That There World Cup of Winning Football.

[SteveB]

I have a theory that it's only footballing success which is keeping Germany's natural megalomaniacal tendencies in check. No world wars started now for 75 years, in which time Germany has won four World Cups, so the world is probably safe for another 20 years or so.

That and they don't invade countries with their military anymore, they just sort of take over Europe now by dominating it economically. I prefer that way, to be honest.

Congrats to Germany. I was especially to glad to see them win after their players got beat up so much without any calls.

[klr]

I have a theory that it's only footballing success which is keeping Germany's natural megalomaniacal tendencies in check. No world wars started now for 75 years, in which time Germany has won four World Cups, so the world is probably safe for another 20 years or so.

Yup, no longer do we have to cower in terror at the playing of Deutschland über alles.

Unless of course, you play for, or support England.

On the other hand ... the next international tournaments are in France (Euro 2016) and Russia (World Cup 2018). Germany has some previous with both of those. Will the Germans finally get to Moscow? Or to Paris again?

On the subject of officiating: I thought the standard was very good in the last few games, but it was as much about the players behaving themselves. It wasn't too long ago that most of us were complaining about Brazil's rough-house approach against Colombia, and the referee's unwillingness to take a firm line early on. In the final, the referee booked two German players in quick succession around the half hour mark, and that would have sent a message to all the other players on both sides.

[piscator]

I have a theory that it's only footballing success which is keeping Germany's natural megalomaniacal tendencies in check. No world wars started now for 75 years, in which time Germany has won four World Cups, so the world is probably safe for another 20 years or so.

Yup, no longer do we have to cower in terror at the playing of Deutschland über alles.

Unless of course, you play for, or support England.

On the other hand ... the next international tournaments are in France (Euro 2016) and Russia (World Cup 2018). Germany has some previous with both of those. Will the Germans finally get to Moscow? Or to Paris again?

Where is Saxony, exactly?

[klr]

I have a theory that it's only footballing success which is keeping Germany's natural megalomaniacal tendencies in check. No world wars started now for 75 years, in which time Germany has won four World Cups, so the world is probably safe for another 20 years or so.

Yup, no longer do we have to cower in terror at the playing of Deutschland über alles.

Unless of course, you play for, or support England.

On the other hand ... the next international tournaments are in France (Euro 2016) and Russia (World Cup 2018). Germany has some previous with both of those. Will the Germans finally get to Moscow? Or to Paris again?

Where is Saxony, exactly?

Looks at map.

Saxony seems to be an ideal jumping off point for invasion ... sorry, I mean for travelling to Russia.

Oh, and for once, I agree with Maradona, who cannot understand why Messi was voted player of the tournament. Sepp Blatter can't understand it either. Strange days indeed, as John Lennon once sang.

[leo-rcc]

Meanwhile:
http://www.techunited.nl/en/home

Tech United World Champion Robot Soccer!

For the second time Tech United became World Champion Robot Soccer after winning the Middle-Size League final of the RoboCup 2014 in João Pessoa. Tech United won the final from the Chinese team Water from the 'Beijing Information Science and Technology University', the team which took the title from Tech United last year. After a very exiting match Tech United got revanche and defeated team Water in the final with a score of 3-2!

[MiM]

Nice game Leo

It looked like the big difference would have been the goalie. Yours did a few good saves, while the Chinese let in anything that aimed between the posts.

[klr]

Can a robot get sent off?

[Strontium Dog]

Only if he doesn't play for Chelsea.

[leo-rcc]

Not sent off but offside rule applies, so do free kicks and corners.

[Hermit]

Not sent off but offside rule applies, so do free kicks and corners.

Until the robots evolve to be capable of biting, attempting to break an opponent's leg, holding them back by the shirt, handling the ball and suchlike there's no need for send offs.

[klr]

Not sent off but offside rule applies, so do free kicks and corners.

Until the robots evolve to be capable of biting, attempting to break an opponent's leg, holding them back by the shirt, handling the ball and suchlike there's no need for send offs.

I'm surprised that robots can even be programmed with a working knowledge of the offside rule, given that it's defeated most humans.

[JimC]

Not sent off but offside rule applies, so do free kicks and corners.

Until the robots evolve to be capable of biting, attempting to break an opponent's leg, holding them back by the shirt, handling the ball and suchlike there's no need for send offs.

There is a clear need for someone to program evil into robots...

[klr]

Not sent off but offside rule applies, so do free kicks and corners.

Until the robots evolve to be capable of biting, attempting to break an opponent's leg, holding them back by the shirt, handling the ball and suchlike there's no need for send offs.

There is a clear need for someone to program evil into robots...

That would violate the three laws of robotics.

But the ensuing carnage would be fun to watch. From a safe distance.

[klr]

Well, well, well ... Argentina are 4-1 up in a re-match in Düsseldorf. It was 4-0 for a couple of minutes.

Man. Utd. fans will be heartened by Angel di Maria setting up three goals and then scoring the fourth.

[Xamonas Chegwé]

Englandshire were, of course, victoriously victorious against a woefully non-English Norwayish side. An under-strength English squad managed to counter their Viking trickery and scrape a dodgy (and clearly fully deserved, even though I didn't actually see it) penalty. We will surely now go on to dominate world football for the next century, just as we did in the last.