World Cup(merged with original world cup thread)

[Titanic]

Carlisle: That depends on your definition. If you're referring to Group G with Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal, in my opinion it's hard for any group containing North Korea to have that tag. I still say, top to bottom, that Group D -- with Germany, Ghana, Australia and Serbia -- is the toughest. Any two of those four teams could progress.

I agree with this mostly. Group G is going to be the most competitive and hardest for the teams involved, but the Group of Death title still deservedly goes to group G as it contain 3 really top teams who will be disappointed not to reach the quaters or semis.

No idea which is going to be the most anticipated game internationally. Opening game has to be up there as it involved South Africa, but theres no real rivalries in the group stages. I think the Spain/Argentina semi final (should they top their group and not fall) will be the match of the tournament, but I think this will be a lot like the 2006 WC, good games generally with a couple which top the lot (Argentina/Mexico and Germany/Italy in 2006).

[Titanic]

Carlisle: That depends on your definition. If you're referring to Group G with Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal, in my opinion it's hard for any group containing North Korea to have that tag. I still say, top to bottom, that Group D -- with Germany, Ghana, Australia and Serbia -- is the toughest. Any two of those four teams could progress.

I agree with this mostly. Group G is going to be the most competitive and hardest for the teams involved, but the Group of Death title still deservedly goes to group G as it contain 3 really top teams who will be disappointed not to reach the quaters or semis.

No idea which is going to be the most anticipated game internationally. Opening game has to be up there as it involved South Africa, but theres no real rivalries in the group stages. I think the Spain/Argentina semi final (should they top their group and not fall) will be the match of the tournament, but I think this will be a lot like the 2006 WC, good games generally with a couple which top the lot (Argentina/Mexico and Germany/Italy in 2006).

Edit: Something I never knew but which is fascinating - "In every World Cup since 1930 one of the 'Big Four' (Italy, Argentina, Germany, Brazil) has been in the final". I predict that this will end this year, really can't see Italy or Germany making it to the final, Argentina will need a revolution from Maradona to beat Spain on their way to the final and I really don't rate Brazil as high as others atm.

[ViperOverLord]

Carlisle: That depends on your definition. If you're referring to Group G with Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal, in my opinion it's hard for any group containing North Korea to have that tag. I still say, top to bottom, that Group D -- with Germany, Ghana, Australia and Serbia -- is the toughest. Any two of those four teams could progress.

I agree with this mostly. Group G is going to be the most competitive and hardest for the teams involved, but the Group of Death title still deservedly goes to group G as it contain 3 really top teams who will be disappointed not to reach the quaters or semis.

No idea which is going to be the most anticipated game internationally. Opening game has to be up there as it involved South Africa, but theres no real rivalries in the group stages. I think the Spain/Argentina semi final (should they top their group and not fall) will be the match of the tournament, but I think this will be a lot like the 2006 WC, good games generally with a couple which top the lot (Argentina/Mexico and Germany/Italy in 2006).

Edit: Something I never knew but which is fascinating - "In every World Cup since 1930 one of the 'Big Four' (Italy, Argentina, Germany, Brazil) has been in the final". I predict that this will end this year, really can't see Italy or Germany making it to the final, Argentina will need a revolution from Maradona to beat Spain on their way to the final and I really don't rate Brazil as high as others atm.

Italy and Argentina are weak links. For that matter, Argentina has not been relevant since 86. I disagree with you on Germany. They are going to be a difficult challenge for any team. They are almost always the most physical team on defense and offense and this time around will probably be no different. Brazil is solid also, but I don't think they are dominant like they once were.

I think in some ways those teams have lucked out to extend the streak and I do expect the status quo to change at some point. But I think it's not a bad bet to bet for it. I personally like England, Germany, Spain and Brazil the most. Maybe we'll see Spain vs. England. But I'm not counting on it either.

[ViperOverLord]

I'm sure a lot of fans especially in the Western Hemisphere hate Mexico...

wtf? Why would you be so sure of such a thing?! I've certainly got nothing against El Mehhico and I'm struggling to come up with a reason why you would think this. Explain?

Well Americans hate Mexico's soccer team more than any other team. And Mexico has dominanted the Central American teams for a long time and they hate Mexico even more than we do. I also know that there are a lot SA countries that hate Mexico for one reason or another soccer wise.

[Titanic]

Italy and Argentina are weak links. For that matter, Argentina has not been relevant since 86. I disagree with you on Germany. They are going to be a difficult challenge for any team. They are almost always the most physical team on defense and offense and this time around will probably be no different. Brazil is solid also, but I don't think they are dominant like they once were.

I think in some ways those teams have lucked out to extend the streak and I do expect the status quo to change at some point. But I think it's not a bad bet to bet for it. I personally like England, Germany, Spain and Brazil the most. Maybe we'll see Spain vs. England. But I'm not counting on it either.

England have such a great and easy chance to reach the final. They only have 1 really challenging game on route to the final and thats the semi vs Netherlands/Brazil.

I think Argentina could be such a dark horse in this tournament, so many people are writing them off due to Maradona (me included), but if they get some discipline and good tactics they could cruise past most teams and cause serious problems for all the major nations. On Germany, I know most people always say they pull it out of the bag and know how to win tournaments, but they generally have a leader in their squad backed up with some quality in key positions. This years I don't see that. They have good players in their squad pretty much throughout but no one outstanding, no leader or commander on the pitch. I think Ballacks injury is a huge blow to them, but hes still not the player he was 2 years ago at the Euros.

On Brazil, all I can do is wait and see. Dunga has changed them into a winning team even though they lack the flair of the old teams, but I have serious doubt about their midfield which is where games are won and lost, and against teams like Spain and the Netherlands or even England, I can't see them controlling the match the way that they like to.

[Gypsys Kiss]

I have to agree with you about Englands chances, just trying not to get too confidant.. With the exception of Spain, it seems as though the main/usual contenders are all much of a muchness. It could make for some very tight knockout games and maybe a few shocks in the groups.


Oh well....not long to wait now. I just filled in a wall chart all the way to the final...just need to fill in the scores

[Timminz]

I've always found that you can never discount the Germans' potential. They have amazing discipline, and tend to play like a well-oiled machine. They aren't as exciting to watch, due to lack of "flair" or whatnot, but on the right day of the week, they could beat any team in the world.

That said, I've never been a fan.

[xxtig12683xx]

With Ballack out so are the Germans, at least for making a deep run.

[Trevor33]

ESPN has been advertising the Britain-USA game as the most anticipated match of the World Cup. From an American POV I'm sure that's even true. But is it really the most anticipated (globally)? Like if everyone had a vote and they could not vote for a game involving their home country then would it be?

My vote would go for South Africa vs Mexico. It's the opening game in the tournament and it involves the host country. I'm sure a lot of fans especially in the Western Hemisphere hate Mexico and have an extra reason to root for the sentimental favorites (SA). This might be the most anticipated match I might think. But then again I do not know how many non-Americans and non British people are looking forward to our match-up or who they'd root for even.

britain has a team in the world cup? ... tell that to scotland, wales and n. ireland
tis most certainly england... and everyone outside england hopes they get dumped out in the first round.

as for the most anticipated match in the first round, you're right if you're country is competing you’re always going to be looking forward to that match against the most fancied nation in your group. or from a neutral point of view (that's me) you'll be looking forward to the matches that you think will be the most exciting to watch, for me there's 5 matches that i won't be missing in round one - spain vs chile, argentina vs nigeria, holland vs denmark, england vs usa and brazil vs portugal. so maybe there's a case for the england vs usa match.

[Timminz]

With Ballack out so are the Germans, at least for making a deep run.

Can't disagree with that, I just think that they always play solidly, and thus will not make for an easy win for anyone hoping to best them.

[Pedronicus]

I would hazard a guess that the most anticipated first round game is Ivory Coast v Portugal

[Lord and Master]

I'm sure a lot of fans especially in the Western Hemisphere hate Mexico...

wtf? Why would you be so sure of such a thing?! I've certainly got nothing against El Mehhico and I'm struggling to come up with a reason why you would think this. Explain?

Well Americans hate Mexico's soccer team more than any other team. And Mexico has dominanted the Central American teams for a long time and they hate Mexico even more than we do. I also know that there are a lot SA countries that hate Mexico for one reason or another soccer wise.

Ah... So by "Western Hemisphere" you in fact mean "The America's".
Fair enough!

[Trevor33]

I would hazard a guess that the most anticipated first round game is Ivory Coast v Portugal

even with no nani and probably drogba aswell?

[Pedronicus]

I would hazard a guess that the most anticipated first round game is Ivory Coast v Portugal

even with no nani and probably drogba aswell?

yep

That game, if won by either team, will probably decide who gets out of the group.

[Trevor33]

I would hazard a guess that the most anticipated first round game is Ivory Coast v Portugal

even with no nani and probably drogba aswell?

yep

That game, if won by either team, will probably decide who gets out of the group.

that may be so but if you ask anyone from protugal i'm sure they'll say they're looking forward to the brazil match more... a lot of history there. plus the portugal/ivory coast match is the first match of the group so even if someone loses it's not complexly certain they won't bounce back and win their next 2 to qualify.

[Lord and Master]

I just filled in a wall chart all the way to the final...just need to fill in the scores

Exactly how old are ya?

[AndyDufresne]

First game is hours away---:D


--Andy

[Gypsys Kiss]

I just filled in a wall chart all the way to the final...just need to fill in the scores

Exactly how old are ya?

Old enough to realise I've probably just wasted another fiver on England, and young not to have given up hope.....

[Lord and Master]

Too old to be filling in wall charts then? Or is it not possible to be too old for that! Come to think of it my Dad always fills in wall charts and he's like 70-odd... at least he waits for the actual results though!

[angola]

Too old to be filling in wall charts then? Or is it not possible to be too old for that! Come to think of it my Dad always fills in wall charts and he's like 70-odd... at least he waits for the actual results though!

I'm assuming it is some kind of pool for money.

[nietzsche]

MEXICO!!! MEXICO!!!

aaaaaayyy ayyyyy yaaaaaaayaaaaaaaay cannnnntaaaa y no lloreeeeees porque cantando se alegra cieeeeeeelito lindo los corazoneeeeees..

12 hours!!

[Falkomagno]

well, to b honest....south africa was really close to win...si no le hubiera pegado al palo ese último remate

[the.killing.44]

well, to b honest....south africa was really close to win...si no le hubiera pegado al palo ese último remate

Yeah, Mphela should've had that.

[ViperOverLord]

Italy and Argentina are weak links. For that matter, Argentina has not been relevant since 86. I disagree with you on Germany. They are going to be a difficult challenge for any team. They are almost always the most physical team on defense and offense and this time around will probably be no different. Brazil is solid also, but I don't think they are dominant like they once were.

I think in some ways those teams have lucked out to extend the streak and I do expect the status quo to change at some point. But I think it's not a bad bet to bet for it. I personally like England, Germany, Spain and Brazil the most. Maybe we'll see Spain vs. England. But I'm not counting on it either.

England have such a great and easy chance to reach the final. They only have 1 really challenging game on route to the final and thats the semi vs Netherlands/Brazil.

I think Argentina could be such a dark horse in this tournament, so many people are writing them off due to Maradona (me included), but if they get some discipline and good tactics they could cruise past most teams and cause serious problems for all the major nations. On Germany, I know most people always say they pull it out of the bag and know how to win tournaments, but they generally have a leader in their squad backed up with some quality in key positions. This years I don't see that. They have good players in their squad pretty much throughout but no one outstanding, no leader or commander on the pitch. I think Ballacks injury is a huge blow to them, but hes still not the player he was 2 years ago at the Euros.

On Brazil, all I can do is wait and see. Dunga has changed them into a winning team even though they lack the flair of the old teams, but I have serious doubt about their midfield which is where games are won and lost, and against teams like Spain and the Netherlands or even England, I can't see them controlling the match the way that they like to.

You're already assuming that England will win their group and that other factors will fall into place. But focusing on the former do you really not take the USA seriously?

[the.killing.44]

AMERICA f*ck YEAH

Dude, get over it, the Brits are going to win the group.