World Cup

[Killearn Kitties]

Gosh I remember the Maradona thing too and it was..... how many cups ago?
Wow, what a memory!

No, no, no. You misunderstand. Zara's memory is not that good (notwithstanding the fact that she wasn't born!), it's just that the English press still talk about that particular incident every time Argentina is mentioned!

And never mind 1986, they still talk about the time they won the World Cup in 1966 as if it were not only last week, but their rightful place to be.

[DIANESDOGS]

Hi Everyone,

I haven't been on in a while, but I knew there would be a thread on the World Cup somewhere. I just love the game and get caught up in the fervor. Although, I must admit I do not normally follow until now!

Help me out though, a I am a relative newcomer to the sport and as you all know (and as Bob's Dad seems to have riled up some), Soccer is not as big in the States - WHAT IS the Hand of God???

[Miss Z]

And never mind 1986, they still talk about the time they won the World Cup in 1966 as if it were not only last week, but their rightful place to be.

Ha ha, LOL, yes, it could be like yesterday by the way some people talk about it

Soccer is not as big in the States - WHAT IS the Hand of God???

'The Hand of God' is how Diego Maradonna described his goal against England in 1986. The ball hit his hand before going into the net, and the goal was counted, The English fans were absolutely gobsmacked and completely rebelled against this. Maradonna replied by saying his goal was allowed by the Hand of God

[CultureJunky]

Yes it's fun and it is a sport, and yes I have played football. Members of my family play football as we speak. Football is a sport that requires skill like any other, and I like to see fair play. It's more entertaining when players use their talents and play good attacking football with flair, that's entertaining to watch.
My point was that if the individuals are talented enough to play the game then they should use thier talent, instead of relying on innocuous challenges to gain free kicks/penalties. It brings unfairness into the game.
I dislike cheating in anything, not just sport.
The thing is if it's your country that is in it (mine Wales,incidently didn't qualify) and you loose because somebody fakes and dives to win a penalty and you're knocked out it would leave a bitter taste in your mouth.
Maradone may be a genius, but the fact is and will remain forever that he cheated when he handballed the ball into the net against England.
England fans will never forget that, it's still spoken about now!
So it is fun and only a sport, but it's supported with passion and passionate fans, and if you asked most of them, they'd want to see a good clean fair game played.

[beeniesmom]

Yes it's fun and it is a sport, and yes I have played football. Members of my family play football as we speak. Football is a sport that requires skill like any other, and I like to see fair play. It's more entertaining when players use their talents and play good attacking football with flair, that's entertaining to watch.
My point was that if the individuals are talented enough to play the game then they should use thier talent, instead of relying on innocuous challenges to gain free kicks/penalties. It brings unfairness into the game.
I dislike cheating in anything, not just sport.
The thing is if it's your country that is in it (mine Wales,incidently didn't qualify) and you loose because somebody fakes and dives to win a penalty and you're knocked out it would leave a bitter taste in your mouth.
Maradone may be a genius, but the fact is and will remain forever that he cheated when he handballed the ball into the net against England.
England fans will never forget that, it's still spoken about now!
So it is fun and only a sport, but it's supported with passion and passionate fans, and if you asked most of them, they'd want to see a good clean fair game played.

I understand but we really shouldn't get that upset. In the end, it the referee's that are not competent or that don't have 10 eyes to see everything.

[Anita Cholaine]

It's funny that you still talk about the hand of God! I know it wasnt fair, but I don't think it should be taken so seriously. I mean, he scored it, the referee counted it, and that's all! It's all part of the game....
As a player, Maradona was awesome, but as a person, I don't like him at all. He's arrogant and selfish (this might be argentinians fault, for treating him like a "god") So that's why it doesn't surprise me that he cheated on that match...

Ok, let's move on... Argentina-Germany is going on now! Both teams are doing very well, and I have no idea how's it gonna finish... My favourite player is Tevez, he's just awesome.

[Kirsten]

OMG, this match is so exciting, but I don't believe Germany can with this one!!

Kirsten