2010 Soccer

[Alvinho]

Maradona, the coach is garbage. Riquelme won't even play for him.

[Mugekuge]

Cambiasso played 16 of 18 games of qualifying and had a poor perfomance, i am not surprised he is out, in the other hand Zanetti is one of best players in last 20 years in his position although he may be a bit old, he is in very good shape atm, meh Riquelme isn't near his good times when he gave up on national team.

[volcanicweather]

Cambiasso played 16 of 18 games of qualifying and had a poor perfomance, i am not surprised he is out, in the other hand Zanetti is one of best players in last 20 years in his position although he may be a bit old, he is in very good shape atm, meh Riquelme isn't near his good times when he gave up on national team.

Those qualifying matches were years ago. Maradona hasn't even bothered to call up Cambiasso to the NT since he became manager, so for some reason Maradona doesn't like him because I'm pretty sure he's called up even the busboy by now to come play for their NT... Cambiasso played very well against Chelsea, Barca, and Bayern in the CL. He's a big match player and I'm very surprised he's been left off.

In regards to Pato and Ronaldinho... Pato is still young and doesn't really fit into what Dunga likes to do with a lone target-man up front because of his size. Ronaldinho I was a little surprised but he simply doesn't have the same pace out wide as he once did to get out on the counter-attack. I'm more surprised with the selection of Luisao over Alex honestly - both are solid but Alex is younger and faces more elite forwards with Chelsea. Dunga definitely has his favorites, no question about that. But this is exactly why I think Brazil will win it all... everyone talks about their offense but when Alex is a fringe center-back for your side, you know you're good defensively. Also Julio Cesar is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and their tactics and squad selection is tailored to thwart teams such as Spain who love to hold possession.

[Alvinho]

In regards to Pato and Ronaldinho... Pato is still young and doesn't really fit into what Dunga likes to do with a lone target-man up front because of his size. Ronaldinho I was a little surprised but he simply doesn't have the same pace out wide as he once did to get out on the counter-attack. I'm more surprised with the selection of Luisao over Alex honestly - both are solid but Alex is younger and faces more elite forwards with Chelsea. Dunga definitely has his favorites, no question about that. But this is exactly why I think Brazil will win it all... everyone talks about their offense but when Alex is a fringe center-back for your side, you know you're good defensively. Also Julio Cesar is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and their tactics and squad selection is tailored to thwart teams such as Spain who love to hold possession.

This. I think Luisão (Benfica) is good, but Alex (Chelsea) fucking rocks; he's like a god damned train. André Santos (Fenerbahçe) hasn't been called ever since he got crazy with some prostitutes in Turkey or something, but Michel Bastos (Lyon) fits the spot nicely. Too bad I can't say the same about Gilberto (Cruzeiro-BRA). I'm glad Dunga chose Grafite (Wolfsburg) over Adriano (Flamengo-BRA), even though the whole country was calling for Neymar (Santos-BRA). Ronaldinho (AC Milan) is talented, but just isn't "hungry" anymore.

Brazil is a top contender, despite the squad's issues (mainly lack of creative playmakers i.e. Ganso, who's probably not going. Kaká is about the only one, and if he gets hurts... =x), but I'm keeping an eye out for Netherlands and England as well. Italy is also a team to be respected, as is Germany, though the Germans don't really pose a real threat this time around, imo. Argentina can do some great things if Maradona gets his head out of his ass, and Spain... I've seen this movie way too many times. They always pump out badass players, builds a killer team, but has a loooooong history of choking. Anything could happen though, I suppose.

[Mugekuge]

Spain and Holland are the eternal "i play pretty soccer but i can't win for shit" , and yea i am sure Cambiasso should have a spot, but i guess Maradona explanation for him is that he gave the guy a chance (not a smart one but hey is Maradona dont expect much more from him ), he got Garcé which is just a slap in the face to other players who deserved a spot (i.e. like 30 others would have been better than Garcé)

I bet if Ronaldo would go to world cup, he is still could do 4-5 goals hehe.

[Dense]

This. I think Luisão (Benfica) is good, but Alex (Chelsea) fucking rocks; he's like a god damned train. André Santos (Fenerbahçe) hasn't been called ever since he got crazy with some prostitutes in Turkey or something, but Michel Bastos (Lyon) fits the spot nicely. Too bad I can't say the same about Gilberto (Cruzeiro-BRA). I'm glad Dunga chose Grafite (Wolfsburg) over Adriano (Flamengo-BRA), even though the whole country was calling for Neymar (Santos-BRA). Ronaldinho (AC Milan) is talented, but just isn't "hungry" anymore.

Freight trains can't turn on a dime, unfortunately, and Alex is prone to the odd mistake, especially when caught in lone coverage (was that against Davies from Bolton where he gave up a clear shot on goal with a bad touch as the lone defender?) Don't get me wrong, he is a tough-tackling machine, and plays well, but as a Chelsea-boy myself, he does get out of a lot of jams due to Terry (and especially Ivanovic this season)...

Grafite is a surprise as well. Now I realise he and Dzeko set the record in Budesliga for goals between two players, but he has been pretty shaky this season, especially in big-time matches (CL/Fulham, etc)...

[Dense]

Wow, Portugal held to 0-0 against Cape Verde at home! Unreal.

[Alvinho]

They're way overrated, I tell you. Moving on to a better game, Mexico did a lot better than I expected, but couldn't really get it just right, and ended up losing 3 - 1 to England.

[Dense]

They're way overrated, I tell you. Moving on to a better game, Mexico did a lot better than I expected, but couldn't really get it just right, and ended up losing 3 - 1 to England.

I watched a majority of the match, and Mexico looked the much better team - fluid passing, decent movement, etc. They just couldn't sustain and caught some unlucky bounces. England looked very poor (of course, they were playing without the four Chelsea stars - 3 certain starters in Terry Lampard and A.Cole). I can't wait for the World Cup already.

[volcanicweather]

I've been saying Portugal is overrated for a long time... but somehow when they need to they rise to the big occasion. I wouldn't put too much stock into this performance honestly.

Also Dense the company I work for has our EU headquarters in Belgium... so next time I'm there we need to throw down some drinks as I'm a huge CFC fan as well

[Dense]

I've been saying Portugal is overrated for a long time... but somehow when they need to they rise to the big occasion. I wouldn't put too much stock into this performance honestly.

Also Dense the company I work for has our EU headquarters in Belgium... so next time I'm there we need to throw down some drinks as I'm a huge CFC fan as well

Nice one! Just drop me a PM on here, and I'll take you around here. :D

[volcanicweather]

We're almost 2 week away from the start of the World Cup, so here's my assessment of the teams who have a chance to win this year...


France - Supposedly Domenech is going with a 4-3-3 (should be a no brainer with the wingers he has) which will certainly help their chances as I feel they are pretty strong at the back. Arguably one of the most complete teams in the tourney with skilled wide playmakers (Malouda, Ribery) and a deep backline with several big names. Lloris is untested but if he can keep his Lyon form I think they can make a run... but honestly its an outside chance as Zidane isn't around to bail them out of trouble anymore.

Argentina - Already covered them, outside chance due to coaching and will need Messi to play out of his mind.

England - Could easily win it all if Joe Hart can play as well as he did for Birmingham this EPL season. They have questions about wide midfielders and a striker will need to step-up besides Rooney, but honestly I'd be shocked if they weren't in the final 4 teams remaining given what Capello has done with this side since Euro 08.

Germany - Simply not their year, they were looking outside in to begin with and now all the injury problems are just too much. I could possibly see Serbia and Ghana (if Essien plays) advancing and knocking out Germany in the group stage.

Netherlands - I expect a similar performance as in Euro 2008 from them - rollover weak teams in the group phase, then crash out in one of the first two knockout rounds to a strong offensive side which exposes their weak backline. No van der Sar this year, van Bronckhurst is old and not the same player he was for Barcelona, and I've never been sold on Johnny Heitinga.

Italy - Low expectations compared to other years with no Totti or Del Piero. Side is experienced and with Buffon in goal you never know, but I see them falling out in the first or second knockout round to a team with too much speed.

Brazil - If I had to put money on a team to win it all, it would be Brazil. Julio Caesar is arguably the best keeper in the world and when player the caliber of Alex and Luisao are fringe defenders for your side, you know you're solid defensively. If Kaka can stay healthy, he's a matchwinner who can carry the team on his back and win a match or two for the side. Dunga's tactics also make this team great against sides like Spain who dominate possession due to their speed on the counter-attacking.

Portugal - Right next to Argentina as the most over-hyped team in the tournament, but they have a knack for winning when they need to. Outside of Ronaldo, the side for the most part is pretty old and has seen better days. Not to mention Quieroz is really unproven to be coaching such a big side. I honestly think there's a very good chance Portugal won't even make it out of their group.

Ivory Coast - The third team in the "group of death" with Brazil and Portugal, the Ivory Coast is my dark horse in the tournament. First, they're playing in Africa and will have some major home support. Second, Didier Drogba is in the form of his life and can carry the side. He also has a good supporting cast including the Toure brothers, Soloman Kalou, Didier Zokora, Eboue, and Kader Keita. Goalkeeping could be a liability, but Sven Goran-Eriksson will hopefully use his tactical experience to organize them well enough to cover it up instead of being a disaster. I could see them sneaking into the final 8 if they can sneak by Portugal for 2nd in their group, but a lot depends on if Sven brings back the Sven of old or sucks it up.

Spain - Say what you want about their history of choking, which they somehow weren't even able to shake after winning Euro 2008. This side is one of the best in the tournament with no real weakness and is probably the most talented side from top to bottom in the tournament. The only question mark is the new manager del Bosque, who let Spain fold under the pressure of the US last year in the Confederation Cup. On paper they're a shoe-in to reach the final four teams, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were upset earlier in the knockout rounds.

[Dense]

I'm not so sure about France. I think if they had any other trainer you might be right, but I just think they will have a hard time if they play how they did in the qualifications. Malouda is in great form and should have a place in the starting XI, which bodes well for them, as he played in 2006, but did not play in Euro 08 when they petered out quietly. Overall, I think they will be lucky to get into the 1/4 finals. I predict them going out in the round of 16...

Argentina have a very capable squad. DiMaria has come around magnificently this season, and Argentina have probably the best forward group in the tournament. Now, can they get service? Any other trainer and they would be odds in favourites. It's too bad that their slogan has become "In Diego We Trust." They should easily get out of the group phase, however, but I don't think they'll get much further than the quarters.

England could go to the Finals with some luck, but I don't see that happening for them. Capello has the tactical awareness, I just think that there are too many questions. Who will start on the right-hand-side, for instance? And even, who will start on the left? Milner had a career year with Villa, but he didn't do ALL that much, and looked completely out of place last night. I love Joe Cole to death, but he's going to have to show up in a different form then he's been in all season to win any kind of hopes of the starting XI. Theo Walcott? Surely, you jest. Plenty of pace, but nothing beyond that. Aaron Lennon? He would probably be my personal choice on the right, but besides him having a decent season at Spurs he's always been average in national duty and he is rather like Walcott (although perhaps his service has gotten better this season). There is also that problem of Gerard and Lampard both playing in the middle of the pitch together. If Capello plays a 4-5-1 with Gerrard playing just behind Rooney, and saves his strikers to mold into a 4-4-2 in tight matches, I think they could have more success, but then you have to worry about how many matches Ledley King is going to play with his knees, how Huddleston is going to fare against international strikers, and you have said Joe Hart, but as of yet is there even a clear number one for keeper? :/

Germany have a history of going far in the World Cup, even in "off years." I am not sure what to expect without Ballack. Müller has been the real deal with Bayern this term, and even though both Klose and Podolski have been in wretched form, you still have Gomez to give a different look. Schweinsteiger and özil in midfield will be solid, but the team really depends on how well Khedira pulls off his replacement of Ballack. There is a chance they could not even make it out of the group stage, which would certainly be a hugely disappointing tournament for them. However, I have them coming second in their group to Serbia.

Netherlands should make it to the quarter-finals, and can get to the Half-Final, but when they meet a Spain or a Brasil, they are finished. They could get lucky against an upstart that has a good run (I'm think of a Serbia or an Ivory Coast here) or they could choke early. The point is not whether they will choke, but at which round As was already stated, the defence looks suspect.

Italy is my pick for underachiever this year. If they make it out of the group stage (and they have a seemingly easy group) they shouldn't make it past the round of 16.

Brazil is one of the obvious two favourites for the cup this year. Dunga appears to know what he's doing, as his win % is over 75% (last I checked). Great system, but not typical Brasilian football. The team you will love to hate by the end of the tournament (like all Mourinho teams, lol)...

Portugal is my other under-acheiver pick. It would not surprise me if they don't make it out of the group stage. With Brasil and Ivory Coast, I think they will crash out early.

Ivory Coast is my sleeper pick as well, even though they had poor luck in the ACN earlier this year. Eriksson teams always come out of the gates over-acheiving (look at England and Man City for examples)... Drogba is in the form of his life. However, Sven will have to find a way to get the shakiness out of the side that underwhelmed at the ACN.

Spain should make it to the Finals. If the football gods shine upon us, we could see Spain and Brasil in the final. I'd pick Brasil from this point, but who knows what the tournament will hold?

Serbia is another dark horse for me this year. They are solid and have quality in places that will surprise a lot of teams. I have them coming out from their group on top, with Germany second, but one of my predictions will be dead wrong if Ghana can surprise.

In fact, beside Spain and Brasil, the tournament is really open this year. And with knockout tournaments, you always have the chance of cinderella stories. This year might just give some REAL surprises. I think the USA might even be one of those...

[Alvinho]

Even though I don't think neither Argentina nor Spain will meet everyone's expectations of having a great WC, I'm kinda glad they're on the opposing side of the bracket, and can only face Brazil in the finals (provided they make it there). As bad or as good as Brazil and Argentina can be, years and years of rivalry make it so every match between them is completely unpredictable, and goes beyond who has the better team; it's mainly a game of heart, and whoever is feeling better that day (collectively) will win . Brazil will most likely end up playing England and Netherlands at some point, which can be bad, but I'm pretty confident we'll pull through. Looking like either Switzerland or Chile in the round of 16.

I don't expect Ivory Coast and France to get very far, tbh. I was reading Domenec's list, and wasn't really too impressed. I don't think he'll go for a 4-3-3 (in my opinion, only Brazil and Argentina have squads capable of doing this, and maybe Spain) as today the sport is barely ever about pure offense anymore, with most teams relying on counter-attacks backed by a solid defense, quick-thinking midfielders, and fast strikers; a trend started by Italy, if I'm not mistaken. I"d even go as far as saying Mexico and South Africa advance to the round of 16, and leave France behind. It'll be like 2002 all over again. =D

Ivory Coast has great individual talent, but no group. Seriously over hyped, and between them and Portugal (both teams' first WC game, which I think will end up being a tie), whoever scores the most against North Korea will get to advance to the round of 16 along with Brazil.

Germany is worth mentioning just because it's Germany, though I don't think they'll make it past the quarterfinals. If I had to pick a "dark horse", I'd pick Mexico. They always play their hearts out, gave England a hard time recently, and I'm sure still have adjustments to make. If for some bizarre reason Brazil fell early, and Mexico kept going, I'd probably want for them to win it all, and yes, I know how crazy/farfetched it sounds.

[volcanicweather]

Definitely some good insight guys...

Dense, I think Serbia can surprise as well, but I feel they are lacking up front so they'll need to get cheesy goals like the US team does . Vidic and Ivanovic are in my opinion one of the best center-back tandems in the whole tournament (if Ivanovic doesn't play RB) and their midfield is pretty talented. I already predicted them to move past the group stage with Ghana and leave Germany in the dust, but their lack of options up front has me worried if they fall behind early.

I agree as well Alvinho about just throwing matchups out the window when it comes to a rivalry like Brazil - Argentina, but like you said that probably won't happen in this WC

France and Ivory Coast are huge risks as you said, but as I mentioned I think so much of it will come down to how well the managers can get their side to gel together given both have had their problems in the past. But I think one of these two sides will go deep into the tournament... it's just a matter of trying to pick which one.

Mexico is a solid pick for a "dark horse" as well, but I think they will pose a bigger threat in 4 years when players like Vela, Guardado, Ochoa, the dos Santos brothers, Javi Hernandez and others reach their prime and get more experience. Marquez and Torrado aren't the same players they once were and Blanco isn't even close at 37. Group A is probably the toughest to call in my opinion from top to bottom as even Uruguay has some solid players on their squad.

Another team nobody is talking about which could surprise is Denmark... they finished first in probably the hardest European qualifying group featuring Sweden, Hungary, and Portugal. If they can get past Cameroon and Japan and into the round of 16, they are solid defensively and have some decent offensive playmakers which could win them a match or two. Now they only need to double the size of the goal so Bendtner can score

[Byrd]

ESPN has a World Cup pick em, although it's not called World Cup Pick Em for some presumably trade marked reason, it's "2010 Soccer Pick Em." BG Fantasy's been largely offline since March Madness, it's get something new to tide us over until Football season starts.

http://games.espn.go.com/bpredictor/en/frontpage

Group Name: bluegartr
Password: gingerspice

I'll make a full post shortly.

[Dense]

Dense, I think Serbia can surprise as well, but I feel they are lacking up front so they'll need to get cheesy goals like the US team does . Vidic and Ivanovic are in my opinion one of the best center-back tandems in the whole tournament (if Ivanovic doesn't play RB) and their midfield is pretty talented. I already predicted them to move past the group stage with Ghana and leave Germany in the dust, but their lack of options up front has me worried if they fall behind early.

Serbia have Zigic (just signed for Brum City from Valencia, very talented super tall striker) and Jovanovic (Plays for Standard Liege here in Belgium - a very talented wing come striker). I think they are quite good up front myself. They may, however, have problems with defensive-minded teams, not because of a lack of good strikers but perhaps due to service...

[Velgadess]

as for the SA WC 2010. I just hope USA makes it out of the group stage.

[Alvinho]

LOL @ commercial. "I didn't even do anything", rofl.

Today's matches (or yesterday's for me):

Chile 3 x 0 Zambia

No-brainer there. It's Zambia. Chile is probably gonna fight with Switzerland for the second spot on Group H (and get murdered by Brazil in the round of 16, kekeke). Bielsa still has to cut one player before next week; Sanchez scored twice, and Valdivia the third, all the in the second half, the last two being scored in the last 10 minutes. Nothing exceptional for the game itself played in Chile.

Uruguay 4 x 1 Israel

C'mon now, it' s Israel. Forlán opened up the scoreboard with Rafaelov equalizing for the Jews. On the second half, Palito scored once, and El Loco Abreu scored the last two; game played at Montevideo. Again, nothing special here (Uruguay playing with 3 defenders, and making six substitutions on the second half), but Uruguay still has to make a few cuts by June 1st. Stuck in a group with France, South Africa, and Mexico, it's probably the most balanced group in the WC, thought not the toughest.

France 2 x 1 Costa Rica

Speaking of France, they played as horribly as I expected. The 4-3-3 simply didn't work, as I pointed out a few posts above that it wouldn't. I still think Domenec is crazy. Good thing for him is, he still has time to come to his senses, and play a better formation with the players he has. They were playing in France, and started losing. An own goal later by Costa Rica, and France had half their work cut out for them. Valbuena scored at the 38th minute of the second half, which was enough to "secure" the win. They still have Tunisia and China as prep/friendlies before the world cup starts, so we'll see what Domenec thinks up next!

Netherlands 2 x 1 Mexico

Netherlands sure played like the better team, but weren't very convincing. Mexico just played a hard game on Monday, and were visibly tired - something Netherlands couldn't really capitalize on. The Orange dudes started up ahead 2 - 0, but a better Mexico surfaced on the second half, scoring, and almost tying the game, but the orange defense proved effective. Mexico, imo, is still a wildcard, and could end up surprising a lot of people, or faling horribly. Van Persie (2) and Hernández were the scorers.

[volcanicweather]

Was filling out my bracket today and realized there's a pretty legit chance Ivory Coast can reach the final if they get past Portugal and somehow upset Spain... Odds are they would play Italy or Denmark in the next round, followed by France, Argentina, Germany or the US to make it to the final.

I'm wavering a little on my Brazil pick now after realizing they will probably have to go through a strong Chile side, the Dutch, and England if Brazil finish first in their group. I almost think Brazil would have a better chance if they finished second... although they'd have to play Spain first, they'd essentially be taking the Ivory Coast path I described above and have to play less stronger sides in my opinion.

Also, Essien is out for Ghana... huge blow imo and probably cements Serbia as coming in second in that group