Which "Pot A" Team Do You Fear Least for 2006?

[Serie Zed]

Although the US is current ranked 7th in FIFA's ratings, it appears unlikely that we'll hold that position until seedings for the WC. Mexico may, but we wouldn't be grouped with them.

So...below is a list of nine other teams that are likely to make up the remaining teams in Pot A -- one of which would be in the US' group.

Which of these teams would you PREFER for the US group in Germany?

[Bill Schmidt]

Dude! You didn't vote in your own poll? I just thought, "Wow, Spain has 100% of the vote!" then realized it was just me so far.

[Serie Zed]

Didn't want to bias the results. ;)

[msfurnas]

I voted for England because they are constantly overrated.

[crash2772]

I picked the Czech Republic. They had a good run in Euro 2004, and one would have to say their run was much less a fluke than Greece's, but it was still a huge surprise. They certainly have good players, especially Baros, but
I would much rather face him than Ronaldo, Henry, V. Nistelrooy, etc...

Spain would have been my second pick, simply b/c their inability to win as a national team. They have the star power to do it, but they never put it together.

Of course Brazil is intimidating, no one denies this. Germany too will be a VERY tough draw. A home team in the world cup is tough enough, but when you consider they are a world power; they are just as scary as Brazil.

[lurking]

Italy. Yes Italy. I dont think they have their acts together right now. Also the easiest team of those to get a draw (although probably not to beat), and unlikely to pile up much of a GD against minnows with their defensive tactics.

[Bill Schmidt]

I agree with all of it. From World Cup 2002 to now, all of these teams have shown incredible futility at times. They were big, important times, too. I wouldn't be surprised to see Holland fail to qualify, completing a major-tournament trifecta of unbelievable misfortune.

[Serie Zed]

It's when I read things like three people want to draw the host nation that I wonder just how I can get these people to sit down at a poker table with me.

There are only TWO teams we absolutely never want to draw -- Brazil and the host country that year.

[Saeyddthe]

I did vote for Spain... But really only by process of elimination...

Brazil/Germany - I would definitely NOT want to face, Germany even more so than Brazil...

Holland - If they are even there, I wouldn't want to be the first team to see them...

Czech Rep. - I think they're as talented and dynamic as billed...

France - Although I think they are in decline, I still wouldn't be giddy about meeting them...

Argentina/England - I'd say our style may give us the day against either...

Italy/Spain - Not terribly much between them I think, but my gut tells me they should be in that order descending...



Well, THAT was an entertaining waste of time... What time's the match start?

[Serie Zed]

I did vote for Spain... But really only by process of elimination...

Brazil/Germany - I would definitely NOT want to face, Germany even more so than Brazil...

Holland - If they are even there, I wouldn't want to be the first team to see them...

Czech Rep. - I think they're as talented and dynamic as billed...

France - Although I think they are in decline, I still wouldn't be giddy about meeting them...

Argentina/England - I'd say our style may give us the day against either...

Italy/Spain - Not terribly much between them I think, but my gut tells me they should be in that order descending...



Well, THAT was an entertaining waste of time... What time's the match start?
I think we not only match up stylistically with England, but that they are also overrated. In order...

Yes: England/Spain

No: Brazil/Germany

[adi21]

It's when I read things like three people want to draw the host nation that I wonder just how I can get these people to sit down at a poker table with me.

There are only TWO teams we absolutely never want to draw -- Brazil and the host country that year.
You are way TOO smart & insightfull for this board (LOL, some would like to play a host country :eek: )

[lurking]

It's when I read things like three people want to draw the host nation that I wonder just how I can get these people to sit down at a poker table with me.

There are only TWO teams we absolutely never want to draw -- Brazil and the host country that year.
What if Brazil draws the 2014 cup? OMG I wouldnt want to get pulled in a group with them.

[NoSix]

England, they are (relatively speaking) the weakest team on this list except for Germany (the host).

[Serie Zed]

What if Brazil draws the 2014 cup?
If Brazil hosts again, I'm selling my house, my car, my dog and my sister's kid and making a really big bet.

[Elessar1733]

I voted for Germany, not because I think it would be easy to beat them, but for another more wistful reason.

How sweet would it be to get our revenge for 02 against the hosts in the opening game?

I'll say really sweet.

[lurking]

If Brazil hosts again, I'm selling my house, my car, my dog and my sister's kid and making a really big bet.
The dog? You monster. Sell the rest, but keep the dog.

[Deuteriumoxide]

The dog? You monster. Sell the rest, but keep the dog.


Exactly, because, should you lose the bet you can always eat the dog.

[Serie Zed]

The dog? You monster. Sell the rest, but keep the dog.
If I bet on Brazil at home, I can always buy it back later.

[voros]

I'm hoping we draw any of them in the group stages. That means we've qualified.

[Toolhead]

I'd voted for England because they are usually an overrated side, plus if we do beat them just imagine all the smack we could talk over on WR. Also, I see Germany has gotten quite a few votes, although it's never wise to wish to draw the host nation, you HAVE to admit Germany's form looks like complete crap right now.