Football 2010 FIFA World Cup

[Pirulito]

Like a God? His religion is called maradonismo.... Seriously, look it up (I am almost sure it is merely a glorified fan group but they do call themselves a religion). Wonder what the odds are of maradone doing at least a mediocre job as a coach.... Gotta keep an eye for hell freezing over, war stopping in the middle east and flying cattle.... (who knows, it might happen lol)

PS: To all football fans, please stop calling the sport "soccer" (yes, I am going to keep at it, it´s just THAT appalling)

I'm sure DanielKnoT didn't say God in reference to maradonismo or Maradoniana Church. Am I wrong, Daniel? (By the way, more than 25 thousand people are maradoniano and, among them, 15 thousand are out of Argentina).

But Maradona is really glorified as hell there. Much more than Pele here in Brazil since a horde brazilians believe that Garrincha was better than him.

It is a great boost, motivation for the team, the players themselves said it. But of course, it isn't enough to win.

---

About Droga:
Eric Kakou, press agent of Côte d'Ivoire, said that Drogba will play. According to the doctors he won't play the first game against Portugal, but he will be ready against Brazil.

 

[Saintz0r]

Seems like Robben wasn't cut yet from the cup, right? He must be in the same position as Drogba =b

Predictions for the first round? Lemme see...
South Africa 1x0 Mexico
Uruguai 2x2 France

And i'm getting really worried with Kaka... hope he gets in shape rly soon

 

[kkck]

I'm sure DanielKnoT didn't say God in reference to maradonismo or Maradoniana Church. Am I wrong, Daniel? (By the way, more than 25 thousand people are maradoniano and, among them, 15 thousand are out of Argentina).

But Maradona is really glorified as hell there. Much more than Pele here in Brazil since a horde brazilians believe that Garrincha was better than him.

It is a great boost, motivation for the team, the players themselves said it. But of course, it isn't enough to win.
<hr noshade size="1">
About Droga:
Eric Kakou, press agent of Côte d'Ivoire, said that Drogba will play. According to the doctors he won't play the first game against Portugal, but he will be ready against Brazil.

IS maradona really more glorified in argentina than pele in brazil? I was under the impression that pele was an actual national treasure in brasil lol(also, I cna't seem to place garrincha...). I do find the comparison between maradona and pele a tad dumb though, pele was a number 9 and maradona was a number 10, to completely different positions....

 

[goldb]

I think the fact that they played in different times is a big factor as well, football as a game was different during the 70s and 80s. So Robben and Drogba aren't ruled out yet? Okay, fair enough. Only 3 more days til the first match; I really can't wait!!! Matches nearly everyday for about a month?? Were gonna be so spoiled!!

 

[Black Lagoon]

Spain did well today ... Iniesta and Xavi are just the best midfield in the world.

 

[L0ki]

I'm just hoping to see one or two good matches for a change... safest bet in the first round would be Spain-Chile.

 

[Xophien]

I honestly can't see Spain NOT win this one. Because they easily have the best team of this generation, and because it'd probably be in an epic way: provided they end first of their group (a rather weak one, so it should happen), they'll face in the round of 16 the second of group G (which has Brazil, Portugal and Côte d'Ivoire), then hey could face something like Italy, Argentine then Brazil or the Netherlands in the final. This would make for a good story.

So yeah, my favorites for the win are Spain, followed closely by Brazil (they have a team that surprisingly doesn't have any real star but is probably the most solid they've had in years, with an actual defense and a great goalkeeper), and I'd throw the Netherlands in there too, because while they won't win it (it'd be no fun if good-looking football actually won stuff...), they still have one of the best looking offense out there

And I'd say we should all keep a close eye on France! After Zidane's head in 2006 (World Cup final), Henry's hand in 2009 (World Cup qualifier against Ireland), Ribery's penis two months ago (his problem with an underage prostitute), at this rate, we might actually start playing with our feet...

---

Oh, and for the first day, I'd say:
South Africa 1-1 Mexico
Uruguay 1-1 France

My guess is that it'll be the group with the most draws >.>

And Marca has made an awesome calendar here: http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html

Really useful to keep track of the teams and matches~

 

[DLord.Van.Buuren]

indeed spain seems ready for it , they have many good players the deffence is good , i wonder if villa will participate .

 

[pandaaqueen]

italy is in my first place, they must defend their title

By this time, I don't think that the Squadra Azzurra will come very far.

Instead of boosting Italy's young talent, Lippi is relying far too much on overage players this time. That's not only a waste of potential, but also pretty stupid; experience isn't everything, he should know that.

 

[L0ki]

So yeah, my favorites for the win are Spain, followed closely by Brazil (they have a team that surprisingly doesn't have any real star but is probably the most solid they've had in years, with an actual defense and a great goalkeeper), and I'd throw the Netherlands in there too, because while they won't win it (it'd be no fun if good-looking football actually won stuff...), they still have one of the best looking offense out there

Those 3 are THE favorites, objectively. England and Argentina have names but no team, and Italy and Germany have neither. But well, you can never really rule out the big teams completely. And Holland and Spain's history of shitting themselves on decisive matches makes me think the only real candidate is Brazil.

 

[Imperium]

Those 3 are THE favorites, objectively. England and Argentina have names but no team, and Italy and Germany have neither. But well, you can never really rule out the big teams completely. And Holland and Spain's history of shitting themselves on decisive matches makes me think the only real candidate is Brazil.

I don't think that argument can be levelled against Spain anymore, especially after the Euro's. They beat both Germany and Italy at that tournament and i think for all intent and purposes quashed their demons. Besides the core of the team is composed of players who are at the summit of club football and are accustomed to winning. The nations that could be said to be chokers now, are England and Holland.

 

[L0ki]

coughconfederationscupcough

 

[blai]

I was just about to say that, you forgot USA - Spain in Conf. Cup Imperium? Even though it's more of a jippo in Spain, they should never have lost, it was an awesome game to watch!

 

[Nuno]

Spain is no doubt in top shape. Their friendly match against Poland which ended 6-0 in Spain's favour was totally amazing, even if they were playing against a mediocre team like Poland. They still showed how amazing their team is together. They're definitely my favorites. It's too bad really, because Spain will be the death of Portugal. No matter how it plays out, Spain will meet Portugal either in the round of 16 or the quarter-finals, which will be the end of Portugal. Obviously I'm rooting for Portugal as I'm from there, so I wouldn't mind if they got a little further than the round of 16, which is the most logical outcome. Spain is no doubt winning their group, and Portugal I bet will come in second place after Brazil. Meaning they meet Spain in the round of 16 = death. Spain has always been Portugal's worst enemy. It's a shame because I believe Portugal could have done better than that had they been more lucky with the group setups.

Argentina would be a safe bet were it not for Maradona, who is a fucking moron. So Spain stands as the strongest team. I would have rooted for Spain anyway though. Spain is Portugal's "big brother", so if Portugal can't win, then Spain is the next choice.

Brazil will be a strong team, but well they're meeting Spain sooner or later too, which will be an amazing match. Netherlands is a strong team too. I don't really have much faith in France or Italy this year, nor would I like for them to win. They play boring football in my opinion, and I'm bored of France's success WC after WC.

 

[Imperium]

coughconfederationscupcough

I was just about to say that, you forgot USA - Spain in Conf. Cup Imperium? Even though it's more of a jippo in Spain, they should never have lost, it was an awesome game to watch!

Well there was me thinking we were talking about "decisive" matches not warm up tournaments.

 

[blai]

Decisive matches or not, it was still a fiasco and it gave the Americans some wind behind their sails. I think it's going to be an interesting first round in group B. For sure.

 

[Black Lagoon]

I honestly can't see Spain NOT win this one. Because they easily have the best team of this generation, and because it'd probably be in an epic way: provided they end first of their group (a rather weak one, so it should happen), they'll face in the round of 16 the second of group G (which has Brazil, Portugal and Côte d'Ivoire), then hey could face something like Italy, Argentine then Brazil or the Netherlands in the final. This would make for a good story.

So yeah, my favorites for the win are Spain, followed closely by Brazil (they have a team that surprisingly doesn't have any real star but is probably the most solid they've had in years, with an actual defense and a great goalkeeper), and I'd throw the Netherlands in there too, because while they won't win it (it'd be no fun if good-looking football actually won stuff...), they still have one of the best looking offense out there

Same here, my bet goes for Spain and in the worst scenario Argentina, both are good, + Maradona said he'll run naked through Buenos Aires if Argentina win the World Cup and we know that lately Luciana Salazar said that she would join Diego in their "naked run in the Obelisk" ... that's the spirit ... Motivation for the team.

And I'd say we should all keep a close eye on France! After Zidane's head in 2006 (World Cup final), Henry's hand in 2009 (World Cup qualifier against Ireland), Ribery's penis two months ago (his problem with an underage prostitute), at this rate, we might actually start playing with our feet...

LMAO ... Nice One

indeed spain seems ready for it , they have many good players the deffence is good , i wonder if villa will participate .

What make you think he won't? Perfect combination, Xavi, Iniesta and Villa

 

[eni]

they still have one of the best looking offense out there

Didn't know you were watching football for the pretty boys ;D

So tomorrow, let's see...
I sympathisize with South Africa as the host aaaaand... hmm. I think I skip on the second match >.>

 

[Imperium]

hmm. I think I skip on the second match >.>

SACRILEGE

Though i am glad that the matches will be at watch able times over here. 3:00 and 7:30 thats really not bad.

 

[destiny4ever]

Did anyone else watch the celebration concert today? It was pretty cool . Shakira’s presentation was great; the song, the music, the dance, everything was very entertaining. I really enjoyed watching her performance.

Finally tomorrow will be the inauguration of the cup; I’m really looking forward to the opening ceremony and of course the games.