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[Arjen]

No, the Dutch joke that we are dumb (because we (Flemish part) can actually pronounce words the way they are supposed to be pronounced, hence talk "funny"), yet every gameshow between the countries, that requires some form of intellect usually proves the opposite (as does our education (which historically has always been among the best in the world and way ahead of the Dutch. Though i think they've caught up in that regard the past 15 years)). But we are more introverted compared to our loudmouth neighbours, which doesn't help to rid the stigma. Obviously, over here (at least in Flanders, don't know how the french speaking part of the country feels about it) we say the same thing about the Dutch.

But how condescending we may talk about each other, i usually have the impression many Dutch will be rooting for Belgium, and Belgians for Holland. Maybe a bit like a sibling rivalry. I know the Dutch have a special relationship with Germans as well, but i don't think many will be rooting for Germany. At least that's the impression i get, could be wrong.

If your jokes are Dutroux related, that means you don't have a long history of mocking us, since that "only" happened about 20 years ago.

Hell yeah, totally rooting for you guys against the US.

 

[Ostinatto]

Gary Medel will not play tomorrow against Brazil (mild injury)
We are doomed

 

[Firemind]

Belgian defenders are dropping like flies.

Hope this means my man Vertonghen can finally start as a CB and crush some American dreams.

 

[spekkeh]

No, the Dutch joke that we are dumb (because we (Flemish part) can actually pronounce words the way they are supposed to be pronounced, hence talk "funny"),

Ja ge klappe goe Nederlands zenne, nie juust nen Hollanders.

 

[feel]

A lot of people here ditching their country's flags as they get kicked out. Meh.

 

[Skellig Gra]

For what it's worth I love Belgium. It's sad we have to play you guys. I visited there last summer and everyone was really nice there. Beer is god tier. I have a picture of me in front of Manneken Pis wearing a Kompany jersey. I don't want to hate you guys.

 

[Tugatrix]

A lot of people here ditching their country's flags as they get kicked out. Meh.

you still support Bento and the lazy players? if no does as I did and remove the flag

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

For what it's worth I love Belgium. It's sad we have to play you guys. I visited there last summer and everyone was really nice there. Beer is god tier. I have a picture of me in front of Manneken Pis wearing a Kompany jersey. I don't want to hate you guys.

It's just a game you know. You don't have to hate anyone.

 

[CraigerGamer]

Seriously.


For the players as well, I never liked all the bonuses and shit. I question anyone who needs additional motivation to do his very best at the world cup because he gets a personal win bonus.

If privately owned club teams want to make their players rich, that's their decision, it's company money, it's salary. But that the country football associations pay extra so the rich men really want to represent the country at the sport's most prestigious event... it never sat right with me.

I think compensation for players should always be considered in these type of tournaments. Soccer is a very physical, even violent, sport. The wear and tear and stress these players put on their bodies is worth the money they demand. These guys take chances every time they go out on the pitch.

 

[snaffles]

I can't believe anyone actually thinks Uruguay will beat Colombia.
Have they all forgotten how terrible Uruguay was without Suarez against Costa Rica?

I'd say it is more about Colombia not really facing any great challenge so far. Uruguay are going to fight a lot harder than the teams they faced up to now you would have to think. They have definitely looked good going through the group stage for sure.

 

[Skellig Gra]

It's just a game you know. You don't have to hate anyone.

Not the way I'm wired when it comes to this kind of stuff. One dive by a Belgian and it's all over.

 

[Dazzler]

I would love if Twitter kept the national flags after the tournament and extended them to everyone

 

[FootballFan]

For what it's worth I love Belgium. It's sad we have to play you guys. I visited there last summer and everyone was really nice there. Beer is god tier. I have a picture of me in front of Manneken Pis wearing a Kompany jersey. I don't want to hate you guys.

Let the hate fuel the team.

 

[Dawg]

http://a.pomf.se/ivfxsa.webm

Spoiler

 

[gutter_trash]

A lot of people here ditching their country's flags as they get kicked out. Meh.

you still support Bento and the lazy players? if no does as I did and remove the flag

I just don't want to be continuously egged that may team blew it.

Game 1 was the decider, conceding 4 goals was their own grave being dug.

Game 2, they were leading then conceded 2 then tied at the last minute. It was their game to win and they botched it. Enter both feet into the grave.

Game 3, the only way to stay alive was to erase the goal deficit from game 1, not enough, we were already dead

 

[alterno69]

I think compensation for players should always be considered in these type of tournaments. Soccer is a very physical, even violent, sport. The wear and tear and stress these players put on their bodies is worth the money they demand. These guys take chances every time they go out on the pitch.

Not to mention the millions of dollars football associations make for qualifying. It's been estimated that the Mexican football federation makes around $200 million USD thanks to the world cup.
It's only fair for players to get some of that money.

 

[Oveja Negra]

Gary Medel will not play tomorrow against Brazil (mild injury)
We are doomed

For sure is bad news but I don't think we are doomed. Also, if we are so dependent in one single player, then we are a shitty team that doesn't deserve to advance in this WC.

Seriously, I still think we can do it, but without Medel, our defense will need to make no mistakes at all.

Vamos Chileeeeeeeeeee, mierda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

Blatter saying manager's challenges is the next thing he wants to introduce.

 

[Mobius 1]

Tomorrow begins the slow but sure decent into heartbreak and agony for all but a few.

Good luck to all.

Spoiler

We will crush you.

 

[silver.tongue]

For sure is bad news but I don't think we are doomed. Also, if we are so dependent in one single player, then we are a shitty team that doesn't deserve to advance in this WC.

Seriously, I still think we can do it, but without Medel, our defense will need to make no mistakes at all.

Vamos Chileeeeeeeeeee, mierda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brazil possibly playing without Davi Luiz too... Back spasms... wth.

This tool is pretty cool:

http://app.globoesporte.globo.com/copa-do-mundo/selecao-primeira-fase/#

It lets you build your "squad" from the group stage, but it lacks way too many options to be precise. Here's the best of the available options in my opinion:

 

[Firemind]

Blatter saying manager's challenges is the next thing he wants to introduce.

Like the Galaxy cup? pls understand

 

[silver.tongue]

Blatter saying manager's challenges is the next thing he wants to introduce.

1 or 2 per game at most, please. Or the game will stop too much.

 

[$200]

 

[Tugatrix]

I just don't want to be continuously egged that may team blew it.

Game 1 was the decider, conceding 4 goals was their own grave being dug.

Game 2, they were leading then conceded 2 then tied at the last minute. It was their game to win and they botched it. Enter both feet into the grave.

Game 3, the only way to stay alive was to erase the goal deficit from game 1, not enough, we were already dead

they went unprepared, unmotivated and with many wrong players. This can all be rooted to Paulo Bento stubbornness and Portuguese Federation eagerness for money from sponsors.

 

[The Chosen One]

Isn't that just 5% (?) of the population only? Sounds too low for an event as big as the World Cup during prime time. China had around 300 million (1/4 of population) in viewership when they were playing at the 2002 World Cup.

A few things:

- The World Cup was literally in their backyard.
- It was China's first time in the World Cup
- We have over 1,000 channels and our viewing habits get more fragmented every year. I believe China in comparison has less fragmentation and the state exerts more control on what's viewed.

20-30 years ago, prime time network TV could command HUGE ratings in the US. Like 60-100+ million viewers. Now it's usually around 5-15 million for major shows.

Outside of American Football, the ratings for the US v. Portugal game matched almost all the major televised events. And could have been even higher if it was on ABC instead of a cable station.

Of course the numbers include just one-time or casual viewers, but that's fine. That's how the sport grows over time. The Portugal game was both thrilling and heartbreaking at the same time, so I'm sure a lot of new fans were born. Some may even give their local MLS team a second look.

 

[CrunchyB]

No, the Dutch joke that we are dumb (because we (Flemish part) can actually pronounce words the way they are supposed to be pronounced, hence talk "funny"), yet every gameshow between the countries, that requires some form of intellect usually proves the opposite [..] But we are more introverted compared to our loudmouth neighbours, which doesn't help to rid the stigma.

Sometimes your pronunciation is just plain weird (voicing foreign words as if they were Dutch, like in dossier) and you twist expressions like in "zeker en vast", we can't help but laugh at stuff like that, sorry! Flemish education is more strict/classical than Dutch and as a result you guys are better in the usage of our shared language, no arguments there.

But those "dumb Belgian" jokes have gone out of style, nowadays we mostly joke about your inept politicians and royalty. Ours are marginally better!

Also, not all Dutch people are obnoxious 'ollanders, here in Twente we think those guys are a bunch of loudmouths too

Alright guys we all know the team to beat is Netherlands. The question is, can it be done?

We've seen that most players can't match dutch striker speeds, so perhaps the answer is to turtle up? But on the other hand their defense isn't flawless, so maybe to win you have to focus completely on attacking and as you let goals get scored on you, netherleands is hopefully getting more goals scored on them.

What are your opinions GAF, what strategy would you use to beat Netherlands?

Us Dutch like to attack, we've only adapted a defensive strategy because our defenders are flaky. If we end up against Greece in the next round I predict a very awkward match with neither side willing to take any chances. But we also suck at penalties, so if it's a tie in extended time, I suspect we're going to take a risk and launch an offensive.

Under no circumstances should you open up your defense, not many teams can outscore Robben and Van Persie.

 

[Sr Kitsune]

I laughed at some.

World cup jerseys for people that don't know about futbol.

(Top to bottom)
9 - the beautiful goal
10 - Only argentine that plays

7 - the barber shop model
13 - the "You shall not pass"

3 - the useless Shakira's boyfriend.
9 - Nibbler

 

[NYCmetsfan]

I wanna see video from this place. Goal reactions. I don't think anyone has posted anything yet.

We didn't score though....

I laughed at some.

World cup jerseys for people that don't know about futbol.

(Top to bottom)
9 - the beautiful goal
10 - Only argentine that plays

7 - the barber shop model
13 - the "You shal not pass"

3 - the useless Shakira's boyfriend.
9 - Nibbler

Ochoas lol

 

[The Chosen One]

I'm looking at the bracket and this is what I see:

Quadrant 1 - Copa America
Brazil v. Chili
Colombia v. Uruguay

Quadrant 2 - UEFA vs. CAF
France v. Nigeria
Germany v. Algeria

Quadrant 3 - Dark Horses
Belgium v. USA
Argentina v. Switzerland

Quadrant 4 - UEFA vs. CONCACAF
Netherlands v. Mexico
Costa Rica v. Greece


In Quad 3 & 4, if both Netherlands and Argentina falter, then we could have some very interesting semi-finalist. It wouldn't be a far reach to see either Belgium, Mexico, or even Costa Rica competing in the semis. I think Quads 1 & 2 look more predictable. Brazil will likely end up in the semis with Colombia having an outside chance. And Germany occupying the other slot with France having a shot if they catch Germany on an off day.

 

[Oveja Negra]

I laughed at some.

World cup jerseys for people that don't know about futbol.

(Top to bottom)
9 - the beautiful goal
10 - Only argentine that plays

7 - the barber shop model
13 - the "You shall not pass"

3 - the useless Shakira's boyfriend.
9 - Nibbler

Holy fucking shit, that's pure gold.

 

[speculawyer]

The funny thing is that it is from 2013.

 

[SargerusBR]

I repect your opinion, but placing Colombia lower than Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Belgium and Mexico is just wrong...

But Colombian girls are among the best tho

 

[megabytecr]

I am just hoping that "Fútbol" wins in the best of 16 and that refs do not change the fate of games and teams go out and give their best.

 

[LNBL]

I really really want Mexico to beat Holland but the impact a hypothetical Costa Rica vs. Mexico match would have in both countries' cultural conscience makes me worry it.

Still, go Mexico!

I hope you lose...

 

[kamorra]

Man, I will root so hard for Colombia. After all Uruguay is now even higher on my shitlist than South Korea.
FORZA COLOMBIA, fuck these Cannibalism enabler!

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

Everyone but Uruguay will be Colombian fans tomorrow.

 

[LNBL]

Everyone but Uruguay will be Colombian fans tomorrow.

Think Brazil and Chile fans will be hoping to avoid Colombia in the next round haha

 

[patjburns89]

I hope you lose...

It'll never happen, but a US-Mexico semifinal would be so amazing.

 

[Haunted]

Brazil possibly playing without Davi Luiz too... Back spasms... wth.

This tool is pretty cool:

http://app.globoesporte.globo.com/copa-do-mundo/selecao-primeira-fase/#

It lets you build your "squad" from the group stage, but it lacks way too many options to be precise. Here's the best of the available options in my opinion:

Not enough Germans.

o globo pls

 

[silver.tongue]

Not enough Germans.

o globo pls

Agreed. Where's Muller ffs?

 

[Deleted member 102481]

Brazil has to win its 6th title in Brazil #destiny

 

[Ostinatto]

For sure is bad news but I don't think we are doomed. Also, if we are so dependent in one single player, then we are a shitty team that doesn't deserve to advance in this WC.

Seriously, I still think we can do it, but without Medel, our defense will need to make no mistakes at all.

Vamos Chileeeeeeeeeee, mierda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Choose your poison:

- Albornoz
- Jara
- Rojas
- Mena.

We can play without Sànchez or Vidal, but personally, i think Medel is our most important player

 

[danreis]

Brazil and Colombia tomorrow.

Brazil did not play well so far, but something always happens against Chile, even when our team is shit, and we beat them handily. Maybe tomorrow will be different, maybe Chile supporters will make more noise like the mexicans did and will have a bigger impact. But i still believing in a brazilian win, although Chile team is just better than ours right now.

As a sidenote, a ESPN Brazil commentator found a interesting statistics: in 100 years of organized football, Brazil only lost 3 official games playing in Brazil. One against Paraguai (1949), a World Cup final game against Uruguai (1950) and a Copa America semifinal against Peru (1975). Since 1975 Brazil did 56 official games in brazilian soil, with 40 wins and 16 draws. So, only 3 loses, but one of those is the biggest lose that a team can have...

 

[Oveja Negra]

Think Brazil and Chile fans will be hoping to avoid Colombia in the next round haha

As a chilean, I prefer Colombia. Those guys don't park the bus and allow a team to play too, so I'm cool with that.

 

[darknil]

As a colombian, I'm so nervous with tomorrow's match. If we win, it would be our best participation in WC, conquering over the legendary team of Valderrama and Rincón of Italy 90.

One thing I'm sure is that I'm sick of hearing the argentinian and uruguayan press defending Suarez like he did a regular foul.

But of course, Uruguay is specialist to play as a victim and then win it, that's why I'm super scared for tomorrow's match.

 

[Charles Foster Kane]

Tomorrow begins the slow but sure decent into heartbreak and agony for all but a few.

Good luck to all.

Spoiler

We will crush you.

Nothing against Brazil, but it would be so delicious if they couldn't get to the final.

 

[Oveja Negra]

Choose your poison:

- Albornoz
- Jara
- Rojas
- Mena.

We can play without Sànchez or Vidal, but personally, i think Medel is our most important player

Jara will be there I think, Albornoz will play in Jara's regular position.

I hope you're wrong and tomorrow we don't miss Medel that much.

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

As a colombian, I'm so nervous with tomorrow's match. If we win, it would be our best participation in WC, conquering over the legendary team of Valderrama and Rincón of Italy 90.

One thing I'm sure is that I'm sick of hearing the argentinian and uruguayan press defending Suarez like he did a regular foul.

But of course, Uruguay is specialist to play as a victim and then win it, that's why I'm super scared for tomorrow's match.

Believe in him.

 

[Fox318]

I would be amazed if Colombia doesn't win.

 

[KingJolly]