Why are you all saying RSA is out? May I remind you about World Cup 1994? Hosts tied the first, then won the second, then lost the third? All's not lost for South Africa. They can still beat the French badly or have Uruguay lose badly to Mexico or the other way around. They're not completely out.
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After losing 3-0 to Uruguay, their goal differential is heavily against their favor. Like in 2006, Korea Rep was the only country with 4 points (1W, 1D, 1L) that didn't make the 2nd round. They were extremely unlucky. Togo lost all three of their matches so it came down to Swiss or Korea for the 2nd spot. Swiss won on goal differentials. However for South Africa, Mexico and France both already have 1 point. Obviously Uruguay has 4 points. So it will be VERY HARD but not impossible for South Africa.
Yeah, there is still a theoretical chance, but I am judging it by the way they played tonight. The team has no fire and simply lacks the class, speed and skill to advance. Uruguay are not that strong. If you do not manage to create one decent chance against a team like that, you just don't have it.
For all those of you asking about "How bad is this host country?", you should not look further than 1994. Never had a host country been that low...? Good thing there were "best third" and back then, wasn't there? Only Colombia was out of group A. Granted, there were only 24 teams, too. Just by... a... goal difference. South Africa is still not out, and it could come down to the last game. But... yeah, Uruguay looks to be the toughest after these first two games they've played. But they couldn't even score more than France to beat them... so... it's a conundrum!
I really don't know how they're going to stop Ribery, Uruguay has an amazing defense all together. I like Rafa Marquez guarding Anelka but who can keep up with the sorcerer? It'll be hard for Mexico.
leroy420, I apologize, dear sir. We were talking about host nations and I did a little research a couple days ago... I asked a buddy here who is an avid US fan about that... he said: "Well, WTH. I didn't know that crap. Thanks a lot, man." Not mad, or anything... just... acknowledging that it's true b.s. What is up with VOLCANOES, anyway?
Best goal keeper of the cup so far has been Vincent Enyeama, it's not even close either. This guy must have a ton of offerings waiting for him as soon as the Cup is over.
I know! Hilarious! :grin: here's another good joke: Soccer Blonde A blonde began a job as an elementary school counselor and she was eager to help. One day during recess she noticed a girl standing by herself on one side of a playing field while the rest of the kids enjoyed a game of soccer at the other. The blonde approached and asked if she was all right. The girl said she was. A little while later, however, Sandy noticed the girl was in the same spot, still by herself. Approaching again, Sandy offered, "Would you like me to be your friend?" The girl hesitated, then said, "Okay," looking at the woman suspiciously. Feeling she was making progress, the blonde then asked, "Why are you standing here all alone?" "Because," the little girl said with great exasperation, "I'm the goalie!"
