Top Ten WC Games to Watch.

[Zeppelin]

Top ten preliminary WC games to watch from US fans perspective :

http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/2006worldcup/a/wcctopgrpten06_2.htm


Openimg Match : Germany - Costa Rica
Germany - Poland
Sweden - England
Holland - Argentina
Portugal - Mexico
US - Czech Rep
US - Italy
Brasil - Australia
France - Switzerland
Spain - Ukraine

[luftmensch]

Top ten WC games to watch from US fans perspective :

http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/2006worldcup/a/wcctopgrpten06_2.htm


Openimg Match : Germany - Costa Rica
Germany - Poland
Sweden - England
Holland - Argentina
Portugal - Mexico
US - Czech Rep
US - Italy
Brasil - Australia
France - Switzerland
Spain - Ukraine

Yeah, screw that Ghana match.

[MrSparkle]

Top ten WC games to watch from US fans perspective :

http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/2006worldcup/a/wcctopgrpten06_2.htm


Openimg Match : Germany - Costa Rica
Germany - Poland
Sweden - England
Holland - Argentina
Portugal - Mexico
US - Czech Rep
US - Italy
Brasil - Australia
France - Switzerland
Spain - Ukraine


Pretty solid list. As much as I'm looking forward to the tournament kicking off with the opening match, I couldn't wait for Holland-Argentina as soon as I saw they would be playing each other back in December.

The Poland-Germany game will also mean a lot to me as the son of Polish immigrants.

[0-Point]

Intriguing matches in no particular order:

Ger v C. Rica
Eng v Para
Arg v I.cost
Ned v Arg
Por v Ang
Por v Mex
Ita v Gha
Cze v Ita
Bra v Cro
Kor v Tog

[Iplayedforchelsea]

I'm really looking forward to the Holland v Argentina game........

[Via_Chicago]

These are the ten games I'm most looking forward to watching (not including all US matches which would, of course, go 1-2-3):

1. Germany v. Costa Rica - This is the opening match of the World Cup. I'm not missing this for anything, no matter how bad the contest. I'm also hoping for a Costa Rica upset (although not getting my hopes up).

2. Netherlands v. Argentina - The best game of international football I've ever watched was the Czech's 3-2 upset over the Netherlands in the last Euro Cup. The Dutch play some of the most exciting and entertaining football in the world and watching them play against the Argentines, no doubt with qualification for the next round on the line, should be a real treat.

3. Czech Republic v. Italy - I'll of course be watching this game since it could be having a huge effect on the United States' chances of advancing out of the group. However, these are both strong sides and it'll be fascinating to watch them square off, especially since in this group it's very possible that this game will mean everything.

4. Spain v. Ukraine - Only one team that's lost its first game in group play has advanced to the next round in the last two World Cups (Turkey). This is a very weak group, but we could possibly see some surprises, including Ukraine winning this group. Both sides should be motivated for this one.

5. Netherlands v. Cote d'Ivoire - Cote d'Ivoire have emerged as the strongest African side in this tournament. This game has upset painted all over it, not to mention that it looks like it'll be an exciting, attractive football game.

6. France v. Switzerland - Since it's very unlikely that Togo will surprise the French like Senegal did in the last World Cup, this is the match from Group G I look forward to most, and the one that offers us the greatest chance of seeing a shock upset in the group. Switzerland has looked like a strong, hungry squad and France has looked old and just a little tired. Neither team'll be looking to lose this first match.

7. Brazil v. Croatia - Opening match of Group F and the world's first chance to watch this Brazilian squad in action in the Cup. Croatia should prove a fun, exciting opponent.

8. England v. Sweden - Sweden surprisingly (or not surprisingly, depending on who you ask) won their group of death in the last World Cup, while England took second. Sweden have always been a strong side, and England has high expectations for this cup. It should make for a good match, but in this group, both teams might just be playing not to get hurt.

9. Mexico v. Portugal - I'd be much more thrilled about this game if it wasn't the last for these two teams. As it is, it might still prove an exciting match, and a good test for the two teams in what may be the World Cup's weakest group.

10. England v. Trinidad and Tobago - No reason to be excited for this one other than the excitement of seeing the Trinidadians in their first World Cup playing against their old colonial rulers. The English have looked too strong in friendlies to go down to a shock defeat, but stranger things have happened.

[Premiership Power]

Germany VS Costa Rica - The quality of the match (which i think will be minimal), is not important. The result is all that matters in regards to the hosts. This match will set the tone for Germany's whole tournament.

England VS Germany - Could potentially happen. If it does, it'll be one of the major match-ups of the tournament.

England VS Argentina - Could potentially happen. Every true soccer fan knows what a huge encounter this would be and why.

Brazil VS Australia - Brazil should win, but it will nevertheless be an interesting match that could spring a surprise or two.

Argentina VS Holland - This could be a classic. Two major soccer nations in a potential top-of-the-group encounter.

Italy VS Czech Republic - Same reasons i gave for the match above.

[Andy TAUS]

7. Brazil v. Croatia - Opening match of Group F and the world's first chance to watch this Brazilian squad in action in the Cup. Croatia should prove a fun, exciting opponent.Sorry to be somewhat pedantic, but actually the "Opening match of Group F" is Australia versus Japan, to be played the day BEFORE this game.

Perhaps you meant that this was Brazil's first Group F game.

[Autogolazo]

I like the early games where it's "lose and you're out"--not literally, but the ones between teams who know they pretty much can't lose.

Examples that should be tense, tight matches:

Poland vs. Ecuador
Australia vs. Japan
Every game in Group C (because of the uncertainty, nobody can afford to lose any match)
Paraguay vs. Sweden
US vs. Czech Rep.
Korea vs. Switzerland
Tunisia vs. Saudi Arabia (yes, I know, you laugh, but this will be tense since it's the first game)

I like the following because I think they will be very emotional, fiery matches:

Poland vs. Germany (history, hooligans ?, proximity, Podolski, etc.)
Iran vs. Mexico (I see two fiercely proud nations here--could be a doozy)
Croatia vs. Australia (so many ethnic Croats on Aus., the Simunic case, etc.)

I think the following could turn into bore-draws:

France vs. Switzerland (nobody will risk anything if it's tied late)
Spain vs. Ukraine (ditto--no reason not to just take a point and move on)

I fear Germany vs. Costa Rica is going to be a blowout.

[JAIME CHILE]

In no particular order:

England-Paraguay
Netherlands-Serbia
France-Switzerland
Croatia-Brazil
Spain-Ukraine
Serbia-Argentina
Netherlands-Ivory Coast
Portugal-Mexico
Netherlands-Argentina
Czech Rep.-Italy

P.S:Argentina-Ivory Coast (I can't see this match; at the same time my favourite team plays here in Chile), but it's a top10 match.

[Aguilas Del America]

In no particular order:

Germany vs Costa Rica
Costa Rica vs Ecuador
Holland vs Argentina
Holland vs Ivory Coast
Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia
Italy vs Czech Republic
Mexico vs Iran
Mexico vs Portugal
France vs Switzerland
Croatia vs Australia

[The Älpha Male]

I will probably be watching all the matches but there are only 7 matches that matter and those matches are:

1. Iran Vs Whoever they are facing in the Finals
2. Iran Vs Whoever they are facing in the Semi-Finals
3. Iran Vs Whoever they are facing in the Quarter-Finals
4. Iran Vs Whoever they are facing in the Round of 16
5. Iran VS Angola
6. Iran Vs Portugal
7. Iran Vs Mexico


7 and out.

[MalboroDude]

I will probably be watching all the matches but there are only 7 matches that matter and those matches are:

1. Iran Vs Whoever they are facing in the Finals
2. Iran Vs Whoever they are facing in the Semi-Finals
3. Iran Vs Whoever they are facing in the Quarter-Finals
4. Iran Vs Whoever they are facing in the Round of 16
5. Iran VS Angola
6. Iran Vs Portugal
7. Iran Vs Mexico


7 and out.

ZzZzZz...

[Laus03]

In the order that they are taking place:


1. Germany vs. Costa Rica- As with every 4 years, you have to put the opening match on the list. I expect Germany to handle them, but you have to watch the opening match.

2. England vs. Paraguay- England has very high expectations, but they are facing an extremely tough Paraguay team to open things up. If England isn't sharp, their high expectations could soon turn into panic.

3. USA vs. Czech Republic- If either team loses this game, I think it will be lights out for them in the tournament. You have to love a opening game that has THAT much pressure involved.

4. Brazil vs. Croatia- Obviously, everyone wants to see this amazing Brazil attack. Don't sleep on Croatia though. If anyone in this group is going to stay with the Brazilians it's them...and I sense a little overconfidence from the Blue and Gold.

5. Germany vs. Poland- Many people, including me, think Poland has an extremely legit shot at knocking off the Germans here. With all the history in this match, I really can't wait. Should be a fun one!

6. Spain vs. Ukraine- Ukraine is a quality opening opponent for Spain and we will see what Spain is bringing to this tournament right away. Despite a lackluster qualifying, I like what Spain brings to this tournament talent wise and Ukraine I think could be one of the major sleeper teams.

7. Italy vs. USA- This is a huge match-up no matter what happens. If USA loses to the Czechs, obviously this becomes a must win. If USA draws the Czechs, they will still need to earn at least a point here to feel comfortable. And if USA is able to beat the Czechs, this game becomes possible a must win for Italy. No other way to slice it...this game will have major importance.

8. Sweden vs. England- If everything goes to plan, this game will just be deciding 1st and 2nd in the group. This is the world cup though, so you know things won't go to plan. I think their is a very good chance that this game is a must-win for either team.

9. Netherlands vs. Argentina- Just like the England/Sweden game, this game SHOULD be just deciding 1st and 2nd in the group...but once again, things never go to plan so look for this match-up to have extreme importance. Probably the most hyped 1st round match-up.

10. Portugal vs. Mexico- No matter the circumstances, I see this game being very important. Obviously, if either team is on the brink of elimination, the game is huge. But even if these teams handle their business and are just playing for 1st or 2nd, this game is still very important because the loser likely has to face Argentina or Holland in the next round.

[LovingPortugal]

Portugal vs Mexico

Germany vs Costa Rica

Netherlands vs Argentina

Czech Republic vs Italy

Germany vs Poland

Sweden vs England

Iran vs Mexico

Portugal vs Angola

Brasil vs Japan

Portugal vs Iran

Sorry i'm biased towards the Portugal games but to me they're all games to watch lol :p

[European16]

if serbia and croatia meet somehow, it'll be interesting


lets go serbiaa

[Redshift]

Since we don't know what will happen in the second round, I will restrict myself to actual matchups:

1. Argentina vs. Holland -- The biggest match of the group stages by some distance.

2. Italy vs. Czech Republic -- The match that will determine the final standing in the "other" group of death.

3. England vs. Sweden -- Intense rivalry, interesting to see if England will be able to break the Swedish unbeaten streak.

4. Spain vs. Ukraine -- Should be very entertaining.

5. Germany vs. Poland -- Has the potential to be a grueling match; rivalry stemming from Nazi invasion that kicked off WW2 and subsequent attrocities.

6. Portugal vs Mexico -- The most important match of group D. Should give us deep insights into both teams.

7. Brasil vs. Croatia -- Opening match for Brasil, and potentially the most difficult. I would rate Brasil vs. Japan and Brasil vs Australia at about the same level, but I think this will be a crucial game for both teams.

8. England vs. Paraguay -- The Paraguayans are not a bad team, and this may be a difficult match for the English. Depending on factors such as whether they are able to get a point from this game, and goal difference, they may be able to steal the second spot in the group.

9. France vs. Switzerland -- These teams held a good friendly last year, and it will give us some notion of how Les Bleus are able to perform despite the somewhat underwhelming qualifying campaign.

10. Portugal vs. Angola -- Not necessarily for the quality of the football but for the matchup of colonial power vs. former colony. Could potentially result in injuries... similar type of match to the US vs Iran game in the 98 WC.

[Skogs]

I'm suprised that no one has mentioned the Croatia vs Australia match yet, given that three Croatian players are Australian-born, and at least seven Australian players are of Croatian descent. Notwithstanding the fact that this match-up could decide who advances behind Brazil into the knockout stages...

Can't wait! :eek:

[Grell]

Yeah Skogs, that should be a very interesting match.

Regards,

Grell