Thought it would be nice to have a thread to start to discuss the World Cup with some Gooners. Who are you all rooting for? I'm all for the U.S., but barring that, it's Netherlands all the way. I'm also wondering what you think the Starting XIs will be for the U.S. v England -- who will make it back in time?
Teams I like: USA France Teams I like a little bit less, but would like to see do well: Spain Holland Teams I want to see crash and burn: Argentina Brazil (what a disappointment this generation is) Italy Portugal I'm also rooting for South Africa and the Asian/Oceania teams, other than Japan, to be eliminated in the group stage. I think of how deeply upset it would make so many South Africans that I know, and that fills me with glee.
i think england can do it this time france/italy are passed it i dont rate brazil spain dont like a prticular style of play aginst them and torres is in and out of fitness argentina are screwed with diego at the helm
I agree, it does seem like more of a wide open competition this year. There are a bunch of teams that I could feasibly see winning. I'd think England, Spain and Holland would be the favorites.
I'm going to go out on a semi limb and say Davies, Gooch and Jones will be there for the US. We'll make it out of the group but lose the first round knockout. I wouldn't say Italy are past it either. Isn't that what everyone was singing last time too? Lastly, I wouldn't be upset if Drogba's leg shot right off his hip during a free kick and kit Ronaldo right in the eye, blinding him. Is that wrong?
Bah, you're dreaming, England won't do anything. What with Terry banging everyone's wives. And that doesn't bother me too much; don't feel like seeing Rooney and Terry and all the other shitheads celebrating. You're right about Argies though; Maradona is retarded. Thinking Spain might do it. If not... feeling a bit of the USA
Not rooting for anyone in particular, but will be watching because the best players in the world will be there, and sometimes its fun to root for all the horses in the race. The teams to beat: 1. Spain - World's best midfield. Two top class strikers. A bit small, so a physical battle would be a challenge. I can see them struggling against a team like Cote d'Ivoire. 2. Argentina - Probably the best collection of players in the tournament. Let's see if a coach like Maradona can put it together. 3. England - Everything's lining up for it to be their year. Barring injury, they will go in with the most depth of anyone in the tournament, and have Rooney peaking as an attacking force. 4. Germany - Once again, nobody's talking about Germany. Once again, they steamrolled their qualifying group. Once again, they will be the most organized and "club-like" squad at the World Cup. 5. Cote d'Ivoire - Athletic, dynamic, and powerful all over the pitch. Drogba, Kolo, Yaya, Eboue, Zokora, Kalou, Boka, Kone. If they can defend in the final third as well as they can play in the midfield and score goals, watch out. 6. Brasil - Maybe the most boring Brazilian team since 1990? Plenty of quality all over the pitch, but they seem to really lack a spark that other sides have had. Not sure if they've improved enough to win the tournament, but be sure they'll make their mark as usual. I can't see anyone outside those 6 winning the whole thing, but the Netherlands, Cameroon, Italy, and France would be the only other sides who could get hot and make a run at it. Sleepers? Australia, Denmark, The United States, and Nigeria. Should be fun! I hope ESPN does it right here in the States, and doesn't just make it all about the USNT. There's a ton of stars on display, and it will be great if we get to appreciate their shine.
LMAO..that's the great thing about international football...you can hate those scummers all over again!
Teams I'd like to see do well: 1. Spain 2. Holland 3. USA Teams I'd like to see fail, even though I don't hate them: 1. France 2. Argentina 3. Brazil Teams I'd like see fail miserably: 1. Ivory Coast 2. Portugal 3. Italy Team I'd like to see fail in an epic, must be recorded in song, manner: 1. England
definitely not. maybe the best collection of forwards (messi, kun, tevez, higuain..) but their defense is terrible. i don't see them having a formation that will accomodate all their attackers while providing enough support for their horrendous back 4.
I think people are discounting Argentina at their own peril. They won't really need their back four to be superb until the quarterfinals looking at their road, and by then if they're organized would you bet against Messi?
We'll draw England at least, guarantee it! Not being a spazzo but think they're going to have an abysmal tournament. Unless Rooney lights everyone up which is a possibility.
i think you are giving argentina too much credit based on their name. they really struggled in the qualifying stages, and messi was not the dominant player he is when with barcelona. we'll see come june. it'll be interesting to see the squad maradona takes. he used so many players during qualifying, it's hard to get a sense of who will go, and how they will set up tactically.
England look like Italy from the last tournament. Alot of player very good at what they do assembling at the right time of their careers. Don't expect them to blow people away, but if they don't collapse under the weight of expectation (which is significant), they should make a pretty significant run.
I'm sure they will do it justice. Can't say much from experience for the last one since I was there for a chunk of it. But from what I saw on the earlier rounds and the Final, it was great coverage. Remember those great commercials with U2 music? Can't wait!!
Their name means nothing to me. Their players matter. Their coach is a moron, but I think they'll get him help before June.
Because of the weather, I have a feeling that it will play greatly into England's favor. I have this feeling they're going to do really well, although I have no interest in seeing them do well. Their arrogance annoys me. If the US come with a "we're just happy to be here and we have nothing to lose" attitude, then they will do well. If Bardley tries to play tactics and tries to contain any opposition, we will get stung. I have no doubt about that in my mind. I want to see all African teams do well. I think the tournament will be so much more exciting if we get to see the home country and others like Ghana and the Ivory Coast advance far. My dream final: USA v.s. Ivory Coast
This one gave me goosebumps: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y88bokAdLso"]YouTube- World Cup- Anthem[/ame]
haha, I hope not. That wasn't my intention. Just wanted a place to discuss the WC with ya'll (I don't really visit other forums) and post related new stories, etc. as we get closer.