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Post by sharky on Jun 12, 2014 15:14:05 GMT
From the Offie, our current crop of World Cup representatives QPR'S 2014 WORLD CUP GUIDE PUBLISHED 14:00 12th June 2014 by @officialqpr A guide to the QPR players involved in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil ... THE World Cup finals kick-off tonight in Brazil and QPR will have five players currently under contract at Loftus Road involved. We take a brief look at who is set to play and when they will be playing. Brazil – Group A Name: Julio Cesar Position: Goalkeeper International Caps: 80 International Goals: 0 Age: 34 Date of Birth: 3rd September 1979 International Debut: Brazil v Chile – 8th July 2004 Fixtures: Thu 12 June - Brazil v Croatia – 9pm - Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo Tue 17 June – Brazil v Mexico – 8pm - Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza Mon 23 June – Cameroon v Brazil – 9pm - Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Cameroon – Group A Name: Benoit Assou-Ekotto Position: Defender International Caps: 22 International Goals: 0 Age: 30 Date of Birth: 24th March 1984 International Debut: Cameroon v Guinea – 11th February 2009 Fixtures: Fri 13 June – Mexico v Cameroon – 5pm - Arena das Dunas, Natal Wed 18 June – Cameroon v Croatia – 11pm - Arena Amazonia, Manaus Mon 23 June – Cameroon v Brazil – 9pm - Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Name: Stephane Mbia Position: Midfielder International Caps: 49 International Goals: 3 Age: 28 Date of Birth: 20th May 1986 International Debut: Morocco v Cameroon – 15th November 2005 Fixtures: Fri 13 June – Mexico v Cameroon – 5pm - Arena das Dunas, Natal Wed 18 June – Cameroon v Croatia – 11pm - Arena Amazonia, Manaus Mon 23 June – Cameroon v Brazil – 9pm - Estadio Nacional, Brasilia France – Group E Name: Loic Remy Position: Forward International Caps: 25 International Goals: 5 Age: 27 Date of Birth: 2nd January 1987 International Debut: France v Nigeria – 2nd June 2009 Fixtures: Sun 15 June – France v Honduras – 8pm - Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Fri 20 June – Switzerland v France – 8pm - Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Wed 25 June – Ecuador v France – 9pm - Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro South Korea – Group H Name: Yun Suk-Young Position: Defender International Caps: 4 International Goals: 0 Age: 24 Date of Birth: 13th February 1990 International Debut: Iran v South Korea – 16th October 2012 Fixtures: Tue 17 June – Russia v South Korea – 11pm - Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba Sun 22 June – South Korea v Algeria – 8pm - Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Thu 26 June – South Korea v Belgium – 9pm - Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo Read more at www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/120614-qprs-2014-world-cup-guide-1633008.aspx#QxieW9QlHqO50JGL.99
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Jun 12, 2014 16:10:27 GMT
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Post by eusebio13 on Jun 12, 2014 16:18:51 GMT
Brazil World Cup 2014: Clashes at Sao Paulo protest Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue. Riot police using tear gas and rubber truncheons to disperse about 50 protesters near a metro station on the route to the Arena Corinthians Continue reading the main story World Cup protests All kicking off? Brazil braced for more protests Pele's criticism hits a nerve World Cup fever slow to hit Brazil Police in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo have used tear gas to break up a protest against the football World Cup, hours before the opening match. At least one person was arrested and five others were injured, three of them journalists. Protesters had tried to block a road leading to the stadium where the opening ceremony will take place. Further protests are planned in other Brazilian cities over the expense of hosting the tournament. BBC correspondents at the scene said police charged with batons and riot shields, firing rubber bullets over heads of scores of protesters near a metro station on the route to the Arena Corinthians. Police moved in after the demonstrators refused to clear the road. CNN journalist injured in clashes. 12 June 2014 A CNN producer was one of three journalists injured in the clashes The demonstrators had been chanting "there won't be a Cup". A tweet from CNN presenter Alex Thomas said Sao Paulo producer Barbara Arvanitidis was among those injured, suffering a suspected broken arm. The violence happened about 13km (8 miles) from the stadium where Brazil will play Croatia at 20:00 GMT. Last year, more than a million people joined protests across the country to demand better public services and highlight corruption and the high cost of staging the World Cup. Since then, other smaller anti-World Cup protests have been staged in Brazil, with some descending into violence. www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-27811657
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Post by eusebio13 on Jun 12, 2014 18:35:25 GMT
All opening ceremonies (except London 2012) are pants
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Post by eusebio13 on Jun 12, 2014 18:40:16 GMT
All opening ceremonies (except London 2012) are pants Why is JK Rowling singing at the Opening Ceremony
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Post by eusebio13 on Jun 12, 2014 18:44:24 GMT
And those of you still stuck in traffic (you may be better off)
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Post by Lonegunmen on Jun 12, 2014 19:00:43 GMT
Why do they waste our time with stupid openning ceremonies? Just bring on the friggen football. What a complete yawn fest. They should have shown us the protestors, would have been more interesting.
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Post by eusebio13 on Jun 12, 2014 22:17:18 GMT
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Post by sharky on Jun 12, 2014 23:03:23 GMT
Brazil start with a win. BBC report www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285029Neymar stole the show as Brazil came from behind to open the World Cup with a victory over Croatia in Sao Paulo, but the match turned on a controversial penalty. The poster boy of this World Cup came into the tournament with the responsibility of delivering Brazil the trophy they prize above all else. At the Arena de Sao Paulo, he stepped up to the mark, finding the net either side of half-time to bring Brazil back from the brink after Marcelo had scored an early own goal. Oscar cemented the result with a wonderful individual goal late on but the adulation went to the man with the No 10 on his back. Neymar's first goal was a low, sweeping effort that crept into the net from 25 yards. His second, 19 minutes before the end, was altogether more controversial. Play media Dejan Lovren was adjudged to have fouled Fred in the box and Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura pointed to the spot, despite replays showing little contact had been made. Neymar converted to spark scenes of celebration. It ensured a 10th consecutive win for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side but Brazil did not play with the fluency or flamboyance that saw them swat aside Spain to win the Confederations Cup so emphatically last year. Their performance demonstrated flaws and fragilities but they will become harder and harder to beat. The moments before kick-off had been typically rousing. A passionate Brazilian crowd delivered another fervent rendition of the national anthem. Croatia were no more than an afterthought to most outside the thousand travelling fans. Neymar has scored six goals in his last four appearances for Brazil. That soon changed. From the off, Ivica Olic worked tirelessly, chasing lost causes, committing Brazilian defenders. He might have scored after seven minutes only to head Ivan Perisic's right-wing cross narrowly wide at the back post. Four minutes later he was at the heart of the move that stunned Arena de Sao Paulo into silence. With Dani Alves committed upfield, Olic found space wide on the left. His low, teasing cross found Nikica Jelavic who made glancing contact, but it was enough to catch Marcelo off balance and the Real Madrid defender watched on horror as the ball deflected off his ankle and rolled into the net beyond goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Brazil were struggling for rhythm; insipid not inventive. They needed a moment of magic, a spark. It would come from a familiar source of inspiration. All eyes had been on Neymar da Silva Santos Junior before kick off. The fresh-faced boy with the weight of a nation on his back had been splashed across every newspaper in Brazil, featured on every TV station and his name had been uttered by every fan. When his team-mates needed him most he did not disappoint. He was, though, fortunate to escape a nasty first-half incident - when he caught Luka Modric in the face with a swinging forearm - with only a booking. The incident helped Brazil find a spark. Oscar tested Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa with a shot that fizzed and curled fiercely. Two minutes later, the Chelsea midfielder was in the thick of it once again, fighting through two challenges and finding Neymar. Chris Waddle BBC Radio 5 live summariser at the Arena de Sao Paulo "Unfortunately the referee probably made the headlines when we wanted to be talking about Neymar or Luka Modric instead. "Croatia have been hard done by. The referee has cost them a point that they thoroughly deserved. I don't think Brazil have been that convincing. They are a good side but have had a little bit of good fortune." When the Brazil No 10 turned for goal, moving the ball on to his left foot, he had one thing in mind. The contact was not pure but the shot was unerringly accurate, creeping in from 25 yards, glancing the right post on its way. The celebrations on the touchline told a story. Scolari was swamped by his players as all 23 Brazilian squad members rejoiced in the overwhelming sense of relief. Fireworks echoed in the streets around the ground. A weight had been lifted, a fear allayed. Croatia, though, were far from finished. Dejan Lovren provided solidity and strength in defence; Ivan Rakitic, the spark and substance in midfield. For long periods, Brazil struggled to find the zip in their passing, or the vim and vigour in their movement, to elude markers and dismantle Croatia's effective and organised defensive system. Dani Alves curled a dipping free-kick just over but that was the sum of Brazil's second-half efforts as the final 30 minutes approached. That was to change. Oscar broke down the right and crossed for Fred, who went to ground under the challenge of Lovren. The referee pointed to the penalty spot. Neymar fired in the resulting spot kick, the ball deflecting in off the out-stretched arm of Pletikosa. It was harsh on Croatia, with replays showing minimal contact. Brazil did not care. Oscar put a gloss on the final score with a tremendous late goal that his man-of-the-match performance warranted. With Croatia committed upfield, he burst forward and toe-poked in from 25 yards, taking Pletikosa by surprise with a fierce low drive. Brazil are off and running. They make take some stopping.
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Post by powerpump on Jun 13, 2014 2:27:46 GMT
I would hope that the Jap referee in the Brazil/Croatia match will now be sought after by the World Diving Championship.....dear oh dear...atrocious decision...
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Jun 13, 2014 6:00:27 GMT
Dodgy keeper and ref cost Croatia dear.
Eus, Were the Brazil fans singing something rude about Argentina?
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Post by alfaranger on Jun 13, 2014 7:02:04 GMT
Small part of a Joe Hart interview on auntie beeb this morning. He said that he didn't know much about Italy as he was concentrating on their own performance. I would have thought that preparation to play a team would include knowing as much as possible about the other team, for a goalkeeper perhaps left or right footed and how do they favour taking penalties/free kicks.
To be fair though, footballers play football*, they don't do courses in media presentation - 'Yeah - No, like I said, it's a game of two halves.'
*As an aside, it always used to annoy me off when the likes of Alistair McGowan used to take the plss out of the likes of David Beckham et al. because they were sometimes less than bright, or stumbled with words in interviews. They're footballers, that's what they do. They don't go to night school in the evening after training to do a part time brain surgery course. I know I've had a bit of a swipe but that's on a private messageboard, not on national television in front of millions, taking the plss for money at the expense of someones IQ.
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Post by sharky on Jun 13, 2014 7:49:36 GMT
From paddy power.com Joey Barton's views etc EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Joey Barton reveals the dangers awaiting England in Brazil by Aidan Elder | June 12, 2014 The World Cup is great. Of that there can be no doubt. Sadly, with all this football comes a lot of football pundits. A lot of football pundits who seem to think expressing an honest opinion or interesting answer is a criminal offense. To counteract that, we gave our old pal and everyone’s favourite Twitter troll, Joey Barton a shout to tell us what he thinks about the main dangers of bringing short England’s World Cup odyssey. And he doesn’t tell us ‘it’s a game of two halves’ even once!! Enjoy. And you can bet against Joey every day of the World Cup thanks to Paddy Power Social – Facebook’s real money betting app. It’s only available in the UK, but as long as you fit into that bracket, why not check it out here? Monsieur Barton will be making a bet on each of the games that take place during the tournament and fans will be given the option to copy his bet or to ‘Bet Against Barton’. All of the fans that make a correct prediction will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a generous daily prize from a long list, including Smart TV’s, Laptops & Tablets, Game Consoles and tickets to Live Events including El Classico. Joey will also be taking part in the banter that makes Paddy Power Social unique. The product allows punters to follow one another, copy and laugh-at bets, swap tips and trade ‘opinions’ with one another on the Terrace Talk feature. Considering his background in Football, Social Media and Political debate, we’re sure that Joey won’t shy away from any tough tackles on the chat boards. - See more at: blog.paddypower.com/2014/06/12/exclusive-video-joey-barton-reveals-the-dangers-awaiting-england-in-brazil/?#sthash.Wn2o7gr1.dpuf
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Post by eusebio13 on Jun 13, 2014 7:55:49 GMT
Dodgy keeper and ref cost Croatia dear. Eus, Were the Brazil fans singing something rude about Argentina? I didn't pay enough attention but quite likely
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Post by sharky on Jun 13, 2014 8:06:58 GMT
From ESPN www.espnfc.co.uk/team/brazil/205/blog/post/1876779/julio-cesar-literally-saved-brazils-dayJulio Cesar's literally saves the day for Brazil SAO PAULO -- All anyone wanted to talk about afterward was the penalty call. But had Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar not made a clutch stop on Croatian defender Ivan Perisic with the hosts clinging to a 2-1 lead in the 90th minute of the spectacular opening match of the 2014 World Cup, the discussion afterward could have been decidedly different. Instead, the veteran backstop made the save, the Selacao picked up the ball and headed the other way, and when Oscar's audacious toe-poke from outside the area beat Croatian keeper Stipe Pletikosa to make it 3-1, this nation of almost 200 million people breathed a collective sigh of relief before celebrations that would surely last long into the night. Even if Brazil's victory was tainted by Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura's controversial decision to reward Brazilian striker Fred for what looked like blatant embellishment, the Croats left Arena De Sao Paulo with global respect, if not the three points. Niko Kovac's team were all over the hosts before Oscar sealed the win. And the way they played throughout, nobody would have been surprised if the equalizer had come. Despite the doubts beforehand, the 34-year-old received a hearty ovation when he was introduced before the game. It said plenty about a player who made his name domestically as a standout for Rio De Janeiro giant Flamengo, at least on the surface. "There are 30 million Flamengo fans in Brazil," O Globo newspaper reporter Tatiana Cavalanti explained. "Flamengo has fans everywhere. Mostly in Rio, but in Sao Paulo, too." Julio Cesar also has remained popular with Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, even after the former Champions League winner (with Inter Milan in 2010) was relegated to backup duty with English Championship club Queens Park Rangers last season, and not just because of his experience. "The other goalkeepers," Globo's Aydano Andre Motta said of backups Jefferson and Victor, both of whom play their club ball in Brazil, "are not so good." But there may have been another reason Scolari stuck with the old hand. "The coach wants to repeat 2002," Motta said. "When we won that World Cup, the goalkeeper was Marcos, and he was older. Scolari is hoping history repeats itself." So, obviously, is the Brazilian public. Thursday's win was just the first step, but Julio Cesar's timely save went a long way toward answering whatever questions the home fans had about his ability to still perform at the top level. It also validated Scolari's decision to stick with the vet. "Brazilians only look at the last game," Luz said. "He made that save, and we won, and tomorrow every Brazilian will say that Scolari was right."
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Jun 13, 2014 9:17:07 GMT
Dodgy keeper and ref cost Croatia dear. Eus, Were the Brazil fans singing something rude about Argentina? I didn't pay enough attention but quite likely Lack of samba drums, whistles and the caxirola at the game was a disappointment for me and made what should have been an incredible atmosphere very sterile. Seems FIFA have banned musical instruments at games because the SA vuvuzela's upset the poor dears doing commentary and those who watch football on TV for a fortnight every four years. Although on the upside it should mean that poxy Wednesday England band will also be absent.
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Post by timewaster on Jun 13, 2014 9:32:59 GMT
Some QPR World Cup legends
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Jun 13, 2014 9:58:40 GMT
Nice.
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Post by sharky on Jun 13, 2014 10:00:23 GMT
From talksport.com Brazil star backing Italy to beat England after QPR hell By talkSPORT (@talksport) | Friday, June 13, 2014 Exiled QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar has done his chances of returning to Loftus Road no favours by backing Italy to beat England on Saturday. The Brazil No.1 is out of favour under Rangers boss and one-time candidate for the England manager's job Harry Redknapp, who axed him from the squad last season in favour of first-choice Rob Green and back-up Brian Murphy. Redknapp did his best to sell the former Inter Milan keeper, who is pocketing around £100,000-a-week at Loftus Road but he had to settle for shipping him out on loan to Toronto FC for the backend of last season. Cesar still has a year to run on his Rs deal but after backing England to lose their opener he won't have made himself too popular in West London. "It's a difficult game, but I wish Italy all the best because it is a country that gave me a wonderful welcome, especially the Inter supporters," he said after his side's 3-1 win over Croatia. Read more at talksport.com/football/brazil-star-backing-italy-beat-england-after-qpr-hell-14061396063#3ymWMlD2xf4HMhAP.99
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Post by Ashdown_Ranger on Jun 13, 2014 12:21:30 GMT
Seems FIFA have banned musical instruments at games because the SA vuvuzela's upset the poor dears doing commentary and those who watch football on TV for a fortnight every four years. Although on the upside it should mean that poxy Wednesday England band will also be absent. Agreed, and relieved - I have no idea why anyone thinks they're a good idea. Far from rousing players and supporters, I think they produce a really awful, monotonous, headache-inducing dirge. On latest England news from Brasil... I just read that the England football team visited an orphanage in Rio today. "It was so heartbreaking to see their sad, forlorn little faces, with no hope..." ...said little Miguel, aged 6.
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Jun 13, 2014 16:13:45 GMT
Mexico robbed early doors by the lino.
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Jun 13, 2014 16:15:55 GMT
Clarke Carlisle on comms and Mexican fans in good voice. Abusing the goalkick is old school.
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Jun 13, 2014 16:32:46 GMT
2nd Mexico goal wrongly ruled out by the lino.
Bloody joke.
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Post by timewaster on Jun 13, 2014 16:54:35 GMT
Been really impressed with Mexico in the first half. Better than Brazil. The officials are ruining the games.
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Jun 13, 2014 19:37:44 GMT
Not the greatest game but Spanish and Dutch players showing magnificent technique.
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Post by eusebio13 on Jun 13, 2014 20:23:58 GMT
Not the greatest game but Spanish and Dutch players showing magnificent technique. A proper old ding-dong
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Post by eusebio13 on Jun 13, 2014 20:30:30 GMT
Deigo Costa on the phone to FIFA to check if he can swap back to Brazil
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Post by sharky on Jun 13, 2014 21:29:15 GMT
Just woken up for the Chile vs Aussie match to see the Dutch put five goals past Spain. Bleedin etch, the Mumbai bookies must have been working overtime!
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Post by sharky on Jun 13, 2014 21:45:15 GMT
Pre game from the ABC
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou refused to weigh in on the refereeing drama of the World Cup's opening game, despite it possibly being a big factor in Australia's clash with Chile today (AEST).
The World Cup kicked-off in controversy after Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura awarded a penalty that helped hosts Brazil start their campaign with a 3-1 win over Croatia in Sao Paulo.
Nishimura ruled Fred had been brought down in the box however, replays showed there had been minimal contact.
In the wake of the controversy there are suggestions referees may be gun shy when it comes to making similar decisions during the rest of the tournament.
Socceroos striker Tim Cahill said on Wednesday he was expecting there to be shirt-pulling and nudging by the Chileans in the box during their crucial first clash in Cuiaba on Friday (Saturday AEST).
But Postecoglou would not get drawn into the matter.
"All the teams have had a visit from the officials and they've told every country what they're looking for, so we're aware of what they're looking at," Postecoglou said.
"The referees have got their job, we've got ours so we won't sit there and try and preempt what may or may not happen.
"We've been told the things that are going to be highlighted at this World Cup and we'll deal with it accordingly."
While the Chileans may look to nullify Cahill's aerial advantage Postecoglou said he was not Australia's only threat.
"We've got somebody there who's very threatening and Timmy's looked very sharp. But I don't think that's our only avenue for goal," Postecoglou said.
"We're working on a few things and we certainly believe we can be a threat in other areas.
"But there's no doubt they're going to have to pay attention to Timmy because if he does get half a chance in the box, particularly in the air, he can head it in from any position. So we'll use that."
Bresciano expected to start
Postecoglou emphasised there were no concerns over Mark Bresciano's fitness and indicated the veteran midfielder would start.
The 34-year-old has been battling a back complaint in the lead up to the Socceroos' campaign opener.
"Absolutely (he's right to start)," Postecoglou said.
"He's trained really well and more important he's recovered from training really well. So he's ready to go.
"I think he's really looking forward to it, he's got that steely look in his eye and he's ready to play.
"There's no doubt in my mind physically now he's right to go."
Meanwhile, FIFA has ordered the Socceroos to change their strip for their opening match.
They were due to wear the traditional gold shirt and green shorts. But they will now play in gold shorts, with the governing body ruling the green would have clashed with Chile's blue shorts.
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Post by londonranger on Jun 13, 2014 21:52:07 GMT
Arlen Robben unbelievable. Van Persie beyond brilliant. What a game for Holland.
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