First of all the only team in this group that deserves full credit is Mexico. They were by far the best team in all the games they played an deserved to go through.
Congrats to the I-ties too, you guys played well, and it doesn't matter how you go through as long as you do it.
I really don't know what to say with reagrds to Croatia? Lack of heart, enthusiam, they didn't seem to want to run for balls at all, much like the Mexican game. Against Italy they were, attack, attack, attack, I was expecting much of the same today, but they didn't. 5-3-2 formation, don't know why yet? They eventually did change it around a little. But who am I to criticize, it's easy to be a spectator and hell of a lot of different then being on the pitch. I'm still proud of the vatreni. But one thing is for sure, I'm not jumping off the wagon (NEVER) cause I'm a CROATIAN pride filled bastard.
What a joke. we played the fcuking shits today. i just dotn' understand. u play the 5-3-2 against mexico and it doestn' work. u play an attacking game against italy and it works. so u think u would play the same game against equador as u did against italy. NOPE. not croatia. They go back to a 5-3-2, with no midfield once again. and equador controlling the play. yes we did have our chances. but only 2-3 actually could have been goals. the others were all broken up. we don't deserve to go up the way we played today. oh well there's always 4 years from now.
and i was watching the italian game at the same time and Mexico took it to them. 2 more disallowed goals for the ities, but they got the one to tie. but that's all they needed. i can't believe mexico won the group. That's 2 teams so far that surprised me to win the group. the other sweden.
Good to see there are some TTPers that can take a loss gracously, without excuses.
I have to agree with Slav, Mexico were the best team in the group and deserve to be at the top.
As for Italy, they are somewhat lucky to advance. Their play has been sub-par during the last two games. What's with the long balls to the forwards and then hoping like hell they can do something. Come on WOPS, show some individual ball handling skill. Any ways, I'm happy they have advanced.
BTW: This is typical of Italy, they usually don't convincingly advance, but tend to bring itup a notch in the subsiquent (SP?) rounds.
First off Congrats to the Wops for advancing in such a dominant fashion like all Italian TTPers said they would!!! Viva Mexico!!!
Slav unlucky mate!!! First off, I think you can change that little signature you have in regards to being perfect and Croatian Secondly, when you have received your premium membership, being the people person that I am, I will dedicate a thread in your honor regarding your new avatar...
For those interested in having a say in Slav's avatar, please post your opinion in the thread I will have for him!!! Except Croatians of course Sorry but I will not be excepting any suggestions from East Ender, Bronco, BJB, Vratar, Slick and especially CDK or any other Croat on this site!!!
Slav's new signature: "Officially on the Irish World Cup Bandwagon"
First of all congrats to Mexico & Italia for advancing. I watched the game and I have to say Mexico played like masters, I hope they go far. As far as Italia goes bringing on Del Piero was a smart move. Even from the bench he looked like he was itching to take the bull by the horns.
As far as Croatia goes, it wasnt to be this time around. I still believe they are a talented group but couldnt manage to ignite much passion overall. It was obvious this group had a hard time creating any chemistry between them. A few big names were overall dissapointing. Its going be interesting how they prepare for Euro2004 qualifying. Probably start with a new coach, trainer, shrink, UNIFORMS, attitude and a few new players.
Guinness the Croatian uni's are a lot better then the Irish uni's. The Irish uni's lack creativity, way too simple for my liking. I love the blue Croatia uni's, very classy. I'm going to have a tough time deciding which to buy, blue or white uni's?
I wonder if The Apprentice will make a showing today . . .
To the Croats:
It's a shame that your cube-headed heros have been ousted so early, but I can't say I'm at all saddened. After you unceremoneously bumped zee Germans last time round, this almost makes up for it. Thankfully, we won't have to blind ourselves anymore from looking at those optical illusion jerseys of theirs.
Now if we could only do something about those pesky EU hold-outs.