Who will win the World Cup?

[DmanDmythDledge]

Who do you think will win? I think England will do it.:eek:

[sligoman]

Brazil, no question about it.

[gustavo]

any one of Brazil Germany Italy Holland England Spain Argentina Portugal Czech Republic France

[stojkovic]

any one of Brazil Germany Italy Holland England Spain Argentina Portugal Czech Republic France
Germany - no chance - 2nd Round
Portugal - Andrade out, Maniche not playing, players too young or too old, mix not right
Czechs - past their peak, lucky to qualify
France - too arrogant, QF
Holland - very young team, two years too soon, QF, 2008 favs
England - after 1st XI nothing, owen and ashley wont be 100% and midfield is too attack minded, Terry-Rio does not work, QF

That leaves Argentina, Brasil and Italy.
If Brasil avoid Argentina, they will win it otherwise its a Argentina-Italy final for me. Requelme and Messi the stars.

[Thunderblaster]

Togo or Trinidad and Tobago!!:D Naw, it has to go on the boys from Brazil!!;) :ball:

[stojkovic]

BTW read somewhere that we're all supposed to support Polska this summer.
What's the consensus?
Could be playing Ingerland in the second round :rolleyes:

I might pick them as my second team, after the Argies.

[De Town]

Argentina for me.

[Docboy]

I've got €50 on the Ities at 9-1 which I'm pretty happy with. Bout time they won it again and I was very impressed with them at Lansdowne recently.

[Duffman]

Don't underestimate the Germans, look down through history in the WC. Just when they look total pants they pop up with a semi or a final! Plus the whole home thing too.

[stojkovic]

Don't underestimate the Germans, look down through history in the WC. Just when they look total pants they pop up with a semi or a final! Plus the whole home thing too.
You're right.
WC94 - QF - beaten by Bulgaria
WC98 - QF - beaten by Croatia 3-0
add in
Euro 2000 - bottom of group (beaten by Portugal B team 3-0)
Euro 2004 - 3rd in Group

In 2002 they got to the Final of one of the worst World Cups in history (2nd to Italia90). Watched our game against them on RTE yesterday. How did we not beat them 3 or 4 nil. And we were poor.

As for home advantage, their fans are praying that they make it out of the group to avoid embarrassment.

Don't write them off.

[gustavo]

very selective use of the facts there stojkovic
he said in the WC so you throw in the Euros.
Not the Germans fault the standard was bad in 02 , they still made it to the final.

[jebus]

I'm gonna take Brazil to win it, simply because Argentina, Holland, England, Italy, and Spain are a bunch of bottlers and Germany, Portugal and the Czechs aren't good enough to win it. The rest of the teams involved are just write offs

[Green Tribe]

Come on the Germans, apart from that would love to see South Korea, Japan or Sweden do well

[superfrank]

Brazil, imo. No other real prospects. argentina are good but not a s good as Brazil.

One question about them? Cicinho or Cafu?

[jebus]

Brazil, imo. No other real prospects. argentina are good but not a s good as Brazil.

One question about them? Cicinho or Cafu?

Cafu can still do the business and he has the experience so I'd stick with him

[NeilMcD]

Its Italy or Brazil for me.

[wws]

can't see past Germany to be honest. Home advantage is MASSIVELY important in World Cup history - and will be again - theres no eartjly reason why this is so - but it just is

Argentina and Brazil are the only two capable of doing it otherwise

[Stuttgart88]

It's Brazil's to lose, no question about it. Their defence is definitely their Achilles' heel though & Dida has been pretty crap lately.

Others have a chance, especially Argentina if they have everyone fit & free of suspension.

I actually quite fancy Spain this year. I don't fancy Germany at all, but who knows?

Can England win it? For the first time ever I actually think England CAN win it though I don't think they will. I saw Bolton vs Chelsea at the weekend and Chelsea were under pressure until a Lampard set piece was headed in by Terry. This'll be something that England will be better than most at. I think Rooney can trouble the best of teams too.

I think the usual failings will surface though: ball retention, defending too deep, a refereeing environment that doesn't tolerate the physical nature of their game & inferior technique. And Sven.

[Plastic Paddy]

I'm with Stutts all round on this one. :)

:ball: PP

[Thunderblaster]

Home advantage is MASSIVELY important in World Cup history

Tell that to the Spanish in 1982, Americans in 1994 and Japanese in 2002. Didn't come near a whisker towards winning the World Cup.

[tetsujin1979]

I really fancy Brazil to do in the World Cup what they did in the Confederations Cup last year, probably lose or draw one group game but still get to the knock out stages, and be none too convincing in the wins. Then steamroll everyone on their way to the final. The only thing that might count against them is their defence, as already stated, and the fact that so many of their top players are playing a lot of games this season, can Ronaldinho keep going at the pace he is at? Can Ronaldo keep up the improvement in form? Even if they don't, their reserves tanked Argentina in the Confederations final last year, and their second string has to be stronger than most teams in the World Cup itself, so they definately have plenty in reserve. Who is going to replace Rooney for England? What if Owen is not fit?
If you're looking for a dark horse, go with the Dutch or Italians, both topped their groups without any problems, and are playing with a unity not usually seen, certainly in the case of the Dutch. Van Basten has got a team of not so famous names playing attacking, fluent, exciting football.
I'd quite happily kill if it meant Ireland would play in Germany, but I think I'll settle for watching the boys from Brazil play football the way we want it played, not the way Sky tell us it should be played

[Volcán Masaya]

It's scary when you think about Brazil. They have fellas that won't get within an asses roar of the squad, never mind the bench, but would be definite starters for 98% of countries in the world. If the likes of Ailton, Fred, Liedson etc had an Irish granny they'd have over 100 caps each by now.

[CollegeTillIDie]

I think a European Country will win it. Speaking of facts, 1958 was the last time Brazil won a European hosted World Cup.....
In which case you cannot look beyond Italy... let's face it lads, isn't it time a European country won it again?

[superfrank]

If the likes of Ailton, Fred, Liedson etc had an Irish granny they'd have over 100 caps each by now.
Sure Marcelinho was Bundesliga player of the year and I'm pretty sure he's never even been capped. I like Ailton but I think he's not physically ready.

[superfrank]

..let's face it lads, isn't it time a European country won it again?
It's only been eight years. :eek:

As for your "facts", I'm just saying now, in 1966 Brazil lost Pelé in the group satges. In all fairness, any team would miss Pelé.

[jebus]

let's face it lads, isn't it time a European country won it again?


Sure as **** hope not, I like my teams to play attacking football, not the dross that European national teams have served up the last couple of years.

As for Rooney, I expect most teams to target him from the start and try to injure him, same as what happened to Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldo when they went in to 66, 90 and 98 World Cups with the media praising them to high heavens

[Over the post]

Can't see past Brazil or Argentina really. There was a good article about Brazil by Amy Lawrence in the Observer recently http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1750190,00.html

I do think she exaggerates a bit, but there are a few good points. (Earlier posts have questioned their defence)

Argentina would be second favourites and Germany and Italy are both capable of playing poorly and surprising anyone.

[wws]

Tell that to the Spanish in 1982, Americans in 1994 and Japanese in 2002. Didn't come near a whisker towards winning the World Cup.

I will. And you tell it to the other hosts who did the opposite - and I would class the USA and Japan's performance as rising cos of home advantage relative to their past showings.

Other teams that have done this are Mexico and South Korea. Germany were finalists last time out and have a proven World Cup winning track record (they are nearly always written off). I see them as an 'oul reliable'. Throw in their home advantage and the fact that Brazil havent performed well in Europe bar sweden and I think Germany have a strong case. When push comes to shove and germany go into extra time in a knockout game v anyone - I'll back the hosts 9 times out of ten.

[shakermaker1982]

Germany should be there or there abouts. Of course Brazil are favourites and they have every right to be but Argentina, Holland and Germany are not too far behind. I'd also have to go along with wws, home advantage does have an impact. You just have to look at S Korea 4 years ago.

My dark horses for the competiton would be Ukraine and Mexico. I can see both of them making the Q finals at the very least.

[klein4]

mexico supposed to have their best team in years...altho they are always a bit flaky when push comes to shove.
germany should do alrite. hard to see past brazil tho. what odds france pull off a shock?

[Stuttgart88]

My dark horses for the competiton would be Ukraine and Mexico. I can see both of them making the Q finals at the very least.During the draw, Pele, when asked who he'd like Brazil to get, disparagingly said "Ukraine". Given how well they qualified I'd be very hesitant to be so dismissive.

[CollegeTillIDie]

During the draw, Pele, when asked who he'd like Brazil to get, disparagingly said "Ukraine". Given how well they qualified I'd be very hesitant to be so dismissive.
Ukraine's first and second choice goalkeepers are both struggling to be fit in time for the finals. That should torpedo their chances if the two of them don't make it. Cause keeper #3 is well dodgy !

[Stuttgart88]

what odds france pull off a shock?I've been thinking a bit about this.

With Henry, Zidane, Makelele, Pires (if selected), Gallas, Giuly, Couper and others including some of the impressive Lyon side play to their best would it even be a shock?

I think their manager is a handicap but I always think that that form (or lack of it) in qualifying is no reliable indication of finals performance. Presumably Boumsong won't be a starter (or will he?). Zebina looked atrocious against Arsenal so they're not without their waeknesses.

Mexico looked impressive in the Confederation Cup thingy last summer.

With the enlarged tournament I think the early stages will be a bit of a procession with only a couple of tight groups and maybe a surprise or two but the knockout stgaes will be interesting. From the last 8 onwards it'll be tough for everyone.

[londonirish17]

England
Italy
Argentina
Brazil
P.S : Just beware of teams like Croatia, Serbia or even the US...

[superfrank]

I've been thinking a bit about this.

With Henry, Zidane, Makelele, Pires (if selected), Gallas, Giuly, Couper and others including some of the impressive Lyon side play to their best would it even be a shock?
It would be the perfect fairwell for Zizou if they did it. It'll be sad to see him retire. The CL 2002 Final would've been nil all if it weren't for that goal!

[Kingdom]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Ukraine are very dark horses.

[Volcán Masaya]

France are being overlooked in the world press, and this will work to their advantage. I think Zizou will go out in a blaze of glory and any team with a magican like Henry has to be feared. As we well know, all it takes is 10 seconds of sublime beauty from him and a game turns.

Lot of people seem to be fancying Mexico in this thread, but consider that their top striker can't get a game for Bolton, though new dude Franco looks promising. They are solid, and few teams in the world can move the ball around like they do. They'll come out of their group, but then they'll come up short.

Spain are ones to watch. At this point everybody expects them to disappoint given their history. But they have a handy enough group. If they win it then their 2nd round game should be handy enough too. Then they's likely run into Brasil in the QFs, and I fancy them for an upset.

Scolari will take Portugal to the SFs, knocking out England in the QF.

Suprise team... Aussies. They'll pip Japan and Croatia for 2nd place in the group. Then upset the Czechs in the 2nd round. Lose the QF but leave happy.

Biggest flop... Dutch.. will fail to win a game. Also, all the African teams will fall flat, not horribly flat, but none will advance.

GR A
Ger
Pol

Gr B
Eng
Swe

GR C
Arg
Srb

GR D
Por
Mex

GR E
Cze
Ita

GR F
Bra
Aus

GR G
Fra
Kor

GR H
Spa
Ukr

2nd RD
Ger bt Swe
Arg bt Mex (game of the Cup 3-2)
Eng bt Pol
Por bt Srb
Aus bt Cze
Fra bt Ukr
Bra bt Ita (dissapointing game)
Spa bt Kor (revenge time, 3-0)

QFs
Arg bt Ger
Fra bt Aus
Por bt Eng (tabloids go apesch!t)
Spa bt Bra

SFs
Arg bt Por
Fra bt Spa

Final
Fra bt Arg (1 goal game, tense and exciting)

So their ye have it lads, no need to waste ye're time watching in June.

[wws]

my prediction is that in the main the press, the media the forums the fans will all be moaning about the sterility of the football and lack of goals or maybe even "diving" or whatever is the fad for hand wringers

than it will all even out and the same ol same ol will be in the semis.....


GERMANY. By a nose

[klein4]

sorry.australia will be lucky to pick up a point. they are only woefull.
I wouldnt worry bout whether mexican players look good or not for bolton they did alrite last two wc's and are supposed to have a way better team now. USA probably will do ok and lets face it there is no reason why they shouldnt. but heres hoping they dont.;) Italy are supposed to be poor. England could do well if rooney is on fire and they get a bit of steam under them. France as above are bein overlooked completely....brazil and germany looked poor before last wc and didnt do too badly. you would have to say both teams are possible semi finalists this time out. brazil have the players and germany bein at home will count for a lot when push comes to shove. agree with above as well bout the early rounds bein too much of a formality. kinda ruins it a bit tbh. still should be good tho.at least matches will be on at normal hours and wont have to endure watchin games with people who have no interest at all in it like last time!!!!!!

[garykelly]

few posts questioning other peoples opinions here. fact is very few people will have the same opinion about world cup winners. personally i think it's very hard to look beyond brazil, argentina and Italy. England might do well but they'll be under so much pressure they'll bottle and go out at Q/F's. I'm going for Italy to win it. There isnt any other team in europe that i think could win it. I think brazil could meet Argentina in the semi's - with the Argies winning into the final.

[eirebhoy]

My money is on Italy at 10/1 but it will be very tough. They could have the following draw:

2nd round: Japan
QF: France
SF: Germany/Holland
F: Brazil

That is very tough. Japan would be my outside bet to reach the final at 110/1 (Betfair). France are still very strong as are Holland/Germany (at home). If Italy fail to win their group they'd most likely face Brazil in the 2nd round.

In saying that, Italy are probably the best team in Europe atm. They beat us in Lansdowne and beat Holland very comfortably in Amsterdam. They also destroyed Germany in their last match.

[klein4]

most pundits reckon italy are a mess going into the tournament. holland and portugal are by far the more impressive sides in europe altho they are perennial flakers....

[eirebhoy]

most pundits reckon italy are a mess going into the tournament.
In what way? I've seen them a few times in the last few months and they were brilliant. The good thing about them is most of their team play for Milan and Juve so are used to playing with each other.

Buffon - Juve

Cannavaro - Juve
Nesta - Milan
Zambrotta - Juve
Grosso - Palermo

Pirlo - Milan
Gatusso - Milan
Camoranesi - Juve
Totti - Roma

Luca Toni - Fiorentina
Gilardino - Milan / Inzaghi - Milan / Del Piero - Juve

If Totti plays like close to his best Italy will be in with a great chance.

[tetsujin1979]

If Totti plays like close to his best Italy will be in with a great chance.
Will he be fit? I didn't hear if he was back from his ankle injury

[cavan_fan]

Reading this its obvous we are all hoping that if we dont mention England they'll go away.

Looking at their players they are solid in all positions and in Terry, Gerrard and Owen have 3 class players.

Obviously Rooney's injury is a relief for us all (and arent you glad he didnt declare for us now, just think fo the disappointment) but the danger is it forces Erickson into a winning formula (just as Uncle Booby fell into a good formation in 1990).

I'd worry about playing any team with a solid defence and carrick sitting in behind Lampard and Gerrard with Owen up front. Remember France won in 98 without any strikers.

The thing about the world Cup is how little football is required to win. Assume England make it out of their latest easy group. They then need to win 4 games.

This probably means Poland, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil.

All agree they win the first one. Portugal have a few good players but only beat Enlgand on pens when playing at home last time. Have to say my money would be strongly on England.

Christ, now they are in the semis, I can just foresee Terry heading in from a corner and then they will defend for the rest fo the game. Suddenyl its the final and I think then we throw away our TV's!

Someone tell me it cant happen

[Poor Student]

Tell that to the Spanish in 1982, Americans in 1994 and Japanese in 2002. Didn't come near a whisker towards winning the World Cup.

What about Uruguay in 1930, Italy in 1934, England in 1966, West Germany in 1974, Argentina in 1978 and France in 1998? Coupled with that, Brazil were second in Brazil in 1950, Sweden were second in Sweden in 1958, Chile were 3rd in Chile in 1962, Italy were 3rd in Italy in 1990 and South Korea were 4th in South Korea in 2002. Only in 1938, 1954, 1970, 1986 and 1994 did a host nation fail to get as far as the semis. Even the teams involved there include Switzerland, Mexico and USA.

[eirebhoy]

Will he be fit? I didn't hear if he was back from his ankle injury
He played for the reserves last week and will probably start against Inter in the cup final this week.


Reading this its obvous we are all hoping that if we dont mention England they'll go away.
Well having seen them play in the last qualifying campaign and in the European Championships I don't know how they're 2nd favourites. The only time they played well (Argentina, Poland, Colombia, USA) was when they played a holding midfielder. When they don't play one the opposition always dominates possession whether it's Azerbaijan or Portugal. With Rooney injured maybe they'll play a 4-5-1 which could suit them. If they don't play a holding midfielder though they have absolutely no chance of doing well at the World cup. I think Sven has finally copped on and will play Carrick but Rooney seems to be the only player that actually plays consistantly well for them.

[superfrank]

I think Sven has finally copped on and will play Carrick but Rooney seems to be the only player that actually plays consistantly well for them.
I remember all the english pundits were sinmging Ledley King's praises after he played well in one game for them in that position. He is a really good player in that position.

[Stuttgart88]

I think the game you mean was at home to Poland. The likes of Hansen & co. are very astute. They let the public hear what they like to hear a lot of the time: just witness the glorification of Rio Ferdinand & Nicky Butt in WC02. In fairness to King, he did do well in that match but at home to Poland in a dead-rubber is a different proposition to playing a classier team in a WC QF. Personally I prefer Carrick as his ball use is far superior & he's capable of dictating a game's tempo. But again, is he up to it at the level required? He ran the show against Arsenal at WHL (the first game) in the first half but as Arsenal got back into it he got careless and was overrun near the end. Likewise at Highbury, he started brilliantly but lost influence massively as Arsenal picked their game up (admittedly against 10 men). I'm not convinced Carrick is good enough for when push comes to the shove.

The English have got to learn to stop patting themselves on the back for achieving what they SHOULD achieve (i.e., minimum last 16, probably last 8) and only start pouring acclaim on their players once they really start doing the business - if they can.

I'm a bit torn on England's chances. I do agree that Rooney's absence could force Sven into reshaping the side for the better. I also think they have match winners in Lampard, Beckham & Terry due to their set piece threat. Crouch too in that context. And a bit like their rugby counterparts in 2003 I think their sheer desire to win & conviction that they can do it may get them further than usual.

However, my overriding sense is that they'll suffer without Rooney & because Owen will only be half fit. I just can't see them being capable of playing well against the very best. Usual failings like ball retention, defending too deeply etc. will see them go out.

[gustavo]

Yeah i wouldnt be surprised if they do. THey probably have the best defence anyway