Dark Horse of the World Cup

**DmanDmythDledge** · 26/05/2006, 3:11 PM

I think it's either going to be Ivory Coast or Australia.

Ivory Coast have a number of good players that play in Europe. Same with Australia, plus they have Hiddink in charge as well.

I think there's a good chance of the Aussies making the QF but Ivory Coast might have their work cut out in the group stages, then possible tie against Portugal. Unlucky that they got such a difficult draw.

**wws** · 26/05/2006, 3:45 PM

USA and Mexico might do something that will suprise us europeanos

**superfrank** · 26/05/2006, 3:50 PM

I don't think Mexico would be a real dark horse.

**Roo69** · 26/05/2006, 4:42 PM

There not really a darkhorse but nobody is giving them a chance in hell. I reckon Germany could do quite well.

**beautifulrock** · 26/05/2006, 8:39 PM

what about Tunisa, I have a feeling they could do well. African Cup finalists, with a good defence.

**CollegeTillIDie** · 26/05/2006, 8:52 PM

Serbia and Montenegro ( about to be defunct) will, if they qualify from the group of death, go a long way.
Best defence in Europe on current form, cracking midfield, and in Nikola Zigic,potentially the surprise packet up front 6foot 7 inches of class act. And the Montenegrins might as well enjoy this one because it's the first and last time they will be represented( in billing terms) at the World Cup.

**brine3** · 27/05/2006, 8:17 AM

Ukraine. Came top in a really difficult qualification group. Solid defence, Rotan in midfield, Sheva and Rebrov up front. Could be this year's Bulgaria '94.

**gustavo** · 27/05/2006, 10:34 AM

Again not really a dark horse but Portugal have all the players to win it . Its gonna be a great World Cup its very open!

**eirebhoy** · 27/05/2006, 12:16 PM

Japan for me.

**Risteard** · 27/05/2006, 3:21 PM

Jayz lads, these horses are very dark.
Assuming Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany, England and France are the bright horses.
How about Spain?

**Terry** · 27/05/2006, 3:24 PM

Originally Posted by beautifulrock

what about Tunisa, I have a feeling they could do well. African Cup finalists, with a good defence.

doubt it since they didnt make it to the finals !!

**Baker** · 27/05/2006, 3:47 PM

Originally Posted by Terry

doubt it since they didnt make it to the finals !!

They are in Group H with Saudi Arabia, Spain and Ukraine.

**Terry** · 27/05/2006, 4:13 PM

my apologies, I was full sure that there was only 3 african teams in it

**Armando** · 27/05/2006, 7:24 PM

Originally Posted by Terry

my apologies, I was full sure that there was only 3 african teams in it

There's 5 - Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Togo, Angola and Ghana.
You're having a 'mare today!!

**Armando** · 27/05/2006, 7:29 PM

The Czechs are 33-1 to win the World Cup. If they get out of the Group of death with Italy, USA and Ghana those odds will come tumbling down.
I don't believe they'll win it, with those odds I couldn't resist putting a tenner on them.

**DmanDmythDledge** · 27/05/2006, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by Armando

If they get out of the Group of death with Italy, USA and Ghana...

The group of death is clearly Argentina, Holland, Serbia & Montenegro and Ivory Coast. There can't be any arguments about that.

**Flea** · 29/05/2006, 2:44 AM

Originally Posted by dmandmythdledge

I think it's either going to be Ivory Coast or Australia.

Ivory Coast have a number of good players that play in Europe. Same with Australia, plus they have Hiddink in charge as well.

I think there's a good chance of the Aussies making the QF but Ivory Coast might have their work cut out in the group stages, then possible tie against Portugal. Unlucky that they got such a difficult draw.

You may prove me completely wrong with this one, but I'd give the Ivory Coast a pass for the dark horses tag. One of the most disorganised teams Ive seen in qualifciation.Yes they have Kalou, Eboue, and Drogba, but a tough group, overreliance on Drogba and bad service from midfield should hamper progression. Everyone will know Drogba's capabilites while Kalou has great pace yet not great control. In the qualifying stages the defence and keeper were no strangers to suicidal defending through unforced errors. I dont know I could have this one all wrong but I wasnt impressesed.

My dark horses as stated already, Mexico (easy group and impressed by them last year) or Serbia( could see off an inexperienced Dutch team from the group of death if they perform well).

**Coltron** · 29/05/2006, 7:26 AM

Maybe a year ago Mexico were the dark horse but with their strong preformance in the Confed and there placment as a top seed means they aren't really a true dark horse. I agree with what's been said regarding some fans of European sides maybe being surprised by them but there are other sides.

I would dismiss Ivory Coast. I don't consider Drogba a very good player and even if he was they would need a lot more to pick up the points to get out of their group.

A side like Croatia could pull off some upsets. They play Brazil in their opening game which they are expected to lose. If they can stay focused and get it together for their next two matches they might get some momentum going.

They did very well in qualifing, both in defence and attack and have to quality to shock Brazil and some others. Hard to find a "star" name, which can also be a good thing. Knowledgable coach by all accounts and well supported. They did also beat Argentina earlier in a friendly so they should fancy there chances of giving Brazil a game.

A side point - if they did beat Brazil (possible in theory atleast), then Brazil would be under pressure to beat Australia. Hiddink is no miracle worker but he is possibly one of the best coaches in the game today and will have his side ready to test them, that I have little doubt. If they did draw this next match it's concievable that the reigning champions could be on the first plane home (same as England). Big tournaments can brutally expose weaknesses in the extreme, as France and Argentina can attest from Japan/Korea. Just some food for thought even in such a situation they would probably qualify on goal scored.