Today is the Friday 9th June. Yes, that's right, it's the world cup!

Holders: Brazil
Favourites: Brazil
Host: Germany

World Cup 2002:

Winners: Brazil
Runners Up: Germany
Third Place: Turkey
Biggest Let Down: France (arguably. They just pip Argentina and Italy as they were the holders)

Okay so this is the official thread for match analysis, predictions, score updates etc.

My overall predictions for 2006:

Winners: Brazil
Runners-up: England
Third Place: Argentina
Biggest Let Down: Italy

Today's Fixtures:

Germany v Costa Rica [5pm GMT]

Prediction: 2 - 0 Germany. Ballack may be injured but they're facing a team with fucking Paolo Wanchope up front AND the crowd will probably be 5:1 for Germany:Costa Rica fans, maybe more. Meh, we could see the fall of galacticos like last time and Senegal v France.

Poland v Ecuador [8pm GMT]

Prediction: 3 - 2 Poland. Ecuador, like all South American teams) are good going up front but the Poles have a solid team which will probably more disciplined on the night. Having said that, a bit of latino flair could win the game for Ecuador.

 

Heh, I can't wait. The world cup is the greatest competiton on the planet. I can see England getting pretty far...probably the semi-finals.

 

I don't think Costa Rica stand much of a chance against Germany, that being said anything can happen in football. I also predict a Poland victory.

England should get quite far, I don't think we will win it though. I think we should at least get to the semi-finals.

 

Here's my bet:

Germany v Costa Rica - 1 (Germany wins)
Poland v Ecuador - X (Draw)

I'm not very interested in this round coz I don't know anything about those two non-European teams...

 

My bet is that England will struggle after the second round. They are too negative on the pitch and offer little creativly...

And no Heskey....

Oh well...

This is going to be the best month of all time....

 

I don't know anything about any of the teams. I'm just gonna be watching because it's gonna be awesome. U.S. is probably gonna blow, like always, so I'll just watch for enjoyment, not to cheer on my favorite team.

 

Actually, I think US has pretty good chances of making it into second round this time. They have surprisingly good team.

 

Oh...sweet!

 

Holy shit, 1-0! Well, this cup sure started well.

 

That was a very nice goal.

Germany are playing pretty well.

 

2-1 to Germany!!!
Unfortunately I can see Brazil winning this one though England or Portugal will show some tough competition.

 

I hate being on this side of the Atlantic Ocean and without cable television!!!

Hopefully the USA will improve on their performance in the last cup, and from what I have seen of their play they certainly have the potential to do it.

Besides -- USA is only going to keep getting better as the 'Soccer' generation reaches maturity.

 

There is a soccer generation? I wasn't aware that soccer is gaining popularity in US...

 

U.S.A are actually 5th ranked in the world. They can't be THAT bad.

 

2:1 could be better, considering the many chances Germany had, could be worse, considering the many defense faults we've seen.

Ah well, off to the second half.

 

Yeah it has been rapidly rising in popularity in the close-to-city-suburbs and within the cities (though much less in the city's) since the late 80's and early 90's.

Hence the term "soccer mom" rising in popularity.

Zero -- yes the USA is ranked 5th in the world, but our team isn't nearly as strong as that. From the matches I've seen, our squad doesn't have the killer instinct that great teams need.

But evidently someone, somewhere, thinks they do.

 

Well, good luck to them. They have a tough group.

I can't see them beating Italy though....or the Czechs. Nedved is fucking sick.

 

mm, I guess i'll be watching the soccer matches to see how far the USA can go. as Giovanni said, it is rising in popularity here. I play the game, and there are a lot of fans in my city atleast.

Each year, it "seems" that the USA team gets better, so it really shouldnt be that bad. I look forward to watching some of the matches.

Good luck to all the teams.

 

I have to defend the Ecuadorians: They've beaten Brazil before. Admittedly, that was in a high-altutude setting, but their fitness and stamina is always good. They have a decent chance of coming out tops, but i'm pretty sure it'll be a draw, or a win for Poland.

 

If you want a few laughs check this out http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/060609