FIFA World Cup

Not invested in this soccer world cup in the slightest. I might tune in though if England actually reach the final (yeah right). So I've not been following it at all really but I saw a headline today about a guy getting red carded for covering his mouth. This rule presumably to stamp out the hiding of racist language. Seems a bit draconian to me but the rules are the rules. However the thing that shits me and this is probably the main part of my not following soccer anymore is that the guy that was spoken to told the ref.

I mean. Whining to the ref just to get an opponent sent off. FFS where is your dignity?

I wasn't invested at all but watched every match - most as highlights but at least one live match per day.

Been pleasantly surprised. Some cracking matches and goals.

Commentary for the most part banal. Females squawking like seagulls. Painful.

I know there's be some thrashings, but so far the expanded tournament actually feels like it's working. I guess the real test will be the round of 32 - there will be 8 third place finishers in there and some of them will pretty bad so that round might be where the tournament drags. But so far the likes of Cape Verde, Curacao and us feel like they're adding to the festival rather than dragging things out. Definitely helps to have 4 games a day so we're racing through the group stage.

Ecuador v Curaçao

Best scoreless draw I’ve ever seen

Game of the tournament so far

On another day it could have been the highest scoring World Cup match ever

I'm not into soccer/football?? at all, I tend to find it boring compared to union and the totally unecessary dramatic displays and argueing with/pushing up on ref's are a turn off. But I love a comp, especially one where teams are representing their countries. And the fans look to be having a great time.

So far the split of games hosted across three countries has been great, at least from where I'm watching i.e. my couch. The number of teams competing is excellent. Have found the commentating good.

Belgium and Iran draw 0-0. If the All Whites can beat Egypt, they will top their group with one game to go.

There’s a scenario where NZ play Australia in the last 32.
Obviously I’m getting way ahead of myself.
But getting way ahead of yourself is a big part of any World Cup.

Is NZ playing today

@canefan said in FIFA World Cup:

Is NZ playing today

1pm kick off against Egypt. Win and we are pretty certain to qualify, draw and everything goes to the final day with nothing decided. Lose and we'll need to beat Belgium on the final day.

@KiwiPie said in FIFA World Cup:

@canefan said in FIFA World Cup:

Is NZ playing today

1pm kick off against Egypt. Win and we are pretty certain to qualify, draw and everything goes to the final day with nothing decided. Lose and we'll need to beat Belgium on the final day.

Amazing to even be discussing possible advancement. Hopefully the boys leave it all out on the pitch, and aren't hosed by poor reffing calls

Neat factoid: NZ played Egypt in the 2012 Olympics, ending in a 1-1 draw. Goal scorers: Chris Wood and Mo Salah.

Both teams searching for their first win at a WC.

GOAL!

Great header from Surman

"slice of heaven" playing after the goal is chefs kiss

once again, even if they dont kick on, they rocked up showing they want to play so respect

Good to hear the boos for the hydration ad breaks.

seriously even scoring against Egypt is unreal.. cmon boys

I don't understand why they don't stamp out the faking of injuries in soccer. They have crystal clear replays that show no chance of injury. It's so off-putting to watch.

That little gripe out the way, awesome start from our boys! Egypt under a lot of pressure now to score twice without conceding to get the W they desperately need against us. Love seeing us upsetting some of the big countries parties!

The unbeaten streak since 1982 continues, 4 1/2 games undefeated...

First time we've ever had a lead at the break, comon lads!!

@No-Quarter is it? i was wondering and just started checking

egypt have come back out fizzing

This is exciting!!!!

I get the feeling we are just holding on Egypt will score if they get their shit together

@Crazy-Horse yeah, they definately got the hair dryer in the break and have come out pressing high...holding on for 45 will be hard work....but theyre also more open on the break now

fuckity fuck
1-1

ive often though, one of the biggest results to come out ot the All Whites playing in the WC is player might get more exposure and get picked up by bigger clubs

damn it, he got a hand on it too

Pressure was building and we got caught with a man open in the box.

so different to the iran game where we actually managed to get the ball through the middle and create oportunities

Come on. Too much complaining and they went on attack.

1-2

shold have been a free kick but also get up and play

yep hopefully Egypt try to shut up shop and we can sink another set piece with a limited reply in counter attack...big hope

I hate this game.

Bugger!

ive seen two goal in injury time before