World Cup General Comments

[Unnamed Trialist]

Thought we needed one of these for general overall commentaries, and for bits and pieces not fitting in anywhere else. So here we go....

Been a pretty horrendous World Cup so far. Like watching lower level first tier teams in February. Makes you think we should be giving out extra points for goals scored, or maybe 4 for a win (I know this is not feasible).

The only way I have been able to deal with what I have seen is by reminding myself that 2 thirds of the teams are going to play to not lose in the first match, while by Thursday things will heat up a bit because the defensive shells won't work. Slovenia first in their group, the only story of any interest so far, the conclusion to the England debacle.

[Jeremy]

Yes so far most of the games are dreadful to watch. The Germany game today was cool for obvious reasons, but other than that I think I've fallen asleep 2 times, when I'm too comfortable in my sofa

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

Been a pretty horrendous World Cup so far. Like watching lower level first tier teams in February. Makes you think we should be giving out extra points for goals scored, or maybe 4 for a win (I know this is not feasible).....

Or that FIFA should concede that the move to 32 teams hasn't worked and move back to 24 again. Couldn't believe how bad Serbia were against Ghana yesterday but I guess it makes sense that another generation of players like Dragan Stojkovic was unlikely to emerge in an environment of war and economic collapse. The African countries also haven't advanced as quickly as most people thought they would when Roger Milla and Cameroon were doing so well 20 years ago.

[Canuck Oranje]

Personally, I don't think reducing the number of teams down to 24 solves anything. Anyone who is old enough to have watched the Italian snorefest at the group stage in 1982 will know what I mean. And they won that year. Two goals for and against over three games isn't exactly anything more than what we're seeing now. In Italy's group that year, there were three goalless draws in six games. BTW, it also doesn't guarantee against blow outs. In that same year, Hungary beat El Salvador 10-1 in the group stage.

I think the the group stage, no matter how many teams start out, is a way for each team to get themselves settled for the later rounds. And most likely, the majority of teams that would be cut to reduce the numbers would still end up being European because you still need representation across the World.

[Jeremy]

I'm already so tired of the slow motion replay. As much as I hate having no replay during Impact games on the Internet, this is overkill. Especially the fouls.

[JamesW]

The lack of goals is not what I'm disliking so far, it is the last of any drive from the teams. With the exception of Germany, what team has really pushed for a full 90? I'm hoping this lack of initiative is more down to these all being the first games for each team and no one wants to get it handed to them like Australia did. But when the second and third games roll around certain teams will be forced to go for the win and that is when I'm expecting some really good football.

But even with the lack of any excitement, I've been enjoying the games.

[Free kick]

I have to agree. So far its not been a great WC. I think that the problem is that the sides have gotten a grasp of what works best in 32 teams tournament where you have a round of 16 that is a single knock out format.

It used (even up top the last WC) to be that the group stage provided some of the best games. But when you would get to single knockout stage, teams would bunker down and slam to door. Those who had the teams best suited to this kind of game would thrive in the round of 16 but look sluggish on the group stage. And the reverse was true also. The Hollands and the like would bow out in the knockout phase all the while having looked good throughout the tournament. Its seems like the type of play that we would normally see in the next phase has filter down to the group stage beacsue many teams have built their squads around a bunkering style that means "Playing not to loose" rather than "playing to win" having figured out that this is the ultimate secret to success.

This proves that there was some value in have a second round consisting of pool, rather than single knockout with 16 teams, because teams had to force the issue and get results and wins rather than play no to lose. I know that this presented serious problem such as conspiracies (eg.: Argentina 1978), conspiracy theories and corruption. I do think that 32 teams is a bit of problem but 24 teams creates a even worst scenario beacsue end up with that wild card (3rd place entry). That aspect sucks because: how do you determine the best 3rd place finisher? You can't do it by points IMO because the points you get is a reflection of the group you are in.

[kj52]

It would never happen, but I like the way hockey does it. One top pool of the best teams worldwide with say, 16 teams. Of course they would end up being mostly Euro and S.A. but from a spectator's viewpoint it would be better than the European Championship (which I much prefer watching than World Cup). Obviously a lot less money for FIFA and many other issues but I really haven't enjoyed any of the matches so far that I've been able to see.

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

...I do think that 32 teams is a bit of problem but 24 teams creates a even worst scenario beacsue end up with that wild card (3rd place entry). That aspect sucks because: how do you determine the best 3rd place finisher? You can't do it by points IMO because the points you get is a reflection of the group you are in.

That's definitely the main drawback of having 24. Maybe the first round could be eight groups of three, then there could be a second phase with four groups of four, quarters, semis and a final?

[nolando]

Agree with much that has been said including the odd video replays, the generally lacklustre football on display and the dreaded vulvapaloozas (sp?).

I wouldn't mind if they were only used during the matches played by the home nation, but to lose out on some of the most treasured sounds of the game at their expense is a shame, like looking at empty seats in the stands in a World Cup finals match.