04/24/24
June 15, 2002
Senegal v Sweden: and Spain v Ireland are the next games in the round of 16.
I've picked Senegal and Spain to win. I hope I'm wrong on the second one. Can the Irish do it?
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 02:29 PM - 10 comments
If Senegal and Ireland go through, the terrorists will have lost. Though I fear they will win, on both counts. Flamenco and smorgasbord all round - enough to make you sick. Fingers crossed,lads! P.S. IMO,Irish football fans are the best, most enlightened and simpáticos in the world.
posted by Miguel Cardoso at 05:30 PM on June 15, 2002
I'm more confident of a Senegal win than an Ireland win, for sure. Senegal came out of an as tough, if not tougher, group than Sweden. I didn't necessarily see much to be excited about in Sweden's game compared to Senegal's. If the Lions take the game to Sweden as they did to France, and combine that with the afternoon humidity and heat, I think we may see a torrid game for Sweden. As for Ireland, yes, it has to be said that they have triumphed based more on spirit than flair, and Spain has both in abundance (and the goals to boot). This game will definitely be a battle of wills. Who knows, we may see the passions of both ignited, and a truly open game as a result. Well, you may see it. I'll be asleep.
posted by worldcup2002 at 12:06 AM on June 16, 2002
1-1 at half-time. Nice equalizer by Camara but I thought Diouf was robbed of an earlier goal by a bad offside call. Senegal are taking the game to the Swedes. I just hope they convert all the chances they're creating.
posted by worldcup2002 at 02:35 AM on June 16, 2002
Sweden 1 Senegal 1 at half time, and a much better reason for being up than yesterday. Senegal look very lively and are running Sweden ragged. My analysis of last night is looking a bit cock eyed, we will see.
posted by Fat Buddha at 02:37 AM on June 16, 2002
And mine looks pretty damn four-eyed, eh, Fat Buddha? Sometimes I amaze myself.
posted by worldcup2002 at 02:39 AM on June 16, 2002
Sene-GOL! Gol! Gol! Gol! Gol! Gol! Gol!
posted by worldcup2002 at 03:47 AM on June 16, 2002
I just realized my fantasy pick was for Senegal and Ireland, not Spain. So, now, I'm really rooting for Ireland. One down (yay, Senegal!) and one to go. Erin go bragh!
posted by worldcup2002 at 04:15 AM on June 16, 2002
You got it spot on worldcup2002, very impressive. It could have gone either way though, what a fantastic second half, with both teams going all out for the win. I still say Spain will beat Ireland, easily too. I see another Denmark scenario. Spain have spirit as well as flair.Once the first goal goes in Ireland will collapse like a pack of cards.
posted by Fat Buddha at 06:12 AM on June 16, 2002
I called the Senegal win on Friday (though I missed the match), because I suspected that the conditions might work in their favour: it's a blessing that England's bore-draw with Nigeria got them the Niigata tie. As for Ireland, I'm gutted. And that might be a harder game for Spain than anything they face later on.
posted by etagloh at 05:41 PM on June 16, 2002
I just hope Senegal don't play for a penalty shoot out as Paraguay appeared to . The trouble with having the likes of France and Germany eliminated is that teams who perhaps did not expect to progress lack a bit of self belief and play too cautiously, hoping for some luck in a shoot out. I think Sweden will have too much organisation , strength and nous for Senegal, although I hope I'm wrong. I can't see Spain losing to Ireland. I don't believe Ireland are any good. They were lucky to get a point against a very prosaic looking Germany and struggled against a pretty poor and demoralised Cameroon. Spain are fast, skilful, strong and accustomed to winning under pressure (as individual players anyway). Irelands time is up. Spirit will only take them so far and they have reached journeys end. In my hapless opinion.