2010 FOOTBALL World Cup

[doctorj]

England will win the World Cup.

They're near certainties for the cup IMHO.
Starting at the back, they've got 3 keepers - 1 experienced but prone to frequent brain farts, another who starts for a team that just misses relegation every year and the most promising is one with little (if any) big game experience for club or country. Amongst the defenders, they've got two centre halves in Terry and Ferdinand that are certainties to start, but have had problems with fitness and form all year (not to mention any coital related issues) and two backup centre halves, one who can't train and struggles to play twice in a week (and gets turned easier than… erm nevermind) and the other who is horrifically slow and had a terrible season. At right back, Johnson who would struggle to defend against and u/14 blind all girls team and no back up for him except the aforementioned slow and out of form Carragher.

In midfield, Capello is lost. Sven found out that Lumplard and Gerrard can't play together and Capello may be forced to try that again with Barry injured and not even able to train until the lead up to the second match. If not Barry, you could play Carrragher, King, Carrick - one of which is out of form, the other two out of position.

I could go on. Rooney, Cole and Milner are world class. The rest are somewhat average.

 

[mazzatelli]

Should be some good biffo.

Just for you Timmy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNi6nafLcsI

@Wayne - you aren't...supporting....the All Whites are you? :

 

[DB008]

England
Rio Ferdinand is OUT of the world cup
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/7806217/World-Cup-2010-Rio-Ferdinands-injury-made-Frank-Lampard-feel-sick.html

Drogba breaks arm, has op and looking like he might be a starting chance.
http://www.sportbox.tv/football/news/story.php?id=312174


Wow, a lot going on and it hasn't even started yet.

 

[Timmy]

What's the story with the ball?

The 'supernatural' World Cup ball goalkeepers are 'petrified' of

And it did not take long to understand all the fuss. No matter how I hit it, the white and gold Jabulani kept doing the oddest of things, both in the air and on the ground. ... it somehow defied the laws of physics

It might even be the same with judging the bounce, because the England lads have witnessed some extraordinary reactions when this ball rears up in front of them in training. ...

Brazil's Luis Fabiano highlighted the basic point, revealing that "all of a sudden it changes trajectory on you. I think it's supernatural".

http://www.smh.com.au/world-cup-201...alkeepers-are-petrified-of-20100610-xz01.html

 

[jojoventure]

Don't underestimate Argentina.

The best squad by far, with the best 6 strikers. Messi , Higuain, Milito (scored both champions league final goals) Tevez and Palermo (Boca juniors)

And the midfield and defence are not bad either.

Only unknown is the nutcase of a coach, Maradona.

But at 9 to1 in the bets seems like everybody is underestimating them.

At least Grosse, whose dive cost the Aussies last time around, has not made the Italian squad this time around.

Oh and By the way Grosso is playing for the italian team, back left first starter.

And don't underestimate Italy either, if anybody could win 2 World cups straight, its Italy . It has already done it in 1930 -1934

Forza Italia!

 

[Logique]

Not stinking hot for once, a real plus for the europeans. Holland or Argentina likely winners.

USA might be a surprise semi-finalist.

Had liked Ivory Coast of the African teams, but apparently Drogba has broken his arm?

 

[UBIQUITOUS]

Once again, the dirtiest team with the best defence will win - Italy - Unfortunately.

 

[Bushman]

Oh and By the way Grosso is playing for the italian team, back left first starter.

And don't underestimate Italy either, if anybody could win 2 World cups straight, its Italy . It has already done it in 1930 -1934

Forza Italia!

As far as I was aware, Lippi cut Grosso from his starting 23.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-new...rims-world-cup-squad-to-28-20100519-vcje.html

 

[MRC & Co]

Big three favourites and best overall 'units' are Spain, Brazil and England.

Holland if Robben can keep fit are right up there.

Argentina have the best strike force, but Maradona hasn't any idea what his doing with tactics or structure (Veron back in after all these years and no attempt to get Riquelme back? WTF). Trouble with the best strike force, is you only need 3 of them, who is going to sit out? Rest of the squad is very average in comparison to the other top teams!

On other injuries:

I heard Drogba will make it back into the cup at some point, his arm isn't as bad as expected......but he is a big girl.
Nani is out for the tournament.

 

[wayneL]

@Wayne - you aren't...supporting....the All Whites are you? :

In the land of the long white cloud, it is a matter of social survival. :

In reality, I don't give a rat's, the whole tournament is the duck's nuts.

 

[Judd]

Soccer. 85 minutes of tedium interspersed with 5 minutes of utter boredom and crowd violence.

Now off to de-programme SBS channels from my TV.

 

[Tink]

I think Spain will be up there

Woohoo @ Italy - loved it last time

I am going for the Aussies, but if they dont make it, then Italy for me :

 

[dutchie]

In reality, I don't give a rat's, the whole tournament is the duck's nuts.

Why start a thread on it then??

 

[nunthewiser]

Brazil.

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

If Australia don't win, I'd like to see Ghana get the trophy. The loss of Essien was a huge blow to them, and they lost another player because of malaria of all things.

It would be good to see an African team in the final sixteen.

Australia have a good chance though.

gg

 

[GumbyLearner]

If Australia don't win, I'd like to see Ghana get the trophy. The loss of Essien was a huge blow to them, and they lost another player because of malaria of all things.

It would be good to see an African team in the final sixteen.

Australia have a good chance though.

gg

Yes, I agree. Tough times there in Ghana. The Aussie team could learn a thing or two about them.

Hopefully they will learn a thing or two beyond their european contracted salaries?

Probably not!

 

[J&M]

The final Four could be

Brazil
England
Holland
Argentina or Italy

James

 

[Ageo]

England only have a chance because they have 1 of the best coaches in the world.

The previous tournaments showed that with great players and a **** coach you cant get very far.

 

[DB008]

I'm locking in, in no order;
Argentina
Holland
Spain

 

[nunthewiser]

Not long till kickoff........

GO dem Afrikaans!