World Cup Predictions, 09/12/05, Impossible is nothing

Jones

Buddy, you don't know shit. Italy is going to finish at the top of their group and will win the whole tournament.

14 Dec 2005, 18:51

Trussler

Germany will win the world cup – Sieg – 2006 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

26 Dec 2005, 16:12

jacko

mate i reckon you know your shit! when the draw came out i done my own predictions and i basically got the same, apart from i had italy topping their group and then getting to the semi's against argentina. it will be brazil argentina final!

03 Jan 2006, 21:04

Keeper of the goal

Dude…i know im gonna upset a lot of hard core italia backers out there in la la land, but i dont see them getting out of the first round. They are going to have to play smart soccer, and i just don't see both the Czechs or the states rolling over for them. As for Brazil, as much as we would all like to see them win another star on their shirt, they might end up having trouble in the later rounds. Their group stage is a joke, which i believe could cost them by not having serious competition to keep them fit. I dont see Brazil winning this one. As for England Vs. Argentina, i am praying that this matchup occurs. This time around has the potential for some timeless matches, but that game will steal the tournament; all the games after will pale in comparison. I really hope a new team wins it this year, if the dutch dont choke again they might have a shot, but as much as i hate to do it, im going to agree with Trussler (albeit not with the same enthusiasm). Germany has a good road through the tournament, + they are on home soil…Now if Khan doesnt perform well, im gonna look like a fool! 2k6 winner Germany.

13 Jan 2006, 16:16

pep_10@msn.com

mate ..this is how io see it …italia will probably finish second in their group …they will go on to vs brasil…that man they call gila will rattle the net 3 times leading italy into the quarters..and there is no stopping them from there ..it is only a matter of time till that small cunt fabio picks up that golden thing we call life ….the stadium walls are going to shake as the memories of 82 come flying bac …forza azzurri

18 Jan 2006, 05:40

Mark

Germany, Costa Rica, Poland, Ecuador
Sweden, Paraguay, England, Trinidad
Holland, Argentina, Ivory Coast, Serbia
Mexico, Portugal, Angola, Iran
Italy, Czech, USA, Ghana
Brazil, Japan, Australia, Croatia
France, Korea, Togo, Switzerland
Spain, Tunisia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia

Germany over Paraguay
Sweden over Ticos
Holland over Portugal
Argentina over Mexico
Azzurri over Japan
Brazil over Czechs
Tunisia over France
Spain over Korea

Germany over Orange
Argentina over Sweden
Italy over Tunisia
Brazil over Spain

Germany over Argentina
Italy over Brazil

Germany over Italy

16 Feb 2006, 16:41

Mark

Hosts will go deep
England can't beat Sweden and Paraguay always advance
One African team will surprise (no way they all finish last)
European team will win in Europe (I don't care what Pele says)
Traditional powers will stumble
Picking the Czechs to win their group is not an upset
No way Japan finish last
Aussie dark horse – european based players plus well-coached

Your picks are too conventional and Eurocentric. I guarantee that one team from Africa or Asia knocks off one of the big 8 from Europe or South America (Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, Italy, Spain, Holland, France)

16 Feb 2006, 16:55

Vincent Carroll-Battaglino

Italy will be lucky to get through the group stages. I don't even bother crying anymore cos we're never going to come close.

21 Feb 2006, 11:20

ray'sArsenal

One word: Brazil

Other words: If Portugal can win the little (group) games they go to the semi
If Mexico can win a big game they go to semi's

Ah, no matter….Brazil.

26 Feb 2006, 05:16

Mark

Mexico cannot beat anyone of quality
Hell they can't even beat the United States outside of Azteca
and don't say Brazil like its anything profound
Only 90 % of people have them as the eventual winners
and when has Portugal ever played to its potential?

27 Feb 2006, 23:37

FootballFan

some corrections are crucial here!!

Group E will top Italy
Group F will top Croatia

Finals Croatia vs. Italy

Winner: Italy

13 Mar 2006, 16:05

churchill

i hate to say it but i think that the man at the top has done his home work i have pretty much the same predictions and i like to think that i no my stuff. Although i think the real team to beat will be England. If the Brits do play Brazil no flukey Ronoldiniho goal can get past them like in 2002. By the numbers England has the best team especially with Rooney up front, Lampard, Beckham, Gerrard in the Midfield and John terry in defense. England will win if they play like they can but how often does that happen. 40 yrs ago they won beating Germany 4–2. If England dont play like they can, watch the Brazilians walk all over everyone to claim their first on European soil.
by the way…..
Germany have a good chance with the home soil, but apart from Ballak have an inexpeienced team

Italy, one of the favorites as usual but have not played to there potential in recent yrs.

Netherlands, the best team never to win it, watch out for the wicked Ruud Van Nistlerooy up front, good chance

USA ,unfortunatly have a snowballs chance in hell but miracles do happen

Argentina, have a lacking team this year due to retirement and injury and will not even likely make the Quaters

Czech Rep., currently ranked 2nd in the world by FIFA (doesnt mean shit though) but a worthy adversary for any team, they may go far

France, almost didnt make the World cup, they had to bring back several retired players form the 98 team to even qualify. the team is either too old or too youg and inexpirenced no chance there

Spain and Portugal, both have good sides but like france, their stars are mainly too old or inexpirenced on the worlds biggest stage

Ukraine, they are the dark horse of the tournament, they were the first team to qualify from Europe and that means something. watch them make an upset or too.

Brazil, well they alwys have a damn good team and holding the FIFA world player of the year Ronoldinho, they have a good chance as usual but the odds are against them having never won in Europe

England, they have the best allround team this year, including two runners up for the FIFA world player of the year Gerrard and Lampard, and they also have the worlds most vicious forward Wayne Rooney. They are hungry to win and have not in so long. BUT they often never play to there potential like bombing out of Euro 2000

but hey its the greatest, most exciting, and most watched sporting event in the world and its gonna be awsome to watch.

17 Apr 2006, 20:20

Matt Mayer

Hey, I thought you might want to put your predictions to the test against other football fans ;) I'm running a free football predictions competition at www.fantasyfacup.com/worldcup with $1000 for the winner.

23 Apr 2006, 14:36

Mark

Brazil have won in Europe – Sweden '58 led by Pele (world's worst football prognosticator)
Brazil have no defense
Van Nistelrooy has lost form and minutes of late
Argentina are better off for the retirements. Youth, cohesion due to lack of ego, and reduced pressure due to lack of established star power are all boons

27 Apr 2006, 16:25

John

Germany Poland Ecuador Costa Rica
England Sweden Paraguay Trinidad
Argentina Holland Ivory Coast Serbia
Portugal Mexico Angola Iran
Italy Czech Republic United States Ghana
Brazil Croatia Japan Australia
France Switzerland Korea Togo
Spain Ukraine Tunisia Saudi Arabia

Germany over Sweden
Argentina over Mexico
Italy over Croatia
France over Ukraine
England over Poland
Holland over Portugal
Brazil over Czech Republic
Spain over Switzerland

Argentina over Germany
Italy over France
England over Holland
Brazil over Spain

Argentina over Italy
Brazil over England

England over Italy

Brazil over Argentina

27 Apr 2006, 17:24

Ken Weavers

If you'd like to enter a WC Prediction Competition involving a few hundred people, cash prizes, non–profit, please try the URL given.

03 May 2006, 16:46

Goiano da Silva

Are you guys bloody NUTS? The world cup is in Europe and even though soccer in South America is way better European, I doubt the final will be between 2 South Americans, i.e. Brazil vs Argentina. It would be a disaster if Germany don't make it to the finals. The other finalist could well be another European team but most likely either Brasil or Argentina. As for the champion… I don't know but Germany will have to play what they know and don't know to beat either one.

05 May 2006, 20:39

Goiano da Silva

HEY CHURCHIL (the guy at spot 12), with all due respect, are you a soccer fan at all????

I couldn't believe in your comments… unlike you think Brazil is actually the only team that won an world cup on Europe (Sweden 1958). England is the team to beat… that's got be a joke! England is definitively overrated, Rooney might not even play because he is injured but he won't be that missed because he is nothing more than a bit–over–average–striker but rather young with a great future, He is way, I mean really waaaaaaayyyyyy far from top strikers like Ronaldo and Crespo. Two other overrated england players: Beckhan and Owen. The last one is OK, just an average telented striker, but bloody Beckhan is all about marketing,,, not much soccer.

05 May 2006, 21:56

matteo

England is going to win the world cup just like Tim Henman is going to win Wimbledon!
Its the same story every time.
The big guns will be there again(brazil,Italy,Argentina,France and Germany)
Forget friendly games!

06 May 2006, 10:21

Matt Rosati

Italy's gonna win this year because they got rid of all their old guys like vieri and panucci, and their new coach plays younger better guys like de rossi and gilardino

09 May 2006, 15:51

John

It will be England and Germany in the final, where Germany will get the beating of there life… for the 5th time around (The other four being; WWI, WWII, 66' final and the humilating 5–1 defeat.

09 May 2006, 20:01

Dave

Look out the Soca Warriors are on the way. Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) may very well turn out to be like the Jamaican bobsled team, the latter finished 14th in the 1994 winter Olympics. Before anyone starts shouting at me, checkout the teams progress since the former Ajax/Real Madrid/Netherlands coach Leo Beenhakker took the reigns.

12 May 2006, 02:44

Artur

It will be Brazil and Germany in the final.
GERMANY POLAND
ENGLAND SWEDEN
ARGENTINA NETHERLANDS
PORTUGAL MEXICO
ITALY CHECH
BRAZIL CROATIA
FRANCE KOREA
SPAIN UKRAINE

ARGENTINA OVER MEXICO
GERMANY OVER SWEDEN
PORTUGAL OVER NETHERLANDS
ENGLAND OVER POLAND
CROATIA OVER ITALY
FRANCE OVER UKRAINE
BRAZIL OVER CHECH
SPAIN OVER KOREA

GERMANY OVER ARGENTINA
BRAZIL OVER SPAIN
PORTUGAL OVER ENGLAND
CROATIA OVER FRANCE

GERMANY OVER CROATIA
BRAZIL OVER PORTUGAL

BRAZIL OVER GERMANY IN FINAL

15 May 2006, 19:42

michael

Italy will win the world cup… Bro you dont know shit! learn your stuff then come back and tell me wat u got. Croatia over italy.. blow me

Italy will win the world cup wether u pussys like it or not

Italia for life

forza azzurri

Fuck brazil… fuk everyoine besides italy

italia are the best and cok sukers.. remember WERE THE BEST

15 May 2006, 20:59

Amit Sood

I'd very much like to hear michael's response after Italy have been beaten in the first round by the Czech Republic… :)

Shades of Euro '96 all over again.

15 May 2006, 22:08

Robino

Wow, your semi–finals are the exact same as my picks for that!

16 May 2006, 21:32

Mr Cheung

I have to say i have bet very strongly on Argentina because they are the most likely winners, as for england they have no chance i have also bet strongly for them to lose between my despuits with friends!! i mean heavy ( £ 9000) that they lose if that happens i get £1000 !!! believe it or not up to u!! if i were u i would take this oppotunity to bet on argentina i can almost garantee they will win trust me!!! u guys will realise once the world cup finishes at 12/1 u have to at least put £300 i promise profits…. gay chu yeng dor d !! to all the ones that understand cantonese!!

17 May 2006, 12:47

Mel

Mark you are an idiot and you don't know shit about football.

17 May 2006, 21:35

CDN

Lol, England, Brazil and the rest of big guns are going to go home very early. Watch for Holand, Poland, Croatia

20 May 2006, 15:52

Jersey

I love predictions. They are never right, but what's the heck I can try like anyone else
A – Poland, Germany
B – Sweden, Paraguay
C – Holland, Aregentina, but maybe, and I hope for it; Serbia and Montenegro
D – Portugal, Mexico
E – Italy, USA
F – Croatia, Brazil
G – France, South Korea
H – Spain, Tunisia

Poland over Paraguay Geramany over Sweden
Holland over Mexico Argentina over Portugal
Italy over Brazil Croatia over USA
France overTunisia Spain over South Korea

Argentina over Poland Germany over Holland (the game of the tournament)
Italy over Spain Croatia over France

Croatia over Argentia Geramany over Italy
Germany over Croatia

20 May 2006, 16:25

Goiano da Silva

Brazil and Argentina are BY FAR the best ones… but they're are playing in Europe… which is a huge disadvantage.

Brazil won't win because the world is against them… people are not willing to see Brazil taking over the most popular sport in the world. They also have won so much that it lacks motivation for the players… 1st in south American qualifiers, champion of federation cup, champion of American cup, best player in the world, first place in fifa rank, etc etc etc….

Argentina is a very balanced team that will go far if they don't choke in the first round because of its very hard group.

European teams are pathetic… they have the advantage of playing at home though, which is sad… if you think about it. If you ever watched South American teams playing in the qualifier or South American cup you get disgusted when you see euro cup or European qualifiers… the art of playing beautiful soccer has not yet arrived in Europe… sorry!!!!

20 May 2006, 16:53

Mark

Mel, kindly elaborate.

20 May 2006, 20:38

Luciano

Are You Mad ?? England Beat Argentina, England Beat Germany, Englands An Underdog You Gotta Watch, I Think Brazil Will Win It, Can See England Makin Semi's Before They Fuck Up Again, But You Never Know….They Might Win It, I Hope They Play Argentina, Germany , Holand Brazil , Italy Any Of Them, To Be The Best You Have To Beat The Best, P.S Crespo Is An Old Time Striker, Ronaldino And Hopefully Rooney Will Do The Damage This World Cup, Watch And See….

21 May 2006, 01:43

Amit Sood

Probably worth noting at this stage that all things being well, England should not meet Argentina or Germany until the final (assuming all win their groups). See above for an explanation of how the draw pans out.

21 May 2006, 08:26

Damn Yankee

The Damn Yankees will win it all!! Viva Donovan!

21 May 2006, 18:40

Mitchell

Group A Germany – will be in the finals of the whole thing
Group B England – will be out in semi's
Group C Argentina or Netherlands – it will be close – semis
Group D Portugal – out in quarters
Group E Italy – semis
Group F Brazil –final
Group G France – out in quarters
Group H Spain – out in semi's

21 May 2006, 20:47

gbanks

love the feedback..everybody is picking favorites etc. but where are the Afican teams?..Ivory Coast has a real chance to move on, USA possibly with some luck but no more or less than Ghana…my dark horse to go to the final 8 and with luck final four…..Sweden!.....but I do agree with those that see Argentina in the finals vs. Germany (they'll get every call coming like they did the last time they hosted and won!)

21 May 2006, 21:12

Goiano da Silva

African teams???? Ivory coast is the better one but won't go far because bloody hard group C.

Here are the surprises from each group:

A– Equator is going to second round!
B– Paraguai is going to not bloody sweden.
C– Argentina or Netherlans. Pick one because 1 of the won't make it to second round. I pick Netherlans.
D– No surprises… portugal and mexico go on…
E–Italy and Czhecs move on… USA won't do it.
F–Japan instead of Croacia nost likely…
G– South Korea will also move on leaving switzerlan behind.
H–Spain will only move on because this is by far the easiest groip. Ukraine is probably going to second round too.

Having said that… all the surprises are leaving in the second round… From the quarters and on no moire surprises…

ANYBODY DARE TO DIAGREE??? HEHEHE….

21 May 2006, 21:40

Amit Sood

Mitchell, comment 36: you have named two finalists (Germany & Brazil) and four losing semi–finalists (England, Argentina/Netherlands, Italy, & Spain). Something doesn't add up here…

21 May 2006, 22:42

Taylor

Group A Germany
Group B England
Group C Netherlands, or maybe Argentina..
Group D Portugal
Group E Italy
Group F Brazil
Group G France
Group H Spain
It will be interesting to see how the German's play with the pressure of everyone expecting them to win because they are on home soil. Italy has changed up their programm to become more offensive, England has alot of huge stars, like Rooney, Beckham, and Owen. Who knows if Rooney will even play for sure, even if he can will Man U allow it? France is always up there so maybe this year will be their break through year, but I think this year we will see the Netherlands in the Finals, with another European team, most likely Germany, and if not then it will be Brazil.

22 May 2006, 04:07

Mitchell

I know they don't add up im saying that the furthest those teams will possibly go in my mind is the semi's…

22 May 2006, 04:17

Deez Nuts

I love the blatant disrespect that the USA national team gets. So the FIFA rankings mean nothing? Italy's going to win it all? Seriously? They're the third best team in Group E! I don't see the Americans getting past the Czechs (who are a lot better than you tools admit) but I do see them beating a very overrated Italian team.

Besides, the Italian national team can't pay to have certain refs at the World Cup matches. They've got to win these matches on their own merit. Dirty cheaters.

Oh, and Brazil FTW. You idiots have got to realize that the Brazilians are by far and away the best team. Italy? You guys crack me up.

22 May 2006, 07:34

Ian Fielding

I'm backing Ivory Coast to advance from the Group Of Death, probably at the expense of the Dutch. They have such a strong spine in Kolo Toure [most impressive defender in Europe this season, from a neutral perspective], with Yaya and Zokora in midfield, and Drogba up front. Their sheer strength will cause problems for Argentina and the Netherlands — backing Argentina to advance on the basis of the sheer talent in Messi, Tevez, and Mascherano.

Australia I like as a surprise package with Guus Hiddink masterminding, and USA should do well again. Beckenbauer reckons that the Italian football scandal will do for their national side in this tournament and I think I'm with him on that — Czech Republic and the US to go forward out of their group.

Otherwise, I rather like your predictions. Not sure who I reckon will make the final though.

22 May 2006, 14:07

Big Daddy K

England will be in the Final mark my words…............

22 May 2006, 14:43

Goiano da Silva

Hey 44, England is bloody overrated. They are not that good, the same for Italy FYI.

Portugal has the best playoff coach in the world and a good team (although not exceptional), so they are going to the semis at least.

Brazil of course is BY FAR the best one… but the world is against them and they lack motivation at this stage. Won't do it, which is a shame!!!

USA and Australia are hopeless, sorry, but FIFA rank does not reflect how good a team is at all and the worderfull aussie coach won't be able to help them.

Maybe Netherlans is going to finally win… but european soccer is really not that good unfortunatelly.

22 May 2006, 15:49

Amit Sood

Brazil of course is BY FAR the best one

but they lack motivation at this stage.

Brazilian captain Cafu is bidding to become the first player to play in four World Cup finals (he was there in 1994 vs Italy), the first player to win three World Cup finals (Pele won three World Cups but missed the '62 final through injury), and the first player to lift the World Cup as captain twice. Ronaldo needs three more goals to overtake Gerd Muller as the World Cup's all time top scorer (currently on 12, Muller scored 14). Carlos Alberto Parreira is looking to become the first man in history to win two World Cups as coach (he was also coach in '94). And there's also the stigma of South American teams being unable to win in Europe – Brazil did it in Sweden '58 but it's been so long that another is needed to shut the critics up.

I think I see some motivation there.

22 May 2006, 17:39

Goiano da Silva

Dude (number 45 above), give us a break!!!!. Cafu, Ronaldo, and Parreira do NOT win a world cup alone. In fact Ronaldo is not in great shape lately and could reasonably sit in the bench, Cafu is a bit aged and his motivation is clearly limited by his physical capability, and Parreira has no or little control over motivation of the group.

Here is something for you. If Brazil wins they will have twice as many championships than the 2 second places (Germany and Italy). Next world cup is in Africa, which is an almost perfect territory for Brazil because it's outside Europe and people there just LOVE the best soccer in the world of Brazil. The world cup after that one in 2014 will be most likely in Brazil, as FIFA has already declared. Bottom line… Brazil will likely win at least one of these world cups if not both of them. Just try to picture what the world soccer would turn to with Brazil win in Germany too. That would mean a disaster for FIFA and soccer popularity just like what happen when bloody USA was taking over basketball in Olympics and Schumacher in F1 races.

Think about it dude. Brazil is favorite to win in according to polls in any country, except in Brazil. Most Brazilians know that they are not motivated enough to win… Unfortunately, we will have to see bloddy boring europeans teams winning it.

22 May 2006, 21:00

Goiano da Silva

I meant the dude in number 46, not 45.

22 May 2006, 21:51

Amit Sood

Goiano,

You got some good points there, I don't think many people would consider the effect future World Cups might have on the outcome of this one. I'm not suggesting that either Cafu, Ronaldo, or Parreira can win the Cup alone, just trying to present the other side of the argument in terms of "being motivated".

The Brazilians winning several consecutive Cups would indeed be a disaster in terms of public interest, but I don't think the prospect of another team winning this time around should be seen as "boring". European teams can play exciting football, and we'll see some of that throughout the tournament.

And if we must consider Europeans to be "boring" and a Brazilian win to be "overdominant", what about Argentina as another entertaining possibility…

22 May 2006, 22:12

Goiano da Silva

The president of Fifa has commented informally that he prefers a team other Brazil to win. There is even people that think there is a conspiration to make Brazil loose, which might be a bit exaggerated in my opinion.

You right, perhaps I should not say boring… but European soccer is definitively decadent because of the tons of the great Brazilian, Argentinean, and even African players that make their national championships interesting. Otherwise it would be boring. I have watched some games from European qualifier and it generally sucks. Can you imagine what is going to happen with European teams in a world cup in South America? Most of them will choke in the first round.

Yes, Argentina is probably one of the best bets. They have a more balanced team, they are not quoted as favorite like last cup, and they are definitively better than any European team.

My point for the next world cups is important. Most Brazilians are like… it's OK if we don't win this one because in Africa or in Brazil it will be almost too easy getting to the final. Trust me… Brazil is not really worried about this world cup.

22 May 2006, 22:34

Taylor

I agree with comment 50 and all of his other comments…soccer interest would deffinatly be devistated if Brazil was to win in Germany because they will then most likly win the next 2 in Africa and Brazil…THEREFORE GO NORWAY

23 May 2006, 03:03

mico

here's my two cents:
A) Ger–Pol
B) Swe–Eng
C)Ned–Arg
D)Mex–Port
E)Ita–Czech
F)Bra–Cro
G)Fra–Swiss
H)Spain–Ukr

Germany over England
Netherlands over Portugal
Sweden over Poland
Argentina over Mexico
Italyover Croatia
Ukraine over France
Brazil over Czech
Spain over Swiss

Netherlands over Germany
Sweden over Argentina
Italy over Ukraine
Brazil over Spain

Netherlands over Italy
Brazil over Sweden

Champion: Brazil over Netherlands… or the other way around, I hope….!!!

23 May 2006, 04:05

Ray

How anyone can believe Germany can win is beyond me
theyve collapsed big time
England or Holland will win
and I agree totally with 24.michaels last comment about his Italians C S'king
just a bunch of fouling cheats

23 May 2006, 11:40

Amit Sood

THEREFORE GO NORWAY

I assume you are looking ahead to the 2008 European Championships…

23 May 2006, 14:25

Goiano da Silva

Germany would not be favorite if the world cup was in another country. Playing at home makes a lot of difference. But in Europe, it's almost home for many nearby nations, so an Eupopean team is most likely to win it only because of that. Germany. Portugal and Netherlans are my best bets. Italy is not stromg im my opinion. England used to be top in my list but with all the problems they are having with the coach and Rooney, I'm not so sure how well they will do.

Brasil won't will for the reasons I gave above. Argentina is probably the best bet but again, playing in Europe will be the problem. African and Asian teams might be surprises in the second round but no more than that, really. USA and Mexico… don't know. USA soccer is growing up fast but I reckon far away from having cahances to win an world cup. Mexico is not too bad, but it is similar to USA… vey unlikely to go very far.

I can't wait for the word cup my friends!!!!!!!

23 May 2006, 14:32

Amit Sood

Even though we should never write them off, I personally don't rate the Germans. They were fortunate to make it to the final last time with only Ballack and Kahn shining in an otherwise ordinary team. I think the quarter finals will be their limit, any further would be overachieving. They could easily slip up to England or Sweden in the 2nd round.

23 May 2006, 18:30

Steve

Goiano da Silva,
Concede the point about FIFA world rankings. Here in America we have several bullshit computer rankings (look up the Bowl Championship Series) yet American sports fans who know nothing of football yet are nonetheless getting excited about the world cup cite the top five ranking and profess profound soccer knowledge. In my estimation the United States, though I hate to admit it, is no better that top 15 in the world. I disagree with the point on Australia. Guss Hiddink is a miracle worker. I would argue that the talent on his squad rivals that of the Korean team in the last world cup. European club experience also helps. I think that Group F will be extremely competitive for the #2 spot

24 May 2006, 15:18

Goiano da Silva

Steve, that's right, FIFA rank does not mean a lot although Brazil is the first place, which is currently fair. USA just lost to Marrocos at their home… which is pathetic. USA is not going to second round in my opinion. Group F is more difficult than a lot of people think. Croacia beat Austria recently in Viena (4–1!!!) and also beat Argentina a few weeks ago. Japan cannot be ignored. The coach is good (zico) and they have some world cup experience. Australia has the miracle coach like you said. I personaly consider grop F the second or third more difficult one.

24 May 2006, 16:46

Amit Sood

I think Japan have a mountain to climb if they want to get out of this one.

24 May 2006, 18:08

Taylor

I have read everyones comments and everyone brings some valid points to the table…but noone seriously has said a team and stuck with that team to win… so who does everyone think will win after all of these debates about FIFA ranking and new coaching staff?

24 May 2006, 22:36

john

ITALY WONT MAKE IT PAST THE FIRST ROUND

JUST BECAUSE YOUR FROM THERE DONT BE IGNORENT

THEY SUCK . thats my point and to win the world cup is seriously a toss up

anyone can one anyone .. just not ecuador.

24 May 2006, 23:43

Goiano da Silva

Hey Taylor, here is my predicted list for the champion in order from the most likely to less likely. I have guessed right the first and second places in the last 3 world cups! Quite impressive, at least for who knows me.

GERMANY>ARGENTINA>ENGLAND>BRASIL>PORTUGAL>NETHERLANS>CROATIA>ITALY

25 May 2006, 16:30

Taylor

GOiano da Silva, you tihnk Germany can do it with all of thier young players? I know they are on home ground and all but thats more pressure on them right, because they are expected to win…I think Italy has no chance, Chezch Republic could maybe, if they play good they might come out of nowhere to win, who knows? I am predicting that Brazil won't win, they are an amazing team and yes they are ranked right up there yet again, but i dont think this year they will do it? what about everyone else, who do u think will do it?

26 May 2006, 04:00

Toto

Good to see the crap coming from those of you scared of the Azzurri!!!
1. So we're a bunch of fouling cheats are we?
2. We won't get out of the group stages?
3. We're overrated?!
4. We're going to crumble under pressure from the recent scandal?

Look here the only way the Azzurri will get knocked out of the World cup is by the referees/Fifa! Recently this has been the only to knock us out, WC 2002 5 disallowed goals including a golden goal! Euro 2004 Eliminated unbeaten by a staged 2–2 draw, which was never investigated!

However if Luca Toni hits top form then even they won't be able to stop us!

All these negative comments reagarding the recent scandal remind me of the Rossi incident in 1981/82 and we all know what happened then (If you don't know please kindly leave this site immediately and go back to la la land! Yes I'm speaking to the England dreamers and Brazilian hangers on!)

From adversity comes World Cup winners Italy 2006!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

26 May 2006, 12:34

Toto

P.S. No. 61 – John. You are taliking out of your IGNORANT uneducated a*se. Your comment is a double entendre (If you don't know what this means look it up!).

"Italy won't make it past the group stage"
"anyone can one anyone .. just not ecuador." ….I'll take it that instead of one you wanted to put "win"!

So you have stated that anyone can WIN (including ITALY), just not Equador.

Also you stated that to win the World cup is a "toss up". I don't know what football you've been watching but at no point is w*nking involved?!!

26 May 2006, 12:52

Amit Sood

You'll be surprised Toto, football's moved on somewhat. Players often need a rub at half time. "Sore muscles" or something…

26 May 2006, 14:41

Amit Sood

On a serious note, there was nothing wrong whatsoever with the Sweden–Denmark game in 2004. Both sides knew a draw would put them through to the knockout stages. Either side going for a win would have risked conceding a goal and hence elimination. Playing safe was the only rational option. Italy may claim to be hard done by, but that's football! Only if Italy had beaten Sweden or Denmark would they have deserved to have matters in their own hands. Two draws from two games is never enough!

I'm sure Italian fans all remember playing the same game with Mexico in 2002 to see Croatia out of the World Cup.

26 May 2006, 14:56

Goiano da Silva

TOTO,

I must assume your are Italian and for most Italians, soccer is more than a sport, it is a passion. I understand that and I feel similarly as a Brazilian. Now, I must warn you. It is very unlikely (not impossible of course) that Italy wins the world cup, but I could be wrong. This team is just OK in my opinion, since they depend a lot on Totti and Pirlo's inspiration and they lack good people in the bench in case they need. There is at least 5–6 teams with way better cahnces to win than Italy. Sorry mate! Besides, Italy group is not easy and I do believe that they can even get knocked off in the first round.

26 May 2006, 16:55

Taylor

I think Italy has a hard pool but I still think they will make it atleast to quarters. I think Italy has a good chance to even win this r, but thats only if they play their best. If italy comes with anything less then 100% then it will be hard for them to stay alive in the later rounds. I got great feelings that this year it will be an all European final, now i know that is a bit out there, but i think its going to happen, because one they are in Europe, and 2 this year alot of European teams are strong, not to say non–European teams aren't but if you look at it, no matter what you say if they are overrated or not England is going to field a team with some of the finest players there are, thats the same with Germany, France, etc. It is all going to depend on who plays their best throughout the tourny, everyteam has bad games…and everyteam has the skill to win, but it goes to experience, and drive to win. And i think that the European teams all have that one thing in common and that is the drive to not allow Brazil, or Argentina, etc. to win. I think we will see the best games before the finals, when the top european teams meet brazil and others in the earlier rounds, because the Europeans will be driving to not let them win at all cost…
I can't wait for it gents

26 May 2006, 20:14

Amit Sood

I can't wait for it gents

and ladies

26 May 2006, 20:57

Taylor

yes and ladies..everyone who watches…

26 May 2006, 21:19

Artur

hey Michael you stupid Italian you don't know shit about football
what happen last time? hehehehehe Croatia bit italy you stupid JACK ASS

26 May 2006, 21:31

Goiano da Silva

There is a good chance of an all–European–final since they are all sort of playing at home, but the question is…
Will european teams be able to stop Brazil and Argentina???
Both of them are clearly better than any European team. Maybe… soccer can be estimated but not totally predicted.
While European teams are limited to 2–3 talented players, Brazil and Argentina have at least 6 in each team.

Everytime I see the last Brazil vs Argentina games it really makes me wonder how Europe is going to win this world cup????

26 May 2006, 21:35

Goiano da Silva

Taylor, answering your question. I still think Germany could win because they are playing at home. It does make a lot of difference. If they don't; my second guess is Argentina, although as a Brazilian I hate to admit that ;–). They have the second most strong team (first is Brazil) and are coming as non–favorites but craziliy motivated, which helps. Brazil won't win unfortunately :–( and I have already discussed why in my comments above.

26 May 2006, 21:48

Taylor

Yes you bring a very good point up and that is that European teams are limited to 2–3 really good players, but in some cases those 2,3 even 4 players are some of the best players today. I have looked alot into England's team because there are many who believe they will win, and looking at who they have planned to play they are pretty set themselevs. In goal for England at this summer's World Cup will be Tottenham Hotspur's goalkeeper Paul Robinson. Playing left back will be Cole, with Terry and Campbell in the middle and Neville on the right. Then in mid they will have Beckham as their captain in right mid, Gerrard and Lampard in the middle (Lampard by the way is ranked as the second best player in the world right now) Then Cole on left mid, who has tremendous speed and a wonderful first touch which will deffiniatly cause alot of problems for other teams. Then up fornt, pending all goes well they plan to have Owen and Rooney up there. England's line up this year is looking pretty good right now, and i know Germany's is. So im going to go out here and say that i think it's going to be Germany and England in the final, and if it it not that then it wil be Argentina and one of those teams. But i think if Rooney and Owen miss out this year then it will be hard for ENgland to match their quarters in the 2002 world cup.

27 May 2006, 02:22

Alexei

It appears as if you guys have counted Portugal and Holland out already.

27 May 2006, 05:07

Amit Sood

it will be hard for ENgland to match their quarters in the 2002 world cup

The quarter finals should be seen as an absolute MINIMUM requirement for England, since on paper they have a better squad than last time. Anything less, i.e. elimination at group stage or last 16, would be raw underachievement. If England want to come out with any credit, then they have to reach the semi finals at least. Losing quarter finals has been the norm in recent years (Brazil in 02, Portugal in 04) and England ought to make the step up from that level.

27 May 2006, 09:04

Goiano da Silva

Alexei, Holland has a great but young team lacking world cup experience. But, still, they do have chances of win but I doubt it.

Portugal is OK, not outstanding but above average. Their coach, however, is simply the best playoff coach in the world. They have good chances to go far and even make it to the finals if they get to second round, which is likely since grup D is one of the easiest one (second only to group H).

I agree with Amit… yes England has obligation to make it at least to the quarter finals.

27 May 2006, 15:03

Derek

You all are forgeting about underdogs. Every 4 years one or more teams are in semis. Few teams from semis which are never count as a favorities: 1930 USA and Yugoslavia, 1934 Czechoslovakia and Austria, 1954 Austria, 1962 Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia, 1966 USSR, 1974 Poland, 1982 Poland, 1986 Belgium, 1994 Bulgaria, 1998 Croatia, 2002 Turkey and South Korea. Every one is saying England this England that, ok they won in 1966 and get once to semis, but thats all. Teams like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Urugway, Italy are real champions. Even Holland or Czech Republic are showing better football during World Cups than England, even they never won a Cup. This years is going to be no different than previous Championships. I bet that they are going to be big upsets. Brazil is not going to get to semis, Germans like always will be very far, Holland can finally put everything together. The biggest underdogs are going to be Croatia and Poland. Just checked how both teams qualified for World Cup.

27 May 2006, 16:28

clifford Renfrew

I think that France will surprise people and will win the World Cup. They have good players throughout the side and in Henry a world class striker. Zidane will be working his socks off like Viera because they know it is their last world Cup too. The draw has been quite favourable to them and my biggest concern is Barthez in goal although Coupet is a good back–up. In addition they will want to make–up for the last World Cup and traditionally teams from South America don't usually win it in Europe. There is not much to choose between the top European nations but without Rooney I can't see England going all the way. Germany will be strong because it's at home but they still look short. Holland, Czech Republic plus Spain are all pretty even but I feel France have an edge over them all. I'm going to Vegas next week to put $1000 on them at 14/1– it's a good bet in my opinion. Hope you all enjoy the World Cup. Alas Scotland, my country, won't be going, so, after France, I'll be rooting for Trinidad And Tobago – Australia will also do pretty well I believe.

Cliff Renfrew.

27 May 2006, 16:43

Goiano da Silva

Derek, as for underdogs… Croacia and Portugal (are these 2 really considered unerdogs?) are my bets for semis. I believe, tough, that bigdogs are going to do the semis this cup, just like the last 2 cups in europe. Well, Croatia send Germany home and went to the semis in 98, but not so sure if Croacia fits the underdof category, especially in the 98 cup. Poland won't go far, sorry.

Clifford, france has also a good team, not great but definitively competitive. France is an one time champion because they were bloody lucky. In the second round they were luck to pass Paraguai. I watched that game and Paraguai almost send them home. In the final, a lot of people don't know this, but they were playing with nobody since Brazil had HUGE problems in the day and night before that game. The players were very worried about Ronaldo's crisis and were not focused in the game at all. Come on… everybody knows, if nothing happened and Brazil were 100% that game, france would not have a chance.

As for australia, the coach is great but the team is not, let's be honest. In the group with Cracia and Brazil, they won't make it to second round for sure. Actually, they will be last in the grop. Japan will beat them too.

27 May 2006, 17:51

Derek

I never said that Portugal is underdog. Brazil is strong, but I don't think they will deliver this year. You know they had some lack in the past as well. I just hope some country which is not consider big fat favorite will win. Anyhow, its gona be fun to watch and that what maters the most, at least for me.

27 May 2006, 20:59

martonus@myway.com

Dear Fans and special mention to Goiano da Silva,
I see youre a very passionate fan of football, but please check your's spelling before posting… :)
Before I start, Im from Germany but live in Australia. So my opinions of both teams are going to be a little optimistic, but that seems to be the theme.

Just FYI, Hiddink has done a wonderful job with Australia, and with our recent victory over Greece while missing players like harry kewell and tim cahill, i believe we have a side that will not only frustrate sides in the opening stage but score aganist them.
Australia's whole team plays in Europe, playing in the best leagues and this will be a huge advantage. Anyway, i think it will Brazil and Australia going thru ( equal points with Croatia but goal difference)

As for the winner, its always hard because this being played in Germany, european teams normally do well, but as some of you said, south american sides are looking good (Brazil + Argentina). Germany, unfortunealy, will not be there in the final.

But my tip to be a suprise finalist will be Netherlands. I also like portugal, their side has a great mix of youngsters and veterens.
Anyway, well see how things pan out very soon :)

28 May 2006, 10:26

Derek

Dear Martonus

Before you point somebody's misspelings, please check how did you write names. Low case letters are not the best of choice, unless its in German, lol.

29 May 2006, 01:35

mike zan

hi, i have checked out your website and it looks very good! would you be interested in placing a link of a website providing pure information on the history of the world cup (www.worldcupyears.com) (unofficial website), and if you contact back, we will place a link of your website in our links page,

please contact back

MZLondon@aol.com

have a great day

www.worldcupyears.com

29 May 2006, 11:58

Faris

A– Germany – Poland
B– England – Sweden
C– Netherlands – Serbia & Montenegro (Argentina wont make it to the 2nd round, Serbia will prove they are the black horse)
D– Portugal – Iran (Iran has the potential)
E– Czech – Italy
F– Brazil – Croatia
G– France – Korea
H– Spain – Tunisia (The lucky African team to proceed)

Germany over Sweden
England over Poland
Netherlands over Iran
Serbia over Portugal
Czech over Croatia
Italy over Brazil (an old revenge, good bye Brazil)
Tunisia over France (Surprise!!)
Spain over Korea (hope the refrees wont be biased this time)

Netherlands over Germany (The Big Game)
England over Serbia
Czech over Tunisia
Spain over Italy

Netherlands over Czech
Spain over England

FINAL GAME = NETHERLANDS VS. SPAIN (A new champion this time)

29 May 2006, 13:58

Goiano da Silva

Dear martonus@myway.com, the dude in spot 83.

You suck! Is that spelled all right? Check the dictionary for me cause I don't have the time for it. I'm just here to discuss soccer, so I type it quickly with no double–checking. I strongly encourage you to look for a English grammar blog because you are in the wrong place! Besides, judging by your knowledge in soccer, your are definitively in the wrong blog.

I know Australia has a good team and the coach is excellent, but even my MOM can tell that…. give me a break! The problem is: Croatia and Brazil are 2 of the best teams in this world cup. Japan is not bad either, trust me. In the last Confederations cup they gave a hard time to Brazil and they have good chances to beat Australia.

Hey Faris… I also think Brazil will play with Italy in the second round… but mate I'm sorry… bloody Italy will choke again if that happens.

29 May 2006, 15:16

Kyle

Why do so many people totally overlook the talent on the US team? Did any of you watch the game against Germany last WC? The US handled them, seriously, dominated them, only to be defeated by a cheap goal. The whole rest of the game was in their hands. They definately got a hard group, but I wouldn't count them out so fast. Fifa rankings = crap, but the US team will surprise people who are too used to them sucking at football. They are definately better than that 2002 team, and I think they'll be competitive with both the (imo) overrated Italy squad and the fifa–overrated but very talented Czech squad. I'd pick them to get out of the group second.

29 May 2006, 20:00

Goiano da Silva

Kyle, the US team did a good job in the last world cup but they have less chances now. They lost to Morrocos recently within US and those who watched the game knows US team is in big trouble. Also in US, they beat Venezuela 4 days ago (2–0) but Venezuela is the weakest South American team. They usually get beat really hard by any team qualified for the world cup. US is unlikely to go to second round. It would be a shame for Italy or Czechs if US qualifies!

30 May 2006, 01:24

Danny

I don't think anyone knows how strong this Italy team really is. For everyone thats saying that they are overrated; hello, they're ranked 12th! For a team that smacked Germany 4–1, has the top scoring striker in Europe (Luca Toni – most of you probably don't even know who he is) and has been screwed over countless amount of times in previous tournaments, i'd say they are EXTREMELY underrated ! With a healthy Francesco Totti playing in top form, the Azzuri side will be unstoppable…(just like Roma…11 straight!) no matter what group they are in. And that man Totti will lead Italy to the World Cup.

30 May 2006, 06:25

Faris

First of all, Kyle the US team lost 4–1 against Germany 2 months ago, and not 1–0… and thats too much.
I think that the American team needs luck to advance to the next round, and they have taken their chances in the 2002 reaching the quarter finals. I think it is their game with Italy decides who will advance from both teams to the second round. I am saying coz I'm assuming the Czech team to end up first, they are a very strong team, attack–minded with great tactics….

30 May 2006, 11:50

Jyves

What I like about forums like this is seeing people insult each other and curse at everyone else for hypothetical events. Wannabe managers are all over the world it seems.

At this point, everything about the World Cup are conjectures, and we won't know the results until the referee whistles the final. Adding one's opinions and insights to a healthy debate is one thing. Disrespecting other people based on their predictions for what is a game (give them bread and games…) is quite puerile (and my father is stronger than your father, anyways).

Just sit back, crack open a can, and enjoy. It's a game, that's what it's all about.

30 May 2006, 12:45

Derek

That's right! 9 days left!!!

30 May 2006, 13:08

ANDY

Comment

Wow, will you italians ever give up? You're team is garbage this year, wake up! If Italy makes it to the final, I will grow hair on my back, have sex with my sister and do anything alse it takes to make me italian!

30 May 2006, 19:20

Goiano da Silva

A few minutes ago, Japan almost beat Germany, the last one playing at home!!!!! Japan was actually winning 2–0 and Germany was lucky to get it even in the end.

Funny, isn't it? A lot of people tend to ignore Japan and I keep saying here in my comments that Japan is going far. Again, I think group F is one of the most difficult! I still think the 2 qualified will be Brazil and Japan, although Croacia is excellent too. Poor Australia… legendary Hiddik won't be able to help them much in a such hard group!

30 May 2006, 21:46

Amit Sood

In comment 62, Germany were made the tournament favourites. Surely that's got to be dispelled after this poor performance at home.

Does it really matter which team out of Croatia, Australia, or Japan qualifies along with Brazil in group F? Surely none of those three would be expected to get past either Czech Republic or Italy in the 2nd round anyway. Whoever qualifies from the group, it's more than likely just a stay of execution.

31 May 2006, 01:19

Martin

I know my football thanks Goiano. Im apologise if i hurt youre feelings and you needed to tell me that i suck. But, im guessing by your comments its useless to have a debate without being insulted.
Anyway, warm up matches are one thing, the actual tournament is another thing entirely. Youll find some teams play badly or poorly during the warm ups, but put it all together when it counts. e.g Germany.

I totally agree with Jyves about his comments in regarding some of the above. All I wanted to say, especially someone who lives on the world cup for past 16 years is the lack of knowledge of some teams in the tournament. That's my blog.
P.S Dont call it Soccer, its a term that only 3–4 countries use to express football. And yes, i know australia uses it but thats changing.

01 Jun 2006, 03:03

Aaron

hey…...
good predictions…
xept argentina will beat brazil in the final and win the tournament….......
Hate brazil

01 Jun 2006, 06:41

Derek

Martin, (97) I couldn't agree more. Many people don't know so many teams. They have no clue about their rosters. E.g. When Brasil, England, France, Italy, Germany and other big teams are playing we all know who is missing. But look countries like Croatia, Poland even Czech Rupublic. They can play team B and everyone is juging them in base on the last game. Word soccer as a football is more and more in use. Few months ago I was in Germany and almost everyone was using this term, just few weeks ago I was in Northern Ireland, and they are using this word as well.

01 Jun 2006, 13:04

Goiano da Silva

Hey Martin, I'm not mad at you… it's OK, that's the way football discussions always get anyway :–)

I only call it soccer because I live in US… and want make it clear.

Dear Aaron… Argentina is great team and it is possible they would beat Brazil in the final but a final between the 2 would be very unlikely in Germany.

You probably hate Brazil because we are simply the best teamin the world… so I don't blame you! I just want to remindo you that Brazil has beat Argentina in everything they compete in the last 6 years… I mean EVERYTHING!!!!!! so, in case of a final between the 2, don't get your hopes to high mate!

01 Jun 2006, 13:12

kachhua

I reckon the original predictions are spot on. I get the same 16 in the second round, but I think England and Paraguay will tie and so will England and Sweden, thereby letting Sweden top that group because they will beat Paraguay. There could be a few slipups in my predictions but anyway Brazil are going to win again !!!!!!!!!! Ao Sexto !

01 Jun 2006, 16:08

I Predict....

Netherlands win the tourny against brazil (the orange take their first world cup!)

england comes in third place

02 Jun 2006, 04:20

LucaToni

wow so much hate to the italians geeez relax… you dont know how it feels , italy has been screwed over for the past while , need i say more….... anyways i belive because of the new talent italy has this year , luca toni , gilardino , also Inzagi is playing ( he has had crazy season for AC MILAN), Camoranesi (great midfielder from Juventus)...TottI, Pirlo , Buffon the list goes on…..... italy this year has ALOT of GREAT TALENT , THE QUESTION IS CAN THEY PERFORM ? Not because im a italy fan but realistically if italy plays 100 PERCENT i guratee they will at LEAST make it to SEMI finals and MAYBE they could go all the way :).... Seing how things are looking and how italy is being looked at i say ITALY is one of the most underatted teams in the turnament this year…. SEE you guys AT the FIFA CUP…... ITALIA FOR EVER FORZA AZZURI ITALI 06 WINNERS ;) OH yea PS , i have a feeling italy vs brazil this year :D REVENGE AT LAST!!!!

02 Jun 2006, 08:15

Artur

hey Toni
italy vs brazil hehehehehehehehehehehe you are funny Toni
italy won't go to far so no chance for that
italy sucks big time

02 Jun 2006, 15:28

Goiano da Silva

Yes, ITALY will meet Brazil in second round. Mate, it will be a piece of cake for Brazil… well maybe not a piece of cake but I still think it will be a bad deal for Italy! In this world cup, ain't no Paolo Rossi to save them from elimination.

I agree, Italy is the most underrated team in this world cup.

02 Jun 2006, 15:35

Big Football Fun

South American football sucks!!!!! And I have to say it sucks a big time. There is just one country which can play against European Nations. And that's Brazil. The rest are way behind Europe. This year no South American country including mighty Brazil will do anything during World Cup. I don't know but looks like they are going to loose to Croatia (100%), and Japan (70 – 80%), maybe even to Australia, however I think they will just tie them. If somehow they will go further and meet Italy (I'm not Italian), they will be sorry. Italians will win at least by 3 goals. Holland, Croatia, Portugal, Spain, England, Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden are way batter than any South American Team!!!!! Lots of you know shit about football. Funs like da Silva make me cry! Boddy where did you grew up? In USA? And what do you know about football? I know they call it – SOCCER. You are not Brazilian! And you know nothig about football, maybe about soccer but not football!

03 Jun 2006, 13:19

hoope

do you guys even look at the euro?

Italy couldn beat denmark nor sweden

Portugal kicked ass

The czechs did shit

Germany failed to get past the group stage

Friendly's mean shit its competitive gaems that you must base your predicitons on

As for my favs' I really like portugal and netherlands here but its gonna be France in the finals. There gonna be like 2002 brazil having to bring in big names just to qualify. Brazil carryed that momentum into the finals and ahd an unreal tournament. France has the best strikers with a experienced mids and a solid defence. They knwo how to win. PLus homefield advantage is somehwat a big thing for them consdiering the 98 cup and france bordering germany, french support will be in massive numbers.

03 Jun 2006, 20:21

Socrates

I think it´s funny when italians accuse others for cheating. You should not throw bricks…..

Brazil will most likely win, England will most likely get nowhere.

03 Jun 2006, 22:52

fritz

#
Big Football Fun …. u clearly dont know about football… you would have otherwise realised that the 2 best players in history come from south America (MARADONA and PELE) Argentina has, im afraid to say it, and amazing team this year, i believe they will lift the cup but Brazil, holland, england and italy could win it as well… I'd love to see england lift the cup but the argentines probably will lift it!

PS: Hey its fan not fun (for Big Football "Fun")

04 Jun 2006, 00:04

brazilsucks

as long as brazil doenst win wolrd cup im happy , ronaldhihno has it comming to him hheehehhe i hope some one takes him out im sick of seeing his ugly face in the media , ugly donkey , by the way italy is going to win the world cup this year :D

PS: bRAZIL SHOULD NOT BE ALOUD TO PLAY IN THE WORLD CUP THEY ARE like 1rst in the wolrd for "COUNTRY IN DEBT" , they waste all there money on soccer lol

04 Jun 2006, 00:11

totti

yea screw brazil they wont win this year FORZA ITALIA

04 Jun 2006, 00:41

VivaPortugal

omg, this is all a joke, like seriously does anyone look back at EURO 04?? Didnt portugal beat Netherlands, well if ur blind, they will again, mark my words, portugal goes to semis!!

04 Jun 2006, 05:03

yyy

my prediction
GA germany equador
GB england sweden
GC netherlands ivory coast
GD mexico iran
GE italy chec republic
GF brazil japan
GH spain ukraine

04 Jun 2006, 05:40

Patrick Arace

Gosh, I've seen some awful predictions on here, so to prove my point, here are mine:

Patrick's World Cup Predictions:
First Round:

Group A;
1. Germany
2. Ecuador
3. Poland
4. Costa Rica

Group B:
1. England
2. Croatia
3. Australia
4. Japan

Group C:
1. Argentina
2. Ivory Coast
3. Netherlands
4. Serbia and Montenegro

Group D:
1. Mexico
2. Portugal
3. Iran
4. Angola

Group E:
1. Italy
2. Czech Republic
3. U.S.A.
4. Ghana

Group F:
1. Brazil
2. Croatia
3. Australia
4. Japan

Group G:
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. South Korea
4. Togo

Group H:
1. Spain
2. Ukraine
3. Tunisia
4.Saudi Arabia
Second Round:

Germany (Group A winner)
defeats
Sweden (Group B runner–up)

Argentina (Group C winner)
defeats
Portugal (Group D runner–up)

Italy (Group E winner)
defeats
Croatia (Group F runner–up)

France (Group G winner)
defeats
Ukraine (Group H runner–up)

England (Group B winner)
defeats
Ecuador (Group A runner–up)

Mexico (Group D winner)
defeats
Ivory Coast (Group C runner–up)

Brazil (Group F winner)
defeats
Czech Republic (Group E runner–up)

Spain (Group H winner)
defeats
Switzerland (Group G runner–up)
Third Round:

Germany
defeats
Argentina

Italy
defeats
France

England
defeats
Mexico

Brazil
defeats
Spain
Fourth Round:

Italy
defeats
Germany

England
defeats
Brazil
Championship Game:

Italy
defeats
England

Third Place Game:

Brazil
defeats
Germany

1st Place: Italy
2nd Place: England
3rd Place: Brazil
4th Place: Germany

Golden Boot (Top Scorer) : Luca Toni, F, Italy (9 goals)
Golden Shoe (MVP) : Francesco Totti, M, Italy (2 goals, 11 assists)

04 Jun 2006, 15:29

Patrick Arace

Gosh, I've seen some awful predictions on here, so to prove my point, here are mine:

Patrick's World Cup Predictions:
First Round:

Group A;
1. Germany
2. Ecuador
3. Poland
4. Costa Rica

Group B:
1. England
2. Croatia
3. Australia
4. Japan

Group C:
1. Argentina
2. Ivory Coast
3. Netherlands
4. Serbia and Montenegro

Group D:
1. Mexico
2. Portugal
3. Iran
4. Angola

Group E:
1. Italy
2. Czech Republic
3. U.S.A.
4. Ghana

Group F:
1. Brazil
2. Croatia
3. Australia
4. Japan

Group G:
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. South Korea
4. Togo

Group H:
1. Spain
2. Ukraine
3. Tunisia
4.Saudi Arabia
Second Round:

Germany (Group A winner)
defeats
Sweden (Group B runner–up)

Argentina (Group C winner)
defeats
Portugal (Group D runner–up)

Italy (Group E winner)
defeats
Croatia (Group F runner–up)

France (Group G winner)
defeats
Ukraine (Group H runner–up)

England (Group B winner)
defeats
Ecuador (Group A runner–up)

Mexico (Group D winner)
defeats
Ivory Coast (Group C runner–up)

Brazil (Group F winner)
defeats
Czech Republic (Group E runner–up)

Spain (Group H winner)
defeats
Switzerland (Group G runner–up)
Third Round:

Germany
defeats
Argentina

Italy
defeats
France

England
defeats
Mexico

Brazil
defeats
Spain
Fourth Round:

Italy
defeats
Germany

England
defeats
Brazil
Championship Game:

Italy
defeats
England

Third Place Game:

Brazil
defeats
Germany

1st Place: Italy
2nd Place: England
3rd Place: Brazil
4th Place: Germany

Golden Boot (Top Scorer) : Luca Toni, F, Italy (9 goals)
Golden Shoe (MVP) : Francesco Totti, M, Italy (2 goals, 11 assists)

04 Jun 2006, 15:29

Martin

Well, Group B is certainly interesting. even it though doesnt exist.
Update Latest warm up matches ( doesnt mean much, but you never know)
Australia 1 Netherlands 1
Japan 1 Malta 0
… I still think Netherlands are going to do well, especially being in their neighbour land in Germany. Anyone remember world cup 74?

04 Jun 2006, 16:30

Jon

Whoever started this blog is an idiot with his predictions no way in hell will the South Americans be the final. Guess what your all wrong hahaha the winners of this cup will be the Argentina hasn't played well in a world cup since the days of Maradonna. The Dutch are too young and the french better get their head in the game they are weak having to bring players out of retirement to secure a spot. England may be a favorite but injuries have been plauging them. Germany although strong and the home team dont have enough to make it to the final. Neither Mexico or Portugal are going to make it and the Czechs will choke. I am confident that a European team will win. Just picking one is the hardest. I am guessing Spain,Italy,Serbia.

04 Jun 2006, 23:38

Amit Sood

Whoever started this blog is an idiot

That'll be me then. I guess I should point out the time at which the original predictions were made, i.e. in December immediately after the draw had been made. The purpose of the predictions at that time was not to cast conjecture over who might win, but more to see how the knockout stages would pan out given the specifics of the draw. For example, having two big nations such as Netherlands and Argentina in the same group presents an interesting scenario; at least one of them will be forced into a harder portion of the draw after finishing 2nd. Another observation is that the so called "dream final" between England and Brazil, spoken about in the British media prior to the draw, is unlikely to happen since if neither team stumbles they'll meet in the semis.

One thing which seems to be common to several people who have posted here is the prospect of a Germany vs Argentina quarter. It's interesting how some things can be almost unanimously agreed on, whereas others (such as the prospect of a Brazil vs Italy 2nd round game) are the subject of so much divided opinion.

Personally, I was impressed by England's display at the weekend (even though only vs Jamaica) and the 1st XI seems to have gelled so well that if I had to pick a winner at this instant, I'd go for them.

05 Jun 2006, 00:01

yyy

Group F is a easy group to predict. Brazil is going to win this group for sure 100%. The second palce would be between Japan and Australia. I don't see Croatia beating any of those teams. Croatia is awful team(no skill, no talent). Croatia is the worst team of all the teams that quolified.

06 Jun 2006, 00:25

Derek

2 DAYS LEFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

07 Jun 2006, 12:49

bulgarian

Group A

Germany
Poland
Ecuador
Costa Rica

Group B

England
Sweden
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago

Group C

Argentina
Netherlands
Côte d'Ivoir
Serbia & Montenegro

Group D

Portugal
Mexico
Iran
Angola

Group E

Czech Republic
Italy
USA
Ghana

Group F

Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

Group G

France
Switzerland
South Korea
Togo

Group H

Ukraine
Spain
Saudi Arabia
Tunisia

Second Round

GermanybeatsSweden
Argentina beatsMexico
EnglandbeatsPoland
Portugal beatsNetherlands
Croatia beats Czech Republic
France beatsSpain
BrazilbeatsItaly
Ukraine beatsSwitzerland

Quarter Finals

Germany beatsArgentina
France beats Croatia
England beatsPortugal
BrazilbeatsUkraine

Semi Finals

France beats Germany
England beatsBrazil

Final

England beats France

What would you say ???? I don't know about Argentina but I don't really like them. I think everyone will beat Japan, I don't know why ( just feel it )..... maybe except Australia. These are my predictions, please tell me what you think about them. Thank you!

07 Jun 2006, 18:47

Simon

But wouldn't you love to see Angola get into the second round?

07 Jun 2006, 20:22

PaulSL1992@aol.com

see, my question is HOW DID TOGO MAKE IT IN THE GROUP STAGE??? they cant be THAT good. anyway, im from the U.S, but i think that Netherlands is gunna win the whole thing. England IS very overrated i agree with the millions of ppl who wrote that.

07 Jun 2006, 22:06

Phil

Germany (Group A winner)
defeats
Sweden (Group B runner–up)

Netherlands (Group C winner)
defeats
Mexico (Group D runner–up)

Czech Rep (Group E winner)
defeats
Croatia (Group F runner–up)

France (Group G winner)
defeats
Ukraine (Group H runner–up)

England (Group B winner)
defeats
Poland (Group A runner–up)

Argentina (Group C runner–up)
defeats
Portugal (Group D winner)

Brazil (Group F winner)
defeats
Italy (Group E runner–up)

Spain (Group H winner)
defeats
Switzerland (Group G runner–up)

QUARTER–FINALS…..

Netherlands defeats Germany

Czech Republic defeats France

England defeats Argentina

Brazil defeats Spain

SEMI–FINALS…..

Netherlands defeats Czech Republic

England defeats Brazil (can Eng beat both S.A. powerhouses???)

WORLD CUP FINAL – CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

England defeats Netherlands

Third Place Game:

Czech Republic beats an uninterested Brazilian side…....?

What can i say…..these can't be any more wacked out than anything else i've read? Enjoy the games everyone!

07 Jun 2006, 22:19

bulgarian

I like your predictions, Phil, but I don't think Netherlands is gonna make it against Germany. It would be a battle between two different styles of playing and the home side will win. Henry is the most powerful forward at the moment and is going to score maybe every game he's playing, so France will defeat Czech Republic, defeat Germany in the semi–final as well, and lose only in the final game….... maybe. Give your attention to Portugal (Cr. Ronaldo!)

07 Jun 2006, 22:46

bulgarian

I fell in love with The US team when they defeated Poland in a friendly game but since then their performance went to a lower level. Italy have their hopes for making the semi–finals but it's almost impossible. Angola and Togo don't deserve to play at such level. I would prefer to see Slovenia or South Africa. It is possible Iran or Côte d'Ivoir to surprise everyone. This year WC won't be a competition where strange things are going to hapen at all.

It's simple : England/France/Portugal/Germany/Brazil

Take a look at Croacia – believe me I'm Bulgarian and know what I'm talking about :–)

07 Jun 2006, 23:03

Paul again

why didnt Cameroon make it?!?!?! im so mad

08 Jun 2006, 00:52

Rick

because they are keeping the black man down

08 Jun 2006, 02:59

bulgarian

Is Poland going to defeat Ecuador ??? Isn't it going to be a draw between Mexico and Iran ?? And what about

Australia vs. Japan ???? You understand football , right !? Tell me , please , about this games !

08 Jun 2006, 09:56

martin

My God Bulgarian,
Iran to do well?? They are going to get beaten every game. Like they have been in every world cup
My suprise packages are Australia, Ghana and Ukraine.
My hope is Germany or Nederlands to win.
Croatia will do one of two things. Play abosultly awesome and win some big games to go far like they did in 98' or get frustrated and leave with their tails between their legs without winning a match.

08 Jun 2006, 17:12

Jerzy

Hi all. I'm from Poland and I believe that our National Team will go very far. It's not just wish, but reality. We did so well during qualifying round, for sure better than many other teams, which right now are consider to be favorites. And the history loves to repeat itself. In 1974 and 1982 we finished twice in III place. At that time nobody will say that we are going to achieve what we did. If you checked carefully where polish players play you would be surprise.

08 Jun 2006, 20:19

davidmiska

Poland will shock the world. They were cheated out of being the 1974 champions (last time wc was held in germany) And now the soccer Gods will give the proud white eagles their due!

08 Jun 2006, 21:58

bulgarian

I do think that Ukraine will finish first in their group, but I'm a little bit affraid of Tunisia.
Martin , I do not like Iran, I just think they will steal the points from Mexico but nothing more.
Portugal is one of my favourites (England and France too) and I don't see "young" Netherlands to defeat them. At the end we all know who wins everything (Germany, I hope not!) but France has got the easiest draw to the final. So the final is France – England :–) I'm not kidding. Poland WON'T shock the world but is going to SMASH Ecuador and Costa Rica, then at higher level they're not gonna make it, sorry.

09 Jun 2006, 13:04

Dolly Llama

The USA will win the cup and the ivory cost will get second, Argintina will end up in third. BRAZIL WILL BE LAST MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. i am always right i see the furture!!!!!!

09 Jun 2006, 14:59

Amit Sood

Ladies and Gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts…

09 Jun 2006, 15:46

Derek

HERE WE ARE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

09 Jun 2006, 16:50

sukiii

this is wat it is rite england hav not got a chance cause they struggeld against paraugy n the team who are gona win are argentina cause they hant reaally got a wekaness

10 Jun 2006, 22:00

UUUUUU

WORST TEAMS OF THE WORLD CUP

CROATIA
POLAND
JAPAN
S ARABIA
IRAN

10 Jun 2006, 23:11

Jose

spain will win bitchez u will see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 Jun 2006, 23:27

George

yous are all wrong…watch Australia win it..they are the darkhorse

11 Jun 2006, 02:23

LAO_JOE

Spain is horrible, they barely made the World Cup

11 Jun 2006, 05:21

LAO_JOE

Here are my Predictions

GA. Germany, Ecuador, Poland, Costa Rica
GB. England, Paraguay, Trinidad, Sweeden
GC. Argentina, Netherlands, Serbia, Cote D'Ivore
GD. Portugal, Iran, Mexico, Angola
GE. Italy, USA, Czech, Ghana
GF. Brazil, Austalia, Japan, Croatia
GG. France, Korea, Togo, Switzerland
GH. Ukraine, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia

Round of 16

Germany def. Paraguay
England def. Ecuador
Argentina def. Iran
Netherlands def. Portugal
Italy def. Australia
Brazil def. USA
France def. Spain
Korea def. Ukraine

Quarter Finals

Argentina def. Germany
Italy def. France
England def. Netherlands
Brazil def. Korea

Semi Finals

Italy def. Argentina
Brazil def England

Consolation Finals
Argentina def. England

Championship
Italy def. Brazil (Golden Goal)

11 Jun 2006, 05:41

Amit Sood

Italy def. Brazil (Golden Goal)

There is no golden goal rule at this World Cup. Perhaps a repeat of the 1994 shootout instead?

11 Jun 2006, 10:44

LAO_JOE

Too True.

Forgot about that
Silver Goal then in the extra 15 minute halves for Italy

P.S. shoot outs in championships are so dumb. They should just give teams extra substitutions and play Golden Goal after the 15 minute halves.

11 Jun 2006, 17:57

LAO_Joe

Brazil has such an easy route to the semis. Unless Italy falters and gets second in the division to play Brazil in the round of 16, Brazil won't have any competition until then.

11 Jun 2006, 18:00

Amit Sood

So we don't see Czech Republic in the 2nd round, or even Spain in the quarters, putting up any opposition then?

How about even France in the quarters (if they finish 2nd in their group and beat Spain)?

The possibilities are endless.

11 Jun 2006, 19:55

LAO_JOE

so far my predictions except iran and mexico are on track

11 Jun 2006, 23:02

hyu

Croatian players should pull their pants down and bendover when they play against Brazil.
Brazil is going to masacre Croatia(Brazil 5– Croatia 1).

12 Jun 2006, 00:38

Rick

Whoever said England is gonna win is a dumbass. England has no chance what so ever, I wouldnt be really surprised if they didnt make it out of the group stage, come on they barely beat Paraguay.

Im not against England but they are just too damn overated!

And for the dude who made this shit u gotta give Ivory Coast a little more recognition than that, I say they come in second in their group over Holland.

But overall I say possible winners are Germany, Brazil, or Italy

12 Jun 2006, 05:12

Goiano da Silva

The time has come. It's time for South American teams show their superior soccer (waaaaay superior) in European soil. Argentina and Ecuador has already proved it in their first games. Tomorrow is Brazil's showtime… overrated Engald was lucky to beat Paraguai.

12 Jun 2006, 14:59

martin

Australia 3 Japan 1

After a dubious goal decision for japan, and 80 mins of Australia dominating play, 3 goal in 8 mins!!
Go Australia!!!

12 Jun 2006, 16:06

bye

Im just going to say don't count out Czech Republic.

12 Jun 2006, 21:42

LAO_JOE

Guess I was wrong about the USA beating the Czechs. USA has a wicked offence but they lack defence. Hurray Aussies will finish the group with a tough match against Croatia for Second. And Italy was great, Ghana should have had 2 penalties but what a game.

Is it just me or doesn'e anyone else think that Portugal is over–rated. They do good in one Tourny and they think that they have always been better than Italy except in the last World Cup. Portugal will advance to the next round though.

12 Jun 2006, 21:59

Goiano da Silva

The world of soccer is interesting, isn't it?

Italy justice has issued today, few hours before Brazilian first game, a warrant to arrest Brazilian’s squad captain, legendary Cafu. This is a very old case and Cleary represents an attempt of some Italians to break the best team in world emotionally. What a shame!

It just so happens, that Brazilian referee, Simon, gave Italy squad a big help in their first game against Ghana… 2 clear penalty kicks totally ignored.

How amazing is that?

13 Jun 2006, 00:09

Amit Sood

This is the first I've heard of this Italy/Cafu story – does anyone have a link?

The Czechs were impressive, more so than the Italians, though it's a shame Koller might now be sidelined through injury.

13 Jun 2006, 02:14

LAO_JOE

I'm an Italy fan but I gotta say the penalty situation was weird. The first one was a definite penalty but the second one where 3 or 4 Italians attacked the guy was hard to call because from the refs angle it looked like an Italian may of hit the ball first.

I guess the ref wanted to be save than sorry.

P.S. someone (not a porkchop for obvious reasons) comment on the Portugal comment I had in #158. Curious to see what people think.

13 Jun 2006, 02:18

LAO_JOE

About the Italy/Cafu story. Now if Brazil and Italy happen to play in the Rnd of 16 or Finals they both have emotional/mental problems. Italy's being the injuries and Seria A match fixing scandal of course.

13 Jun 2006, 02:22

Ray

Well done to Italy winning 2–0
but hey they knew they would win 2–0 cos they just asked Buffon before the match
after all how much to pay off a few Ghanains

13 Jun 2006, 11:38

LAO_JOE

They did not pay Ghana. You probably never even say the game. It was tight until Ghana made a mistake that wasn't obviously on purpose.

13 Jun 2006, 12:23

Ray

Get in the real world Lazio Joe
There only 2 teams in the World Cup with all home based players
1. is Italy because no one us wants a bunch of corrupt cheats
2. is Saudi because their crap

nuff said

13 Jun 2006, 12:47

Jason

G1———Germany,Poland,Ecuador,Costa Rica
G2———England,Sweden,Paraguay,Trinidad
G3———Argentina,Holland,Ivory Coast,Serbia
G4———Portugal,Mexico,Iran,Angola
G5———Czech,Italy,USA,Ghana
G6———Brazil,Australia,Croatia,Japan
G7———France,Switzerland,Korea,Togo
G8———Spain,Tunisia,Ukraine,Saudi

Germany over Sweden
Argentina over Mexico
England over Poland
Holland over Portugal
Czech over Australia
France over Tunisia
Brazil over Italy
Spain over Switzerland

Germany over Argentina
Holland over England
France over Czech
Brazil over Spain

Holland over Germany
Brazil over France

Germany over France
Brazil over Holland

Brazil will win again, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho are too good.
Holland have van Nistelrooy and van der Sar.
Germany will lose the Semi Final against Holland, because of Lehmann's poor kepping.
France have Henry, Trezuguet, Thuram and Zidane
The biggest surprise is Australia, making it through the first round, theyve got Viduka, Kewell, Cahill, Aloisi, Schwarzer and Thompson

13 Jun 2006, 12:48

Jason

Yo, eRay, Italy thinks just coz its Wog–Ball, they can run the game, and bring it to disripute. i say Juventus should be relegated. Australia has one player caught in this ''Betting'' scandal. He is Zeljko Kalac, the Number 2 Keeper . There was pictures in a Italian newspaper of him in a betting agency with a caption saying AC Milans keeper in football corruption scandal. As it turned out Zeljko was putting a bet on a horse race. Italy is a very devensive country, who has this reputation that it can override any other country, both politically and on the football pitch.

13 Jun 2006, 13:02

Martin

I know this is going to upset our italian friends here, but i hope that they come first in their group and Australia hopefully second. Because after watching the 2 games ( Italy vs Ghana) + (Czech Republic vs USA) i really dont want to play the Czech Republic if Australia makes it into the second round..
|||||btw, while im writing this togo just scored aganist Korea :)||||
Italy is a very good side, but sometimes they have a shocker and i believe Australia's way of play would frustrate them more than the Czech's. Still think Italy would beat us, but you've got be opmisitic :)
Opinions? Please try to keep the language civil :)

13 Jun 2006, 14:37

hyu

Holy Crap Croatia is awsome. Game against Brazil was just incredible.

13 Jun 2006, 22:07

LAO_JOe

wow, Ray do you have to be such an ass.. First back up your points and second I hope the mafia and Saudi's pop your ass

14 Jun 2006, 02:04

LAO_JOE

After the first set of matches I must say that both Argentina and Brazil look beatable.

14 Jun 2006, 02:06

danny

All you Ital–haters make me laugh…Italy is a strong team and that's it. Obviously nobody watched the game because it was admitted that those were two good calls by the ref. 1st on De Rossi's alleged push (that player went down WAY too easily) and 2nd on the superman dive.

The scandal is in the past and behind them now so get over it, and as for the Cafu story, trying to pin blame on Italians and saying that they did it on purpose is a crock of shit and you know it De Silva…

Bottom line…the Azzuri are gonna keep winning, so get used to it.

15 Jun 2006, 04:31

danny

By the way, I would rather face Brazil in the Round of 16 than Croatia. Croatia is no joke. Neither is Brazil, but I think our guys will come out foaming at the mouth wanting to beat Brazil if they faced off. It'll definitly be a
classic match!
…and sorry about the last post, i know i came down a little hard on you Da Silva, but i understand…hell…it's the World Cup.
Forza Italia, Forza Brazil!

15 Jun 2006, 04:55

Jason

Forza Socceroos

15 Jun 2006, 07:40

Goiano da Silva

All right.

I agree, Croatia is no joke but there is no doubt that facing Brasil in the round of 16 would be a worse deal for Italy.
very
Again, Brasil played like 50–60% of its power against Croacia because the team was distracted from the game due to CAFU's problem and RONALDO's crisis. For those who don't know, yesterday Ronaldo was brought to a hospital due to unexplained episodes of dizziness. He was not very well in the game against Croacia, probably because of that. There is a lot of pressure over Ronaldo's performance right now because a lot of people think he is out of shape and that might have contributed to it. He is the best soccer player in the world, but right now he should go to the bench and allow amazing Robinho to play. The problem is that Brasil's coach, is stubborn and will insist with Ronaldo until he cans… too bad!

15 Jun 2006, 14:43

hue

I think that Italy can beat Brasil if they play in the next round against eachother

15 Jun 2006, 20:32

hue

First two teams out Poland and Paragvay!!!!!!

15 Jun 2006, 22:01

martin

And also costa rica

16 Jun 2006, 00:50

Goiano da Silva

How many times I said Ecuador is going to round of 16 and people here just laugh at me????

You all better listen to my predictions… and Germany better watch out Ecuador otherwise they might end up playing against Engalnd in the round of 16. How cool would that be?

16 Jun 2006, 00:57

Ha__Ha right

Group A : ecuador beats poland and costa rica then the germans catch the fools off guard and they get sent home to their mummies.
Group B: THis group is a joke england takes it but trinidad played their hearts out!!
Group c: Argentina beats the netherlands big time
Group D: portugal humilates mexico
Group E: The czech republic slaps italy in the face
Group F:Brazil Beats Austarila
Group G: Group g IS TRULY A HARD DESICION CONSIDERING KOREA SUX BUT FRANCE SUX EVEN MORE HMM TOUGH
Group H: Also a tough one

Finals: Brazil vs.Argentina.Brazil snatches the cup
hence making them sextacampeons

16 Jun 2006, 05:20

yo momma

is messi gonna play in the world cup? im worried he is gonna be the key player in beating the netherlands… anyways its gonna be an incredible match.. were all gonna be watching it n i hope the clockwork orange will succeed.. but i dont really think so.. we will see today when netherlands plays against ivory coast.. now that i think about it.. will ivory coast beat the netherlands?? is it possible?? shit!

16 Jun 2006, 12:58

yo momma

well now that i see how the game between serbia & montenegro is going (2–0 so far)... netherlands wont get as far as argentina..

16 Jun 2006, 14:41

yo momma

correction:
well now that i see how the game between argentina and serbia & montenegro is going (2–0 so far)... netherlands wont get as far as argentina..

16 Jun 2006, 14:43

Amit Sood

Argentina look sharp. Remember that the Serbia who just shipped six are the same Serbia who had the best defensive record in Europe over the qualifying stages.

16 Jun 2006, 17:01

footiegirl

I just want to say Mark that England will go through the group stages of course they will!!!!!!!!!

16 Jun 2006, 21:14

hue

The game between Netherlands and Ivory Coast was unjust.
In my opinion the game should been at least tie. The refree screwed Ivory Coast out of clear pennality.

16 Jun 2006, 21:26

da eggroll bandit

Argentina is going all the way to the finals were they will play spain. did you see the 4–0 and 6–0. argentina will win.

17 Jun 2006, 14:04

hue

Ghana is going to the last 16!!!!!!!!!!!

17 Jun 2006, 19:27

tripode

yo hue.. i must remind you because it seems u have forgotten or, giving u the benefit of the doubt, you didnt see it.. but robben was in the ivory coast penalty zone when two (2 not one) ivorian defense tripped and bumped the dutch player.. and guess what.. they gave the yellow card to robben.. now.. what do u say.. was it a "clear penalty"?

ghana played very well.. the referee was underqualified.. the dutch barely made it, we will lose against argentina..

17 Jun 2006, 22:08

fritz

Argentina's second goal was unbelievable….arguably the most beautiful goal in any WC…the levels of team work and skill were amazing…they are the best team not because of their list of names (which is still impressive) but because of their team work, flair and discipline(lacking in Brazil with ronaldo refusing to move)...i expect argentina in the finals and snatching a 3rd cup….
That was the most enjoyable game ive seen in a long time…..... and brazilians r the JOGA BONITO masters??? B.S. they're all good individual players…seriously wats more joga bonito than what argentina did against Serbia?? team–work like no other 11 men on earth
i cant wait for argentina^s next game!!

17 Jun 2006, 22:09

hue

Australia is a good team. The game against Brazil was awsome!!!!!

18 Jun 2006, 19:04

martin

Even though we lost, Australia can take a lot from that match. The teams confidence is getting better every game and we are improving as well. The result could have been 1–1. But we were unable to put a equaliser thru. Now we are going to play a Croatia team who will have to beat us to ge thru. All we need is a draw. On the plus side, croatia has lost their best defender for the game, so a 2–0 result vs croatia is not unrealistic

Go the socceroos!

19 Jun 2006, 01:24

Rick

Good job to the aussies. I love Brazil but idk if they are gonna pull this one. Argentina looks real strong and playing like a team more than anybody. Im anxious to see if Spain can keep the goals coming, if so they can be a team that can possibly make it to the semis.

Dissapointed in the Ivory Coast but they played well. What a mess Italy's group is in. U.S still with a small chance to advance, and Czechs possibly face elimination.

19 Jun 2006, 03:26

Goiano da Silva

As I always said here and a lot of people disagreed, Brazil players are not motivated to win this world cup. That's why the team so far is far below the expectations. We must keep one thing in mind though. Even playing, say 40–60% of its capability, Brazil was still able to beat 2 good teams, that is, Croatia and Australia.

To me, Argentina is by far the favorite to win because the coach is setting up the team nicely and they are incredibly motivated! I will be shocked if Argentina loses this world cup.

The other problem of Brazil is the stupid coach… he refuses to make the obvious changes to get the team playing good soccer, which are: Robinho instead of Ronaldo to make the attack faster and put Juninho in the middle field for better creation. Ronaldinho is probably not playing very well because he is the wrong position … too far back and helping to defend! What a hell, is the coach stupid or what???

19 Jun 2006, 17:43

hue

From groups E and F my predictions are: Group E 1)Italy 2) Ghana 3)Czech 4)Usa Group F) 1)Brazil 2)Australia 3)Croatia 4)Japan
Spain is going to top group E and Ukraine will finish second
Swiss are going to be top in group G Korea will finish second

21 Jun 2006, 03:41

Riju Mathew

Here is my prediction…

Germany, Ecuador,Costa Rica, Poland
England ,Sweden, Paraguay, Trinidad
Argentina,Holland, Ivory Coast, Serbia
Portugal,Mexico, Angola, Iran
Italy, Czech, USA, Ghana
Brazil, Australia, Croatia ,Japan
Switzerland , Korea, Togo, France
Spain, Tunisia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia

Germany over Sweden
England over Ecuador
Holland over Portugal
Argentina over Mexico
Italy over Australia
Brazil over Czechs
Tunisia over Switzerland
Spain over Korea

Germany over Holland
Argentina over England
Italy over Tunisia
Brazil over Spain

Argentina over Germany
Brazil over Italy

Argentina over Brazil

22 Jun 2006, 10:13

Tim Grace

I'm in agreement with those picking Germany, Argentina, England, and Holland to win in the stage one knock out…but my tipping competition needs the scores? Does anyone have a crystal ball (as oppoaed to a soccer ball)?
Thanks?

22 Jun 2006, 15:23

hue

Australia did well against Croatia they should be proud of themselves. Making best 16 for the first time in history on the other hand Croatia is the strangest team that I have seen playing soccer. They play good against good theams such as Brazil and they totaly suck against weaker opposition.

22 Jun 2006, 23:50

martin

Hey Goiano da Silva,

That little turd of crap you just spat out about brazil only playing 40–60% aganist two good teams is simply a stupid statement. Brazil werent playing their best, but both croatia and australia were playing very well, and some would say Brazil were lucky to get wins in both games. But Brazil are a class outfit, and they took their chances very well. The only thing i agreed with you was that both Crotia and Australia are good teams.

What also annoys me is the fact you were sprouting vomitalal crap in regards to Australia's abilities "..USA and Australia are hopeless, sorry, but FIFA rank does not reflect how good a team is at all and the worderfull aussie coach won't be able to help them".

And you can't go past this comment, which truly shows youre wonderful attitude to australian football
"..As for australia, the coach is great but the team is not, let's be honest. In the group with Cracia and Brazil, they won't make it to second round for sure. Actually, they will be last in the grop. Japan will beat them too."

And of course, i cant leave without my fav quote. Which, funny enough, is the most diplomatic responses you have said.
".. I think group F is one of the most difficult! I still think the 2 qualified will be Brazil and Japan, although Croacia is excellent too. Poor Australia… legendary Hiddik won't be able to help them much in a such hard group!

I bring these up, because it was too easy to make ppl look stupid when they are so SURE and always RIGHT when they are talking about FOOTBALL.

23 Jun 2006, 09:48

Martin

And if u get bored Goriano, go have a look at my prediictions before the world cup started. Not bad for a hick from australia
"......My God Bulgarian,
Iran to do well?? They are going to get beaten every game. Like they have been in every world cup
My suprise packages are Australia, Ghana and Ukraine.
My hope is Germany or Nederlands to win.
Croatia will do one of two things. Play abosultly awesome and win some big games to go far like they did in 98' or get frustrated and leave with their tails between their legs without winning a match. "

Nuff Said

23 Jun 2006, 09:59

Sheikh Yarand

Has Bin Laden got a ticket for the Saudi game today

23 Jun 2006, 11:26

Goiano da Silva

Hey MARTIN, whatever you do for living, you must have all the time of the world to go over every single one of my comments and pick what I have predicted wrong! I'm very impressed!!! Good on you mate! Uou forgot to mention the ones I predicted right though. As we say in Barzil… it's easy to bring up the sins and hide the miracles.

Now, get yourself a good english dictionary and look for the meaning of the word prediction. Soon or later, you will realize that it's OK to make a mistakes when "predicting". Stop making yourself the leading top–fool of this blog. Everybody knows it!

23 Jun 2006, 15:39

Martin

LOL

You dont get it do you? Im not having a go at your predicitions, in fact im only pointing out your arrogance and disregard for other people's views. You dont know how to be objective, instead prefering to insult while being very bitter that i highlighted youre silly ignorant views.
Truly, you feel threatned and have to bag me out. But, what do i expect from a kid who lives in the U.S and goes for Brazil.
I havent actually called you names or said "you suck" like you have, but since this is only way u to seem to respond, then we having a saying in Australia which prefectly describes you " Youre a dead cunt"

Peace out :)

23 Jun 2006, 17:31

Goiano da Silva

GOODDAY MATE!

Martin, again, you continue acting like the a 7–year–old kid and if you keep doing so, you're definitively in the wrong blog mate. I actually have lots of Australian friends and love their sense of humor and enthusiasm but there is always exceptions :–), if you know what I'm saying.
I go for Brazil because I'm Brazilian and we do have the best soccer in the world. But hey, that does not mean we are going to win it… as I pointed out already Argentina or Germany are my best "predictions". Got it?
FYI my Australian friends that live here in US (yes there is a lot of aussies here too) go for Australia in the world cup. It's a obvious thing mate… hello???
Now, lighten up a bit, get yourself into a relaxing envirnoment and enjoy the rest of the world cup. For what Australia represents in the history of soccer, they have already done a great job and I recognize it… most people do.

Just calm down…

23 Jun 2006, 20:55

Martin

Not sure what drugs youre smoking, but this will be last post about your insecurities. This showed up with youre;

"...Stop making yourself the leading top–fool of this blog. Everybody knows it!"

What ?? youre suddenly speaking for everyone now? Wow, what a powertrip

I could go on and on if i wanted to, but this tirade of dribble is getting tedious. I am quite relazed and do not worry, very calm as well thankyou, in fact its probaley the opposite who is getting upset. i mean, i have a go at you being a kid, and you come back with me being a 7 yr old. Oh geez.

Anyway, enjoy the rest of your tournament, i kinda feel bad im picking on you but i couldnt let u get away with those remarks. Some ppl have to be spanked!! Get it? :)

Now– what are youre predicitions for the round of 16? Lets get back to football

24 Jun 2006, 03:45

LAO_JOE

Italy by far has the easiest road to the semifinals.
They play Australia and then Switzerland/Ukraine.
No offence to the other teams, especially Australia and Switzerland
I was routing for them to advance (not just to play Italy)
But if Italy doesn't get to the finals it's a major upset.

24 Jun 2006, 14:20

LAO_JOE

I mean get to the semi–finals

24 Jun 2006, 14:21

Goiano da Silva

All right, round of 16 now!!!! Great!

I agree LAO–JOE, Italy is has the easiest path until semi–finals. No offence to the Italians but they will likely stop right there in the semi–finals. It would be already too much for them based on what they have been showing in the tornament.
I would not be very surprised if Australia beat Italy, but I think in this stage, tradition and history makes a lot of difference, and Italy should win.
The most important game of the competition will be Germany vs Argentina in the quarters. In my opinion the winner is likely to be the champion.
Another game to watch is Netherlans vs Portugal. In theory the first is favorite but as I already pointed out, Portugal's coach, a Brazilian by the way :–), is awesome!

24 Jun 2006, 15:21

LAO_JOE

My new predictions starting from the round of 16

GERMANY def. Sweeden
ARGENTINA def. Mexico
ITALY def. Australia
SWITZERLAND def. Ukraine
ENGLAND def. Ecuador
PORTUGAL def. Netherlands
Brazil def. Ghana
SPAIN def. France

Quarter–Finals

GERMANY def. Argentina
ITALY def. Switzerland
PORTUGAL def. England
SPAIN def. BRAZIL (yes I said it)

Semi–Finals

ITALY def. Germany
SPAIN def. Portugal

THIRD PLACE

GERMANY def. Portugal

FINALS

ITALY def. Spain

Trust me it is almost impossible to say who would win when we get to the quarters (except for ITALY's game)
Anything can happen, anyone can win. From the semis on, no one are favourites. I bet you though that almost all the games from the quarters on will be classics.

24 Jun 2006, 18:21

LAO_JOE

BEST Teams in World Cup in order from statistics after the group stage

1. SPAIN
2. GERMANY
3. BRAZIL
4. PORTUGAL
5. ARGENTINA
6. SWEITZERLAND
7. ITALY
8. ENGLAND
9. NETHERLANDS
10. ECUADOR
11. UKRAINE
12. GHANA
13. FRANCE
14. SWEEDEN
15. MEXICO
16. AUSTRALIA
17. KOREA REP.
18. PARAGUAY
19. IVORY COAST
20. CZECH REP.
21. POLAND
22. CROATIA
23. ANGOLA
24. TUNISIA
25. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
T26. USA
T26. IRAN
T28. JAPAN
T28. SUADI ARABIA
30. TOGO
31. COAST RICA
32. SERBIA & MONTENEGRO

FOR THE MAJORITY the rankings show what the teams chances of winning the cup are. (above the top 16 obviously)

24 Jun 2006, 18:38

FLOURFIEND

PREDICTiONS

surprizingly almost everyone here did well in predicting who would go on from the group stage
(12or13/16) and almost everyone had different predictions. They were:

Riju Mathew, Mico, LAO_JOE, Jason, Patrick, Bulgarian, Amit Sood, Phil, and John

24 Jun 2006, 18:53

JOSE CONSEGO

I belive LAO_JOE's prediction will be correct. Except that SPAIN WILL WIN INSTEAD OF ITALY.
VIVA ESPANGNOL.

24 Jun 2006, 19:51

LAO_JOE

ARGENTINA 2 –1 MEXICO

EXTRA TIME WHAT A GAME

24 Jun 2006, 22:36

hue

Germany vs Argentina awsome!!!!!!!!!!

24 Jun 2006, 22:38

yo momma

so far the original predicition decided by this blog's owner is becoming a reality, however it will stop today.. the prediction of portugal losing against netherlands won't come true.. the clockwork orange team wont get any further… damn..!

25 Jun 2006, 00:19

LAO_JOE

PORTUGAL vs. HOLLAND

DIRTIEST MATCH EVER
Portugal will lose to England because of the red cards.

Spain and England in the Semis

25 Jun 2006, 22:03

Tripode.. yeah im dutch

HOLLAND SHOULD HAVE WON!!! FUCK THIS WORLD CUP.. THERES NO FAIR PLAY IN THIS SHIT!! A PLAYER GETS A YELLOW CARD FOR DISCUSSING WITH THE REFEREE?? ONE WORD! BULLSHIT!
There is an inmense lack of professionality in the referreing, and today's match is a clear example of this.. There was suppposed to be a penalty given to the dutch, oh yeah and everyone who saw the match knows what i am talking about.. a ninja high kick on Robben yet the referee didn't see that.. hmm.. interesting.. BULLSHIT! this would have meant a completely different ending…
message to the portuguese: if you dont, at least and you should if there is any bit of dignity in you, admit your team played like shit and didnt really diserve to win then i guess your al the same… if i were portuguese id be ashamed..
thats all i gotta say for now..
peace

25 Jun 2006, 22:24

martin

Didnt see the game between holland + portugual, but its a shame that holland are out. Did Watch the england game, i dont know why really, beacuse it was one of the most boring matches ive seen besides the Ukraine v Tunisa match.
I do hope Portugual beats England. I would have wantedm to holland to play england, but no matter.

26 Jun 2006, 01:01

LAO_JOE

The yellow for talking is stupid. Deco's first foul was huge and he got a yellow card… then holland got 2 yellows for talking to the ref.
So portugal does the harm and Holland gets a bigger penalty. WTF.
Portugal does not deserve to win and they will lose without Deco for sure.

26 Jun 2006, 03:30

lao_joe

By the way the possesion in the game was like 35–65 for Holland

26 Jun 2006, 03:32

hue

The game between Portugal and Holland was garbage. This was not even soccer being played. Congratulations to both teams playing somekind kung–fu–soccer–rugby–idiot game. They should all be ashamed of themselves!!!!!!!!!!!

26 Jun 2006, 04:20

hue

In my opinion both teams Holland and Portugal should be kicked out from the turnament and the England should be declared the winner!!!!!

26 Jun 2006, 04:32

LAO_JOE

Hue you better not be dising rugby.

Anyways, that game had so much after–whistle fighting that it made rugby look weak.

For a funny story go to this link link

26 Jun 2006, 08:17

Ray

Whats happenned to the Dutch
they should concentrate more on the football than the theatrics
they played into the portuguese hands
still Arjen Robben will definately win the Gold for diving at the next Olympics
Englands gonna kick that fat arsed moustacheod Scolaris arse in Quarters
Theyve been crap so far but theyre still in it

26 Jun 2006, 11:12

anonamous

england will beat the world and the rest of the suk ass
what you say is bollocks because france OR spain will get through not both, Brazil are worse than cat shit on legs. you call yourself english but you are … JAPANESE!!!!!!!!!!!

26 Jun 2006, 12:03

LAO_JOE

ITALY vs. Australia. Most Dramatic ending ever. All because Italy was down to 10 men. If there was no penalty Italy would have passed it back and scored eiteher way. The penalty was good for Australia since Italy was guarenteed the goal on the cross.

26 Jun 2006, 19:18

hue

Feel sorry for Australia but in the end they played good soccer and this was the best Australian team in history.
They should be proud what they have accomplished, if they had more luck could been in the next stage of the turnament.

26 Jun 2006, 22:46

danny

The Socceroos should be proud, the only thing holding them back from stealing the game was a lack of offensive creativity. Italians on the other hand should have done better. The Azzuri defence is probably the best in the tournament, but if they want to go further their offence has to get it together. Pirlo and his back four have shown that they are world class. Now the burden rests in the hands of Totti. If he can get it going again, i said this from the beginning, they will win the cup. It's in his hands.

27 Jun 2006, 03:54

hue

I hope one day one of the smaller teams wins the World Cup like Greece did Euro 2004!!!!!!

27 Jun 2006, 06:18

Ray

Have discovered a cure for Insomnia its called
Ukraine

27 Jun 2006, 11:09

Goiano da Silva

OK. finally the quarters, and filled with great "classic" games, except Italy vs Ukraine of course, which should be a breeze for Italy.

Even in European soil, South America represent 50% of its 4 qualified while Europe accounts for 42% of its (excessive) 14 teams qualified.

Germany x Argentina: Toughest game of all. I go for Germany but not totally convinced.

England x Portugal: Two of the biggest stars of Portugal won't play, Deco e C. Ronaldo. Otherwise, Portugal is the favorite. The coach is just the best in the world in the play–off style.

Brasil x France: Tough game too… Brasil is still not showing all of its power but I believe on them!

Italy x Ukraine: Italy.

27 Jun 2006, 22:56

John

My prediction is Italy will breeze thru Ukraine, and eventually reach the finals with Brazil… I believe The Azzurri will win the Tornament

28 Jun 2006, 02:02

LAO_JOE

Italy vs Germany
and
England vs. Brazil

Who knows who advance but Italy simple can't be scored on unless its by their own team.
The defence and Buffon are too good. Only extra time can tire the d out I think… like the Aussies almost did.

28 Jun 2006, 02:36

hue

My prediction for the next round
Argentina vs Germany– Germany wins
Italy vs Ukraine– Italy
England vs Portugal– England
Brazil vs France –Brazil

Semi– Finals
Germany vs Italy
Brazil vs England

Final
Germany vs England– England wins or Germany vs Brazil– Brazil wins(too close to call)

3rd place Brazil or England(Germans will finish second no matter what)

28 Jun 2006, 02:40

GWBEO

Well…I think it is obvious that Germany is going to at LEAST go to the finals this world cup. Look at the history of when Germany hosted the cup in past years, they've won every time. The Germans have been getting better and better every game, they've shut out every one. excepting the opener. And will surely CRUSH Argentina tomorrow. Another thing, Brasil isn't all they're cracked up to be. This is espescially so with Ronaldinho, he's just to full of himself, I hate him. Basically, they aren't united as a team, they are more of an assembly of good players than a world class TEAM.

29 Jun 2006, 17:13

india

quarters
Argentina vs Germany ——– Germany wins
Italy vs Ukraine ———– Italy
England vs Portugal ————– England
Brazil vs France –———— France

Semi
Germany vs Italy
England vs France

Finals
Germany vs France —— tough to predict.

well .. brazil till now has only faced amatuers like ghana,craotia,aus …. but the french are in real form as u can see their game agaist spain. so there's a 60% chance that france beat brazil in quarters.
i hate brazil neway.

30 Jun 2006, 13:39

lao_joe

GWBEO… how is it obvious that Germany will make it to the finals. Italy is gonna give them a run for their money. Italy has never been scored on by any team this tournament and their offence is finally clicking. I'm looking forward to a classic between these 2 teams.

30 Jun 2006, 22:54

hue

Brazil vs France hope France wins!!!!! Not that I don't like Brazil but personally I'm sick and tired seeing them always win. We need a new champion!!!!!!!!

30 Jun 2006, 23:32

klose@worldcupscore.com

REGARDING: "if Argentina get past the Netherlands in their group, I really can't see anyone stopping them all the way to the final"
THE PREDICTIONS ARE PRETTY MESSED UP, BECAUSE FIRST OF ALL GERMANY WON AGAINST ARGENTNIA, AND WILL WIN THE WORLD CUP ON HOME SOIL.

and everyone else please just write comments that make sense, because of most of you people have no clue on the world cup scores.

01 Jul 2006, 02:53

andrew K

Brasil will win it all. No more to say.

01 Jul 2006, 05:54

hue

Portugal sucks big donkey d…

01 Jul 2006, 18:17

hue

Europe rulezzzzzz!!!!! VIVA LA FRANCE !!!!!!!

01 Jul 2006, 22:00

hue

Comment number 236 was not mine! Someone else is using my name to post the comments!!!!

01 Jul 2006, 22:02

india

hahahaha … i am going mad to be the best predictor of the year! (for quarter finals.)
and i got the reasons too!
The french are GODs!
Henry!! Zidane!! Ribery!! .. hats off!!
it was seriously pleasure to eyes watching zidane and ribery dribbling the ball !
Ronaldo sucks bigtime…. he has become the size of a buffalo and cannot at all tackle the defenders… the most lazy bum on the ground was ronaldo…

01 Jul 2006, 22:13

GWBEO

Ahhh…the mighty Brazil has fallen at last! I'm still with Deutschland, but lao_joe, I agree with you, Italy will pose a bit of a challenge for the Germans. But they'll pull through. I loved watching France play, too. France is definately an excellent team, and will definately make it to the finals. Although, I was surprised at the outcome of the England–Portugal game, I thought England had it down pat.
As of now, my prediction goes as such:
Semi–Finals–
Germany over Italy
France over Portugal

Finals–
Germany over France, probably in P.K.'s

01 Jul 2006, 22:14

tripode

I CAN SEE IT ALL NOW.. GERMANY IS GOING TO WIN THE WORLD CUP.. FOR MANY REASON WHICH HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR WAY OF PLAYING FOOTBALL (THEY SUCK):

1– THEY ARE HOSTS
2– THEY ARE HOSTS
3– THEY CAN BUY ANYONE BECAUSE THEYRE HOSTS

CONCLUSION– FRANCE WON 98 IN THEIR WORLD CUP… WHY SHOULDN'T GERMANY?
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF.. GERMANY WINS IN THEIR WORLD CUP ALSO.. NOT FAIRLY, CUZ THEY BOUGHT IT..

ZEE GERMANS HAVE BOUGHT THIS WORLD CUP AND THEY ARE MOST LIKELY GONNA WIN!! SO FORGET ABOUT FRANCE, PORTUGAL AND ITALY..

01 Jul 2006, 22:18

LAO_JOE

I want to see Italy and Portugal play eachother either in the finals or consolation to shut my pork chop friend up once and for all.

01 Jul 2006, 22:27

jose

What to say about teams that are in semi finals. Germany played good so far got lucky against Argentina, physically one of the best prepared teams.
Italy played ok, good defence. Kinda tend to slow down the flow of the games that they play.
Portugal so far lucky, did not show jet that they should be where they are now, they got to semifinals by riding the winds of good fortune.
France had shaky start, finished second to Swiss, played good against Spain, fairly beat Brazil. They are the team that deserves to be in semi finals.

Prediction for the Semi–Finals
ITALY–GERMANY– GERMANY
FRANCE–PORTUGAL– PORTUGAL

FINAL
Germany– Portugal– Germany

01 Jul 2006, 23:21

GWBEO

Tripode– I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree with you here. I don't think that Germany is paying anyone off for favors. If you've watched any of the Germany games, you could see that, most calls are completely reasonable. And there are plenty of calls against Germany. Take the Germany–Argentina game for example. The refs wouldn't let ANY little foul past either team. If you ask me, Germany is playing world class football. They can keep cool when they are behind, they can keep pressure on the defence, and offense for that matter. Ballack will give the ball to Klose, who will keep firing away at the goal, and surely score.

02 Jul 2006, 01:31

stefan

hey this goes to the guy in the #8 spot. first I am ashamed I must ask if you are a true Italia fan? nobody should give up on thier team, and second great call on that prediction I'm so angry I made my own

italy 2 germany 0

france 1 pourtagul 0

italy 1 france 0

02 Jul 2006, 03:22

hue

I'm a H0M0

02 Jul 2006, 04:56

hue

That's not true

I'm just a transvestite

02 Jul 2006, 04:57

india

hehe .. stefan u must be kidding….
italy too like brazil hadnt hav a chance to play with Great teams in this worldcup… while germany faced argentina and sweden… no way italy can beat germany.
my predictions.

Semis
italy vs germany — Germany
Portugal Vs France — France(ofcourse :P)

finals
Germany Vs France ——– i stand my say .. its tough to predict. it will be a real tough game.

if, due to germany's badluck, italy makes to finals .. then its surely gonna get defeated by either portugal or france. If u want fun in the game it shd be germany Vs France. … one hell of a match it would be !!!

02 Jul 2006, 05:10

al ant

How good are australia? They were so unlucky; they could have easily made it to the semis. I think it was good umpiring though, it was a penalty. Australia will win the asian cup.

02 Jul 2006, 06:08

Goiano da Silva

It is a sad time for the world soccer. Argentina and Brazil, the 2 best soccer teams in the world, are out. The first one because of tremendous incompetence of its coach and a little bit of bad luck; the second one mostly because of lack of motivation of its stars. What a shame! Now, we are obligated to see a European team be the champion with their boring styles and mechanic skills. Well, at least, everybody knows (especially FIFA) that an European team should win this world cup anyway because that’s the only situation they can make it. Europeans teams with their rather unimpressive soccer are incapable of winning the world cup outside their soil. Considering the fact FIFA is willing to do rotation among continents, the next cup in Europe won’t be until 2018 or even 2022 if Australia really hosts 2018, which means it’s essential for the soccer industry and business that an European team wins this world cup because they won’t make it again for 16 years! I hope the brave team of Portugal that carries the Brazilian spirit transmitted by the fantastic Brazilian coach Felipao, make it to the finals and maybe even beat Germany. Who knows?

02 Jul 2006, 15:20

goiano da Silva

Unfortunately, Soccer is nothing today but business. If an European country were not the winner of this world cup, it would be a disaster for the industry of soccer–licensed products in the major soccer market in the world, that is, Europe. That’s why people question about Brazil and Argentina elimination. Was it really real played soccer? Most likely not my friends… Remember the final in the 98–world cup? Brazil could massacre France if they want to but somehow did not… the same happened again in this world cup. People say… well it was Zidane… men, I say never… players like Zidane are easy to find in Brazil, we have at least 10–20 right now playing. What a pathetic business has become the world cup…

02 Jul 2006, 15:40

hue

oops got the wrong blog hihi :P

02 Jul 2006, 16:58

vivek

the final is going to france and germany. zidane is too good for germans

03 Jul 2006, 00:15

Martin

I say that two of the best european teams playing (France + Germany) are playing a brand of football that is not only typically european, but entertaining as well. We have waited in this world cup for the "stars" to shine, but it has taken till the quaters to finally see them (Zidane).

From an Australian/German point of view, i hope Germany will crusie past Italy, but the way Italy are playing (BORING DEFENCE with COUNTERSTRIKE) it will be a hard fought match. Italians are one of the worse teams for playacting, but i dont think they'll get their way with Germany like they did aganist Australia. (It was not a penalty, that was a dive)

As for France vs Portugual, the only result i see is a France win. Portugual will have deco back, but when portugual played an improved England, they were lucky to scrape thru on penalities. I think in World Cup football terms, england are the unluckiest country because they have almost always lost on penalities.

Germany vs Italy – Germany
France vs Portugual – France

Germany vs France – Germany

As for the comments of favouritism of refs towards european countries, that sounds more like sour grapes after both Argentina and Brazil lost. Australia lost their game on a last minute dubious penalty decision, but no one here in australia are suggesting that refs only favour european teams. Thats football.

03 Jul 2006, 01:51

danny

I've got a couple things to say –

1. To DaSilva – Who the hell do you think you are? Just shut up. It's funny, you always have an excuse. First you say the teams aren't motivated, then you say that Italian police are trying to frustrate the Brazilian squad by trying to put Cafu in jail. And now "it’s essential for the soccer industry and business that an European team wins this world cup because they won’t make it again for 16 years!". You're funny!

Brasil and Argentina are not the best teams in the world…if they were, they would still be in the tournament. South American football is not superior to European, get that through your head. Sure it's flashy, but when it come down to the wire there are 2 things in which South Americans quite often fail to produce: good tactics and GOALKEEPING!!! PERRERA IS A FOOL! DIDA AND ABONDASARI (or whatever his name is) ARE LIABILITIES!!! This is why from the begining i knew these teams would not go far.

– Players like Zidane easy to find in Brasil!!! Zidane's brilliance is remarkable, he took Ronaldinho and the rest of those hotheads to school. The closest to Zidane is Riqueleme, and if he was watching the game on Saturday i bet you he was in tears!

2. To Martin – The penalty that knocked out Australia: I know it's a crappy way to go out and may seem unfair to a team who deserved more, but it was the right call. It was obstruction, you can't fall in front of a player with the ball.

03 Jul 2006, 17:57

Goiano da Silva

TO DANNY…

Men, as I can see you are one already brain–washed and manipulated by the press to believe that European soccer is better than South American. Poor guy.
Mate, it's not me saying. Check how many world cup S. Americans and Europeans won and compare them with how many times the world cup was in South America versus Europe. Do the math mate! You will realize that European soccer is far behind! Sorry!

You are so poorly informed that DIDA from Brasil was the best goalkeeper in the competion up to the quarters. Riquelme is waaaaayyyyy better than Zidane… I mean… no comparassion!

03 Jul 2006, 18:13

LAO_JOE

First of all Goiano da silva can't take the fact that south america is out.
Dida was not the best up to the quarters…. The swiss goaltender was and the best goalie in the tournament so far is probably Italy's Buffon with Germany's goalie a close second. Portugals goalie Ricardo is by far the best penalty stopper if he guesses correctly. Any team can win now. Almost everyone thinks France will win just because they beat Brazil(a weak one too…"da Silva" … France weren't that great before that (I'm not saying they're bad they have an even shot to win like everyone else in my opinion, but read this point). Everyone is knocking Italy and now they finally have found their offencive rhythm to go with arguably the best defending in the tourny. But still people say that Italy has no chance. They went through hard times and improved though… just like France did after the group stage.

So point is you can't count anyone out. Everyone has different strengths and an equal chance to win.

03 Jul 2006, 18:49

Goiano da Silva

MARTIN, also compare the number of championships from European teams vs. South American teams in interclub Championship (Toyota Cup). Do the math again mate! Don't forget to consider that the only reason European clubs won some championships beginning in the 90's was because their major clubs started buying all South American stars… If you look in the numbers before South American stars invasion on Europe, that is, from the 60's to the end of 80's, the superiority of South Americans is humiliating!

Also, mate, lets suppose Europeans club could not use foreigners anymore in their squads? The major European national championships would become a disaster!

Where the 2 greatest players in the world history of soccer are from, mate? Pele and Maradona… not from Europe of course. Europeans don't learn skills, they learn tactics.

Europe has the greatest national champion ships because they BUY foreigners, especially from South America but also Africa and even Mexico and the USA.
Europe won world cups because their rich countries have money host it.

In South America, we don’t have money to buy soccer, we play it bravely and beautifully. Who gives a dam about tactics only… if you do go watch American football or Baseball.

03 Jul 2006, 18:58

Goiano da Silva

Now, having said that, go back and enjoy the rest of the World 'Euro” Cup! Things in South Africa (2010) and Brazil or Argentina (2014) and maybe Australia (2018) will be different for Europeans teams. You can bet on it!

I hope FIFA honor the continent rotation system!!! It will be awesome to have an world cup in Europe every 12–16 years…

Peace out!

03 Jul 2006, 19:09

JASON

Who cares who wins the World Cup! I watch soccer because I like the game, dont care who wins Brazil, Argentina, USA, Gana, France… I dont care what people see in all this. Soccer is just a game nothing else. If one truly loves soccer it wouldn't matter who wins it. The pleasure of watching the games being played even between lesser teams is good enough for me.

03 Jul 2006, 19:56

danny

Dasilva, you are such a suck it isn't funny. Forza Azzuri!

03 Jul 2006, 22:51

LAO_JOE

Read point 257 Silva withoutout making a stupid mega biased "historic" comment. History has nothing to do with anything.

P.S. Danny isn't Silva such a cry baby or what.

Forza Italia!!!

04 Jul 2006, 01:01

goiano da Silva

In spot 258 I meant DANNY not MARTIN. Sorry Martin :–)

Interesting isn't it? Now I’m a crybaby and a suck but people just don't know how to address specifically my points in spots 250, 251, 256, 258, and 259. You know why? Because this is a European based blog and most of you have heard rumors about these facts but in Europe everybody is manipulated to ignore it. Everybody is also supposed to believe that the Germany team, the very same one that have been beat hard by Brazil in less than 1 year ago in the Federation Cup in their own soil (Germany) has all of the sudden become so good. Surprising! Everybody is suppose to believe that France that had a hard time even qualifying for the world cup and played a record of 4 world cup games without score a single goal became in a glimpse a super team capable to beat Brazil and win the world cup. How about Italy? Such a pathetic attack. The team is all defense… got the easiest possibly teams in the round of 16 and quarters. Italy needed the help of the referee to beat Australia and pass the round of 16, a clear scandal in favor of European teams… just remember that Brazil playing ridiculously beat Australia 2–0 easily! You guys are so fool to believe in it all… that the best teams are in the semis… oh my gosh! The only one that purely fought to be there with merits is Portugal, that should win the world cup and become a REAL champion… but you guys will never see it because most of you (there are exceptions) are already part of it. Good luck with your fantasies guys. After Sunday most the world except Europe will know the champion and wonder how can somebody fall for that? That’s life.

04 Jul 2006, 03:29

martin

Da Silva,

No offence taken :)
But some of you're arguments are biased towards south americans and there are people including me who are jumping on them.
But, for arguments sake, what you said is true, why dont South American countries host World Cups? Ill tell you simply.
They dont have the resources and probaley the experince to hold an event as important as the World Cup. It is the single biggest tournament in the world and with standards set by FIFA i dont think ( not entriely sure, but pretty sure) that any South American country can hold it.
Where European countries, like Germany etc can accomodate the standards set by FIFA. Germany spent something like 400 million euros to upgrade their stadiums for the World Cup. Thats just the Stadiums. There are lots of factors involved such as transport, accomodation etc.
Now saying that. i am curious to see how South Africa is going to manage it all.
But my home country can do this. I dont say this out of ego, but because Australia held the Olympic games back in 2000 and was voted the best ever olympics, and still is. The time needed and money spent to setup the Olympics was huge and it is the second biggest event in the world after the World Cup.

I think if we manage to get into the World Cup for 2010, then Australia will probaley put its interest in for 2018.

Just one last comment. I have nothing aganist any of the four countries in the semis' and i definetly dont dismiss Italy. It will be a hard fought match, but my loyalties stay with Deutschland :)

04 Jul 2006, 03:59

Tripode

South American football IS better than European football.. but it is normal for a team like Brazil to be SO good cuz all the players start since they are 7 or so and not playing in a team but in the streets with half broken footballs.. on the other hand Europeans can also play very good the only problem is that they lack a "thinking out of the box" mentallity.. I saw Italy–Germany re–run from '70 World Cup and I coudn't stop thinking that they if I were playin there I could have dribbled everyone and their mothers into a goal.. in other words they were playing very cowardly and boring.. no quick thinking passes, just boring.. and guess who invented the "chilena" or the "foot–round–the–ball" dribble? the South Americans..

I know all this sounds very controversial since there aren't any South American teams left in the World Cup.. But the truth is the truth.. besides name some historical famous european football players.. i know its hard.. but south american.. pele, maradona, valderrama n the list goes on..

Name some famous player up to date in europe n compare them just to those in the Brazilean and Argentinean teams: Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Robinho, Adriano, Kaka, Cafu, blah blah, Messi, Riquelme, Saviola, Sorin, Ayala etc etc… Ballack? Podolsky? Klose? Totti? Maniche? no comparison…

I admit this even though I never like these teams.. in fact I go for Holland meaning I hate Argentineans but its true S American football is better.. period…

04 Jul 2006, 14:58

Martin

ok, im going to be quick.

Franz Beckenbauer
Gerd Muller
George Best
Bobby Charlton
Johan Cruyff
Paulo Rossi

Im a fan of South American football, its defintely more open than european football but "Better" period i dont think so. I think they cancel each other out in terms of the way they play. After this World Cup, each will continent will be on 9 World Cup wins each.

04 Jul 2006, 15:57

Geico

I might be against the grain here, but I agree with Goiano da Silva in some aspects. Soccer is a business and as in any business it has to be profitable. The outcome of the 98 World cup final game was a bit weird because Brazil was for some reason not focused in the game. I think the same was going on with their stars in this world cup. I don’t know what it is but somehow the players just did not play what they know as it was on purpose and, for this reason, I’m not sure if I should trust the world cup, especially in Europe. I watch it because I just love soccer but I don’t care about the champion. I also agree that South American soccer players are definitively better overall but soccer depends a lot on strategy as well. European players are in general very limited. I think Europe has traditionally good coaches and defensive players though. Europe; however, just lacks a lot of young talents like Messi, Robinho, Tevez, and the list goes on and on.

04 Jul 2006, 16:37

Tripode

Martin.. who are you talking about.. beckenbauer can't be compared to maradona or pele.. please.. lets be honest folks… gerd muller… come on.. guess you also want to put rudi voller… hehe..

anyways the reason why im writing this is because:

ON COMMENT 141 I SAID SOMETHING I WANT TO TAKE BACK ABOUT THE GERMANS BUYING THE WORLD CUP.. IM SORRY.. IT WASN'T CORRECT I WAS WRONG ABOUT THIS, OBVIOUSLY AND WELL.. JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT PERHAPS I WAS MISLED.. SORRY..

04 Jul 2006, 22:43

ewfew@aol.com

Bottom Line Desilva is a loser… Italy is the best, Europe is better than South America in soccer… Forza Azzurri!!!

05 Jul 2006, 00:40

lao_joe

Italians have taken over the blog. hahahaha

Anyways Silva just because Italy had a harder time with Australia than Brazil doesn't mean Brazil is better. So your saying that France is WORST than Brazil. And saying it was a bad game is no excuse becausew the same thing happened to Italy then against Australia. And what if France beats Portugal and Italy beats France. Or if Portugal beats France and Italy beats them. According to you that means that Italy is better than brazil because they had a better result against the same opponent.

Counter that Silva

That's the Final blow. what

FORZA AZZURRI!!!

05 Jul 2006, 01:45

LAO_JOE

BTW

ITALY WINS

2 goals in 2nd Extra time

1st one in the Last minute
2nd one in Injury Time

THEY WILL WIN THE D IS TOO GOOD AND SO IS BUFFON. THEY FENDED OFF THE GERMANS AND HAVE NEVER BEEN SCORED ON BY ANOTHER TEAM. I BELIEVE THAT THE GERMANS MIGHT FEEL ROBBED BUT THEY THINK TOO THAT ITALY WILL WIN BECAUSE NOONE ELSE CAN BEAT THE GERMANS EXCEPT FOR ITALY'S STROND DEFENCE. GERMAN COMMENTS PLAESE.

05 Jul 2006, 01:50

stefan

india that was a great perdiction man germany really beat up italy i'm telling you italy is the BEST in the world right now and they will win it all.

05 Jul 2006, 03:15

Tripode

italy is the best in the world.. something about that phrase doesn't add up.. its like an oxymoron.. wtf.. just remember USA–italy.. italy sucked and its a great wonder to me how italy has gone this far… how did italy manage to win against australia ( which played very very good)? by a last minute not–so–sure penalty.. yesterday there were 2 equally average teams, germany and italy, and the only thing that would decide the win was luck or penalties… the first goal was very lucky.. for once the german defense left a door open.. and the second goal was even more lucky cuz the german, in search for an equalizing goal, forgot about defense.. plus the goals were made in the last possible minute.. all this means one thing: that if italy were SO good than they would have scored before.. so dont come with bullshit please we all know last nights game was about luck n nothing more.. no talent what so ever.. and if you really think italy is the best in the world i guess u know nothing about football..
how can you be proud of a team which wears your country's name on their banner and plays so lowly? how can you want your team to win at all costs? is it really that gratifying as a team that wins clean? if so than i guess your foul and should be a disgrace to your country..
peace..

05 Jul 2006, 15:44

Goiano da Silva

OK, Italy beat germany with merits. Yes, I agree with Tripode, Italy was a bit lucky to score 2 goals in the end before penalties but overall they deserved to win because they played slightly better even though Germany was playing at home. Well, everybody is almost playing at home in Europe, right?

I think if Italy wins the world cup, and it is possible in a semi–finals like that with no exceptional teams to be beat, it will be the weakest team to ever win a world cup in my opinion…. Italy has a good group, I'm not questioning that, but there is not a single outstanding player or outstanding sector in the team… and please don't tell me that Buffon is the outstanding one because it would be ridiculous.

This is the world cup with the lowest goal–per–game average ever… no wonder… in Europe it's always like that!

05 Jul 2006, 16:11

fabio

italy is better than any south american team 300 times better than brazil

05 Jul 2006, 16:12

stefan

da silva dude have you ever watched a soccer game? the way it sounds probaly not. right now italy is full of talent that bull shit of them having no indivdule skill at any position is wrong. canavaro is the worlds best defender and nesta is right up there, pirlo is a fantastic freekick taker and he can play on the feild unlike beckham. and buffon is the best goalie in the world not dida or the argentine with the long ass name.

da silva you are out numberd and out witted
shut up now

FORZA AZZURRI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

05 Jul 2006, 20:54

Tripode

Stefan let me tell u one thing you stuck up fucking little prick.. you're starting to piss me off with your forza azzuri.. please be honest, the italian team isn't very good and if you really are good in the head than you know its impossible to compare the argentinean team or the brazilean team with the italian.. next time try to put some up–to–date italian players that can equal to the following: Ronaldo, Robinho, Adriano, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Messi, Riquelme, Ayala, Aimar, Saviola etc etc etc.. now i know i have just shut your fucking mouth so keep it that way and stop making a fool out of yourself…

05 Jul 2006, 22:18

Goiano da Silva

Stefan.

Are you kidding? Seriously, do you actually believe that canavaro, pirlo, buffon are top world players? You must be joking.
These players could easily not even be part of Argentina or Brazil squads and if they were, they would be in the bench for sure.

The final is Italy vs France… what kind of final is that? This cup final turn out to be a joke like the last eurocup.

05 Jul 2006, 23:26

LAO_JOE

Pirlo, Canavaro, and Buffon are world class. Buffon is the best goaltender in the world. Don't even think Dida comes close. Everyone knows he's the best or one of the best. TRherefor world class dumb as…

05 Jul 2006, 23:51

LAO_JOE

Who made the final this year… end of topic s. America freaks.

05 Jul 2006, 23:52

LAO_JOE

Tripod it seems to me that any European team sucks to you. Germans were not average they were favourites and above average. You know why Italy didn't score till late… because Germany is really good. You don't have to dominate to be good dumb@$$. And yes Italy did have a bad game against the US, why? Because it was just a bad game. And Australia cannot lie down in the box. I f he didn't get up in time the Italian has the right to run over him and fall because he is blocking the was to the net while lieing down. P.S. Italy would have scored on a wide open cross anyways.

05 Jul 2006, 23:59

LAO_JOE

By the way being persistant and arguing a point that was countered huge over and over again doesn't mean that you are right. You lost the arguement big time already South Americdumbasses.

06 Jul 2006, 00:02

Fabio

I think that these South American guys are just jelaous because European teams are kickin butt!! Italy is best end of story!!!!!!!!

06 Jul 2006, 00:16

stefan

if argentina and brazil are so great why are they out?

06 Jul 2006, 03:03

Nico

lol….tridouche and de sliva….both of u shutta ur face. you guys make me laugh. you guys "honestly" think that south america argintina and brazil are better than the azzurri? did you guys take your retard pills or something…..seriously brazil has the talent but they are over rated and can not play as a team. they are too much individuals. secondly where has most of these south american stars played? ya they play or started in italy. italians have taught the rest of the world how to play soccer. if they started making it where you played club in your own country italy would man handle everyone…..there would be NO COMPITION! face the facts boys ur teams have lost and went home to lick their wounds. now stop bitchin about the "what ifs" and wht not. THIS BLOG BELONGS TO THE ITALIANS EVERYONE ELSE SHUTTA UR FACE AND TAKE A HIKE YOU DOUCHEBAGS!

FORZA AZZURRI

BIG RAGU OUT!!!!

06 Jul 2006, 03:08

goiano da Silva

NICO,

I feel sorry about you mate. The reason there are so many South American players in Italian clubs is because they offer millionaire salaries and buy the best players from poor Argentinean and Brazilian clubs. It’s the rich countries taking advantage of poor countries just like in politics. Italians players don’t have anything to teach us… get a life… it’s exactly the opposite dude. How many times did Italians get the FIFA best player award? Do a little math before pouring out your shit.

STEFAN, Brazil and Argentina are out because this world cup is in Europe. That’s the only way Europeans can win it. They just don’t have soccer good enough to win in another continent. Just FWI, Brazil has won ALL OF ITS 5 WORLD CUPS outside home. Unbelievable, hum? What is the only non–European team that won an world cup in Europe? Guess… Brazil of course.

I do respect Italians as soccer fans because I know they are passionate about it and I admire this kind of thing… but let’s face it… their actual team is of rather limited skills and it will be the worst team ever to win an world cup, if they make it. At least France has a little bit more of quality…but let the Italians believe that they are amazing… ridiculous…

06 Jul 2006, 03:41

Juan

people, this is the worlds game. why are we fighting so much about it? it is up to the players not us. i an argintin do feel robbed, but we must respect italia for what they have done. they have showed us just how good they truly are. now if this was a game, this nico guy would have smashed in tripodes face hours ago. but nico, you should be nice to everyone. and tripode stop cursing at stefan that is not right. just how old are you people?

06 Jul 2006, 04:06

jesus

hey i'm like new to this whole blog thing. but i've read these and all i have to say is that one i'm brazilian, two let the boys on the pitch decide what happens. i'm like the italian player born in argintina but would rather play for a european team instead like either germany, portugal, and even italy. they way europeans play the game is amazing! so hey guys lay off the italians they are very passionate about there teams.

06 Jul 2006, 04:17

danny

I haven't posted anything in a while because there is no use. After reading some of your stupid posts, some of which i listed below, i realized that you know Absolutly Nothing about football and it isn't even worth my time argueing with you…but here goes:

1) "Dida is the best keeper in the WC" – this guy is a pylon, i am a die hard A.C Milan Fan (i watch EVERY GAME). He has screwed over my team WAY to many times! And i've seen him play evey game of this WC…and he looked EXTREMELY SHAKY…especially against Australia.

2) "Riqueleme is better than Zidane" – Dude, Requeleme is great. I'm a big fan of VillaReal. But can't you can tell that Requeleme trys to imitate him a lot sometimes they look identical – trust me, he does it for a reason. Zidane is the 2nd best EVER! Plus, Riqueleme chokes: WC and Champions Leauge

3) "Players like Zidane are easy to find in Brazil" – Zidane made the Brasilians look like shoemakers last saturday.

4) "Italy was practically playing at home" – buddy, go take a shit. That stadium was full of Germans you idiot. Did you hear the whistles and boos?. Whatever. No team in the tournament can play like Italy. I know you probably only saw a few highlights, but i have never seen a team play like them. They came out ON FIRE! I watch a lot of soccer bud, and i have never seen so many tic–tac–toe plays in my life. No team has shown the type of poise that Italy shows while clearing their zone. No team is as organized as Italy. And those two goals were absolute beauties, how can you deny that. In addition they hit TWO posts! The score could have easily been 4–0.

5) "Pirlo, Canavarro and Buffon are Not Top notch players." – No team has players of this quality.
Abondansari and Dida are shit
Lucio, Juan, Ayala, Sorin…who ever…can't even TOUCH Canavarro, Zambrotta or any other Italian defender.
Pirlo is a genius. No S.American even plays his position (deep play maker – sits atop the back four). i think maybe Cambiasso, but he doesn't even come close.

Buddy, just face it…i got you for 4 years.

06 Jul 2006, 04:34

danny

Sorry, the post above (#289) is directed to DaSilva,

And as for the comment you made about S.American players in Euro Leauges; if you aren't too busy (watching boca juniors or americas or any of those other houseleauge teams), i want you to count how many top scorers in European soccer (real football) are European and S. American. Here is an example:

Leading S.American goal scorer in Serie A (the best leauge in the world, all the best players play or have played there) – Adriano 12 or 13 goals
Leading European goalscorers in Serie A – Luca Toni– 31 goals, Lucarelli ~~24 goals, Trezeguet~~ 22 goals, Shevchenko –19 goals, Gilardino –16 goals

I'm pretty sure this trend will continue as you go through every major European leauge…but let me know what the results are for the rest, if you have the time to do so.

06 Jul 2006, 04:49

Tripode

THIS IS TO ALL THE ITALIAN LOSERS OUT THERE THAT THINK THAT ITALIAN FOOTBALL IS THE BEST..

BUT I UNDERSTAND YOU LOSERS.. I MEAN ITS TYPICAL FOR ITALIANS TO THINK THEY'RE THE BEST IN EVERYTHING WHEN THEY'RE NOT.. I ADMIT YOUR COUNTRY PRODUCES SOME OF THE BEST RACE CARS IN THE WORLD (BUT THESE COMPANIES ARE NOT RUN BY ITALIANS LIKE YOU FOR SURE) AND ITALY IS THE HOME OF THE BEST MOTORBIKE RACER I HAVE EVER KNOWN (VALENTINO ROSSI, TREMENDOUSLY TALENTED AND I HAVE ALL THE RESPECT FOR THIS DUDE).. BUT BACK TO FOOTBALL.. PLEASE BE HONEST AND HAVE SOME "GRANDIOUS" ATTITUTE AND AT LEAST SAY TODAY'S ITALIAN FOOTBALL TEAM ISN'T REALLY AS GOOD AS OTHER TEAMS (WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE SOUTH AMERICAN) BUT THEY'VE BEEN VERY LUCKY TO HAVE REACHED THIS FAR… AND I AGREE WITH SOME THAT SAY: JUST LOOK AT THE MATH.. MORE SOUTH AMERICAN TEAMS AND MORE SOUTH AMERICAN PLAYERS HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP AND BEEN AWARDED THAN ANY EUROPEAN FOOTBALL TEAM.. BESIDES EVEN THE FIRST WORLD CUP EVER WAS WON BY A LATIN AMERICAN TEAM…

SO ALL YOU ITALIANS WHY DONT YOU "SHUTTA UR FACE" (WHATEVER THAT MEANS EXACTLY, GUESS THEY MEAN SHUT UP :| ).. HOPE ITALY LOSES IN THE FINALS SO I CAN SEE YOU CRY.. MUAHAHAHA..

06 Jul 2006, 14:34

Goiano da Silva

There is saying in South America that says… the best deal in the world is to buy an Italian for what he really worth and sell it for what he thinks he worth…
The truth is… this is the worse world cup final ever, featuring geriatric France vs. more–than–questionable–quality Italy. Pirlo, Canavarro, and Buffon… what is that? Some kind of shampoo brand or something like that?

Now, I hope this blog continues alive so I can come back here and see the comments of Italians and other Europeans for the next world cups.

We’ll see…

06 Jul 2006, 15:06

danny

Tripode and DaSilva. I want to know a few things.

Do you watch soccer? Have you ever played it before? Do you follow any club teams and stay up to date with whats going on in all of the major leauges around the world or did you just hop on the WC band–wagon? Because it just sounds like you guys don't know what your talking about.
I can name every player on Brasil and Argentina back to front, shit, before the WC i watched them play every week anyways. I can critisize those teams and their players because i know them. I know they have some unbelievable talent. And i know that if they had world class depth, goaltending, defence and tactics there is no doubt that they would still be in this World Cup.

I know you probably jumped on the band wagon and aren't familiar with any of the Azzuri stars, but trust me this Italy team is for real.
So before you say shit, do your homework…don't throw stones if you live in a glass house.

06 Jul 2006, 19:32

Goiano da Silva

DANNY,

Yes, I know a lot about soccer… more than you think. In fact, I play it too (lousy player though J) and use to be a referee back in Brazil. I live in a very diverse group of people with a lot of Latin Americans and Europeans, include a few Italians. Most people here agree that the soccer played in this world cup showed one of the lowest technical quality of all times, even worse than 1990 cup, and that the final is bit of a deception.

Mate, just be honest enough to face it. Italy had a very questionable performance in first round, and so did France, and has a very discrete squad. After first round they played Australia and Ukraine… should be a peace ok cake mate but they needed a mistake of the referee to go on! The only real challenge was Germany, which is not that great besides the fact they were playing at home. Even against Germany, it’s not everyday a team is luck enough to score in the last minutes before penalties… I think France does not deserve to be champion either but at least they have more merits since they had much tougher games after the first round.

Just admit it!

06 Jul 2006, 22:43

stefan

da silva

i'm going to have to agree with you but only partly, yes italy didn't play their best in the first or second round and yes that was a favorable call to italy vs. australia but in that game materazzi recived a red for a tackle where he didn't even touch the guy. they did play better agenst the ukrane and better agenst germany two late goals is odd to came by although italy dominated the game. i just think you and tripode aren't giving enugh credit they do have good players on the pitch and on the bench
by the way tripode muahaha sounds kinda stupid

06 Jul 2006, 23:11

Fabio

Italy is best in soccer period!!!!! Italians are soccer gods compared to everyonelse.

06 Jul 2006, 23:44

Amit Sood

Much of the debate seems to be centering on how strong the Italian team is or isn't. Here's my take. At the start of the tournament, I wasn't too keen on the Italians, I would rather the Czechs had won the group, I thought Australia were robbed in the 2nd round, and I supported Ukraine in the quarters. But now that Italy have knocked out the hosts to reach the final, I've suddenly realised the hard truth:

Nobody has scored against Italy in the entire tournament.

They put an own goal past themselves against USA, an irregularity that everyone is susceptible to. Victory in that game was denied by unorthodox disciplinary circumstances within the match. But in every other game they've kept a clean sheet. That takes some doing.

In the last WC, Brazil leaked 4 goals. Time before that, France leaked 2 goals. Time before that, Brazil shipped 3 goals. Truth is, Italy are "ahead of par for the course" with the defensive record of champions.

06 Jul 2006, 23:47

stefan

i apoligize for my poor spelling

07 Jul 2006, 04:46

Tripode

One word to describe why Italy hasn't taken a goal: tactics
Italy's tastics as we all know are make a goal and defend.. yeah.. wow, what a team.. bullshit.. im 100 hundred percent sure that if italy and argentina would meat the SA team would woop there asses.. and no i haven't just jumped on the world cup band wagon you cock sucker i just dont let the truth be biased by my feelings or as you call it "passion".. i on the other hand, unlike you, can pause n think for a minute.. if italy were so fucking good they would have kicked usa's ass n they didnt.. instead they lpayed football and disgraced the sport by playing the way they did..
if they were so fucking good they would have scored on germany before the end of the game..

07 Jul 2006, 06:02

Geico

I kind of agree with Tripode and da Silva folks. Italy has an amazing defense but being a champion relying on defense is a shame for soccer reputation. No wonder this world cup has the lowest goals–per–game average since 1990 cup, which was another poor quality world cup in Europe. I read yesterday that the President of FIFA is considering to change the rules of soccer in order to raise the goal average, including make the goal bigger, change the off side–rules, and even play with 10 players each side. This is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. The problem of this world cup is that Europeans teams that tend to do well in Europe are too defensive! If FIFA really wants to increase the number of goals they should consider reduce the number of qualified Europeans (14 is almost 50% and is clearly and shamefully excessive!) and increase slots for South America and Africa.

07 Jul 2006, 14:17

Mario

Hey ANDY (comment 94) are you eating your words now?
Italia!!!

07 Jul 2006, 17:39

mauro

I can just say "SPARE ME SOUTH AMERICA"–Brazil sucked big time, Argentina was unlucky. Europe should have 14 representatives at the world cup because European soccer is the toughest to quolify from. Italy is the best Brazil sucks. Argentina is the only team that is even close to European teams. Proud to be Italian. WE ARE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

07 Jul 2006, 23:47

stefan

theres a saying and i'm almost sure it goes like this "offense wins games, defense wins championships"

08 Jul 2006, 01:38

danny

DaSilva,
I admit it, Italy didn't come out flying in the 1st round. But they got better and better everygame, unlike your samba boys.
The game against the States doesn't count because the Americans weren't playing soccer. That game was horrible. The worst match i have ever seen. Very disapointed with both sides that day.
And how can you make it sound like playing Germany is walk in the park? They were at home. They beat Argentina (who would have been my second pick to make it to the final). And like the Italians, that German team improved every game!
And as for not scoring…in every game the Azzuri cut through every defence but just couldn't finish. I don't know why? Luca Toni had sooo many chances. Stage fright i guess.

And Tripode,
i am still certain that you know fuck all about football. But it's ok kid… you got 4 years to learn.

08 Jul 2006, 02:13

mauro

GO ITALY! WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! BRAZIL SUCKS!

08 Jul 2006, 02:39

Goiano da Silva

DANNY AND ALL ITALIANS!!!!

Just addressing your question if you don't mind… "And as for not scoring…in every game the Azzuri cut through every defense but just couldn't finish. I don't know why?" The answer is because they just don't have the skills for it. Face it! Brazilian team sucked in this world cup, I admit it! It was full of millionaire stars not worried about winning and not playing as a real team; however, the few times the team was able to cut through the defense, they would score most of the time. That’s talent! That is one of the main differences between a Brazilian and Argentinean striker compared to Europeans.

Brazil with their high quality squad could easily win this world cup if they want too, but the most optimist Brazilian knew that the stars just don't care at this time. Before the world cup, Brazil has won every single tournament they compete since 2000… I mean every single one, you name it. You can't keep that motivation forever. Some of them thrown a big party after they were eliminated because they were glad they were out of the cup, so they could go on vacation. Now in Brazil, we have to wait the new generation to start and they will have enough motivation to win. That's the way it always has been… unfortunately.

As for Argentina, they are historically unlucky, that's their problem. To me they were the ones that deserved to be the champions the most. Be honest, Italy and France squads are not even close to their quality. It doesn’t hurt to tell the truth!

08 Jul 2006, 14:46

danny

Hahaha…i knew you were gonna jump on that one DaSilva. I think Italy couldn't put it in the net because they were unlucky. Of course, you counter by saying – they can't score cause they suck. Then you give me a load of crap about how Brasil is so great, new generations, big parties, vacations…ahhhh shut up! I don't wanna hear it.

I know i'm not gonna change you mind. But Luca Toni netted 31 goals last year in Serie A. 31 GOALS!!! Thats huge! Especially in a defensive championship like Serie A. Thats more than Ronaldo and Ronaldinho combined. Adriano also plays in Serie A – he only scored 11! Every striker on Italy has more goals than Adriano! Now how can you say Italy has no talent? Your samba boys are great players…but come on! You have to give the Azzuri more credit! Thats why i'm all over you! It is CLEAR that you know NOTHING about the Azzuri squad and too much about S.American football history. So leave it alone.

To say that this Italy team is weak, is just pure ignorance.

Could they have beaten Argentina?.....Sure. I don't want to get too technical, but sure, look… Italy beat Germany. They could beat Argentina. Too bad they couldn't meet this year, that game would have been amazing.

p.s – No doubt Argentina deserved to go further, but how has Argentina been historically unlucky?...Already forget what happened in 86? Lady luck won them the cup bud.

09 Jul 2006, 00:11

stefan

FORZA ITALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FORZA AZZURRI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 TIME CHAMPIONS
FINALY WE GET WHAT WE DESERVE
IT'S COMING BACK TO ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 Jul 2006, 00:26

mauro

WE ARE THE BEST!!!!! ITALY IS THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! WE ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD! NUMBER ONE! NO ONE CAN MATCH OUR SUPERIOR SKILL!!!!!!

10 Jul 2006, 00:57

Tripode

CONGRATULATIONS ITALY… YOU WON BY PEANLTIES.. I GUESS THAT MAKES YOU NUMBER ONE.. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT, SINCE FRANCE WAS THE MOST DOMINANT TEAM IN THE WHOLE GAME AND ITALY WAS JUST DEFENDING (WHICH IS WHAT THEY DO BEST) , FRANCE WAS THE BETTER TEAM.. HOWEVER IF ZIDANE WOULD HAVE NOT GOTTEN A RED CARD FOR DEFENDING HIS HONOR FOR WHAT EVER THAT FOUL ITALIAN SAID TO HIM.. I KNOW THEY WOULD HAVE SCORED AND THIS IS NOT ONLY ME THINKING AND KNOWING THIS.. EVERYONE WHO ISNT ITALIAN OR SO FUCKING PASSION BLINDED AS TO NOT SEE THE TRUTH ALSO KNOWS THIS… AND THESE PEOPLE ALSO READ YOUR COMMENTS THAT SAY STUFF LIKE ¨ITALY IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD… ITALY HAS SUPERIOR SKILL…¨ THEY HAVE PITY FOR YOU ITALIANS CAUSE THEY KNOW THAT ITALY ISNT THE BEST OR THAT THEY DONT HAVE BETTER SKIL… BUT I GUESS YOU WON BY THE RULES..

AND ANOTHER THING DANNY YOU HAVE NO FUKING CLUE ABOUT FOOTBALL YOU SMALL MINDED LITTLE PRICK.. IF ITALY WERE SO GREAT THEY WOULD HAVE WON BY SCORING GOALS.. NOT BY PENALTIES.. WHAT? YOU THINK THAT EVEN THOUGH FRANCE WAS MORE DOMINANT ITALY WAS THE MOST SKILLFUL TEAM? THAT SINCE YOU WON BY PANALTIES THAT MAKES YOU THE BEST IN THE WORLD? HAHAHHAHHA YOU MAKE ME FEEL SORRY FOR YOU BUDDY.. BUT NOPE I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL.. WTVR… I GUESS YOU HAVE AN INFERIORITY COMPLEX WHICH EXPLAINS YOUR ATTITUDE (AND ALL THOSE ITALIANS THAT REACT LIKE YOU).. PERHAPS YOU HAVE A SMALL PENIS.. PERHAPS YOU ARE A FRUSTRATED HOMOSEXUAL THAT ISNT SOCIALLY ACCEPTED IN YOUR TOWN… OR PERHAPS YOUR A LOSER AND THIS IS THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN UNLEASH YOUR ANGER AND FEEL YOU ARE ¨SOMEONE¨.. COME ON MAN.. YOU ARENT PROVING ANYTHING..

10 Jul 2006, 18:53

danny

In response to the comment above from the peanut gallery. Eh Tripode…If Frace was more "skillful", than why did they lose?

Watch the game again…Italy dominated the 1st half, Frace controlled the 2nd and most of extra time, the French forwards played great. But Italy STILL had the better chances. Toni hitting the bar, and the goal that was taken back when Toni was MARGINALLY offside.
I know Italy forwards didn't show much and could have done A LOT better ( i was very dissapointed with our offence preformance in the 2nd half ), but their back 4 and Buffon came through.
Throughout the entire WC no team has scored on Italy, except for the own goal and that fluky–lucky–bad call PK by Zidane. This was the best defence in WC history and is definiatly worthy of a Cup.
I understand that your frustrated Tripode. Sure… so was Zidane (don't headbutt me). But Italy is the best. Better than anyone else in the world. And you can't say shit; first of all because your an idiot and second of all, if the French or any other team was better, they would have won.

p.s – Tripode i know you try…it's good…but you are stupid…i like to argue with DaSilva a lot more, he actually knows his stuff and shows a lot more class than you.

10 Jul 2006, 19:47

Goiano da Silva

The world cup is finally over! We’ve had enough! It will never be forgotten. It was truly an offense to the soccer roots, to the beautiful game, to the talented players that make this sport the most beautiful in the world!

The final was a shock considering that neither Italy nor France were among the favorites to win according to the public opinion. The reason for that is simple. None of them were doing well before the world cup kick off and they continued playing poorly in the first round. Those that followed the first round are probably wondering how come Italy is the champion and France is the runner–up? The answer for that one is simple too. Good defensive tactics and team group can win an world cup, even with less than average individual skills and world–class stars. FIFA was having a hard time to decide which player was the best one because, if you think about it, there wasn’t really an exceptionally talented player, like usually there often is in an world cup.

Italy is finally the winner again after a long waiting period. Poor Zidane, a great player who was basically responsible to put France in the finals, was also a great contributor of Italy’s victory. Pure irony of the destiny. The guy was still elected by FIFA the best player of the world cup, which goes totally against the fact that fair play is a huge part of a player too. Ridiculous decision, but again, who else could it possibly be? Buffon? Canavarro? Ballack? I don’t think so… give us a break!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ITALIANS IN THE WORLD INCLUDING MY GRADPARENTS…

Be aware; however, that apart for the circumstances in this world cup, your team is far away from playing an world class, irresistible to watch soccer. With time you will all realize that.

As for France… you have lost the chance to win another cup with your best generation ever… now France will most likely wait for several years until they will have another chance like that…

Good luck guys!

10 Jul 2006, 20:54

stefan

tripode dude you have some serious anger issues this is just a blog or coment board you have taken this to far calling people prick and other shit

p.s. italy is the best in the world and yes they do have a good squad and every single reporter is calling this a good final

11 Jul 2006, 03:03

LAO_JOE

Enough knocking thw champions and calling them "not World Class" OMG listen to yourselves.

I Don't care anymore because ITALY WON HAHAHAHA

11 Jul 2006, 07:56

lao_joe

post 292

Even if Italy doesn't win in 4 yearsthey still won now… Even US Italians aren't gonna believe they'll win all the time. We won't think they should of won. That is what you Brazil lovers think. You guys have the most cups and believe that every time you lose you should have deserved it over the winning team. So sorry Brazil didn't make the finals again , ooo, GET A LIFE AND LISTEN TO REALITY.

11 Jul 2006, 08:06

Ray

Just remember you Italians on this blog, you are probably half Algerian

11 Jul 2006, 12:11

Goiano da Silva

LAO_JOE AND ITALIAN FANS,

Do you actually understands my messages? Maybe not…

Who said that "Brazilians believe that every time they lose they should have deserved it over the winning team"? Go back again to my messages and read them carefully because I don't think you are getting it. I said million times that Brazil indeed did not deserve to win this cup AT ALL for several reasons.

What I did say though, and most people agree (except Italians that always think they are more than they really is) is that Italy had a odd combination of circumstances that make them the champion, but they definitively did not have the best squad in the cup. Got it?

If all teams from the world cup compete again in different circumstances, for instance another country, different groups, and with referees that do not help Italy, I bet my farm that Italy would not win it at all… it’s obvious mate. Don’t fool yourself, Italy does NOT and never really had the best soccer in the world… 2 of their cups were won back in 1934 and 1938 when the competition had only 8 teams I think. Get a life!

11 Jul 2006, 14:33

Tripode

danny boy.. i know what i know n i dont have to prove some half witted narrow minded morron like you what football is and what football isn´t.. the fact comes down to when you disscus with a dumbass like you the end result is two dumbasses disscusing.. so im gonna leave it like this.. btw i saw every second of the game in a 4 meter wide screen.. and i may have no class.. but class or no class i dont bullshit myself like you.. i know many italian people and your just like most of them that think that their shit doesn´t stink or that they are better than anyone when they´re not.. but this is a normal characteristic of you people… winning by penalties is the most unchallenging and most unfair way of winning a football match if you dont know this than i guess we all know who it is that needs some ¨alone time¨ and think things through because the way things are in this world, your not gonna go far like that… all i am saying is that italy isn´t THE best in the world.. however they are ONE of the best teams in the world beacuse i have analysed matches and seen more talent than in the italian squad.. all i ask from you ppl is be honest it doesn´t hurt and judging on my expirience you ppl should use it more often it does good in the long run..

ps. to all those who dont agree italy is the best in the world.. forget bout disscusing with these ppl if they dont want to understand too bad for them.. theyll never learn

11 Jul 2006, 18:35

danny

DaSilva,
Point taken, Italy had some luck. I'm not gonna deny it. But in order to win a WC you need a little, ask Maradonna or even Zidane. So tell me, if Italy was soooo bad, and the circumstances were different…Who was better than Italy? Who was going to beat Italy? Tell me, who and why.

1) Argentina? – NO, as good as they were, they lost to Germany. Italy beat Germany. Riqueleme and the rest of the team couldn't keep it going, and Pekerman fucked up, Messi should have played more.
2) Brasil? – I really don't think so. You said it yourself, they didn't show up to play this year.
3) England? – Yeah right!
4) Portugal? – I doubt it.

…..and don't be scared to reply this time. You've been quiet lately…you still have yet to say anything about the FACTS i mentioned in posts #289, 290 and 307. Huh? Maybe i am right? You can't argue because you (like your buddy Tripode) watch soccer 1 month every four years. It sounds like you don't follow soccer at all. Do you? I'm soooo tired of your shit. I understand that your proud of S.American soccer, but keep your biased, Anti–Euro comments to yourself…what the hell is wrong with you? Your starting to sound like Tripode. Your better than that.

11 Jul 2006, 22:01

Goiano da Silva

DANNY,

Stop fooling yourself mate. I love South American soccer but we got be realistic. Italy’s squad isn’t really better than Germany, Netherlands, England, Brazil, Argentina, or even France. Geriatric France was even better overall than Italy in the final game. Just face it. You guys are the champions and that’s it… enjoy and relax… but it does not mean at all you are the best! Forget it. Take a look in what the press outside Italy is saying about this world cup. You cannot dismiss the excessively negative facts of this world cup, which is about to be the worse ever. I’m glad Brazil soccer was sucking because I don’t want to win a cup like that. We don’t need it! I want Brazil win possibly with seven victories like in 2002, not 4 victories and 3 ties. What kind of champion ties 3 out of 7 games in an world cup? This cup was just awful. There were rare good games worthwhile watching. I can’t give credit to a cup in which the stars were goalies and defenders. What a hell? There was no excitement or unforgettable games or new great talents. There was nothing cool but defense, tactics, goalies, fair play, etc… I’m actually glad Italy won it. I don’t want Brazil or Argentina wins a cup like that.. we deserve much more… my hopes for a great world cup in South Africa is very high… lets see if the circumstances will be in favor of Italy again… I doubt it.

11 Jul 2006, 23:34

LAO_JOE

Just because a team wins with defence doesn't mean they are worst and. That is their strategy.
You can't say that they were obviously not the best squad because they played defense.
What your saying is that offence is more important and superior to defence.
You can't make those assuptions.

Silva thatis the reason you think Italy doesnt deserve it.
It's because you prefer offence and quicker offences at that.
I understand now.
You have to admit that defense is as important as offence.

12 Jul 2006, 00:37

mauro

Who won is the best! Italy won SO THAT MEANS THAT ITALY IS THE BEST END OF THE STORY!!!!
WE ARE THE BEST IN SOCCER!!!! ITALY IS THE NUMBER ONE!!!!!

12 Jul 2006, 01:29

Tripode

this is how you are thinking danny boy..

argentina < germany – germany < italy – therefore – italy (is better than) argentina

if you knew so much about football, as you say, than you would know that things do not work as explained above.. because in football there isn´t a rule as such simply because there are too many variables..

so, for example:

serbia montenegro < netherlands (0–1) – serbia montenegro < argentina (0–6) – so according to your way of thinking – netherlands < argentina (because argentina scored 6 time on s&m and netherlands only once!) but as we all know it didn´t happen, both teams tide.. there are many cases as such and i am sure you know about them since you know about football..

so.. if you saw any game were argentina played than you could see that they were playing very well and even though i am dutch and i never like the argentinean team i have the honesty in me to admit that argentina was playing very very good football (contrarily to the italians)..

in conclusion, the people that have some idea about football will tell you this, and with all justice:

argentina < germany – germany < italy – however since everyone has seen better football with the argies – argentina (is better than) italy

btw.. i dont hate europe nor their teams i have no reason for this however hate or no hate i know the truth.. at the time of judging i hold prudence close to my mind and my heart far from my brain..

12 Jul 2006, 20:20

danny

Tripode…Dude, you could be right.
For me, Argentina did play the best football of the tourney. But they couldn't keep it going. Requelme seemed tired and they let Germany come back and eliminate them.
And remember…Mexico took them down to the wire too.
If Italy played them, the game would have been close and spectacular to see, but i think Italy would have taken it, just because it seemed like no–one was gonna ever score on Buffon.
Mexico and Germany took it to Argentina. The way i see it is that if Mexico and Germany could compete with Argentina…why not Italy?
But then again, we'll never know for sure.

DaSilva…Come on!
Korea/Japan 2002 was bullshit. Big deal. You guys beat a mediocre German team who was lucky to even get past the quarters. That whole tournament was tainted! You know what, I don't have to explain myself anymore…I'm sure everyone remembers what happend that year. Rightous victory my ass. How can you be proud of that?

13 Jul 2006, 05:12

Goiano da Silva

Back to real and great soccer!!!!!

The Brazilian Cup has resumed after the world cup break and it reinforces my conclusions. This world cup really sucked! Yesterday, I watched a great game with 7 goals way better than most of world cup games and the average in Brazil remains almost 4 goals per game. I missed that! After the terrible experience in Germany (Italy is by the way the ideal winner for a cup like that), no wonder FIFA’s president wants to change the soccer rules to increase the number of goals. Somebody needs to convince him that there is nothing wrong with the soccer rules, the problem is the exaggerated defensive tactics that Europeans adopt. Yes, I agree that defense and goalie is a important part of soccer but what makes soccer interesting are goals, especially neat ones, otherwise any sport is more fun to watch.

13 Jul 2006, 15:06

horse

If you ask me the best three teams one the World Cup were Germany, France, Argentina. They played best soccer. Portugal sucked monkeys balls, don't know how did they get so far. Italy played boring games. Italians do not know how to play attractive soccer. Defence, Defence give me a brake! They were lucky to win this World Cup. Brazil looked stupid as a team, so many good players but the team organization was bad. Not even close to Brazil two years ago. It seems to me that they lacked team spirit. That is that about World Cup. The Champions Leauge starts soon so I will be watching that.

13 Jul 2006, 17:10

Jason

I think Brazil did poorly because they did not have RIVALDO this year.

13 Jul 2006, 17:17

Geico

ATTENTION EVERYBODY.

What a cup! I hope one like that never repeats. It was disappointment from the beginning to the end. One of the lowest goals per game average ever, second only to 1990. The poorly played final, terribly decided on penalties, was played with teams using the 4–5–1 formation offering little offensive power. Well, both Italy and France don’t have much offensive power anyways. Italy is the champion and anybody that has a reasonable knowledge in soccer knows that Italy is hopeless. It really is… sorry the Italians fans but don’t get your hopes to high just because you were the champions. The champion in this cup has no value to me and apparently to FIFA either since in its new rank Brazil is still the first one, followed by Italy, and Argentina in third. Brazil, clearly with the best squad in the cup showed no interest whatsoever. It looks like all players want to go on vacation. Argentina, the best team of the cup, was victim of an unprepared coach and bad lucky. Germany had good lucky but not much soccer to show. The best player of the cup, Zidane, wasn’t really that great and ruined France and the final with a childish act. The African teams with their happy and offensive soccer were also a disappointment, and so were Serbia, England, Check Republic, and Netherlands. In summary, a totally waste of time and money just like the cup in Italy in 1990.

14 Jul 2006, 16:20

Goiano da Silva

GEICO,

I totally agree with you mate, and so does the world except a few Italians is this blog that are afraid to admit the truth.

Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mauro Camoranesi, Alessandro Del Piero, Angelo Peruzzi, Massimo Oddo, and Luca Toni. These players from the Italian squad are going to play the second division of the Italian Calcio (B series), whithout mention the Milan players. WHAT A SHAME!!!! This is unbelievable. How can most of the half of a team that call themselves world champions play in the second division?

15 Jul 2006, 15:22

danny

DaSilva and Geico,

Go back home!

Brasil this year reminded me of Real Madrid…too many chiefs not enough indians. They were shit. Not because they were uninterested, but because they couldn't compete. Besides, did they tell you or say that they were uninterested? How the hell do you know that? It's just a stupid exuse. Your not gonna dig yourselves out of that hole with dumb excuses like that. You guys should shake hands because you sound like clowns.

AND….
Any major club would KILL for any of the players mentioned above. I really doubt that any those top guys are gonna be playing in serie b, there is gonna be some movement, except for Del Piero who is gonna finish with Juve.

ABOVE ALL…
Last WC was a joke. Italy would have won that one too if the game against Korea wasn't fixed. Half the games in that whole tourney were fixed! WOW!!! WHAT A GREAT WORLD CUP!!! BRASIL FANS MUST BE SOOO PROUD!!! WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!!!

ma va caca!

15 Jul 2006, 19:49

danny

Oh yeah…I forgot to say,

The final match was great. A thriller, start to finish. It's games like that which make the sport unlike anyother. The suspense, the drama, the unpredictability and the passion, that final had all you can ask for. I don't care…I don't have to see 10 goals a game like in freakin Boca Juniors or Corinthians. I just love soccer, period. I love the fact that Italy plays so defensively, and i love that every team plays their own style. It adds sooo much character to the game. If you don't like it…to bad, that's football!
It's unfortunate, but some people in this forum still don't understand that Football is won and lost on BOTH sides of the field. This year Italy proved that they were the most balanced team of the tournamant.
None of the games were fixed.
They made it fair and square.
Some games were tight, but in the end, the best team won.
And just so i make it clear, Italy was the best team of that tournament…although France played well. They had more of the ball, but it mostly useless posession. Italy had less possesion but had the better chances. On top of that, Zidane really, really, really let his team down. That red card was the knock–out punch for the French. Then Grosso sealed the deal.
1 . We came out on top of our "group of death".
2. We only let in an own goal and a shady penalty shot in 7 games.
3. We beat Germany (at home) and France. (Who beat Spain, Argentina, and Brasil).

THE AZZURI ARE THE RIGHTFUL CHAMPIONS!

CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!! FORZA AZZURI!!!

p.s – scroll up to post #90. I was bang on, except for the Totti thing, which is too bad because if he was on a Barcelona, Real, Man U or any of those trendy mainstream teams he would have been regarded as one of the top 3 players in the world. But he had a poor WC, too bad.

15 Jul 2006, 21:19

mauro

People are jelous of us ITALIANS!!!!! YOU ALL SUCK EXCEPT US!!!!!! BECAUSE WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE AND YOU GUYS ARE NOT!!!!!! So stop discasing what if or what if not. History prowed that we are indeed best in soccer and this time around and forewer, we can teach rest of the world how to play soccer. ITALY IS BEST NUMBER ONE!!!!!

16 Jul 2006, 02:53

Goiano da Silva

TO DANNY… AND MAURO I GUESS…

"The final match was great" NO COMMENTS… IF YOU CONSIDERED THAT A GREAT MATCH YOU SHOULD BE INTRODUCED TO COMPETITIVE SOCCER ONE OF THESES DAYS… YOU MUST BE YOUNG, SO THERE SHALL BE HOPE.

"I love the fact that Italy plays so defensively" RIDICULOUS COMMENT… YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CHANGE YOUR PASSION TO AMERICAN FOOTBALL OR BASKETBALL… OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF SOCCER IS GOALS, NOT DEFEND… IF YOU DO NOT AGREE I CAN'T HELP YOU, SORRY!

"None of the games were fixed" EXCEPT THE ONE WITH THE WEAK AUSTRALIA… ITALY SHOULD HAVE GONE HOME IN THE ROUND OF 16… THE WORLD KNOWS THAT!

"We came out on top of our "group of death" YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING. USA, CHECZ , AND GANA MIGHT BE THOUGH TEAMS FOR ITALY ONLY, I GUESS. ARGENTINA GROUP WAS INDEED THE GROUP OF DEATH.. AGAIN TRY TO READ STUFF OUTSIDE ITALY FOR A MORE REALISTIC INPUT.

"We only let in an own goal and a shady penalty shot in 7 games" THAT'S RIGHT, YOU SHOULD ALSO SAY… MAN WE DON'T HAVE A CLUE HOW TO SCORE BUT WE CAN BEAT ANY TEAM ON PENALTIES BECAUSE WE ARE UBELIABLY LUCKY FOLKS… ALSO OUR DEFENDERS ARE AWESOME, WHO CARES ABOUT GOALS IN SOCCER ANYWAY??? HEHEHEHEHEHE…. DANY, YOU REALY MADE ME LAUGH.

"We only let in an own goal and a shady penalty shot in 7 games" YOU ANALYSE SOCCER LIKE MATHEMATICIANS… I PIECE OF ADVICE, BUY THE BOOK SOCCER FOR DUMMIES…

"THE AZZURI ARE THE RIGHTFUL CHAMPIONS!" SURE… ABSOLUTELY… ONCE AGAIN, FOR A CUP LIKE THIS, ITALY IS THE PERFECT CHAMPION.

MAURO, YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO MAKE ANY REASONABLE COMMENT… YOU ARE SO BRAINWASHED… I CAN'T HELP YOU EITHER!

16 Jul 2006, 17:38

danny

DaSilva,

Bro, you can whine, and cry all you want. You couldn't be more wrong. Begining to end you've littered this forum with your stupid ignorant shit. And the post you recently left has been one of your worst. I'm tired of you. I've made you look stupid too many times already, i'm not gonna bother anymore.

Good luck, and enjoy the rest of the Brazilian Cup.

16 Jul 2006, 21:10

Goiano da Silva

OK, DANNY, THIS IS MY FINAL WORD DIRECTED TO YOU AS WELL. YOU JUST CAN'T ARGUE WITH ME AND I KNOW MY LAST POST HAS OPENED THE WOUND LIKE WE SAY IN BRAZIL, IN OTHER WORDS, THE TRUTH IS PAINFUL SOMETIMES. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR ITALIAN STARS PLAYING THE B SERIE OF ITALIAN CUP, AND GOOD LUCK WITH THE HOPELESS SUPERDEFENSIVE ITALIAN NATIONAL TEAM, A PIECE OF CRAP. NOT EVEN LIPPI COULD AFFORD IT!

TAKE CARE MATE…

16 Jul 2006, 21:30

mauro

First of all Brazilian and Argentinian soccer leagues suck. That's why all good players from South America came to Europe in first place and Italy(TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY SOCCER) without Europe and ITALY (Brazil and Argentina would be nothing but maybe midiocre teams like USA or GHANA). SOUTH AMERICAN PLAYERS COME TO EUROPE AND ITALY TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY SOCCER. Without us Brazil and Argentina would be zero. South American soccer is the slowest paced soccer on planet Earth that is why they score so much because they do not run they just walk around. WHY ALL BRAZILIAN AND ARGENTINIAN PLAYERS PLAY IN EUROPE IF EUROPEAN SOCCER SUCK SO MUCH.

ITALY IS BEST !!!!

TO ALL SOUTH AMERICANS

16 Jul 2006, 22:01

Geico

HI MAURO,

IT’S TOTALLY THE OPPOSITE FROM WHAT YOU THINK. BRAZILIAN AND AREGENTINEANS PLAYERS GO TO EUROPE BECAUSE THE POOR CLUBS IN SOUTH AMERICA ARE OFFERED TONS OF MONEY AND THERE IS NO WAY THEY CAN KEEP THE PLAYERS. MOST CLUBS IN SOUTH AMERICA HAVE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, SO THEY SOLVE PART OF THEIR PROBLEMS SELLING THEIR EMERGENT STARS.

FYI, A POLYTIC GROUP IN BRAZIL INVOLVED IN SOCCER ADMISNISTRATION IS TRYING TO ESTABILISH A LAW THAT WOULD PROHIBIT SELING OUR STARS TO EUROPE BUT THIS IS UNLIKEY TO EVER GET APROVED BECAUSE THAT WOULD RESULT IN A HUGE FINANCIAL DEFICIT FOR OUR CLUBS. THE REASON THEY ARE TRYING TO IMPLEMENT SUCH LAW IS THAT BRAZILIAN PLAYERS LOOSE PART OF THEIR SKILLS WHEN THEY GO TO EUROPE BECAUSE EUROPEAN CLUBS ARE ALL ABOUT PHYSICAL STRENGTH AND DEFENSIVE TACTICS. NO “JOGA BONITO” IN EUROPE.

16 Jul 2006, 22:22

Martin

All i can see are moronic and biased opinions on both sides of fence. Give it a rest.
I have my own opinions on the subject but i know better than to post here :)

FYI = If you guys want a laugh, u should see the ESPN boards on the world cup. Its makes the comments here look intelligent and insightfull.

cyas in 4 years

17 Jul 2006, 00:57

LAO_JOE

IT'S OBVIOUS

If you read the forum you notice that all the Italia haters dislike defence
they think its less important. Especially Silva who according to him soccer should probably move all 10 players up past centre.

17 Jul 2006, 09:47

Goiano da Silva

THAT'S RIGHT LAO_JOE…

… AND ACCORDING TO YOU (AND ITALIANS) SOCCER SHOULD BE 9–1–0… ONE IN THE MIDFIELD IS MORE THAN ENOUGH FOR YOU, RIGHT? AND 0 STRIKERS BECAUSE FOR YOU GUYS GOALS, WHICH IS THE MAIN REASON SOCCER IS PLAYED, DOES NOT MATTER.

DO YOU KNOW HOW SHOULD BE THE NEW RULE FOR EUROPEAN SOCCER? EACH TIME A TEAM BREAK THROUGH THE DEFENSE IT GETS A CREDIT… KIND LIKE AMERICAN FOOTBALL. NO GOALS ARE NECESSARY! THEY SHOULD START IT IN THE 2008 EUROCRAP.. I MEAN EUROCUP!

17 Jul 2006, 21:21

LAO_JOE

First of all its more like 6–3–1 or 5–3–2
Second, Defence is a good strategy and is not stupid and to people who actually know soccer, defence is also fun to watch.

Why?
Because when a teamscores it more than likely has to be spectacular to beat the defence.
Also low scoring is what makes games more nerve rattling which is really intense to watch.
Think about it.

17 Jul 2006, 23:50

mauro

According to this da Silva guy the best soccer is South American soccer. Have you ever watched South American soccer? South American teams tend to play so slow that is why they score so much. Da Silva is just jelous because his blown up out of proportions team (Brazil) sucked, now he is trying to find excuses by making ridiculous comments. Brazil played attacking soccer? I do not know what they played what ever it was it looked ridicilous. For godness sake they had the easiest group to qualify from. They can thank gods of soccer they did not play against us (Italy) because we would crush them. We are more organized as a team and we have the best tehnical players on planet, so in conclusion Italy came on top because we are indeed the best and if we played 100% against France it wouldn't be like it was it would be probably like 3:0 for Italy. Italy is capable to beat any team and if you check our records you will see that Italy is rarely beaten(THAT MEANS THAT WE PLAY THE BEST SOCCER NO ONE CAN'T SCORE AGAINST US). SO STOP BEING JELOUS BECAUSE WE ARE THE BEST.

18 Jul 2006, 05:38

Goiano da Silva

MAURO AND LAO_JOE,

Sorry mate, but who in the world would be jealous of the weakest team to ever win a world cup?

Brazil was playing ridicule soccer, no question about it, but still was able to score 10 goals before eliminated in the quarters. That means more goals than pathetic Italy in the whole tournament! What a shame! Even though we were playing really poorly in this cup, take a look in the facts: Our defense was surprisingly good breaking the record for the longest time ever not allowing goals; our defender Lucio broke the record for not making a single foul up to the end of the quarters! Impressive! We also won the fair play golden ball (we play nonviolent soccer as opposed to Italy that was defending based on fouls… like most Italians that play soccer with… they know how to beat you but not how to steal the ball fairly). We also won the bronze ball (Ronaldo), which also broke the record for the top world cup scorer ever! More than even Pele. Can you imagine if Brazil was playing good? There wouldn’t be a chance for Italy.

You said our group was the easiest… just want remind you that we beat Australia (2–0) with our worse performance in the tournament while Italy passed to quarters because the referee helped you guys. Who knows what made that referee help Italy…I guess it is because Italy is used to scandals in soccer anyways…

Think about it!

18 Jul 2006, 14:03

stefan

da silva
actually italy scored 12 goals and 12 is greater than 10 and since we're on the goal subject the golden boot winners are mostly european i'll ever tell you the winners
1930 argentina
1934 czech
1938 brasil
1950 brasil
1954 hungary
1958 france
1962 a combonation of european and south american
1966 portuagal
1970 germany
1974 poland
1978 argentina
1982 italy
1986 england
1990 italy
1994 bulgaria
1998 croatia
2002 brazil
2006 germany

those are the countres who were home to the golden ball winners
europe has 12
south america has 5
so i guss europe has had the best strikers (or at least the ones who don't crush under pressure).

18 Jul 2006, 19:22

LAO_JOE

Once again Silva is a defence hater, sore loser

18 Jul 2006, 19:41

LAO_JOE

The South America lovers, Italia haters contradict eachother.

Read posts 323 and then the bottom of 343

18 Jul 2006, 19:45

Geico

GUYS, STOP IT! YOU ALL LOOK LIKE KIDS FIGHTING!

THERE IS NOTHING TO DISCUSS ABOUT! THE FACTS ARE SIMPLE

1– ITALY IS THE CURRENT CHAMPION! NOTHING CAN CHANGE THAT BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD. UPDATED FIFA RANK AGREES THEY ARE NOT AND PEOPLE THAT KNOW ABOUT SOCCER AGREE TOO, NO MATTER WHAT THE ITALIANS HAVE TO SAY.

2– SOUTH AMERICA IS AND WILL BE FOR A LONG TIME BETTER THAN EUROPEAN SOCCER OVERALL. THEY GOT THE MORE TALENTED STARS, THE HIGHEST GOAL PER GAME AVERAGES IN THEIR TORNAMENTS, AND THEY JUST PLAY A MORE ENJOYABLE TO WATCH GAME. NO DOBT. ANYBODY THAT SAY OTHERWISE SHOULD RECONSIDER LEARN MORE ABOUT SOCCER.

THAT’S IT! NO MORE FIGHTS BECAUSE IT MEANS NOTHING. NOTHING CAN CHANGE THE FACTS ABOVE.

I JUST WANT TO SEE HOW ITALY IS GOING TO DO IN THE 2008 EUROCUP, WHICH IS LESS VULNERABLE TO THE POLITICS AND FACTS BEHIND THE WORLD CUP. IT WILL BE FUN.

18 Jul 2006, 21:21

LAO_JOE

Zieco that last point put you in the arguement not stop it. The first part of your first point is obvious but the rest is you saying your opinion.

How can you say that facts are that s.a. football is better than euro and that s.a. has better stars.

18 Jul 2006, 23:42

mauro

For me European soccer is way better than South American and it will always be. European soccer is more enjoyable to watch because of speed and tactics (Greece is proof enough). When comparing talent Italy has the best talent in the world. I guarentee that Italy is capable of winning every World Cup from now on. We could easily win the cup in 1994(BRAZIL GOT LUCKY). In 1998 was destined for France to win, 2002 game against Korea was fixed and that is why we lost. Finally in 2006 the justice has been served. From this one can conclude that Italy is the best we always play good, Brazil has been just luckier than us thats all.

19 Jul 2006, 02:10

Geico

MAURO,

POST A MESSAGE SAYING THAT ITALY IS THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD AND SHOULD HAVE WON MOST WORLD CUPS BUT DID NOT BECAUSE WAS UNLUCKY IS PROBABLY THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I EVER HEARD! EVER! MEN, YOU NEED HELP URGENTLY! I THINK YOU ARE STILL TRAUMATIZED FROM THE FACT BAGGIO LOST THAT PENALTY AND BRAZIL WON IT IN 1994. THAT WOULD BE THE ONLY EXPLANATION FOR YOUR WEIRD BEHAVIOR.

S. AMERICAN VS EUROPEAN SOCCER IS LIKE RELIGION. I GUESS PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT BELIEF, THAT'S IT. IT'S A WASTE OF TIME ARGUE ABOUT IT.

BUT, THE POINT IS: ENJOY EUROPEAN SOCCER IS LIKE ENJOY A CAR RACER THAT CAN'T GO FAST AND WAIT FOR PEOPLE UP FRONT TO CRASH OR BREAK DOWN, SO HE CAN WIN. JUST LIKE ITALIAN SQUAD!

THE ENJOYMENT OF SOCCER IS GOALS , NOT DEFENSE. FIFA PRESIDENT WAS SO DISAPOINTED WITH THE FEW NUMBERS OF GOALS IN THIS CUP, THAT HE WANTS TO CHANGE THE RULES TO INCREASE IT, OTHERWISE IT WILL BECOME AN SPORT OF STATISTICS LIKE AMERICAN FOOTBALL AND BEISEBALL.

19 Jul 2006, 16:10

mauro

First of all you guys don't know what are you talking about. You guys say that European soccer sucks even ALL ARGENTINIAN AND BRAZILIAN SOCCER TEAMS ARE MAID OF PLAYERS THAT PLAY IN EUROPE so in some sense Argentina and Brazil are European teams. So if European soccer sucks that means that they suck too. Equador was the only South American team if you ask me on the World Cup. Case closed!

19 Jul 2006, 21:04

Goiano da Silva

Hey GEICO, forget it, MAURO never gets it! I gave up on him already.

Dude, when we say European soccer sucks we mean EUROPEAN, got it? Does the Italian squad have any south american player? Is it still hard to understand? Do you want us to draw it for you?

Brazilain and Argentinan squad has no European player either. It is not too difficult to figure it out,... try it!

Of course, the only reason Spanish, Italian, and British tornaments are cool to watch is because thers is a lot of south americans on them, otherwise it would be like watching boring Italy playing…

20 Jul 2006, 03:15

stefan

da silva

actually camoranesi was born in argentina and he plays for italy, in case you didn't know. Oh ya thats the second time i've corected you so next time get you facts right

20 Jul 2006, 04:30

danny

DaSilva & Geico, – ya, im back. I just can't stand how ignorant you are.

How many S. American players were in any of the top scorers lists of any major club last season?
You probably can't answer that question because your basing your whole bullshit arguement on this past world cup and you don't now anything else about what goes on in the world of football.

SO, LET ME ANSWER THAT QUESTION FOR YOU COWBOYS = YOU GUYS DIDN'T EVEN COME CLOSE TO ANY EUROPEAN PLAYER IN SCORING.

South American players aren't quite the force you think they are. Most of your best players can't play in Serie A, where the game shows more balance, skill and SMARTS. I'm not a fan of the Premiership either, but i can't really name any good stand out S.A player there either. The only league you guys have success in is your own and that shitty Spanish Leauge – full of has beens. Of course you guys score goals, those leagues have no defence. But it's changing. They finally figured out that it's a two–way game. Now that Juve has been relegated why do you think everyone wants their players? Why did Real Madrid JUMP on Canavarro? huh? Why does Barcelona want to sign Zambrotta and Thuram so bad? Think about it.

For me, to be considered a superstar player, you have prove yourself in Serie A. A good player shows their true colors when they play for an Italian team. Great players can cut through any defence, no matter how many are back there. Look at Shevchenko, as soon as he came into the league he busted it up!
Now look at Adriano, a selfish peice of crap, he has done nothing good for Inter. 11 goals, what a disgrace.

Ask Maradona, Batistuta or Ronaldo…Italian calcio is the Best…i can't really think of any modern SA players who are worthy except for Kaka, sorry.

Bottom line is this, S.American football always lacked important components to the game. Now more than ever! You've gotta get with the times, the game is so competitive now. So much that in a game tactics, quality players in defence and goalkeeping will usually make the difference. South Americans are like little kids: everybody wants to score a goal and be the hero while nobody wants to do the dirty work. So what happens? All the best players attack and all the shit guys defend. Sorry but the game isn't played like that anymore. I don't know how much clearer i can make it for you. None of your WC teams were balanced.

.

20 Jul 2006, 05:21

mauro

To Da Silva and Geico

Holly Crap you guys are ignorant. To me it is amazing that you two think that South American teams are so good and we are so bad. First of all ITALY WON THE WOLD CUP SO THAT MAKES US THE BEST, second of all FIFA Coca Cola ranking is stupid it is made for kids doesn't make any sense bunch of crap. I would like for you two to admit that Italy is indeed the best at the present time everyone can see that except you two. Are you guys blind or what(THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX). I admit that Brazil was the best team in 2002, but today I do not think so ITALY IS BEST END OF STORY WE DESERVE IT!!!! We played the best soccer of the turnament. ITALY IS BEST!!!!!

20 Jul 2006, 15:41

LAO_JOE

Danny, with point 354

You just explained what i've been trying to say for the past month.
It's true they are ignorant and you just proved it. There is no way they can argue unless they start talking bs and repeated stuff that we already disproved.

20 Jul 2006, 19:04

danny

Lao–Joe,

These guys watch 1 month of soccer and think they're experts. It's bullshit.

20 Jul 2006, 21:29

stefan

hey danny did canavaro and zambrotta leve cause that woud suck the big one, but there is some good news i heard buffon will stay and del piero might too

20 Jul 2006, 22:31

LAO_JOE

I want to see Palermo advance past the qualifying for the Champions League and reach the Group Stage.
This is the most improved and up–in–coming team in all of soccer. They just came up from Seria B 2 or 3 years ago and now are starting to dominate. Their players like Grosso and Barone were key parts to the Italian World Cup success. Not to mention their former player Luca Toni. With Juventus, Fiorentina, and Lazio out of the picture they will get in the top 3 next year and are the Milanos (AC/Inter) strongest compeditor in the league.

21 Jul 2006, 01:32

Oak

To you all guys! In my opinion there are no European or South American stile of play each team plays individualy. I agree with Geico and da Silva that most of games that European teams played lacked goal scoring and they were boring to watch, however some European teams played attacking soccer like Germany, France and Spain. I was totaly dissapointed by England because they played like Italy which sucks to watch. What happened to English team that we have seen at Euro 2004 back then they played good attacking soccer this time I was dissapointed. What to say about Italy, they won the World Cup but they did not play well, if Brazil had the same system of play as Italy Brazil could been first, Brazilian team totaly dissapointed on all levels defence is a crap(THE MOST TALENTED TEAM IN THE WORLD WHAT A SHAME). In my opinion the best team of the World Cup was the France realistically and the second place would be Argentina and than Germany those three teams played the best soccer and scored goals. Italians played poor soccer, they have so many good players but their system of play sucks.

21 Jul 2006, 03:41

LAO_JOE

Once again another person that believes that offence is everything.

21 Jul 2006, 19:05

danny

easy Lao_Joe,
Oak is right. Italy won, but still should have done a lot better.

22 Jul 2006, 00:08

mauro

Finally resonable comment. This Oak guy knows what he is talking about except I do not think that Brazil is the most talented team in the World.

22 Jul 2006, 01:30

danny

stefan,
canavarro and emerson went to Real – it's officia – Capello needed them. I'm pretty sure Barcelona are looking to sign Zambrotta and Thuram. And although Buffon said he's staying on Juve, i wouldn't be suprised if he were to go to Milan. Him and Trezeguet.

and Lao_Joe – Grosso isn't on Palermo anymore. He's on Inter.

22 Jul 2006, 04:14

LAO_JOE

I know I made a mistake with Grosso thanks for pointing that out.
And yes Italy could have done better. That made it nerve rattling though which is the thing that especially made the world cup rally exciting for Italians. I didn't mean to sound like I flipped out on oak, its just that Silva and Gieco have been completely biased though and when i first read oak's comment it sounded like Silva's style.

22 Jul 2006, 07:39

Goiano da Silva

DEAR ITALIN FOLKS AND FANS:

A little summary of you guys. People trying to justify desperately their world cup championship because every single non–Italian soccer fan in the world (and rare conscious Italian soccer fans too) knows that their team played poorly and it has become a lousy champion to be always remembered like that. What is bothering Italians so much is the fact that it does not matter how much you guys argue and love Italy, what really matters for most of people is the impression this world cup has passed along and the circumstances that make a weak team like Italy be the champion. For example… I live in college town full of international students and we play soccer regularly. Our group has people from 22 different countries from the entire American continent, Europe, and Asia, you name it. Do you guys realize what everybody think of the world cup? The very same thing I’m saying here repeatedly… that Italy has offered a rather uninteresting poor soccer too far away from being a dignifying champion; and other teams like Argentina, France, and maybe Germany had more quality, although everybody agrees that this was a very poor quality world cup. So dear Italians and “allies”… you can complain, cry, swear, panic… whatever dudes… you are very unlikely to change the rest of the world… got it! You are the champions but who gives a damn besides les than 1% of the world? What is kind of interesting is the fact that people keep saying that Brazil sucked as an attempt of affect me, which is a totally waste of time, because everyone knows Brazil was indeed playing ridiculously and I would be shocked if they would have win the cup playing like that. My friends here are right… I showed some of them the blog and they all went like… “do you waste your time talking soccer to this kind of people??? Knock it off dude…forget it”

Sorry Italian folks, but I do sympathize…

22 Jul 2006, 16:38

danny

DaSilva,
You have friends?

22 Jul 2006, 19:36

Geico

DA SILVA, THAT'S RIGHT. YOU SAID EVERYTHING, DIRECT TO THE POINT.

NOW THE BRAINWASHED ITALIAN FANS HERE, LAO–JOE, DANNY. MAURO (THIS ONE IS PROBABLY THE ONLY ONE THAT NEVER MADE A COMMENT WORTH READING), ETC CAN STEP BACK AND CRY WATCHING THEIR BRILIANT ITALIAN SQUAD FEEDING THEIR ILUSIONS AND FANTASIES, WHILE WE KEEP WATCHING THE BRAZILIAN AND ARGENTINEAN CUPS, IN WHICH THE WORSE GAME IS COMPARABLE TO THE WORLD CUP FINAL. THE TRUTH HURTS NO MATTER WHAT THEIR RESPONSES WILL BE. WE JUST NO LONGER CARE.

A WRITER IN AN ARGENTINEAN SITE MADE AN INTERESTING OBSERVATION FOR THE EUROPENAS TO THINK ABOUT: "FORGET ABOUT THE WORLD CUP AND PICK THE 3 WORSE ARGENTINEAN PLAYERS IN THEIR SQUAD AND COMPARE THEM WITH THE 3 BEST PLAYERS IN THE ITALIAN SQUAD. IT'S NOT DIFFICULT TO REALIZE (IF YOU KNOW ABOUT SOCCER) THAT THE BEST ITALIAN PLAYERS ARE NOT EVEN COMPARABLE WITH THE WORSE ARGENTINEANS IN SIMILAR POSITIONS… WITH THAT THE QUESTION ABOUT HOW SUPERIOR THE SOUTH AMERICAN SOCCER IS OVER EUROPEAN IS PRETTY MUCH ANSWERED… NO MORE ROOM FOR ARGUMENTS"

SORRY ITALIANS, I RATHER DO NOT SYMPATHIZE :–)

22 Jul 2006, 19:39

danny

To the turkey's,
No more room for arguements my ass. Geico you're such a dick. Stop now before you embaress yourself. Stop reading that garbage because it'll rott your little brain even more.
Here, i'll pick the BEST players on Argentina and compare them to some Azzuri stars:

1. Sorin, Ayala, Hienze, Burdisso…etc. – how the hell can you compare these guys to the Italy defenders. Are you on crack?
2. Riquelme – genius player, had a poor WC. Comparable to Totti. Pirlo played a lot better than both of these guys.
3. Crespo – Great player, i loved when he was on Milan, but stll, i prefer Luca Toni. Toni is a menace, 6 foot 5, skilled, tireless worker, no defence can handle him. Plus he's younger and managed to score 30 goals on a mediocre Fioentina.

You guys are dumbasses. You don't know fuck all but you keep yapping. Your like little turds who come back up after every flush. Why? Why do you have make me waste my time to prove how dumb you are. This must be the 10th time i've done it. Stop being biter asses.
DaSilva and Geico, blow me. Lousey champ my ass. We didn't need any games to be fixed or a 'hand of God' to help us.

The Azzuri didn't play great, i'll give you that, but like we say back home in Italy – "it's easy to fly like an Eagle when your surrounded by Turkey's!

23 Jul 2006, 01:29

LAO_JOE

So you got that off an argentinian article eh….. How BIASED. They wrote that to please the argentiniean fans

23 Jul 2006, 02:04

Goiano da Silva

Again, I will no longer argue with your folks… my answer to all of your crying and complaining is on my post 366. Just read it over and over if you want to know my answer for your insultations…

DANNY, you're wrong again mate, the game Italy vs Australia WAS FIXED WITH THE 'HAND OF GOD' LIKE YOU SAY TO HELP ITALLY SQUAD. Otherwise they would have been eliminated in the round of 16, which would have been already too much for their quality.

23 Jul 2006, 16:21

Messi

Uh–oh, this blog is an interesting finding…

People here really take soccer seriously…

Just a few thoughts of mine in the major arguments. There is no way to compare European to S. American soccer. They have different stiles and it depends on what you like. We can’t say that one is better than the other generally speaking. I personally enjoy S. American (and Central American) style better because they are not as obsessive about defending, but this is just me (please don’t get mad).

Italy did a great job in the world cup and they do have good players; however, I have to agree that other teams have done a better job overall. To me, Germany, France, or Argentina would be more realistic champions but everything is possible in soccer. To be honest, Argentina lost a great chance of winning it because they showed indisputably the best soccer in the competition. The best game of the world cup was Argentina vs. Mexico in the round of 16. After that, I thought the world cup was a disappointment in terms of game quality.

Regarding the matter of European vs. S. American players… again, it’s hard to compare because they have different stiles, it depends what you like in player, but the talent of S. Americans is hard to find in an European player. Honestly, only Zidane in my opinion has an odd talent comparable to players like Brazilian Ronaldinho and Argentineans Messi and Riquelme. Rooney was a good promise but it turn out to be not that good. I disagree with whoever said that Luca Toni is better than Crespo. Toni is a great player but the kick precision of Crespo and its ball control is almost unique. Toni has to kick 10 balls against the goal to score 1–2 goals while Crespo would convert most of them into goals. The only player comparable to Crespo in my opinion is Ronaldo when he was in shape of course, not fat like he was in the world cup.

Another thing I want comment on.. the FIFA best world player of the year award is a bummer. Why only players playing in Europe are selected? It is a disrespect to other continents. A lot of times a player in Argentina, Brazil, or even Mexico would deserve the award, like last year, when Tevez playing in the Brazilian team Corinthians was the best player of the world in my opinion. The Brazilian league is more competitive than any European league and the guy just scored a lot of goals and was also the champion. FIFA should change their mentality about the award.

23 Jul 2006, 16:57

stefan

da silva
ya you could say italy got a very favorable call BUT australia also got a favorable call materazzi didn't touch that guy and got a red? thats a load of crap with materazzi itlay could have beat australia in overtime (they might have been able to with out him)
messi i'm going to have to dissaggree with you toni is much better than crespo as danny said he plays for fioetina while crespo plays for chelse the best team in england i don't know crespo's goal total for their seson but i can guess some where in the teans
to all south amircan lovers italy has the best goalie and defense in the world tell me if you can think of better.

24 Jul 2006, 04:18

JORGE

Noone can touch Italy's defense… OR goalie

25 Jul 2006, 04:36

Messi

Just when I thought I found a cool blog to use, it appears to be dead now!

28 Jul 2006, 00:01

stefan

this sucks huh messi

29 Jul 2006, 04:58

danny

It's dead because most people on this blog think that football is only played once every four years.
But go ahead, start a new topic of discussion, i'm always game.

29 Jul 2006, 20:46

stefan

how bout the upcoming serie a seson personaly i think inter will take it with ease because milan has had a major point deduction and juve is in serie b

30 Jul 2006, 04:03

Goiano da Silva

I KNOW THIS BLOG WAS KILLED BY THE BRAINWASHED ITALIAN FANS BUT I HAVE TO SAY THIS…

THE FINALS OF COPA LIBERTADORES, THE AMERICAN VERSION OF EUROPIAN CHAMPIONS CUP, PROVED HOW NEAT AND POWERFUL BRAZILAIN SOCCER IS. THE FINALS IS BEING PLAYED BY 2 BRAZILIAN TEAMS AND THE FIRST GAME WAS A TRULY SOCCER SPECTACLE! FOR THOSE THAT WATCHED THE GAME, YOU KNOW THAT NO GAME IN THE WHOLE WORLD CUP WAS EVEN CLOSE TO IT. IT’S CLAIMED BY ESPN AS ONE OF THE BEST SOCCER MATCHES TO EVER OCCUR IN HISTORY! I AM GLAD THE WHOLE WORLD CUP THING IS GONE AND THE BEATIFUL AND UNMATCHABLE BRAZILIAN SOCCER CAN SHOW TO THE WORLD WHO IS REALLY THE BEST.

10 Aug 2006, 19:38

Goiano da Silva

AND NOW IT IS OVER! INTERNACIONAL BEAT SAO PAULO IN THE HISTORIC FINALS OF LIBERTADORES DA AMERICA AND IS A FIRST TIME CHAMPION. 2 GAMES AND 7 GOALS, 3.5 PER GAME, AN EXCELLENT AVERAGE THAT PROVES HOW STRONG THE 2 BRAZILIAN TEAMS WERE. IT MIGHT BE IMPOSSIBLE BUT THE SECOND GAME WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST ONE! IT WAS PROBABLY THE BEST SOCCER GAME IN THE LAST 10 YEARS OR SO. POOR EUROPEANS WILL NEVER HAVE A GAME LIKE THAT. THE LIBERTADORES DA AMERICA WAS A CELEBRATION OF NEAT AND WELL PLAYED SOCCER AFTER THE DISAPOINTING WORLD CUP. THE WORLD CUP WAS A TORTURE TO SOCCER LOVERS. NOW INTERNACIONAL WILL LIKELY TO PLAY THE FINALS OF TOYOTA CUP WITH BARCELONA. BELIEVE OR NOT, BUT THE BARCELONA PLAYER CONTRACTS WORTH AS MUCH AS 40 TIMES MORE THAN INTERNACIONAL… BUT IN SOCCER EUROPEANS HAVE TO LEARN THAT THEY CAN’T JUST BUY EVERYTHING… OUR “CHEAP” BUT HIGHLY TALENTED BRAZILAIN TEAMS WILL AWAYS BE AROUND THREATING THE MILLIONARY EUROPEANS…

17 Aug 2006, 15:30

Amit Sood

Shut up Goiano. 2006 will go down in history as a year of Brazilian failure and Italian success. Fact.

18 Aug 2006, 11:30

goiano da Silva

DEAR AMIT SOOD… 2006 WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE YEAR OF THE WORSE WORLD CUP EVER, THE YEAR WHICH A TEAM LIKE ITALY (COME ON…) IS THE WORLD CHAMPION, A YEAR OF TORTURE FOR THE NEAT WELL-PLAYED SOCCER, ETC… BUT AT LEAST, I HAVE THE BRAZILIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (BEST SOCCER CUP IN THE WORLD) AND THE LIBERTADORES DA AMERICA TO REMIND ME WHAT BEAUTIFUL SOCCER IS SUPPOSED TO BE…

“JOGA BONITO” MATE!

19 Aug 2006, 14:33

turkey

cluck cluck cluck

30 Aug 2006, 23:35

scott

EVEN NOW AFTER 2 MONTHS I WATCHED THE FINAL ON TAPE ITALY PLAYED AS A TEAM ALL DID THERE PART THE TEAM TOGETHER NOT DEPENDING ON ONE PLAYER TO DO IT ALL (italy in 2010)

02 Sep 2006, 21:24

goiano da Silva

What did I tell you guys? That Italy was the lousiest team to ever win a world cup and the only won it because of a unique combination of circumstances. In their first game of euro cup qualifiers they were not able to beat the more-than-modest and hopeless Lithuania squad playing at home! What a shame!!!!

ITALY, the shity world champion!

PS: Today Brazil play Argentina in a friendly match in London. That’s real high quality soccer, which should have been the world cup final instead of bloody geriatric France against lousy all-about-defense Italy.

03 Sep 2006, 15:32

geico

Brazil is back and showed to the world that’s really the best. They beat Argentina in a “friendly” game (these are never really friendly) by 3 goals to nothing showing a magnificent performance. Kaka scored a superb goal. After watching this game and the eurocup qualifiers, I have no doubt in my mind that European soccer has really inferior quality. The game Brazil and Argentina in London would be the finals the world cup should have and deserves.

Congratulations BRAZIL!!!!!

04 Sep 2006, 19:38

goiano da Silva

Now, it’s funny how the Italians just disappeared from this blog. They are afraid to facer the facts that I pointed out to them during world cup, when I always stressed the point that the Italian squad is hopeless and were world champions only because of a unique combination of circumstances. France without Zidane (the only really good French player) just massacred Italy in the euro cup qualifiers. The world champions are almost the last ones in their group. While Italy continues embarrassing the Italians, the renovated Brazilian squad (average of 23 years) are playing neatly and enchanting the world again. That’s right dear Italians… life sucks for you guys…. world champions my ass…

06 Sep 2006, 22:37

danny

buddy, what the fuck is up your ass. Go see a doctor.

25 Sep 2006, 06:59

Geico

Goiano da silva, you are absolutely right. Where are you freaking Italians? Too embarrassed to show up? What a shame your guys in the euro cup qualifiers. That means you guys should really celebrate the world championship because the real soccer post-world cup has already showed clearly that the Italian squad was the lousiest world champion ever! They were really very luck to win it, that’s it! What is amazing is the fact the last word cup was so hopeless, including the winner of course, that people all over the world already forgot about it. Nobody cares anymore. The FIFA rank already dropped down Italy because the soccer reality is far from what happened in the world cup. Poor Italians, once again, victims of a odd combination of circumstances that made them think they got the best team in the world. Not even close to that…

26 Sep 2006, 22:20

stefan

listin you dumb shits first off the brazil argentina game looked like shit it was just offense their defense sucked (for the 15 minutes i managed to swallow down without vomiting) a mls team could have played better defense. next how old areyou guys five? cause all you like to see is goals it dosn’t matter if it’s shit you just wanna see the ball go in the net. true soccer involves defense and italy can boast the best defense in the world while brazil boasts ronaldino and kaka. heres my chalange to both you dicks try to find a brazilan (besides ronaldino and kaka) that play their position better than an italian wold.

campioni del mondo 2006

27 Sep 2006, 02:02

mauro

Its been a long time since I was on this chat and nothing changed. Da Silva is still full of crap. Brazil almoust failed to qualifie for 2002 World Cup and they came in first so it doesn’t matter. Italy is still on brake from all this stuf, just wait untill we pick up momentum again when we do no one will stop us. France please! Euro 2008 Champs Italy!

02 Oct 2006, 02:04

mauro

WE ARE THE BEST GO ITALY!!!!!

02 Oct 2006, 02:07

goiano da Silva

Standings Euro”crap” qualifiers:

Scotland 6
France 6
Ukraine 3
Georgia 3
Lithuania 1
Italy 1 (Behind Georgia and Lithuania…. world champions my ass…)
Faroe Islands 0

Hey Italians, watch Faroe Islands….

FIFA world rank…

Brazil 1574
France 1534
Argentina 1492
England 1477
Italy 1474

For the first time, the world champion is not between the top 2 of the FIFA rank…. for a reason of course… it’s Italy… fifth place is already too much for them!

02 Oct 2006, 15:29

Amit Sood

Italy are better than Brazil because they work hard for each other rather than being a bunch of stars who think they are bigger than the team.

04 Oct 2006, 21:21

geico

Amit, I agree when you say that Brazil has a bunch of stars who think they are bigger than the team. That was exactly the reason they played so poorly the last world cup. However, I cannot agree with you that Italy is better than Brazil. Brazil team is now going through a renovation process and is full of young talents, which lacks massively in the Italian squad. Well, eventually, they will get famous and rich and once they become stars the team starts playing poorly again. But that will take some time, probably time enough for Brazil to win another world cup, we hope. Except for the old times when we had Pele in the squad (The Athlete of the Century), Brazil has always been like that…

05 Oct 2006, 16:12

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