting is one of the reasons I don't like football much, because pretty much every player exaggerates whatever happens to them. Robben is a better actor, you say? Well, I won't overlook the fact, but you should also stop acting like flopping is the only thing Robben does. Besides, the question is whether it was a PK or not. Wanna hand a card to Robben for acting? Go ahead, I'd actually support a decision like that. But what matters here is whether Marquez's leg was in an illegal spot or not.
I'm not gonna give any further length to the conversation, 'cos there's really nothing more for me to say.