World Cup South Africa, 2010 Thread

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Pagal4321

I think the best looking team on paper, if healthy, is Spain.

And I don't even think it's close. But key words, ON PAPER, IF HEALTHY!

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David De Gea (Atletico de Madrid), Diego Lopez (Villareal), Jose Manuel 'Pepe' Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Osasuna), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Xabier Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javier Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona).
Forwards: Santiago Cazorla (Villarreal), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Daniel Guiza (Fenerbache), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).

I think from top to bottom there is not a team that is even close in terms of talent right now.

Midfield is solid with Fabregas, Xavi, and Iniesta. Two top strikers in Torres and Villa. Combine that with a solid defense and depth at goalie and you have the team to beat in the tournament.

However the beauty of the World Cup and a one and done tournament is that the quality of the team on paper tends to mean very little.

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by kdogg

Sounds like Terry suffered an foot injury training today. The injury is suspected as a metatarsal break, which would rule him out for the World Cup.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...888&ver=global

BBC/Chelsea are denying that

England and Chelsea defender John Terry should be fit to play in Saturday's FA Cup final against Portsmouth despite injuring his right foot in training.
The Chelsea captain was taken from the training ground to hospital on Wednesday but a scan revealed that he did not suffer a break as was feared.
Full story to follow

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...10/8678195.stm

[Locke]

Torres in doubt for Spain.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres remains a major doubt for Spain's FIFA World Cup opener against Switzerland - but is putting in the hours in a bid to be fit.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/ne...e+against+time

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Locke

Torres in doubt for Spain.



http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/ne...e+against+time

They are the one team that has the depth to withstand pretty much any injuries

Only losing Iniesta and/or Xavi would hurt them I think, the rest of the positions are all backed up with excellent players

[Nuje]

Casillas too. The other keepers are quality too, but Casillas is simply disgustingly good.

[rubecube]

I think losing Sergio Ramos would be a big blow to them as well.

[Locke]

In my opinion, the single biggest potential loss for Spain comes from someone who doesnt get enough credit for the amazing player that he is.

Carles Puyol.

In my opinion, one of, if not the, best defenders in the world.

[Cactus Jack]

Originally Posted by kdogg

Sounds like Terry suffered an foot injury training today. The injury is suspected as a metatarsal break, which would rule him out for the World Cup.

This will give him plenty of time to bang other people's wives/fiancees/girlfriends.

Also, how about this trash talk between Messi and Ashley Cole
http://blog.taragana.com/sports/2010...ld-cup-100938/

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Cactus Jack

This will give him plenty of time to bang other people's wives/fiancees/girlfriends.

Also, how about this trash talk between Messi and Ashley Cole
http://blog.taragana.com/sports/2010...ld-cup-100938/

worst part of the world cup, I actually thought about defending Ashley Cole for a second there but I can't do it haha

if there is a player who can shut down Messi on the right wing its him though

[dissentowner]

Go England! That is all.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by NBC

I have to agree with Jagger here. Many Leafs fans are hopelessly optimistic about the Stanley Cup, but also overly realistic about their chances. The media on the other hand can be a real problem. The pundits are usually pretty good but very partisan - as are all Toronto sports commentators. The print media tries to whip up national fervor to a ridiculous degree. Hockey is important to people here, very important. It is a Canadian game (originally) and they want to return to the pinnacle of the sport. But most realize that this is asking too much. They'll have to settle for 1967.

Eerie how I can make so few alterations and it still fits.

[PIMking]

Ballack was injured yesterday in Chelsea's game. Tests were performed today haven't heard anything yet...

[GirlySports]

WGN's graphics department

[PIMking]

ugh... leave it to chicago..

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

WGN's graphics department

haha, it took me a second to see the image of South America as South Africa. I thought you were pointing out how much of a tool the guy looks like.

[Addick]

I'm sorry PIMking, Ghana has struck preemptively.

Originally Posted by Soccernet.com

Germany Captain Ballack Out Of Finals

May 17, 2010
Soccernet.com
Soccernet Staff

Germany captain Michael Ballack has been ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle injury suffered in Saturday's FA Cup final victory over Portsmouth.

Ballack's injury was caused by a reckless tackle from Kevin-Prince Boateng. Boateng is in Ghana's squad for the summer showpiece in South Africa, with Germany drawn in the same group.


The Chelsea midfielder underwent an MRI scan in Munich on Monday which revealed ligament damage to his right ankle, ruling him out of action for two months.

Complete Article

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

That's bad news about MBallack. Open question: does this hurt Deutschland's chances? I do agree with locke? about his opinion on the g-ermans being never really heralded but seemingly always close.

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I think from top to bottom there is not a team that is even close in terms of talent right now.

Midfield is solid with Fabregas, Xavi, and Iniesta. Two top strikers in Torres and Villa. Combine that with a solid defense and depth at goalie and you have the team to beat in the tournament.

However the beauty of the World Cup and a one and done tournament is that the quality of the team on paper tends to mean very little.

I think you do the Spainards fair credit. I do agree with your argument, partially, but I don't think they'll be completely healthy and will they be able to match the more physical styles of the other top nations. I love Puyol, Xabi,casillas and Villa. Torres is proven in the EPL and the euro championships but he is troubled by injuries.

They are a threat, i guess my intolerance of their former coach's and nation's intolerance clouded my judgment.

[PIMking]

This hurts...

[PIMking]

With Ballack being 33 this could be his last World cup. I hope that he can make a triumph return to the euro but man this really hurts. That guy is my Idol.

[d_phaneuf]

for a guy who has a long history of disappointment this probly has to be the biggest one

his last world cup and he was going to captain a team with a legitimate chance, feel bad for him