World Cup - Official

[schitz011]

So, 21 days to go till kick off.. :)

Anyone here know whats the deal with the footy on telly?
Are any of the terrestrial channels showing any of the matches FTV or is it too early to know? I've not seen any advertsing on any of them or on DSTV for that matter..

I hope that a number of smaller teams make it through to the second round again like last time. It was pretty fun watching France crash out without scoring a single goal :)

My bet would be England to do well and 'hopefully' go on to lift the trophy, but unless something drastic happens to Rohnaldinio my head tells me Brazil, or Germany (being hosts, they will have extra incentive)

[schitz011]

http://home.skysports.com/worldcup/

Who wants to take a bet that Austrailia actually beat Brazil???
I can actually see that happening..

[ubercal]

I know that SABC 1 and SABC 2 have will be broadcasting all the games , noT sure about DSTV.The favorities are Brazil - If Adriano is on form he is the best stiker in world football ,better than Svchenko,Henry,Raul etc).England should do really well as they got so many talented players.Ivory Coast will be the surprise package.Iam hoping Rooney plays as he will challenge Ronaldinho and Adriano for the Player of the Tournament

[lucifir]

kewl .. so I don't have to get stupid dstv then :D

[zeb]

I like to see England crash out early so I can give it to my Pom friends :D

[lilDeath]

Rooney is an teenage alcoholic bar-fighting prostitute-buying cheating druggie AND a burnt-out soccer player
Ronaldinho will kick his a$$

[schitz011]

Rooney is an teenage alcoholic bar-fighting prostitute-buying cheating druggie AND a burnt-out soccer player
Ronaldinho will kick his a$$

Don't you think thats a bit harsh? After all he has to contend with playing for Man U everyday!

England will do fairly well, but they'll make hard work of it. Mark my words, all they'll need is a draw in the final group game and on in at halftime 2-0 down or something and only comeback in the last minute...

Glad to hear SABC are doing all the matches..

[lucifir]

so basically you are saying that rooney is british ... we already know that :)

[hj2k_x]

so basically you are saying that rooney is british ... we already know that :)
Steady on mate! Not all british are like that. Rooney is a scouser, which is a whole different thing :)

Either way, i think england may do well(despite injuries to key players) and brazil and germany are always going to be in with a chance.

The german side is really not a very good one though.

I just hope that england dont rely on rooney being fit for the quarters cos i dont think that thats going to happen

[lilDeath]

agh ok, Rooney can kick a ball. ;)
Think I will stick with a South American team this time round...
Hope Chile make it far :D

[schitz011]

I would actually prefer if Rooney weren't fit as the others will step up to the plate instead of relying on him. Not to say he is the only talented one in the squad, but he seems to be Englands taslisman at the moment.

Take out Rooney and you still have a powerful squad, but, as so often in the past, I fear they won't gel too well.. You can't rely on single players to deliver (the beckhams, gerrards, rooneys etc..) Having said that, at least this time round England have Gerrard and hopefully with him and Beckham running the engine room the others will pick up their game..

The Czech Republic I think could throw a few spanners in the works, as could Australia.. Personally I don't like South American teams. Yes they have fancy footwork etc, but they **** around too much, fall over when anyone comes near them and generally have hysterics when a decision doesn't go their way.. Same goes for Italy and Portugal..

[hj2k_x]

I would actually prefer if Rooney weren't fit as the others will step up to the plate instead of relying on him. Not to say he is the only talented one in the squad, but he seems to be Englands taslisman at the moment.

Take out Rooney and you still have a powerful squad, but, as so often in the past, I fear they won't gel too well.. You can't rely on single players to deliver (the beckhams, gerrards, rooneys etc..) Having said that, at least this time round England have Gerrard and hopefully with him and Beckham running the engine room the others will pick up their game..

The Czech Republic I think could throw a few spanners in the works, as could Australia.. Personally I don't like South American teams. Yes they have fancy footwork etc, but they **** around too much, fall over when anyone comes near them and generally have hysterics when a decision doesn't go their way.. Same goes for Italy and Portugal..

Problem with England is up front. Having rooney there would certainly have sorted that department out. The england midfield is arguably one of the best if not the best in the world. But upfront? Owen? Heskey? Fowler? Crouch??? Not world class strikers IMO. Not even Owen.

[schitz011]

I will disagree with you about Owen, however you do have a point.

Certainly not Heskey, Fowler- a bit old but I'd like to see what he could do at the WC. Crouch, I am starting to like more and more, but against world class defenders I wouldnt give him much hope right now..

If I were the manager I'd have the strikers run the defence all over the palce and let the goals come from midfield, but thats not going to happen.. Probably asking too much of the midfield to dominate AND score goals, but with Gerrard ,Beckhams and Lampards ability to score from distance. I think you'll probably see this sort of scenario developing, especially if England find themselves a goal or two behind and nothing happening upfront.. One game, fine. A whole tournament played like that and England are going home after groups.

Of course as is so often the case, all it takes is one goal to win (obivously it only takes one goal to win, but you know what I mean..) and when you entire squad is capable of delivering goals then it places you in a good position.. Looking at the England squad there are goal scorers in every department. Campbell and Ferdinand in defence, Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard in midfield and Owen, Rooney up front..

Of course lest we forget what happened to France last time out...

[hj2k_x]

Indeed. I dont think that France are going to be much better this time around! Cisse is starting. He is not one of my favourites.

[schitz011]

As a Liverpool man, I have to say I'll give Cisse a chance, but he blows seriously hot and cold and has a repuation of only scoring when it doesn't matter.. i.e 5th goal in a 5-0 win...Though he did score pools first last sat..

[hj2k_x]

Oh dear. A liverpool man. Being a united fan for the last 13 years could suggest a bias against pool players...But i must say that i think gerrard is rather good :)

[Highflyer_GP]

Germany FTW! England rate themselves too highly and the commentators are very biased towards them. Can't stand that kind of arrogance. They even worse than Australia when it comes to cricket, because Australia is rightfully the best cricket team. England do not have the best soccer team, although they (and every brainwashed fan of theirs) seems to think they do.

[ubercal]

Highflyer GP - I agree with your comments about England being overrated ,but that was about 5 years old.I have always hated English football dur to the arrogrance and bias of their commentators,but the fact of the matter is that England has produced World Class players in the last 5/6 years , and this is comming from a AC Milan Supporter.

[hj2k_x]

Germany FTW! England rate themselves too highly and the commentators are very biased towards them. Can't stand that kind of arrogance. They even worse than Australia when it comes to cricket, because Australia is rightfully the best cricket team. England do not have the best soccer team, although they (and every brainwashed fan of theirs) seems to think they do.
I agree. And i am english! But england are or at least should be strong in every tournament they enter! I have some hope this year. Really i do.

[Highflyer_GP]

but the fact of the matter is that England has produced World Class players in the last 5/6 years
Undoubtedly they have, I'm a big Owen fan. Still doesn't give them the right to act the way they do. It's a team game afterall, one can have the best striker in the world, but without a decent midfield he's basically useless.

Another reason I'm not too fond of England is that their team strategy follows on from the Premier League, and it's too predictable (go down the wing and cross and defend on the rebound). It's been the same strategy for as far as I can remember, and in my opinion makes for a really boring game to watch. I'd rather have the team I'm supporting provide an exciting game and lose than have them play a defensive game. There's a reason why Brazil always does well. While they do concede goals, they have an attacking strategy and manage to pull it off in the end. All while providing good entertainment. Same goes for Italy. Germany's trademark is precision. And Englands trademark? Defense ;)

[hj2k_x]

Undoubtedly they have, I'm a big Owen fan. Still doesn't give them the right to act the way they do. It's a team game afterall, one can have the best striker in the world, but without a decent midfield he's basically useless.

Another reason I'm not too fond of England is that their team strategy follows on from the Premier League, and it's too predictable (go down the wing and cross and defend on the rebound). It's been the same strategy for as far as I can remember, and in my opinion makes for a really boring game to watch. I'd rather have the team I'm supporting provide an exciting game and lose than have them play a defensive game. There's a reason why Brazil always does well. While they do concede goals, they have an attacking strategy and manage to pull it off in the end. All while providing good entertainment. Same goes for Italy. Germany's trademark is precision. And Englands trademark? Defense ;)
Germany hardly stormed to the last final, playing their precision football, did they?

[Highflyer_GP]

Germany hardly stormed to the last final, playing their precision football, did they?
When was the last time England stormed to a final? ;)

[hj2k_x]

When was the last time England stormed to a final? ;)
Ouch!! Easy son! Its our 40 year WC-winning anniversary this year so watch out!!

[eagle-slayor]

Please guys lets all be quite coz we know Portugal's gona win don't we?

[ubercal]

hahahahahaha ,Portugal dont stand a chance - the Golden generation of Figo,Fernando Couto,Victor Baia,Rui Costa,Paulo Sousa is finished.Ronaldo and Ricardo Qualisama (Sorry about the spelling - the dude from Sporting Lisbon) look bright prospects

[schitz011]

Ronaldo is comming along nicely as Portugals number one gay pin-up apparently :) Should serve him well in the rainy streets of manchester, that is when he's not going down like he's been shot by a sniper everytime the ball gets away from him ;)

[schitz011]

had a chat last night with a friend of mine who's father in law was told by a tv shop that he had to buy a HDTV to be able to watch the world cup on telly here.. Seeing as I don't have all the facts and neither did my mate, we couldn't come to any concensus about this?

is it sales bollocks or whats the story?

[-toady-]

*Personally I don't like South American teams. Yes they have fancy footwork etc, but they **** around too much, fall over when anyone comes near them and generally have hysterics when a decision doesn't go their way.. Same goes for Italy and Portugal..* tis a fact ja but always good for a laugh....

CacklinToad
__________
Scourge of the Corrupt:rolleyes:

[hj2k_x]

had a chat last night with a friend of mine who's father in law was told by a tv shop that he had to buy a HDTV to be able to watch the world cup on telly here.. Seeing as I don't have all the facts and neither did my mate, we couldn't come to any concensus about this?

is it sales bollocks or whats the story?

It is sales bollocks. DSTV and SABC are showing the games. You can watch them on any old tv.

[schitz011]

It is sales bollocks. DSTV and SABC are showing the games. You can watch them on any old tv.

Thought so... Can't imagine SABC showing games only 0.02% of their viewership could watch..

[Highflyer_GP]

SABC isn't even ready to broadcast in HDTV, someone should get a written testimonial from this idiot that you need a HDTV to view the games.

[schitz011]

Exactly what I thought, but seens as it was after a few beers and second hand information I couldn't argue the point too much without all the facts..

You just gotta love how people take you for a ride here.. It's the national sport.

Speaking of which.. England jerseys at total sports R599! I think not! I shall go retro this tournament and wear the older jersey I have :)

[hj2k_x]

Come on england!! :)

[kingmonty]

While we're on the topic of the soccer world cup... Do South Africa have to qualify for 2010 or do they qualify automatically because they're hosting it?

[hj2k_x]

Good question...Fifa were thinking of changing this rule cos up till now hosts have qualified automatically.

AFAIK that is how it will be at least for 2010 still- and its a good thing cos we don't stand much chance of qualifying any other way!

[schitz011]

AFAIK SA will qualify as hosts. The problem for them is that the qualififcation for the African cup of Nation is part of WC qualifiing, so apparently there is a problem with that..

God, how vague can I sound? :)

[.geek]

Very.

SA don't deserve to play in the World Cup, even if they host it.

[hj2k_x]

AFAIK SA will qualify as hosts. The problem for them is that the qualififcation for the African cup of Nation is part of WC qualifiing, so apparently there is a problem with that..

God, how vague can I sound? :)

Yes well 'problem' is a good word to describe bafana bafana atm :p

[schitz011]

boom boom :)

I'm sure they would prefer the term 'challenge' :)

[kingmonty]

Mmm. I don't think SA is ready and will be ready to host that event. Eish, just the violence from yesterdays match in sunnyside is testament to that.

back on topic: I will root for Brazil, but I think it will be a German/English final, with Germany perhaps edging out the english in penalties.

[schitz011]

I will root for Brazil, but I think it will be a German/English final, with Germany perhaps edging out the english in penalties.

That would be pretty cool, but please for the love of god NO MORE PENALTIES!
I've watched England lose enough on penalties to last me the rest of my lifetime. Also haveing been subjected to two final penaltie shootouts in the last year, FA cup and Chap league last year, I have no desire to go through it again..

[antonbijl]

It is sales bollocks. DSTV and SABC are showing the games. You can watch them on any old tv.

Does that mean:

both SABC and DSTV will broadcast all the games
DSTV will broadcast all the games live and SABC will broadcast them delayed a la F1
some games will be on DSTV, some on SABC
None of the above or a combination (please explain)


So I have some of dem world cup fever... Anyway, I need to know if my next "investment" before the world cup should be DSTV or a bigscreen TV :-)

Is there anywhere that you can get reasonably accurate broadcast schedules (either DSTV or SABC)? Both the DSTV and SABC sites are pretty disappointing gotta say...

[antonbijl]

Ah, finally found something on DSTV's site:


Start planning your month of World Cup viewing; the Channel Of Champions will broadcast all 64 matches live. Take out your diaries and check out the schedule.

From this page. (http://www.dstv.com/main.aspx?ID=3453&s=&q=world%20cup&ParentId=)

Still don't know about SABC though. Is it just me or does their site not work very well at all. Pop-up menu's appear in the wrong places etc. etc.

Either way, if anyone can provide similar info for SABC, I'm sure there are many here who would love to have it!

[hj2k_x]

Ah, finally found something on DSTV's site:



From this page. (http://www.dstv.com/main.aspx?ID=3453&s=&q=world%20cup&ParentId=)

Still don't know about SABC though. Is it just me or does their site not work very well at all. Pop-up menu's appear in the wrong places etc. etc.

Either way, if anyone can provide similar info for SABC, I'm sure there are many here who would love to have it!

Yeah sorry i did not get back to u on this. Supersport indeed have all the games live. They have been advertising it on DSTV....I agree the website is not the best.

I am also not sure about SABC. Would be very suprised if they had many live games, if any. What about e? They get the champions league and have delayed english prem every now and then.

[antonbijl]

Aha, the little buggers thought they could hide it from me, but I found it:


SABC 1 will broadcast 50 matches live and 14 delayed, as well as 31 highlight packages

from here. (http://vcmstatic.sabc.co.za/VCMStaticProdStage/CORPORATE/SABC%20Corporate/Document/WCSOCCER2006.pdf)

And BTW, anyone wanna visit the SABC website, you have to use IE. Doesn't work in Firefox and doesn't even work in Avant (which AFAIK is just an IE skin, so how the heck they managed to create a site that doesn't work in it, I don't know). Didn't test in any others, but if it doesn't even work in Avant, which is so close to IE, I seriously doubt it would.

[hj2k_x]

Aha, the little buggers thought they could hide it from me, but I found it:



from here. (http://vcmstatic.sabc.co.za/VCMStaticProdStage/CORPORATE/SABC%20Corporate/Document/WCSOCCER2006.pdf)

And BTW, anyone wanna visit the SABC website, you have to use IE. Doesn't work in Firefox and doesn't even work in Avant (which AFAIK is just an IE skin, so how the heck they managed to create a site that doesn't work in it, I don't know). Didn't test in any others, but if it doesn't even work in Avant, which is so close to IE, I seriously doubt it would.

Hectic! Was really not expecting that many live games! That is really great for the average south african that cannot afford the ridiculous monthly DSTV subscription.

Good work antonbijl :)

[antonbijl]

What about e? They get the champions league and have delayed english prem every now and then.

Agreed, I also thought so, but I couldn't find even the slightest reference to the world cup on their site, nor have I seen them advertise it at all, so I have to assume they won't have any of the games.

[hj2k_x]

Agreed, I also thought so, but I couldn't find even the slightest reference to the world cup on their site, nor have I seen them advertise it at all, so I have to assume they won't have any of the games.

Well i spose u cannot expect too much from a free tv channel :p

[antonbijl]

Was really not expecting that many live games! That is really great for the average south african that cannot afford the ridiculous monthly DSTV subscription.
Have to agree. I was quite pleasantly surprised. There are a few delayed games that I really would like to have seen live though:
- Netherlands v Argentina on 21 June (game start 21:00, broadcast only 00:00)
- Croatia v Australia on 22 June (game at 21:00, broadcast 00:00)
- Czech Republic v Italy on 22 June (game at 16:00, broadcast 01:30)

Now the first two I can live with, since they're obviously doing delayed broadcasts because there are two games going on at the same time, but methinks Czech Republic v Italy is being delayed only to prevent interference with the late afternoon soapie schedule. I fully understand that not everyone is into sports and that some people might enjoy their soapie, but that's just ridiculous now.

I have a strange feeling the local sports bar will have the pleasure of my custom come 21 and 22 June.

[schitz011]

Good stuff :)

Thanks for finding that. Pretty typical that it's hidden away in some random section of their sites. The biggest television event in the world and you have to do some major digging to find schedules less than a month before it starts.. :)

[hj2k_x]

england 5-0 up against jamaica :)

Peter crouch football g0d :):)

*edit, Just not so much with the penalties :p

[hj2k_x]

6-0 now... hattrick for crouchey :)(if you count the penalty)

[Acill3s]

I know that this has been asked but who do you all think is gonna win. My money is still on either Brazil or Argentina

[hj2k_x]

England ftw.

seriously.

[Chris]

Look at this video :D

www.golakes.co.uk/worldcupsheep :p

[hj2k_x]

Peter Crouch Football G0d to start against Paraguay! :)

Where are all the football fans out there?? Clearly not as excited as i am that the WC starts this week already!! :eek:

[schitz011]

Peter Crouch- Football God and Breakdancing fool :)

Glad to see he's timing his goal glut perfectly :)

[schitz011]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7414903051233028798&q=peter+crouch

[hj2k_x]

The robotic legend :p

He's gonna need to work on that if he scores in the WC, which he will :)

[Angelo]

Crouch was regarded as a joke but since Rooney's injury he's now England's no1 striker.

[hj2k_x]

Indeed. I also thought him a truly useless carthorse earlier in the season- Even bet one of my liverpool mates that he wouldnt score all season! Which kinda backfired- bad news for me, good news for england :)

[Angelo]

Indeed. I also thought him a truly useless carthorse earlier in the season- Even bet one of my liverpool mates that he wouldnt score all season! Which kinda backfired- bad news for me, good news for england :)
You better start practicing the Robokop! ;)

[hj2k_x]

It's gonna be awesome! Can't wait...

[hj2k_x]

Cant belive there arent more footy fans out there- Less than two days to go now!!!

[stepper]

Cant belive there arent more footy fans out there- Less than two days to go now!!!
Ok, what do u wanna discuss besides England's non-existent chances to win the whole bloody thing? :rolleyes:

[hj2k_x]

I dunno. I have made it clear who i think are gonna win it. I just though there'd be more interest in this topic i guess...

Maybe it'll pick up when the games start...

[Angelo]

Togo has won the World Cup - albeit just the pre-tournament beauty contest. Student Edwige Madze Badakou, 24, beat representatives of the 31 other finalists to be crowned Miss World Cup.

Contestants paraded in swimwear and evening gowns for a jury which included footballers. It is not clear whether their football knowledge was tested. Ms Badakou's victory comes after a Togolese voodoo priest predicted glory for the team, widely seen as rank outsiders, in Germany. Maria Garrido B'aez, 23, of Spain came second, followed by Ecuador's Katty Lopez Saman, 23. Ms Badakou, who was crowned Miss Togo two years ago, won 2,000 euros ($2,557; £1,370) and the use of a convertible car for a year.

On Thursday, Togo's chief voodoo priest predicted success for the national football team, the Sparrowhawks, at the World Cup in Germany. "The ancestral spirits say that Togo will go far at the World Cup," Togbui Assiogbo Gnagblondjro III said.

He said that Togo would definitely beat South Korea and France to get to the next round and he would be able to predict the actual scores two days before the matches.

[Angelo]

The priest is not alone in looking to the spirits for support. One German company has just launched a voodoo doll to which fans can pin the flag of the country they want to curse. A number of mail-order websites have already sold out of the dolls due to unforeseen demand. ;)

[hj2k_x]

The priest is not alone in looking to the spirits for support. One German company has just launched a voodoo doll to which fans can pin the flag of the country they want to curse. A number of mail-order websites have already sold out of the dolls due to unforeseen demand. ;)
i wonder how many england flags will be pinned to these dolls :(

[Angelo]

i wonder how many england flags will be pinned to these dolls :(
Not a lot, people will be cursing REAL contenders like Brazil.;)

[pupa]

The priest is not alone in looking to the spirits for support. One German company has just launched a voodoo doll to which fans can pin the flag of the country they want to curse. A number of mail-order websites have already sold out of the dolls due to unforeseen demand. ;)
Hell! I also want a doll please, How much, where can I get one!!!! My wife is not keen anymore so a doll could be my saviour, and I can use it for its intended purpose during breaks. Do I get an ANC flag with, will it be free as I would not want to spend a cent on it LOL :D

[hj2k_x]

Not a lot, people will be cursing REAL contenders like Brazil.;)
I see...:p

Well , angelo, stick ur colours to some flag then and tell me who u think's gonna win it? Or at least the top 5 teams that are in with a chance...

I'd go with, in no particular order:

England( just have a feeling they might finally get it right. Peaking at the right time too)

Germany(always strong in tournaments, hosts, despite weak-looking, inexperienced side, never write them off!)

Brazil( well , arent they always favourites)

Holland( strong team, really shouldve won a WC by now!)

Italy( founded in a strong defence, Italian footy may not be the most entertaining but its effective, like chelsea :()

Dark horse: One of the african sides to go far with a totally different brand of football that the other teams are not used to. I'd go with the priests of the earlier post and say Togo :)

[ubercal]

1 DAY to go - cannot wait untill kick off.You not a Football addict untill you've played CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER.Thats the true mark of a soccer nut

[hj2k_x]

Wow, we got our own temporary forum going for this now :)

[Chris]

I'd add Argentina to that list, hj2k_x.

Under-dog: One of the African teams - Ivory Coast or Egypt ( :D ) and Portugal.

As I said earlier, Brazil will probably win it (again).

Most over-rated team: England (Their press over-rate them as well as arrogant pricks like Beckham.

[icyrus]

Peter crouch football g0d :):)

Hahaha, you made my day! :)



Oh... you were serious? Must be a scouser ;)

[hj2k_x]

Hahaha, you made my day! :)



Oh... you were serious? Must be a scouser ;)
Funnily enough i am United through and through. Have been for 13 years. hate the scouse, but when WC time comes i love to see players who have been underperforming for their clubs(specialy ones i do not particulary like- see Liverpool, Chelsea etc..) do really well for the national team :)

[icyrus]

Funnily enough i am United through and through. Have been for 13 years. hate the scouse, but when WC time comes i love to see players who have been underperforming for their clubs(specialy ones i do not particulary like- see Liverpool, Chelsea etc..) do really well for the national team :)

Ah an england man through and through? They might have had a chance with a fully fit Rooney, and a competent manager, and less big ego players who would rather play for themeselves than the team. So no chance then ;)

I'll be supporting Australia. Come you aussies, make me rich! ;)

[hj2k_x]

Ah an england man through and through? They might have had a chance with a fully fit Rooney, and a competent manager, and less big ego players who would rather play for themeselves than the team. So no chance then ;)

I'll be supporting Australia. Come you aussies, make me rich! ;)
The aussies?? Seriously?! Not cool man.

I reckon as long as we play to our potential and dont lose any more key players to injuries, AND avoid penalties, then we are in with a real chance :)

[icyrus]

The aussies?? Seriously?! Not cool man.

At 200:1 with a decent team all I could think about is the $$$ :)

[Angelo]

I see...:p

Well , angelo, stick ur colours to some flag then and tell me who u think's gonna win it? Or at least the top 5 teams that are in with a chance...

I'd go with, in no particular order:

England( just have a feeling they might finally get it right. Peaking at the right time too)

Germany(always strong in tournaments, hosts, despite weak-looking, inexperienced side, never write them off!)

Brazil( well , arent they always favourites)

Holland( strong team, really shouldve won a WC by now!)

Italy( founded in a strong defence, Italian footy may not be the most entertaining but its effective, like chelsea :()

Dark horse: One of the african sides to go far with a totally different brand of football that the other teams are not used to. I'd go with the priests of the earlier post and say Togo :)
I pretty much concur with you.

1. Brazil: They hardly got off second gear when they won it in 2002 and they've so much talent people like Ronaldinho (World Player of the Year) don't have to perform miracles to see them through.

2. Italy: They have one of their best teams in a while and on their day can bury teams under a pile of goals. They also boast Europe's Golden Boot this season Luca Toni. If they are not distracted by the Serie A scandal they can do very well

3. Argentina: Always contenders but this time with a good of mix of experience like Crespo, Sorin and exciting new talent like Riquelme, Tevez and Messi (attacks relentlessly like a programmed bot).

4. Germany: Always have the steely determination to progress far in the World Cup and this time will be buoyed by home support and advantage, watch out for Bastien Schweinsteiger. Young squad though.

5. England: Decent but will fall short against truly top teams especially without Rooney (or with him half fit)

Dark Horses: Ivory Coast (even though they are in the group of death) and Czech Republic.

The Dutch have had better teams capable of winning it in the past but not now, maybe in 2010 this team will be solid enough.

For Angola and Togo it's already a huge achievement just being part of the elite 32 teams, will play for pride and the experience.

Ghana might do the continent proud, they are quite solid. Tunisia is not in a that tough a group too.

[hj2k_x]

@icyrus...That is a LONG shot mate. I think their group is perhaps the hardest- Brazil, Croatia and Japan. I'd back all three against them in the group games even...

[stepper]

I pretty much concur with you.

1. Brazil: They hardly got off second gear when they won it in 2002 and they've so much talent people like Ronaldinho (World Player of the Year) don't have to perform miracles to see them through.

2. Italy: They have one of their best teams in a while and on their day can bury teams under a pile of goals. They also boast Europe's Golden Boot this season Luca Toni. If they are not distracted by the Serie A scandal they can do very well

3. Argentina: Always contenders but this time with a good of mix of experience like Crespo, Sorin and exciting new talent like Riquelme, Tevez and Messi (attacks relentlessly like a programmed bot).

4. Germany: Always have the steely determination to progress far in the World Cup and this time will be buoyed by home support and advantage, watch out for Bastien Schweinsteiger. Young squad though.

5. England: Decent but will fall short against truly top teams especially without Rooney (or with him half fit)

Dark Horses: Ivory Coast (even though they are in the group of death) and Czech Republic.

The Dutch have had better teams capable of winning it in the past but not now, maybe in 2010 this team will be solid enough.

For Angola and Togo it's already a huge achievement just being part of the elite 32 teams, will play for pride and the experience.

Ghana might do the continent proud, they are quite solid. Tunisia is not in a that tough a group too.
Spoken like a Barca fan!

Ivory Coast and Ghana ftw! England will disappoint lot of people again and I hope so, atleast the SA media will focus on the world cup as a whole not just the St. Georges flag. Opening a newspaper these days its like u r in England or sumthing:"Joy, Rooney to play" "Rooney passed fit" "Beckham confident", etc.

[Jongi]

SS will be viewing some of the matches in widescreen on SS6 and 7

[ubercal]

England has been the Most overrated team since 1966.But this time they definetly have the Squad to give Brazil a real fight.With a Midfield of Joe Cole,Lampard,Gerrard and Beckham how could they not be real title contenders.Not even brazil has a midfield like England.Brazil are really Strong from Attacking Midfielders and strikers , but defensively are hopeless.

Rooney Crouch
J.Cole Lampard Gerrard Beckham
A.Cole Fernanand Terry G.Neville
P. Robinson


Brazil advantages - Adriano,Ronaldinho,Roberto Carlos,***a (God) ,
Brazil negatives - Dida (Why did Milan ever buy this crap keeper?) , Ronaldo (Overweight,and injury prone) , Cicinho ( Cant defend)

[Angelo]

The aussies?? Seriously?! Not cool man.

I reckon as long as we play to our potential and dont lose any more key players to injuries, AND avoid penalties, then we are in with a real chance :)
Of course the Aussies won't win it but they have one of the best keepers in Mark Schwarzer, he almost single-handedly denied the Dutch victory las weekend.

[icyrus]

@icyrus...That is a LONG shot mate. I think their group is perhaps the hardest- Brazil, Croatia and Japan. I'd back all three against them in the group games even...

Ah thats why we get great odds on them! :) I think a R1000 bet on them at 200:1 would do me quite nicely if they win ;)

[icyrus]

England has been the Most overrated team since 1966.But this time they definetly have the Squad to give Brazil a real fight.With a Midfield of Joe Cole,Lampard,Gerrard and Beckham how could they not be real title contenders.Not even brazil has a midfield like England.Brazil are really Strong from Attacking Midfielders and strikers , but defensively are hopeless.

Rooney Crouch
J.Cole Lampard Gerrard Beckham
A.Cole Fernanand Terry G.Neville
P. Robinson


Brazil advantages - Adriano,Ronaldinho,Roberto Carlos,***a (God) ,
Brazil negatives - Dida (Why did Milan ever buy this crap keeper?) , Ronaldo (Overweight,and injury prone) , Cicinho ( Cant defend)

Given that Rooney wont be fit until at least the knockout stages and the fact that I've never seen Gerrard and Lampard play well together England might well struggle. And having just crotch upfront with wallcot to back him up shows how weak the squad the klingon selected is...

[Angelo]

England has been the Most overrated team since 1966.But this time they definetly have the Squad to give Brazil a real fight.With a Midfield of Joe Cole,Lampard,Gerrard and Beckham how could they not be real title contenders.Not even brazil has a midfield like England.Brazil are really Strong from Attacking Midfielders and strikers , but defensively are hopeless.

Rooney Crouch
J.Cole Lampard Gerrard Beckham
A.Cole Fernanand Terry G.Neville
P. Robinson


Brazil advantages - Adriano,Ronaldinho,Roberto Carlos,***a (God) ,
Brazil negatives - Dida (Why did Milan ever buy this crap keeper?) , Ronaldo (Overweight,and injury prone) , Cicinho ( Cant defend)
That's what we were told even in the last WC but the key is you hardly ever threaten Brazil because they hog ball possesion, how do you attack their defence when you don't have the ball? ;) You say England's midfield is better than Brazil's?

Remember even to this day there are still quetion marks over whether Gerrard and Lampard can play together in the same midfield, and Eriksson hasn't been brave enough to sacrifice one of the them for the sake of the team's fluency. But still that's pretty much the midfield to start.

Upfront Rooney won't be available (at least for the group stages) and Owen will start with Robokop. Rooney's fitness woes decrease England's chances by as much as 30%.

[Jongi]

Ronaldo will be top scorer. Mark my words. He may be fat. But he knows where the back of the net is.

[Angelo]

Ronaldo will be top scorer. Mark my words. He may be fat. But he knows where the back of the net is.
That's not completely baseless, even in 2002 he was written off and the rest is history.

However I tip Adriano or Henry.

[hj2k_x]

Ah thats why we get great odds on them! :) I think a R1000 bet on them at 200:1 would do me quite nicely if they win ;)
I see....Nice. Good luck to u man. :)

[hj2k_x]

That's not completely baseless, even in 2002 he was written off and the rest is history.

However I tip Adriano or Henry.

Theres only one peter crouch, theres only one peter cro-uch :) ;)

[icyrus]

Theres only one peter crouch, theres only one peter cro-uch :) ;)

Thank god for that! ;)

[hj2k_x]

You say that now....Just u wait and see :)

[hj2k_x]

6 hours to kick off! Its gonna be awesome!

Any predictions for game one??

I reckon germany will win by one goal, 2-1 i say...

[kingmonty]

I think Germany will win 2-0

[Angelo]

2-1 Germany, Podolski and Schweisteiger.

[schitz011]

So, two days in..

Good result for Germany, also nice game to watch..

My boys (England) just beat Paraguay, not a great game but the result is all important. I will say one thing though, fekking bias ref AGAIN! Fifa should ensure that these games are reffed by ppl not from either continent the squads are from.. Some of those desisions were awful.

[arf9999]

Ukraine, Poland, and Togo FTW!!!

(Guess who I drew in the office pool... oh well, there goes 30 bucks....)

[hj2k_x]

So, two days in..

Good result for Germany, also nice game to watch..

My boys (England) just beat Paraguay, not a great game but the result is all important. I will say one thing though, fekking bias ref AGAIN! Fifa should ensure that these games are reffed by ppl not from either continent the squads are from.. Some of those desisions were awful.

agreed. The ref may as well have been wearing red. :( Awful game he had.

one nil to the ing-ger-land...:)

[dominic]

Ukraine, Poland, and Togo FTW!!!

(Guess who I drew in the office pool... oh well, there goes 30 bucks....)Ukraine is definitely worth a dark horse flutter......

[hj2k_x]

Ukraine, Poland, and Togo FTW!!!

(Guess who I drew in the office pool... oh well, there goes 30 bucks....)

i got parguay, pooland, ecuador and tunisia!!!! :( 50 bucks down the drain!

[Angelo]

Trinidad & Tobago coach Leo Beenhakker and his assistant Wim Rijsbergen have launched a savage attack on England, comparing them to Real Madrid's Galacticos. :D

[hj2k_x]

Someone is always attacking England at this time of the year... I am sure they can handle it ;)

[Angelo]

I think they being attacked because they are hyped up so much and deliver little on the pitch.

[Angelo]

As unlikely as it seemed Togo are winning as predicted by the Voodoo priests!:D

[Angelo]

After leading 1-0 Togo ultimately go down 2-1 to Korea after playing most of the second half with 10 men. :(

[Angelo]

Yessssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!! First African Victory From The "brazil" Of Africa!!:d :) :d

VIVA AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!!

[hj2k_x]

:)

[.geek]

Yessssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!! First African Victory From The "brazil" Of Africa!!:d :) :d

VIVA AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!!

About time.