World Cup 2002

Moleman · Post by **Moleman** » Fri May 31, 2002 10:55 am

If you haven't heard the outcome of France-Senegal: spoiler

Quite interesting start for the WC, a big surprise at first game!

France had really good scoring changes, but this time they were quite unlucky (two really good shots hit the bar, by Trezeguet&Henry). But that's football. Based on this game French defence seems to be weaker than expected -- perhaps new central defenders should get their chance to prove to themselves. In the next match, should Christanval replace Lebouf or move Thuram in the middle?

BTW The celebration of Senegal players after they had scored was hilarious!

@HiLordD. Yep, correct. Top clubs in Europe have players from many different nationalities -- and for certain most of the top players from "smaller" football countries play in large European clubs; in England, Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland mostly. Like you said, just like most of the best European hockey players are in NHL.

Ned Flanders · Post by **Ned Flanders** » Fri May 31, 2002 11:19 am

by tam
However only a few hours to go, and I get to watch it prime time too.

**jealous**

I taped the Senegal France match. Yes, I know the output but will still watch it tonight.

Karembeu · Post by **Karembeu** » Fri May 31, 2002 1:14 pm

Kind of an exciting game for being an opener...

Has to be one of the biggest upsets ever in the history of the World Cup. Not a bad feat for Senegal, although I must say that France controlled the game much more than I thought they would. Senegal hardly had any chances at all, except for the goal and Fadiga's crossbar-shot. But as we all know, it is the team that scores the most goals that wins....nothing unfair with that.

Looking forward to three exciting games tomorrow. Cameroon should be something really special...they have to be favourites against Rep. of Ireland...
Germany should be able to take three points against Saudi Arabia...although you never know when it comes to football...

Uruguay versus Denmark is an open story....hope to see Denmark performing as they did four years ago...(although neither of the "Laudrup's" are playing any more...which must be quite a "set-back"...)

Moleman · Post by **Moleman** » Fri May 31, 2002 1:24 pm

Danish had some rumble in their practise, b/w Gronkjaer and Tofting... although their coach dismissed it as just "children playing" it seems that there's lot of electricity amongst North European teams... Interesting to see how Danes and Swedes will play after this.

ThorinOakensfield · Post by **ThorinOakensfield** » Fri May 31, 2002 2:49 pm

Aaahaa! France lost. So sweet. GO SENEGAL. The defending champions already out.

I saw a bit in my history class in school. At that point Senegal was leading 1-0, and it was around the 60th minute. This was a great victory. Both teams were playing well with alot of good shots. Too bad for France.

I'll see the highlights on sportscenter.

Demis · Post by **Demis** » Fri May 31, 2002 3:03 pm

France - Senegal game was also a pleasant surprise for me,

although i don't think that france did play good football, (not limitating the victory of Sevegal of course, not every day a team at its first appearence beats the World champions), Teseque and Hentry could not exchange a pass even when alone, most of the time france played with long passes which were easily cut off by the "double-zone" defense of Senegal and the lack of passion was obvious in the ranks of the French players unlike Senegal's.
This game must have weaken France from its slumber and i believe and hope they will play better next time and are not yet finished.

Congratulations to Senegal

C Elegans · Post by **C Elegans** » Fri May 31, 2002 3:25 pm

Sky News showed how Senegal people in the UK celebrated and danced on the streets

In Senegal, people are reported to celebrate and party all over, the schools are closed, nobody is working. This is so big in Senegal. One Senegalese also said in an interview that the victory was especially sweet since Senegal had previously invited France to play a friendly, but the French refused and said they'd rather play Algeria.

What a great victory for this smallest of the WC countries

I certainly think France will go on from their group despite today's loss, but the presure on them is higher now since they probably must win both of the remaining games against Denmark and Uruguay, and they are by no means bad football teams.

@HLD: I've made all my text white now, to avoid feeling like a T' impersonator

@Moleman: France should perhaps rethink regarding both LeBeuof and Petit. IMO they both looked slow today.

@Karembeu: I agree, an unusually good opening game. Like you, I was surprised by the French dominance, Senegal had obviously decided to play a defensive game based on counterattacks. France was however brilliant at moments, but, as we all know, you need ot score.

As a big fan of African football, I'm of course looking forward to Kameroon-Ireland tomorrow, I just wish it wasn't 8:30 am here when the match starts...

wolven86 · Post by **wolven86** » Fri May 31, 2002 3:59 pm

this is good news for England our major problem was we were likely to come second in our grouplosing out to argentina at the top , we would then therefore have to play France in the next round which would have been a major problem

To me personally as im English England are gonna win because it is the Queen of ENglands golden jubilee (50 years rule) and they are going to be spurred on to victory by this fact

but thats just me to be honest i reckon its Argetina who have the most realistic chance of winning especially after the france senegal game

i dont personally rate Spain they always promise so much and deliver so little

Moleman · Post by **Moleman** » Fri May 31, 2002 4:30 pm

I also consider Spain a regular under-achiever in big tournaments. Although if Raul gets his game going, Spain might do well.

@ CE: after(/if?) Zinedine comes back Petit doubtfully is on the starting-11. To my disappointment he wasn't so great at Chelsea this season, and the same slump seems to continue

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Fri May 31, 2002 5:07 pm

Originally posted by wolven86

To me personally as im English England are gonna win because it is the Queen of ENglands golden jubilee (50 years rule) and they are going to be spurred on to victory by this fact

LOL! - nice one, but perhaps wishful thinking

I don't think the team patriotism runs as far as this. I still remember the silver jubilee, so far the golden jubilee seems to lack as much interest in comparison. IMHO the team are playing for England, not necessarily the monarchy or with any reference to the jubilee. Maybe this could bring some kind of luck? Doubtful, but we will see

Just because France lost their opening game (as much as it pleased me re always looking out for the underdog!

) it is not over yet! Despite the apparent fact that no country who have lost their opening game have yet gone on to win the WC, IMO this was a hiccup. I agree with CE, LeBeuof and Petit left a lot to be desired...and for me - it is obvious they miss the magic of Zidane.

Posted by CE -

As a big fan of African football, I'm of course looking forward to Kameroon-Ireland tomorrow, I just wish it wasn't 8:30 am here when the match starts...

lol!

I have the next nine days off from work and no lay in! - my alarm will be set for the game - it will be 7:30am here

josh · Post by **josh** » Fri May 31, 2002 7:06 pm

Go Senegal! I always go for the underdogs

Just wondering, is there an anthem for this year's World Cup? In France '98 we had Ricky Martin with his song so what is it this time?

Demis · Post by **Demis** » Fri May 31, 2002 7:25 pm

Originally posted by josh
Go Senegal! I always go for the underdogs

Just wondering, is there an anthem for this year's World Cup? In France '98 we had Ricky Martin with his song so what is it this time?

I believe the official song is Boom - by Anastacia

C Elegans · Post by **C Elegans** » Fri May 31, 2002 9:14 pm

@Demis and Josh: I haven't even heard the offical song. Is it better or worse than Ricky Martin's?

@Moleman & Ysh: Regarding Zidane, wasn't it annonced that he will come back in the next game or the game after that? I certainly believe it will make a difference, not only because of his brilliance as a player, but also his role as a leader. I'm sure his comeback will increase France's confidence, which is good after yesterday's loss. France will be back, I'm sure.

@Wolven & Yshania: (Btw, welcome here Wolven, I believe I haven't seen you before?) The Queen's golden jubilee seems to have attracted more people than it first was thought, at least according to the Beeb when I watched the news today. It would of course be even more reason to celebrate if England succeeds with the difficult task to go further from group F!

Originally posted by Yshania
lol! I have the next nine days off from work and no lay in! - my alarm will be set for the game - it will be 7:30am here

Ooo, that's great for you!

I have very little work this weekend, and hopefully the end of next week will be calm too. It's now only 3 hours to the game starts, so I'm considering staying up

Tamerlane · Post by **Tamerlane** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 2:36 am

Well what an interesting two days it has been. France B (Senegal) beat France A (France obviously

). At least I got to see Cisse play, even if it was only just over ten minutes.

The French will bounce back, like Argentina, who lost their match whilst Cup holders. France will still make it to the top two places for the final. Or I sure as hell wish they do.

Then there was the game today, well the early one. Ireland Vs Cameroon. Highlight for spoilers.

What a game, even better then the opening. I saw the Cameroons in Sydney and they were awesome. And for Ireland, very courageous effort considering that they didn't have Keane. I'd say the biggest winners was football in general.

Damn, the next game is on so soon. Talk about World Cup overload.

@ Anyone from the UK. Whats the deal with some schools delaying their exams until after the Nigeria and England game.

KidD01 · Post by **KidD01** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 3:11 am

Originally posted by Tamerlane
Well what an interesting two days it has been. France B (Senegal) beat France A (France obviously ). At least I got to see Cisse play, even if it was only just over ten minutes.

@ Anyone from the UK. Whats the deal with some schools delaying their exams until after the Nigeria and England game.

Go Black horses ! Go ! Kill em all !

I just love how underdogs fray their superior enemy

@Tammy : I guess the Brits are waiting for another surprise !

Go Nigeria Go !

Demis · Post by **Demis** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 3:50 am

@CE i din't hear the entire song just pieces durings the games but sounds good.

@Tamerlane, well there is another one on the way Germany - Saudi Arabia. And four consecutive games tommorow

Current Status Highlight for more info

Denmark is ahead with one goal against Uruguay at the end of first half, Demark controls the game and most likely will win.
Off for the second half.

Wait ... Uruguay scores hehe this is becoming interesting

Xandax · Post by **Xandax** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 4:36 am

Denmark won 2-1 over Uruguay in a to exiting match

Waheey

josh · Post by **josh** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 4:49 am

Missed the Denmark vs Uruguay game. Will be watching the Germany vs Saudi Arabia one shortly.

wolven86 · Post by **wolven86** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 5:13 am

@CE yea i only just discovered the delights of the SYM forum there is an awful pic of me in the post your pic thread if you wanna check it out, yea the jubilee has been really popular for they sold an awful lot of tickets for the two concerts.

highlight for spoiler

ireland drew their game 1-1 with cameroon

@Tamerlane i hadan't heard anything about the schools changing their exams i have already done mine and its half term week atm the matches after half term are on during the exams as far as i know

England have to win it this year otherwise im gonna get really depressed and start a killing spree starting with the french not that i have nething against the french of course their just our natural enemies (i mean look at the ammount of wars we have had against each other)

to be perfectly honest we have an injury ridden team if we had our full squad with them all playing spectacularly well we would stand a good chance but with whats has ahppened lately i will be surprised if we get past the first stages of the DE

hopefully france will finish second in their group thereby meaning we dont have to play them if we finish second sapin as i said before i dont see as much of a threat their general lameness when it comes to international competitions always rules them out imo if they played as a team to their best abilities they'd be one of the best teams in the comp but they so often don't.

I like Nigeria i mean they have own olympic football a couple of times but with the group they've got they probably aint gonna get through

Argentina are gonna be the biggest threat they have the ability to play extremely well and more than likely will if they dont i will be jumping for joy

ThorinOakensfield · Post by **ThorinOakensfield** » Sat Jun 01, 2002 7:14 am

Germany whooped Saudi Arabia, 8-0. What a thrashing the Saudis got.

Right from the beginning you could see that Germany was dominating. Got 4 goals in the first half, 4 in the second. Some guy Klose (don't really watch German football) got a hat trick.

I had to wake up at 7:30 AM to watch this game. The Denmark game was too early. I missed the Ireland one too, but they are repeating that one.