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!
So, who will earn the right to face Holland in the 19th World Cup Final?
posted by United We Stand @ 11:44 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!
285 Comments:
Nice images, there, UWS - cheers! I'm still at the office at noon, but I'll be wrapping up a couple of quick appointments with students and heading home for a bite to eat and to feast on the match.
Tell the students that their degrees stinks and kick 'em down the stairs!
I voted for the BBC... no questions asked!
Sunday’s World Cup final will be broadcast live on both the BBC and ITV. If you live in Britain, which channel will you choose?
92.7% BBC
7.3% ITV
Poll closes in 2 days
Here are the line ups
Germany: 1-Manuel Neuer; 16-Philipp Lahm, 3-Arne Friedrich, 17-Per Mertesacker, 20-Jerome Boateng, 15-Piotr Trochowski, 6-Sami Khedira, 7-Bastian Schweinsteiger, 10-Lukas Podolski, 8-Mesut Ozil, 11-Miroslav Klose.
Spain: 1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 11-Joan Capdevila; 14-Xabi Alonso, 8-Xavi, 6-Andres Iniesta, 16-Sergio Busquets; 18-Pedro, 7-David Villa.
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary).
So, Fernando Torres is not in the starting line up!
My two Golden Boot choices will probably end up with
ZERO goals!!
ESPN's show has just started
I guess I am tilting toward the country of my birth... Germany
This stadium is the same place that both teams started their campaigns. Germany crushed Australia.
Spain lost to Switzerland
Already, Lexi is annoying me!!
Steve Mac thinks the winner of tonight's match will win the World Cup
Lexi has to act pompous and say he "completely disagrees. The winner will be in the Final"
WE KNOW!!!
Last night, he was talking about Torres being World Class but out of form... he didn't say that about any of the English. He just said they're not that good enough
Have you figured out... I hate him!!
Germany trying to make their EIGHTH World Cup Final
A record
I'm home and lunch has been duly dispatched and I'm set up for this afternoon's match. I'm wearing red and blue, hoping that Spain will prevail this afternoon.
I agree with you about Lexi. Totally agree with Stevie Mac. I don't rate the Dutch at all - they're really ordinary. These are the two outstanding teams of the tournament.
I really enjoyed that little trailer they just showed narrated by the great Terence Stamp. Nice opening.
Again, I disagree with Lexi
Saying the omission of Torres makes Villa not play on the left and move inside. He won't be as dangerous.
I think he has played better when he moved to the middle
Looks like Del Bosque is going to a 4-5-1 with my boy Villa up front alone. I like that but I'm not keen on the two covering midfielders. Too defensive for my taste.
On Tuesday, a team who had never won the World Cup knocked out one that had. This hadn't happened in the semifinals since 1958. If we ignore the first couple of World Cups, there has never been a World Cup where two former winners were knocked out by two non-winners at the semifinal stage. This is what needs to happen for Spain to make it into the final.
I agree with you again. Lexi's a numpty. The only thing that was hemming Villa in was being stuck out wide left with Torres out wide right. Iniesta and Xavi didn't have the ability to penetrate.
Welcome home Bob
Jurgen K has left SA and gone to LA.. why?
Jurgen lives in LA - I suppose he misses the missus. She's an American model apparently.
89% of the German population watch the Argentina match!
Hello UWS and Blue Devil. I am here to join you for what may be a historical night. Happy Birthday UWS! This is a perfect way to spend a birthday. Here is wishing that Spain win on your birthday.
Afternoon, MUR! How are you?
Shut it LEXI!!!
'the build up was great'... it was just passed!
That is an amazing statistic. I wonder if a similar percentage watch their national teams in other European countries.
I agree with Steve... Holland haven't impressed me either. They have won everything but still haven't played that well
I am doing well, BD. How are you? I am glad that you are at home and are able to watch the match.
Mike Terrico of ESPN has been at the World Cup all month and he is probably is going straight to St. Andrews for the Open... wonder if he has made it home lately?
He used to the local sports guy on the NBC Syracuse channel when I was at Cortland
You beat me to it, MUR. I was going to post a special birthday greeting for Dave after the match. Well in!
I agree as well. Holland has just scraped by. I am annoyed by the fact that ESPN is making an issue out of the second Dutch goal involving RVP. We at LOB realized that it was a perfectly legitimate goal. Does Lexi need to learn the rules?
Welcome MUR.... thanks for the good wishes... just wish it was England giving me a present today!
Thanks BD
These EA sports bits with Lexi are rubbish, aren't they?
UWS stated that the 1974 final fell on his birthday. That is the dream birthday. This year it is the semis.Still a great way to spend a birthday.
That was a weird graphic.How seriously will Mueller's suspension affect the Germans.
I still can't get over the coverage... four years ago, the pre-game started five minutes before kick off. They went to the stadium for the kick off!
THERE GOES LEXI AGAIN!!!
'well, to be fair, it was England"
It is hopeless
They should restrict Lexi to the U.S. games. He's a Muppet.
Here's a quick crossword question for you before the match:
"Bird with a high protein content."
Three letters.
We forgot to mention that this is a rematch of the Euro 2008 final. The Germans will be out for revenge as well as a place in the final. The teams have previously met three times in the World Cup. They drew 1-1 in Chicago in 1994 and the Germans won 2-1 in both 1982 and 1966. I would not be surprised to see another 2-1 German victory today.
Is he being like to be controversial?
You have to be somewhat partial when talking about teams. You can't be COMPLETELY against them
Of course it's also about the Golden Boot battle. David Villa is on 5 alongside Wesley Sneijder now. Muller and Klose are on 4 each. And of course a brace tonight would make Miroslav the top goalscorer in World Cup finals history.
Did you know that Germany have NEVER beaten Italy in a competitive match?
I was stunned when I heard that
I don't know how many times they have met? I know they met in the '82 Final and the '70 and 06 semi
You'll remember that Lexi has a bit of a chip on his shoulder about English football and the Premiership. He was widely mocked for his comments a few years ago about the MLS being on par with the Prem. He has the typical stereotypical view of English footie as kick and rush, Route 1 stuff.
I.D.I.O.T
EMU
Lexi is an idiotic jerk who failed with the LA Galaxy.I am still thinking about the response to your clue.
Cheers, UWS!
Well done,UWS.That has to be the answer to the crossword question.
Nice of LeBron to announce live on ESPN tomorrow night that he'll be heading to....Elland Road!
Can you say, "hit the big man with the cross?"
I can't WAIT for this stupid free agency to end!!
Macca's going a bit heavy on the hair gel tonight, don't you think?
Everyone is picking Spain
I am picking Germany
I was surprised to hear that Germany has never defeated Italy in a competitive match. They did meet in the group stage in EURO 88 and EURO 96. Both matches resulted in draws.
Lexi... Germany haven't sat back!!
I am picking Germany as well.
Viva Espana!
Did you know that Holland and Spain have NEVER met in a major tournament? Their only competitive meetings were when they were in the same group for the EURO 84 qualifiers.
I want Germany to win just to shut up Lexi!!!
Spain are starting to become France in my book
They were a breath of fresh air and then got annoying.
Spain are almost there!
Mesut Ozil looks a bit like Beaker from the Muppets, don't you think?
Here the teams come
I agree with Martin about the latter stages of the tournament have been good
Glad to hear Martin but why efffing Efan
The teams are heading out of the tunnel. Is Trochowski an adequate replacement for Mueller and will Pedro be more effective than Torres?
So who's your favorite pairing - Martin and Harkesy? That's mine.
I agree with you about Ozil.
Is Klose standing in a trench? He doesn't seem very tall standing next to the giant - is that Trachowski?
I wish that Roberto Martinez or Stevie Mac would pair up with Martin Tyler.
I know I always hark back at how time flies but we all think of the year 2000 as yesterday
Well that was TEN years ago... West Germany won the World Cup in 1954... TEN years after D-Day!!!!
I wonder if EVERYONE hated them winning it!
I never understand having a goalkeeper as captain... what's the point!!
Is that guy in Duran Duran?
We're off
I agree with you about Casillas as captain. He's usually a passenger in Spain's matches. But perhaps not tonight.
Here we go!
I think so because people still complain about the Germans now, so imagine how they felt less than ten years after WW II. There must have been some really harsh feelings.
Wow, 98 games in the Finals... more than Brazil
Brazil have been in every tournament. Which one or ones have Germany missed?
The teams kick off. Which player looks like a member of Duran Duran?
As predicted, lots of Spanish possession from the kick-off. Germany looking as if they'll play the counter-attacking game that worked against England and Argentina.
I think Germany missed 1950. I am not sure if they missed any others.
Well, I'm always thought that Jurgi Low looks like the sixth member of DD.
Manager Loew
There's a person the field, they think it is all over
The stewards were quick to react? How about when he got out of the stands!!
Well, I didn't expect that. A fan has got onto the pitch.
There's a pitch invader in Durban, so we have a little restart. "Someone's been drinking on an empty head," says Lawro
If you discount the match against Serbia, the Germans have outscored their opponents 13-1!
Oh - Neuer did well to keep Villa out there. Lovely pass through there. Too bad - nearly his 6th.
Spain have started well
David Villa almost in!
Bob, do you still have a chance of beating Matt?
Do you need Spain to win it all?
Even if you don't discount the Serb match, 13-2 isn't too shabby either
Spain nearly score as Pedro plays a nice pass to Villa, but Neuer makes a nice block.
Pedro's certainly making a nuisance of himself. So far - advantage Espana.
Pedro has made a difference. He is doing what Torres should have done. He made a difference against Paraguay as well.
I don't think I can catch, Matt. He's got Holland v. Spain in the final. We both picked England for 3rd place and Villa as GB. He'll pick up too many points from Holland (and the Spain pick will cancel each other out). I'll be happy with #2.
Spain have certainly made a positive start.This is similar to the start they made in the Euro 2008 Final.
I am pleased that I am no longer in last place!:)
Have you been able to console Kathy, UWS?
Oh - that move deserved a goal but Puyol threw himself at the header which went over.
Puyol heads well over after several passes from a short corner.
I am one point behind WHR.
Germany earn their first corner....
It was dangerous
The Germans win a corner. I felt that Pique could have headed clear out at least out for a throw.Casillas struggles with the first corner and the second corner is cleared.
The Germans made a nuisance of themselves on the corner. It is important not to give away a corner or set piece unless it is absolutely necessary.
That was a poor cross by Sergio Ramos. I blame the player, not the ball.
I just opened my birthday card from the boys... Matt put on the card that he thinks there should be cash prizes for the predictions!!
Germany have not won the World Cup in twenty years. They last won a major tournament in 1996.
Don't mention '96!!
Germany had a chance there.. they blew it!
Why couldn't they counter-attack like that against England?
I second that emotion
The Germans nearly broke from Spain's short corner. I don't think Spain will try a short corner for the remainder of the match. Nearly a disaster!
I got a nice MUFC flag to hang outside my house
I agree as well.
Another poor decision by the linesman.
That is a fantastic birthday gift,UWS!
Yes, the player was level.
Can't wait to hang it up!
Pedro had a half-chance there from Ramos's cross. Didn't hit it well enough.
Germany and Spain would have met in the 2002 semifinal if Spain would have defeated South Korea in the quarterfinals.
For the game, who do you think would it be better to score first?
Spain have dominated possession,but the Germans have defended really well.
That was a bit nasty from Ramos.
I would say Germany. If Spain score first then they will pass the ball around and the match will be less entertaining.
Xabi Alonso shot wide from long range.
I'm starting to get a wee bit sleepy.
Spain have out shot Germany 4-0. I did not expect that at this stage of the match.
Trachowski lets one fly and it's deflected and tipped round by Casillas.
Germany have not started like they have in their other matches...are they intimidated?
Germany have a long shot.. saved
Corner to the Germans..don't mention the war... again, Spain don't look too comfortable with those corners
That was better from Germany as Trochowski forces Casillas to turn his long range effort around the post.
Efan, that isn't fascinating when we know this is their first semi final!!
Ozil wins a corner off of Puyol.
Nice move down the German left... corner cleared
Casillas did not look comfortable with the cross.
Iniesta trying to be cute... take a pop
Too much tippy tappiness from Spain. Iniesta should have driven on and had a shot there.
That seemed close to being onside!!
Just off
BBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson
"Spain have got perfect pass syndrome."
Efan thinks that this is "one for the purists." Really?
I was looking forward to this match... why are these guys disappointing me!!
Martin... I am going to say it... OZIL... TAKE THE SHOT!
I agree. Spain have passed too often when they need to start creating some opportunities.The Germans will eventually have their own goal scoring opportunities.
Even the 3rd/4th place playoff is on ABC
So, this is ESPN's last match
Well done lads!
Both teams are playing as if they are too frightened to make a mistake.
Except for Lexi of course
I can complain about a lot of aspects of this tournament, but the coverage has been spot on!
Klose has not had one chance so far. That will need to be addressed at halftime.
Again - that move from Spain deserved a better finish. Pique with a bit of magic and then a slide rule pass to Capedevilla. Cross to no one though.
Spain trying to be tricky again... get the ball in the box!
Xavi over the free kick, which is disappointingly played short. The Germans snuff it out right away.
Spain did well when they were going after Boateng. Free kick to Spain. The short free kick by Xavi is a disaster.
Short free kicks are almost as bad as short corners!
The Spanish fans should be singing at the Germans - "Are you Switzerland in disguise!?"
The Germans have done their homework on the short free kicks/ corners. Uruguay scored off a short free kick yesterday.
This German side reminds me why I have always hated them!
HIT IT!!!!!!
Again, Pedro makes a nice move but tried to do more!
Pedro wins a corner after Meratascker gives away possession.
Agreed, UWS. This is rubbish from the Mannschaft.
Rubbish. Ozil should get a yellow card for that. What a dive!
One minute of stoppage time. Ozil falls in the box, but no penalty.
Ozil down the middle.. why did he go down!!
Unless he was fouled!
If he wasn't fouled... Ozil should be shot!
Pedro with a bullet with the last kick of the game
Ramos did touch him
Pedro finally tests Neuer with a shot. And that's it for the first half. A bit lively in the final seconds. But a fairly tame half.
Halftime and still 0-0. I agree with your statement about the Germans, UWS. I feel the same. I agree that Ozil should have received a yellow,BD.
Spain are the entertainment snuffers of this tournament
All their games haven't been the best!!
Agreed, UWS, but have Spain snuffed out the entertainment or have their opponents? Discuss....
Second half starting up now...
I really enjoyed that Roger Milla Coke ad too. Nice one!
I really enjoyed that Roger Milla Coke ad too. Nice one!
Off we go... Spain try a quick start
Come on guys... turn on the style!!
This does not bode well for the Final.
These teams aren't anything to call home about and Holland can play the same way!
Good news
BBC Sport's Gary Lineker
"Spain haven't been involved in a 0-0 draw for 33 games, Germany haven't been involved in one for 37 games."
I do not blame Spain for the lack of entertainment. Their opponents are responsible for entertaining as well.
Nice move by Pedro but he takes too long.. passes to Alonso who stinks up the joint!
Pedro did really well there on the right turning Boateng and Friedrich inside and out before Alonso hit the final shot wide.
Come on Germany.. shut up Lexi
Oh - Xavi Alonso has another clear sight of goal but again hits it wide. A bit cleaner but well wide.
I am fortunate that the volume of the air conditioner insulates me from many comments.
Alonso with a better shot... Spain starting to create some chances and actually shooting
That was better from Alonso. At least Spain is attempting some shots at goal.
When do Espana bring El Nino on and become a hero...again
Are you two boiling as well. It's really uncomfortably hot today. I don't like it at all. I thought I'd left all that 90 degree bollocks behind in Florida.
And me back hurts and if you complain no one listens, you might as well not bother....
Too may passes from Spain without a shot at goal AGAIN!
It has been in the mid 90s for the whole week
I hope you feel better BD. I understand that there is a heat wave in the northeast. To be honest, 90 degrees is considered to be a cool day in Harlingen during the summer.
Bringing on a left back... very adventurous Duran Duran
Oh - Villa tries a curler but it's wide.
Our average high temperature in July is about 97 degrees.
Not too impressive from Villa
Again, too far out on the left for my liking
BBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson
"I think it's Spain who need to make a change because they are powderpuff at the moment."
Not too impressive from Villa
Again, too far out on the left for my liking
BBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson
"I think it's Spain who need to make a change because they are powderpuff at the moment."
It's a good move from DD, though. Boateng was really having fits with Pedro. He's the weak link in the German back four IMHO.
I think Boateng was substituted because the Spanish players were going after him. It was actually one left back coming on for another, but you do make a good point,UWS.
That 1950 tournament was strange... there actually wasn't a Final... as Martin just said.. the last game happened to be the game to decide the group!
I guess we can call it the Final
Oh - great save, Neuer. And then Iniesta rifles one across the area. Close call there for the Germans.
oooh
Spain almost score twice!1
A nice shot and then a ball a Gazza toe nail way from a man sliding it in
Why didn't Villa get on the end of that one!?
A little further away from Villa then to Gazza
That should have been a goal for Spain as they finally put the German defense under pressure. Neuer made a great save then Villa failed to get on the end of Iniesta's cross. Pedro finally shot just wide.
Germany have not created much
That double chance has brought the Germans out of their shells a bit. They can't just rely on defending.
Half chance there for Klose. He was always reaching back off balance.
ooh Klose had a sniff there
I should be working for the BBC
BBC Sport's Guy Mowbray
"Echoes of Gazza for David Villa."
Xavi is definitely suffering from Perfect Pass Syndrome
Kroos on to try and fill the void of Mueller
Loew throws on another "K" player - Kroos on for Trochowski. He hasn't been much of a sub for Mueller.
El Nino... when?
I agree. The loss of Mueller has really hurt the Germans.
Sergio Ramos makes a run... he's the one that challenged Ozil
Sergio Ramos ran through and called for a penalty. Referee thought not.
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