For an opening match in the WC it wasn't too bad a game. I predict Brazil to go all the way, not because they are any good but with nice friendly refs........
With all the technology available, the ref could have been told in 20 seconds that that wasn't a penalty and he could have overturned his decision.
I t was a bit like watching us play at times last season 60% possession not many chances, open to the counter attack but one main difference - the ref gave them a penalty
the refs are on Brazil's payroll that is so obvious to see....It was not a fair game and you can safely say that Brazil has already won the world cup. the writing is on the wall.....
Kinda figured Brazil would win but I'll never say Brazil or Germany will win in one of these forum competitions , I hate them both with a passion..
Brasil looked kinda ordinary to me. Yes they have some flair players but Argentina (sorry) look much stronger to me. I actually hope a European team, ANY European team, does the business.
I thought Brazil did look shaky at the back and didn't find their fluidity (to be expected in the opener with the pressure)....and that ref does leave you thinking "is the whole thing corrupt?", I hate that about football at the moment. Don't trust it anymore. They will improve though and do have the players to unlock defences and win games...I thought Oscar was excellent and Neymar too (he did overdo it at times). Bernard looked very dangerous when he came on and we haven't even seen Willian yet. Fred was anonymous apart from the dive for the penalty and if I were their coach I'd play Hulk as the striker instead with Bernard and Fred coming off the bench. Oscar ------- Neymar -------- Willian -------------- Hulk ----------------- ....would be devastating imo and they can definitely win this competition even with David Luiz at the back (why coaches don't just play him as the anchor man I don't know...that's clearly his best position). Overall, not enough credit was given to Croatia who proved (once again) what a top class outfit they are. Croatia v Mexico will be a great game imo. If Croatia get past Mexico into second place they could go far in the tournament.
How is that racist? Anyway, Brazil will probably win but they don't have the sensational players of the past. Pele said nearly all the Brazilians play in Europe so there is no element of surprise; absolutely true no surprises for us fans and no surprises for the opposition many of whose players also play in the Euro leagues. Maybe Iran, Libya and USA are the unknowns that will surprise everyone (AN interesting political trio!). If Brazil doesn't win I'm not fussed. It would be good for football if country from Africa won but I can only see the usual big 5 or 6 taking the trophy (Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Geranny, France, Italy)
Well that ref's taken the place in the dictionary for "homer". Unbelievable. Brazil won't win this competition. Maybe runner up spot to Ghana though.
I dont care who wins as long as it is a fair game and from what was an eagerly waited game it turned out to be very disappointing and it was all down to the officials and the very poor standard of reffing. Brazil got away with murder last night and the penalty was a joke, Croatia look a good outfit but im afraid they need a better keeper as he was awful last night.
