Is it really so weird though? It was half predicted, given the location of the tournament, that the Americas would do well. Although, I imagine they never though it would be so apparent, they're kicking a?s for sure!

Supposedly Suarez could get a two year ban since its his 3rd offense, sounds a bit extreme, probably won't happen but what a nutter!

Col, I was chatting to a mate about the lack of long range crackers the other day.

At the start of a game, why don't players test the nervy goalie out with a few thunderbolts? Nothing lost.  England v Uruguay the perfect example. Stevie Gerrard possesses a huge distance right foot. Why not have an early crack?  It's ridiculous.

If I was Mexico, I would be smashing a few at the Dutch goalie in the first 5 minutes

Quoted from Colkurtz8 Is it really so weird though? It was half predicted, given the location of the tournament, that the Americas would do well. Although, I imagine they never though it would be so apparent, they're kicking a?s for sure! Supposedly Suarez could get a two year ban since its his 3rd offense, sounds a bit extreme, probably won't happen but what a nutter!

Well, he did try to eat Chellini.  With those teeth, even if he does get banned, at least he could part-time as a can opener...

Quoted from Colkurtz8 Supposedly Suarez could get a two year ban since its his 3rd offense, sounds a bit extreme, probably won't happen but what a nutter!

He should... but he won't.

I don't understand what it is with him and biting? What does biting someone on a football pitch accomplish? At least throw a punch if you're mad

Yup, he's just a crazy man, the red mist descends and the teeth come out. I actually never knew he did it prior to the Ivanovic incident. Hard to see Uruguay going much further without him although they'll be familiar with Columbia.

And yes, Stevie, have a pop for fu?ks sake!!! Herrera hit the crossbar last night for Mexico against Croatia, it woulda been a peach!

Ahhhhh fuck Suarez you idiot

I think one of the main reasons there haven't been many long rangers in this World Cup, compared to 2010, is the fact they have a decent ball for this tournament. Just about every keeper complained last time because the ball was so unpredictable, swerving all over the place in mid air. However it would be good to see a few more strikes from distance this time around. Personally though, as much as it is nice to see one banged in from distance, any mug on the pitch can score them. Give me a Tim Cahill volley or Van Persie header over them any day.

I also think the World Cup format is perfect. Adding more games would be a massive mistake. As it is now, teams have to either step up or go home. If you can't get up for a World Cup game wearing your national colours, you deserve to go home. I wouldn't say that's the reason England are on their way home though, I'd say it's just because we aren't good enough. Not a single world class player in the team and a defence I would fancy my chances against, it's not a surprise.

As for Suarez, what can you say really?? Third time of biting someone is just outrageous. That and spitting on someone are about as low as it goes. Still can't imagine Real Madrid or Barcelona being put off trying to sign him, unless he gets some insane ban. Might of knocked about £20million off his price tag though.

Great tournament so far though. I'll be supporting the USA from now on. I'm always a fan of an underdog.

Quoted from ArtyDoubleYou I think one of the main reasons there haven't been many long rangers in this World Cup, compared to 2010, is the fact they have a decent ball for this tournament. Just about every keeper complained last time because the ball was so unpredictable, swerving all over the place in mid air.

They always complain about that. I find it very annoying Don't be surprised to see them moan about the ball after this WC is over.

I remember taking note of those complaints since Euro 96, when I started to watch football. Almost every Euro and WC goalkeepers bitch about the ball.

I'll give you some wikipedia article examples about the previous balls used.

Euro 1996:

Quoted Text Consequently, the ball became softer to touch and ball control was improved. This showed within a week of the World Cup in 1994, as players quickly adapted to the new ball and were able to score great goals by utilizing the lighter ball. However, some goalkeepers complained of the ball's unpredictability in humid weather, which made saving shots on goal particularly difficult.

2002:

Quoted Text This ball was notoriously criticised for being too light, yet some spectacular goals were scored with it during the tournament. The ball was also blamed for a number of upsets that happened in the knockout stages.

Euro 2004:

Quoted Text Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon however insists the Roteiro ball is "worse" than the one used during the 2002 World Cup. "The effects are very strange and it reacts in unexpected ways. It even has a strange color," he said. The Italian squad is among one of the sharpest critics of the ball. Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo said it reminded him of plastic balls used by children. Star striker Francesco Totti added "It is very hard and despite what some people say, it does not benefit attackers."

2006:

Quoted Text While Swiss international Johann Vogel and David Beckham, both sponsored by Adidas, and others were reported to be happy with the new ball, it was criticized by many top players before the World Cup. Players such as Brazil's Roberto Carlos and Paul Robinson of England were among the critics of the new ball, claiming it was too light and had a vastly different performance when wet. The ball has fewer seams, reducing air resistance. The "Wawa Aba" ball of the Africa Cup of Nations was criticised by the player of the tournament, Hosny Abd Rabo of Egypt, who said that ball was bad for passing.

WC 2010:

Quoted Text Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar compared it to a "supermarket" ball that favored strikers and worked against goalkeepers. Other similar complaints came from Giampaolo Pazzini, Claudio Bravo, and Iker Casillas ("it is very sad that a competition so important as the world championship will be played with such a horrible ball."). Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon said, "The new model is absolutely inadequate and I think it's shameful letting play such an important competition, where a lot of champions take part, with a ball like this" while Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano called the ball "supernatural," as it unpredictably changed direction when traveling through the air.

Euro 2012:

Quoted Text Tango 12 uses a construction design based on the Adidas Jabulani but heavily modified, thirty-two 2D panels instead of eight 3D panels. The latter ball was decried by several goalkeepers.

They always complain about the ball.

Thank you for taking me down memory lane.

The Greeks cracked the crossbar twice from 30 yards... getting closer

Well all is said and done, it's good to see England holding the group winners... well done

Thank you Suarez for ruining my season before it's even started. The only good thing is... Who will buy him now and hopefully Liverpool have some insurance policy out on him

Mark

Quoted from irish eyes The Greeks cracked the crossbar twice from 30 yards... getting closer

You must be watching a replay. Spoiler....................................................................... Greece went through 4 hours ago

I meant it as in past tense. As you have been posting about nobody scoring long range shots. Greece came very close earlier today.

Mark

Poor Ivory Coast... really thought that this was their year to at least get a semi-respectable finish. Alas.

Quoted from irish eyes The Greeks cracked the crossbar twice from 30 yards... getting closer Well all is said and done, it's good to see England holding the group winners... well done Thank you Suarez for ruining my season before it's even started. The only good thing is... Who will buy him now and hopefully Liverpool have some insurance policy out on him Mark

I can't help but think we (the English, as a nation) are overly pleased at the shit coming Suarez' way. That's what you get for putting two past the hand that feeds you, you bastard!

Quoted from irish eyes I meant it as in past tense. As you have been posting about nobody scoring long range shots. Greece came very close earlier today. Mark

I misunderstood you there sorry.

I didn't post about nobody scoring from long range, just that players will likely complain about the ball because they always do. Like with everything most people don't like change and it takes some time to get use to things. They worked quite a bit on this ball, so I hope everyone is happy

FINALLY! An outside the box top corner. Thank you.

At least France and Switzerland have increased the European presence in the last 16.