LiveBlog: Sweden-Paraguay

June 15th, 2006 | by: Daryl |

Another late winner. Freddie Ljungberg headed home for Sweden in the 88th minute, giving them a very good chance of going through.

Full Time: Sweden 1-0 Paraguay

-Thanks to everyone for stopping by and keeping me company during this game, even Thom. Special thanks to everyone who played the 0-0 game, and to jkeep for teaching me the difference between a hook and a slice.

-A thousand apologies for the technical problems. Couldn’t have been worse timing with the goal and all. Luckily, about 50 people in the comments section were there to share the news.

-it has to be “Ronaldo”s “The ball they are playing with will die a virgin – never to enjoy the tender feeling of a net” but there were plenty other great ones too. Thanks for all of them, helped to get me through a fairly dull game.

Full-time Sweden get a 1-0 win. Maybe just about deserved. One last look at the 0-0 phrases to pick a winner.

92:00 More technical problems.

88:00GOOOAAALLLLL!!!!!!! Ljungberg heads home at the back post. 0-0 no more.

86:43 Sorry folks. Technical problems. Don’t worry, no one missed anything.

79:00Allback hooks a volley from over his shoulder. Bob dives to catch it on the line. Hallo to Thom who stopped by just to insult me.

76:30 Valdez with a strike from distance. Again Isaksson catches without flinching.

74:00 Still 0-0, or as Takeshi would have it “The Bra – holding everything even and firm”.

71:00 Caniza shoots wide. Can’t tell if that was a hook or a slice. Can jkeep see a screen? If so let us know what that was.

70:00 Still 0-0. Or, as “Ronaldo” says:

“The ball they are playing with will die a virgin – never to enjoy the tender feeling of a net.”

68:00 Larsson heads just over.

67:20 Wilhelmsson leaves the field, closely followed by his rat tail (I’m not completely convinced that thing’s dead). Mattias Jonson on to replace him.

63:00 Wilhelmsson rat tail drives it wide, but does hit the cameraman, which has to be worth something. This game is picking up as Sweden start to apply some pressure.

62:00 Caniza clearly very keen for the 0-0 phrase competition to continue.

58:30 Seems Allback fouled Caniza trying to force the ball home, and the Swedish striker is booked. Loving Allback’s effort though.

58:30 Allback lobs Bob, who thought he’d scored but Paraguayan defender Caniza clears off the line, similar to Joh n Terry earlier.

58:00 Acuna with a decent shot, but Isaksson catches without trouble.

55:00 Still 0-0. A few more phrases to celebrate? “P0-0P”, “a very boring game”, “I find this lack of goals… disturbing”, “unfertilised egg”, “sitzkrieg”, “craptacular,” “whole lotta nothing,” and the not very politcally correct (but still funny) “all oh’s and no hoes”.

More please!

53:45 Larsson strikes a decent free kick (hooked it round the wall jkeep!) but Bob makes a good diving save.

52:40 Larsson fouled just outside the box. I thought it was inside. Replays shows I’m wrong. Good work ref.

50:20 Acuna tackles Allback from behind and gets a yellow. Impressed with Allback’s work rate, makes you realise how lazy Zlatan is.

47:00 Surprised by that substitution. Ibrahimovic is more or less their biggest name, though it might mean less long balls as Allback is a bit shorter, and likley to put in a bit more effort.

45:00 Second half underway. Allback on Ibrahimovic off. Valdez strikes the side netting.

A few more 0-0 phrases: “Goose Eggz” (zee optional), “Love-all” (a la tennis) giving us “Love-eres quarell”, the surreal but brilliant “your nostrils as you lean back in your chair sleeping”, “two balls on a short stick” (a variant on dumb-bell), “not so sweet nothings” (unless you’re from Trinidad and/or Tobago) “Goggled” (-0-0-) and “‘Twas all to nil.”

Liking all these. Any more?

Should point out that while this is a competition, there are no prizes. Except the prize of winning.

0-0 phrases so far, in no particular order: “dumbells,” “sleeping snowman,” “nothing but naught,” the suggestive “oh, oh, she said”, “castling match” (requires some chess knowledge), and the very literary “Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” (which I believe is from “the Scottish play,” am I right?)

All good stuff so far, better than Sweden vs Paraguay. Keep ‘em coming. Competition remains open until someone scores in this game.

Half Time Collecting phrases for a goalless draw now.

42:00 Larsson misses with a bicycle kick in a crowded area.

40:00 I’m awake! Nunez strikes from an angle. Only just wide. Then Ibrahimovic with a great chance at the other end. One on one with Bob, but make sit too easy for the keeper.

39:21 zzz zzzz zzzzz

36:15 I want to start a competition in the comments section. Looking for the best phrase for describing 0-0.

35:31 0-0. Still no thriller, but at least this could genuinely go either way.

33:00 Larsson with a bullet of a header, but it’s stright at Bob who catches it no problem.

31:37 Roque Santa Cruz slices a shot wide of goal. JP Dellacamera said he drilled it wide but I know better thanks to jkeep.

29:00 ‘jkeep’ answers the hook/slice question for me:

“outside of the foot = slice
inside of the foot = hook

hooks cross the body’s center line. slices move away from the body

most curves in football are ‘hooks’”

Actually very obvious when you think about it. Glad I embarrassed myself in public though.

24:00 Nice close up of Wilhelmmson’s rat tail hair-piece as he unsuccessfully appeals for a corner. I hate to think there any impressionable Swedish teenagers who would copy that haircut.

23:17 Depsite my contractual obligations (see below) this isn’t the best game in the whole word ever.

20:00 The pattern looks like Paraguay passing, Sweden hoofing long balls towards Ibrahimovic.

17:00 Kim Kallstrom with another left footed shot. This one looks like a bad golf tee shot though. Sliced (or is it hooked?) into the crowd. Does anyone know their golf terminology?

15:00 Ljungberg breaks away down the left, feed Ibrahimovic who squares it. Bob collects but it looked dangerous. Kallstrom gets down the right and cuts it back, but no dice. Sweden will look to get down the flanks if they’ve got any sense.

14:00 Santa Cruz hits the side netting, but he was offside.

13:30 Yellow card for Linderoth. Reckless challenge.

12:15 Wilhelmsson (of rat tail fame) with a low strike from distance. Inches wide.

12:00 Gammara has gone four times longer without scoring an o.g. than he did against England. Well done to him.

8:30 Kallstrom with a left footed strike from around 30ish yards. Absolutely fantastsic save from Bobadilla (who will be knwon as Bob from now on, in honour our World Cup Blog Managing Editor). Two corners come to nowt.

7:00Looking scrappy. Sweden are wearing yellow but this won’t be like watching Brazil. Or Ecuador (they played some good stuff this morning.)

5:30 According to ESPN stats department, Sweden average 3 goals per game in qualifying. But according to JP Dellecamera England only beat Trinidad1-0 earlier. Is he sure about that?

4:30 Kallstrom dribbles through the middle. it’s Riveros’ turn to hack him down. They look scared of him.

3:30 Riveros hacks down Kallstrom. Pretty cynical.

2:00 Bobadilla beats Larsson to a through ball. Seems a forward line of Larsson and Ibrahimovic would guarantee goals, but Sweden haveing a bit of a drought, even before last Saturday.

1:00 Atmosphere sounds great. Sweden seem keen on long balls.

0:00 We’re underway.

-Just a few minutes till kick off.

-John Harkes and JP Dellacamera are the commentators on ESPN. Harkes is the best of a bad bunch. If things get nasty we’re switching to Univision though. You’ve been warned ESPN.

-What does everyone make of reports that the Swedish players are arguing amongst themselves? Apparently Mellberg and Ljungberg had a bit of a barney after the Trinidad game, but the Swedish PR people say it never happened.

-Kim Kallstrom replaces Anders Svensson from the last game. I’ve heard good things about this youngster (think he’s arbout 23 or so).

-Expecting both teams to go at each other. Sweden have just the one point (and no goals) after playing the supposed Group B whipping boys, while Paraguay have no points and no goals.

-Should be a good game. Not just hyping it up becasue of LiveBlog contractual obligations (though I am legally required to say every game is the best in the whole world ever).

-Paraguay: Bobadilla, Gamarra, Nunez, Caceres, Caniza, Bonet, Acuna, Paredes, Riveros, Santa Cruz, Valdez.

-Sweden: Isaksson, Lucic, Mellberg, Linderoth, Edman, Ljungberg, Alexandersson, Kallstrom, Wilhelmsson, Ibrahimovic, Larsson.

-I’m getting absolutely no pre-match from the good (meaning bad) people at ESPN, or the good people(I presume they’re good, but have no idea what they’re saying) at Univision. Will bring you the line ups in a moment though, promise.

-Sweden will be pleased to see Bobadilla in goal today, and not Shaka Hislop.

Pregame: This game is kind of important for both sides, eh? Who do you think is going to win?

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http://www.worldcupblog.org/game-previews/preview-sweden-vs-paraguay.html Preview: Sweden vs. Paraguay – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] Follow the match highlights as they happen on the Sweden vs. Paraguay LiveBlog and stop by to leave your thoughts and comments about the match [...]
Bobbio

What’s the best possible result of this match that would give T&T progression advantage?
jt

check out your URL address linking people from the main http://www.worldcupblog.org site, it is wrong, it has switzerland-paraguay, i had to change it manually. people are probably being misdirected.
Andres

A Paraguay win 28 to 0.
Ubi

28-0 for paraguay …….. thats a bit overzeallous no?
matthew

1 -0 paraguay. i haven’t been right yet, so posting this probably means sweden wins.

(thanks for winning today england, i love you)
Dave

Sweeden and Paraguay will want to show after their lacluster performences! But Sweeden HAS what to show, and as long as thier defence watches Sana Cruz, then leave it to the likes of Ljunberg, Larsson and Ibrohamovitz!
Griff

i think a tie or paraguyan victory would be fine for T and T, because i have to believe england will be sweden. and T and Ts only chance is to beat paraguay.
SES

Paraguay 2-1.

I just want T&T to advance. Now is that too much to ask for? :)
Andres

No, no, I meant that would help Trinidad a lot. It would mean Sweden is basically screwed due to goal difference and left with 1 point meaning even if they beat England all T&T has to do is beat Paraguay to assure their own classification to the next phase. With a lower score it would all boil down to the differential.
me

I think you are underestimating Sweden. Sweden were unlucky not beating T/T and should beat Paraguay. Don’t forget either that England haven’t beaten Sweden for 50 years :P!
me

37 years not 50 :P
Lloyda from Guyana

Oh God please let Paraguay win and give the soca warriors a chance to stay in it.
red

2-2
Dave

Paraguay left out their goalscorer (captain) from their England match ;-)
me

Sweden 2-0 Paraguay
Dave

oops they didnt!
Joe

Yeah we drew against Sweden last time we played :P

I am rooting for Paraguay so England can finish top of the group :)
Ubi

Screw T&T. Go sweden, i hope all the good ass teams advance and that there are no upsets. i want it to be a good, quick paced and fairly mached bunch of games. Although a part of me does want to cheer for the underdog. But still id rather sweden came out the victor today.
Lloyda from Guyana

upsets make for an exciting tournament…i predict a draw or a paraguay victory :)
Dave

agree with Ubi, imagine the last 14 having:
Germany
England
Sweeden
Argentina
Netherlands
Portugal
Mexico
Italy
Czech Republic
Brazil
Croatia
France
Spain
would be awsome!
Football Freak

Draw for sure 0-0 !

Paraguay defended Lackluster English.

But can they hold Sweden?
http://www.somethingawful.com Chainsaw Charlie

If Larsson starts breathing, Ljunberg gets going, and wilhelmsson gets a new hair cut, Sweden will pick up the win.

Kalstrom has just been picked up by Lyon. Very good box to box midfileder, although a little bit lacking in pace.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Granting that i’m being very pedantic here… shouldn’t Paraguay be the nominal home team? Since they just played England, that would make them 2nd in the group for scheduling purposes. Not that it matters a damn of course, i just wondered.
Stuart

I see the game going one of two ways; either it’s the Swede’s in convincing fashion (at least 2-0) or it’s a non-scoring nail-biter akin to yesterday’s Germany-Poland game. Either way, I see Sweden getting 3 points.
Roland

Sweden 2 – 1 in a good one.
Roland

Poorly played by the Paraguayan gk.
Stuart

I see Sweden’s gotten some acting lessons since their opener…
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Both teams need a big win if they want to advance; Sweden isn’t necessarily less pressured: if it ties here and loses to England, its fate is in other teams’ hands, and both Paraguay and Trinidad would have a big chance to make it past Sweden into the second round. Same goes for Paraguay: a win here gives its chances a huge lift. So the only thing decided in this group is England, and even that: barely.
matthew

well, cant watch this game til i go home and fire up the tivo. after my celebrating england’s win, my boos came into my room and unplugged my tv. hopefully he’ll fire me so i can watch the rest of the cup at home. i have watched every game of 2006 live until this match. i flipping hate living in a country that doesn’t care about real footbal.
LeRoyCss

Sounds like JP is messing up already.
me

OH, nice shot by Källström.. and nice keeping too..
Andres

What the hell, why would anyone watch ESPN2 over Univison… baffling. I also predict a Swedish win. I would say 2-0 with a late second goal and one nearing the end of the first half.
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Those Swedish heads rising up for their corner kicks are like pistons looking for their spark. So far, nada.
Michael Zevallos

Anybody know where I can watch the game online?
Andres

To you, fellow US-trapped football fan all I can say is TVUplayer, most likely. If someone else offers a better choice I’m all ears. Why couldn’t I be back home where football is truly a country stopping passion? Money, that’s why.
Terry T.

Kaiser Franz betwixt two Women of Orange…
Roland

Roque is giving Sweden problems.
Roland

52% Seweden 48% Paraguay right now.
Roland

That’s Sweden.
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

I don’t like the 60 seconds it took Jorge Nunez to take his corner kick–a high-flying, unpredictable curve that found no Paraguayan fire–considering that Paraguay can’t afford to take its sweet time in this game, where it’s obviously against the ropes.
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

I hope Paraguay wins… I’m still hurt… Costa Rica is coming home soon.
jkeep

outside of the foot = slice
inside of the foot = hook

hooks cross the body’s center line. slices move away from the body

most curves in football are ‘hooks’
Roland

Good reffing so far.
jkeep

…but if the contact was really bad it probably was a ’shank’

same meaning in both games
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

When does Wilhelmson get to cut of his rat tail and become a real jedi knight?
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

The game has evened out downward: fewer Swedish attacks, but no more Paraguayan attacks. A draw could conceivably favor Paraguay, if it can pull off a victory in its last game and hope for a Sweden loss or draw against England.
http://www.somethingawful.com Chainsaw Charlie

I’m afraid to say that that haircut is already being mimicked by professional footballers here in portugal. Not everything out of the 80’s is stillish, guys.
Terry T.

Unlike T&T,Paraguay won’t pack box and play for counterattack – P. believes it can play with any side in the universe and are proving it – they were an autogol away from drawing mighty England and today’s match is even at 28 minutes. Sweden remains a disappointing, increasingly desperate, side. That was a nice, albeit wasted, cross though.
daryl

good knowledge jkeep.
Terry T.

W. is planning on growing the tail out into a full mullet. High ’70s style.
pf

I love how Sweden sets up the play and the situations they create.

One can feel the pressure on Paraguay’s players… Interesting game. Looks a bit like England vs Trinidad…
Josh Howard

Sweden will lose.England sucks.Brazil rules.
Terry T.

Ibrahimovich wondering “where is the magic?”
Roland

Paraguay is actually doing a pretty good job getting back on defence.
Roland

Roque is owning his man. Surprisingly, Paraguay has a header game for Sweden.
http://www.somethingawful.com Chainsaw Charlie

snoozefest gallore this football day is turning out to be.
Terry T.

Henrik Larson makes an appearance on the ball.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Terry T,
If W.’s growing it to mullet lenght, expect him to be drafted high in the upcoming NHL draft.

(Insert obligatory “eh” here)
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Possession favors Sweden, quality in the last 4-5 minutes has favored Paraguay, with Roque Santacruz making shot after shot. Sweden’s Larsson and Ibrahimovich are doing well when they get the ball, heading it on goal, shooting it, forcing the corners, but they’re not getting it that much.
Terry T.

Looks like England-Paraguay w/o the own-goal.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

last match broke my heart..still to recover
daryl

I want to start a competition in the comments section. Looking for the best phrase for describing 0-0.
Keyser

I’ve just joined, seems that this is a really boring match
jkeep

;-)
pf

“Looks like England-Paraguay w/o the own-goal. ”

Yes, that less the oscar winning performances.
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Once again the day’s fun belonged to a second-division team (Ecuador), while its big guns have fallen short of expectations and excitement. Combine that with a low-scoring world cup overall, and we’re talking more duds than doozies.
Roland

“Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
Christo

A score of 0-0 should be called a “dumbell” or “barbell”
Roland

Sweden gave Paraguay all kinds of room to operate there. But Paraguay looks stuck in third gear.
Roland

Holy cow, how did Sweden blow that!?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Sweden shy to score
Pat

A “sleeping snowman.” 00
Jeff

best phrase describing 0-0 match

Nothing but naught
Sc

oh, oh, she said.
Keyser

this 2 teams would not score even using 2 rainbows as goals.
jkeep

“0-0″

= “castling match”

(requires some knowledge of chess – the OTHER great world game unappreciated in my country)
Terry T.

Book on Paraguay is “good in the air” and in getting men to ball on both ends.
Takeshi

I like Christo’s “dumbell” for a 0-0 score.

I hope Sweden wins this one…it will make their upcoming game with England more exciting.
Ubi

Goose Eggz or
The teams are in a “Love”ers quarell
Roland

Well called offsides. Refs doing their job on this one.
http://ipatrix.com Patrix

Term for 0-0

Isn’t ‘Love All’ used commonly? Or probably you can paraphrase and say, World Peace.
OPKO

0-0

- your nostrils as you lean backward in your chair sleeping
Takeshi

Wow, lots of Canadians following this live blog. It’s a shame that football (aka soccer) isn’t more popular in this country.
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

These two teams have played 270 minutes of scoreless football so far this World Cup. Great. We go into half time half-way through another strain on football’s patience.
me

dammit, come on Sweden for gods sake, you have to make a goal!
Roland

Well, you know when the best thing you can say about a match is “the refs are calling a game well,” it’s a snoozer.
Matt

Man this game was starting to put me asleep at my desk! Luckily the two Brits calling the game started joking around a bit!
http://www.somethingawful.com Chainsaw Charlie

“getting men to ball on both ends” sounds mighty homoerotic
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

looks like Group B has teams which don’t know how to score
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Through 3.5 Group B matches, there has been…drumroll…two (purposeful) goals. Oy.

Sweden has too much firepower for these kinds of displays, yeah?
Andres

Hm… my prediction has been disproven, though I still believe in the 2-0. Maybe a somewhat early goal and a late one for the Swedes.
freakaholic

if youre watching the game on ESPN, im sorry. Ive taken a lot of 2 hour lunches from work here so far to see the 3rd game, and i cant get over how BORING the ESPN announcers are. Theyll never get more US fans that way.

This game would just have to be so tedious.
Takeshi

You can call 0-0 “Two balls on a short stick”
http://www.somethingawful.com Chainsaw Charlie

T’was all to nil, im sorry to say
Takeshi

0-0…

0_0…

_{0_0}_
http://ipatrix.com Patrix

0-0 = Goggle-eyed or Goggled
Usage: In spite of Sweden’s numerous attempts, the score is still Goggled.

BTW, goggle=sunglasses (Indian English)
Bill

Not-so sweet Nothings…
ENG

Draw! Draw!

It means we win our group. COME ON ENGLAND!
pf

Luckily not all 0-0 games are boring. I was actually quite entertained during Sweden – Trinidad game…

Sadly, for some reason the commercials during half time look quite entertaining compared to this match… Hmm…
Kent

Shorten “nothing but naught” to “naughty.”
jkeep

Don’t forget ‘”love”rs quarrel’ from ubi.

I like it. In both cases, “no one wins”.
http://www.soccer.weblog.com daryl

Matt,

“Man this game was starting to put me asleep at my desk! Luckily the two Brits calling the game started joking around a bit!”

Have you found a British audio stream in the US? If so, can you share?
Christo

Name of Sweden’s Striker: Nils
Takeshi

0-0 …craptacular
Singsing

0-0: Sitzkrieg. (I can’t claim credit…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phony_war)

Alternatively I am a fan of the names that were used to mock the first failed American space launches: Kaputnik and Stayputnik.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

0-0 Unfertilized Egg
Takeshi

0-0 = “Two Ohs and no hoes”
Scott-ster

-Whole lota nothin’
-Much adu about nothing
-All bark no bite

In other thoughts… Paraguay doesn’t actually have to win this game, they just need a draw and a win or draw against TnT. With two draws, England just needs to beat Sweden by 2 and Paraguay moves on. Each day that passes, Santa Cruz gets healthier and more game fit.
Takeshi

0-0 = “a very boring game”
SlackingIntern

“Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing” is from Macbeth.
Ronaldo

R0-0naldo
Bobbio

For everyone who still doesn’t know yet, you can get a good English audio feed from The Sun.

http://clients.mediaondemand.net/theSun/?Channel=1
http://www.somethingawful.com Chainsaw Charlie

I find this lack of goals…disturbing.
Bill

0-0 = 1-1
Takeshi

P0-0P
pwnawannab

bobbio, I lost the feed about 15 mins ago, it is silent…
freakaholic

thats where im listening. wish there was a way to listen to that feed and watch the television coverage…..
Bobbio

It’s silent because it was half time. It’s back now.
pwnawannab

oh thanks – I thought they fell asleep ;)
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

i wish Sweden and Paraguay destroy each other and let T&T through to next round
Sc

Why not 1 point for a goal,
1/10 a point for a crossbar or post ?
5 crossbars/posts rounds to a goal.
Futahaguro

Not a very exciting 1st half. I am with Mohan, let T&T go through.

Also, when did they allow metal spikes again?
Bobbio

A goal is a goal! SImple as that!
liam

0-0?

more like “ò_ó” score some darn points already.
http://www.soccer.weblog.com daryl

Thanks Bobbio, good info
Takeshi

0-0PS!
Pete Best’s love child

0-0 is the new black
Andy

a cops best friend
http://www.jamesmckay.net/ james

Sergey Brin would love this one: G-0-0-gle
Roland

Uh-oh, very dangerous free kick coming for Sweden.
Roland

Bobadilla, after a shaky start, is looking okay between the posts for Paraguay.
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/liveblog-ecuador-costa-rica.html billy

just G00
Takeshi

0-0
“The Bra – holding everything even and firm”
http://www.somethingawful.com Chainsaw Charlie

Nice save from that freekick. Bob finally stretching is stuff. Seems to be turning into a sub par game, instead of a merelly crappy one.
Keyser

these 2 teams will exit the WC scoreless
pf

I can’t help myself… I gotta ask…

Does Sweden care? Sometimes I think they don’t….
Terry T.

Lovely sequence.
Roland

Paraguay starting to pick it up.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Takeshi is very imaginative :)
Roland

FANTASTIC SAVE PARAGUAY!!!
Terry T.

Un milagro!
pwnawannab

I think we just woke up :)
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

brilliant save by Paraguay
Roland

Canizares with a heroic save on an empty net.
pf

hehe… I guess they do.

Fun. Probably the most exciting moment of the game though… :(
Terry T.

The slo-mo replay was exquisite.
Trish

OMG!!!! that was amazing!!
Roland

Caniza, rather.
Terry T.

For a nil-all match this is not creeping at a petty pace.
Ubi

come on 5 o’clock. I hate being a cube jockey. I want to watch the rest of this game.
Terry T.

To the last second of stoppage time.
Keyser

‘If this one didn’t get in, none will do so’.
I said exactly the same yesterday when germany hit the crossbar twice in the 88′.
Louie

WOW… hero of the day…
Trish

Sorry Ubi. I had to miss the first half and part of the second; tuned in just in time to see that save!!
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/liveblog-ecuador-costa-rica.html billy

Im with u Ubi
Trish

there goes arguably the most beautiful man in football…Farewell, Roque…
Terry T.

Riveros a good sub. Fresh legs, good attacking flair. Dante too. Paraguay going for the win, sees second place up for grabs.
Ubi

dont appologize to me im canadian!
Singsing

this whole blog is unbelievably entertaining. esp. comments at 39:21 and 62:00
Chrissy

I’m voting for “Sitzkrieg.” LMAO!
Luccifer

This match is torturing me. Please reff, hurry up and blow the whistle. I’m not a masochist.
Takeshi

W0-0T!
Ronaldo

The ball they are playing with will die a virgin – never to enjoy the tender feeling of a net.
Keyser

LOL ronaldo.
I hope you are thinner that the brazilian one
Takeshi

Oooo…I like Ronaldo’s reply: The Virgin
Terry T.

A repeat of T&T attacking strategy for Sweden – long speculative passes into box…to no one.
arnie

If Costa Rica and Poland are eliminated from advancing does that mean that their game on the 20th is cancelled?
freakaholic

“will die a virgin”……

…then a game ending 0-0 is very much like Blue Balls.
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

This game has taken on the characteristic of the England-Trinidad game we just saw: same frantic, desperate attitude on Sweden’s part, same doggedness on Paraguay’s part, same close calls, even that shot that looked fated to give Sweden the lead only to be cleared miraculously. So: are we to see two late-breaking goals, too?
Stuart

0-0? How ’bout “A Swedish Standoff”…?
Luccifer

“If Costa Rica and Poland are eliminated from advancing does that mean that their game on the 20th is cancelled?”

Nope, the match will still go on like schedule.
Yovany

Vamos Paraguay!!! Vamos Garra Guarani!!!

Paraguay will win 1 – 0. Sweden just does not seem to be in synch.

Paraguay and Trinidad will battled it out for 2nd place.
Ubi

hahaha i like the die a virgin one. if no body scores the ball should explode at the end of the game. HA!
Terry T.

augh…
Heike

omg roflmao
Sc

The first team to score :
“they went from zeros to heros.”
Terry T.

blog just picked up the Fatty Ronaldo comment re. “virgin”
Singsing

Maybe these coaches are brilliant, and they are simply trying to lull their opponent to sleep.
Roland

I got news for this Sweden team – this isn’t your year. As for Paraguay, they’re showing they’re no pushover.
pf

Well, this is very productive game!!

I haven’t managed to do so much work in the last week while watching a WC match. I kinda like it!
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

Ronaldo: Stop smoking that sh*t.
http://www.billypreston.net/ BillyPreston

nothing from nothing leaves nothing
Heike

ya watching soccer or the Masters?
Trish

Speaking of the dreaded rat tail. Have y’all seen the listing of Horror Hair?
http://www.whoateallthebratwurst.com/horror_hair/index.html
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Thanks, Billy Preston, for coming back from the grave to give us the succinct game summary.
Ronaldo

It would be easier for Osama Bin Laden to cross an airport security line than for the ball they are playing with to cross the goal line.
Takeshi

SN0-0ZE
Terry T.

The fifth Beatle speaks from the grave!
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Paraguay will be happy with a draw. Very happy. It can then beat Costa Rica, and hope for a Sweden loss or draw against England: it’ll be Paraguay in the next round. Then again, there’s also the possibility of a Paraguay win at this point. Ridiculous, on Sweden’s part.
thom

No offence, Daryl, but your blog is boring. Spent too much time in the US , eh ? No sense of good old British hmour left, is it ?
For some reason the live blogs mentioning beer a lot are a way more entertaining….
Terry T.

a sly backheel
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Did I say Costa Rica? I meant Trinidad & Tobago…
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Come on Paraguay! Someone impregnate the virgin!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

nice effort by Paraguay
Terry T.

Bombs away
pf

Ok, for those from US..

0-0 = 3rd base

lots of fondling, no penetration
Roland

Both sides need a win, not a tie, so something is bound to open up.
Keyser

I’m sure they are showing this match to guantamano prisoners.
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Keep this up Paraguay and we cab officially say that it will have outplayed Sweden.
Terry T.

The goalmouth is wearing a chastity belt.
Roland

Boba saves again!
Takeshi

Hey Thom, leave Daryl alone…he got stuck covering an incredibly boring game. He deserves a hug and a beer for staying awake through the whole game.
Trish

keeper just earned his money
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

both sides are making great saves to ensure that the score stays 0-0
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Keyser,
Isn’t that against the Geneva Conventions? Oh yeah, forgot. USA’s not following the Geneva Conventions down in Cuba.

This is cruel and unusual punishment.
P Diddy

I love this blog. Keeps me informed while at work. Thank you buddy.

P.S.
The Ronaldo quote is absolutely amazing!
Roland

Lol, even the Univision announcers are praying for somebody, anybody to score.
Terry T.

What’s up with the turf? Any idea why so many of the lads are losing their footing at virtually every cup venue? Lot of stumblin’/bumblin’ going on.
Heike

Daryl you are doing just great!
All your team is awesome for people like me working unable to see the game…pffffffffft Thom
Stuart

What’s happened to Sweden’s nice attack? It’s all kick-n-pray stuff now. They’ll be luck if they don’t lose this match.
Keyser

we love you daryl; get a german beer on my behalf.
greetings to the beer girl photo if you see her.
Trish

Daryl, feel the love. We are all having a good time suffering through this game together.

Thom may just be having a 0-0 week or something.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

0-0 is good for T&T :)
KB

What do the Germans think of Bud sponsoring the Cup?
Terry T.

another wasted run
Ubi

I think id pass on intercourse to go to germany to watch these games.
http://www.thefixx.com/ xxiF

We were saved by zero.
http://www.soccer.weblog.com daryl

If Thom can come up with a decent phrase for 0-0 then all is forgiven.
Ubi

what happened to the play by play it seems to be stuck.
Roland

Should have been a yellow card that.
Trish

Ok Thom, pressure’s on.
Roland

There it is! Good for Sweden.
Terry T.

Well.
Trish

GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL! that is a big pile of yellow!
Ronaldo

RAPE RAPE!! I mean GOAL GOAL!!
me

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keyser

amazing. simply amazing
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

oh…cruel day for T&T !!
P Diddy

I’m disappointed, i was really looking for Sweden’s offense to impress.
pf

Oh, finally. Thank you. I would have otherwise considered these 90 minutes as waste of my employer’s time….
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Impregnation!

We will have instantaneous birth!
Ubi

Ronaldinho should have a reality TV show. No one steal that idea its mine!
Trish

Never thought I would hear Univision announcers so happy for a Swedish goal…
Terry T.

There goes the King Lear quote. Didn’t hold up. Good try.
Foobar

Sweden is the best of the teams that never score.
P Diddy

Goal?
Singsing

Oh, dammit. I was hoping that neither of these teams would get a point, just so that they would suffer for what they’ve done to us.
P Diddy

Whats with the delay in the update above?
Ubi

goallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll.
how big was the pile of yellow?
Trish

how much stoppage time is there?
dave

Sweden just scored!
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Have there been as many dramatic last minute goals in previous first round games at the WOrld Cup? Not that I remember…
pf

Yeah, seems like this cup if full of last minute games.

I wonder what are the stats on that!
Brandon

This one is over. 30 seconds left.
Stuart

Ha! For once the “live” stream is ahead of the live blog…
Roland

Swedish fans celebrating now.
Trish

Ubi, it was like Big Bird from Sesame Street had cloned himself numerous times over…
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

All this last minute scoring has got to be great for suds sales.
One needs beer to soak one’s sorrow in,
or,
one needs the beer to soak each other with in victory.
Keyser

I’d like to be in germany now to pick on a happy swedish chick. or better 2 girls.
Ubi

oh dear, so it was like a big bird orgy…..where was snuffleupagous?
dave

game over for Paraguay
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

Keyser,
A football opportunist to the max, scoring on someone else’s score.
Terry T.

better side wins. better chances, more shots on goal. still,not all that impressive. Does Sweden need a result against England to go through?
me

YES! YES! YES! I just hope that Paraguay will defeat T/T or that Sweden takes a point from England, and Sweden throught to the next round!
Will

This is just amazing! Three games today there is goals in the last minute! Is the defender too tired or the forward just too energtic at the end of the game???
Trish

I think snuffleupagous was over in Germany picking up a happy Swedish chick or two.
pf

hehe…

Swedish Meatballs anyone?

lol
me

Terry T. : If T/T doesn’t take any point from Paraguay or Sweden takes a point from England..
SES

Too bad for Paraguay. Does T&T still have a chance to advance?
me

no sorry, t/t must defeat paraguay
Ubi

OH NO! i always new he was a playa. Playa play on! The ladies have to love his trunk…..its HUGE
Ubi

Allright all im going home we will do this again tomorrow lates homies!
SES

Aww, oh okay. Thanks for the reply. :)
Trish

Ubi, it’s not the size of the trunk, it’s the efficiency with which it’s packed.
Terry T.

T&T must defeat Paraguay OR Sweden takes a point from Brits. That right?
SES

If England wins the upcoming match against Sweden and T&T defeats Paraguay, does T&T have a chance?
SES

Regardless, the knockout stages sure will be interesting.
Brian J.

If my understanding is right, T&T must beat Paraguay AND have England beat Sweden AND get at least equal goal differential (they’re at -2 now to Sweden’s +1) to advance. Sweden advances if any of those things don’t happen.
thom

Goodness, get a grip, guys, it’s a free country , is it not ?
Writing this from Germany, in case you’re wondering, hehe…
Sorry, Daryl, for the ruckus, keep forgetting the colonists are listening ….
arcturus

Overall bad performances from all teams in this group. Given expectations: Worst bad performance-England.
Best bad performance-T&T.
Mcthingy2

Can we officially rename this “The Group of Derth”.

Apart from T&T, none of the sides has played up to its potential
Ali Siddiqui

Looks like Sweden made up for its thrashing by T&T! :p
http://ole365.blogspot.com Erwin

Tough Luck For Paraguay. Another 4 years of preparation wasted.

http://ole365.blogspot.com
CTL

England are through, and Sweden almost there. But who are they going to meet in the next round?

Given the marvelous form of Ecuador, I don’t really fancy England’s or Sweden’s chances. Or they could meet Germany!
GO SWEDEN

Now lets just hope Sweden beat England !!! which they will of course !!! hehe