EN World World Cup blog

[Thornir Alekeg]

I can't even begin to speak intelligently about World Cup teams, but I am looking forward to the start of the matches. I just hope that there is some opportunity here in the US to see matches between teams other than the US.

 

[MavrickWeirdo]

Check out websites of team sponsers

 

[johnsemlak]

My company was recently bought by Phillips, which is located in Holland.

They set up a Magnavox big screen TV in the cafe,

Funny they didn't buy a Philips TV. I, on the other hand, started this thread just after buying a brand new Philips tv.

 

[Jdvn1]

I'll watch this World Cup with interest, but I'm really just waiting for the 2010. By then, Venezuela should qualify (currently the only South American team to have never qualified, I believe...) and Freddy Adu will hopefully be on the US team.

I can't wait to see Freddy Adu when he's in his prime! The soccer world is going to rock.

 

[johnsemlak]

Wow, I'm a big Italy fan, but you're ranking Italy very favorably.

Hmm, maybe, I actually don't follow Italy or Serie A carefully, but from what I read, they've got possibly the tourney's best goalkeeper, a solid defence as usual, and an array of established strikers all playing for big name clubs.

They thumped Germany 4-1 IIRC in one of the more impressive results in WC warm up matches.

There are other good European teams for sure. But nearly all have glaring weaknesses. Plus, I haven't read of any injury probelms on the Italian side (EDIT--wrong,here's some news on a key injury) while there''ve been probelms affecting players like Rooney, Owen, Jan Koeller (who's apparenlty healthy now but the Czechs also have other injury problems not to mention an aging team).

Now, I"m not taking into account the possble effect of the football scandals going on in Italy right now. My gut instinct is to assume they won't affect things much, but who knows.

 

[johnsemlak]

Of course I have to say ENGLAND, but then after that the more likely candidates to win are Germany (home advantage + Germany always do well), Brazil (outstanding attacking team), France and Argentina. Dark horses Italy, Spain.

I certainly think England have their best chance in years. Certainly, defence is much more solid than in '02, the midfield perhaps hte best in the WC on paper--with Gerrard in particularly good form as displayed in the FA Cup. The obvious problems are the injuries up front. Dunno, any chance Rooney can actually have an impact in this WC?

Who's England's keeper?

 

[Chainsaw Mage]

Funny they didn't buy a Philips TV. I, on the other hand, started this thread just after buying a brand new Philips tv.

Isn't Philips and Magnavox the same thing?

 

[johnsemlak]

Isn't Philips and Magnavox the same thing?

Hmm, apparently so.. I guess that explains that.

 

[Jdvn1]

Hmm, maybe, I actually don't follow Italy or Serie A carefully, but from what I read, they've got possibly the tourney's best goalkeeper, a solid defence as usual, and an array of established strikers all playing for big name clubs.

They thumped Germany 4-1 IIRC in one of the more impressive results in WC warm up matches.

Wow. I always thought Germany's Kahn was the best goalkeeper, but maybe I just haven't been keeping up.

 

[Sidekick]

Time for Ben to chip in his 2cp

I'm predicting England, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Brazil and France to make it to the quarterfinals.

beyond that its down to the draw and who turns up on the day to play their heart out.

My girlfriend has predicted a France v Brazil final or as she puts it - Henry v Ronaldiniho

England have a good chance at it. but the 'rooney' thing has been far too damaging if you ask me. Having the coach effectively say the 'we're not good enough without Rooney so we'll take even if he is on crutches - just in case' isn't particularly good for morale.

I ond't hink he'll play at all, or if he does then boy will get himself a career wrecking injury. He's only 20 he's got 3 more WCs in him. He should stay home!

Oh and the England keeper is Paul Robinson - he plays for Tottenham and is quite good actually.


oh and Jdvn1 - Kahn is no longer the 1st choice keeper for Germany - its Jens Leehman (GOOO JENS). Kahn's been too busy playing ego games and drinking until all hours of the morning with his 20-yo girlfriend (or so my german flatmate tells me). Jens will do them proud I'm sure (he's incredible for Arsenal).


I'm soolooking forward to it - I've got about 5 teams that I'll be supporting (NZ didn't make it surprise surprise) and none of them is my home nation so there's not as much emotional investment in it - I just get to watch great football for 4 weeks.

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