Soccer

» SimonMelville - World Cup Germany 2006 Predictions

What does everyone think is going to happen at the World Cup?

Let me start the ball rolling:

European World Cups are normally won by European teams but is there anyone to rival Brazil?
I have a sneaky suspicion that Germany might go all the way.

Flops: England sans-Rooney are not very impressive.(http://soccer.suite101.com/discussion.cf... also have a bad feeling for Italy -- they aren't gelling at all.

Surprises: Iran. Trust me. And despite Australia's relative lack of experience they can cause an upset or two. Thank the Lord, England couldn't possibly meet them until the semi-final stage.

Golden Boot: David Villa for Spain. A weak group should allow him to fill his boots.

Team to laugh at: Saudi Arabia -- despite being a giant of the Asia region they always get the yips at the Finals (1994 excepted). They may not get a thrashing like the 8-0 humiliation of Germany from last time but they won't win a game. Or score. Al-Deayea will also be in line for worst goalie -- his acrobatic shot-stopping is more than let down with woeful positioning.

-- posted by SimonMelville

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» KiwiDave - World Cup Germany 2006 Predictions

As far as the European teams are concerned, the home factor will help Germany to overcome their recent form. I'm also backing Italy to impress, although for no other reason than - strangely considering what SimonMelville said - I have a good feeling about them.

The big surprise of the tournament is going to be Australia. They've started to sway a few of the doubters already with a gutsy draw in Holland, so don't be surprised when they hack their way into the second round.
http://soccer.suite101.com/discussion.cf...

Flops - Brazil. The weight of expectation has a habit of crushing the Seleção. Their most recent limp 4-0 win over a severely weakened (even by our standards) New Zealand team is a bad sign of things to come.

When it's all over - I'm backing England to lift the trophy. Obviously.

-- posted by KiwiDave

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» Guy_Incognito - World Cup Germany 2006 Predictions

In response to World Cup Germany 2006 Predictions posted by KiwiDave:

If I had two ha'pennies, farthings or other antiquated coins to rub together then the Czech Republic would be worth a punt. Highest scorers in the European qualifiers I believe. The Ivory Coast have a few decent players and are well placed to better Cameroon's exploits of yesteryear. I fear the Aussies will be numbingly effective.

Luca Toni is a good shout for the golden boot. But seeing odds of 40-1 for goal-machine/robot (Peter Crouch) is not to be sniffed at. If he starts well in the group stage then Rooney may struggle to get in. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, etc. Maybe Owen would be subbed instead? I'd be surprised if we see Walcott once we hit the knock-out stage. Hasn't shown a lot in the brief appearances he's made so far.

-- posted by Guy_Incognito

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» SimonMelville - World Cup Germany 2006 Predictions

In response to World Cup Germany 2006 Predictions posted by Guy_Incognito:

Will Crouchy score goals? He's on a good run of form at the moment it has to be said. You do wonder whether he has what it takes at the highest level, but some players get lucky.

Would be delightful to see that dance cranked out again.

I'm not sure Sven would have the balls to ever drop Owen. If things are going well then I can't see him risking Rooney from the start -- he may make a substitute appearance if we're really struggling.

Having said that, it seems Sven is now "demob happy" and is taking more risks -- maybe he will be daring.

If Owen picks up a knock we have no-one but Theo to replace him with in the group stages anyway. If we're ever behind in a game, then I can see Theo making an appearance.

-- posted by SimonMelville

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» Moolay - World Cup Germany 2006 Predictions

In response to World Cup Germany 2006 Predictions posted by SimonMelville:

I believe Portugal were top scorers in qualifying - and at 26-1 they're worth a punt.

It'll be a Brazil-Argie final if you ask me. Italy-Argentina in the semis would be interesting, but I fancy the South Americans to sneak through.

I quite fancy Ukraine to do well, and Shevchenko for the goalden boot might not be too far-fetched seeing as he could get a few against Saudi Arabia and Tunisia at the group stages. And if they could top their group and avoid France in the second round...

I can see Germany falling flat at the quarter-final stage against either Argentina or Holland. But... home advantage can never be under-estimated.

I can see Brazil scoring a hat-full at this WC so realistically, it'll be a Brazilian for the goalden boot.

-- posted by Moolay

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» JCofBH - World Cup Germany 2006 Predictions

In response to World Cup Germany 2006 Predictions posted by Moolay:

The Czechs and Portugal both scored 35 goals in the group stages (with 5 and 12 goals against respectively), but the Czechs then went on to face Norway in the play-off, winning 2-0 on aggregate.

Right, set faces to stun, here are my predictions:

Winners: Argentina. 18 of their squad play in Europe, so I think the 'South Americans in Europe' issue will be negated. They have a decent draw through to the semis, a good crop of established players, plus the promise of Messi.

Germany: I think they may wobble tomorrow in the opener, if not against Poland next week. I think fate will decree England meet them in the second round, likely as a result of the Swedes scoring more goals. England will prevail should they meet, though Germany would edge Sweden but will go no further than the QF. I just can't see their defence being good enough.

Brazil: Bar the Argies, two sides with the nous to give them a shock are Italy and the Czechs, one of whom they are likely to meet in the second stage. I think Brazil might just be found out by one of them.

Surprise package: Until they lost Volanthen, I thought the Swiss might be worth a look. Good in qualifying, with two draws against France, they did the Turks in the play-off. Likely they'll still be solid, but might not have enough poke up front.

Golden Boot: Torres. He'll do a Salenko against the Saudis, who by that point will be on the plane home. What would be funny is if Ukraine do Spain first game, just as Nigeria did in '98, then they choke against Tunisia, making their rout of the Saudis utterly irrelevant. You read it here first.

-- posted by JCofBH

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