TBD's 2010 World Cup Thread

[FluffHead]

I caught a fair bit of the coverage today and I'm pretty excited. I LOVE what ESPN has done with their increased commitment to soccer. They've got a nice panel of analysts and the coverage is better than it's ever been in the past.

 

I was a bit sad to hear the early assessment on the Germans, but as long as we have Krazy Klose on the squad we can score at any time. I'm assuming Kahn is not the keeper this year, but I didn't hear anything to confirm that.

 

As for the USA, I'm pretty psyched about this draw, especially compared to last time around! If we don't advance past the group stage, I want all you Prima Donovan lovers to admit that he's TOTALLY OVERRATED!! He's the "leader" of this team, and if we don't come out of the group then the blame will fall mainly on his little shoulders.

 

We had a Jekyll and Hyde showing at the Confederations Cup, so hopefully we start strong and finish strong in South Africa!

 

I cannot WAIT!!!!

 

Looks like there is a good chance we will see Germany vs. USA in the round of 16. Hopefully the refs wont F*** USA like they did in south korea.

[ajzepp]

Looks like there is a good chance we will see Germany vs. USA in the round of 16. Hopefully the refs wont F*** USA like they did in south korea.

 

 

That's the one match I hate to see, cause I love my German team but I'll always side with the USA over anyone else....hopefully they'll miss each other and whoop up on some other teams.

 

I have a feeling this is going to be a very good WC....there were some pretty amazing goals at the last one, and I think we'll see some good futbal in 2010!

[Magox]

If we don't advance past the group stage, I want all you Prima Donovan lovers to admit that he's TOTALLY OVERRATED!! He's the "leader" of this team, and if we don't come out of the group then the blame will fall mainly on his little shoulders.

Wait, are you saying that if we don't qualify for the second round that it's Donovans fault?

 

Ok, I'm sure that the Portuguese labeled Figo as TOTALLY OVERRATED for Portugals failure to qualify for the second round in 2002 or Veron and Zanetti for Argentinas failed attempt.

 

No matter what you say, it won't diminish Donovans accomplishments for US soccer. He may not be as good many international players but he is the best we have.

[ajzepp]

Wait, are you saying that if we don't qualify for the second round that it's Donovans fault?

 

Ok, I'm sure that the Portuguese labeled Figo as TOTALLY OVERRATED for Portugals failure to qualify for the second round in 2002 or Veron and Zanetti for Argentinas failed attempt.

 

No matter what you say, it won't diminish Donovans accomplishments for US soccer. He may not be as good many international players but he is the best we have.

 

I just wanted to resume my crusade early this year

[Tolstoy]

I just wanted to resume my crusade early this year

 

I am not convinced that meazza's confidence is well-placed. England has played better, but they don't have the horses that Spain or Brazil has. Italy and Germany are very strong, and the Dutch team should not be overlooked. Other than South Africa, England was the team I hoped we were paired with.

 

As for favorites to win, I would have to say (1) Spain (they have been lights out in qualifying), (2) Brazil, and (3) Germany (they always come to play-and no, King Kahn is done).

[Magox]

I just wanted to resume my crusade early this year

Oh, in that case, carry on.

[Britbillsfan]

I am not convinced that meazza's confidence is well-placed. England has played better, but they don't have the horses that Spain or Brazil has. Italy and Germany are very strong, and the Dutch team should not be overlooked. Other than South Africa, England was the team I hoped we were paired with.

 

As for favorites to win, I would have to say (1) Spain (they have been lights out in qualifying), (2) Brazil, and (3) Germany (they always come to play-and no, King Kahn is done).

Spain and Brazil look to have the talent.

 

Germany is always interesting, but their players are not all that great (some pretty good ones and they are a superb team, but individually a number of squads look stronger). Their 'keeper committed suicide last month which would be a kick in the nuts for the team. It might make them play out of their skins or have little impact. I like the Germans these days, there was a time when they were among the worst culprits for cheating (some pretty impressive dives back in the day), but they seem to play in a more spotsmanlike manner now.

[Tolstoy]

Spain and Brazil look to have the talent.

 

Germany is always interesting, but their players are not all that great (some pretty good ones and they are a superb team, but individually a number of squads look stronger). Their 'keeper committed suicide last month which would be a kick in the nuts for the team. It might make them play out of their skins or have little impact. I like the Germans these days, there was a time when they were among the worst culprits for cheating (some pretty impressive dives back in the day), but they seem to play in a more spotsmanlike manner now.

 

 

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see England do well in the World Cup (provided that the USA can advance with them out of group play). Despite my admiration for Rooney, Lampard, Gerard, et al. (I'd love to see any one of these players in American uniforms!), I am just not convinced that they have the attacking ability, creative ability, or sheer skill of the Brazilian and Spanish strikers and midfielders. Then again, the World Cup is won by whole teams, and requires chemistry, tenacity, aggression, etc. So--maybe England scores higher on those criteria then many other, more skilled, teams.

 

You may be right about Germany, but I am constantly surprised at how well-prepared the Germs are in World Cup play. They are extremely efficient, especially in free kicks. I am still picking Spain to win it all this year (for the first time in history, I think). They do play a beautiful game.

 

As for the USA, I would love to see us get a little better at two things: (1) developing a dangerous striker who strikes fear in the heart of opposing defenses (have we ever had that?) and (2) a creative midfield that can hold the ball and set up scoring opportunities in innumerable ways (not just the dump to the corner and cross method). The last such midfielder that we have had is Reyna, and I don't see anyone even close to his ability on the present team. As for the striker, I am still hoping Altidore can become world-class, but he is nowhere close to that yet.

[ajzepp]

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see England do well in the World Cup (provided that the USA can advance with them out of group play). Despite my admiration for Rooney, Lampard, Gerard, et al. (I'd love to see any one of these players in American uniforms!), I am just not convinced that they have the attacking ability, creative ability, or sheer skill of the Brazilian and Spanish strikers and midfielders. Then again, the World Cup is won by whole teams, and requires chemistry, tenacity, aggression, etc. So--maybe England scores higher on those criteria then many other, more skilled, teams.

 

You may be right about Germany, but I am constantly surprised at how well-prepared the Germs are in World Cup play. They are extremely efficient, especially in free kicks. I am still picking Spain to win it all this year (for the first time in history, I think). They do play a beautiful game.

 

As for the USA, I would love to see us get a little better at two things: (1) developing a dangerous striker who strikes fear in the heart of opposing defenses (have we ever had that?) and (2) a creative midfield that can hold the ball and set up scoring opportunities in innumerable ways (not just the dump to the corner and cross method). The last such midfielder that we have had is Reyna, and I don't see anyone even close to his ability on the present team. As for the striker, I am still hoping Altidore can become world-class, but he is nowhere close to that yet.

 

Awesome post, man!

[Magox]

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see England do well in the World Cup (provided that the USA can advance with them out of group play). Despite my admiration for Rooney, Lampard, Gerard, et al. (I'd love to see any one of these players in American uniforms!), I am just not convinced that they have the attacking ability, creative ability, or sheer skill of the Brazilian and Spanish strikers and midfielders. Then again, the World Cup is won by whole teams, and requires chemistry, tenacity, aggression, etc. So--maybe England scores higher on those criteria then many other, more skilled, teams.

 

You may be right about Germany, but I am constantly surprised at how well-prepared the Germs are in World Cup play. They are extremely efficient, especially in free kicks. I am still picking Spain to win it all this year (for the first time in history, I think). They do play a beautiful game.

 

As for the USA, I would love to see us get a little better at two things: (1) developing a dangerous striker who strikes fear in the heart of opposing defenses (have we ever had that?) and (2) a creative midfield that can hold the ball and set up scoring opportunities in innumerable ways (not just the dump to the corner and cross method). The last such midfielder that we have had is Reyna, and I don't see anyone even close to his ability on the present team. As for the striker, I am still hoping Altidore can become world-class, but he is nowhere close to that yet.

We don't have a Reyna style player that can hold the ball and settle things down for us, so I would say that it does change the way this team should prepare itself for the WC.

 

I've noticed that this team plays better when it remains compact defensively and when they do regain possession they are more dangerous when they look to counter attack. This team has shown a propensity to be extremely dangerous when it does counter, and we do have a lot of speed.

 

The injury to Davies is big, I thought he was an important piece to our recent success, and I just don't know who will be able to fill the role and spark he provided.

 

Btw, I wonder when we will get to see Jermaine Jones in the lineup. I wouldn't mind seeing both him and Bradley manning the middle.

[Cugalabanza]

Oh man, I can't wait! I'm gonna watch almost every single game. My dvr will be smoking.

[ajzepp]

Oh man, I can't wait! I'm gonna watch almost every single game. My dvr will be smoking.

 

 

It's gonna be awesome

[Magox]

Oh man, I can't wait! I'm gonna watch almost every single game. My dvr will be smoking.

I may take a week off away from the office.

[meazza]

Looks like there is a good chance we will see Germany vs. USA in the round of 16. Hopefully the refs wont F*** USA like they did in south korea.

 

The refs !@#$ed everybody in South Korea.

[meazza]

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see England do well in the World Cup (provided that the USA can advance with them out of group play). Despite my admiration for Rooney, Lampard, Gerard, et al. (I'd love to see any one of these players in American uniforms!), I am just not convinced that they have the attacking ability, creative ability, or sheer skill of the Brazilian and Spanish strikers and midfielders. Then again, the World Cup is won by whole teams, and requires chemistry, tenacity, aggression, etc. So--maybe England scores higher on those criteria then many other, more skilled, teams.

 

It's not always the case that the most talented team wins. Remember that Spain almost went out to Italy in 2008 (who sucked), if it wasn't for a miraculous save.

 

Capello is one of the best coaches of all time. Having coached Real, Milan, Roma and Juve to multiple championships, he is just a genius.

 

It's hard to win the WC, but the only team that historically can win on talent alone is Brazil.

[linksfiend]

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see England do well in the World Cup (provided that the USA can advance with them out of group play). Despite my admiration for Rooney, Lampard, Gerard, et al. (I'd love to see any one of these players in American uniforms!), I am just not convinced that they have the attacking ability, creative ability, or sheer skill of the Brazilian and Spanish strikers and midfielders. Then again, the World Cup is won by whole teams, and requires chemistry, tenacity, aggression, etc. So--maybe England scores higher on those criteria then many other, more skilled, teams.

Latest Ladbrokes and William Hill odds have Spain favored at 1-in-4 with England second at 1-in-5 and Brazil close at 1-in-5.5.

http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/EN/betti...2DOutright.html

http://www.ladbrokes.com/lbr_sports?action...category=SOCCER

[Cugalabanza]

...with England second at 1-in-5

That's surprising. It's a pretty amazing turnaround after failing to even qualify for the Euro2008.

[linksfiend]

That's surprising. It's a pretty amazing turnaround after failing to even qualify for the Euro2008.

Well these are English based sportsbooks. So that may slant the odds somewhat in England's. But probably not by much because they do quite a bit of volume internationally.

[KD in CA]

Latest Ladbrokes and William Hill odds have Spain favored at 1-in-4 with England second at 1-in-5 and Brazil close at 1-in-5.5.

http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/EN/betti...2DOutright.html

http://www.ladbrokes.com/lbr_sports?action...category=SOCCER

 

 

I wonder if all those blokes betting on the home team have moved the odds down early for England.

 

USA at 66:1 seems like a decent bet.

[PTS]

World Cup Tickets Purchased:

 

1. South Africa: 361,582

2: USA: 84,103

3. England: 48,388

 

Link: http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/worldcup2010...rticle_id=21626

 

Being at the last World Cup, attendance was very strong from a US fan perspective but looks like it will be pale in comparison to the number of tickets US fans are buying this time around.

 

Americans will never support soccer!