NationStates Jolt Archive

Since the World Cup Championship began, only 7 teams have been able to lift the trophy:

Brazil (won 5 times)

Italy (won 3 times)

Germany (won 3 times)

Uruguay (won 2 times)

Argentina (won 2 times)

England (won once)

France (won once)

So who will win the next one?

Uzbekistan. Duh ;)
And it aint gonna be the italians, did you see how poorly they played in Euro 2004?

GREECE, FOR ALEXANDER THE GREAT!!!!!! (joking) I seriously think it will be Germany, it must, after all french suck and they even won Brazil in their own country

Team USA *goes back to drinking heavily*

I think it will be germany, even after seeing how poorely they played vs. australia, i mean, australia? Even the country i come from could beat them...

It's going to be an interesting tournament, would hate to commit myself at this early stage and wind up looking like a fool. ;)

Senegal.

They done brilliant last time, and this time they could do better.

Antartica, I hear the penguins have a rather good kick, but this year they have the best teamwork around.

Antartica, I hear the penguins have a rather good kick, but this year they have the best teamwork around.

I voted for Argentina - well they are close neighbors to Antarctica ;)

I'm rooting for the UK and the Czech Republic. I hope either of them wins.

I'm rooting for the UK and the Czech Republic. I hope either of them wins.

The Uk will not win because the Uk does not have a team

The Uk will not win because the Uk does not have a team


I second that (http://www.weebls-stuff.com/toons/footy/)

The Uk will not win because the Uk does not have a team

*Mumbles about Americans and their intellegence*

When he said 'UK' I am quite sure he ment England.

THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND-

The official name for the nation informally referred to as Britain. Often abbreviated to "the UK". The term "United Kingdom" only became the official title in 1801, when the Act of Ireland united Britain and Ireland. It had however been in use since 1707, when the Act of Union incorporated Scotland with England and Wales into the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Argentina, period.

*Mumbles about Americans and their intellegence*

When he said 'UK' I am quite sure he ment England.

THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND-

The official name for the nation informally referred to as Britain. Often abbreviated to "the UK". The term "United Kingdom" only became the official title in 1801, when the Act of Ireland united Britain and Ireland. It had however been in use since 1707, when the Act of Union incorporated Scotland with England and Wales into the United Kingdom of Great Britain.


Isn't the person who said that from Scotland?

I second that (http://www.weebls-stuff.com/toons/footy/)

I could have swore that the video is some type of satanic message put on earth to mind control the brits....

I second that (http://www.weebls-stuff.com/toons/footy/)


holy $hit that was funny, great link.

Ireland!

Ireland!

They going to qualify this time?

They going to qualify this time?
Yes they bloody well are! France won't. ireland and Switzerland through to the World Cup.

Germany has a habit of playing like shit until it gets important. Then they grow a lot and play well. So I say, hope rather, it's gonna be Germany.
I think it funny though that people think England can win a World Cup. The only world cup England ever won was a fluke, cuz IT DIDN'T GO OVER THE LINE!!!

*hehehe, now I'll retreat hastily...*

Brazil. I'm not a major fan of football....yet. Though it's hard when your American...living in the PACIFIC COAST! Where football means a game that involves almost no feet at all.

But Brazil beat Argentina in Copa America last year. Argentina beat Colombia. I'm still sore but I say that any team that kicks the ass of a team that kicked our ass is worthy of a world cup.

Got to be the U.S.A. because well I'm a stupid american who thinks that we can only improve upon our performance from the last world cup with Donovan and Beasley getting better plus the fact that a lot of our key players from last time playing in Europe and have gotten better.

Bavaria! ;)

Or to actually choose a country that has a team: Croatia!

http://www.inet.hr/~zstrbac/Croatian%20Soccer_files/croatia_bl.gif
http://slam.canoe.ca/SoccerWCImages98/jul11_4.jpg

------------

Actually, Poland is looking pretty decent this year.

26.03.2005: Poland destroyed Azerbaijan 8-0 today in World Cup 2006 qualifying. The Poles dominated play from start to finish never letting up on the attack. Tomasz Frankowski and Jacek Krzynówek were the heros for Poland.

30.03.2005: It took 87 minutes but in the end Poland managed to breakdown the stubborn defending of Northern Ireland. Maciej Żurawski recieved a pass from Jacek Krzynówek which allowed him to score.

So.... GO POLAND!!!

http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/Assocweeks/HistoryHonours/231364_MEDIUMLANDSCAPE.gif

It won't be Brazil, and I hope it is not Argentina (Living in Brazil that would be a nightmare)

My heart, being English says England, and my head says they have a decent chance this time around. However look out for an African or Asian team, they could upset the status quo. Dare I suggest Iran to win.

I could have swore that the video is some type of satanic message put on earth to mind control the brits....
Those are classics by definition

Brazil. I'm not a major fan of football....yet. Though it's hard when your American...living in the PACIFIC COAST! Where football means a game that involves almost no feet at all.

But Brazil beat Argentina in Copa America last year. Argentina beat Colombia. I'm still sore but I say that any team that kicks the ass of a team that kicked our ass is worthy of a world cup.
last week I saw an official Brazil-Argentina game...and it was kick ass.

Spain, the best team that's never won.

It is finally their year.

I put all my money on San Marino

Canada! But only after all the other teams water is spiked with "Moose Juice" causing them to play like crap while gushing fluids from both ends all over the field. The Cnadians could then have a hopein hell of qualifying for some kind of practice matches. After that a nuclear holocaust of some sort could be used to ensure Canada's first and only WorldCup!

BTW, for those too blind and stoopid, I'm a Canadian and being sarcastic.

My trip to Russia/China last year, we were all watching the Euro 2004, because it was the only thing we could understand.

I put my money on Greece, they pulled through.

GREECE FOR THE WORLD CUP HOO-DAAAAAH!

Argentina also looks really good right now.

Poland destroyed Azerbaijan
Poland managed to breakdown the stubborn defending of Northern Ireland.

Umm... Azerbaijan? Northern Ireland? Those teams aren´t too good, are they?

And England, Italy and Spain are always "favourites", but look at the scoreboard:

Winners of the World Cup

BRAZIL : 5 (´58, ´62, ´70, ´94, ´02)

ITALY : 3 (´34, ´38, ´82)

GERMANY : 3 (´54, ´74, ´90)

URUGUAY : 2 (´30, ´50)

ARGENTINE : 2 (´78, ´86)

ENGLAND : 1 (´66)

FRANCE : 1 (´98)

Italy looks kind of strong on the sheet, but their last win was...1982. Spain has never been in a final (though Czechoslovakia and Hungary have)

Personally, I hope (note: hope, not believe) that Sweden will finaly win. After all these...STOP LAUGHING! all these years with best position 2:nd (yes, we´ve won silver, and it was only half a century ago) I hope Sweden will be the eight team to win.

Though I think it will be ze germans.

Probably a European team... they historically rule on their continent.

What a bad time for Germany to be hosting a World Cup... i mean they're as bad as they've been in a very long time. They haven't beaten a world soccer power in about 5 years, losing 4-3 at home to Italy and being beaten (right?) spanked by England 5-1...

(unless you consider Mexico a soccer power (they're not, imo... always good but never great).

at any rate, i think it'll be Italy or England. Here's what I think about the Big Ten's chances:

Brazil - If a non-European team is going to win it, it's going to be Brazil probably. when they're on their game, they're nearly impossible to beat.

Italy - I look for Italy to actually try to score some goals in this WC, instead of playing for goalless draws. Italy still are very good, with Totti, Inzaghi and Pirlo... the great center-back tandem of Cannavaro and Nesta... and Buffon in goal.

Netherlands - I was watching this team's WC qualifying game at Romania, which they totally dominated.. and wondered, "How is it that the Dutch have never won a World Cup?" They are sooo good, making total football look wonderful.

Germany - The Germans are not that great, uncharacteristically letting goals in as if their D were a sieve (or is it "seive"? lol). The fact that their progress pretty much rests on the shoulders of Ballack shows their lack of balance and ultimately points to my belief that if they do make it to the quarters or even to the semis, they will play a team which the Germans will need more than just great fan support to overcome... and I don't htink they have enough to beat an England or Italy or Brazil or full-strength Argentina... Netherlands or Czech Republic, even... the above are simply better than Germany right now. Schweinsteiger and Kuranyi need to step up big-time for Germany to win.

Spain - Sort of like Holland, Spain is a great soccer country with great talent... perhaps a darkhorse to take the Cup home. Spain have the talent to beat anyone. But as with their great recent home showing against Bosnia-Herzegovina (a 1-1 ref-helped draw), they can also lay an egg.

Portugal - I really like this team... with lots of scoring options (deco, pauletta, maniche, c. ronaldo, etc.) and good players on D and in midfield, this team appears to be balanced. They will definitely contend.... barring a 3-red-card ref-job they got against South Korea in the last WC. (refs did the same to Italy against Korea).

France - France are going to be strong... they're not showing the types of results they did a coupla years ago, but they're still loaded with Henry, Vieira, Zidane, Trezegoal et al. And I think they feel like they have something to prove... to show the last WC as a fluke of poor play.

Argentina - The Tines are wonderful to watch... such wonderful midfield passing. With Crespo in the lineup they're twice as dangerous as they were for the Confed Cup. Carlitos (Carlos Teves SP?) is turning into one of the best offensive-zone players in the world.

England: England are probably, realistically, the best team in Europe right now. I can't remember another team that was so loaded in midfield... it's an embarrassment of riches with Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard et al. running the middle of the pitch. This team should be considered one of the real favorites to take home the Cup.

Czech Republic: This team has wonderful chemistry... Koller and Baros and Smicer (right?) rotating up front, a strong striking threesome... the great Nedved and Poborsky in midfield... this is a wonderfully balanced team and they play together. They are not considered, perhaps, one of the world's great soccer nations, but they do have recent momentum on their side and a fair shot in Germany.


Teams with an outside chance:

Sweden - Ljungberg and Ibrahimovich want to make this tourney the signal call for their country's budding soccer prowess/reputation.

United States - Wow, what a surprise it would be for the suddenly solid and decently talented Americans to win it all. If anything could perhaps make soccer one of America's sports, it would be a world cup championship. Landon Donovan needs to be awesome if the Americans are to even sniff the Cup.

Mexico - The Tricolores have been pretty good lately, fairing fairly well in Germany in the Confed Cup. Can this perpetual Round of 16/quarterfinal loser (or so they seem) do the unthinkable?

games i'd love to see in this World Cup:

Brazil vs. Netherlands
Wonderful attacking football from both sides means that this game would almost certainly be exciting and fun to watch, with lots of scoring chances for both sides.

Mexico vs. Spain
Colonial war!

Argentina vs. England
Talk about a chance to see great midfield play... wow. These teams have met before in the WC, and if i'm not mistaken one game came down to PKs (the famous Beckham meltdown?) and the other, in the last WC, was a Group of Death match won by an early Sol Campbell header.

Germany vs. Italy
Let's see the 3-time champs get it on.

Portugal vs. Czech Republic
Which team is the next big European power to join the current Club? Let them decide it on the pitch.

France vs. United States
Obvious reasons... we love each other deep down but recently there's been some badmouthing between the countries. It would be a chance for the US to score a monumental soccer victory, to get the country into soccer (this match-up alone could do it)... and a chance for France to show that they're still better than the US in a sport other than rugby and cuisine. hehe

a)...and being beaten (right?) spanked by England 5-1...

Germany - The Germans are not that great, uncharacteristically letting goals in as if their D were a sieve (or is it "seive"? lol). The fact that their progress pretty much rests on the shoulders of Ballack shows their lack of balance and ultimately points to my belief that if they do make it to the quarters or even to the semis, they will play a team which the Germans will need more than just great fan support to overcome... and I don't htink they have enough to beat an England or Italy or Brazil or full-strength Argentina... Netherlands or Czech Republic, even... the above are simply better than Germany right now. Schweinsteiger and Kuranyi need to step up big-time for Germany to win.
a) Look at it in context, will you.
b) The German team is still in development. It's completely new, new young players finally replacing the old guard. The defence needs work, but that's gonna be solved in a year.
And your belief in England is as unfounded as anything. The same way you say Germany rests on Ballack, England rests on the celebrity...that model...what's his name again...

Australia! :D

But I'm torn between Mexico, South Korea, and Poland...

Put me down as another dreamer betting on team USA. :)

Now predict or want?

I would like it to be either USA, the Republic of Ireland, or England


-Poland I wouldn't really mind either, if they did win I also suppose they could use that as solid evidence of a post-death Miracle to make John Paul II a Saint.


Odds are either Germany or Brazil will be in the final...as they are I believe almost every tourney (one of the two)..but I'm not a particular fan of either...so go USA, England, and Eire!

Morocco! :D

Go Portugal!

Fair call FRAGLAND. :)

THough I think Czech republic are underrated. They've yet to lose to anyone in any big competitions so far either than to Netherlands (which they've been thrashing till recently), and Greece (Euro-finals).

Argentina vs. England
Talk about a chance to see great midfield play... wow. These teams have met before in the WC, and if i'm not mistaken one game came down to PKs (the famous Beckham meltdown?) and the other, in the last WC, was a Group of Death match won by an early Sol Campbell header.

Just a FYI really...

2002 - 1-0 to england (group stage). Beckham penalty after Owen was tripped (fell over), campbell has a header ruled out (again).

1998 - 2-2, argentina won on penalties (second round i think). Owen scores a wonder goal, argies score a brilliantly worked free kick, beckham gets sent off and campbell has a header ruled out.

Portugal!!!!!

We have a good, balanced team but that's not even the point.

The main fact is that, on the right day, there's is no one who can stop Cristiano Ronaldo. That kid is really amazing - only 19 years old! I tell you, if we win the World Cup, it will be because of him.

On a more realistic, less biased note - although the Germans are looking up and the Argentines are allways a force to be recognized, I really think Brazil will trash everybody. I mean - a attacking duo of Adriano and Ronaldo (with Robinho on the bench) followed by a attacking miedfield duo of Kaka and Ronaldinho Gaucho (with Juninho Pernambucano on the bench), with the flanking support of Cafu and Roberto Carlos? I mean, c'mon!

I put all my money on San Marino

You obviously don't have much money, then. Or you don't value it highly.

Spain, they will eventually win a World Cup (hell, if it wasn't for the ref in 02 they would have made at least the 1/2finals), so maybe its their year. *hopes*

Being in the US, my heart is obviously with the red, white and blue.

However if it can not be the US, then I would like to see an England - Argentina final. I don't know much about soccer (or football, whatever you wish to call it) but I know Argentina and England have a strong rivalry and both are very talented squads.

If I can't have any of that, I want it to be someone new. Someone that hasn't won it before. Spain, Netherlands, Mexico.....just someone different. I like seeing new teams succeed.

All of that said, I will say England wins it all. We shall see next year though :)

Antartica, I hear the penguins have a rather good kick, but this year they have the best teamwork around.

The Artic would beat the Antarctic easy. Would you tackle a polar bear? More to the point could you score with Santa blocking the entire goal (well he has to work off all those mince pies somehow).

I think it will be germany, even after seeing how poorely they played vs. australia, i mean, australia? Even the country i come from could beat them...
Hey! shut up its not our fault that we suck at soccer.

After Fraglands little overview i thought I'd do my own...

Brazil - After they annihilated Argentina in the Confed Cup 4-1 you know that Brazil might just have organised their attacking prowess properly, with Adriano, Robinho, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Ze Roberto they have a line up to be feared. Their defence can be a little shakey (Roque Junior is not a world class defender and Lucio can either be wonderful or crap), but you have to get passed their midfield first. Robinho and Adriano as well as Ronaldinho...never mind, just watch the damed team...

Italy - They have to get out of two habits before they can win ANYTHING. Firstly, arrogance or genius, you never know which Italien team will turn up. If they can get the latter they might be ok, but they will need to cure 2: The inability to realise that holding a 1-0 lead will not work anymore as their defence is not the quickest around. Granted Cannovaro, Nesta and Buffon are a decent back two + goalie, but both nesta and cannovaro are 30+ and don't have the acceleration to keep up with the likes of Owen, Cisse etc etc Totti and Gilardino will be their players to watch.

Netherlands - The greatest clash over style and substance. They can play amazing attacking football, with brilliant technique, but only when they have time on the ball. Close em down and get a little physical and the effectiveness goes. Their older players (seedorf etc) are slowly becoming less effective, although they could all turn a game. Arjen Robben will be their star to watch.

Germany - With a win over Mexico despite being a man down and only getting knocked out by Brazil in the Confed Cup, Germany have reasons to be optimistic. A loud home crowd will spur them on no doubt and with Ballack almost at the top of his game, and with a few decent youngsters coming through they could have a decent chance or the 1/4 or 1/2 finals. However, their strength in depth might be somehting to be concerned about. Asamoah and the other back up players don't seem to have the quality they will need to win the tournament. Players to watch...Ballack.

Spain - Can you say "underachievers"? A talented squad, skilled as any other, brilliant wingers (Reyes, Vicente, Exteberria etc), decent defenders (Puyol) and strikers (Raul, Torres), but still can't win anything. Like the Dutch, they are more style than physical and this lets them down badly. Also questions are raised about their team ethic. Players to watch - Torres and any of the wingers.

Portugal - With the 'Golden Generation' (Figo, Costa etc) almost gone and the younger generation coming through, its still as time of transition for the countrys team. Players like Maniche and Ronaldo are coming into their own and with a decent team, all it needs it a decent coach to drive them forward. Players to watch - Ronaldo, Deco and Maniche

France - First of all, they might not qualify...if they do get to the finals, i don't expect them to be much of a threat unless they finally learn the need for the team work that won them the title back in '98. Players to watch - Henry (if he can finally get going).

Argentina - The tacticians, although humbled by their more glamourous neighbours in the Confed Cup final, won't beat them down too much. Although not as classy as they probably should be, a superb defence and a capable attack led by Carlos Tevez (with Saviola and Figueroa) should allow them to get to the 1/4 finals. Players to watch - Tevez and Aimar

England - Bristling with midfield talent, and now with actual left footed wingers and defenders, a balanced England team might be able to finally go all the way. With the young talents beginning to shine, Joe Cole, Stewart Downing, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Kieran Richardson (2 goal debut against USA) in particular and others coming to the fore like Lampard the team is slowly coming together. With a spine of Terry, Gerrard and Rooney, the team has a very tough core to it. Possible champions. Second favourites to Brazil. Players to watch - Rooney, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Terry.

Czech Republic - The 'Dark horses' of previous championships, always a threat esp as this team is more than the sum of its parts. With a huge presence in Jan Koller and creativity in Rosicky as well as a tough back line, they are more than a match for anyone on their day, but with Nedved and Paborsky reaching the twilights of their carreers it may be their last chance to savour glory with their country. Players to watch - Baros, Rosicky

Other teams...

Ukraine - In all likelyhood will qualify and finally Scheva will get to play a major finals :D

Japan as well as Iran, Saudi Arabia and South Korea have also qualified...

Iran vs. USA anyone? :D

Brazil is gonna win, of course. Do you have any doubts??

Australia! :D

But I'm torn between Mexico, South Korea, and Poland...

thats some tear...get some medical help urgently

Brazil is gonna win, of course. Do you have any doubts??

Yeah, Roque Junior...for the love of god why? He is rubbish.

Have a look at Englands (Proabal) squad.

1)Robinson-World Class, still young and developing, will be a great.
2) A. Cole-Great on the attack, poorer defensivly, but class once again.
3) Nevelle-England weak spot?
4) Terry-The best defender in the world currently
5) Ferdanand- Class defender, as good as terry.

Not a bad defence, class in the centre with world class back-up, weak on the right side.

6) J.Cole-Finally maturing into the player we hoped he'd be.
7) D.BEckham-Still class and will stay class as his game dosn't rely of speed.
8) Gerrard-Part of a incredable midfeild.
9) lampard-One of the ebstin the world if these too can gel and Gerrard goes to Celsea....

Can't think of a much better midfeild

10) Owen-Proven at this level, still only 25/26 (Not sure)
11) Rooney-The boy wodner.

Great front 2 if they can click.

Thoughts?

Thoughts?
Overestimated, as the English team always is, and always has been. They never managed to get results, despite having great teams.
What makes you think it'll be any different now?

Overestimated, as the English team always is, and always has been. They never managed to get results, despite having great teams.
What makes you think it'll be any different now?
Because it is quality, a english teams won the Europian Cup, You can't say all them are carp, 3 of our midfeilders will play together regually.

Because it is quality, a english teams won the Europian Cup, You can't say all them are carp, 3 of our midfeilders will play together regually.

Gerrard isn't moving.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4654837.stm

Balls.

Balls.

Don't worry, you've got Eugen Bopp...

Actually, maybe this is the place to solve one of the great mysteries of the world:
Why anyone would think the Ball went over the line in Wembley that one fateful day!

Don't worry, you've got Eugen Bopp...
:D Eugen Bopp, Bopp, Bopp!!!!!!

Actually, maybe this is the place to solve one of the great mysteries of the world:
Why anyone would think the Ball went over the line in Wembley that one fateful day!

Take video of game.

Watch it.

Observe ball going over line.

Feel happy.

Besides, the game ended 4-2 so we still had a spare one to carry over :p

Observe ball going over line.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/2002/world_cup_2002/world_cup_history/newsid_1937000/1937638.stm

http://footballlegend.free.fr/FCM1966.html

Naw, I ain't gonna see it going over the line. Because it never did. It was on the line, not behind it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/2002/world_cup_2002/world_cup_history/newsid_1937000/1937638.stm

http://footballlegend.free.fr/FCM1966.html

Naw, I ain't gonna see it going over the line. Because it never did. It was on the line, not behind it.

Agreed, I was only winding you up :p

The majority of the ball was over the line. But not all. So it doesn't count.

However, it was still 4-2 so England still had a spare goal anyhow.

However, it was still 4-2 so England still had a spare goal anyhow.
But who could've said how the game had been if the goal had been discounted?
I say: rematch.

But who could've said how the game had been if the goal had been discounted?
I say: rematch.

After having watched the actual game on video, I would say the 'goal' had been coming for some time, and there were a few great chances left in the game.

Still I would've backed England to win it even without the goal as they were having the better game.

Still germany got their revenge next WC so :p :D

After Fraglands little overview i thought I'd do my own...

Brazil - After they annihilated Argentina in the Confed Cup 4-1 you know that Brazil might just have organised their attacking prowess properly, with Adriano, Robinho, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Ze Roberto they have a line up to be feared. Their defence can be a little shakey (Roque Junior is not a world class defender and Lucio can either be wonderful or crap), but you have to get passed their midfield first. Robinho and Adriano as well as Ronaldinho...never mind, just watch the damed team...

Italy - They have to get out of two habits before they can win ANYTHING. Firstly, arrogance or genius, you never know which Italien team will turn up. If they can get the latter they might be ok, but they will need to cure 2: The inability to realise that holding a 1-0 lead will not work anymore as their defence is not the quickest around. Granted Cannovaro, Nesta and Buffon are a decent back two + goalie, but both nesta and cannovaro are 30+ and don't have the acceleration to keep up with the likes of Owen, Cisse etc etc Totti and Gilardino will be their players to watch.

Netherlands - The greatest clash over style and substance. They can play amazing attacking football, with brilliant technique, but only when they have time on the ball. Close em down and get a little physical and the effectiveness goes. Their older players (seedorf etc) are slowly becoming less effective, although they could all turn a game. Arjen Robben will be their star to watch.

Germany - With a win over Mexico despite being a man down and only getting knocked out by Brazil in the Confed Cup, Germany have reasons to be optimistic. A loud home crowd will spur them on no doubt and with Ballack almost at the top of his game, and with a few decent youngsters coming through they could have a decent chance or the 1/4 or 1/2 finals. However, their strength in depth might be somehting to be concerned about. Asamoah and the other back up players don't seem to have the quality they will need to win the tournament. Players to watch...Ballack.

Spain - Can you say "underachievers"? A talented squad, skilled as any other, brilliant wingers (Reyes, Vicente, Exteberria etc), decent defenders (Puyol) and strikers (Raul, Torres), but still can't win anything. Like the Dutch, they are more style than physical and this lets them down badly. Also questions are raised about their team ethic. Players to watch - Torres and any of the wingers.

Portugal - With the 'Golden Generation' (Figo, Costa etc) almost gone and the younger generation coming through, its still as time of transition for the countrys team. Players like Maniche and Ronaldo are coming into their own and with a decent team, all it needs it a decent coach to drive them forward. Players to watch - Ronaldo, Deco and Maniche

France - First of all, they might not qualify...if they do get to the finals, i don't expect them to be much of a threat unless they finally learn the need for the team work that won them the title back in '98. Players to watch - Henry (if he can finally get going).

Argentina - The tacticians, although humbled by their more glamourous neighbours in the Confed Cup final, won't beat them down too much. Although not as classy as they probably should be, a superb defence and a capable attack led by Carlos Tevez (with Saviola and Figueroa) should allow them to get to the 1/4 finals. Players to watch - Tevez and Aimar

England - Bristling with midfield talent, and now with actual left footed wingers and defenders, a balanced England team might be able to finally go all the way. With the young talents beginning to shine, Joe Cole, Stewart Downing, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Kieran Richardson (2 goal debut against USA) in particular and others coming to the fore like Lampard the team is slowly coming together. With a spine of Terry, Gerrard and Rooney, the team has a very tough core to it. Possible champions. Second favourites to Brazil. Players to watch - Rooney, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Terry.

Czech Republic - The 'Dark horses' of previous championships, always a threat esp as this team is more than the sum of its parts. With a huge presence in Jan Koller and creativity in Rosicky as well as a tough back line, they are more than a match for anyone on their day, but with Nedved and Paborsky reaching the twilights of their carreers it may be their last chance to savour glory with their country. Players to watch - Baros, Rosicky

Other teams...

Ukraine - In all likelyhood will qualify and finally Scheva will get to play a major finals :D

Japan as well as Iran, Saudi Arabia and South Korea have also qualified...

Iran vs. USA anyone? :D

Nesta and I share the same birth date.

I'm 29, so he is too. hehe

As for Germany... someone else was defending them earlier (think it was Leonstein).

Germany will contend. This is their Cup. But like you said, lack of quality depth will detract from their finished product on the field. And I do not think that anyone is ready to step up and take some of the weight off of Ballack. England/Beckham was not a great analogy, imo, because England are a balanced team with world-class players everywhere. Germany seem to be filled with Bayern Munich players, some of whom are back-ups on the Munich squad.

They have a year to get better. If they do, then can win it. They are the home team, after all. I just don't think they have enough time to develop enough support for Ballack. That guy has an off game, and Germany lose. Maybe they should have kept Klose on the team, or at least Bobic, to give Kuranyi some help at striker.

I appreciated your point about England having a left wing. If memory serves, for Euro 04 they put Gerrard at left wing, with Lampard and Scholes playing the middle spots.

Portugal - With the 'Golden Generation' (Figo, Costa etc) almost gone and the younger generation coming through, its still as time of transition for the countrys team. Players like Maniche and Ronaldo are coming into their own and with a decent team, all it needs it a decent coach to drive them forward. Players to watch - Ronaldo, Deco and ManicheTheir transition period was the Euro 2004. And the so-called golden generation is not almost gone. They are gone period. Figo is the only player left. The decent coach you mention is allready coaching them. Former world cup champ. Luis Felipe Scolari.

You obviously don't have much money, then. Or you don't value it highly.

Spain, they will eventually win a World Cup (hell, if it wasn't for the ref in 02 they would have made at least the 1/2finals), so maybe its their year. *hopes*

I'd love to see these semifinals:

Czech Republic vs. Holland

Spain vs. Portugal


and this final:

Spain vs. Holland


The two biggest soccer behemoths never to have won a WC squaring off... man that would be awesome.

*hehehe, now I'll retreat hastily...*


Yes you will

And yeh England will win it just cos its in Germany :p so theyll hopefully be motivated

However most of the time the germans beat us. Or the Argies. in fact we are ALWAYS draw against one of those 2.

Kellarly (or anyone else), I have a question:

England will have Gerrard and Lampard likely starting as the central midfielders.

which of them is the attacking central midfielder?

and which is the defensive central mid?

thanks

In my opinion, England's main problem is that they just haven't had a manager who actually knew what he was doing since Italia 90.
They have the best football league on the planet in my opinion and should have a sucessfull national side but don't due to poor coaching.

Have a look at Englands (Proabal) squad.

1)Robinson
2) A. Cole
3) Neville
4) Terry
5) Ferdinand
6) J.Cole
7) Beckham
8) Gerrard
9) Lampard
10) Owen
11) Rooney

Thoughts?
It's a good team.
Now say we have one defender, two midfielders and a striker injured (is it so unlikely?). For the sake of argument, we'll take out Neville, Joe Cole, Stevie Gerrard, and Owen. Replacements? Downing, or maybe Richardson, for Cole, perhaps, and Wright-Phillips can be put on the right with Beckham moving into the middle. Defoe can replace Owen. And Neville? Do we have another right back? Maybe Glen Johnson, but I doubt he'll get much first team action at Chelsea this coming season. Now take a look at the team:
Robinson; A.Cole, Terry, Ferdinand, Johnson; Downing/Richardson, Lampard, Beckham, Wright-Phillips; Defoe, Rooney.
That won't win the world cup.
Brazil have the strength, and certainly the depth - they slaughtered Argentina without Ronaldo. In a years time, Kaka and Robinho will be two of the top 10 players in the world. And when they've been together as a squad for a while, they start to play well, which is why they don't do so well in the qualifiers. Once they're past the group stages in Germany, it'll take a phenomenal performance to stop them.
Other possibilities:
Germany - in all honesty, I can't see them winning it. They were lucky in Japan/S. Korea, with a fairly easy run to the final, and were abysmal at Euro 2004 (0-0 with Latvia, anyone?). Will also suffer because of a lack of competitive football, as they're not in the qualifiers.
Holland - unless it goes to penalties...Seriously, when they're on form they're fucking awesome. Sadly, that happens once in a blue moon, and they certainly won't be able to keep it up throughout the entire tournament.
Spain - perennial underachievers. Expect it to happen again.
Italy - were perhaps slightly unlucky at the last world cup, but Euro 2004 was awful for them. Marginally better than for Germany though...
Portugal - good team, not sure about the discipline. Again, whether they can keep form through the tournament will be key.
Greece - yes, they won Euro 2004. Don't expect that again. Other countries will know what to expect now, and will be able to play against them. Also, creative genius will unlock them. Brazil, England, Holland are just a few teams who could beat them.
France - I'm not going to write them off, but I will say this - they're nowhere near as good as they were five years ago. Suffer from the same problems as Brazil in qualifiers - it takes a while to build 'team spirit' - but if they make it to the finals, they'll do well. Expect a slow start from them, though.
Argentina - fantastic players, but they don't have what it takes to beat the very best. Semi-finals at best.
Senegal - it would be unfair to say that if they did well it would be an upset, but personally, I'm not expecting them to progress further than they did last time round.
Japan - did well as hosts primarily because of the conditions - European teams simply weren't suited to the heat and humidity. Expect them to struggle to make an impact.
S. Korea - same as Japan, though will probably do slightly better.
Turkey - did well at the last world cup for the same reasons as Germany (see above). Won't be able to replicate it.
USA - Will struggle against the major European and S. American teams, but could cause a few upsets.
Sweden - always good for handicap betting I find. Expect to hear the phrase "We shouldn't be surprised that Sweden are doing so well" at some point in the tournament.
Rep. of Ireland - with a favourable draw they could go far, but, like America, will struggle against the best teams.
Ok, that's 17 teams covered...my predictions are as follows:
Winners: Brazil
Runners-up: Holland (I sorely wanted to put England, but, putting my own bias aside, we won't make the final)
3rd place: England
4th place: Sweden...or Italy.
Quarter-finals. Italy (or Sweden), Spain, Portugal, Argentina.

Kellarly (or anyone else), I have a question:

England will have Gerrard and Lampard likely starting as the central midfielders.

which of them is the attacking central midfielder?

and which is the defensive central mid?

thanks
Gerrard is the defensive, Lampard the attacking.

Holland will have a good chance. We (I'm dutch) have a good squad full of young talented players and a few veterans who guide the younger ones. Plus we have van Basten as trainer who hasn't been defeated yet!

Agreed, I was only winding you up :p

The majority of the ball was over the line. But not all. So it doesn't count.

However, it was still 4-2 so England still had a spare goal anyhow.
Its called home-Field advantage...

England got the calls at home and won the World cup.
Germany got the calls at home and won the World cup.
Argentina got the calls at home and won the World cup.
Uruguay got the calls at home and won the World cup.
France got the calls in England and won the World cup.
etc etc etc...

countries won most of their WorldCups at home...only exception is Brazil.

if the local team has an equal skill...they win every time.

I say Germany will win the next cup...unless they totally suck in 2006...If that happens...I say it shall be an European team...

European teams win in Europe (its secondary form of home field Advantage)...South American teams win in every other continent.

Just another point - Brazil have a team capable of dominating world football for the next 5-10 years, just as they did in the '70s. Not sure if it's actually as good as the team from the '70s, but it's certainly better than anyone else around at the moment.
And another thing - that domination by Brazil in the '70s is precisely the reason Holland have never won the World Cup. Any other period of football history, and Holland would have won at least 2 world cups in the 1970s.

In a years time, Kaka and Robinho will be two of the top 10 players in the world. You mean Kaka isn't allready?
countries won most of their WorldCups at home...only exception is Brazil.Wrong... Italy did it in 1938(france), Uruguay in 1950(brazil), Germany in 1954(switzerland) and 1990(italy), Argentina did it in 1986(mexico).

And another thing - that domination by Brazil in the '70s is precisely the reason Holland have never won the World Cup. Any other period of football history, and Holland would have won at least 2 world cups in the 1970s.Holland lost two finals in the 70's. Versus Germany and Argentina. Brazil Hardly dominated anything in the 70's except for the world cup victory in 1970.

France got the calls in England and won the World cup.

I remember France winning the World Cup in France, not England...

And another thing - that domination by Brazil in the '70s is precisely the reason Holland have never won the World Cup. Any other period of football history, and Holland would have won at least 2 world cups in the 1970s.Holland had the best team in the world from 1972 to 1980.

Brazil had nothing to do with it...the Zebras gave the "home field advantage" to deny the OrangeMech team...


Just like Germany was "zebra-unlucky" in England...

I say we need some form of instant replay.

Instant replay would be usefull in some situations but I hardly believe it to be the solution to footballs problems. For me there is a desperate need to increase the number of oficials on the playing field. Football is the sport that has the greatest misproportion of playing field size and number of referees on it. Even tennis has more people watching over.

I would place 9 referees on the pitch. 9... no more no less.

You mean Kaka isn't allready?
Not yet:
Henry, Ronaldinho, Schevchenko, Nesta, Lampard, Buffon, Nedved, Eto'o, Adriano...ok, maybe he makes it in at #10. But he's scraped it.

...Germany in 1954(switzerland) and 1990(italy), Argentina did it in 1986(mexico).

in 1954 Germany Playing in switzeland is just like playing in Germany...Full homefield advantage.

excluding Brazil (and Germany if you count out 1954 swiss-german advantage)...teams won either 100% or half their WC at home...Id say its an exagerated "home field advantage"...

Imagine if it was like that in the NFL...wait it cant be like that...cos the team that host the SuperBowl does not get a free pass to the playoffs.

Jose Mourinho considers Kaka to be the most valuable player on the planet as of this writing. I agree.

Gerrard is the defensive, Lampard the attacking.

thanks!

here's who i cheer for in Europe (and why):

1. Italy - I had a great time in Italy five years ago with family friends. Thre's a beautiful signorina (hope i didn't butcher that) over there who still occupies my mind from time to time. I was there when Euro 2000 was going on, and when Italy beat Holland on PKs, with 10 men for much of the game, their town (Modena) erupted in celebration. We went and drove around the central plaza, waving a Forza Azzurri Italian flag... i sat on the front passenger's window sill, hanging out the window, surely the only American there shouting "Forza Azzurri" at the top of his lungs. It was like they'd won the Super Bowl, and that was only the semifinals of euro 2000 (semis or quarters). thankfully, my sister didn't take pictures. lol

2. England - I love England. If I weren't an American, I'd want to be an Englishman. There's the whole "Three Lions" mystique that's something like 800 years old (the shield is, anyway). At least half my lineage is English.

3. Holland - I've fallen in love with the Dutch style of soccer. I also like the refreshing orange uniforms (or white, when they're the "visiting" team).

4. Spain - We had an exchange student from Spain several years ago... he was cool. Also, I speak somewhat passable Spanish.

Jose Mourinho considers Kaka to be the most valuable player on the planet as of this writing. I agree.
Really? Oh, well. I must say I was disappointed with him in the Confederations Cup.
And how much would Mourinho pay for Kaka, if he'd pay £32m for Gerrard?
Personally, I'd say Mourinho already has the most valuable player in the world, in John Terry. Sadly, defenders rarely do well in the World Player of the Year.

in 1954 Germany Playing in switzeland is just like playing in Germany...Full homefield advantage.

Not quite true. There was still enough enmity for Germans that the Swiss TV channels muted their broadcasts after the game when the Germans sang the old lyrics of the National Anthem. Hungary was by far the favorite of the match. It was more of a team spirit than a home-field advantage that won the game for the Germans.

Not yet:
Henry, Ronaldinho, Schevchenko, Nesta, Lampard, Buffon, Nedved, Eto'o, Adriano...ok, maybe he makes it in at #10. But he's scraped it.Kaka is riding high on his miracle goal against Argentina.

his merchandising value is close to Beckmans...he is a young pretty face...a white Brazilean...

and he is way more talented than Beckman...

is Kaka the best? i dont think so.

rigth now there is several players that have equal or better talent value...but they do not have Kaka's image value.

Really? Oh, well. I must say I was disappointed with him in the Confederations Cup.
And how much would Mourinho pay for Kaka, if he'd pay £32m for Gerrard?
Personally, I'd say Mourinho already has the most valuable player in the world, in John Terry. Sadly, defenders rarely do well in the World Player of the Year.
Agree. Having impermeable defenders wins games. Liverpool with Carragher and Hypiaa.

Terry is superb, but I think Ricardo Carvalho is just as good. They are the two best centre-backs on the planet right now... but players under Mourinho have a way of exceeding themselves. :D

... I'd say Mourinho already has the most valuable player in the world, in John Terry.errr...
John Who?
you could have said John Smith and it would have made no difference...

My football knowledge is not as deep as yours.

Kaka is riding high on his miracle goal against Argentina.

his merchandising value is close to Beckmans...he is a young pretty face...a white Brazilean...

and he is way more talented than Beckman...

is Kaka the best? i dont think so.

rigth now there is several players that have equal or better talent value...but they do not have Kaka's image value.

I believe I said in another thread, about two months ago that Kaka was better than Ronaldinho, and I still hold to that. It is not reasonable to compare him to players in different positions. He is an attacking midfielder, not a striker, so comparison with the likes of Henry and Eto'o are pointless.

Is he the best player in the world? That is always going to be subjective, but I believe him to be in the top two or three in his position in the world.

Being a white Brazilian does not count for much in image terms, but as you say he is a pretty faced footballer and clever enough to take advantage of it.

W - Thierry Henry (a natural wing with great pace, so I'll put him here)

Please tell me you're kidding? He was shite on the wing, which is why Juventus let him go to Arsenal. He's now the best striker in the world.
And try putting Cafu at right-back in your team.

*snip...clever enough to take advantage of it.

BTW congrats on that astonishing game against Argentina.
it was remarkable...

i had to see it to believe it.

PENTA !!! :D :D :D

for what it's worth, here's my all world team. bear in mind that my knowledge of players is limited:

GK - Buffon
D - Ashley Cole
D - Fabio Cannavaro
D - Rio Ferdinand
D - Juan Pablo Sorin (?)
W - Cristiano Ronaldo
CM - Ricardo Kaka
ACM - Francesco Totti
W - Thierry Henry (a natural wing with great pace, so I'll put him here)
F - Adriano
F - Shevchenko

Others considered: ACM - Michael Ballack, Zinedine Zidane; Wing - Beckham, Nedved; CM - Gerrard; Forward - too many to count.

hehe
since we've gone down this path of comparing world teams...
Here goes mine..

I'd play in a 3-4-3 strategy.

GK. Petr Cech

D Ricardo Carvalho
D Carragher
D John Terry

DM Makelele

M Káká
M Deco
M Lampard

FW Henry
FW Adriano
FW Ronaldinho

Honourable mention to Shevchenko and Emerson.

Please tell me you're kidding? He was shite on the wing, which is why Juventus let him go to Arsenal. He's now the best striker in the world.
And try putting Cafu at right-back in your team.

cool

Cafu is awesome still

What happened to Rivaldo? That guy was incredible and just seemed to disappear? Is the turnover of talent so quick in Brazil?

Please tell me you're kidding? He was shite on the wing, which is why Juventus let him go to Arsenal. He's now the best striker in the world.
And try putting Cafu at right-back in your team.

cool

Cafu is awesome still

What happened to Rivaldo? That guy was incredible and just seemed to disappear. Is the turnover of talent so quick in Brazil?

Please tell me you're kidding? He was shite on the wing, which is why Juventus let him go to Arsenal. He's now the best striker in the world.
And try putting Cafu at right-back in your team.

Re Henry I agree, but Cafu!. He is too old and too slow now. Right back is a difficult place to fill, but I would play Puyol there.

cool

Cafu is awesome still

What happened to Rivaldo? That guy was incredible and just seemed to disappear. Is the turnover of talent so quick in Brazil?

Rivaldo's career hit the fan (his talent went with it) and cafu is just too old now, he can't play all the games at the world cups anymore...

Kellarly (or anyone else), I have a question:

England will have Gerrard and Lampard likely starting as the central midfielders.

which of them is the attacking central midfielder?

and which is the defensive central mid?

thanks

Neither, both do the same job almost. Gerrard is prob a little more defensive but not much, as they are both box to box players, so they could take it in turns.

cool

Cafu is awesome still

What happened to Rivaldo? That guy was incredible and just seemed to disappear. Is the turnover of talent so quick in Brazil?

Last I heard he was playing in Greece (Olympiakos I think) I believe that he suffered that curse of all sportsmen: - ageing. There was something here about him looking to return to Brazil, but no club wanted him as he would be too expensive (salary, not transfer).

It is not so quick. Rivaldo is in his mid thirties now, it would be like asking what happened to Shearer. Cafu is awesome only on reputation. He is wise and experienced, but his legs just don't provide the needed speed any more.

If Brazil do not insist on being conservative and playing Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, then they do have a chance of winning the WC. However this is unlikely to happen. The attacking midfield/striker quartet of Adriano, Robinho, Kaka and Ronaldinho clicked very well in the confederations cup, but drop one of these for Ronaldo and the whole thing changes.

Re Henry I agree, but Cafu!. He is too old and too slow now. Right back is a difficult place to fill, but I would play Puyol there.

okay

thanks for the tips

Ashley Cole
Cannavaro
Ferdinand (or John Terry)
Carles Puyol

WHO is the top CM? I'd like to use someone not from England, since the squad is full of Englanders (must put beckham at a wing). Could we put Zidane at CM? could Totti play CM? Or how about Juan Riquelme or Ballack? Or, no... go 4-3-3:

Wing - C. Ronaldo/Nedved
ACM - Ronaldinho
Wing - Beckham

F - Thierry Henry
F - Adriano
F - Shevchenko

wow

Last I heard he was playing in Greece (Olympiakos I think) I believe that he suffered that curse of all sportsmen: - ageing. There was something here about him looking to return to Brazil, but no club wanted him as he would be too expensive (salary, not transfer).

It is not so quick. Rivaldo is in his mid thirties now, it would be like asking what happened to Shearer. Cafu is awesome only on reputation. He is wise and experienced, but his legs just don't provide the needed speed any more.

If Brazil do not insist on being conservative and playing Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, then they do have a chance of winning the WC. However this is unlikely to happen. The attacking midfield/striker quartet of Adriano, Robinho, Kaka and Ronaldinho clicked very well in the confederations cup, but drop one of these for Ronaldo and the whole thing changes.

Fox Sports World's Bobby McMahon totally ripped on Brazil defender Roque Jr... said he couldn't figure out why that guy was on the team.

Their transition period was the Euro 2004. And the so-called golden generation is not almost gone. They are gone period. Figo is the only player left. The decent coach you mention is allready coaching them. Former world cup champ. Luis Felipe Scolari.

Scolari is good, and getting them to the final was no mean feat, even at home, but as real contenders for the title, I would say they would make 1/4 finals at best.

Fox Sports World's Bobby McMahon totally ripped on Brazil defender Roque Jr... said he couldn't figure out why that guy was on the team.

Yeah, he's not a brilliant defender, couldn't cut it at AC Milan or Leeds, but he fits into brazil ok, because he can pass the ball and is pretty big, providing some much needed muscle.

WHO is the top CM? I'd like to use someone not from England, since the squad is full of Englanders (must put beckham at a wing). Could we put Zidane at CM? could Totti play CM? Or how about Juan Riquelme or Ballack? Or, no... go 4-3-3:

Not Riquelme, he is good, but often doesn't pass when he should, or he attempts the impossible when a simple ball is needed, granted though he is a very good player.

Ballack is an excellent player though, decent leader, can play pretty much anywhere in the midfield or even a 2nd striker, so I'd go with him if necessary...

My dream team...

GK:Cech

DR:Puyol
DL:Maldini (old I know, but he is still at the top of his game)
DC:Terry
DC:Nesta

MC:Ronaldinho
MC:Gerrard
ML:Robben
MR:Exteberria

FC:Shevchenko
FC:Gilardino

But thats just me...

Scolari is good, and getting them to the final was no mean feat, even at home, but as real contenders for the title, I would say they would make 1/4 finals at best.Portugal in my opinion has a better team than England and are one decent striker away from succeeding.

who are the top central midfielders for Spain, Portugal, Holland?

(i know who England, Brazil, Arg, Italy etc. have in midfield)

thanks

who are the top central midfielders for Spain, Portugal, Holland?

(i know who England, Brazil, Arg, Italy etc. have in midfield)

thanks
Portugal has Deco, Maniche, Petit, and Costinha. It's usually a triangle with Maniche and Costinha defending with Deco more offensive. It's the triangle that won everything they competed for with a Mourinho coached FC Porto for two straight years.

Fox Sports World's Bobby McMahon totally ripped on Brazil defender Roque Jr... said he couldn't figure out why that guy was on the team.

Because he is the best option we have available. No one in Brazil wants to be a defender. Every team has a weakness, and that is Brazil's. Our only real defence is our attack.

England will clearly crush everyone else, even though Rio Ferdinand is suspended. He didn't do too much anyway.

Somehow Beckham is still on their roster, and if that's right it will be an important factor. While he is good, he's not as good as the hype.

Obviously, Wayne Rooney is the best fwd. out there. *personal favorite* *sorry*

The only way England will be beaten is if Pele comes back and crushes them single handedly.

Portugal has Deco, Maniche, Petit, and Costinha. It's usually a triangle with Maniche and Costinha defending with Deco more offensive. It's the triangle that won everything they competed for with a Mourinho coached FC Porto for two straight years.

thanks!

one year ago, UEFA (in the player biographies) described Rui Costa as one of the best midfielders in the world. what happened to him?:

Woot! Go Iran!

thanks!

one year ago, UEFA (in the player biographies) described Rui Costa as one of the best midfielders in the world. what happened to him?:
Bench time on AC Milan. He's retired from international football anyway.
England will clearly crush everyone else, even though Rio Ferdinand is suspended. He didn't do too much anyway. For the record... I think Rio Ferdinand is one of the most overrated players in the world. Along with Totti and a few other guys that I can't recall.

Woot! Go Iran!
?

?
Go.. Iran? They qualified..

World XI?
Let's see...
Buffon - clearly the best keeper in the world.

A. Cole - yes, I'm an Arsenal fan, but there's a reason he was in the team of the tournament at the world cup in 2002, and Euro 2004. People keep talking about how he's not great defensively - they haven't watched him properly.
Terry - best centre back in the world. He'd be captain, as well.
Nesta - second best centre back in the world.
Cafu - I just like him, ok? Anyway, with the team I'm putting together, he doesn't need to be bombing up and down the wing all the time :p

Nedved - would have won the 2003 Champions League final for Juventus if he'd not been suspended (or injured?). Is a genius.
Vieira - no, not just because I'm an Arsenal fan! He has PRESENCE. The alternative is either Keane or Gerrard, but Keane's a bit old, and Gerrard doesn't have the same authority on the field.
Lampard - will be the next Englishman to win World Player of the Year.
Kaka - one of the ten best players in the world, as I said earlier.
Ronaldinho - second best player in the world. Remember that goal he scored against Chelsea in the CL?

Henry - best player in the world. But see what I said about Cole and Vieira. There are very few, if any, other players who you expect to do something amazing every time they get the ball.

Bench:
Dida (GK)
Puyol (RB)
Lucio (CB)
Gerrard (CM)...though I'm tempted by Juan Carlos Valeron.
Zidane (CM) (ancient, maybe; genius, certainly)
Robben (LM)
Eto'o or Adriano (F)

World XI?
Let's see...
Buffon - clearly the best keeper in the world.

A. Cole - yes, I'm an Arsenal fan, but there's a reason he was in the team of the tournament at the world cup in 2002, and Euro 2004. People keep talking about how he's not great defensively - they haven't watched him properly.
Terry - best centre back in the world. He'd be captain, as well.
Nesta - second best centre back in the world.
Cafu - I just like him, ok? Anyway, with the team I'm putting together, he doesn't need to be bombing up and down the wing all the time :p

Nedved - would have won the 2003 Champions League final for Juventus if he'd not been suspended (or injured?). Is a genius.
Vieira - no, not just because I'm an Arsenal fan! He has PRESENCE. The alternative is either Keane or Gerrard, but Keane's a bit old, and Gerrard doesn't have the same authority on the field.
Lampard - will be the next Englishman to win World Player of the Year.
Kaka - one of the ten best players in the world, as I said earlier.
Ronaldinho - second best player in the world. Remember that goal he scored against Chelsea in the CL?

Henry - best player in the world. But see what I said about Cole and Vieira. There are very few, if any, other players who you expect to do something amazing every time they get the ball.

Bench:
Dida (GK)
Puyol (RB)
Lucio (CB)
Gerrard (CM)...though I'm tempted by Juan Carlos Valeron.
Zidane (CM) (ancient, maybe; genius, certainly)
Robben (LM)
Eto'o or Adriano (F)

that list is strong, imo (i completely forgot about arjen robben, who is a wonderful ballhandler, playmaker and shooter)

and Henry would be on my team.

but hasn't he had a habit of sort of disappearing in games for with France? Doesn't Zidane sort of take over that team?

and Henry would be on my team.

but hasn't he had a habit of sort of disappearing in games for with France? Doesn't Zidane sort of take over that team?
Yeah, but I'm English, so what do I care? It'll be interesting to see what happens to France in the next few years. They don't seem to have anyone coming through with not just the same skill, but also the ability to turn games by themselves.

The only way England will be beaten is if Pele comes back and crushes them single handedly.

or if penalties are involved

Yeah, but I'm English, so what do I care? It'll be interesting to see what happens to France in the next few years. They don't seem to have anyone coming through with not just the same skill, but also the ability to turn games by themselves.

Laurent Robert might finally get a spot on the French squad. lol

seriously, though, what's this with Pires not being named to that side? He might not be a 90-minute player anymore, but if you want a great substitute midfielder with wonderful passing touch and a decent shot... not to mention loads of experience at that level... wouldn't Pires be worth keeping on the bench as a trusty sub?

or if penalties are involved

...and goals are disallowed by questionable calls by refs... like the guy's header against (i think it was...) Portugal last summer.

West Indies will win in 2007.
we're talking cricket right???

If football is the subject then my bet is on England!*

*i'm delusional

seriously, though, what's this with Pires not being named to that side? He might not be a 90-minute player anymore, but if you want a great substitute midfielder with wonderful passing touch and a decent shot... not to mention loads of experience at that level... wouldn't Pires be worth keeping on the bench as a trusty sub?
He had an argument with the French coach, and hasn't played since.
And, yes, Campbell's disallowed header was against Portugal...not the first time he's had a potentially decisive goal disallowed - he had one against Argentina in 1998 ruled out in the last 10 mins.

...and goals are disallowed by questionable calls by refs... like the guy's header against (i think it was...) Portugal last summer.
That was a correct call by the ref. In the goal area the Keeper can't be touched.

That was a correct call by the ref. In the goal area the Keeper can't be touched.

Yes they can, as long as its a fair challenge.

If you attempt to actually head the ball its fine, as Campbell did. The problem is goal keepers are given a LOT of protection, maybe too much.

But the culture of football varies, IMHO that would probably have stood in England/Scotland etc, but not in Portugal.

Portugal in my opinion has a better team than England and are one decent striker away from succeeding.

Hmmm, I would say they were close, but for strength in depth I would still say England are stronger.

Portugals strikers are their weak point, but the rest of the team doesn't appear to be as good, although as you rightly pointed out they have played together a lot, so that helps.

Deco is good as is maniche, but Petit, and Costinha aren't comparable to Gerard, Lampard, Beckham, Cole etc IMHO.

Poland. :D

...just kidding, stop hitting me....

Poland. :D

...just kidding, stop hitting me....

Poland have a decent team, not world class, but they can give most teams a good game.

Poland have a decent team, not world class, but they can give most teams a good game.

Yah, unfortunatly, they have problems with winning. I was living in Poland during the last World Cup. Man, I spent all that time in a bar with my friends watching the games on a big screen TV. We were all really excited about Poland being in the WC, and supported our team to the end, but the result was kind of disapointing. I think we all assumed that Poland would at least come out of groups....sigh, oh well.

Yah, unfortunatly, they have problems with winning. I was living in Poland during the last World Cup. Man, I spent all that time in a bar with my friends watching the games on a big screen TV. We were all really excited about Poland being in the WC, and supported our team to the end, but the result was kind of disapointing. I think we all assumed that Poland would at least come out of groups....sigh, oh well.

You from the US? Caus that would mean at least they got one win ;) 3:1 to poland iirc.

You from the US? Caus that would mean at least they got one win ;) 3:1 to poland iirc.

No, Canada. :D

No, Canada. :D

Now that result must have been very satisfying then :D

Now that result must have been very satisfying then :D

lolz, yup. ;)

If Chilavert is back Paraguay will win.

If Chilavert is back Paraguay will win.

How? by filling the net with his overweightness? ;) :D

Since the World Cup Championship began, only 7 teams have been able to lift the trophy:

Brazil (won 5 times)

Italy (won 3 times)

Germany (won 3 times)

Uruguay (won 2 times)

Argentina (won 2 times)

England (won once)

France (won once)

So who will win the next one?


I'm hoping Nigeria.

I'm hoping Nigeria.
Yes the 'Eagles' have been inspirational the last two Cups.

How? by filling the net with his overweightness? ;) :D
:mad: :p

Yes its true he was looking slightly pudgy in 2002 but if its the lean mean Nutjob Chilivert aiming to be the first keeper to score in the World Cup then Aye!

Yes they can, as long as its a fair challenge.

If you attempt to actually head the ball its fine, as Campbell did. The problem is goal keepers are given a LOT of protection, maybe too much.

But the culture of football varies, IMHO that would probably have stood in England/Scotland etc, but not in Portugal.You can't header the ball when it's in the hands of the Keeper. A foul is a foul

Hmmm, I would say they were close, but for strength in depth I would still say England are stronger.

Portugals strikers are their weak point, but the rest of the team doesn't appear to be as goodIf you consult the last few times that England has played Portugal... you'll find that the numbers and stats don't lie. Portugal's side is stronger.
Deco is good as is maniche, but Petit, and Costinha aren't comparable to Gerard, Lampard, Beckham, Cole etc IMHO.Petit and Costinha play essentially diferent positions and diferent roles than the players you've mentioned. That comparison isn't very fair.

You can't header the ball when it's in the hands of the Keeper. A foul is a foul
Thsi is indeed true. However, when Campbell challenged for the ball, the keeper was not holding it, nor did he catch it, seeing as how it subsequently went over the line. However, at the end of the day, the referee's decision is final.

To be honest I can't remember the play but I know at the time I was conformed with the refs decision.

You can't header the ball when it's in the hands of the Keeper. A foul is a foul

It wasn't even in his hands. But I won't argue anymore its pointless.

If you consult the last few times that England has played Portugal... you'll find that the numbers and stats don't lie. Portugal's side is stronger.

Your right there of course, being a stronger side on paper is nothing when it comes down to it. But if they played tmrw, I would back England to win.


Petit and Costinha play essentially diferent positions and diferent roles than the players you've mentioned. That comparison isn't very fair.

Maybe not, but you hauled the whole of the portugese midfield in too when you made your point. In anycase, if either side would have to choose a holding midfielder, I would take Costinha, his reading of the game is immense.

Maybe not, but you hauled the whole of the portugese midfield in too when you made your point.No I didn't. I just mentioned the central midfielders. Offensive and defensive. I didn't mention any wingers.

No I didn't. I just mentioned the central midfielders. Offensive and defensive. I didn't mention any wingers.

Gerrard, lampard and beckham all play in the middle and cole can too, so the comparisons are valid.

Gerrard, lampard and beckham all play in the middle and cole can too, so the comparisons are valid.

Who's England's top left winger? Would Joe Cole play left wing?

D. James

A. Cole
Ferdinand/Campbell
Terry
G. Neville

Joe Cole?
Gerrard
Lampard
Beckham

Rooney
Owen


Reserves:
D - Carragher, Ledley King, Wayne Bridge
M - Kieran Richardson, who else?
F - Jermaine Dafoe (sp), A. Smith, Andy Johnson

who are the midfield reserves? Are Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Kieron Dyer ever called up anymore?

Team Italy

(what I think they should do with what they have)


Buffon

Oddo (I think)
Nesta
Cannavaro
? (no clue. could they put Camoranesi here?)

L Wing - Del Piero
CM - Pirlo
ACM - Totti
R Wing - Gattuso

F - Inzaghi
F - Cassano

that's probably the most offense-oriented team they could put on the field, with 4 highly capable scorers (Del P, Totti, Inzaghi and Cassano) and a great set-piece taker and table-setter (Pirlo).

Gattuso... sometimes I think he's on the field just to piss off the other team. hehe

if they COULD put Camoranesi at right back, he'd be great for adding just a bit to the italian attack.

D. James

A. Cole
Ferdinand/Campbell
Terry
G. Neville

Joe Cole?
Gerrard
Lampard
Beckham

Rooney
Owen


Reserves:
D - Carragher, Ledley King, Wayne Bridge
M - Kieran Richardson, who else?
F - Jermaine Dafoe (sp), A. Smith, Andy Johnson
Carragher's a fine player but isn't he Irish?

Carragher's a fine player but isn't he Irish?
He's English.

I've been highly impressed with what I've seen of Carragher's defensive play... that guy has been a bulwark ne'er failing for Liverpool.

I don't understand why Portugal is not in the list...
Portugal is a possible winner...
And I think that England, Germany and Uruguai have no chances... :mp5:

D. James

JAMES in net!!! Are you mad mate? Where Paul Robison?

of course Portugal will win...we´ve got the best team and a former world champion as a coach
(just have to make sure that the charter plane carrying the greek team never makes it to germany due to inexplainable mechanical failure)

Brazil WILL WIN

of course Portugal will win...we´ve got the best team and a former world champion as a coach
(just have to make sure that the charter plane carrying the greek team never makes it to germany due to inexplainable mechanical failure)
Greece won't make it all. They won't even qualify. They stink. Portugal won the Euro 2004 and I don't care what history tells me.

Greece won't make it all. They won't even qualify. They stink. Portugal won the Euro 2004 and I don't care what history tells me.
Weel. i guess denial isn´t just a river in Egypt after all...
Are you really canadian? If so, it is somewhat akward you being such a fan of my national team...

Lance Armstrong

Weel. i guess denial isn´t just a river in Egypt after all...
Are you really canadian? If so, it is somewhat akward you being such a fan of my national team...I am really Canadian. But I am also Portuguese. :D

I am really Canadian. But I am also Portuguese. :D
Whoowww, deadly mixture...we lost fair and square,though

I voted England but I wouldn't take my eye of those pesky Iraqi's

I voted England but I wouldn't take my eye of those pesky Iraqi's
The Iraqui national team would never make into play...the sunni players would go into hidding after kidnapping the referee (so they could latter behead him on the internet), the shiite players would form a rabid militia and attack the infidels watching on the stands and the kurds would simply squat on the goal box and proclaim a independent kurdish state.

I don't understand why Portugal is not in the list...
Portugal is a possible winner...
And I think that England, Germany and Uruguai have no chances... :mp5:
The list is of past world cup winners...so Portugal aren't on it. Uruguay and Germany, you're probably right...but don't write off England - we'd have won the last world cup had we beaten Brazil, then Seaman fucked up. Again. And could have won the European Championship if Urs Meier had let Campbell's header stand against Portugal. Whether Sven would have realised quite how well Greece could play is another matter, however.

The list is of past world cup winners...so Portugal aren't on it. Uruguay and Germany, you're probably right...but don't write off England - we'd have won the last world cup had we beaten Brazil, then Seaman fucked up. Again. And could have won the European Championship if Urs Meier had let Campbell's header stand against Portugal. Whether Sven would have realised quite how well Greece could play is another matter, however.

Oh that story again....
:headbang:

Poland will win the next world cup! Or Italy

The Iraqui national team would never make into play...the sunni players would go into hidding after kidnapping the referee (so they could latter behead him on the internet), the shiite players would form a rabid militia and attack the infidels watching on the stands and the kurds would simply squat on the goal box and proclaim a independent kurdish state.

That's why they took fourth place in the last Olympics.

Maybe you should think before posting something stupid like that.


Actually, Iraq won't win, because I don't think they qualified.

Brazil are tha bomb at football, so I vote Brazil.

Poland will win the next world cup! Or Italy

It's going to come down to the Big Soccer Countries again, like it does every year.

Germany are the home team and while they're not that great by German standards, they seem to be getting better recently (though they still haven't beaten a world power in over 5 years...).

Italy are much better than their FIFA ranking, which is a joke. They have experience on defense (generally play great defense, what they're known for), solid mid-field play with Pirlo a rising star, and both youth and experience at striker (as well as depth with Inzaghi, Totti, Del Piero, Vieri and Gilardino all A-list choices... though Del Piero should play wing opposite Gattuso and Totti should play attacking center mid, imo).

England are one of the favorites, despite being recently raped, at home, by Denmark. They have the most midfield depth/talent in the world probably... good depth on defense. The achilles heel might be in net. Rooney and Owen are good at striker, with DeFoe and Smith and Vassell (right?) backing them up.

Spain are Spain: tons of talent, but will they show it on the field when the Big Moment comes?

Holland: See Spain.

Portugal: I like this team. They're solid everywhere, but like England, may have an Achilles heel in net.

Czech Republic: They're like Rodney Dangerfield -- very good, but can get no respect. They might well be the top team in Europe right now (with all due respect to England and Holland) and will be a very tough out at the WC. This could easily be a semi-final team.

Sweden: Like the Czechs, Sweden get little respect. Yet if you look at their roster, they deserve plenty -- Ljungberg, Ibrahimovic, et al. can play with any team in Europe.

France: France are loaded, as usual, with talent. But unless they get their act together in group qualifying, they're headed for disappointment in Germany. When they play well, they are a world-top-five team, no question.

Argentina: The Tines have wonderful midfield options, like England and (most notably) Portugal, and Crespo to put the ball in net. They also play with the Argentinian energy. They are a threat to at least get to the semis... perhaps to play England!!

Brazil: The best team in the world. I wonder, though, if you catch them on a day when they can't hit the net... because they're not exactly known for defense, they can be beat. Also, the tournament is in Europe.

So those are 11 teams who, imo, have a shot of winning the World Cup in Germany.

ranked:

1. Brazil
2. England
3. Holland
4. Argentina
5. Czech Republic
6. Italy
7. Germany (home factor)
8. Portugal
9. France
10. Spain
11.Sweden
12. Mexico
13. United States

call them the lucky 13

also, watch out for Cameroon, if they can get into the tournament... they're a sleeper to reach the field of 16.

I hope its Germany... I havent been following it so much, so i dont know which one is doing well.....

It's going to come down to the Big Soccer Countries again, like it does every year.

Germany are the home team and while they're not that great by German standards, they seem to be getting better recently (though they still haven't beaten a world power in over 5 years...).

Italy are much better than their FIFA ranking, which is a joke. They have experience on defense (generally play great defense, what they're known for), solid mid-field play with Pirlo a rising star, and both youth and experience at striker (as well as depth with Inzaghi, Totti, Del Piero, Vieri and Gilardino all A-list choices... though Del Piero should play wing opposite Gattuso and Totti should play attacking center mid, imo).

England are one of the favorites, despite being recently raped, at home, by Denmark. They have the most midfield depth/talent in the world probably... good depth on defense. The achilles heel might be in net. Rooney and Owen are good at striker, with DeFoe and Smith and Vassell (right?) backing them up.

Spain are Spain: tons of talent, but will they show it on the field when the Big Moment comes?

Holland: See Spain.

Portugal: I like this team. They're solid everywhere, but like England, may have an Achilles heel in net.

Czech Republic: They're like Rodney Dangerfield -- very good, but can get no respect. They might well be the top team in Europe right now (with all due respect to England and Holland) and will be a very tough out at the WC. This could easily be a semi-final team.

Sweden: Like the Czechs, Sweden get little respect. Yet if you look at their roster, they deserve plenty -- Ljungberg, Ibrahimovic, et al. can play with any team in Europe.

France: France are loaded, as usual, with talent. But unless they get their act together in group qualifying, they're headed for disappointment in Germany. When they play well, they are a world-top-five team, no question.

Argentina: The Tines have wonderful midfield options, like England and (most notably) Portugal, and Crespo to put the ball in net. They also play with the Argentinian energy. They are a threat to at least get to the semis... perhaps to play England!!

Brazil: The best team in the world. I wonder, though, if you catch them on a day when they can't hit the net... because they're not exactly known for defense, they can be beat. Also, the tournament is in Europe.

So those are 11 teams who, imo, have a shot of winning the World Cup in Germany.

ranked:

1. Brazil
2. England
3. Holland
4. Argentina
5. Czech Republic
6. Italy
7. Germany (home factor)
8. Portugal
9. France
10. Spain
11.Sweden
12. Mexico
13. United States

call them the lucky 13

also, watch out for Cameroon, if they can get into the tournament... they're a sleeper to reach the field of 16.
Agreed, though i think Englands main keeper, Paul Robinson isn't bad, his backups poor though.

1. Brazil
2. Portugal
3. Argentina
4. Czech Republic
5. France
6. Italy
7. Holland

1. Brazil
2. Portugal
3. Argentina
4. Czech Republic
5. France
6. Italy
7. Holland
Brazil-Agreed
portugal-Disagree, they arn't good enough, not enough experience, they have a chance, but there only as good as England
Czech Republic-Done nothing for years
France-They might not qualify yet
Italy-Weaker than previous italien teams, but still dangerious, agreed
Holland-Talent but I think they may be a bit old now, never preform at big championship games.

portugal-Disagree, they arn't good enough, not enough experience, they have a chance, but there only as good as EnglandPortugal has constantly outplayed England in their last matches. They have plenty of experience from two succesful european campaigns, defeating teams like (Germany, England (twice), Holland, Spain and Romania) and plus a world cup. On top of that Portugal's team is based around the heart of the former FC Porto squad that won EVERYTHING during two years. UEFA cup, champions league you name it. I think people are seriously underestimating Portugal's squad.

Portugal has constantly outplayed England in their last matches. They have plenty of experience from two succesful european campaigns, defeating teams like (Germany, England (twice), Holland, Spain and Romania) and plus a world cup. On top of that Portugal's team is based around the heart of the former FC Porto squad that won EVERYTHING during two years. UEFA cup, champions league you name it. I think people are seriously underestimating Portugal's squad.

Problem is the bit in bold - the Porto team has been seriously split up now, with Deco at Barca and others at Chelsea (where not all of them are regularly playing). Playing as a team at Porto they were able to transfer this to their national team, but now they're not playing together I'm not sure they'll be so successful. Having said that, Portugal are doing very well in qualifying.
Other European teams doing well in qualifying (as I speak - I may want to change this next week) include: Holland (dropped 2 points from 8 games), Czech Rep (dropped 3 from 8), Ukraine (4 from 9), Poland (3 from 7), England (2 from 6), Croatia (2 from 6) and Sweden (3 from 6). Notable absentees from the list are France, Italy and Spain.

Ireland, just cos they will :p

Problem is the bit in bold - the Porto team has been seriously split up now, with Deco at Barca and others at Chelsea (where not all of them are regularly playing). Playing as a team at Porto they were able to transfer this to their national team, but now they're not playing together I'm not sure they'll be so successful. Having said that, Portugal are doing very well in qualifying.
Other European teams doing well in qualifying (as I speak - I may want to change this next week) include: Holland (dropped 2 points from 8 games), Czech Rep (dropped 3 from 8), Ukraine (4 from 9), Poland (3 from 7), England (2 from 6), Croatia (2 from 6) and Sweden (3 from 6). Notable absentees from the list are France, Italy and Spain.

And...
Brazil have players in all world and Portugal have players who are regularly playing. Do you see football? :D
You don't know nothing about football

Brazil will probably win it. Or maybe holland. England sadly have no chance. I wish Bobby Robson was the manager. then we'd win.

I'm backing Mexico, because quite frankly it's 'bout time.