LiveBlog: Brazil-Croatia

June 13th, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

The five-time World Cup champions played an even game against a solid Croatia team and earns a solid, yet uninspiring win. Check out the play-by-play below and feel free to leave your thoughts about the game.

Final: Brazil 1-0 Croatia

Full time Brazil comes away with a 1-0 win thanks to a great goal by Kaka in the 44th minute. Croatia played the defending champions even but Brazil earns the three points and is now tied with Australia atop the Group F table. Thanks for joining us for the game. We’ll be liveblogging from now until we go to the grave.

90:00 Tudor shown a yellow card for Croatia. Not much added time. This one looks like it is going to Brazil.

87:58 Krancjar with a header over the net. Croatia trying to come up with one last miracle. Brazil rolling it around and watching the seconds tick.

86:36 Ronaldinho seemed to enjoy that steaking action. Flares are being lit in the Croatia sections. Maybe Croatia should be allowed to play with 12 men. That streaker had some good speed.

85:09 Streaker on the pitch. He gets down and kisses Prso’s shoe. Well played streaker but you are spending the night in a German jail. That might have been the highlight of the game. he was fully clothed and painted face with croatia colors.

83:45 Great shot of the Croatia fans dancing and singing in the stands. Will they be able to will their team a goal late in this one?

82:03 Cafu still has wheels on the right side and earns a corner. It is flicked away without harm. A lot of people in Australia rooting for a Croatia goal right about now.

80:11 Brazil’s performance kind of reminding me of England’s. Enough to get a result but not especially impressive. The tournament is still early but hopefully the good teams will play like they are capable.

78:56 Robinho falls down lack a sack of potatoes. Jerko Leko is a bit of a hack.

77:45 Brazil looking happy with a 1-0 result. Croatia lacking desperation. Bob desperate for another beer.

75:56 Crowd in the stadium sounds restless. I can relate. This game hasn;t been that great but an exciting final 15 could change all that.

74:43 Every time Croatia is close to the Brazil goal I say “There it is” and it just hasn’t happened yet.

73:29 Adriano is indeed playing. Just not well.

72:20 Croatia with 20 minutes to get the equalizer. I’m out of beer so the game better pick up or I will be one unhappy Bob. Until the postgame parties kick off in Berlin. It is going to be happening here tonight. You guys and gals should stop on by.

71;04 Public service announcement: we’re liveblogging every game in this stinkin’ competition so please join us each and every day. You will be rewarded in the afterlife. That is a money back offer.

69:47 Babic with a direct shot on goal but right at Dida. Croatia needs to think about aiming for the corners. Good opportunities abound but they still trail by a goal.

68:53 Robinho comes in for Ronaldo who takes his beer keg belly to the bench. After a month in Germany I will look the same way.

67:12 Croatia with another close in opportunity but it is kicked away by Juan. The Croatia attack is getting about 97% of the job done but needs to find a way to finish.

65:47 Thanks to all of you who are tuning in from work. Let’s bring the world’s economy down one football match at a time!

64:24 Croatia with the corner and it is hopelessly off the mark. Did you know that FIFA made Croatia add more white to their uniform before the start of the tournament? Silly, but true.

63:09 Is Adriano even playing in this one? He has been a non factor. Ronaldo also hasn’t down much. Brazil’s chances coming from their pace on the wings.

61:45 Cafu sets up Ronaldinho who’s header is stopped by the Croatian keeper. Just like that Brazil is on the attack. Ronaldinho crosses himself and shows the need for dental work.

60:45 Brazil rolling it around like it is a practice session. Croatia walking around like it is a practice session. This game has lost pace fast. It is a good thing. I think my fingers are starting to bleed.

59:02 How would you rate the performance of Brazil up to now? I’d say B-. Probably would give Croatia about the same grade. Neither team really making it happen.

57:47 Klasnic off and Olic on for Croatia. Kaka dragged down outside the area and Brazil awarded a free kick. Jerko Leko the one who made the tackle. Jerko Leko. Can’t get enough of that. Ronaldinho takes the kick and it is headed just off.

55:43 Brazil lulls the Croatian defense asleep and Ronaldo crushes one over the bar. Just when you are ready to fall asleep they attacl.

54:14 Brazil looking to be asleep in the start of the second half. They seem content to roll it around and watch the clock tick off.

53:01 Klasnic with a pickle of a shot that Dida eats up on the ground. Croatia wisely firing away and trying to get it back.

51:17 That was a great save from the Brazil keeper. Prso really hit that one square but it is still Brazil up by a goal. Drinking a nice pilsner this half for those scoring at home.

50:21 Prso with a strong shot that tests Dida to the fullest. Wow that was close.

48:23 Brail hasn’t looked unstoppable in this match but they have been effective. Always kind of interesting to see how teams start a tournament. Whether they peak early or work their way into form.

46:23 For those wondering, and I know there are a lot of you out there, Bob is indeed my name. In Russian it translats to “green bean.” Not sure what it means in Croatian but given the crap I have gotten for not liking their kits it probably means “dead man”

45:01 The second half is underway. Can Croatia come back against the tournament favorites or will Brazil samba its way to three points? Gosh it is hard to type with that picture below hanging around.

Halftime entertainment: Brazil fans outside stadium earlier today. More photos to come after the match right here

Halftime Not the greatest half but an evenly played one. Brazil strikes in the final minute with a great goal from Kaka. I’m off the get more beer and to soak my fingers in ice. I’ll be back right before the start of the second half. Go ahead and leave your thoughts about the first half. Your comments are great.

45:00 Croatia played them even but a late first half goal gives Brazil a huge lift heading into the dressing room. With a blink of an eye Kaka hammered that shot. Can’t turn your back on Brazil for a second.

43:25 GOALLLLL. Kaka with a blast. Where did that comes from? He takes two dribbles and smacks it from outside the box with his left foot. Great shot.

42:02 Emerson booked for a bad foul in the midfield. Nothing more to say about it.

41:124 Ronaldinho playing hacky sack in the box. Anyone notice he isn’t smiling much today?

39:27 Cafu with a shot on goal and it is handled by the Croatia keeper. Read today that Cafu is in trouble with the law for getting an Italian passport illegally. Kovac out for Croatia and Jerko Leko comes in. One of my favorite names in the World Cup. Say it with me: Jerko Leko.

38:02 Croatia with a free kick from the left side of the field outside the area and it is almost redirected in by Tudor and/or Kovac.

36:57 Emerson with a shot that sails high over the bar. Emerson looks like my third grade physical education teacher. None of that matters to you, but if he is reading this blog I’d like to say hi to Mr. Benz.

35:02 Niko Kovac down again for Croatia. He has something wrong with his midsection. Don’t we all. He gets up gingerly. Looks like a rib but I am not a doctor. I only play one on the Internet.

34:00 Neither team controlling the match. Croatia has held its own thus far and Brazil does not appear to be on top form. This one is going to be interesting.

32:56 Yellow card for Niko Kovac tripping Kaka. Kind of a weak yellow if you ask me. Ronaldinho over the ball just outside the Croatia area. Drilled into the wall.

31:57 Your Berlin weather forecast: It is about 90 F/30 C give or take a few. I’m sweating my balls off. Apologies for my language.

30:23 Adriano drags down a Croatia player, kind of. Wouldn’t have noticed Adriano was even playing out there until that one. Kovac down on the ground. We might need to amputate something. He’ll live.

27:46 Klasnic and Prso causing problems for Brazil on the left side. If I were Croatia’s coach I would tell them to keep it up. I’d also be a much better dressed man. He is looking swell on the sideline.

26:56 Klasnic (the Croatian player, not the pickle) fires it over the crossbar. Corner kick to Croatia an it is cleared away.

25:16 Neither team looking especially sharpe but it is still early. The expectations for Brazil to play a beautiful game are always great.

24:16 Ronaldinho even sweats in a cool way. Man I am jealous of that cat.

22:34 Nike Krancjar with the shot. His father on the sideline looks very well dressed tonight. He is much more stylish than that Togo coach. How could you wear jeans in 90 degree heat at the World Cup?

21:45 Game starting to bog down a bit in the midfield. Can we watch a Nike commercial with Brazil instead?

20:15 Lucio is probably the player I know the least on Brazil’s roster. He wins that award tonight. Congratulations to Lucio, Mr. Lucio and Mrs. Lucio.

19:24 Croatian cross is knocked out by Roberto Carlos and there is a corner. Headed away without a threat. Brazil has had the better run of play but hasn’t been able to crack the board yet.

17:45 Referee letting both teams play but it hasn’t been physical yet. I’m surprised Croatia isn’t knocking Brazil around a little more.

16:18 Croatia defense looking a bit vulnerable but Ronaldo isn’t moving well out there. This might be a night when Adriano or Kaka have to come through. What a luxury Brazil has.

15:15 Roberto Carlos might spend all night firing away over the goal. For an older player the bald one still got game.

14:07 Roberto Carlos with a bomb and the Croatian keeper is forced to knock it over the bar. Ronaldinho follows up with a shot that requires another save. A couple of close calls there.

13:46 Someone needs to lend Prso a vowell for his last name. He is a talented player even with his last name limitations. Keep an eye out for him. #9 for Croatia.

12:14 Both teams playing lots of men behind the ball and don’t want to give up the advantage near the box. Hopefully Brazil will open ip the pace a bit or I might need to get another beer. That France match was a stinker, eh?

11:02 The Croatian kits make me feel dizzy. They are starting to grow on me. I think I’ll head to a pizza shop after the match.

9:57 Ronaldinho tries to connect long with Ronaldo but it is well off the mark. A bit of a slow start to the game as both teams work out the nerves.

8:23 Kaka gets a pass in the middle of the field and hammers it high and wide over the bar. Still no score.

7:55 Both teams feeling each other out a bit. Croatia showing no fear against the tournament favorites. They earn a corner kick and Dida skies up to grab it.

6:14 Every other player on Croatia is named Kovac. That is convenient when you LiveBlog.

5:12 Croatia defense a bit too quick with the pass. Can’t afford to turn the ball over as much against this Brazil quartet up front. Wouldn’t want to be the Croatia keeper tonight. Actually, I would, but I suck in net.

4:05 Croatia attacks down the left side and gets a shot off but it is well off the mark. Croatia is going to try to attack this Brazil defense and see if it is vulnerable to speed.

3:03 Brazil getting the samba into play early with Ronaldinho dancing around like a ballerina. What a joy to watch.

2:17 Ronaldo knocked to the turf and a tremor is felt in Berlin. He is packing some weight. I bet he plays well though.

1:35 Corner kick to Brazil. Ronaldinho lines up to take it. His shirt is untucked and it is a kick that sails wide. No threat.

:29 Brazil hasn’t scored yet. They’re overrated. Just kidding.

Kickoff We are underway in Berlin with the defending champions Brazil taking on the third place finishers from 1998 Croatia. Berlin is rocking. Thanks for joining in and for leaving your comments during the match. For those scoring at home I am enjoying a cold pilsner right now. My apologies to those of you who are working and unable to imbibe too.

Pregame

3 minute countdown: Excellent turnout by the fans of both countries. Truly winners in the stands. Let’s hope this game lives up to expectations.

4 minute countdown: It is Croatia’s turn to sing. Again, a quality tune. This game is going to be a good one if you are basing it on national anthems alone.

6 minute countdown: The players are led out onto the pitch. The Brazil anthem is played. The players sing with full voice. Quality anthem by the tournament holders.

8 minute countdown: The teams are lined up in the tunnel. Brazil wearing its yellow kits and Croatia in the red and white checkers. You might want to adjust your television sets accordingly.

9 minute countdown: Beckenbauer is in the stands and sitting next to the German Prime Minister. Will the Kaiser samba?

1o minute countdown: After a pair of lackluster games today this one holds a lot of promise. Will Brazil start the tournament on a high note or will Croatia serve notice that they are a team to reckon with in this competition? Can’t wait for this one to start.

15 minute countdown: That Ronaldinho as a young boy commercial is brilliant.

18 minute countdown: Olympic Stadium in Berlin will be the perfect backdrop for this game. Looks like an absolutely splendid stadium for the final on July 9.

20 minute countdown: I really enjoy how the German television introduces each team and its country before the game. They do a nice job detailing the key players but also telling the audience about the various countries. If you have never been to Croatia I recommend a trip there is you can swing it. A very pretty country with a lot to see and do. Some day I hope to make it to Brazil. Maybe for the 2014 World Cup.

30 minute countdown: Berlin stadium looks to be full and rocking. There will be no shadow in this one with the sun setting on the city. They are showing Ronaldo warming up in a tank top and he certainly has a prominent belly.

40 minute countdown: I managed to avoid liveblogging the day’s two earlier games so I’m feeling fresh and ready to go. Berlin has been invaded by Brazil and Croatia fans. The excitement is in the air. Let’s hope that both teams display their best football

This one should be a dandy. Who do you think is going to win?

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http://www.viuasfotos.com/euler.htm Euler

Still 12 hours to the game and I’m already going crazy! It’s 2 am here in Rio and I can’t sleep!!! Let me go back to my positive thinking meditating state! Hmmmm (deep breath) Brazilllll!!!!
Ivica

I just hope that referee will be fair and not pulling to Brasilian side. Every respect to Brasilian squad, but we Croatians are not without chances. I think that we can atack them on the left and right side where are Cafu and R. Carlos who are on the sunset of their careers and we have young Srna and Babic who want to prove themselves on a big competition. Don’t want to waste my words on Ronaldinho (let’s just hope that he will have one in a year bad day).
Best regards to all Brasilian fans and lets enjoy in tonight’s game. Draw will be and everybody happy.
Viva Croatia
http://pkblogs.com/vaqas Vaqas

I wish Croatia best of luck
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Well, right now, 15:39 CET, 09:39 EST, the score is 0-0. By 21:10 CET, 15:10 EST, it’ll be da Boys from Brazil, 1-0. I’m hoping the Hrvati can hold it to 3-1. This is so unfair pitting the Croatians against the Magic Ones so early in the tourney; like raznjici on the barby.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Yo, Euler!
If you have any pull with your equipe, please, please have them show Croatia some mercy. And none of the playing around with the ball so that we look like complete idiots chasing your around!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/group-f/today-the-country-will-stop.html Today, the Country Will Stop – FIFA World Cup 2006 – Brazil World Cup Team Blog

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Hex

Bob, FYI the pic is Korea vs Togo.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/group-f/today.html Today, the Country Will Stop – FIFA World Cup 2006 – Brazil World Cup Team Blog

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kRuNoU

Brazilj Vs. Croatia => 1:3
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Ok!
First game was almost an upset by Togo..turning into a disappointment.
Second game was numbing, unlesee you were watching to see if France scored for the first time since the last century.
Now comes the Game of the Day. Lighting candles and lopping off bunny’s feet for luck.
Heart’s for Croatia; Brain’s with Brazil.
I’m just hoping for a beautiful game.
Brandon

I’d like to see Croatia come out on top of this one. Hearing about Brazil non-stop is getting annoying. They are the obvious under dog hee but lets say Croatia 1:0.
Dave

No matter what the result, with Brazil playing we are gonna get one thing we havent got this tournemant yet: The beautiful game! these guys play fast EXCITING football, with great passing and amazing skills, lets see if their defence will be caught out- some how people under rate: Cafu, Reberto Carlos, Lucio and Juan with a pretty safe pair of hands in AC Milan keeper-DIDA-!
Beto

The Brazilian team is likely to meet the Italians in the next stage, and I’m looking forward to it. The French team, as I expected, turned out to be a let-down. Either Argentina or Germany (the hosts)can be an obstacle, but I’m very optimistic about the outcome of this World Cup.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

I’ve been too disgusted to watch or listen to live games since yesterday. But slowly i’m recovering…. i’ve got Radio Eldorado on, thinking about trying to get TVU working (though it didn’t work for me yesterday). When you claim Brasil as your second-favorite national team, life can’t get too bad.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

Pulling for Croatia here…

FYI: live [british] english audio of the games here: http://clients.mediaondemand.net/theSun/?Channel=1
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

I really, really hope this will be a great game. Maybe it will wake my TiVo up after the ennui of France-Switzerland.

FIFA needs to reconsider its heat policy, before a player collapses from heat stroke.
Denis

3:2 Brazil would be a good result
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

Brasil is just too heavily favored to really win, don’t you think?
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

heat policy isnt the only thing FIFA needs to reconsider. they need to do something with their world ranking system as well!
Roland

After that slow France – Switzerland game I look for Brazil to entertain with a 3 – 1 victory.
Alison

Wow… games looking good rooting all the way for Brazil making us proud!
Wish I was there in a heart beat
Vin

Roland – a 3-1 Brazil win would not entertain me; it would give me a headache, because it’s what we’ve seen time and time again.

Now… a 3-1 Croatia win would have me on the edge of my seat. ;)
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

“Brasil is just too heavily favored to really win, don’t you think?”

I meant to win the whole WC, not this game.

Go Croatia!
BoneS

Hope they will make us proud!

20 more minutes, nervous ass hell!

Go Croatia!
Beto

Brazil 4:1 Croacia
Ronaldo (2), Adriano and Robinho. Wanna bet?
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Three cheers for footballers with bellies!
Denis

Is the rule about a yellow card for pulling a shirt over your head after a goal still in effect?
Dave

The audio is great, anywone know where this game can be watched on the net?
awaiting exciting football with LOTS of goals!
Denis

Dave, download TVU player from http://www.tvunetworks.com, its on one of the channels there.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

Dave, you can download the TVU Player and watch the game on ESPN2 (or in Chinese if you want) http://www.tvunetworks.com
Roland

A 3 – 1 Croatia win would be very entertaining too, but I’m just going with formula. Nothing personal;)
matthew

Sweet! My boss just told me to clock out early. We’re heading to the pub in a minute to watch the match! I’m going to Togo Homey Dance all the way to the bar.
Brian

whats the score!!??
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

matthew, that’s great! I get off work in 10 min. and am heading straight to the bar to watch the game.
http://yahoo Mandefro Samuels

Brasil all the way
http://www.advancednetworkdesign.com Tony

Soccer is a game that is not being thought of as a serious game in the U.S. I personally played American football including 4 years of college for a total of 10 years. I thought it was a sissy game but when I was watching on of college games I was amazed on how good shape the players were in. While watching the World Cup yesterday the same thing was noticed. These guys are in tremendous shape. I have changed my mind throughout the years about soccer from being a game that girls play to playing at the top levels one has to be a fantastic player and have much endurance as well as power. I gained a new respect for soccer or futbal. Even though squads like Germany, Brazil, Italy, England, etc. have been dominating soccer I think the U.S. will e catching up very soon. Being a big fan now, it is beautifult o watch teams like Brazil and Italy play. The U.S. needs help and Bruce Arena is not the right coach. He has not won anything and it is time to change coaches. The U.S. has a good team and why they came out flat I do not understand. It has to go back to coaching. My two cents guys. What do you all think?
Roland

Huh, Croatia switched their starting gk.
Dave

Thanks for the link! lets see what happens!
Cant wait, why are these minutes taking sooo long
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“they need to do something with their world ranking system as well!”

Well, yeah. I know everyone has been all over the US being overrated, but I think it also meant that Americans drank the kool-aid thinking this was a US team that could stay on the same field as the Czechs. These rankings create some unreal expectations.

And I don’t think the problem is that the US plays in CONCACAF. They played as many bad island teams as some European qualifiers played postage stamp countries. If it were, I’d expect the 3 or 4 major Asian teams to be ranked in the top 10-15.

The best fix for the rankings would be to do a sports writers and coaches poll, like what they have with college football in the US. Make the rankings human and subjective, not computerized.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

Tony, I think that the US just has too many options as far as sports go. Therefore the best athletes are not all soccer players like they are in most other parts of the world where soccer is all there is.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

dw, I agree. Some sort of sportswriters/coaches poll would be great.
Dave

I agree with you Tony, with the players the US have, there is no reason they shoulve lost 3-0, even thoght the Czechs played great!
In order to have a great team there needs to be academies for the kids (younger then 10) and bring them through the ranks, ship them off to Europe and in 10-15 yours USA could have a world cup winning team!
Denis

Tony, soccer is the best sport as far as I’m concerned, so yeah I agree with you.
You do have to be in great shape, and there are no breaks in the flow of the game every few minutes like in American football.
Brandon

“Well, yeah. I know everyone has been all over the US being overrated, but I think it also meant that Americans drank the kool-aid thinking this was a US team that could stay on the same field as the Czechs. These rankings create some unreal expectations.

And I don’t think the problem is that the US plays in CONCACAF. They played as many bad island teams as some European qualifiers played postage stamp countries. If it were, I’d expect the 3 or 4 major Asian teams to be ranked in the top 10-15.

The best fix for the rankings would be to do a sports writers and coaches poll, like what they have with college football in the US. Make the rankings human and subjective, not computerized. ”

College football rankings is done by a computer. The BCS system. It is a real pain in the butt. The ranking system needs changing but computerized systems are terrible.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

all right…headed to the pub to catch the game…see you all shortly!

Go Croatia!
Roland

Kranjcar looking very emotional at the singing of the Croatian anthem. Is that a great tradition or what?
http://www.advancednetworkdesign.com Tony

Dave, I agree. Do what other countries arew doing and the U.S. is catching up but like you said it will have to be another 2-3 World Cups away. We have so many great athletes and they have to be taught by the best.
sunofd

brazilian drama/dive count:1
Roland

Croatians can’t win giving Brazil gifts like that.
sunofd

what was that…bad turnover by the croats
sunofd

the croats have to be more patient with the ball
http://www.advancednetworkdesign.com Tony

Dennis, I respectfully disagree as soccer being the best sport in the world. I think football (American) is since the power exerted is unparalled to any other sport and I know cause I played (linebacker) but soccer is a different game a more artistic game. The palyers are more like artists on the field creating runs or plays. We cannot compare the two since both have different attributes.
sunofd

what a dive by kovac
Roland

Croatia letting Brazil come to them – not much pressure at mid field. Looks like they want to play a counterattack game.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Soccer in the US is caught in a pickle — it doesn’t pay as much as other sports leagues, but there’s still not enough of an audience to justify higher salaries. You have reserves on MLS teams making less that $12,000. The league minimum salary in the NHL is $450,000. The NHL and MLS have comparable television ratings, both averaging less than 1% of audience share.

A player in AAA baseball (which is one step below the majors, comparable to the Championship in the English system) makes a little over $12,000 for a six-month season. Benchwarmers one step below the majors make more than benchwarmers for the premier soccer league in the US.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

can’t take my eyes off the screen :)
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“College football rankings is done by a computer.”

Not really, not anymore. The polls make up 2/3rds of the weight, the computers 1/3rd.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

big screen at the pub, wireless internet…life is good!
sunofd

what a beautiful sight…a sea of red checkers
Roland

Ronaldinho is having his way out there.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

lightning pace
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Croatia gets its first corner: it’s through these set plays that it has a chance. But we’re seeing Brazil playing the break-away, with terrific, instinctive passing all the way to a shot on goal that sailed high. Great pace, beautiful two out of two touches for Ronaldinho. The Croats on the other hand are unbowed: they’ve come out to play (and as always to shove and thump).
Pierre Uncensored… http://www.pierretristam.com
Roland

Rare mistake on that feed from Ronaldinho. Croatia not looking too bad.
Trish

your liveblog is great…i am watching match en espanol with my Panamanian friend and like your commentary….What up with Croatia getting the ball kicked between their legs so many times? Terribly undignified. Come on, Kovac and Kovac. And Kovac….
GT

Yo, mohan.. what you watching the game on? Sat or online.
http://www.melissagalitz.com Melissa

i have brazil 2-1.
GT

Brazil still testing them out, but they better watch out. Might be a suprise somewhere… we’ve already seen some upsets. Wow! that was close.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

vintage roberto carlos !
Trish

OH!!!!!!!!!!! thought for SURE the boys from Brazil had it..
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

i’m getting scared…
Roland

Ronaldinho was left alone. Croatia dodgeds a bullet.
Roland

They left Ronaldinho alone on that corner. Croatia extremely lucky not to be down right now.
Trish

don’t know if my nerves can take more of this…
Roland

Ronaldo looks a little sluggish. perhaps the complaints have a point.
http://www.googel.com ammar

i am from saudi arabia i love ksa
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

croatia is going to have to strike first if they want to have a chance
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

sheer joy to watch Brazil plot a move
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

The Croats are being shelled. They’re not yet shocked. But Ronaldo is one step behind the rest of the team.
http://www.pierretristam.com
Roland

Croats need to make the most of their corners, because they don’t have the explosive ability to score that Brazil does, but they’re playing pretty well.
Trish

yeah, it’s amazing…”First, I will kick it between Kovac’s feet, then you get it and send it over there…”
GT

This is unnerving.. we need a goal. Croatia should have known they were not going to make it.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

nice run by kovac
saeed

the way thing are going it looks like 3-0 for Brazil. They play very good not doubt about it but some other team should take the cup. I am sick of Brazil taking it so many times.
sunofd

the croats are fielding a much taller and larger team than the brazilians…hopefully that translates to an advantage in the air.
Roland

Even when Ronaldinho makes an error it’s still fun to watch.
Trish

whose shoe was that??
Footback Fan

Is there a website where I can watch the Football live? except BBC
Roland

Oh man, was that Brazilian fan hot.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

http://www.tvunetworks.com
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

first shot of the Brazilian girls in the crowd :)
alex

I just hope that this is not a repeat of the 82 and 86 World Cups when Brazil was the prohibitive favorite and they managed to lose critical games against Italy and France because they were overconfident. That is the problem with stacked teams like Brazil. Deus es Brasileiro!
saeed

Croatia will be very lucky if they get a draw. Brazil 53% possession
Roland

This is not the Brazilian team I expected. This team will not win the cup. At this rate, they might not even win the group.
Jessica and Becky

This blog is the closest thing to the game we have. Someone drink a pilsner for us, we are at work…..
GT

Croatia is doing a great job of keeping the pressure up. Brazil had better wake up!
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

croatia can win this game. they are playing quite well and brasil is not dominating
Trish

that was scarey. Keeper almost missed it!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

ronaldo looks out of sorts
http://n/a Curtis

What’s “90 degree heat”? Most of us around the world have no point of reference other than to say that’s 10 degrees below the boiling point of water.
Roland

Stupid foul by Adriano. Brazil’s frustration is beginning to tell.
GT

That was excellent shirt pulling. Gold cup for that.. unfortunately we will take the cup back as he was caught.
Trish

i think our Croatian boy is trying to milk that whole “i’ve been hurled to the ground, waah waah” thing
amina

don’t like cheering for Brazil because they’ve won so many times — but i can’t help it! i hope Brazil takes this one – we need them to keep these games exciting after that irrelevant french/swiss match
sunofd

did anyone catch that lackluster leg wave that ronaldo threw out there a couple of possessions ago
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Curtis,

You mean they don’t use Fahrenheit in Germany, Brazil, or Croatia?! Next you’ll be saying that you can’t award a “World Championship” to the best of 32 teams all from the same country.
SKrass

That bastard!
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

watch out for rob carlos here
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

we should see the goal now …
Roland

Refs seem to be favoring Brazil. Adriano got away with much worse.
Trish

why did he keep arguing?? he just WANTED the yellow card?
abercombie&fitch

Brazil can beat any of team in this tournament — so long as they do not underestimate any team.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

no..the wall was solid
Roland

Ronaldinho blew a great chance there.
sunofd

Roland was right even when Ronaldinho fails it is fun to watch
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Yeah, that was 90% dive and 10% foul. I think the ref wants to believe in Brasilian flair as much as some of us…..
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

So 35 minutes in, no goal, no true, great offensive explosions except for the one more than ten minutes back: Brazil has been held in check, Ronaldo is definitely a step behind his team, and the inventors of football are still looking for 2006’s first patent.
Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

lots of pretty football from Brazil..but its the goal that matters
Trish

how many times are we going to watch Brazil kick it OVER the goal…
GT

What’s up with Kovac and all these injuries… thought he was tougher than that. Damn!
Another injury??
Maura

why does espn suck so much? their stats are wrong when compared to those of FIFA.
don’t even get me started on the announcers.
http://n/a Curtis

Thanx for the sage reply Philip. Many outside of North America may not get your subtle comment but I certainly do. I’ve always wondered how any national championship can be deemed “World Championship”.

“You mean they don’t use Fahrenheit in Germany, Brazil, or Croatia?! Next you’ll be saying that you can’t award a “World Championship” to the best of 32 teams all from the same country.
Posted from United States.:
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

croatia had a great chance there !
Roland

Tudor missed that goal by less than half a meter.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

should have been a yellow for emerson
GT

That’s sad, not even close. Better aim buddy.
Trish

nice footwork just then
Honeyman

I smell an upset!
Roland

Brazil needs to stop trying to break through the middle of the Croat defence, way too much traffic there. They need to start attacking from the wings.
http://delawhere.blogspot.com sunofd

I wonder what kind of injury Kovac sustained? That is a big loss..he has been playing well thus far
Vin

Don’t jinx them, Honeyman.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

kovac coming off really hurts croacia
GT

This time I say, “Keep him out!” Kovac is too soft. The stall tactics are weak.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Roberto Carlos is Brazil’s brain…but who are the legs??
Maura

my computer won’t load the tvu so no video for me :-(
GT

What’s up with the ref, that was a clear mistake. At least get the card for a good reason.
Trish

loved that “who, ME?” on the yellow card when he had his foot all over the guy…Can’t blame him for trying
Roland

Kaka GOLLLL!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL
Trish

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GT

FINALLY!!!
Roland

Only a matter of time. And now the celebration begins.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Over 40 minutes of play and nada for Brazil. Could 0-0 be possible!??
http://www.worldcupblog.org Vikylangelo

Geez people, this was awesome…
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Kaka had the leg !
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

…me and my fat mouth!

OUCH!!!!
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

“Over 40 minutes of play and nada for Brazil. Could 0-0 be possible!??”

I’m gonna have to say no
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Kaka’s da shizzy.
Honeyman

Now all I smell is caipirinha and feijoada.
Maura

“Can’t turn your back on Brazil for a second.”
darn right.
Roland

That’s the thing about Brazil. They could be walking around, looking dead, then – BAMM!
Trish

pretty much ALL the stoppage time came from Kovac……
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Mike,
Appreciate that turn of the knife….
GT

Time to go take a leak!
Maura

“looking dead” being the operative phrase
Vin

Grrrrrrr… Going into the half scoreless would’ve been huge for Croatia. Now they’re behind the Eight Ball. If Croatia gets a goal now, I’ll be shocked.
Honeyman

BOB,

What is the beer of choice? I’m at work and have to live vicariously. Cannot watch this match and worse, must remain sober.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Curtis,

I’ve always found it somewhat humorous that US soccer fans can be so wedded to the “English” system of measurements, even when FIFA generally makes it clear that SI is preferably, e.g. for stating field sizes.

I plan to “fix” the Wikipedia article on Soccer-specific stadium but I haven’t done so yet….
alex

KAKAZON!
http://www.worldcupblog.org sandeep

WAD A GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL BY KAKA!!!!!
BimpnBerry

Think I’ll sneak away from the desk for a bit the second half. Can’t take not being able to see the action!
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Ack, I screwed up the link. Wish I could edit, or at least preview.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soccer-specific_stadium
Viv

Good game! I am proud to see that everything is going well.
Prediction: Brasil vs. Croatia 1:1.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Gah, one more time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soccer-specific_stadium
A_D

can croatia come back?? whats your opinion
Diogo

We all knw Brazil was gonna make that shot at the last minute!!! ….Croatia doesn’t stand a chance!
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

No access to the visual here. What’s the general opinion? Was Brazil just playing around with Croatia and just decided to end the suspense by scoring a goal at the end to show them Who’s WHo and What’s What? Or was it as even as some of the comments reflect?

Thanks!
Ubi

GO CANADA!!!!!!! WOO I HOPE CANADA WINS THE WORLDS! wait a second…….. stupid inbreds how didnt they qualify? Whatever GOOOOOOOO CROATIA!
Keat

nice shoot by KAKA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hoping brazil will score more !!!!!!

GOD BLESSSSSSSSS…….
Sam

Is it just me, or are all the bloggers on this site obsessed with finding the player’s names funny?
KB

The 2nd half will begin with some fine Brazilian signing, no doubt.
Maura

duh. funny names is what it’s all about.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

forget Croatia…is Argentina sweating now?
http://www.worldcupblog.org sandeep

how do i wach the world cp matches on the internet for free……….plzzz help!!!
Maura

ok that and beer.
Viv

Bring on the Tongue Twisters!
Ubi

Brazil does have some pretty football but it has even prettier chickas. Lets have three cheers for the ladies. HIP HIP HORRAH!
Crozil

underdog needs to win….
Becky & Jessica

You think our comments are great … you’re blogging is great! Cheers to you!!
pol

England will take out Brazil remember they have the best defense in the world cup. And Brasil defense is not outstanding
KB

Question: Where is the blogger blogging from?
Viv

Despite the pressure I think this half was played with a type of smoothness that will enable the teams to equally focus on the second half. I just hope they both can tie. They seem to be very balanced teams. (So far…)
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Ubi: chicas are spanish speaking…. try gatinhas. :)
Viv

PS. Bob, glad to see you are back! Love the Blogging!
Raj

hey guys on which website can i watch the match live?????????
Honeyman

KB,

Click on that little Bob on the top of the page (though he doesn’t look like he wrirtes).
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Being Croatian, I find a lot of names quite funny.
Like, say, Maura, or Bob.

What’s up with those names??!?

They’re a hoot and I wonder what the parents were thinking when they insulted their kids with those names. Geeez, I’d be booking a court date with my lawyer..just as soon as this game is over.
ana

the croatian team is full of heart and soul. you boys are doing great, keep those brazilians back!!!!!
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Sandeep: Install TVUPlayer. You can google for it, as far as I can tell it’s considered reputable and safe (i.e. no viruses, trojan horses, or spyware).

Then I think you’ll get a list of available channels. ESPN2 and CCTV-5 (Chinese) are both working for me. Right now I’m watching CCTV as a protest against ESPN’s commentary.
GT

Hey, the chickas are good eye candy for those tough moments. Cheers to them mate!
KB

Honeyman: Saw the Bob link, but where is he during the match?
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

“Mike,
Appreciate that turn of the knife….”

Darkose, I meant to put a smiley at the end of that :-) Just messin’
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

“forget Croatia…is Argentina sweating now?”

pfff…what do we have to be sweating about?
Raj

hey philip unfortunately here in UAE i cannot connect to any channels thru TVU…any other source
GT

Need to kick that camera man for weak audience shots.. eh. More passion from the fans. I liked the ice cream though, makes me hungry. Now spikey hair.. that’s what I am talking about.
Ubi

What the hells a gatinhas…i hope it means hot latin lady! Wooooo soccer. Man i wish i wasnt at work.
Denis

It did look to me like Brazil were holding back a bit in the first half an hour. Taking shots from far away when they could have gotten closer.
http://n/a Curtis

Philip,
I agree totally. What’s more surprising, is that in the early days when the infant Republic was casting off all vestiges of colonialism, they ought to have been the second nation on the planet to adopt the MODERN metric system, oddly preferring the archaic Imperial (though they call it American) system of measurement.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

I’d lvoe to be in the Croatian locker room. The high level of verbal weaving of the finest cursing language know to man has certainly produced a fabric of extraordinary beauty. I’m sure each player and coach is contributing to the hot air resulting.
Now if they could only smother the Brazilians with this cover; they’d have a chance for a score.
Maura

Darkoze,
“What’s up with those names??!?” I might have to say the same about yours. All names have cultural significance of some kind. They just happen to come from different cultures.
if you’re really interested, i’ll email you the history of my name. but it really isn’t that important.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Raj,

Some people were having luck with a7lakalam.com before…. good luck!
Trish

Was not making fun of the names. Making fun of the fact that there are so many with the same name. One of the high school drill teams here has over 60% of their squad with the name “Lauren”. Laurens can twirl those flags, Kovacs can kick that ball.
alex

garotas 10 brazil 0
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Brazil had 60% possession in ist half and 5 shots on goal against Croatia’s 1..that should put the game in perspective…its not balanced….but heavily tilted towards Brazil
http://www.worldcupblog.org sandeep

thanx a lot philip………
Roland

Prso with great pressure there.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

and the argentine crowd in the pub comes to life!
Maura

mohan where are you getting your stats from?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Brazil have a lousy keeper !
GT

The croats are really turing it on. The same strategy as the first half will not work. A steady tempo as Brazil has is the key.
Denis

Great chance by PRSO!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

stats from

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5058634.stm
Trish

Not too lousy though…stopped that goal
http://www.worldcupblog.org sandeep

hey philip am nt able to connect since i stay in the uae ne otr options………plz ……..
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

come on croatia! one of these shots has to go in
Roland

Croatia showing life here. I thought there spirit might be broke by that goal late in the first, but they’re pressuring and I think they’ll score.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Brazil goal under severe pressure
Maura

it would be good to see a team that’s down finally change tactics and make a serious effort/match of it. there have been so many disappointing matches so far.
GT

Looks like a bloody chessboard out there in the crowd. Who will be check mated?
Denis

Another good croatian attack results in a straight shot from the top for the box. Croatians are attacking more than Brazil now.
Jessica and Becky

Thanks for drinking the pilsner for us. It makes is easier to deal with the football stress here at WORK!!
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

“duh. funny names is what it’s all about.”

Yo, Maura, aside from lacking in diplomacy, you may be smitten with a short attention span…even for the things that you’ve said yourself.

Play on.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

hey look who showed up to play…i didnt know ronaldo was out there!
Sam

Ronaldo barely been in the game until that last kick. Getting too heavy?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Ronaldo got into action finally..nice try
GT

Alright.. better watch out for those long distance cannons!
Honeyman

Speaking of beer, I’m hearing on other sites that Renaldo looks like a keg. Is he really that chubby?
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

And another Croat attack that forces a smothering save by the Brazilian keeper. Croatian fans are starting to sing like Mets fans in 1969. They’re noticing the virtual absence of Ronaldo, except as a spolier of Brazilian rythm, and they’re probing the Brazilian keeper enough to make Brazil think twice about playing the instinctively forward game it prefers. The 1-0 lead is looking more tenuous than when the Brazilian left the field at the half. Wait! Ronaldo just unleashed his first Hail Mary toward goal, and it was just short of grace. He may not be full of grease after all.
Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com
GT

Twice in a row was not going to work…
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“I agree totally. What’s more surprising, is that in the early days when the infant Republic was casting off all vestiges of colonialism, they ought to have been the second nation on the planet to adopt the MODERN metric system, oddly preferring the archaic Imperial (though they call it American) system of measurement.”

Being an American and having lived in the UK, I can tell you that the Brits use the Imperial far more than you think, and that Americans use metric far more than you think.

In fact, the Canadians are more metric than the Brits.
Trish

he sure grabbed him!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

#2 on the way?
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Is Ronaldo that fat? And with the heat the way it is, will he sweat it all off by the quarterfinals?
Ubi

haha like a keg. thats harsh
Roland

Not so much weight as nagging injuries.
GT

The words were almost out of my mouth! Damn!
Maura

darkoze, maybe we missed each other’s sarcasm?
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

dw:

But at least the British government is committed to metrication, whereas the US government isn’t. I agree, though, Canada’s probably further along than Britain in many aspects.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Croatia is playing an inspired game now
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

DW,
It’s the tv..adds on at least 30 lbs., which means all the other players are scarecrows in real life.
Denis

Brazil a re goofing off the start of this half too..
Trish

I agree Bob…they do not have the fire that the Mexico-Iran game had going on.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

croatia needs to strike with a quick counter attack. brasil is playing so far up.
alex

Where are thou Robinho?
GT

Yo Phil,
Politics? You guys watching the game?
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Maura.
A truce; let’s drink to that.

Konoba! Donji mi Pivo!
http://liberidallaforma.blogspot.com Antonio

Ronaldihno OK
Ronaldo KO
Brandon

For those of you on here in the USA, what state are you watching(or reading) the World Cup from?

Connecticut here.
Maura

yay drinks!
except that i’m at work :-(
Roland

Great save by the Croat gk. Croatia starting to tire, that’s probably why they’re not able to counterattack as much as they could.
Ubi

59 mins: “They should take Ronaldo off and make him hungry to start the second game.”
BBC Radio Five Live co-commentator Martin Jol
-BBC
i dont think hunger is the problem!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Ha ha Darkoze. Maybe Ronaldo needs a better makeup artist.
Roland

Brazil gets a C+ performance from me. The way they’re leading puts their performance just above average for them.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Bob’s smitten with Jerko Leko. I believe there will be a hand-delivered invitation to visit the Land of the Croats made to Bob after the game.

Bob! A Warning. If you’re asked about your preference for goats and sheep, don’t nod.
Maura

california here. means the early game is hell to watch and is usually missed.
GT

TEXAS here.. and at work!
Roland

FL
Hex

whew. Got busy. Did I miss anything?
Honeyman

Just like Maura, I’m in North Mexico.
Brandon

“TEXAS here.. and at work!

Posted from United States”

Yeah I am at work too. I miss all the games. At least the farther west you are you can actually watch a game. I have to wait til the weekend.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

DE.

No, that’s not Deutschland Ubber Alles.

It’s the Drivethrough State.
Maura

why would fifa make croatia add more white?
Louie

Croatia is not backing off..

I would love to see croatia score..

Then Brazil will start playing..
Trish

Texas here too.
GT

Alright card time.. lets see how many get served this half.
Viv

I agree with BOB’s last post!
Ubi

Toronto, ontario, all the games are on during work. sucks to be me
Roland

Oh, another golden Croatian opportunity!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Croatia have lifted their game
Viv

Hey BOB,

Why did FIFA Request for the CROATIAN Team to put more white on their Uniforms?
Trish

I just started summer school today(teaching, not attending) so now will have to DVR the first 2 games and only catch the 3rd. Hooray for DVR…videotaping could get so cumbersome.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

how many chances like that is croatia going to get?
GT

Sad, Croatia can execute. They get close, but just can’t close the day. Lets see if persistence pays off.
Louie

This is not the way brazil plays.
they keep booting it.

What is LUCIO doing??

Also I think this is the first time that 2 brothers play and get yellow cards..

Their parents must be proud..

WOW>> croatia almost scored…
Brazil needs to sub…
parreira is mad
Hex

What a set up too high!!!!
Maura

honeyman, where exactly? i’m working in downtown SF.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“But at least the British government is committed to metrication, whereas the US government isn’t.”

Being a member of the EU will do that to you.

Like I said, the US is more metric than you think. They’ll wash a pound of potato chips down with a two-liter bottle of Coke, then check their blood sugar based on mg/dl.

And World Series is an appropriate name, since it’s a competition between the 29 best baseball clubs in the world and the Kansas City Royals. The Royals, of course, being the current best argument for promotion/relegation in American sport.
Ubi

They start replaying all the games by the time i get home so i still get to watch them i just know the outcome. They are still good.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Roanaldo is off finally
Hex

This could be a 1 – 1 game???
Roland

Brazilian fans expressing their displeasure with Ronaldo as he is substituted. Can’t say I blame them, but the coach had to play him.
Sam

Ronaldo had to go off. Can’t play by getting fat on his laurels
alex

robinho! Thou you are!
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

do they have a snack waiting for ronaldo on the bench?
Roland

Brazilian gk looks pretty good to me.
Hex

It all depends on what kind of beer Bob is drinking. :)
Louie

FAT guy (ronaldo) leaves the game..
Trish

they only let him have 70ish minutes of lukewarm play before subbing for Ronaldo?…
Becky & Jessica

Thanks for giving those of us at work some recognition! You know who the real fans are! You keep drinking your pilsners & we’ll keep reading along wishing we had one.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Croatia is targetting the GK…the goal is much wider !
GT

DANG!! Too, too close. Brazil better WAKE UP!
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

why does croatia insist on shooting right at the gk??!!
Honeyman

San Clemente, Maura.
Louie

OK here is a prediction..
Croatia will score..
On a penalty kick…

final score.
2-1 brazil..
Roland

Kaka threatens again.
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Brazil is against the ropes here, Croatia managing attack after attack, one that just skimmed past the keeper on a save by one of the defender, another one just now that was shot high over the crossbar: “We believe, we believe” in Croatian? And again! A cross into the Bra box, a dive for a header but the ball is sloughed off by a Bra boot. And finally, Ronaldo is taken out. The dark energy has left the field. The neutrons are gone. The zero-sum game is finished. The Babe-Ruth-near-retirement has gone to Florida. Let’s see some action now. But no, instead we get another Croatian attack, and a shot on goal forcing yet another save. An odd way to play a 1-0 game, from the ropes, for Brazil.
Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com
Trish

Could Prso have pushed him any harder??
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“It’s the Drivethrough State.”

Oh, the home of tax-free shopping and every American corporation’s post office box.

I’m in the upper-left hand corner of the US. Big city. I can see Bill Gates’ house from here if I get up high enough.
Denis

Croatia keep testing the Brazilian goalkeeper, they deserve a goal already
Louie

DIDA DIDA DIDA..
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Frankly Croatia should have been 2-1 now
GT

BAMN! The cannon sounds…
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

dang laptop battery…i’ll be gone soon

Come on Croatia!
Louie

KAKA.. WOW.. that guys has a leg..
seriously too many people covering Ronadinho..

leaving KAKA wide open..

i think he will have more goals than anyone on his team
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

not a single dull moment in this game
http://www.worldcupblog.org sandeep

finally robinho!!!!!!
http://mx6.com Dima

I’m sitting in my cubicle right now, wishing i was AT LEAST in front of TV… thanks for doing a great job on the blog :tup:
Louie

sorry mike…

Brazil just missed it
http://www.worldcupblog.org sandeep

go croatia!!!! ur getn betr by the minute……..
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

I have no TV, obviously, but is Croatia unlucky or is Brazil still playing a decent defense?
Sam

The commentator on my radio just said:

“you get the feeling that if croatia just had a couple more players they’d be able to get some chances”

Wel, yes… I wouldn’t mind seeing 13 players against the Brazilian 11.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

dw,
That would be correct. We are the entertainment capital of the business world, home to annual stockholder’s meetings where the committed and should-be committed come to parade their wealth and half-assed opinions.

Plus! They all wear suits.
Louie

DANG IT… my connection just stopped..

ahhhhh
livefooty.. i love you, but don’t do this to me..
Henna

Endless thanks from all of us trapped at work! (Missing this one hurts … my neighborhood’s a mix of Mexicans, Brazilians, Croats, Serbs, Bosniaks, Bengalis, Irish, Italians, Czechs, even a German or two … I know they are going wild & here I am at the office).
KB

Wish I could get the game on the radio…..
Peter

Brazil disappoints. Argentina and the Czechs look much, much more impressive.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Bob,

“Every time Croatia is close to the Brazil goal I say “There it is” and it just hasn’t happened yet.
”

In the LAnd of Croats, it’s perpetually a state of “There it is”. It usually isn’t, but it makes for great conversation and the cafes and bars are certainly happy about that state of affairs.
Maura

had a scare there…i refreshed and it couldn’t find the page. thankfully, i am back.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Bob,
How about a Croatia kit, complete with “Jerko Leko” on the back. Personally delivered with a hearty handshake..or some sort of hand exchange happening.
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

Hahahaha!! I’m still laughing with the comments about Ronadldo’s belly…
dave

“Brazil’s performance kind of reminding me of England’s”

My sentiments exactly. How about some more pics of the Brazilian fans?
Maura

exactly even number of fouls.
Roland

For a match with Brazil in it, this one is a bit of a stinker. Only Paraguay-England and France-Switzerland were more boring.
Trish

Hanna I feel your pain…wonder what kind of emotional surges your neighborhood has gone through every time the kick soars toward the gk?
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

For a first game not a bad performance on Brazil’s part but not awe-inspiring either. Brazil took the field knowing this would be its toughest test in an easy draw: Japan and Australia cannot possibly put up much of a fight, and you could sense that the Braz were holding back from unsnapping and revealing their bounties entirely. A bit disappointing for us, but if the score holds, it’s still a victory against one of Europe’s tougher teams, in Europe. The worry, of course, is Ronaqldo, whose cup size has gone from runneth over to double z, for snooz.
Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com
KB

“Brazil’s performance kind of reminding me of England’s”

Yeah, but I wish the USA had a lackluster win like that on the board.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

I spent two hours of my life in Wilmington, DE at a wedding. Seemed like a nice town, though it was 95F that evening.

Google says 95F = 35C. I say it’s hot in a suit.
GT

That was spectaular play on the sideline. But what’s with all the wrestling. I need more foot work, not to mention a goal or two.. how about a RED card. That would be nice. I don’t care to whom, it’s just such an honor to see one delivered (hehehe).
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

I am betting Brazil 2 – Croatia 0 I need a second goal!
http://www.estoescostarica.com
Laura

Oregon, Republic of Cascadia representing. Thirsty for a beer. Sad to be at work and not in front of a TV. Damn you, Bob!
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Lacking a tv here, comments like Dave’s, “How about some more pics of the Brazilian fans?” is telling me that the Brazilians have started toying around with the repressed Croatians. I hope they are kind and at least autograph their shirts for them at the end of the match.

Hey, tv watchers out there! Let us know who cops Ronaldinho’s kit.

Thanks.
Sam

Why isn’t the “invader” naked??? I want my money back!
Vin

Come on Croatia!!! Even a draw would be HUGE.
Trish

maybe Croatia can have a big run like Australia did…that would certainly galvanize Brazil into action!
Ubi

lmao streeker!
Henna

Trish — all of them exhale at once, trees are blown to the ground I shouldn’t wonder …
GT

That England reference is right on the mark. My heart out to all those stuck with no out to watch. These are truely great moments. WHAT! A fan in the crowd waving a flare.. that’s soccer fans for you. It looks great.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

perhaps Croatia wanted a 12th player to help them score :)
GT

WOW! Almost a goal from the Croats… spectactular and unexpected..
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

cynical foul by Tudor
GT

We are in stoppage time now and still no move from either side.. what is going on. Yahoo! a YELLOW card (to Croatia). I am happy just to see a card.
KB

No,THIS is a streaker:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3699329a11,00.html
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

That kiss on Prso’s shoe… the blessed event comes too late. Oh, the tears, wine, and beer will be pouring tonight from Rijeka to Dubrovnik and all the places in between.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Lucky escape for Brazil
GT

Oh, oh close, but, not close enough. And the game is over
Louie

here it comes the goal
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

mohan,
your “cynical foul by Tudor “.

Terse.
Poignant.
Great Summary of the Game.
Louie

it’s over..
ahhhh
Maura

darn that clock…i don’t want to go back to another 3 hours of work
Sam

Oh well. Croatia had some chances, and Brazil looks like it might not be unbeatable after all.
Vin

What garbage. Croatia deserved the draw. :(
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Well, not a great game for Brasil, but effective. This should be their toughest matchup from Group F, but then E-2 (Czech or Italy) should give them an equally stern test.
GT

It’s been great folks, let me try and get some work done to show for my time in the lounge. You know what they say, “a happy worker, is a productive worker”.
Roland

Brazil deserved the win, but just barely. The Croats had their shots, but couldn’t capitalize. They could be a force for second place though.

Ah, and now, finally, I can turn my full attention to tomorrow’s opening match, the one I’ve been waiting for.

!Arriba Espana! Let’s see some goals tomorrow!
Sam

3 more hours of work? You must be out West. Here we get to go home now. What a productive afternoon!
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Nice run there, but not the overwhelming display of power we expected from Brazil. Croatia has a strong defense, but Brazil was also short of ideas on more than one occasion. It wasn’t all Ronaldo’s fault. They have a bit of work to do if they’re to get back to their bounties–and our joys.
More at Pierre Uncensored http://www.pierretristam.com
Jango

Expected much more fluorish from the Brazilians.
Argentina seems to be the strongest so far.
Yet to see Spain, but I don’t expect much from them
Maura

california was betrayed by the WC schedule…the first game of the day is at 6am.
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Roland… why the focus on Spain-Ukraine? Let me know in a message on the site if you get a chance.
Denis

I thought a good fast paced game, Croatia definitely deserved a draw.
Yevy

An observation for those watching the ESPN feed in the US: did Eric Wynalda just get fired? He was stuttering and slurring his words during the half hour lead-in to the game, and it seemed like they cut him out of the broadcast half way through. When ESPN went back to the studio at halftime it was just Revsine and Foudy, Wynalda nowhere to be found. This is obviously just speculation, but if Wynalda did get canned, good riddance. He’s such a douchebag.
Denis

Ukrain vs Spain will be a good one! Hopefully Sheva will play!
Henna

I envy you all … am here until 11:30 pm & just found out someone Tivo’d the match for me. Arrgh. Must.Go.Home. Well, all of you, have an extra beer when you can, for the sake of us night shift slaves.
Roland

Why the focus TF?

Because I’ve always rooted for Spain and I sense this is their best chance in a long time to possibly make the finals. The Ukraine represents the greatest threat in their group, so this will be a very informative match.
Peter

Henna, I wouldn’t bother watching the Tivo’d game. It’s not worth your time.
Milan

Croatia played very well and was very unlucky to get a result from the game. I think the referee was a bit one sided but otherwise the game was entertaining. Usually i am devastated after a Croatian loss but this game has showed me hope. If we play like this against Japan and Australia there is no telling how big the score line can be.
Very PROUND to be a Croatian Today.
Haru

Ronaldo it’s very FAT !!! I can play better like he played today.
Go Robinho !!
http://microsoft.com Конь

Олич!
ЦСКА!
MOSCOW
lisa

BRAZILL KICKS ASS BROO
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“california was betrayed by the WC schedule…the first game of the day is at 6am.”

Just wait for 2014 when it’s in Brazil or Argentina. Or 2018 or 2022 when it returns to the US.
Annesa

I personally thought it was a GREAT GAME, a challenge for Brazil. This is a wake up call Brazil; you guys were not giving it all out there and it’s about time you do. Croatia played an amazing game but I knew in my heart Brazil will be winning this game. Not the best but please guys, Don’t let us down. Stay in there! MAKE IT YOUR SIXTH! Don’t expect to always win, but works in it- WORK IT! Prayers are with you, Brazil.
http://ecodigital.blogspot.com jose murilo

Ei. Good game, as I look here from Brasil. We can’t show it all in the first game — it was a solid victory. Argentina and Ivory Coast are the teams which showed competence till now. BRASIL!!
Fabio

Well, it was not what we’re expecting from Brasil, but what would we expect from Parreira? I almost forgot the USA WC… This guy was not going to call Romario, and for him a draw is a very good result.

It was only with a lot of pressure that he decided to call Romario to play in the last qualifying game against Urugay.

Now it’s time to suffer with his insistence in putting Ronaldo to play :(
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/group-f/brazil-1-0-croatia.html Brazil 1 – 0 Croatia – FIFA World Cup 2006 – Brazil World Cup Team Blog

[...] A win is a win, but I can tell you that wasn’t what I expected. It could have been much worse, I think – at least it wasn’t a tie or a loss. [...]
http://www.nello13.com Nello

I personally don’t think that brazil have what it takes to win it. but we’ll see till the end
Not a Ronaldo’s fan

What’s up with Ronaldo? Is he jealous of all the attention Ronaldinho is getting? He can do so much better. Not a fan of his anymore…
Ronaldo

Ronaldo still got a lot of game left in him. I predict he’ll surprise everyone later in the season. He’s just fed up with all the negative media right now.
Dan Lourenco

I unfortunately was unable to watch the game, but I think the Croatians can be happy with their performance tonight, from the highlights. If it wasn’t for some great Dida saves, the Croatians could have leveled or even won. Nice job guys! It didn’t seem like Brazil was bad, but maybe not at the level everyone expected them to be?

Maybe everyone can stop digging on Portugal..true, they played Angola, but aren’t the Brazilians supposed to be the masters of football? With all the hype you would think they should win by a margin of at least 3 goals..
Claudio

I think it was an important game, because we found we are not the mighty magicians of football in the first cup game.

We need to have our psicological structure touched by someone who says: “Hey guys, you’re good, but you need to fucking play, and play good, to win the cup”. That was Croacia role today.

I like the game, not by our poor play, but by what game represented. I’m sure we’ll be quite better in the next games.
Claudio

Dan, Croatia was a very, very good side, and I’m personally impressed by their game. Very good and strong defense and counter-attacks all the time.

They are way ahead of Japan and Australia, with sure.
tsete7

No clear favorites in this World Cup up to now. Classic example: Sweden versus Trinidad-Tobago who tied with only 10 players. Those considered to be strong are. Those that are weak will be going home soon. The problem key is who shows up to play the game, and that my friends is the strong versus the weak scenario for this World Cup.
http://www.worldcupblog.org/daily-wrap-up/june-13-the-daily-world-cup-wrap.html June 13: The Daily World Cup Wrap – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] Other World Cup Stuff World Cup Store World Cup Betting Mobile Phone World Cup World Cup Photos World Cup Videos World Cup Marketplace World Cup Tickets Travel to Germany Add this blog to: MyYahoo, Google, Bloglines, Home » Daily Wrap Up « LiveBlog: Brazil-Croatia | Home | USA Soccer Fans: Underrated » [...]
http://espn LUIS GONAVLES

CROATIA WAS BETTER

BRAZIL SUCKS
tonci

I’m sick and resting at home all day long so I’ve managed to watch every single game in this WC. Brazil-Croatia was one of the 4 best matches so far. On my opinion, the best games came from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Cote’dIvore, Portugal, Angola, Chech Republic and Croatia. Dissapointments: England, Sweden, USA, Holland, Italy and France. Bad luck: Paraguay, Angola, Ghana, Togo. Thanks to everyone supporting Croatia! Hope guys won’t let us down… Keep up the good work, Bob!
http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/goldenmama5/ gasmama

I join you each and every day. I’m sure I’ll be rewarded in the afterlife. I advertise you as the coolest liveblogger in my site.
ivanka

i think that the game was a bit unfair but i’m hoping that croatia will win the next game=)
Amanda

HEllo i am brazilian and i think BRazil played a not so good game but of course “hot kaka” made a goal…GO BRAZIL!!
Ales

Brasil…..you can play better……..I expect you are keeping the best for the last.
Ivica

Proud to be Croat!!!!
Ana

Proud to be a Croat!
Bidemi

Brasil played nothing close to their full potential. I think they were just baiting the croats. As the tournament progresses, I’m sure you’ll see them in Championship form.

And I really do think Robinho (or Fred) and Gilberto should play in preference of Ronaldo and Emerson.
Steve

FUCK FUCK FUCK whats going on, if this was some odd way of PARREIRA or his players perposlly baiting the world, well they fooled me. Brazil i love you, but i’m kinda happy somebody burst this football team’s bubble. Maybe now we’ll see the Hungry footballers i used to see play for Brazil. I hope they felt stupid and humaliated, cause that will only fuel them. And from here on we will see the TRUE BRAZILLIAN SQUAD

ONE LOVE…………BRAZIL
Steve

THIS is what Carlos Alberto PARREIRA (Brazil coach)in an interview by FIFA:

“we managed to get the goal we were looking for. I didn’t think we would be up to speed yet, and if we want to go further in the tournament we can’t afford to play flat out at this stage. We played at about 60 or 70 per cent, and I was perfectly happy with that.

WHAT he said Kinda Comferted me.

Any comments welcome
gigz

we were better

proud to be croat
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/liveblog-japan-croatia.html LiveBlog: Japan-Croatia – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] Pregame: Japan got spanked in the last few minutes of there last game and as expected, Croatia lost to Brazil. Which team will come out on top and have a legit chance to qualify from this group? What do you think will be the final score? Bet on World Cup 2006 Buy World Cup Kits World Cup on your Mobile Phone Buy World Cup Tickets Swap World Cup Tickets World Cup Travel World Cup Photos World Cup Video Photo & Video Contest Category: World Cup 2006, Group F, LiveBlog Tags: LiveBlog, June 18, Japan-Croatia, Japan, Croatia, Tag Index « Preview: Japan vs. Croatia | Home | If you found “LiveBlog: Japan-Croatia” useful or interesting, please share it with others by bookmarking it at the following sites: .wp-notable img {border: none;margin-left:5px;} Comments | Add your comment [...]
GO THE ROOS

mate just shut all your holes coz AUSTRALIA are the BEST Damm straight……