大象传媒

WHen it comes for passion of Football Germans are no where near to Argentina. Their team have consistently performed so well in WOrld CUp Football since 1974, their team and supporters both are surely far behind than Argentine team and supporters. Germans play a very cold and unattractive football and that is why they do not have die hard supporters in the Asian countries, like Argentina have. Asia has the largest and ARgentina has the largest supporter base in Asia. So, let few German cry for passion for football.
People of all religions in South Asia, are praying today for the success of Argentine team. Many Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Budhists have visited their religious places to offer speical pray for the Argentina team in the last 2-3 days.
Even tea sellers and street vendors are
with the hope that Argentina will win
today. If Argentina wins today, these millions of passionate supporters in the
third world聽 will celebrate for many hours and again pray for Argentina for
semi final. And if Argentina loses they will suffer heartbreak. However, If
Germany wins or lose- does it matter?

Squeezing gauchos is surely a yellow card offence (see Vinnie Jones).

We will not "think" nothing can stop us anymore - we will then "know" it!

And if not we're just being good hosts and whishing Argentinia all the best for the final. Because only those who can beat today's German squad deserve the trophy! ;-)

A poor German team drew Argentinia in last year's confederation cup. This year, however, they've got a really strong team. I don't see the Argentinian team has that much changed over the past twelve months...

Wow, I appreciate the soccer madness of the Asian world, after all this is the beautiful game, teh worlds game. But to talk about about passion and supporters and type of game, I think you are missing the action in Germany!

Right now, no one is playing more beautifully with attacking football, totally dominating the ball in the World Cup than Germany is right now. They are relentless and have been the one team that stands out for now. Argentina is clearly a world class team but they will not be able to compete at this pace during this tournament.

No matter what, enjoy the game!

Germany have looked convincing against pretty lame teams, Sweden had a terrible game against them. I would personally like to see them progress, they (the fans) deserve it for putting on such a good World Cup. However, I think Argentina like Brazil have still got a couple of gears to step up to. Viel Gluck Germany.

Brazil will win this world cup... just a small stat stated below...

Brazil won the world cup in 1994. Before that, he had won this title for the last time in 1970.

If you add up: 1970 + 1994 = 3964

Argentina won the world cup for the last time in 1986. Before that only in 1978.

And 1978 + 1986 = 3964

Germany, though, won the world cup in 1990. Before that, Germany won in 1974.

Look: 1990 + 1974 = 3964

This could lead us to guess the winner of the World Cup in 2002, since it should be the winner
of the 1962 World Cup (In fact 3964 - 2002 = 1962).

And Brazil won the world cup in 1962! (And, in fact, Brazil won the 2002 WC)

This numerology seems to work...

And now, who would be the winner of the 2006 world cup?

Let's see, 3964 - 2006 = 1958

And who won in 1958?....

Oh, Brazil did!!!

I am replying to the first repying regarding the first reply to thos blog. It's amazing how Argentina has created such a fan base in South Asia. i am from Nepal and in my country I would say about 60% of football watchers support Argentina, about 30% Brazil and the rest are scattered among other nations, I think the Argentina support can be linked to the Maradona effect. Prayings and offerings aside, I hope the Argentina team who knows how to play beautiful football and dictate the pace of the game today shows up and end the Germans dream.

Germany have played reasonably well, and have the 12th man in the crowd. Let's just wait for them to play well against the first decent side that they've had (sorry Sweden but that was appalling).

Germany have impressed me with their attacking brio at times but I can see the Argies taking the whole thing so I just hope that the Germans continue to put on a good show once their team is out.

DISCLAIMER: I was in Germany for the first two weeks and the Germans were absolutely wonderful, so although I'm supporting the Argies, I want to see the Germans really put up a fight.

I have a feeling its a Germany Vs England final, my prophecy will partially come to light when Germany Win tonight!

I'll be in Germany tomorrow to see the other half! I hope! Come on the England!

Today is the day of the truth. Germany is coming strong and thats good as they need that. They are the host of this beatiful tournament. We can dance again today the tango of our history. We did already show our new tango steps with Serbia and Montenegro and there still a lot to come. We have the most complete squad today, and we have Mr Legend, the one that God send to us , in to our world, the one that today is back on his life and showing what is love, passion, respect and gloria for Argentina: Yes el Diego. The one that all country wish one day to have, the one that today is proud to be with the new Argentina Squad.
volveremos volveremos
volveremos otra vez
volveremos a ser campeones
como en el 86
Thanks to all worldwide suppourters
Martin

How can you say that "people of akll religions are praying for the Argentine team". Any religion would surely condem the poor morality and sportsmanship of the Argentinian diving team.

Reply to anurag:

what happend to England in 1998 then?

I will give you a "C" grade for effort!!!!

It's very interesting that many Asians have chosen to support Argentina. In the past many Latin Americans chose not to support Argentina because Argentinians could be very arrogant and considered themselves the best nation in Latin America. Perhaps Asians will change who they support when they meet real Argentinians. I think that in the last years their country economical situation has changed the Argentinian character and they are more humble. As a Latin American I believe that the team who plays best should win.

Just to explain: 3964 - 1966 = 1998!

Im bemused about the comments concerning Asia supporting Argentina.
I was in South Asia 2 weeks ago and it must be said that the support generally favoured England and then Brazil. I saw no Argentina shirts, flags etc.

My point however being that Argentina must surely truimph over Germany - they are the better team. However, I hope the game is as good as we all hope and to be honest I'd like to see Germany win to set up a classic Germany England final.

Germany have got a solid squad, and the difference between them and England at the moment are that they are consistent. Anyway, Argentina sound a frightening opposition, but they're not for Germany. Germany will win today 3-1.

germany are good hosts and i am sure they will host arg all the way to the finals

Is it just me or do others find martin's post just ridiculous..god love and gloria indeed..excuse me while i go off and slaughter a goat, i've got entrails to read...

and the sooner we stop seeing maradonas grotesque clowning with cigars on the stands the better. is it too much to hope that when argentina lose he might go home?

When some already start with calculations, then do it right:

54 * 74 - 1990 = 2006

And that's why Germany wins!

Let it be, and iam absolutely sure that the spirit of the man himself (Diego Maradona) will determine the winner. obviously Argentina is looking forward to play Brazil in the final. history is there to repeat it self. Messi will score the winning goal

A nice calculation, but here is a better one:

Germany won in in 54, 74 and 1990. Now, calculate

54 * 74 - 1990

guess what comes out. Yes, 2006 ;-)

So much for that nonesense.

[quote]
If Germany wins or lose- does it matter?[/quote]

That was meant as a rhetorical question, right? ;)

But they already achieved so much more (and in such a different style of play) than I had expected, that - when the road should come to an end - I would surely be disappointed but not upset like 1994 or 1998.

Auf geht's Deutschland, auf geht's! :)

argentina plays fantastic football and todays game will not be an exception. am looking forward to the argentina thrushing the germans regardless of the home support.
Germans should be ready for display of the best footballers in this world cup.
am sure messy will not be fielded until second half when germans are already trailing by one goal
viva argentine

Phew. I have just returned from the future.

I come back to the present with news of the game. Argentina won 4-1, with goals from Crespo (2) Saviola (1) and Tevez (1). Ballack scored a penalty for Germany.

Given that this is sensitive information from the future, please do not use it for anything as frivolous as betting.

Listen everybody is going on about Englands boring style of football.Ok granted the team has not played to its football potential but Germany got through to the last World Cup final playing not much better.for the last 24 yeras i have lived in Germany and there is a desparation here for their team to win it but i do not think they will as up to now they have not had to play a world class taem like Argentina

Listen everybody is going on about Englands boring style of football.Ok granted the team has not played to its football potential but Germany got through to the last World Cup Final playing not much better.for the last 24 yeras i have lived in Germany and there is a desparation here for their team to win it but i do not think they will as up to now they have not had to play a world class team like Argentina

I think England have demonstrated the highest standard of football seen at this tournament. Argentina have been lucky so far (thanks to a few dodgy refs and offside calls, etc.).

The true stars of the tournament are Hargreaves, Carragher, Lampard and co.

Anurag,
I don't know if your "statistic" is original or someone told you it, but it's idiotic.
What you're basically doing is using 1982 as a centre point on a numerical scale (1982 x 2 = 3964) and then as you move forward from 1982, saying that the forward points from 1982 will mirror the backward points from 1982.
I.e.
1978 -> 1982 -> 1986 - Argentina
1974 -> 1982 -> 1990 - Germany
1970 -> 1982 -> 1994 - Brazil
1962 -> 1982 -> 2002 - Brazil

Of course, you forgot to mention the exception:

1966 -> 1982 -> 1998 - England?

Unless England DID win the World Cup in 1998?

FWIW, I think the winner of this afternoon's game will win it.
F

ARGENTINA WILL BE VICTORIOUS AND WILL MEET BRAZIL IN THE FINAL.ITALY AND ENGLAND WILL FIGHT OUT THE THIRD AND FOURTH PLACINGS.WHY? GERMANY HAVE NOT BEATEN ANYONE SIGNIFICANT WHILST ARGENTINA HAVE EMERGED FROM THE GROUP OF DEATH WITH HONOURS.THEY CONSIST OF TOO MUCH TALENT AND THE MATCH WINNING GOAL CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE...EVEN FROM THE BENCH.

It is not just a matter of high standard football, as we've seen with Australia, but a matter of luck too. I am looking forward positively because Germany is on the sunny side of the street called luck.

Well, now we can stop speculations on ARG vs. GER and start celebrating Germany's way into the finale!

Watching german vs Argentina.. no wonder argentina couldn't beat germany, The germany played with 14 players (incl. referee). There will be no fair play if the referee is not fair. Poor Germany.. they may won but in a shame way :p

Oh dear. Argentina mugged themselves. And the ref seemed to be supporting Germany. Still, there's always Albania 2014 to look forward to.

Here we are again:

I should have engaged in betting before the match, proposing that in case Germany wins, all those envious bad losers would come forward claiming the officiating was to blame.

But I still have a chance for two additional matches, I reckon ;-)

Argentina are to blame. They were in control and poor substitutions allowed Germany back into the game. But the refereeing was not great. Argentina should have had a couple of penalties and the Germans were diving even more that Argentina.

Thank God the ref had the balls to give the Argentinian diver a yellow card!

What a game!

And what a fault of Peckerman to substitute Riquelme and Crespo. He allowed us to come back, thanks! :)))

about the refereeing: pleaze, stopp beeing stupid, greg s...., it`s becoming so ridiculous.

The English players got yellows for time playing against a world renowned team frim Ecuador. The Argetnine goalkeeper layn on theground for 10 Minutes, after this Argentina substituted and another 5 minutes were gone. No Argentine player objected cause they lead 1-0. This is the world cup of cheaters. And frankly I didn't see any panelty, only Argentines diving.

And after all that, they can't stand to lose.

Congrats anyway. Argentina had the better team, but Gemany didn't want to lose and Lehmann did the rest.

And what did the Argentines after the match? That was really unsportsmanlike.

The German players also told in TV they were verbally insulted before their penalties by the Argentines.

Agree with Sara Argentina is a poor Sport when they lose they are very disrespectful and show poor sportsmanship.. When one of their local teams lost against Mexico they spit on them. When they lost today against the Germans a brawl..They deserve to lose and go home crying and take Maradona with them...wait to you meet an argentinian there's a large majority who are very arrogant..

In the end the Best team wins in this case it was Germany.. I predict it will be Brazil vs. Germany in the end...Good luck to both..but Brazil again may win in the end...

I'm living just 1 (yes one) mile close to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.Hundreds of thousends are gathering for the matches in front of a huge screen. It's amazing!!! People from every corner of the world are partying happily together. It's really wonderful to watch. I guess despite all the patriotism for the particular nations it's a uniting party.

IF YOU'RE ABLE TO COME BY FOR THE FINAL. JUST DO IT. IT WILL BE CRAZY.

Believe me I have seen already 7 Love Parades (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loveparade)
in my backyard.

It's obvious that the Wolrd Cup is bout money. Not about passion, or sport. And today Germany showed that to the world. If you invest money being the host. You cannot afford to loose. I think Argentineans played far better football than Germans today. And remember for those who dont know it yet, the ref's mom and dad are German born.

No it's about winning and losing. And the rgentinians showed today that they are bad losers.

Their team starting a brawl and their supporters have only excuses. Can't you just congratulate like every other can in this tournament? Don't you have any respect?

Disgraceful.

Wundervoll!

Sorry to the German-bashers but they deservedly progressed owing to their more straightforward game. The match may have been low on eye candy, but it was well worth watching for the team tactics.

Germany dominated for the first twenty minutes of the first half, the major part of the second half plus the first period of extended time with Argentinia displaying a truly disciplined and convincing team effort.

I think Germany ultimately prevailed because of bad decisions on the Argentinian side. After the lead they retreated to total defense and time delaying tactics. Following their substitutions they obviously had problems with their playing system and in exactly that phase Germany managed to equalise.

What some of you may have missed in the German game was the resurrection of 'Kampfgeist' or fighting spirit. Defiant and unwilling to accept defeat, they fought their way back into the game and deservedly won the equaliser.

Personally I could not see any major issues with refereeing. The man did a pretty good, evenhanded job and the teams played reasonably fair with few divers and the notable exception of the Argie keeper.

Sure, Argentinia was superior for considerable parts of the game but so was Germany.

If you absolutely need to blame someone for the appalling amount of unfair play during this tournament, blame FIFA. They promoted this behaviour with their issueing of order to referees for sanctioning any physical contact and their leniency towards feigning injury/fouls.
Unless they want to destroy the tournament's experience, i.e. their product's value, they have to reconsider. Football is not five o'clock tea at the bridge club and the fans loathe acting.

How about temporarily suspending any player not on his feet after ten seconds for a thorough five minute medical check off the field, just as a precaution?

Anyway, hope to see you in Berlin :)
Dirk.