FIFA 2014 World Cup - Official Discussion Thread

[Yeahsayyeah]

Angsthasenfußball!

[Middle-aged Europe]

The last time Germany played against Argentina in a finale they became world champion. Then again, the last time Argentina became world champion they played against Germany in the finale.

[Hatman 🍁]

West Germany

[Middle-aged Europe]

West Germany

Among the 23 members of the German team, there's only a single East German player right now either (Toni Kroos). For all intents and purposes, this is West Germany.

(Granted, without Kroos Germany would have only won 5:1 against Brazil. )

[Velasco]

Did the DDR football team ever win something?

[GMantis]

Did the DDR football team ever win something?

Their only world cup match with West Germany.

[minionofmidas]

West Germany

Among the 23 members of the German team, there's only a single East German player right now either (Toni Kroos).

Who was born before unification but after the november 9th.

[Хahar 🤔]

I want Argentina to win because they so manifestly don't deserve to win.

[Franzl]

I want Argentina to win because they so manifestly don't deserve to win.

I have respect for those that want Argentina to win because they like Argentina. I also have a weird respect for those like Phil that support Argentina just to be spiteful. I don't have any respect for your position.

[Хahar 🤔]

I want Argentina to win because they so manifestly don't deserve to win.

I have respect for those that want Argentina to win because they like Argentina. I also have a weird respect for those like Phil that support Argentina just to be spiteful. I don't have any respect for your position.

That's fine. I don't expect you to respect it. I just think it would be funny.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

At least the preferable teams in both semifinal matches won. I don't mind who wins the final now--I just want a good show.

[bore]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D1Tted-R0g

[Middle-aged Europe]

Did the DDR football team ever win something?

Their only world cup match with West Germany.

Jürgen Sparwasser, the East German player who made the goal against West Germany in that game, later fled to West Germany himself and became a coach for a couple of West German clubs.

[Keystone Phil]

I want Argentina to win because they so manifestly don't deserve to win.

I have respect for those that want Argentina to win because they like Argentina. I also have a weird respect for those like Phil that support Argentina just to be spiteful. I don't have any respect for your position.

Huh? It's not just Anti Germany; it's Pro Italy.

Seriously though, Italians and Italy fans obviously have more connections to Argentina. Plus, I'm a Napoli fan. There are very strong historic and current connections with Argentina.

[Franzl]

I want Argentina to win because they so manifestly don't deserve to win.

I have respect for those that want Argentina to win because they like Argentina. I also have a weird respect for those like Phil that support Argentina just to be spiteful. I don't have any respect for your position.

Huh? It's not just Anti Germany; it's Pro Italy.

Seriously though, Italians and Italy fans obviously have more connections to Argentina. Plus, I'm a Napoli fan. There are very strong historic and current connections with Argentina.

Makes sense, although I imagine an Italy supporter will be more interested in remaining the only 4-star nation rather than any direct or indirect ties to Argentina

[Keystone Phil]

I want Argentina to win because they so manifestly don't deserve to win.

I have respect for those that want Argentina to win because they like Argentina. I also have a weird respect for those like Phil that support Argentina just to be spiteful. I don't have any respect for your position.

Huh? It's not just Anti Germany; it's Pro Italy.

Seriously though, Italians and Italy fans obviously have more connections to Argentina. Plus, I'm a Napoli fan. There are very strong historic and current connections with Argentina.

Makes sense, although I imagine an Italy supporter will be more interested in remaining the only 4-star nation rather than any direct or indirect ties to Argentina

Sure but, again, it's because we're focused on Italy, not dwelling on our enemy. It's all about how you frame the argument. 

But many Napoli fans would actually be more interested in Argentina doing well than simply keeping Italy as the only four star nation.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Germany must absolutely win this.

[Tender Branson]

Suarez from Liverpool to Barcelona - for 128 Mio. $ (75 Mio. £):

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/07/11/330662428/liverpool-unloads-the-biter-sending-suarez-to-barca-for-128-million

[Keystone Phil]

Italian Nicola Rizzoli will referee the Final. Forza Italia!

[Lief 🗽]

Wow, I didn't think FIFA would be so blatant. Congratulations Argentina.

[Keystone Phil]

Wow, I didn't think FIFA would be so blatant. Congratulations Argentina.

Hahaha

And just a reminder (Italy's feelings about Argentines and Germans in general aside, Serie A representation in both squads:

Germany: 2
Argentina: 7

[Platypus]

...that's because the Germans play in the much better Bundesliga.

Anyhoo, cheering on the Netherlands tonight (I need more Brazilian tears) and Argentina in the final. I have a complex view of Argentina and Argentineans, but ultimately I have spent about half a year there all up and it'd be wrong to support anyone else.

When I was in Argentina during the 2006 world cup, I was in a bus terminal in Cordoba (I think, maybe Rosario) along with a couple of hundred Argentineans. The Australia v Japan game was on the TV and absolutely nobody was paying attention besides me. We were down 1-0 around about the 80th minute, and scored, and I went kinda sorta nuts and got a few very odd looks. The we went up 2-1, I went mad again and a few people were laughing and saying "vamo' Australia!", but then we got the third... and the whole place erupted.

Argentines tend to be a relatively unfriendly people (sorry Edu), especially in comparison to the Uruguayans, but that was a great memory. Another top one was being in Cordoba when Argentina won against Cote d'Ivoire in the group stage, and there was essentially a riot.

I'm sure the game means a lot to Germany, and I tend to think anything that boosts nationalism in Argentina is a very bad thing - moreso than in most countries - but ultimately if a few hundred Argentines waiting for busses can embrace the socceroos thanks to some random 18 year old Aussie, it's the least I can do to cheer on the Albiceleste

[minionofmidas]

Argentines tend to be a relatively unfriendly people (sorry Edu), especially in comparison to the Uruguayans

Let me guess: You liked getting bitten a lot?


Anyways, Germany are favorites in this but Argentina is going to be a very tough nut to crack. Tougher than France and our strongest opponent so far. (Note that in the early games, Germany weren't playing at their best with Khedira and Schweinsteiger both still very much recuperating.) And should they win, they will deserve the title.

[Velasco]

Definitely I'll root for the DDR. Since that country doesn't exist -except maybe in someone's imagination- I think Argentina had enough prize reaching the final and the machine deserves to win. I'm sorry for my Argentine friends, but I want to see winning the team that doesn't mistreat the ball. With the due respect for Mascherano The Gladiator, whose work in the field is quite good, the Argentinian team is almost as horrible as Brazil.

[Keystone Phil]

...that's because the Germans play in the much better Bundesliga.

...ok? The point was Rizzoli will be way more acquainted with Argentina's players. Where the Germans play (which I obviously knew) has nothing to do with the point.