Anyone looking at the Soccer Games? Brazil won over Croatia. Am a Soccer fan, just asking if any

[akbacchus_BC]

Soccer fans out there!

[Byronic]

1. Yes, Yes, Yes! *raises hand*

A massive soccer fan here. I shall be in Heaven for the next month with, no doubt, a few agonising detours to Hell, provided by the England team. On tenterhooks waiting for Saturday's match against Italy.

Croatia were desperately unlucky. That wasn't a penalty. I think the referee allowed the pressure to get to him. Can't blame him entirely. How many people global-wide were watching that game? Yikes.

[JonLP24]

2. Data shows it - home field affecting refs decisions

In 2009, University of Bath researcher Dr. Peter Dawson led a group of fellows who analyzed officiating statistics from 1,717 UEFA Cup and Champions League matches.

Though Dawson's study was centered on determining which nationality of referee is the biggest homer—he concluded the answer is Portugese—his study also concluded that referees as a whole tend "to favor home teams."

In 2002, University of Wolverhampton lead researcher Alan Nevill and his crew concluded that crowd noise "influenced referees' decisions to favor the home team."

Nevill asked qualified soccer referees to analyze various challenges which had been recorded on videotape, either with or without sound. Nevill found that when the variable of crowd noise was introduced, the referees called 15.5 percent fewer fouls against the home team.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/931502-referee-bias-quantifying-the-homer-effect-and-officiating-home-field-advantage

[Byronic]

3. Interesting

It just goes to show that human nature is what it is. Even the very best referees will find themselves influenced by their environment. Had to chuckle at the exasperated Croatia coach who seemed to suggest that we all go home, and hand Brazil the World Cup right now unless the refereeing improves!

[lunamagica]

4. Me! Me!

I could no believe the game today between Spain Netherlands

That first goal from Neatherlandswas truly spectacular!

[kwassa]

7. I loved this game, too.

[Byronic]

8. Wasn't it extraordinary?

Mighty Spain, defending World Champions, many people's favorites to win it again, the stage all set.....and the roof caves in on them. I can only imagine the reaction in Madrid. The question is: can they, somehow, bounce back from this? Psychologically they must be shot to pieces.

Oddly after such a brilliant performance, I don't think the Dutch will get anywhere near winning the tournament. A great start though!

[lunamagica]

12. At least outwardly, Spain is showing confidence

Saying that they will WIN the next two games, and they WILL make it to the next round, no doubt about it

The Dutch came is second last time, against Spain...sweet, sweet revenge.

After watching Spain and Brazil perform, perhaps Netherlands has a good chance. So far, it has been the best team.

Of course, the tournament is just starting, and we have yet to see many teams play.

[UTUSN]

5. & MEXICO won!1 And Mexicans went CRAZY!1 What would they do if they

actually won the CUP?!1


Oh, and Holland beat Spain, and CHILE beat whomever!1

[lunamagica]

6. Mexico win the cup? That will never happen. nt

[Byronic]

9. The Aussies!

Another decent game, too. Chile were just too strong for them.

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. Because non expects Mexico to do well

Last edited Sat Jun 14, 2014, 01:19 PM - Edit history (1)

They did better already than word in the street in Mexico City expected them to do two weeks ago.

They roar like lions, they play like mice, aka the "mighty green mice."

The President had a brave face when he even said that Mexico should get it fans know better. If they advance (which they should if they beat Croatia, no way against Brazil) there will be dancing in the streets (and many surprised celebrating)

[Byronic]

10. England v Italy tonight!

Just to get any World Cup loving lounge lizards who have a soft spot for England, in the mood. Here is the England song for the World Cup in 1990. One of the very few soccer inspired songs to be any good! (relatively speaking).

'Arrivederci, It's one on one!'

And the quite extraordinary rap by John Barnes towards the end. They don't make football songs quite like that anymore.

And, of course, we have 'Three Lions'. Skinner, Baddiel and the Lightning Seeds sang of 'thirty years of hurt,' it's hard to believe that it is now 48 years of hurt! It sums up the pessimism surrounding this England campaign, but the underlying hope that a fan can never really shift. I know they won't win it. I know they will probably disappoint like they usually do. But, deep down, there is still that little voice.....

As John Cleese said in 'Clockwise': "It's not the despair. I can take the despair. It's the hope I can't stand."

Good luck England, and good luck to any nations that DUers might be pulling for.

[T_i_B]

11. I think this should be this years England song

"Arse In Motion" by the Everly Pregnant Brothers

[maddezmom]

13. Me

Watching Colombia vs Greece now.

[nadinbrzezinski]

14. Yup

And at least officials are now letting games play out.

Those two disallowed goals from Dos Santos, when even the Huffpost gets it...and you should read the Guardian take on it.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jun/13/mexico-cameroon-disallowed-goals-referees-controversy-world-cup

Ouch!

[suffragette]

16. Yes! Has the Uruguay match started yet?

Out getting groceries and waiting onthebus to get home and watch.

[Byronic]

17. Yep. Started about 10 minutes ago.

Luis Suarez is on the bench.

[suffragette]

18. Got home 19 minutes into the game.

Hmm, more Forlan then
Any threads for live games?

[Byronic]

19. I don't think so, sadly,

DU is rather quiet when it comes to the World Cup - even the Sports forum, and the Soccer/Football one.

I've just parked myself in here, getting more and more nervous as the kick-off time for the England game approaches.

You are certainly getting your Forlan-fix!

[suffragette]

20. Well, start one on England and I'll be glad to visit it and chat

[DFW]

21. Not us, BUT-- Our soccer-crazed daughter......

She is leaving t 6:00 AM tomorrow morning for Manaus and will be in Brazil until July 15th.

Crazy kid, but she's out of the house and earning a six-figure salary all on her own, so who are we to tell her what to do?

[Eyerish]

22. Right here!

Been watching since I got up this morning! From what I've seen today, this is going to be an interesting WC.
I'm picking Germany v Brazil for the final. Who are your picks?

[lovemydog]

23. Yes

Watching as much as I can. Played in high school & love the sport.

[shenmue]

24. Enjoying it