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!
We've reached the Quarter-final stage of the 2011 Gold Cup. Univision is favoring us with both fixtures tonight - Costa Rica v. Honduras at 5pm and Mexico v. Guatemala at 8pm. I'll be in and out of the first one but glued to later match to catch out the scintillating form of El Tri. Join me if you're watching.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 4:18 PM
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!
438 Comments:
My bad - the early one is on Telefutura, a channel I don't get, so I'll be dialing up a link for that one.
This one looks good, albeit Spanish language commentary:
http://soccerjumbo-pda.blogspot.com/2009/11/channel-2.html
Here's the team news out of the Meadowlands:
CR: Navas, Diaz, Oviedo, Marshall, Acosta, Salvatierra, Borges, Ruiz, Saborio, Urena, Bolanos.
Honduras: Valladares, Garcia, Sabillon, Garcia, Bernandez, Chavez, Espinoza, Portillo, Thomas, Martinez, Bengtson.
The teams are out on the pitch now and listening to the anthems.
Either my link is behind or the match has not kicked off at the specified 5pm time. Ah well, they've got until the later game's 8pm kick-off for even extra time and pens.
Honduras are about to get us started in this first Gold Cup quarter-final.
Early free kick oppo for the Ticos. Cleared out by the first man. That was a poor effort. Honduras must be favorites tonight, so the Ticos will have to take every chance they have.
The Hondurans have clearly come to put the boot in early and often. Another good free kick chance for the Ticos.
High wide and 'orrible from Bolanos despite the histrionics from the commentators.
The thing that I dislike the most about the Spanish commentary (bear with me, kind reader) is that you can never really tell whether a chance is fairly close or not close at all. The tone of voice is basically the same whether the shot is sailing toward Row Z or about to crash off the crossbar. For someone who is Spanish illiterate and often typing at the same time, that's mighty irritating.
This match is not going to script at all. It's been all Ticos so far. The corner is lofted up and collected by the Honduran keeper. For all the pressure, the Ticos haven't really created any clear cut chances in the first ten minutes, tbf.
First strike on the Costa Rica goal. A long range effort collected with ease by Navas.
Honduras is coming back into this one. A couple of half chances there for Bengtson.
On the replay, Bengtson really should have done better with that chance. Sure, the cross meant that he had to dive for it but the header should have made Navas work.
It probably goes without saying but the winner of this one goes onto the semis against (probably) Mexico who play Guatemala tonight.
The US, if they get past a useful looking Jamaica tomorrow (and that is a big "if" in my book) will get the winners of Panama v. El Salvador. A bit of a gift there for the semis and perhaps even a chance to exact some revenge for that group stage loss to Panama.
Oh - big chance there. The Honduran forward was straight in on goal but hesitated allowing a defender to clear out for a corner. Navas collects the corner easily and the chance is gone.
20 minutes in and only a couple of chances so far.
Crikey - that was a good hit from Bolanos. Well tipped around by the Honduran keeper.
Both of these teams are willing to put a foot into a challenge. I don't see that as the difference between the two at all
Honduras have had some guilt edged chances to score but haven't taken them. I was just thinking that the Ticos don't look nearly as good when they're not playing in their inhospitable jungle. The Meadowlands just not swampy enough.
Completely agree with the commentators "morning zoo" approach to the play by play. A little brevity would be nice.
Oh - another close one. This time it's Portillo from Honduras with a nice hit, whistling by the post.
Evening, Gooner. Agreed - not a lot of difference between these two. I fear that they might go all the way, which given that they started a wee bit late is going to make it tricky to get my Thai stir fry done before the 8pm kick-off.
I suspect that the Latin commentators are instructed to hype the excitement of the match. I don't like it. We were raised on the much more honest and terse British style. What I've always loved about that style is that if a match is boring, they're not shy about saying it's boring. Only Waldo and Harkes among the Americans are willing to do so.
The Telefutura lads are showing the highlights of the first half as we approach the interval and they're having to scrape the barrel to find them. Not good.
The Latin commentators don't shy away from the "muy-muy malo" comments though. They were putting the boot into that Catracho forward's decision to take a touch instead of bash it into pretty much anywhere in the net in the 12th minute or so.
I suspect that the Ticos are rope-a-doping the Catrachos here. CR has a lot more quality but Honduras has the verve for now. They'll be spent by the end.
That's a fair comment. That's the sort of detail that I don't get with my language barrier and not having Melanie at my shoulder explaining these things.
What a miss, eh? Cor!
Neither side seems to have any quality finishing. That's the half-time whistle. I suspect that Wee Pea and co. will be sleeping soundly tonight after witnessing this display.
Hello BD and Gooner . How is everything between the Ticos and Honduras? It must be halftime as I see ads on the link that you provided.
The teams are coming out for the second half.
The second half is underway.
The Ticos get us started in the second half. I'm hoping for some goals.
It's pretty pallid stuff. I don't think the Hondurans have enough class now to put enough goals by CR who were able to soak up everything thrown at them. I'll bet just about anything that the Honduran's epitaph will read, "should have finished those chances."
That was a decent attack, but the pass went across the face of the box.
Hi there, MUR! Congratulations on the end of another successful school year and welcome to the summer vacation!
I agree with Gooner. It's been fairly uninspiring stuff so far. La Volpe will be reasonably satisfied if that's his evil plan.
Urena's goal struck off for, offside in the build-up?
But more like it from the Ticos.
That was a great chance for the Ticos.
Thank you BD. If not for the post, I would not have been aware of the two matches .
GOAL! Honduras break the deadlock through their big man, Saborio. Easiest goal he'll ever score too. Cleaned up the chance created by Garcia.
1-0 Honduras!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hondurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrras!
It was a simple tap in from six yards into an empty net.
1-0 Honduras
Bengtson has been credited with the simple tap in as the Ticos had a break down in defense.
Nearly 2-0 as Roger Espinosa shot just wide.
The commentator going nuts again with a big "GOOOOOOOL" call but it's merely for one into the side netting.
You know what I'd really like to do to this commentator. I'd like to sneak into his house in the middle of the night and yell something really alarming in Spanish in his ear while he slept.
Will Mexico vs Guatemala be televised?
Cool!!! Honduras against the run of play catch the Ticos napping, especially their left back who made a complete hash of judging the ball pumped forward. That was positively Squillaci-esque. Nice tap in for Honduras.
You know, there's something about moving La Volpe on. There was an earlier game that had a poll about whether you thought that the big story was Chicharo, all the goals in the first round, or La Volpe's stewardship of the Ticos. Tonight, the poll was La Volpe, should he be sacked, kept on, or are you undecided. Something's up that we haven't picked up.
Si, try TIBURON!!! the next time he steps into the bath.
I wonder if that is his wake up call and if it is his dial tone on his cell phone? That must be his voice mail too.
Yeah - the later one is definitely on Univision. I'm assuming you have that one on your system, MUR.
Based on this display I would guess that La Volpe will be sacked, Gooner. He has a World Cup Winners medal as he was the third choice keeper for Argentina in 1978. Was he Puffing on the bench?
Goal for the Ticos from Marshall. I've thought that he could do pretty well in the MLS after this tournament. I'd have him in the Black and Red.
GOOOOOOOOOL!!! 1-1 as the Ticos score a header off a corner courtesy of Dennis Marshall. That's what happens when you have a free header.
GOOOOOOOOOOOL!
The Ticos are back in it and it's their anchor man Marshall with a stooping header from the set piece. Anyone else think he looks a wee bit like Adebayor?
From the looks of his skin, I'd say so. I'd bet anything that's a dye-job too.
I guess we shouldn't be so hasty to sack La Volpe.
I do see a resemblance.
Absolutely. I thought that from the start. Definitely rocking the City period Adebayor, not the Real natural look Adebayor.
Unfortunately that means that extra time and pens are still on for this one. The green curry will have to wait.
The Hondurans win a corner .
La Volpe looks like the villain from just about any Telenovela.
The corner is cleared .
I agree Gooner. He looks rather sinister.
Two players down in a heap now. Bring out the magic sponge.
Yeah - and that bloke from the hilarious "Bing" commercial.
The plot thickens in my house as everyone is in my bedroom. There was gift wrapping paper mixed in with the groceries that said Dad's Day. I pretended to be ignorant of the matter.
There's still hope for the stir-fry. Honduras aren't steady enough at the back and Walter Martinez needs oxygen right now. It will be a race to see if he or that plank Bengston goes off first.
I think unless the Ticos go down a man, they'll take this one in the 70th or so and coast a few more to punctuate their superiority in depth.
I'm still reeling from that FIFA suspension of my Belizean boys. Shocking stuff from the suits.
You are correct,BD. We do receive Univision and Telemundo. Thanks for the information.
Another agricultural challenge there in the middle of the park. More players down in a heap.
More bogus injuries as the lightweights have trouble handling any physical contact.
Sure thing - we get more opportunities to brush up on our Spanish tomorrow, I believe.
Why were Belize suspended? I know you will be disappointed as you had a great trip there in January.
You're right, MUR. Saborio barely extended there in a challenge with the keeper Navas and he's down.
Did the injured player just go off and then take the throw-in? That was never legal.
Will U.S. vs Jamaica be on FSC?
I guess anything goes. They should try a drop kick from a throw to see if they can con the ref.
Yeah, one of the Honduran Garcias rolled about for a bit, then was pointed to the side line where he limped off, picked up the ball and threw it back in. Only in the CONCACAF.
Gooner posted an article on my FB page earlier. It basically says that the Belize government has refused to recognize FIFA and concede to its security demands. Here it is:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/feedarticle/9700803
I hope it gets cleared up - I'd love to see a qualifier when I'm down there in January again.
I need to red the article . I have not been on FB for several days.
I do think that this Panamanian(?) ref is probably the most even ref that I've seen in this tournament.
Just watch,... that effing' "Sheriff" guy from Mexico will helm us against Jamaica tomorrow and job us like he does some team in every game he does.
I do too. It would be great to see Belize in action.
I only see Univision listed for both matches tomorrow. But I don't see why FSC wouldn't be showing the US match at 3pm EST. They've shown all the others.
Wigan's Hendry Thomas has been booked.
Agreed about the ref - he's tried to keep the game flowing. Hasn't been easy.
I rate that dive 2.5 . It was pathetic off the free kick. Where is the card for diving?
Nice job spotting Hendry Thomas there, MUR.
Good spot MUR. I wish they'd list the players clubs at the beginning. I hadn't twigged him yet.
The Hondurans win a corner off of Marshall.
Than You Gooner. The cross off the corner eluded everyone. It doesn't help when you jump less than one inch off the ground.
The Ticos have a penalty. I thought that was soft as it was minimal contact.
Penalty to Costa Rica as Bernandez hauls back his man!
Bernardez is a total idiot for pulling him down like that. Urena was never getting to that.
That keeper deserved his yellow too.
Chaos before the penalty. If it doesn't go in, you would have to mark the ref down for his inability to control the Hondurans.
Here's the culmination of that rope-a-dope plan that Gooner mentioned earlier.
Saborio steps up and....loads of gamesmanship here from Honduras.
The Honduran keeper is deservedly booked for being a dumbass.He did not have a complaint.
That's an injustice that the keeper gets to save that. He and the rest of the Hondurans were a disgrace.
Saborio again now....SAVED!
Valladares saves the penalty moments after being booked for poor sportsmanship. I guess we will be tortured by having extra time.
That really was a travesty. Saborio was made to wait several minutes while the ref tried in vain to sort the Hondurans out.
Now - what is this nonsense. A Honduran is down rolling about like a log in a log roll.
I agree with Gooner. The Hondurans continue with the disgraceful behavior. The player was never hit.
Disgraceful behavior from Portillo.
And the replay shows that Portillo wasn't even touched.
I'm in the bag now for Costa Rica against these cheats. Time to drop the hammer Costa Rica.
Honduras are obviously competing with Panama for the Unfair Play award for the tourney.
I think the Honduran was booked for rolling. Do these players need to reieive automatic red cards to get the message?
Agreed - Gooner. Agreed. Come on, you Ticos!
I agree with Gooner. We need to cheer for the Ticos. The Hondurans were much better sports last summer in South Africa.
COME ON YOU TICOS!
Carlos Costly is on for Roger Espinosa.
Costly is on and straight into the action challenging for the ball with Navas.
More log rolling antics from the Hondurans.
Nice! Bengston's antics are completely ignored. If the game is stopped, it should only be to give him a yellow.
Another bogus injury for the Hondurans. Credit to the ref for ignoring the poor acting.
I would give Bengtson an early bath. It would make the players think twice about these tactics.
Goalscorer Bengtson is hobbling off after a light tap on the ankle.
And he immediately lines up on the touchline to go back on. I'd let him cool his heels, but unfortunately the ref waves him back on.
The ref's surely going to add 6-7 minutes for time wasting here?
Honduras definitely finishing the stronger of the two sides.
Costly wins a corner for the Hondurans.He seems to be their main attacking threat.
Undoubtedly plenty of stoppage time here as well.
The Mexicans won't be happy about not being able to get onto the pitch for a warm-up after this bollix.
Deflected shot by Nunez tipped around by Navas.
The Ticos keeper makes a great save from a long range effort that leads to a Honduran corner.
Only four minutes of stoppage time indicated. That's shocking.
There will be four minutes of stoppage time.
We probably lost four minutes of time wasting just around the penalty incident.
An almighty scramble there. It seemed that Garcia had to score but it was kept off the line. Wow!
That was nearly a winner for the Hondurans as there were two blocked shots and a save by the keeper.
Tremendous block there by Marshall. He's been MOTM for the Ticos, no doubt.
Ironically the extra time would benefit the Hondurans as they have the momentum.
I agree BD. He has been tremendous.
Is that Wilson Palacios coming on? Where the hell has he been all this time?
Spurs' Wilson Palacios is on for his former Wigan teammate , Hendry Thomas.
That's regular time over. As I feared, extra time beckons.
The ref signals the end of the second half as we have to endure extra time.
The U.S. vs Jamaica is on FSC tomorrow afternoon at 2:30. Mexico will be on Univision in an hour according to Dish Network.
Nice - thanks for the info, MUR.
No problem,BD. Extra time has begun.
Extra time kicks off. Green curry still waiting....
Oh - the Ticos go really close!
The Ticos had two chances that were blocked by Honduran defenders.
Bernandez barges his player off the ball in a really dangerous area. Good chance for Costa Rica here.
Honestly, are the Costa Ricans participating in some March of Dimes Make A Wish program for footballers who can't finish? What's it going to take here Ticos?
Now the Ticos have a free kick just outside the box.
The pathetic free kick goes onto the wall.
Straight into the wall. Go make your curry and come back for the penalties.
I'm going to remember Portillo for a long long time. Pick him up and get on with it.
I would like some curry, but not penalties.
Portillo claims to have cramp. GET ON WITH IT!!!
I'm very tempted, I'll tell you. I did take the opportunity during the brief break to cut up some veg. It's happening.
He should stay off for five minutes.
You know, I'd vote for the FIFA official for President who ran on the "Curry, not penalties" platform.
I should try some,BD.
Portillo needs a kick in the balls.
I am with you,BD. I agree with that platform.
I swear, all you're likely to miss is more of that cheating midget's antics which would put you off your grub anyway. Open up that can of coconut milk without fear.
He needs multiple kicks in the balls.
The stretcher is back on. You're right - I'm going to stop talking about it and just bugger off to put the rice on at least.
Another fake injury by the Hondurans. Sabillon is the guilty party this time.
The Mexicans will play one of these jokers in the semis.
Combine that with a kick up the Ticos forwards back-sides, I'm down with that program too.
One of the Garcias is in on the act.It was minimal contact by Mora.
Don't the Hondurans know that there are two periods of extra time or do they intend to fall about and time waste the entire injury time.
This horrible match appears to heading for penalties. It is a slow torturous end to this match that just won't end.
Oh, so close to justice there.
Valladares saved an effort from Saborio.The corner is cleared, but the Ticos maintain possession.
There are two minutes of stoppage time.
What a pathetic cross from Bengtson.
Bloody Hell! Why is Ramon Nunez rolling about?
You caught that comment about Portillo? That he's made a remarkable comeback from his "injury?" I think even the morning zoo twins are sick of this lot.
The first half of extra time has ended.
15 more minutes Ticos!
The second half of extra time is underway.
Have you noticed whether all the subs have been used yet?
That was obviously offside. He doesn't know how to watch the line?
Ah, just as I asked off goes the wayward Urena and on comes the alarmingly numbered 45? They couldn't possibly have brought that many to a tournament.
The Ticos are making a substitution as Campbell is on for Urena. I think each side has one substitution remaining, but don't quote me.
Maybe they subbed on the mascot.
Do they even have that many players worthy of playing in this tournament?
I'm back - doesn't look like I'm missed that much. How much time do we have left.
Was it Campbell? He's wearing 12, so where did I get 45? This is so awful I'm hallucinating.
He couldn't play any worse than most of these players. Only Costly and Marshall have had decent performances today.
I think there are ten minutes remaining.
Too long. Only 4 minutes into the 2nd period of ET. Plenty of time for more Honduran chicanery.
The famous short time wasting free kick from the Hondurans. Now Campell is rolling around for the Ticos.
Mexico can't be happy - they should be on the pitch already having a bit of keepy uppy.
Campbell has a bit of Eboue about him, no? Unexpected dribbling that ends up losing the ball and him left on the ground appealing for something.
Are the fans yelling cheat cheat Cheat?
Now Chavez is supposedly injured.
That... or worse. My Spanish cussing is pretty refined from 15 years of DC United.
I don't blame La Volpe for being upset.
I am an expert at Spanish cussing. They say Ching half the time.
I wonder where the balance of the fans is in the NY/NJ area. I assume that there are probably more Salvadorans than Mexicans in the Tri-state area for the one coming up.
Bryan Ruiz was assaulted, but no free kick for the Ticos and The Hondurans nearly score on the counter.
Oooh, that's an evil one. I saw that on a license plate once and had to laugh. More diversity at the DMV needed.
There is actually a large Mexican population in the NYC metro area. I think there would be fewer Guatamalans.
The Honduran players are a miserable lot.
No question. It's already a sea of green there. Here it's El Savadorans, then Mexicans, and then Hondurans with handfuls of Guatemalans and Costa Ricans.
The ref was not conned this time. Nunez was never going to be awarded a free kick.
I see plenty of Mexican flags. It should be a home game for the Mexicans.
I have the worse feeling about this. The Ticos will obviously want that bloke that tamely tapped that penalty at the Honduran keeper to take one, but does he have the head to do it. And will that keeper game the penalty takers again.
Balls. 1-1 AET. Penalties await.
Campbell shoots high and wide off the corner. The ref signals the end of extra time and we face penalties. Will the agony cease?
I will be watching the next match on Telemundo.
You're absolutely right - it's Guatemala tonight, not ES. My bad.
I'd assumed that it was similar to DC (and had forgotten that ES is up tomorrow against Panama). I'll defer to your superior knowledge.
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