Build up to the 2006 Soccer World Cup
31 May 2006 Sport
Watching England take on Hungary last night at Old Trafford, gave me “the” feeling. Yip, it’s that feeling I get every 4 years or so, when the greatest footballers gather in one country to try and win the soccer world cup. 2006 marks Germany’s turn, and guess what? 2010, it’ll be held here in South Africa!
This year I’m backing England to take the World Cup, although without Rooney, their chances might have slipped a little. Brazil will always be in and around the semi’s, and only a fool wouldn’t back Germany in their backyard getting to the final. The other notables that you can never write off are the likes of Czech Republic, Netherlands, France, Spain and Argentina. Although the USA, ranked 5th in the world, might pull a few upsets. I really doubt this year that any of the African teams will make an impact, which just goes to show, that soccer in Africa still doesn’t stand up to the class of the Europeans and South Americans. Are there any other teams you think might create an upset this year?
Another favourite of mine has to be Portugal. My girlfriend’s family is Portugese and don’t even think of not supporting them… But having said that, it’s so much more fun supporting them when they play, than trying to go up against 30 or so of the most staunge Portugese supporters!
And always there’s tons of fantasy league type of games to be played. Over at Newsvine, you can play World Cup 2006 Pick ‘Em where you choose your favourite teams, and stand a chance of winning an iPod video. Over at the official world cup site, theres the Fifa World Cup predictor game which you can play in an Excel spreadsheet. Lots of fun to be had there.
So with less than 10 days to the Fifa World Cup, who you backing?
Please bookmark this post:
Adii
Funny Mail
Mike Stopforth
-->
6 comments so far...
I’m backing England this time, I really like their team.
Full of talented players….Becks, Terry, Cole, Owen, Lampard, Gerard, they are all stars!!!
I also back Italy I adore the Italian football style, a bit aggressive but that’s the joy of football:D
Talking about the African teams, I’m sure no team will perform well except Cote D’ivoire They are a good and organized team but we(Egypt) did beat them at the African cup of Nations two times:P:P
A good post, Keep it up and good luck!
Zizo,Egypt.
10:31 am
Agree with you with regards to England. But as I said, Rooney really would’ve made a difference up front. But we will have to see if Owen and Crouch will do it for them.
Italian football is surrounded with controversy at the moment, and I’m almost certain it will be on some of the players minds, which will distract them from the tournament at hand…
With regards to Africa, Ivory Coast and Tunisia are the only two teams that might leave African football some respect. =)
11:12 am
Yea, U r right about Italy. I hope they will put more concentration into the matches and spice up the competition, because the world cup would be a bit tasteless if Italy were out!
11:48 am
Sweden has a strong team this year with some very good strikers. But I don’t think they will win it, but maybe they can finish third like they did 94.
I am not a big fan of south american football so I hope that England or Germany will win it. If England wins its almost like half a victory for us swedes now when they have a swedish manager :)
12:42 pm
I’ve always loved watching any South American team play. Some of the greatest footballers come out of that continent. But I’ve heard a number of Brazilians aren’t supporting Brazil this year. They going for the other teams that are managed by a Brazilian. I know of Portugal being managed by a Brazilian (Scolari). Any others you know of?
In terms of Sweden, they have always produced decent football. We will have to see how far they get this year. =)
12:58 pm
>>I know of Portugal being managed by a Brazilian (Scolari). >>Any others you know of?
Japan is being managed by Zico, but I don’t know of any others.
1:38 am
Share your thoughts below...
Trackbacks