NationStates Jolt Archive

Top contendors ( from a bookes website) are:

Germany
Brazil
England
France
Netherlands

Germany
Brazil
England
France
Netherlands
I think you can easily discount England and France. The French team isn't what it used to be, and England doesn't exactly have an impressive record when it comes to big tournaments.

The Dutch are good, but maybe not good enough. I'm surprised that Italy isn't in that list.

As much as I would like it, I'm not sure Germany can win. It depends on whether they play well the first few games and get the fans and the media behind them. With the confidence that comes from that, even the less experienced players can do great things.

But Brazil has got to be the top favourite.

We the Dutchies I hope:)
But it will probably be Brazil again:upyours:

Top contendors ( from a bookes website) are:

Germany
Brazil
England
France
Netherlands

I voted for Germany, because we'll so get kicked out early on, and at least then I can say that someone believed in them.

Honestly, I can't believe Germany's among the top rated teams. I would have thought we were completely written off by now.

I voted for Germany, because we'll so get kicked out early on, and at least then I can say that someone believed in them.

Honestly, I can't believe Germany's among the top rated teams. I would have thought we were completely written off by now.
Yeah you guys suck! 4-1 was it? :D

Yeah you guys suck! 4-1 was it? :D
I don't know what you're talking about. *shifty eyes*

As long as Alan Shearer is in the team England have a good chance. :)

What? He retired?! Oh, fuck...

At least England will have more chance than Germany.... Hahaha. Germany: that is a good joke.

But seriously, this is not really something that needs t o be debated, right? As much as I dislike it, it'll be Brazil again.

Of the outside candidates, I would give Argentina (and even Italy) more chance than Germany (or France)

Who cares? Football is a boring sport played by drunken, overpaid hooligans.

Vote cricket!

Vote cricket!

I would if I were into pansies who play a "sport" not even they comprehend. Eerily, the same goes for football.

http://www.level7.nu/bilder/forummedia/430461::ronaldinho.jpg

With no doubts, Brazil. Cicinho, Robinho, Ronaldinho, Adriano...

England won't do it, because they play too defensively. They look to win 1 - 0. As soon as they get one goal, they close up shop and stop attacking.
And what happens is that a couple of lapses and suddenly it's 2 - 1 to the other side and England haven't a clue what to do from there.

Germany haven't been a force for a while and I can't see them working their problems out in 3 months.

France...nah. They just haven't got it.

Netherlands...maybe, but I don't think they have the depth of ability to maintain consistency.

That leaves Brazil. Again. But at least they play entertaining football. Unless one of the other S.American teams manage to knock them out.

England won't do it, because they play too defensively. They look to win 1 - 0. As soon as they get one goal, they close up shop and stop attacking.
And what happens is that a couple of lapses and suddenly it's 2 - 1 to the other side and England haven't a clue what to do from there.

OR Owen scores 2 goals in extra time and England win 3-2.

Holland, we have San Marco as our coach so God supports us.

Seriously, every time I say His name I hear angels sing.

I'll just keep dreaming:p

You're missing Italy. Considering how well they just declassed one of the main contenders...

You're missing Italy. Considering how well they just declassed one of the main contenders...It was only 3-1 for them (wait, you did mean Germany? ;) )

Italy


---------------------Buffon---------------------

Bonera--------Nesta--------Cannavaro------Zambrotta


De Rossi--------------Pirlo----------------Camoranesi

---------------------Totti---------------------------

--------------Toni----------Gilardino



They just got done destroying Germany 4-1, recently beat Holland 3-1 in Amsterdam, and have otherwise managed to go 16 straight games unbeaten... all the while playing most games without a full-strength side (most of the WC campaign and recently against Ivory Coast).

They have depth at every position (I have De Rossi on the right instead of Gattuso.. could go either way). They showed class without Totti, so if he's not at or near 100%, they can stick Del Piero in there and expect him to do well. Against Germany, all three of the attackers (ADP, Toni and Gila) had a goal. Italy are now an attacking side, no longer content to sit on the ball for 80 minutes with a 1-0 lead.

If this were not in Europe, I'd have voted for Brazil. But it's in Europe, so i think a european side will take it. And Italy are as good as anyone at the moment.

I like Spain as a dark horse... they've always had the talent. Maybe now they'll put it to use.

Oranje posters:

Would you help me fill out your side?

Here's what I know:

Goal: Van der Sar

Defense: Van Bronckhorst (Gio)

Midfield: Van der Vaart, Van Bommel, Robben (on the left), Cocu. Will Davids be on the team?

Striker: Kuyt (sp?), Van Nistelrooij, Jan Venegoor of Hasselink (sp?), Van der Meyde...?

England won't do it, because they play too defensively. They look to win 1 - 0. As soon as they get one goal, they close up shop and stop attacking.

Funny, I thought you were describing how Greece won the European Cup, and that it was obviously a winning strategy. But then I realised you were trying to provide evidence AGAINST England winning...:eek:

Korea!of Course

how could england win 3-2 in extra time if they are down 2-1 in normal play?.......

or do you mean in added time/injury

or do you mean in added time/injury

Yes.

England:

Shining hope: Midfield (Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole)

Major problem: Left Back (Bridge and Ashley Cole are injured)

Will make or break them: striker -- Can Rooney and Owen (assuming he's healthy) be a good combination? If one of them gets hurt, who fills in... Crouch, Defoe, Bent?

Scott Parker for England.

England didn't look that great against Uruguay... Joe Cole was awesome but apart from him, nobody's performance was eye-catching. Crouch did well and headed home a perfect cross, I guess. Ferdinand looked half-asleep much of the time.

Scott Parker for England.

Who'd be their left back if the WC started tomorrow... Concheskey (sp?) from West Ham?

Who's the #2 striker. I like Defoe in that he can create his own shot, but he's not a target man.

Crouch did well and headed home a perfect cross, I guess.

It wasn't that great a header either. The 'keeper should have done better. Crouch may be tall(-er than the average slouch) but he's a weak and clumsy. He only scores by the law of averages. If one player receives enough crosses or takes enough shots, he is bound to score at some point.

Who'd be their left back if the WC started tomorrow... Concheskey (sp?) from West Ham?

Who's the #2 striker. I like Defoe in that he can create his own shot, but he's not a target man.

*Konchesky

Jamie Carragher can and has played LB before.

As an Italian I'm certainly hoping that Italy wins. Despite the obvious bias, I think Lippi has done good for the Italian team, making them pursue an offensive strategy. After Germany's crushing defeat, I think Italy stands a good chance of winning.

*Konchesky

Jamie Carragher can and has played LB before.

IMO, he's kinda the Fabio Grosso of the England defense -- probably not a starter but could be a solid back-up anywhere in the back four.

As for your earlier comment about Crouch, yeah... with a healthy Owen, the England attack is set and is awesome...

think about the middle of the field, from attack to defensive end...

look at whom England and Italy have in the middle of the pitch.

England:
Rooney, Owen, Lampard, Gerrard, Ferdinand, Terry

Italy:
Toni, Gilardino, Totti, Pirlo, Nesta, Cannavaro

Here's my ranking of the favorites (call them the Sweet 16):

1a Italy (finally attacking, and on a roll)
1b England (strong squad, best midfield in the world probably)
1c Brazil (Best in the world, but are in Europe)
4 Holland (talent everywhere)
5 Argentina (see Holland)
6 Germany (hosts)
7 Spain (see Holland)
8 France (underachieving, look to get back on track)
9 Portugal (see Holland)
10 USA (no kidding, the US are hot)
11 Sweden (what attacking power)
12 Croatia (always underrated)
13 Mexico (los Tri are good)
14 Czech Republic (but they won't make it out of E...)
15 Switzerland (Swiss playing well)
16 Serbia & Montenegro (the new Italy... lots of 1-0 games)

england...hoepfully. with Sven amangaing I'm not so sure. we have the squad, but our tactics are all wrong.

Oranje posters:

Would you help me fill out your side?

Here's what I know:

Goal: Van der Sar

Defense: Van Bronckhorst (Gio)

Midfield: Van der Vaart, Van Bommel, Robben (on the left), Cocu. Will Davids be on the team?

Striker: Kuyt (sp?), Van Nistelrooij, Jan Venegoor of Hasselink (sp?), Van der Meyde...?

Goal: Van der Sar, (Timmer, Stekelenburg)

Defense: Kromkamp (de Jong), Boulahrouz (Ooijer), Mathijssen (Opdam) Van Bronckhorst (aka Gio) (de Cler)

Midfield: Landzaat (van Bommel), Cocu (Maduro), Van der Vaart (Sneijder).

Striker: Kuyt (Castelen), Van Nistelrooij (Jan Vennegoor of Hasselink), Robben (van Persie)

As is advised by VI magazine, a football magazine here, between () are the substitutes. Most of the ones listed will go to Germany. Davids will probably not go, just like Makaay. I'm pretty sure the ones in bold are definitly going.

snip

Thanks very much!

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

pics from the MArch 1 friendlies:

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/pgStory?contentId=5371992&pageNumber=1


The first picture shows (from left to right):
Fabio Cannavaro, Fabio Grosso, Daniele De Rossi, Luca Toni, Mauro German Camoranesi, Cristian Zaccardo, Alberto Gilardino.

De Rossi's header is shown on picture 3.

Netherlands look hot right now. Did anybody see their qualifying 3-2 victory against Czech Republic in the qualifications? That was an amazing game!

Well I'd have to go with England or Brazil. England have a kickass midfield, even more so if they drop beckham for wright Philips. But they havent played to their potential. Brazil are awesome but their flowing attacking style could be stifled by a solid defence and midfield. who knows.

*Konchesky

Jamie Carragher can and has played LB before.

Yeah, but he has no left foot, and at least Konchesky can get forward and supply balls into the box with some quality.

Not that I think Carragher is no good, he can play left back, but don't expect him to be any good going forward.

No matter how much I want to see England win, I think it will be either Italy or Brazil.

I voted for Germany, because we'll so get kicked out early on, and at least then I can say that someone believed in them.

Honestly, I can't believe Germany's among the top rated teams. I would have thought we were completely written off by now.

are you kidding?! Germany is up against 2 tiny nations in the americas, and POLAND. of course they will cream everyone in their group.

I voted for Germany, for its my "motherland", and because they just kick ass(have pride man, Germany's won 3 world cups, Canada hasn't even gone to the world cup lol)

England:

Shining hope: Midfield (Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole)

Major problem: Left Back (Bridge and Ashley Cole are injured)

Will make or break them: striker -- Can Rooney and Owen (assuming he's healthy) be a good combination? If one of them gets hurt, who fills in... Crouch, Defoe, Bent?
I don't see the problem at left back - yes, both are injured, but both have sprained ankles, and will be back playing within a month. That gives them 6 weeks of domestic football to get back to form.

If either Rooney or Owen gets injured, I'd prefer Defoe, but no doubt Sven will pick Crouch. Idiot.

Netherlands look hot right now. Did anybody see their qualifying 3-2 victory against Czech Republic in the qualifications? That was an amazing game!
That was Euro 2004, in the qualifications we played 2-0 and 0-2:p

...have pride man, Germany's won 3 world cups...
Germans aren't very good in having faith in anything, not even their national team. The formula is usually: First they perform, afterwards they get the support. :D

But yeah, getting slaughtered like that by the Italians is not a good sign.

Germans aren't very good in having faith in anything, not even their national team. The formula is usually: First they perform, afterwards they get the support. :D
Ain't that the truth...

But in my defense: I've been a fan of Klinsmann since way back when he was a player, and I remember when he had a really bad two year (or so) streak and everybody was beating up on him - and I'm proud to say I never did, and he sure proved me right by coming back even stronger. (I also was a teenage girl and thought he was cute, but eh... :p).

And now that he's the coach, he kind of can do no wrong by me, so it's pretty frustrating to see how all his new strategies and techniques just don't seem to bear fruit.

So basically I'm just protecting myself from more grief by being cynical beforehand. :p

Patriotism compels me to say the USA

Honesty tells me, who knows. There will probably be a few surprises this year.

Watch out for Iran.

Mongolia. Watch out for them.

England didn't look that great against Uruguay... Joe Cole was awesome but apart from him, nobody's performance was eye-catching. Crouch did well and headed home a perfect cross, I guess. Ferdinand looked half-asleep much of the time.

England dominated with several times as many shots on goal and corners. Crouch looked sluggish and often made no effort to get in the air. His heading is limited and he can only get a hard accurate header in if he is striking it back in the direction it came from.

Carrick also played well, although the oposition was limited. I agree about Ferdinand though.

Germany did look great before the last World Cup, losing 5-1 to England, but they were in the final. This year they are hosting it and that is a huge advantage historically:

1930: Hosts won
1934: lost
1938: Host won
1950: Hosts came second
1954: Swiss hosted. OK.
1958: Sweden hosted and came second
1962: Chilie hosted and Brazil won
1966: England hosted and won
1970: Mexico, Brazil won.
1974: Germany hosted and won, even though the Netherlands were the better team
1978: Argentina hosted and won, even though the Netherlands were the better team
1982: Spain did well.
1986: Mexico hosted and had their best ever finish (quarter finals)
1990: Italy host, Germany win
1994: USA hosted, Brazil win
1998: France host and win
2002: Japan and South Korea host and have their best ever World Cups (semis and quarters); Brazil win.

Please excuse any errors, that is off the top of my head.

The rule is the host tends to win. If they do not then Germany win in Europe (except Sweden) and Brazil win everywhere else.

Brazil have the best team, and if it was in Europe there would be no question. England are second seeds, but like most English people I feel that is too generous.

Germany or Brazil.

Australia ! (yes, I'm an optimist)

Czech Rep I think, if not them then maybe England or Italy.

Germany: Snowball in hell chance
Brazil: NEVER win in Europe
Dutch: Not good enough
France: Over confident
Argentina: Will get knocked out by a European team

In relation to France and Germany, not a flying xylophone's chances in hell. Germany possess Ballack and Kahn, and, thats about it really, whilst France are reliant upon Zizou, the poison dwarf and a strike force that rarely excels.

Pertinent to England, if Eriksson has the bollocks to drop Lampard and play Carrick, Gerrard, Cole and Beckham, with Rooney firing, we could feasibly beat any team on the planet, however we are somewhat reliant upon the recovery of Ashley Cole at present.

In relation to France and Germany, not a flying xylophone's chances in hell. Germany possess Ballack and Kahn, and, thats about it really, whilst France are reliant upon Zizou, the poison dwarf and a strike force that rarely excels.

Pertinent to England, if Eriksson has the bollocks to drop Lampard and play Carrick, Gerrard, Cole and Beckham, with Rooney firing, we could feasibly beat any team on the planet, however we are somewhat reliant upon the recovery of Ashley Cole at present.

Michael Ballack is my favourite player, he's amazing. Kahn is my fave goalie, and yea it should be obvious who I'm cheering for now lol

In relation to France and Germany, not a flying xylophone's chances in hell. Germany possess Ballack and Kahn, and, thats about it really, whilst France are reliant upon Zizou, the poison dwarf and a strike force that rarely excels.
You know, the problem is that you people tend to mention heaps and heaps of names as super-top überplayers in the English team, when really you also just have a few that really stand out.
The thing is not individual talent (not sure whether you follow the Bundesliga, it's certainly there) - the thing is how well the team plays together and how motivated they are.
But yeah, being German I'm naturally at a disadvantage in these dickswinging contests because it's hard for me to go for my team without running the risk of being horribly disappointed. ;)

Australia ! (yes, I'm an optimist)
They're not that bad a team. They beat Bahrain recently (yeah, maybe not worldclass but it was pretty convincing), they've got Guus, and by god, don't they have the motivation.

They've got a really tough group, but with a lot of luck, there might be a surprise or two.

Czech Rep I think, if not them then maybe England or Italy.

Germany: Snowball in hell chance
Brazil: NEVER win in Europe
Dutch: Not good enough
France: Over confident
Argentina: Will get knocked out by a European team

Germany: The same was said last year when they reached the final.
Brazil: Truish, they are the best team, but playing in Europe. However, they did win in Europe in 1958, beating Sweden in the final and most of their players are now based in Europe. The absence of a strong European team could let them in.
Dutch: I agree
France: I agree their chances are limited.
Argentina: I agree. However, the lack of a clear contender gives them as good a chance as winning n Europe as they will ever have - that's not saying much though.

I do not know much about the Czechs, but qualification results are a poor guide, look at how Brazil barely deserved to qualify for Japan Korea and won the thing, or indeed Denmark only qualifying for the European Championships in 1992 when Yugoslavia could not go and then went and won the thing.

England and Italy have a good chance, again in the absence of a strong contender.

They're not that bad a team. They beat Bahrain recently (yeah, maybe not worldclass but it was pretty convincing), they've got Guus, and by god, don't they have the motivation.

They've got a really tough group, but with a lot of luck, there might be a surprise or two.

They are slightly better than the Australian public seem to think and about a hundredth as good as the Aussie media make out. They are tight and well organised and will put up a very respectable performance; like the tight and organised, if technically poor, Korea in WC 2002 and Greece winning the European Championships in 2004.

As an Italian I'm certainly hoping that Italy wins. Despite the obvious bias, I think Lippi has done good for the Italian team, making them pursue an offensive strategy. After Germany's crushing defeat, I think Italy stands a good chance of winning.

exactly

I am an American who was in Italy (Modena) during euro 2000, when I Azzurri beat Holland in the semifinals with 10 men and then blew a late lead against France to lose 2-1.

I like how lippi has made them an attacking 4-3-3 (well, 4-3-1-2) side.

Del Piero functioning so well as tha attacking midfielder playing just behind Toni and Gila was a great sign... there is depth behind Totti at the playmaker spot.

I don't see the problem at left back - yes, both are injured, but both have sprained ankles, and will be back playing within a month. That gives them 6 weeks of domestic football to get back to form.

If either Rooney or Owen gets injured, I'd prefer Defoe, but no doubt Sven will pick Crouch. Idiot.

yessir, I'd also take Defoe in case of an injury up front. The guy is a spitfire.

England dominated with several times as many shots on goal and corners. Crouch looked sluggish and often made no effort to get in the air. His heading is limited and he can only get a hard accurate header in if he is striking it back in the direction it came from.

Carrick also played well, although the oposition was limited. I agree about Ferdinand though.

Germany did look great before the last World Cup, losing 5-1 to England, but they were in the final. This year they are hosting it and that is a huge advantage historically:

1930: Hosts won
1934: lost
1938: Host won
1950: Hosts came second
1954: Swiss hosted. OK.
1958: Sweden hosted and came second
1962: Chilie hosted and Brazil won
1966: England hosted and won
1970: Mexico, Brazil won.
1974: Germany hosted and won, even though the Netherlands were the better team
1978: Argentina hosted and won, even though the Netherlands were the better team
1982: Spain did well.
1986: Mexico hosted and had their best ever finish (quarter finals)
1990: Italy host, Germany win
1994: USA hosted, Brazil win
1998: France host and win
2002: Japan and South Korea host and have their best ever World Cups (semis and quarters); Brazil win.

Please excuse any errors, that is off the top of my head.

The rule is the host tends to win. If they do not then Germany win in Europe (except Sweden) and Brazil win everywhere else.

Brazil have the best team, and if it was in Europe there would be no question. England are second seeds, but like most English people I feel that is too generous.

Germany or Brazil.

Korea beat Spain, Italy and Portugal because of the worst homer reffing in the history of mankind.

Spain was screwed, Italy lost Totti on a foul on him in Korea's penalty box, and Portugal lost 2 or 3 guys to red cards.

No way Korea belonged in the semis or Qfinals. (no offense to any koreans here)

Germany are better than Korea, but they still haven't beaten anyone big, even at home, in over 5 years.

yessir, I'd also take Defoe in case of an injury up front. The guy is a spitfire.

Maybe, unlike many others, I think Crouch would be useful, but only as a sub (considering you get the whole of your squad to choose from for subs in the WC, or at least you did in Japan/Korea) as he scared the scrap out of the Argies and the Urugyuans. But I will also agree technically he isn't brilliant, although his first touch isn't bad.

Defoe is too small for the Prem IMHO, however, he has got great dribbling skills which would make him very useful against deep lying defences in the WC so yeah, I might take him, BUT, Bent looks a fair bit quicker and stronger in the air, and lets face it, when England start punting a long ball forward, we might need someone who can actually win the damn ball. So I would take Bent over Defoe, esp. as he is getting more games caus Defoe is benchwarming at Spurs.

Watch out for IRAN!!

Watch out for IRAN!!
They're okay, but really their greatest asset are their home crowds, and they'll have to do without them in Germany.

Germany-Home team, strongest defense in the world, young with steady midfielders and defenders and of course Big Oliver in the net
Holland-Excellent skilled team with veterans aplenty and excellent strikers
Portugal-High talent and high paced team look for a good showing from some of their younger guys

Patriotism compels me to say the USA

Honesty tells me, who knows. There will probably be a few surprises this year.

Watch out for Iran.

Why, are they enriching uranium to pump into their players for the WC? hehe

Germany-Home team, strongest defense in the world, young with steady midfielders and defenders and of course Big Oliver in the net
Holland-Excellent skilled team with veterans aplenty and excellent strikers
Portugal-High talent and high paced team look for a good showing from some of their younger guys

Well the strongest defense in the world just gave up 4 goals to Italy...

Well the strongest defense in the world just gave up 4 goals to Italy...
Will you quit picking at it already? :p

Well the strongest defense in the world just gave up 4 goals to Italy...

and considering the worlds best current defence is (suprisingly) Serbia and Montenegro...

Well the strongest defense in the world just gave up 4 goals to Italy...

it was a friendly and no one cares

in my mind, they let Italy win...because..because they were saving their strength. yes yes, thats it. Italy just wasn't worth their full strength

You know, the problem is that you people tend to mention heaps and heaps of names as super-top überplayers in the English team, when really you also just have a few that really stand out.
The thing is not individual talent (not sure whether you follow the Bundesliga, it's certainly there) - the thing is how well the team plays together and how motivated they are.
But yeah, being German I'm naturally at a disadvantage in these dickswinging contests because it's hard for me to go for my team without running the risk of being horribly disappointed. ;)

Try being English, at least you win periodically;)

Being born in Scotland and living in England, I would never hear the end of England winning the wold cup. Never ever.

So i'm saying Germany, although i have a horrible sinking feeling in my tummy...