We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
The men with the silly wigs on know it - it's the last day of the Round of 16 and time for Spain to truly shine. Before that, we've got the less than inspiring contest between Paraguay v. Japan. I'm trying to get excited it. Perhaps all of you can help by joining me?
posted by The Blue Devil @ 9:04 AM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
405 Comments:
Be nice to Paraguay. If we're good we may get to see the fan with the cell phone in her cleavage again!
Good morning everyone. I will try to get excited. If I have any difficulty then Someone is there to help!
Good morning everyone
This is our 19th straight day of Football. The streak ends tomorrow with no game! We have to wait until Friday before we go again.
I hope I will be able to join everyone Friday as Tropical Storm Alex is heading our way. When Dolly hit us two years ago we were without power for 72 hours.
Morning, folks! It's a gorgeous day here in western NY. I wish you best of luck with Alex, MUR. Hang in there!
Here are the sides for this morning's match:
Paraguay: Villar, Bonet, Da Silva, Alcaraz, Morel Rodriguez, Vera, Ortigoza, Riveros, Santa Cruz, Barrios, Benitez. Subs: Diego Barreto, Veron, Caniza, Julio Caceres, Cardozo, Edgar Barreto, Santana, Torres, Haedo Valdez, Bobadilla, Gamarra.
Japan: Kawashima, Komano, Nakazawa, Tanaka, Nagatomo, Matsui, Abe, Endo, Hasebe, Honda, Okubo. Subs: Narazaki, Uchida, Okazaki, Shunsuke Nakamura, Tamada, Yano, Iwamasa, Kengo Nakamura, Konno, Morimoto, Inamoto, Kawaguchi.
Our referee today is Frank De Bleeckere from Belgium.
The teams are heading out of the tunnel. This should be a low scoring match as we have two teams that have progressed based on strong defense. Japan has scored a total of four goals and Paraguay three.
I'll be on the lookout for some tasty camera work in the stands, Someone. Thanks for the heads-up!
The winner of this match will be in the quarters for the first time in their history.
Take care with the storm
Thank you Blue Devil and UWS. The worst of the weather should be Thursday. As long as the eye stays away we should be fine.
Did you see that Nigel Pearson has left Leicester City and gone to Hull City?
That's a strange move!
Leicester on the way up and just missed the play-offs as for Hull....
Sepp says sorry to England and Mexico... isn't that nice of him!
This referee disallowed a perfectly good U.S. goal vs Algeria, so let him ref some more. Actually, he is usually a sound ref.
Is all that blue, empty seats?
The teams kick off.
Okubo tries a shot in the opening seconds.
You can't really blame the ref for an offside... it is the linesman's job!
Japan have a quick pop!
Ian Darke said that Japan's manager looks like a math teacher. He doesn't look like me.
nor me
It does seem as if there are loads of empty seats again today. Why oh why don't they give the unused tickets away to school groups?
I am not sure what to make of Nigel Pearson's move. He moved either because he will get a salary increase,He feels Hull City are more likely to be promoted to the EPL, or both.
Is Ian's comment merely short-hand for "nerdy" or "obsessive/compulsive?"
I don't like either of those choices
I can't see Hull City becoming a yo-yo club like WBA. They don't have the resources of the Brummie club. Getting Leicester up would have been more of a launching pad for Pearson's ambitions, IMHO.
Well, how about the typical stereotype of the social studies teacher - "coach." Like that one?
I agree.
Leicester look attractive to me
I agree with UWS regarding Blue Devil's math teacher statements.
I was brain storming because those are the only reasons why Nigel Pearson would leave Leicester. I would have stayed at Leicester.
That comment sounds questionable, Blue Devil.
I would not be surprised if this match ends 1-0 , goes into extra time or penalties.
Ian Darke talking about some players preferring the CL... is that true?
Probably. The Special One stated this after his team won the CL stating that the CL has better players than the World Cup.
I agree, MUR. One of the great joys of playing against Japanese opposition was their lack of conviction in front of goal. It almost seemed as if Japanese were cognizant of not wanting their opponents to "lose face" by scoring a goal against them. Strikers would often lay the ball off when there was a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Made defending a positive joy.
This one could easily end up 0-0.
Santa Claus isn't doing much
I wondered about that in relation to the French and Italian failures. I do think there's a risk of the Champions League becoming considered the highest level of football.
Is Honda home based? If so, could he get a big move over the summer?
I agree. This is a transitional time in football. The emphasis is heading toward club level competitions despite Blatter's efforts to make international footie a priority.
I did have a magazine that asked the question and there was a split in choices
Honda plays for CSKA Moscow. He was previously in Dutch football.
Great save from Kawashima there!
First real chance goes to Paraguay... well saved
I do think some big European clubs might be looking at Honda. He's quality.
Kawashima saved well from Barrios. The first action of the match. Matsui hits the bar at the other end.
FIFA have to get their finger out and stop looking like a laughing stock.
ooh, Japan hit the bar!
anyway, who would win if Barcelona played Spain (I know there would need to be some clones)
The cameras completely missed that shot from Matsui off the bar!
The replay shows a somewhat speculative lob. The Asian sides do seem to have a better feel for the Jabulani, though.
What did Darke mean about 'a deal with someone'
No shoot outs so far... long may it continue!
USA came the closest
I hope this one is decided in ninety minutes.
It is ironic that in this match an Asian team will be more dangerous at set pieces than a South American team.
Ian Darke... world balance is not switching! South American's are all over the quarters!
Santa should have done better there... I would have scored!
Santa should have done better there. Well wide with the snatch at it.
Roque Santa Cruz shoots wide after a corner breaks his way.
But is that a fluke of the draw, UWS? I wonder. I'm still not sure that teams like Chile and Uruguay are necessarily better than the secondary level European sides.
Ian Darke did state that an Asian team has never defeated a South American team in the history of the World Cup.
Houston vs Toronto... not much of a game of the week
Four out of the five won their group
That's actually a better game than it sounds to the non-MLS watcher. Houston have had very strong sides in the last few years and Toronto have IMHO the best fans in the league.
Yes... I am a non MLS watcher
Yes, but Uruguay have won a group that had had Spain or Holland in it? Uruguay were lucky to meet a French side full of dissension and Paraguay were lucky to meet an Italian side full of old codgers.
I agree with UWS. Only two out of eight non seeded European teams made it past the first round.Africa was the only confederation with a worse record.
I know you are, UWS. Snob!
I do not watch MLS either.
I also think that the UEFA playoffs through up some inferior teams this time, for some reason. I reckon that Croatia, Russia, Sweden and even Ireland might have fared better in this tournament than did Greece, Slovenia or Denmark.
I have admit that I only watch MLS when the European season finishes and when it's a non-WC or Euro summer. So I'm an admitted semi-snob.
Croatia finished third behind Ukraine, Russia lost to Slovenia, and Sweden finished third behind Denmark and Portugal. These teams did not do their part.
Fair point, MUR. Fair point.
Santa Cruz defended the free kick. Paraguay break from the Japanese corner and win a corner.
I think Seattle are one the best home fans
My son is a fan of them. He actually has a shirt!
I don't think you guys answered my question before
Who would win if Barcelona played Spain (clones included)
Honda should have done better there!
I do hope the European teams play better in Euro 2012. England has an easy group with Switzerland, Bulgaria, Wales, and Montenegro. They should win that group even if they play horribly.
Honda shoots wide. That was an opportunity.
Japan getting in the box but unable to finish. I'm at work, headphones on, clicking up when the crowd noise increases.
Who would win Argentina or Inter Milan
Man Utd or England... don't bother answering this one
Japan have not caused any problems at set pieces. Paraguay have done their homework.
This would be the first 0-0 halftime score in the round of 16 in this World Cup.
The math teacher appears to be pleased. He was smiling.
Half time
Scoreless
I am off to shower and shave
I been ignored recently anyway!!
It's halftime and we have our first 0-0 halftime score in the round of 16 in this tournament.
Answering your question is really difficult, UWS, because club football is so different from international football. While clubs are together for ten months of the year, the challenge for international managers is to pull together a group of players (often, pampered stars for clubs) into something like a coherent unit. That's why you often have strange selections such as the ones from Dunga that you mentioned yesterday (e.g., Elano, Gilberto). It's clear that Dunga feels that these two are important to the unit even if their stars have somewhat waned.
That said, I think Barca might beat Spain, Inter would probably beat Italy and United would certainly beat this England.
This has been the only really disappointing match in the round, IMHO.
I've got the Beeb coverage on in the office. Andy Townsend is complaining about the lack of attacking commitment. Edgar Davids looking very cool for school in some wrap-around shades.
Sepp Blatter stated that FIFA will now consider using technology for "goal-line decisions."
About time that Sepp got a clue instead of farting about with silly ideas like getting women's players into tighter shorts.
I agree. Barcelona would defeat Argentina and Man United would defeat England. As Blue Devil stated there are different circumstances for clubs than countries as clubs are together on a continuous basis.
The teams are coming back out. I'm going to have to leave you gents at about the 75 minute mark to go set up my classroom. Brand new class for me starting today; I'm quite excited about it.
The teams are out of the tunnel. Each time had one opportunity that occurred on consecutive possessions.
I wish you the best Blue Devil. I know your new class will be a success.
Paraguay's previous round of 16 matches were both 0-1 defeats. Should we be surprised at the lack of opportunities in this match.
Dreadful giveways by both teams. Lazy passing.
This i similar to Switzerland vs Ukraine four years ago. I missed thirty minutes of that match due to a thunderstorm.
Cheers, MUR. I hope so!
This match really needs someone to take the bull by the horns. I expect more from Honda.
You didn't miss anything with Switzerland v. Ukraine. I think I fell asleep during that match.
Will this match be any better?
Nagatomo's long range effort is deflected straight to Villar.
Nakazawa blocks well from Benitez.
Corner to Paraguay.It is easily cleared.
Good news - Paraguay seem to be making an attacking move here.
Yellow card to Matsui for kicking the ball away.
Matsui is booked for handball.
Spain should handle either team with little difficulty.
If I were at home on the couch rather than here in the office anticipating a class in forty five minutes, I'd probably be napping right now. A stiff cup of coffee is required to get through this.
Agreed, MUR. Spain have to fancy this one if they can get by Portugal. I still think that this Iberian derby could be a humdinger. Plenty of quality on both sides.
New Sunderland signing Viveros heads straight at the keeper. There will be two Paraguayans at Sunderland this coming season.
I am fortunate. I have two cups of coffee every morning.
The question that signing begs is whether you can find decent pastel mandi'o on Wearside. My guess is "no."
Tulio Tanaka heads wide from a corner. That was a decent opportunity.
Roque Santa Cruz is back defending in his own box at that corner. Sums of the match.
Did I err? Did Viveros sign for Sunderland or Wigan where he will play for Roberto Martinez? Da Silva did well for Sunderland.
I am back from taking a shower and driving a kid somewhere... apparently I didn't miss much
Not sure there. Matsui is coming off. He's had the closest effort to date. Okazaki coming on. He's looked lively in previous matches. Scored against Denmark last week.
Ian Darke talked about Japan reaching the semis. He is dreaming.
I teach tonight too
When does this class end Bob? Mine ends at the end of July
We're not ignoring you, though. Have a look at the half-time comments and see if you agree.
Hello MUR. You are absolutely correct.
Yeah - that's exactly it. Ten sessions. Four hours each. Ends on July 29.
I did read them.. thank you... but you were ignoring me!
Let's bring some goalscorers on.
Why don't they put us guys on?
I am until August 16th with the exception of a one week AP Institute the week of July 19th.
Great job by the Japanese keeper and defender!!
Kawashima went straight through the back of his defender Tulio. He might have lost some teeth in that one. Grabbing his thigh as well. Landed awkwardly.
Tanaka was down holding his arm. Fortunately he is fine.
We would never do that, UWS. But unfortunately, I am going to have to abandon you chaps. I'll try to check in on proceedings this afternoon.
Great, there's going to be injury time.
Where's cellphone woman?
Take care BD
Valdez is a striker in the Bundesliga. He is capable of scoring the winner.
Now Bob has buggered off... let's have some goals!
Take care BD.
I think Nelson Valdez could get a goal.
Nice move by Japan but Honda was dispossessed.
That was a great tackle on Honda. I hope this is decided in 90 so we can be put out of our misery.
Couldn't agree more
Da Silva was in position to score. Where were the strikers?
What class will you be teaching tonight, UWS?
I just teach a Basic Math Skill class
It is a Developmental Studies course. The students need some basics before they work for their degree
I teach this course and Intro to Algebra. I have been at the college for about 11 or 12 years
Blatter stated that FIFA will now reconsider the use of goal-line technology based on "World Cup events."
I have been trying to think
Is there a United player still in the tournament??
I understand. I taught a Basic Math Skill Class at a Community College in the mid 90s
That was nasty!!
I missed that because I received a call stating that my daughter's Orthodontist appointment is canceled tomorrow due to the weather.
I can't think of any United players
Good, let them get a long rest
I wonder how many players SAF is going to bring over here for the summer?
They play in Philadelphia... that is the closest to me.
I did go see them when they were in NYC a couple of times. They beat Juve 4-1 and lost to Milan on pens
Can you go watch them in Houston for the all-star game?
Sure.. the linesman sees THAT go over the line!!!
I won't be able to stay for extra time!
Finish it off!!
When ware they playing in Houston? It is 325 miles away. If I am not mistaken, you live near Albany. How far away is Toronto? I believe United play Celtic in Toronto.
There are only about a dozen EPL players left in the tournament. I agree. The United players will get a well deserved rest .
They are at the Reliant Stadium on July 28
Toronto is quite a hike too
I will represent LOB in extra time.
Well done, we're proud of you
Ian Darke says what I have been saying all the time
'the crossing has been horrible in this world cup'
3 added minutes
Come on anybody. Score one!
I agree. We did better playing for Lakenheath. Thank you UWS. I am performing my LOB duty.
oooh, Japan almost in
It is 12:45 AM . How can anyone watch this match at that hour without some really strong coffee.
Honda is booked for handball. The ref got that all wrong.
That's it
Game over
Nil bloody nil!!
I am off
I'll be back for the last match
Take care
We will have 30 more minutes of pure torture as it is STILL 0-0.
Take care UWS. The afternoon match will be much better. That is a prediction.
Ian Darke is comparing this match to the 1966 World Cup. What is he thinking? Ukraine vs Switzerland is a more valid comparison.
Extra time begins.
Nakamura's shot is deflected over. Nearly an o.g.
Okazaki heads the corner well wide. He has 17 international goals. NONE today.
Japan may have the edge in extra time as they are a really fit side.
Cardozo is on for Sanata Cruz. A striker on for a striker. The manager is planning for penalties.
Barrios flashes his header straight at the keeper. That was a great cross.
Neither team has ever scored in a round of sixteen match They were all 0-1 defeats. Enough said.
Great save by Japan's keeper as Paraguay threatens in the box. Japan's defense is valiant.
Nearly 1-0 to Paraguay as Valdez sees his shot blocked by the keeper and then the defense blocks several shots. Better by Paraguay.
Japan have a free kick.Villar tips Honda's free kick around the post. I think that was meant to be a cross.
The corner is headed clear and Tanaka skies the ball straight to the keeper.
That was just over as the free kick broke in the box for Paraguay and Borretto's shot hits the top of the net. Still 0-0.
Hello Someone. There has been more action in extra time then the entire 90 minutes.
Endo takes the free kick and Villar grabs the cross at the second attempt.
It is halftime of extra time and still 0-0.
Yes, that was an active fifteen minutes. Something tells me we're going to see our first penalties.
trying to follow on phones.
The only other round of sixteen matches that ended 0-0 were Ukriane vs Switzerland in 2006 and Irealnd vs Romainia in 1990.
The second half of extra time begins.
I agree Someone. Ireland and Ukraine both lost their respective quarterfinals to Italy without scoring.I think the winner of this penalty shootout will also lose their quarterfinal without scoring.
Borreto's header is easily saved from eighteen yards out.
Corner to Paraguay. Sunderland's Da silva heads the corner well wide.
Endo took a great free kick, but Tanaka heads wide when he should have headed across the face of the goal
Endo is booked and will miss the quarterfinal. That will hurt Japan as he is one of their set piece specialists.
Japan with great skill in the penalty area, but the crossing was poor.
Ian Darke said Someone will be a hero.
Riveros booked for handball.
Neither team deserves to advance.
That's it nil bloody nil and we face penalties.
Unfortunately one of these gets to the final eight.
Time for penalties.
Nither team has ever scored in a round of 16 match. The winner of a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw has NEVER scored in the resulting quarterfinal. I do not see that streak ending.
We begin penalties.
Paraguay win the coin toss and have decided to go first.
Baretto to take the first penalty
Low in the corner 1-0 Paraguay
Endo in the corner sending the keeper the wrong way. 1-1
Lucas Barrios scores under the keeper's arm 2-1 Paraguay.
Hasabe scores 2-2. The keeper went the wrong way.
New Sunderland signing Viveros scores sending the keeper the wrong way. 3-2 Paraguay.
Komano hits the top of the bar. He misses!
Nelson Valdez It's in 4-2 Paraguay
Honda scores 4-3 Paraguay.
Cardozo scores 5-3 Paraguay
PARAGUAY ARE IN THE QUARTERFINALS!!
Take care . I will join everyone for the Iberian derby.
I'm back at the break in my class and enjoying your comments, gents.
Wow - the reign of South America continues. I was really pulling for Japan and the Asian confederation but if they couldn't score in 120 minutes of open play, they can't really say fairer than that. Spain and Portugal will relish a quarterfinal match-up with Paraguay, methinks.
I guess I didn't miss much
Hello UWS and Blue Devil. There was a little action at the beginning of extra time. Otherwise, not much of note.
I hope this game will be an improvement
I feel Spain will attack and Portugal have the ability to attack but seldom do
Teams in the tunnel
Of course Torres won't score... I had him as my GB winner
2 years ago today... Spain became European Champions
Here they come
Puyol is very short for a central defender
Not one Spaniard was singing!
Portuguese are singing... I wish they weren't... they're all tone deaf!!
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