NationStates Jolt Archive

I think either Brazil again, England or maybe Germany

(the bold means the teams i prefer)

Why do people think England has a realistic chance? I understand when people go all patriotic...it's the reason I'm saying good things about the German team as well...but I really don't see England as having much of a chance.

I'd back Brazil, Argentina, Holland, Italy and even the Czech Republic before them.

But when I get asked, I'll answer that Germany might just take it if a miracle happens.

My Predictions: Brazil will win
England out in the quarters or at best the semis
South Korea will get to the semis
France will be disappointing but will get farish
Very few African teams will get out of the group stages
Italy and Germany will put in solid performances and one of them will get to the final against Brazil (unless Brazil knock them out earlier)
Holland, Czech Republic and Mexico will also do well but will be knocked out by either Brazil, Germany, Italy, South Korea or at a long shot England

brazil, argentina, england, holland, italy. in order of likelyhood-ness.

as a patriot... GO THE NETHERLANDS!!!
as a realist, Italy (ffor that's the only country that defeated them :p

Australia.
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.
.
.
.
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:D :D :D :D :D :D

Lusophone half finals with Portugal, Brazil and Angola.

Brazil have never won the world cup in Europe, so I don't think they will this year.
Mexico are the dark horses

my bet spain or Germany

Brazil have never won the world cup in Europe, so I don't think they will this year.
Mexico are the dark horses

my bet spain or Germany

that's quite ridiculous, the location has never been a large effect on teams... unles you are refering to the temperature, then the Brazilians will freeze onto the field...:rolleyes:

that's quite ridiculous, the location has never been a large effect on teams... unles you are refering to the temperature, then the Brazilians will freeze onto the field...:rolleyes:

in summer? I think not. The location does have an effect on the teams and Europe isn't a good place for Brazil, I don't know why but based on the statistics that they have won the world cup 5 times its a bit strange that they have never won in Europe. Maybe it makes the European teams play better because they have a greater amount of support, who knows

Holland will win. We have San Marco (although Australia has Saint Gus.)

Brazil have never won the world cup in Europe

Sweden, 1958.

Brazil have never won the world cup in Europe, so I don't think they will this year.
Mexico are the dark horses

my bet spain or Germany

het het hem

1958: Sweden: Brazil :Brazil 5-2 Sweden

top teams to win Brazil, Germany , The Netherlands and Italy

brazil/england/argentina

would say germany but their defence isnt too good.

Why do people think England has a realistic chance? I understand when people go all patriotic...it's the reason I'm saying good things about the German team as well...but I really don't see England as having much of a chance.


Agreed. Its quite laughable really- get hockeyed by Denmark, beaten by Northern Ireland and the remainder of the qualifying group wasn't exactly testing for the most part.

Brazil, if they meet, will whoop seven shades out of them.

I'd like to see an Asian team surprise again, like South Korea last time. Really enjoyable to watch.

Why do people think England has a realistic chance? I understand when people go all patriotic...it's the reason I'm saying good things about the German team as well...but I really don't see England as having much of a chance.
Because we have the following:
A world class 'keeper, two world class central defenders, a world class left back, two world class central midfielders, a world class right midfielder, and two world class strikers.
I don't think any country would turn down the opportunity to have Terry, Lampard, Gerrard, or Rooney in their team, and very few (Brazil, Italy perhaps) would turn down Ashley Cole.
We have a great record against other top teams - in competitive matches, the only teams we've lost to since Sven took over (apart from penalty shootouts), are Brazil (2-1), France (2-1), and N. Ireland (which was a blip).

Because we have the following:
A world class 'keeper, two world class central defenders, a world class left back, two world class central midfielders, a world class right midfielder, and two world class strikers.
I don't think any country would turn down the opportunity to have Terry, Lampard, Gerrard, or Rooney in their team, and very few (Brazil, Italy perhaps) would turn down Ashley Cole.
We have a great record against other top teams - in competitive matches, the only teams we've lost to since Sven took over (apart from penalty shootouts), are Brazil (2-1), France (2-1), and N. Ireland (which was a blip).Doesn't mean we can play as a team, though. I've got to admit, when I read that we'd been seeded second, I burst out laughing. Looking at that statistic, I'm not so pessimistic - quarters or semis I reckon.

Anyone know how the Czechs have done recently? They might be in with a chance.

The realist says Brazil, The patriot England. In order of liklyhood.

Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England. England have the players and the ability, but the coach?

proceedings from Round of 16 forth:

England 2
Germany 1

Holland 3
Mexico 1

Italy 2
Croatia 1

France 1
Ukraine 1 (France win on PKs)

Sweden 3
Poland 2

Argentina 2
Portugal 1

Brazil 4
Czech Republic 3

Spain 2
Switzerland 0

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

Quarterfinals:

Holland 3
England 2

Italy 1
France 0

Argentina 2
Sweden 1

Spain 3
Brazil 2 (upset of the tournament)

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

Semifinals:

Italy 3
Holland 1 (just like their recent game in Holland)

Spain 1
Argentina 1 (Spain advance on PKs)

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

Finals:

Italy 2
Spain 1


Forza Italia!

Because we have the following:
A world class 'keeper, two world class central defenders, a world class left back, two world class central midfielders, a world class right midfielder, and two world class strikers.
I don't think any country would turn down the opportunity to have Terry, Lampard, Gerrard, or Rooney in their team, and very few (Brazil, Italy perhaps) would turn down Ashley Cole.
We have a great record against other top teams - in competitive matches, the only teams we've lost to since Sven took over (apart from penalty shootouts), are Brazil (2-1), France (2-1), and N. Ireland (which was a blip).

England have perhaps the best midfield in the world, whether it's:

Cole
Gerrard
Lampard
Beckham

or

Gerrard
Lampard
Rooney (attacking center mid)
Beckham

If I'm the Three Lions, I'm hoping to play Argentina in the quarterfinals instead of Holland because I know that I can beat Argentina -- I just did recently, 2-1 -- but I don't know if I can beat Holland. Holland are red-hot now despite their flogging at the hands of the Azzuri.

Why are you ridiculing Englands chance. We are second seed, highest weve been for a long time

Why are you ridiculing Englands chance. We are second seed, highest weve been for a long time

I like England. If England and Italy meet in the semifinals (possible if Sweden win group B and ITaly win group E), I'll hope that the winner of that game wins the Cup (assuming the USA is no longer in the tournament... which it doesn't appear they will be).

England have perhaps the best midfield in the world, whether it's:

Cole
Gerrard
Lampard
Beckham

or

Gerrard
Lampard
Rooney (attacking center mid)
Beckham

If I'm the Three Lions, I'm hoping to play Argentina in the quarterfinals instead of Holland because I know that I can beat Argentina -- I just did recently, 2-1 -- but I don't know if I can beat Holland. Holland are red-hot now despite their flogging at the hands of the Azzuri.
Mus....restrain self....from attacking...Lampard...

Mus....restrain self....from attacking...Lampard...
Still don't understand what you've got against Lampard.

Since 1980 Germany has won against England seven times, lost three times and drew once (stats (http://www.dfb.de/dfb-team/db/dfbnat.php?action=bilanz&liga=Nationalmannschaft&lang=E)).

And besides, Germany never had all that many real world class players. They just played together well, and if they can do that this time, and get the extra confidence from the spectators and the easy group, they might be in for the semis at least.

The reason England are slated is because, like say the Galacticos, they never play well as a team (or rarely at least). They play as 11 superstars on the pitch but never have the same team spirit or team ethos that other teams have- notably Brazil and especially Germany. Recently Cameroon and South Korea have exhibited this tendancy to play as a unit on the pitch.

Like Spain, England are over hyped and are the perennial underachievers at the highest level.

England don't have the mentality to win the world cup, its all good having the players and the talent but you need to believe you can win. England does not have this but Brazil/Czech Rep. and Holland do...

England won the Rugby not only cause we had an awesome team, but also that the team believed they could beat the Aussies and they did!

The England Football team are a bunch of pussys, they go off with a sprained ankle...Johhny Wilks was playing with a broken shoulder in the world cup, an injury he has still not fully recovered from to date, because he believed that England Rugby could win and that if he went off he would compromise the team...so he stayed on and put that beautiful drop goal over the bars and gave us that 3 points...

that's quite ridiculous, the location has never been a large effect on teams... The Local teams are "lucky" with the Zebras (refs)

Examples

France has only won in France
England has only won in England

Evey world cup palyed in France, England, Argentina, Uruguay or Germany was won by the Host team.

European Teams have never won outside Europe.

If I had to place money I would put it on Germany.
Even If they are not the best team in the world.

The Local teams are "lucky" with the Zebras (refs)


The refs are never from the same country- most of the time they try not to get them from the saem continent!

I'd love to see someone try and say Pierluigi Collina is a biased ref! :p

I'd love to see someone try and say Pierluigi Collina is a biased ref! :p
He quit, didn't he?

He quit, didn't he?
Sadly he retired, but maybe might be tempted back into the game like Zizou and Makelele.

Was a fantastic power on the pitch... which is odd really, considering he was a referee! :eek:

My heart says Portugal but my mind says Brazil.

Argentina!!!! :cool:

Still don't understand what you've got against Lampard.
I don't udnerstand what you hav against gerrard.

He quit, didn't he?
Forced to retire because of his age (for international duels that is).

Brazil

I don't udnerstand what you hav against gerrard.
:confused: I don't have anything against Gerrard...although he's not as good as Lampard.

Forced to retire because of his age (for international duels that is).
I thought it was because of Italy's retirement age for referees? Because the English press was full of stories that he might move to the Premiership and referee here.

Antarctica's team of robotic death penguins will triumph in your puny man-sport.

The Local teams are "lucky" with the Zebras (refs)

Examples

France has only won in France
England has only won in England

Evey world cup palyed in France, England, Argentina, Uruguay or Germany was won by the Host team.

European Teams have never won outside Europe.

If I had to place money I would put it on Germany.
Even If they are not the best team in the world.

in 2002, South Korea got the benefit of the doubt in a MAJOR WAY in at least two of their games:

vs. Portugal -- 2 or 3 Portuguese players were red-carded

vs. Italy, round of 16: Italy were ahead 1-0. Totti made a move with the ball in the box, was tackled, and was given a red card (instead of being rewarded with a penalty kick as he should have been). Playing 11 against 10, South Korea went on to win the game.

I don't udnerstand what you hav against gerrard.

they're two of the finest central midfielders in the world... be happy you have them both. Bruce Arena (US coach) would probably give his eye teeth for one of them.

hehe

:confused: I don't have anything against Gerrard...although he's not as good as Lampard.
How can you not see Gerrards twice the player Lampard is, his pace, shot, power, fitness, leadership and ability all place him above lLamps. I'm not saying Lampards a bad player, but Gerrards far his supirior. I could cite hudnreds of cases where Gerrard pulled liverpool back from the brink. The CL final for instance.

I thought it was because of Italy's retirement age for referees? Because the English press was full of stories that he might move to the Premiership and referee here.
Yes, but they changed the rules in Italy so he could referee one other year. but then he quot because he had a sponsor contrat with Opel (?) that was the sponsor of AC Milan. or something like this:p

Why are you ridiculing Englands chance. We are second seed, highest weve been for a long time

Leonstien and Mongooses have a grudge against England as a country anyway - any excuse to bash em.

Realistically, I don't think England will win, but saying it is a crap team is just being silly. I would love to see it though, if only to see those bitter Scots crying in the pub over it :D

My heart says England, my head says *spit* Argentina.

My heart says England, my head says *spit* Argentina.
Argentina?

3 words..."Group of Death"...

You can scape these groups...but usually the teams scaping Groups-of-Death...(last time it was England +Sweeden) have more injuries than average... historically teams scaping the "Group of Death".. do not win the WC.

also... Historically the Host is never damned in a "Group-of-Death"

Brazil have the most talent, holland were amazing in the group stage and have a lot of quality young players, and argentina are a talented side who arent above cheating. one of those should win. England have the players but sven just isnt good enough to get them to play as a team. and beckham is too slow.

Have you guys seen the latest games by Real Madrid and Barca? Brazil's gonna take this, my friends.

Trinidad and Tobago will win! Or maybe Ghana...


Okay, I was the one who predicted it in case it'll really happen

:confused: I don't have anything against Gerrard...although he's not as good as Lampard.


perhaps a yank who's seen quite a bit of both (thanks to Fox Soccer Channel) Lampard and Gerrard can settle this:

Lampard is a better scorer

Gerrard is a better passer and general runner of the offense (hehe)

Overall... imo, they're about equal. Lampard is a good passer and Gerrard has scored some crazy-good goals. the one from the right sideline about 50 meters out last year (don't remember who it was against) was absolutely ridiculous.

Have you guys seen the latest games by Real Madrid and Barca? Brazil's gonna take this, my friends.

Ronaldo, Ronaldinho are great players.

Adriano is the next great Brazilian forward.

Bebeto is the next great Brazilian midfielder

Robinho and Bautista are great talents

but...

can they:

a)do it in Europe

and

b)play defense

?

they beat England 2-1 last time in a great game. England's offense has improved by leaps and bounds since then. If Brazil puts up 2 goals on England (or other top clubs) again, will 2 be enough with their porous D?

a)do it in Europe
Many of them play in Europe, so it shouldn't be that much of a change. And they did it in Korea, didn't they?

b)play defense
That's the question. We'll see, but the more I watch their players, the more clear it seems that anything but a Brazilian triumph would be an upset.
That being said, now with me on record as saying this, Australia will beat them 3:1.

Ronaldo, Ronaldinho are great players.

Adriano is the next great Brazilian forward.

Bebeto is the next great Brazilian midfielder

Robinho and Bautista are great talents

but...

can they:

a)do it in Europe

and

b)play defense

?

they beat England 2-1 last time in a great game. England's offense has improved by leaps and bounds since then. If Brazil puts up 2 goals on England (or other top clubs) again, will 2 be enough with their porous D?Brazil has a pouros D? Brazil doesn't have the best defence on the planet but I wouldn't trade any brazilian set 4 defenders that are usually called to the national side for the starting 4 english defenders. English defenders are slow, sloppy and tire easily in the summer.

They stuck my team (Serbia and Montenegro) in the group of death... typical of these cheating Germans. The reason I'm overjoyed that Brazil won 2002 is because Germany is going to win this World Cup. Personally, I am a huge Brazil fan, and would love to see them win. But that isn't a realistic expectation: the skill of the German team (including that dick Ballack) can't be denied, and they have the hometeam (meaning fans, location, and referees) advantage. Personally, I would like to see Serbia and Montenegro and/or the United States do well, but both teams were put up against near impossible odds. I don't see England having much of a chance, but Argentina, the Czech Republic, and maybe even Holland have some chance.

They stuck my team (Serbia and Montenegro) in the group of death... typical of these cheating Germans....and they have the hometeam (meaning fans, location, and referees) advantage.
Well, I don't think they cheated, but the luck has been with the German team many times before.
And refs come from all over the world, selected by FIFA. The host nation doesn't get a say in that.

That being said, now with me on record as saying this, Australia will beat them 3:1.

I'm not that optimistic. I will be as happy as a dog with three dicks if it does happen.

Well, I don't think they cheated, but the luck has been with the German team many times before.
And refs come from all over the world, selected by FIFA. The host nation doesn't get a say in that.

1. Predictions came out accurately predicting how the World Cup teams would be set up by Germany, including Holland facing Serbia, Heidi Klum coming out to select the Serbian team into the Argentinian group, and the setup of an easy German group all before the event.
2. It was revealed afterwards that balls were made to be hot and cold in order for the pickers to select which ones would be placed where, instead of being random.
3. Germany paid off an Australian official, who said he would vote for South Africa, in order for the World Cup to be played at Germany.
4. Referees are usually more likely to support a home team, not because of personal loyalties, but because of psychological pressures.

-snip-
Serbs do enjoy their conspiracy theories, don't they. :p

And now... who do you think will be the winner?

And now... who do you think will be the winner?

In yet another stunning victory over the world FIFA will once again be the ultimate winner

lol, some group of death huh? My pick still stands by Argentina.

though I would probably piss my pants if the US ended up winning, a window that was already small and keeps shrinking with every lackluster and rigged game :rolleyes:

U.S. all the way! I wish! Realistically, I'm thinking Brazil.

Trrrrrinnniiiiidddaaaad

though I would probably piss my pants if the US ended up winning, a window that was already small and keeps shrinking with every lackluster and rigged game :rolleyes:


Want to talk about rigged? did you see that crooked limey pull the trinidad player's hair so he could score a goal?

England should be tossed out and that game credited as a win for Trinidad.

Argentina.

At the moment, they have clearly been the best team so far.

I loved the way Argentina played in the 6-0 demolition the other day, it was beautiful to watch. They're my pick at this stage of the tournament.

Want to talk about rigged? did you see that crooked limey pull the trinidad player's hair so he could score a goal?

England should be tossed out and that game credited as a win for Trinidad.
It happens, so. england where the better team by far.

why would anyone even think Germany could win what they have 3 good players and think they are the top of the world after beating Poland 1-0 after 50 minutes with a red card for poland , wow that amakes them great :gundge:

I think italy is gonna win then brazil HOLLAND and Argentina have good chances too.

why would anyone even think Germany could win what they have 3 good players and think they are the top of the world after beating Poland 1-0 after 50 minutes with a red card for poland , wow that amakes them great
Because good players do not a world cup-winning team make.

I don't think there is much to criticise with the way the team played together in those two matches. If they can combine the offensive performance from the first with the defensive performance from the second, they're right up there.

I agree that they are not exactly favourites, but people should quit discounting them because "they don't have superstars". Like that matters - just look at Brazil. What a disappointment.

Argentina or Germany.

you know, they only let that white boy play for Trinidad and Tobago cos he had a black mans willy....

Argentina or Italy.

Argentina or Germany. Or Brazil, if they start playing like in the last half hour against Australia.

Or Brazil, if they start playing like in the last half hour against Australia.
You mean when their opposition subs their central defender for a third striker? ;)

you know, they only let that white boy play for Trinidad and Tobago cos he had a black mans willy....

And you know this because..?

Brazil are gonna lose at some point. Just because Argentina beat S&M 6-0, that don't necessarily make them good enough to win the whole thing.

So I'll say England :cool:

So I'll say England :cool:
Optimism. I like that.

Score tonight will be 2:1 for Sweden. Ibrahimovic and Ljungberg one one side, Lampard on the other (I know it won't be Gerrard because he's on my fantasy team :rolleyes: ).

Rooney has a horrible game and is substituted after complaining about foot pains...

Optimism. I like that.

Score tonight will be 2:1 for Sweden. Ibrahimovic and Ljungberg one one side, Lampard on the other (I know it won't be Gerrard because he's on my fantasy team :rolleyes: ).

Rooney has a horrible game and is substituted after complaining about foot pains...

Haha, well fuck you if that does happen to Rooney.

England 3-0.

You mean when their opposition subs their central defender for a third striker? ;)
:p That, too. But if they would just leave Ronaldo out on the bench from the start and put Robinho in right away, I say things would look much better for them.

Ecuador's players are not the most pampered in international soccer but coach Luis Fernando Suarez nonetheless ordered his players to read a Colombian fable called "The Cow" to ensure there is no complacency in the ranks.

The tale tells of a family living in lowly circumstances who depend on a single cow for survival and one day offer a master and servant food and shelter.

After they leave the next morning, the master orders his servant to go back and kill the cow, a deed that weighs on the servant's mind until he returns several years later to find a huge estate where the family's shack once stood.

Amazed, he knocks at the door and finds the same family living there.

The owner tells him: "One morning we woke up and our cow was dead. We had no choice but to embark on a new life full of hard work and new challenges, which has led us to where we are today."

Suarez said he had liked the metaphor in the story so much he bought 40 copies and distributed them to the squad.

"The reason was that the players should see that they have a very comfortable life and that if they want to achieve more they should do certain things," Suarez said on Monday.

To inspire them for the World Cup finals, the Colombian-born Suarez had told his players it was time to kill their cows.

Ecuador have already qualified for the knockout phase with wins over Poland and Costa Rica and play Germany in Berlin on Wednesday. If they avoid defeat to the hosts they will top Group A and face the runners-up from Group B, probably Sweden.
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/717458/755758/

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/717458/755758/
Ugh, am I the only one who is totally offended by that story's suggestion that a family who only survived off one cow to begin with needed some rich fuck to come along and make them even poorer to show them real hardship?

Excuse me while I go puke.

[/off-topic rant. But hey, Harlesburg totally asked for it.]

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/717458/755758/
I'm quite happy with TVNZ. I'm enjoying Virtual Football and the way the news is set out with 'Headlines' and 'Related Articles'. Works well.

Ugh, am I the only one who is totally offended by that story's suggestion that a family who only survived off one cow to begin with needed some rich fuck to come along and make them even poorer to show them real hardship?

Excuse me while I go puke.

[/off-topic rant. But hey, Harlesburg totally asked for it.]

Not to show them real hardship but to remove the source of their comfort, which had made them complacent. That's the point of the fable. Don't put so much weight on the class differences of the characters.

Optimism. I like that.

Score tonight will be 2:1 for Sweden. Ibrahimovic and Ljungberg one one side, Lampard on the other (I know it won't be Gerrard because he's on my fantasy team :rolleyes: ).

Rooney has a horrible game and is substituted after complaining about foot pains...

It won't be Zlatan either, with his groin strain, and being on my fantasy team.

Not to show them real hardship but to remove the source of their comfort, which had made them complacent. That's the point of the fable. Don't put so much weight on the class differences of the characters.
Complacent? "[... A] family living in lowly circumstances who depend on a single cow for survival[...]"? Don't even get me started. In fact, really don't, because I don't want to hijack the thread. :p

Ugh, am I the only one who is totally offended by that story's suggestion that a family who only survived off one cow to begin with needed some rich fuck to come along and make them even poorer to show them real hardship?

Excuse me while I go puke.

[/off-topic rant. But hey, Harlesburg totally asked for it.]
Bourgeois!:rolleyes:

You hurt me, deep inside.:(

Complacent? "[... A] family living in lowly circumstances who depend on a single cow for survival[...]"? Don't even get me started. In fact, really don't, because I don't want to hijack the thread. :p
You know what fine i hope Ecuador smashes Germany in this game and then i hope England knocks you out in the next round!
Just to spite you!
*Bawls*

You know what fine i hope Ecuador smashes Germany in this game and then i hope England knocks you out in the next round!
Just to spite you!
*Bawls*
You know, I would kiss you better, but someone told me you kiss like a drunkard. :D
Also, you're the one who brought up the stupid story in the first place.
Oh, and LOL@England.

You know, I would kiss you better, but someone told me you kiss like a drunkard. :D
Also, you're the one who brought up the stupid story in the first place.
Oh, and LOL@England.
:eek:
I can't help it if i kiss like a drunkard.
I also can't help if you don't understand a 'don't rest on your laurels speech'
Ecuador!
:fluffle:

I'll have to stick to my vote: Argentina.

Let's see how we cope with Holland tomorrow. :gundge:

Want to talk about rigged? did you see that crooked limey pull the trinidad player's hair so he could score a goal?yes I saw that, makes me sick.

You know, I would kiss you better, but someone told me you kiss like a drunkard. :D
Also, you're the one who brought up the stupid story in the first place.
Oh, and LOL@England.
Drunkards are great!
I apologise for what i said to you, evidently Ecuador played an understrength side which really made the little Cow tale a load of BS.
:fluffle:

I'm quite happy with TVNZ. I'm enjoying Virtual Football and the way the news is set out with 'Headlines' and 'Related Articles'. Works well.
Yeah Xtra isn't too bad but their search engoine sucks the balls.

With my luck? Australia.

Australia won't win it is rigged against them.

Germany or Argentinia.
I was for Czech, too, but now... well.

And Brazil will loose.