FIFA Wolrd Cup 2010 Fantasy

[jdtenor]

I really don't keep up with soccer since way back when I used to live in Mexico. But every World Cup I try to see as many games as possible, well World Cup 2010 starts on June 11th and I created a Yahoo fantasy group. Hopefully we have some soccer fans on the site that would like a friendly competition on predicting witch teams will win. If you don't have a Yahoo account just sign up it's free. Come join me at

http://us.wc.fantasysports.yahoo.com/world-cup/register/join-private-group-assign-team?GID=2845&P=vydar


Group name is Major Q10

Group ID#: 2845
Password: vydar

Thanks for looking and I hope to see you there, respectfully
jdtenor

[jdtenor]

:bump:

10 days away starts on June 11. Hopefully we have some soccer fans on the site

[GromBloodboy]

Although I don't have a Yahoo membership, thought I would drop a line here. Can't wait for the beautiful game to begin. This is one of the most amazing periods of time in humanity. In a world torn apart by politic and war alike, nothing could be better then this tournament. Rootin for the U.S, maybe this could be their year, although I doubt it.

[jdtenor]

Although I don't have a Yahoo membership, thought I would drop a line here. Can't wait for the beautiful game to begin. This is one of the most amazing periods of time in humanity. In a world torn apart by politic and war alike, nothing could be better then this tournament. Rootin for the U.S, maybe this could be their year, although I doubt it.
Also rootin for USA, don't feel the team is as good as the last World Cup 4 years ago, but then again really haven't kept up on US soccer players. Brazil looks good as always in my opinion its wide open Italy, Germany, Argentina, Portugal and Spain if the Good Spaniard team shows up. Can't wait to the South Africa vs. Mexico World Cup opener. BTW it doesn't take much to get you free yahoo account.

[Bengi]

I signed up. You're all going down, I always win these things. ;)

[jdtenor]

I signed up. You're all going down, I always win these things. ;)
Good news. I'm Mr. second place and besides. I also have the commissioner curse :roll:

[Bengi]

:tumble:

WC starts this weekend, anyone else want in?

[jdtenor]

:tumble:

WC starts this weekend, anyone else want in?
Hurry, hurry, hurry. Join Now World Cup starts on Friday very little time left. :cheer: Go World Cup! USA, USA!

[wdgrant]

I am in. Prepare to be dominated. Or not. Either way I'm gonna be loving the games and can't wait until Friday.

[jdtenor]

I am in. Prepare to be dominated. Or not. Either way I'm gonna be loving the games and can't wait until Friday.
Sweeeeeet! Don't forget to set your picks on both Interval groups, there's 2 groups you have to set up before Fridays start. Let me start practicing GOOOOOOOOOOOL! :D

[ollie]

OK, I've signed up for a Yahoo account and joined the group. I've been reading very little in the build-up so I don't expect to do that well, but should be fun and give me someone to root for in the games for which I'm otherwise neutral.

[Wytefang]

I'm in. Have done tons of studying for this event so anyone who wants to pick my diminutive brain feel free to do so. ;)

[ollie]

Quick question: do I have to pick the results of all the group games now, or can I do it as the tournament progresses (always getting the prediction in before the particular game, of course)?

Edit. Never mind, I went and bunged some numbers in anyway. A mix of carefully considered strategy, random guessing and blatant jingoism. I'll let you choose which category England 5-1 USA falls under.

Edit 2. Is there any way to see how your predictions turn into group standings? I'm pretty sure France and Italy are going out at the group stage (you heard it here first, and most probably last as well) and Honduras might have snuck through to the knock-out games. I am so going to win this.

[jdtenor]

Quick question: do I have to pick the results of all the group games now, or can I do it as the tournament progresses (always getting the prediction in before the particular game, of course)?

Edit. Never mind, I went and bunged some numbers in anyway. A mix of carefully considered strategy, random guessing and blatant jingoism. I'll let you choose which category England 5-1 USA falls under.

Edit 2. Is there any way to see how your predictions turn into group standings? I'm pretty sure France and Italy are going out at the group stage (you heard it here first, and most probably last as well) and Honduras might have snuck through to the knock-out games. I am so going to win this.
Question # 1
I would plug in all your picks and numbers in now, you should be able to adjust your picks and numbers, but once the game starts it will lock your pick and score so you won't be able to change it. It'll lock 5 min before the game starts.

Question #2 (not 100% sure I got your question right)
I wouldn't pick and set the Knockout round until we know who qualified, then set those picks by June 25 and from there on it'll be locked (not 100% sure I'll have to see if I can find more info). Also click on the coverage home link(above Fantasy tab)it has lots of group information.

Hopefully this help and not confuse anybody.

[jdtenor]

Good luck everyone World Cup 2010 is here lets enjoy as many games as possible and watch out for Onacara he's dangerous I tell you. :lol:

We have 7 participating hopefully we have a couple more joining in the last few hours.

Benji
wdgrant (Dair's picks)
Ollie
Onacara
Wytefang
Cloudy (not on the boards)
jdtenor

[ollie]

Quick question: do I have to pick the results of all the group games now, or can I do it as the tournament progresses (always getting the prediction in before the particular game, of course)?

Edit. Never mind, I went and bunged some numbers in anyway. A mix of carefully considered strategy, random guessing and blatant jingoism. I'll let you choose which category England 5-1 USA falls under.

Edit 2. Is there any way to see how your predictions turn into group standings? I'm pretty sure France and Italy are going out at the group stage (you heard it here first, and most probably last as well) and Honduras might have snuck through to the knock-out games. I am so going to win this.
Question # 1
I would plug in all your picks and numbers in now, you should be able to adjust your picks and numbers, but once the game starts it will lock your pick and score so you won't be able to change it. It'll lock 5 min before the game starts.

Question #2 (not 100% sure I got your question right)
I wouldn't pick and set the Knockout round until we know who qualified, then set those picks by June 25 and from there on it'll be locked (not 100% sure I'll have to see if I can find more info). Also click on the coverage home link(above Fantasy tab)it has lots of group information.

Hopefully this help and not confuse anybody.

Thanks! That makes sense.

My second question was a bit different---it's about unimportant fluff rather than how the game works. I'd like to see how my predictions for the group games would turn into standings in the groups if they are perfectly correct (as they will be :p). I know I can do this myself very easily, but I'm evidently too lazy and wanted to be able to hit a button and have a computer work it out for me.

[ollie]

Well we're about to get going. I'm following online text comentary here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/11/world-cup-2010-south-africa-mexico-live). I thought about going to the bar, but there's a bunch of work I want to get done too. It's been quite a while since I've had a 10am beer (actually, it's probably almost exactly 4 years). Next week.

I notice that our predictions are hidden. What's the etiquette on revealing them? If it's not the done thing, please don't open this spoiler.
South Africa 1-2 Mexico

Good luck everyone!

Edit. Change of plan; I'm off to catch the second half. :up:

[jdtenor]

Well we're about to get going. I'm following online text comentary here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/11/world-cup-2010-south-africa-mexico-live). I thought about going to the bar, but there's a bunch of work I want to get done too. It's been quite a while since I've had a 10am beer (actually, it's probably almost exactly 4 years). Next week.

I notice that our predictions are hidden. What's the etiquette on revealing them? If it's not the done thing, please don't open this spoiler.
South Africa 1-2 Mexico

Good luck everyone!

Edit. Change of plan; I'm off to catch the second half. :up:
Yeah it's hidden to not influence other players picks. Once the game starts you can see what we all picked. Mexico is losing :( I should have picked South Africa the host country rarely loses the inauguration game. They just tied it

[GromBloodboy]

Nice match. Mexico came out hot and were working real nice as a team, but they began to lose that at the end of the half. SA started to melt into the game and became a solid team. Beautiful goal for South Africa. Problem after that was SA turned into a kick it away defense team, and they could not hold on. How about that post shot at the end. That had me off the couch and mad all at the same time. Nice game. Now just 2 hours until some more, Uruguay and France.

[Wytefang]

Yeah, I wanted Bafana Bafana to win but they just got a bit too nervous and sloppy at the end. Sigh. Beautiful goal that Shabalala scored, though. Still, they got 1 point so that's cool for them AND they didn't lose.

[ollie]

Enjoyed the second half. First live soccer I've seen in quite a while. I was unimpressed with Mexico. They seemed to have no idea how to get through SA. Was the goal their only shot? I'll trust the commentators that they were much better in the first half.

[GromBloodboy]

They were in the first half. They died down near the end of it though. They had another shot that went in but got called offside. The commentator was complaining that it was onside, but it was clearly off. What do you guys think on that call?

[ollie]

I just checked the Yahoo site. I'm equal first in our group! :excited:

[jdtenor]

I believe they had a couple of shots, including the offside call that took away Mexico's other goal, so happy they got a chance to tie it up. I've always said with the goal being so big they sure hit the poles very often. I have to work tonight but I'll see most of the France vs Uruguay game in a couple of hours. Go France! BTW the Spanish channels show all the games in case you don't have cable or Dish TV.

[ollie]

BTW the Spanish channels show all the games in case you don't have cable or Dish TV.

Thanks for the tip. Alas, I don't have any TV.

[Wytefang]

Dos Santos had a beautiful shot for Mexico that S. Africa's keeper did really well to save. Dos Santos also, in general, played extremely well for Mexico. I'd love to have a player like that on our US squad. He was excellent.

[GromBloodboy]

Well, that was not a very good match. I am extremely disappointed in France's performance. With big names such as Maluda, Ribery, Anelka, and Henry, you think they could do something. But the relative lack of creativity was almost unbearable. I think Anelka thought he was the only player on the pitch, seeing as he blew 2-3 of Frances good chances by getting in the way of through balls. Henry was better when he got out there for sure, except for that final free kick at the end. Should have made more of that. Maluda was not really big simply because he was not out there long enough to do any real damage. And Ribery, who was supposed to be this big stud, was absolutely terrible. How many shots did he slice away from the goal? And every time he got the ball he would put right at Uruguay's feet. I was not happy with how the French played. Uruguay just played the hold out game, and they were quite successful. Even when they dropped to 10 men, they had 8 guys back on defense. Speaking of, how did France not manage to capitalize on the fact that there was only 10 on the field. Give me your guys anaylsis of this match. I want to hear what you think.

[Wytefang]

Part of the reason why some of France's better players didn't play as well can be chalked up to Uruguay's team commitment to playing strong defense. Even the best players look mundane in the face of that kind of determined defensive effort.

Forlan looked always so dangerous though...

I think Domenech was a fool to not start Henry and Malouda...Anelka isn't as effective without a strong partner to work off of (just my opinion though).

[jdtenor]

We'll see if France step up their game against Mexico on Thursday. Hopefully they do I'm rooting for Mexico but would like to see the real deal from France.

[Wytefang]

Totally stoked, I've moved up to 4th in our HS league (which I didn't pick very seriously, just made fun, slightly crazy picks) and in my Boardgamegeek league and my own league for friends and family, I'm #1, baby!! YEAH!!

[jdtenor]

Totally stoked, I've moved up to 4th in our HS league (which I didn't pick very seriously, just made fun, slightly crazy picks) and in my Boardgamegeek league and my own league for friends and family, I'm #1, baby!! YEAH!!
Still plenty of time to make some points up, we had lots of draws and great defense being played, just trying to stay in touch with Bengi!

[Bengi]

just trying to stay in touch with Bengi!

How's the view of my rear end?

[jdtenor]

just trying to stay in touch with Bengi!

How's the view of my rear end?
Good as long as I see you there, it's once I don't see your rear end that worry's me. :lol:

[ollie]

France refuse to train in support for exiled Anelka (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/20/world-cup-2010-france-training-ground-refuse-train)

Italy 1-1 New Zealand (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/20/world-cup-2010-italy-new-zealand-live)

I'm pretty sure [if my game-by-game predictions hold] France and Italy are going out at the group stage (you heard it here first, and most probably last as well)

;)

Italy vs. New Zealand is comfortably the most enjoyable game I've watched so far this World Cup (from a fairly small total).

[Wytefang]

You've missed a bunch of great games then, Ollie, if you think this was the only exciting game so far.

USA v England, S. Africa v. Mexico, Denmark v. Cameroon, Australia vs. Ghana, USA vs Slovenia (probably one of the most exciting games of the tournament so far)...

Plenty of great games so far. Or did you just mean that you derived the most satisfaction out of this particular game? I know I enjoyed it a lot since the Italians are such pathetic cheaters, it's always great to watch them lose or get drawn when they play that way.

[ollie]

You've missed a bunch of great games then, Ollie, if you think this was the only exciting game so far.

USA v England, S. Africa v. Mexico, Denmark v. Cameroon, Australia vs. Ghana, USA vs Slovenia (probably one of the most exciting games of the tournament so far)...

Plenty of great games so far. Or did you just mean that you derived the most satisfaction out of this particular game? I know I enjoyed it a lot since the Italians are such pathetic cheaters, it's always great to watch them lose or get drawn when they play that way.

Definitely more "satisfaction" rather than just "excitement" or "quality": an all-over vibe rather than deep analysis. It certainly has at least as much to do with stuff like my mood at the time and how asinine the commentators are as more traditional measures.

Aside: Are the commentators particularly annoying this time round or have I just blanked out how bad their usual standard is? I'm sure I remember that when they had nothing to say they'd shut up and let us watch the game. I can hardly bear to watch games involving African teams, SA in particular, because of the dripping condescension. That said, they managed to descibe New Zealand as "plucky" on 312 separate occasions and, after five minutes of the game, declared the NZ goal to be one of the most important in world football history. I hate them all.

USA vs. Slovenia did run it close but the poor refereeing decision to disallow the US a third goal (and the inevitable focus on it for the rest of the game and beyond) did not add to its charm. S. Africa vs. Mexico was low-quality fare more about getting everything up and running. That game didn't do much for me. I didn't see any of the others on your list---I did say it was a small sample!

[Wytefang]

Actually Ollie, you misheard the announcers, then, on the NZ goal. They very clearly said the "most important goal in NEW ZEALAND soccer history."

I have the game on DVR and went back to check - they said that exact thing at least twice, though.

I wasn't chiding you, by any means, on your lack of enjoyment, just pointing out that I've seen quite a few (now) fun games - at least from my perspective.

As for the commentators, I've had zero issues with them - I think they've been rather good, actually, especially compared to 2006's group, who were subpar at best. I especially enjoyed the commentator for the US v. Slovenia game, they were both very good.

[jdtenor]

France refuse to train in support for exiled Anelka (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/20/world-cup-2010-france-training-ground-refuse-train)

Italy 1-1 New Zealand (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/20/world-cup-2010-italy-new-zealand-live)

I'm pretty sure [if my game-by-game predictions hold] France and Italy are going out at the group stage (you heard it here first, and most probably last as well)

;)

Italy vs. New Zealand is comfortably the most enjoyable game I've watched so far this World Cup (from a fairly small total).
Holy Cow. Have I been under a rock or what! thanks for the great links Ollie

[jdtenor]

Actually Ollie, you misheard the announcers, then, on the NZ goal. They very clearly said the "most important goal in NEW ZEALAND soccer history."

I have the game on DVR and went back to check - they said that exact thing at least twice, though.

I wasn't chiding you, by any means, on your lack of enjoyment, just pointing out that I've seen quite a few (now) fun games - at least from my perspective.

As for the commentators, I've had zero issues with them - I think they've been rather good, actually, especially compared to 2006's group, who were subpar at best. I especially enjoyed the commentator for the US v. Slovenia game, they were both very good.
Commentating has been superb this time around. As annoying as the Hispanic commentators are sometimes. The American commentating was worse as I recall in past World Cups.(had to chose between freaking out or falling asleep:lol:)

[wdgrant]

I'll throw in my support for the commentators this time. I have enjoyed them so far. I do agree with Ollie that I would prefer more quite time. I think this is true in all sports though. I think the commentators are probably told not to allow too much "dead air." I just wish that wasn't the case.

[ollie]

Fair enough, I guess it's just me on the commentators. I suspect it's my rose-tinted glasses (rose-petal headphones?) from when I watched and enjoyed a lot of sport on TV 10+ years ago. I see so little TV now that I'm not in the groove for what is normal. (Another contributing factor is that anyone who watched A Question of Sport in the UK in the 90s has Ally McCoist marked down as an irredeemable twazzock.)

In better news, I'm having a good stretch on the fantasy picks---six out of eight correct results (but not scores) in the second section. I mention this to gloat now as I have Honduras down for a win against Spain and I don't have the cajones to assume that pick is going to come off and save my smugness for later. ;)

[jdtenor]

Fair enough, I guess it's just me on the commentators. I suspect it's my rose-tinted glasses (rose-petal headphones?) from when I watched and enjoyed a lot of sport on TV 10+ years ago. I see so little TV now that I'm not in the groove for what is normal. (Another contributing factor is that anyone who watched A Question of Sport in the UK in the 90s has Ally McCoist marked down as an irredeemable twazzock.)

In better news, I'm having a good stretch on the fantasy picks---six out of eight correct results (but not scores) in the second section. I mention this to gloat now as I have Honduras down for a win against Spain and I don't have the cajones to assume that pick is going to come off and save my smugness for later. ;)
That's what is making better commentating ESPN & ABC are getting help from British commentators. Since I work so many mornings this past week. I try watching World Cup Primetime on ESPN evenings. Best commentators around, soccers not that old in USA so commentators have a lot of caching up to do. Honduras is a good risk, to risky for me. We'll see in a couple minutes if it pays for you. Good Luck!

[tomyumgai]

Good to see HS players interested in soccer. I just returned from S. Africa Friday; got to watch one game live (Brazil vs. N. Korea). It was an incredible experience! 8) If I may offer a few observations (nothing profound).

Anyway, this year's World Cup has some interesting upsets (France and hopefully England since they are in our group) -but Brazil will manage to do well despite criticisms from Brazil. The Vuvuzelas (bought three and my kids love them) are not as distracting as they say, they simply add another dimension to the game. The cold/cool weather may affect some countries (mid 30s in the evening for some games) but I think Africa's poor showing is the greatest disappointment (to me). I think the S. American countries will dominate the Cup and they are doing well so far.

Sorry for my personal reflections - this site is about the only one I frequently visit (apart from BBC Soccer site) and felt compelled to convey my personal experiences. I wish I could have gotten into this fantasy game but I don't need another addiction/hobby - watching the games is good enough (in HD :D).

[jdtenor]

Good to see HS players interested in soccer. I just returned from S. Africa Friday; got to watch one game live (Brazil vs. N. Korea). It was an incredible experience! 8) If I may offer a few observations (nothing profound).

Anyway, this year's World Cup has some interesting upsets (France and hopefully England since they are in our group) -but Brazil will manage to do well despite criticisms from Brazil. The Vuvuzelas (bought three and my kids love them) are not as distracting as they say, they simply add another dimension to the game. The cold/cool weather may affect some countries (mid 30s in the evening for some games) but I think Africa's poor showing is the greatest disappointment (to me). I think the S. American countries will dominate the Cup and they are doing well so far.

Sorry for my personal reflections - this site is about the only one I frequently visit (apart from BBC Soccer site) and felt compelled to convey my personal experiences. I wish I could have gotten into this fantasy game but I don't need another addiction/hobby - watching the games is good enough (in HD :D).
Yeah I'm also disappointed at African teams play in the Cup. also disappointed at the play by France, Italy and Spain. It's good to see how well some of the Asian teams have played(South Korea and Japan).

[Wytefang]

I wish I wouldn't have used the HeroScapers Fantasy WC group as my crazy one (where I just made wacky picks for the fun of it). As I'm doing extremely well in my other two and think I could've done the same in this one, also. :( Dangit!!

I'm in 1st place in our Boardgamegeek one and in my personally set-up Pick-em, still!! YEAH!!

[Bengi]

Excuses, excuses. :p

For what it's worth, I'm in 1st in my other group too.

[Wytefang]

Honestly, that IS what I did...just pick silly picks to have fun since I'm 2 other groups (and as of right now, #1 in both groups). :D

[ollie]

Thought I'd quote this again. :)


I'm pretty sure [if my game-by-game predictions hold] France and Italy are going out at the group stage (you heard it here first, and most probably last as well)


This way everyone will think I'm great at predicting soccer results and nobody will notice that I'm at the bottom of our table. ;)

[Bengi]

Nice picks. I guess if you pick enough wacky stuff, some of it is bound to happen.

I started out strong, but my picks have been horrible lately.

[jdtenor]

Well after the 2 intervals the standings are as followed

1-Cloudy 26 picks, 9 scores for 61 points
2-wdgrant 26 picks, 5 scores for 57 points
3-jdtenor 24 picks, 3 scores for 51 points
4-Bengi 23 picks, 3 scores for 49 points
5-Onacara 20 picks, 6 scores for 46 points
6-Wytefang 19 picks, 4 scores for 42 points
7-Ollie 18 picks, 5 scores for 41 points

Remember to setup your Knockout rd winners and check often on them, no ties one game and the team is out. Good luck in the knockout round also note that the points you receive in the knockout round increase as you go further in the playoffs so big opportunity's to catch up quickly.

[wdgrant]

Dang, I forgot to pick today's games. I would have gotten the Uruguay, but probably would have picked with my heart for the US. I'll catch up.

[jdtenor]

Dang, I forgot to pick today's games. I would have gotten the Uruguay, but probably would have picked with my heart for the US. I'll catch up.
Yeah I was thinking you were giving me a head start :o

[jdtenor]

Well Congrats to Spain and thanks for participating in the world cup 2010 fantasy the final results were

1-Cloudy 38 picks, 10 scores for 127 points
2-wdgrant 36 picks, 7 scores for 111 points
3-Bengi 32 picks, 4 scores for 97 points
4-jdtenor 32 picks, 5 scores for 95 points
5-Wytefang 27 picks, 7 scores for 93 points
6-Ollie 27 picks, 5 scores for 87 points
7-Onacara 20 picks, 6 scores for 46 points

I'm sure if Wdgrant would have set all his picks he would have won great job coming from behind, being down in 1st interval.

[ollie]

Thanks for running this jdtenor. I did better than I expected!

[jdtenor]

Thanks for running this jdtenor. I did better than I expected!
Thank you Ollie there was a lot of ties and low scores this World Cup. Can't wait for Brazil 2016. Unless the world ends in 2012 then this was the last World Cup :p

[wdgrant]

Thanks for setting all this up. I don't know that I would have won. I was on vacation last week and was mostly off the grid, so I forgot about my picks. It did help me enjoy the world cup though, so thanks again.

Euro 2012 league next?