OT: World Cup 2010

[Raellus]

So, am I the only one here excited for the World Cup?

I'm going to be pulling for the U.S.A. and Uruguay (I lived there for a few years as a teenager), of course, but I also love watching Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and Holland. Of those, I think Spain has the best chance to win it this year. Brazil is less creative and more defensive oriented than they normally are which is not necessarily a bad thing but they're not quite as fun to watch as they've been in years past. Argentina has tons of talent but a buffoon (Maradonna) at the helm. The U.S. and Uruguay just aren't deep enough to go all the way. If the U.S. loses Donovan or Dempsey, it's over for them.

If I had to pick a winner today, I might go out on a limb and pick Holland as my darkhorse. They have tons of firepower. Three of their midfielders were starters in the recent Champions League final and their fowards are no slouches when it comes to scoring goals. If their defense was better, they'd be my front runner. Otherwise, Spain is the safe bet.

Who's your pick and why? What teams or games are you most looking forward to watching?

[Mahatatain]

Now how come you didn't mention England?

According to the British newspapers (or rather the English versions of them) England are one of the potential favourites. In reality the newspapers in this country always talk up England's chances and we have an outside chance at best - if we make it to the semi finals we'll be doing well!

I'll be cheering them along but, like many England fans, I'll be expecting disappointment at some point!

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by Mahatatain

Now how come you didn't mention England?

According to the British newspapers (or rather the English versions of them) England are one of the potential favourites. In reality the newspapers in this country always talk up England's chances and we have an outside chance at best - if we make it to the semi finals we'll be doing well!

I'll be cheering them along but, like many England fans, I'll be expecting disappointment at some point!

Well, I like England too. I watch the EPL all the time so I know their players quite well and I wouldn't mind a bit if they won it. They're good, but they have some weaknesses that I think will prevent them from going all the way. For example, there's not a lot of variety in midfield. Gerrard and Lampard both play very similar roles on their club teams. They haven't worked well together when they're on the pitch at the same time. They both like to attack, leaving a big hole in the middle. Lampard really shines for Chelsea but doesn't do much for the national side. England doesn't have the best defensive midfielders to cover for them either, IMHO. And Garreth Barry might be done, too.

Up front, Rooney is one of the best in the world, but he doesn't have the best strike partners. I mean Crouch, DeFoe, and Bent are all good but none have really gelled with Rooney and Heskey is too slow.

I don't know. I wish them the best of luck.

[cavtroop]

Soccer (football to most people ) isn't too big here in the USA. I'm excited for the world cup, but I have to admit I couldn't name a single player that's playing.

I'll catch a few games, especially if the US does well though. I like soccer, it just doesn't get much exposure here.

[Targan]

I just hope Italy does poorly. Cheating bastards.

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by Targan

I just hope Italy does poorly. Cheating bastards.

Don't worry, Targ, I don't think they'll get far this year. They're old and lack the firepower.

@Mahahatain: I like Crouch. He needs to bring back his robot dance. At 6'7", he makes me look graceful on the pitch (I'm a skinny 6'4"). I think he and Rooney would work well together. He could play target man and let Rooney play a little deeper or drift around.

@Rainbow: I like how this U.S. team matches up against this year's German team. I think we could take them (if we stay healthy).

[Rainbow Six]

Originally Posted by Targan

I just hope Italy does poorly. Cheating bastards.

So Targan, did you enjoy the New Zealand - Italy game?

[Fusilier]

Originally Posted by cavtroop

Soccer (football to most people ) isn't too big here in the USA.

...to illustrate further.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noOHdTQd6H8

[cavtroop]

Originally Posted by Fusilier

...to illustrate further.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noOHdTQd6H8

LOL, hadn't seen that, good one

The part with the american announcer becoming bored, while the foreign one gets excited about the action was dead on

[Mahatatain]

Originally Posted by Raellus

Well, I like England too. I watch the EPL all the time so I know their players quite well and I wouldn't mind a bit if they won it. They're good, but they have some weaknesses that I think will prevent them from going all the way. For example, there's not a lot of variety in midfield. Gerrard and Lampard both play very similar roles on their club teams. They haven't worked well together when they're on the pitch at the same time. They both like to attack, leaving a big hole in the middle. Lampard really shines for Chelsea but doesn't do much for the national side. England doesn't have the best defensive midfielders to cover for them either, IMHO. And Garreth Barry might be done, too.

Up front, Rooney is one of the best in the world, but he doesn't have the best strike partners. I mean Crouch, DeFoe, and Bent are all good but none have really gelled with Rooney and Heskey is too slow.

I don't know. I wish them the best of luck.

Well Crouch is an interesting one - he's actually scored 21 goals in 38 appearances for England.

One of the suggestions is actually to play Gerrard up front with Rooney and to have Lampard in the centre of midflield behind them. That relies on Barry being fit and a defensive midfield player instead of Barry could turn out to be England's biggest weakness.

I'll be watching all of the England games and quite a few other matches but in the end football is the wrong shaped ball for me - my favourite sport is rugby union!

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by Raellus

If I had to pick a winner today, I might go out on a limb and pick Holland as my darkhorse. They have tons of firepower. Three of their midfielders were starters in the recent Champions League final and their fowards are no slouches when it comes to scoring goals. If their defense was better, they'd be my front runner. Otherwise, Spain is the safe bet.

Not bad for a Yank, eh?

Not sure yet who to pick to win it. Either way, there will be a first time Cup winner and that's pretty cool.