World Cup

[NewsCopy]

The Men's National Soccer team took a 1-1 tie against Wales in the opening round of the FIFA World Cup.

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ESPN 1420

[NewsCopy]

An unfortunate penalty cost the U.S. men's team the win, and the Internet had plenty of jokes.

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ESPN 1420

[ZoomZoom]

France, the defending champion, has been putting on a clinic after falling down 0-1 to Australia, now 4-1. If futbol is one of your sports, the one minute relentless build up before France’s third goal is exactly why it’s called the beautiful game (around 66 minute mark). Even Australia’s back made an outstanding save during the attacks. The spacing and hustle was the best I’ve seen so far this week. Fourth goal kill shot came right after the kickoff after the 3rd goal.

[zephyr]

US is still okay. They just need to beat Iran to qualify.

Not quite that easy. Wales will likely finish out with the same results as U.S. It will come down to goal differential at that point. We have work to do starting with England.

[zephyr]

Because the passion of the announcers on Fox are as exciting as a soap dish. Need some passion in soccer. Heck, yesterday the Ecuador crowd was chanting "We Want Beer!"

But they also talking in Spanish the whole time! LOL. Unless you using the SAP button.....

[ZoomZoom]

But they also talking in Spanish the whole time! LOL. Unless you using the SAP button.....

I understand about 25%. Those guys just get so lathered up the emotions transfer over so well.

[ZoomZoom]

Spain with an impressive beat down of Costa Rica 7-0. Subs for Spain still head and shoulders above CR.

[CajunNation]

Spain with an impressive beat down of Costa Rica 7-0. Subs for Spain still head and shoulders above CR.

VIVA ESPANA !!!!!!!!!!!

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[R1Letterman]

For those in the know: why does it seem that such a large pct of penalties are also yellow cards…. it is my understanding that any foul if in the penalty box, is a penalty kick. the foul isnt in and of itself more egregious than other fouls.

Also even odder i saw one awarded after a review, no call initially made, but after review a penalty kick awarded and a yellow card given. struck me as odd, that if ref didnt even initially have a foul at all, that the foul upon review could rise to the level of a yellow card.

granted im sure some fouls are let go if in the box, by human nature, so that could drive the pct, but still

[ZoomZoom]

Fouls in the box are booked yellow or straight red, depending on circumstances. A take down from behind in a breakaway in the box with only the keeper to beat will usually be straight red. Trips, shoves, handling the ball all in the box tend to be yellow unless the offender is already booked with a yellow, where they receive a yellow/red ejection. Infractions in the box tend to stop scoring opportunities while a midfield foul tends to be a warning unless multiple warnings have been given a player, or a player comes in cleats up or such. Outside the box is usually possession movement of the ball.

If video review, like in the current Belgium/Canada game, shows a foul, like handling the ball (handball) in this case, the call is made after the review and the offender got a yellow card. Same would apply for any possible missed foul in the box. Keeper stoned the PK attempt.

Futbol is no different than any sport. You hope for equal officiating, either tight or let ‘em play. Just be level with the calls.

Think of it like American football and scoring, targeting and turnover reviews.

Japan took down Germany for the shocker of the day.