Pre-FIFA World Cup Thread!!!

[sadora]

So now that the shortlived playoff run is over for the Flames, I must focus my attention on the next big sporting event that matters, at least to me and a few million other people in the world. I'm talking of course about the World Cup of Soccer. Yes, I will be interested to see who ends up winning the Stanley cup but really, now that the Flames are out it doesn't matter to me.

Let me start by saying that I'm a huge Brasil fan, and as much as I would like to see them win their 6th world cup championship I don't think that will happen, although I will be very surprised if they don't at least make it as far as the quarter finals. Brasil has made the it to the finals of the last three World Cups, winning two of them. Which is very impressive considering that the World Cup takes place every four years. Even though I don't think Brasil will win the World Cup this year, I won't be complaining if they do.

For those here that are interested in Soccer, what are your predictions for the World Cup?

[the_only_turek_fan]

Originally Posted by sadora

So now that the shortlived playoff run is over for the Flames, I must focus my attention on the next big sporting event that matters, at least to me and a few million other people in the world. I'm talking of course about the World Cup of Soccer. Yes, I will be interested to see who ends up winning the Stanley cup but really, now that the Flames are out it doesn't matter to me.

Let me start by saying that I'm a huge Brasil fan, and as much as I would like to see them win their 6th world cup championship I don't think that will happen, although I will be very surprised if they don't at least make it as far as the quarter finals. Brasil has made the it to the finals of the last three World Cups, winning two of them. Which is very impressive considering that the World Cup takes place every four years. Even though I don't think Brasil will win the World Cup this year, I won't be complaining if they do.

For those here that are interested in Soccer, what are your predictions for the World Cup?

I don't know there are many good teams. There will be the usual suspects like France, England, Brazil, Germany etc.....

I will be in Germany for the World Cup in June/July so I can't wait to soak up the atmosphere. I thought the Red Mile was fun, so I can't wait to see what the streets in Germany are going to be like after a German win!

[sadora]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

I don't know there are many good teams. There will be the usual suspects like France, England, Brazil, Germany etc.....

I will be in Germany for the World Cup in June/July so I can't wait to soak up the atmosphere. I thought the Red Mile was fun, so I can't wait to see what the streets in Germany are going to be like after a German win!

That's awesome, I hope you have fun over there...and if you can, please post to let us know what the experience is like.

The Usual Suspects are always a threat, but World Cups like the last one put those things into question. There were two teams that no one had given much thought to that made it into the semi-finals, Korea and Turkey. I don't even think Korean's or Turks thought their teams would make it that far. So who knows, there might be some surprise teams this year as well. Australia? or perhaps the USA? I hope to God I'm wrong about the latter one.

[Ironhorse]

Beware the power of Orange!

[sadora]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

Beware the power of Orange!

Are you a Netherlands fan I take it? I'm honestly glad to see them qualify again for the World Cup. They had good teams in 94 and 98 but were unfortunately or fortunately, depending on which side your on, eliminated both times by Brasil. Once in the quarter finals the other in the semi-finals.
Good luck to them though, I hope they do well this time around.

[Jagger]

England, where I'm originally from, always go in with high hopes and usually fall flat on their faces. (Yeah, they did win it in 1966.) Their progress may very well depend on the fitness of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen. If one or both of them are unfit then they are hooped. Rooney, especially, would be a huge blow for the team if he were missing and they are saying he's six weeks away at best. Hopefully he can make it and then they will have a fighting chance.

Other than that, the host nation has a good shot on home turf, France will be strong, and Brazil will be huge contenders too.

I love those FIFA rankings that have USA 4th overall. Anyone seriously think they have a legitimate shot at winning this thing?

[Cheese]

Group D...Lets go Portugal!

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by Cheese

Group D...Lets go Portugal!

Amen to that!!!!.........Watch out for the deadly midfield of Manuel Fernandes, Maniche, Deco, Figo and of course, CRISTIANO RONALDO!!!!!!!

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

I don't know there are many good teams. There will be the usual suspects like France, England, Brazil, Germany etc.....

I will be in Germany for the World Cup in June/July so I can't wait to soak up the atmosphere. I thought the Red Mile was fun, so I can't wait to see what the streets in Germany are going to be like after a German win!

England is a usual suspect for the World Cup??? Sure, they're expected to make a serious charge, but they always come up short and this year will be no different, despite a very strong lineup IMO.

[rubecube]

Having dual-citizenship with England, I think you can tell where my allegiance lies...

[sadora]

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

Amen to that!!!!.........Watch out for the deadly midfield of Manuel Fernandes, Maniche, Deco, Figo and of course, CRISTIANO RONALDO!!!!!!!

I don't know how well Figo's gonna do, he's getting a bit old and isn't as good as he used to be. I can't wait to see what Portugal looks like under the helm of Scolari.

TORCIDA DO BRASIL!

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by sadora

I don't know how well Figo's gonna do, he's getting a bit old and isn't as good as he used to be. I can't wait to see what Portugal looks like under the helm of Scolari.

TORCIDA DO BRASIL!

fair comment, he's definitely not the guy he was, but its not like he's pushing 40 or anything, he's 34 in November, old by soccer standards?? Absolutely, but not useless in my mind, the guy still has some of the goods that made him amazing, and he brings the leadership this team is now lacking after Couto and Rui Costa left.

Scolari is a great tactician and with the exceotion of the Euro Final to Greece(aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh, i hate thinkin about that ****) he is always very well prepared and respects his opponents. I wish he would stay on as coach after the WC, but I dont think he will.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Seeing as this is the only the second time Australia has been in the World Cup and im living in Australia i'm definately going to cheer for them as they are underdogs being in Group F being with powerhouse Brazil. So aside from the socceroos ill be cheering for England.

[sadora]

Originally Posted by flames_fan_down_under

Seeing as this is the only the second time Australia has been in the World Cup and im living in Australia i'm definately going to cheer for them as they are underdogs being in Group F being with powerhouse Brazil. So aside from the socceroos ill be cheering for England.

Australia is probably the team I'm scared of in group F. I'm a Brasil fan but for some reason I think the boys from down under are going to surprise the defending champs.

[Zarathustra]

Being an outsider and not having any ties to any of the contender countries participating in the WC, I usually cheer for a few teams. France, Holland, and Spain are my favourites.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I don't follow soccer as much as some of you do, but I do enjoy watching the World Cup as well. I love seeing which underdog country can make a big run for it.

As you can tell from my sig, I'm Dutch so I'll be cheering them on.

[Calgary Flames]

I've got a question, do you cheer for countries because you're a fan of that country or because you have family ties to certain countries?

For me, I'm Canadian, Russian (Mom's side) and American/Austrian (Dad was born in Salzburg AUT) The only team in the Cup is The U.S. so i'll cheer for them somewhat. But I'll be rooting for Germany, my dad was in the U.S. army during the Vietnam days and spent alot of time there and speaks fluent German after growing up in The U.S.

So Go Germany! Go U.S.A!

[sadora]

Originally Posted by Calgary Flames

I've got a question, do you cheer for countries because you're a fan of that country or because you have family ties to certain countries?

For me, I'm Canadian, Russian (Mom's side) and American/Austrian (Dad was born in Salzburg AUT) The only team in the Cup is The U.S. so i'll cheer for them somewhat. But I'll be rooting for Germany, my dad was in the U.S. army during the Vietnam days and spent alot of time there and speaks fluent German after growing up in The U.S.

So Go Germany! Go U.S.A!

When it comes to the world cup most cheer for their home country. For me, being Latin American I always cheer for the Latin American teams, except for Chile but that's a whole other story. I guess I would cheer for them if they were playing someone like Germany.
My dad has always been a Brasil fan so almost by default, since I grew up watching soccer with him I became a fan as well, so GO BRASIL!

Teams I'm cheering for this world cup...Brasil & Argentina. I hope Costa Rica do well but I doubt it, Mexico IMO will make it past the group stage but the question is who will qualify first in that group, Mexico or Portugal. I hope Mexico but I have to give Portugal the advantage...they have a deeper midfield and better coaching...but GO BRASIL, ARGENTINA & MEXICO.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by Calgary Flames

I've got a question, do you cheer for countries because you're a fan of that country or because you have family ties to certain countries?

Father was born in Portugal, so growing up, I was always a fan of anything Portugal(not just soccer), and so, it goes without saying, that I cheer for their soccer team.

One thing that bugs me a lot is people who claim part of a country when it is convienient for them to do so. Example, I got plenty of friends who are Italian whenever World Cup or Euro's come around. But outside of the tourneys, you never hear them say they are Italian. This is a huge pet peeve of mine.

[Jagger]

I'm English so I obviously cheer for England. After that, I would cheer for Canada as I live here and my wife and kids are Canadian. (I will get citizenship eventually too.) I also cheer for the "home countries" (Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) when not playing England but that's just me.)