Poor World Cup

[Spike Mandela]

This World cup is so poor so far do you think if Scotland had qualified we might not actually have embarrassed ourselves.

Of all recent world cups this would have been the best to qualify for.

[steviehfc]

This World cup is so poor so far do you think if Scotland had qualified we might not actually have embarrassed ourselves.

Of all recent world cups this would have been the best to qualify for.We certainly couldn't have done much worse than some of the so called giants of world football. This is definitely the worst World Cup that i can remember. Far to many managers set their sides up just not to lose, with no thought of actually trying to win the game themselves.

[Wotherspiniesta]

I think its livened up a bit.

The South-American teams have been great to watch.

[JimBHibees]

I think the games in the last few days have been very good. Some of the first games have been torture however think it has got significantly better recently.

[Musselbound]

Signs that things might be improving with a few more goals and better games the last couple of days. Teams maybe need at least a game to feel their way into the tournament but even allowing for that it's been the most boring start to a WC for a long time. Possibly ever for me since I'm struggling at times to see out games but then again live fitba isn't the novelty it was when I was younger.

[Steve20]

The first round of games were poor. However, since Thursday, I have really enjoyed it.

[Speedway]

Like most of us of a certain vintage, fun has been replaced by rampant commercialisation.

There is greater fear but there is far greater money in play and that's all it's about, sponsorship and the player's next contract. I'm amazed it's not the Gillette World Cup yet.

[RoslinInstHibby]

The first round of games were poor. However, since Thursday, I have really enjoyed it.

:agree: the 2nd round of games have been far better

[ahibby]

I am a bit disappointed to be honest. Last night Brasil showed a couple of flashes of genius but overall played on the break against yet another African team who have many talented players but look lazy in defence at times and can't break down a defence. Despite their short comings Ivory Coast and Cameroon for that matter are a bit unlucky. Ivory Coast last night should really have had a penalty when Drogbagh went around a defender in to the box and had his shirt pulled, which no official allegedly saw. Brasils second goal was only scored after two hand balls by the goal scorere which the officials never allegedly saw, but the referee had a joke with the goal scorer about it coming off his arm. I wonder if Ivory Coast fans saw the funny side of it in the way the referee did! It could have been 2-2. Brasil players rolling about in pain after every tackle wont bring them many fans. They are a cynical bunch to say the least. I won't be losing any sleep if they don't get past the last sixteen, and unfortunately they probably will. I have never disliked Brasil so much in a tournament, I usually admire them and look forward to seeing them play but not this time.

[rainman]

I watched the NZ game last night and Leo Bertos actually looked like a footballer.

You only have to look at the NZ squad and the fact that they are pulling out some results to see what kind of quality is at this world cup.

Scotland would not look out of place here and we are pish.

[Wembley67]

I am a bit disappointed to be honest. Last night Brasil showed a couple of flashes of genius but overall played on the break against yet another African team who have many talented players but look lazy in defence at times and can't break down a defence. Despite their short comings Ivory Coast and Cameroon for that matter are a bit unlucky. Ivory Coast last night should really have had a penalty when Drogbagh went around a defender in to the box and had his shirt pulled, which no official allegedly saw. Brasils second goal was only scored after two hand balls by the goal scorere which the officials never allegedly saw, but the referee had a joke with the goal scorer about it coming off his arm. I wonder if Ivory Coast fans saw the funny side of it in the way the referee did! It could have been 2-2. Brasil players rolling about in pain after every tackle wont bring them many fans. They are a cynical bunch to say the least. I won't be losing any sleep if they don't get past the last sixteen, and unfortunately they probably will. I have never disliked Brasil so much in a tournament, I usually admire them and look forward to seeing them play but not this time.

Some of the tackles were brutal, I don't recall any play acting....sure there was the odd one I may have missed though.

[JimBHibees]

Some of the tackles were brutal, I don't recall any play acting....sure there was the odd one I may have missed though.

Yep only play acting was from the Ivory coast and the Elano tackle and the one on Bartos were awful.

[Musselbound]

Some of the tackles were brutal, I don't recall any play acting....sure there was the odd one I may have missed though.


Yep only play acting was from the Ivory coast and the Elano tackle and the one on Bartos were awful.

I disagree. Although there were a few bad tackles and the IC were overly robust at times the only really shocking tackle was the one on Elano. Interesting that he didn't beat the ground with his fist as if in agony like a few of his teammates did after fairly innocuous tackles. I've seen Dani Alves do this on a regular basis in La Liga and it now appears to be par for the course. It's very predictable and you can make a good guess that the player is not really injured at all when you see it and will be on his feet without problems as soon as play restarts. Watch out for this if you haven't yet noticed. It's a pity because apart from that I think Brazil are playing some decent stuff in this tournament and it's a bit harsh that every Brazilian side is now held up for scrutiny against the 1970 side or the 1982 side (which didn't even get past the quarters of course).