Wednesday, June 07, 2006
World Cup Preview, concluded...
Group G:
France - In 1998, World Champions. In 2002, zero, that's right, zero goals. They're better than that, and Thierry Henry is one of the class acts of soccer, so they'll stick around a while.
South Korea - Semi-finalists in 2002 with the entire country right there. Barring plans for all of South Korea to travel to Germany, it's three and out this time around.
Switzerland - Solid, yet unspectacular. But hey, somebody's gotta advance.
Togo - They were so shocked at qualifying they fired the coach who got them there. Their swift exit will probably be less shocking.
Picks to advance - France, Switzerland.
Group H:
Saudi Arabia - They perform well in regional contests, but will likely be overmatched against the world's best. U.S. GK Kasey Keller tags Mabrouk Zaid as Asia's best keeper, so if he plays and he's on - the Saudis may have a shot.
Spain - Best club league in the world. Great players. Yeah, they'll choke again, but not until the knockout round.
Tunisia - The weak draw gives them a shot to advance, and their best player is actually Brazilian (long story), but he's pretty much it. If he's not nuclear, Tunisia goes home.
Ukraine - Good news - they've played well in tuneup matches, and have the talent to survive. Bad news - first World Cup ever - if the pressure gets to them, the more experienced Tunisia or Saudi Arabia will take their spot in the second round.
Picks to advance - Spain, Ukraine.
Knockout round picks:
Germany over Sweden; Argentina over Portugal
England over Costa Rica; Mexico over Ivory Coast
United States over Japan; Ukraine over France
Brazil over Italy; Switzerland over Spain
Quarterfinals
Argentina over Germany; England over Mexico
United States over Ukraine; Brazil over Switzerland
Semifinals
England over Argentina; Brazil over United States
Finals
Eh, let's take a risk - England over Brazil (unless Rooney's hurt worse then he's claiming - then never mind.) And what the hell, the US beats Argentina for 3rd.
Final thought on the World Cup - Remember, do not refer to English team captain David Beckham as "Mr. Posh Spice."
Go, USA!
France - In 1998, World Champions. In 2002, zero, that's right, zero goals. They're better than that, and Thierry Henry is one of the class acts of soccer, so they'll stick around a while.
South Korea - Semi-finalists in 2002 with the entire country right there. Barring plans for all of South Korea to travel to Germany, it's three and out this time around.
Switzerland - Solid, yet unspectacular. But hey, somebody's gotta advance.
Togo - They were so shocked at qualifying they fired the coach who got them there. Their swift exit will probably be less shocking.
Picks to advance - France, Switzerland.
Group H:
Saudi Arabia - They perform well in regional contests, but will likely be overmatched against the world's best. U.S. GK Kasey Keller tags Mabrouk Zaid as Asia's best keeper, so if he plays and he's on - the Saudis may have a shot.
Spain - Best club league in the world. Great players. Yeah, they'll choke again, but not until the knockout round.
Tunisia - The weak draw gives them a shot to advance, and their best player is actually Brazilian (long story), but he's pretty much it. If he's not nuclear, Tunisia goes home.
Ukraine - Good news - they've played well in tuneup matches, and have the talent to survive. Bad news - first World Cup ever - if the pressure gets to them, the more experienced Tunisia or Saudi Arabia will take their spot in the second round.
Picks to advance - Spain, Ukraine.
Knockout round picks:
Germany over Sweden; Argentina over Portugal
England over Costa Rica; Mexico over Ivory Coast
United States over Japan; Ukraine over France
Brazil over Italy; Switzerland over Spain
Quarterfinals
Argentina over Germany; England over Mexico
United States over Ukraine; Brazil over Switzerland
Semifinals
England over Argentina; Brazil over United States
Finals
Eh, let's take a risk - England over Brazil (unless Rooney's hurt worse then he's claiming - then never mind.) And what the hell, the US beats Argentina for 3rd.
Final thought on the World Cup - Remember, do not refer to English team captain David Beckham as "Mr. Posh Spice."
Go, USA!
