Weld Schup

Well June brings many things to the UK;
Occassional sunshine,
Teenagers sitting around the streets and parks, generally clogging up the place,
And that one sense of togetherness all to rare in this country, only ever present upon the playing of the world cup.

Yes, the expectations of England are rediculously high, as ever, although our team, as ever, are rediculously crap. Knowing them, we'll get to the quarter finals, and go out on penalties to germany..... (I shall wager one million dollars on it.........) But y'know........



So, today, well in fact in 6 hours, 34 minutes, and 28 seconds to be precise, the world cup will begin with Mexico Vs. South Africa.


I just wanted to know who you guys thought may win it this year, and I do NOT want any "England"'s, "USA"'s, and ESPECIALLY no "Honduras"'s present.



As you may be able to guess from the title, I think the Netherlands, or Holland, or whatever the hell they're called nowadays will win it, but it's a close run thing this year.....




Thanks,
Kempo.

is brazil in it ? if not im putting my money on Spain

Kempo Honduras is better than you :'( I go for Spain

Italy will win it

as i said on kempo's fb status: im calling Brazil. On Yahoo they did a poll on each of the first round games (or something, idk how the world cup works) and the options were: team one, team two, draw. 99% of people said Brazil and the other 1% was for draw. And on that i am saying that Brazil will win it all.

that being said, i would much rather USA or Germany win it. Though i know USA wont and idk about Germany, maybe i guess.

rofl.... the incredible footballing knowledge of North America..... Let's give you a lesson in football from someone who knows what they're talking about...... An englishman
Please note that I spent ages writing this, then couldn't be bothered to check back through, so please forgive any spelling/grammar mistakes, but I did my best

Spain's obviously a great shout, as they've had the best qualifying results in world cup history, winning the past 11 games, added to the fact that they won the Euro 2008 just 2 years ago, with pretty much exactly the same squad. But as they're both favourite to win it, (and I never pick favourites), and Spain are reknowned to bottle it at the world cup - with their best ever finish being 4th, I don't think they'll quite make it, although at the same time I expect them to at VERY least reach the semi-finals. Still, if they do win it, it won't exactly be a shock in my eyes, as they have a QUALITY side, with the likes of Xavi, Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres, and general hitman; David Villa.
Italy, seeing as they won it last time may seem like a decent shout too. I mean, they have just the same players now, as they did then. But that's the problem. All their key players are old enough to be offered a courtesy zimmerframe for daily actions, by their national government, and all have their own great-great grandchildren. Added to the fact that nobody has successfully retained the title since way back in 1962 it makes it even less likely to happen. However, it must be said, that in 1938, the first team to ever retain the World Cup, was in fact Italy.
Germany have much the same problem as Italy. Like Italy, they've certainly got history in the competition, winning it three times, compared to Italy's four. And they've undoubtebly got the most consistency of just getting the job done, compared to other nations in the competition. Added to this, their hitman striker - Miroslav Klose is just a mere 6 goals away from being the most prolific goalscorer in the entire history of the tournement, beating the likes of Bobby Charlton, Ruud Gullit, Diego Maradona, and the great man himself; Pelé. With seven goals from the eight qualifying games he played in, that feat is quite possible too. The problem is however, that after the retirement of many of their key players from previous campaigns, such as the legendary Oliver Kahn, and Oliver Bierhoff, added to the loss of their current talisman, and captain Michael Ballack, through injury a month ago, they will have to look to their less experienced, younger players to make a HUGE step-p into the forefront of Germany's lineup, calling on the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Philip Lahm. As quality as they are at club level, wether they can make the step-up is arguable. Nonetheless, after coming second, and third in the past two World Cups, they still have a distinct possibility of winning.
Brazil are the World Cup. Winning the tournement a total of five times, more than any other country on Earth, they are known typically as the leaders of world football. Creating such stars as Zico, Ronaldo, Garrincha, Socrates, and the man himself; Pelé, Brazil have dominated world football over the years, with flair, and masses of footballing genius. They are the only other team to ever win the World Cup in consecutive tournements, and were the last to complete that feat. However, it must be said, that the glory days associatiated with this great nation have come to somewhat of a stalemate, since the taking over of head-coach Dunga, who in fact captained Brazil to victory in the 1994 World Cup. Despite finishing top of their qualifying group in South America, Brazil ended with seven draws from the 18 games played. This has been put mostly down to Dunga's incredibly anti-Brazilian, defensively orientated style of management. This could mean that Brazil's typical classy, flair-based football, could become very crash'n'burn, when the attacking presences of Robinho, Elano, or Diego are introduced. All of which would usually dominated the Brazilian midfield, but after dissapointing seasons at Manchester City, Galatasaray, and Juventus respectively, there could definately be a slight instability for Brazil. This defensive attitude is highlighted with Dunga's decision to leave his ultimate playmaker, and twice World Player Of The Year; Ronaldinho out of the squad. The same man, of whom was Brazil's third top-scorer, in 2002, of which helped them onto victory of the tournement (behind the legendary Ronaldo, and Rivaldo). It must however, be said that this defensive orientation will get the most from 2010 Champions League winner, and arguably greatest goalkeeper in the world; Julio Cesar, and from conceding a mere 11 goals, in the 18 qualifying games played, he could prove to be a very important asset to his country. Nonetheless, Brazil are placed in what in known as "the group of death", alongside Euro 2004 runner-ups Portugal, and the much fancied dark-horses for the competition, Ivory Coast, so Brazil's qualification to the round of 16 isn't guaranteed, and in order to progress, Dunga will have to ensure all the players realise that, and avoid complacency at all times. Most of which would have to be the Real Madrid talisman Kaká, and Sevilla hitman Luis Fabiano, of whom between them scored 14 goals in the 11 qualigying games they both played. It must be said though, that as the old phrase says, "history repeats itself", and Brazil will be hoping that this happens for them this year, as Brazil have won every other World Cup for the past 16 years, and are due a win this competition.

The French kicked off their World Cup campaign last night, against two time tournament winners, Uruguay, where they had an opportunity to show off the sheer array of talent within their squad. I personally believe that France have an unbelieveable squad, only possibly bettered by the likes of Spain's squad, with the likes of Florent Malouda, Yoann Gourcuff, Patrice Evra, and Franck Ribéry; all of whom are of world class quality. They are in a fairly easy group, with Uruguay, Mexico, and South Africa, and should definately expect to take the group by storm. Nonetheless, this expectation was present last world cup also, where France were in a similar position, and ended up knocked out in the first round, by the part of the relatively poor Senegal. That is just typical of France. Much like Spain, they are known as an incredibly hit'n'miss team, who can perform to huge proportions one moment, then the next game, look as average as liver cancer amongst the Irish. Much expected, this not so great France has been displayed this tournament already, as they were held to a bore draw against Uruguay, of whom were unlucky not to actually win the game with a Diego Forlan strike in the first-half. France mounted near to no attacking presence, with lone-striker Nicolas Anelka, of whom it is his first ever World Cup, despite already being 30 years of age. To be fair to the French however, when they turn it on, they REALLY turn it on, reaching the final in two of the last three World Cups, and even winning it in 1998. Nonetheless, this success was much due to the legends of old such as Marcel Desailly, Patrick Viera, Robert Pires, and the greatest player of his generation; Zinedine Zidane, of whom's infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup Final cost his country victory. Unfortunately for France, all of these players have quit international football, and so they are left with the new generation. However, a France without Zidane is not ever going to be the same. Yoann Gourcuff; tipped as "the next Zidane" as quality as he is, is still only 21, and so way too inexperienced to be expected to hold the team on his own. France will have to look to the likes of Franck Ribéry, who after an impressive club season with Bayern Munich will be expected to take the entire weight of France's campaign. The problem I have with France however, is head-coach Raymond Domenech. France's longest-serving ever manager (taking them over in 2004), has admitted to choosing his side upon astrology, rather than the actual statistics, and performance of his players. This blatent idiocy has lead him to be noted as a rather......eccentric personality, willing to take major risks. These risks however seem not to be paying off for France, and his decisions to leave out cultured striker Karim Benzema, and Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri leave plenty of questions to be asked. Still, France have a good outside chance of victory, dependant on Domenech's ability to take a break of looking at the stars, to have a look at the players instead.

Argentina are again a much fancied side for the title this year, despite their less than impressive qualifying campaigne. Scraping through the South American Qualifying Stages, with a lowly 17 goals from 18 games, Argentina have truely underperformed in recent years, aspiring to the days of old, where the legendary, yet infamous Diego Maradona lead them to victory in the late 70's, early 80's. Luckily for them, after the incredibly poor job of ex-manager Alfio Basile, Maradona has been brought in as head-coach, hoping to inspire his country to World Cup Glory. As if that weren't enough, a certain 2009 Champions League Winning, 2009 & 2010 European Golden Boot Winning, and 2010 World Player Of The Year Winning, Barcelona hero; Lionel Messi, of whom is already the youngest ever player, and scorer in a FIFA World Cup, after the 2006 tournament, is an absolute godsend to the Argentines. His inspirational, flair-based style of play has lead many to believe him to be the greatest footballer on the planet. Oh yeah, and did I mention that he's only 22? With all the potential in the world to essentially become the greatest player of all time, easily surpassing the legend of whom he is currnetly working under, Messi is a true asset to Argentina's attack, and should definately be looked out for in the future. Apart from him, the other Argentine forwards; Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguéro, Gabriel Milito, and Gonzalo Higuain provide real depth, and quality, and a true viscious edge to the Argentinian attack. The problem however is their ability to translate their club success into international success. All prolific goalscorers at club level, the beforementioned five players only scored an average of 2 goals in 14 appearances in qualification. Not at all impressive. The real problem for Argentina however comes with their defensive play. With a frankly shocking back four, Argentina will be totally reliant on their captain, Liverpool hardman Javier Mascherano. He will hold the middle-ground between defence and midfield, and will look to put in plenty of his trademark sliding tackles during the campaign. However, should a team pass him, Argentina will be incredibly venerable to attack. The key to Argentina's success therefore will be quick, attack based football, and the ability to convert Maradona's old talent, and Messi's new talent into real significance on the pitch.
The man who may have something to say to Messi being world's number one comes from Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo. The single face of Nike football, and most expensive sportsman on Earth, costing Real Madrid £80,000,000 ($116,096,000) for his signature from Manchester United. Being a prolific goalscorer, despite a natural midfielder, Ronaldo has won the Champions League, English PremierLeague, European Golden Boot, and World Player Of The Year, just to name a few. However, football is a team sport. And going by Portugal's team, it is clear to see why their odds are so high. A squad made up of semi-decent, aged, inreputable players makes selection for head-coach Carlos Quieros, perticularly difficult. When this is added to the loss of Manchester United winger Nani, after an injury in training last week, all eyes will be firmly placed on Ronaldo. The other problem for Portugal, as previously mentioned, they are in "the group of death". Alongside Brazil, and Ivory Coast, Portugal have an incredibly tough task of qualifying even to the second round. However, even if they were to finish in the second qualifying place, after Brazil, which is much predicted, Portugal would then be in line to play the winner of Group H, which will almost certainly be Spain. So it'll definately be a tough journey for the Portuguese, they have to just hope that Cristiano Ronaldo's determination to prove himself as the world's best player will be enough for success.
Completing the contenders from Group G, and being the only listed country from Africa, is the Ivory Coast. Tipped by many as the dark horse of the competition, the Ivorians hold more chance of World Cup success than any African team in history, with a whole host of English PremierLeague stars. The likes of Kolo & Yaya Toure, and Solaman Kalou give strengths in all areas of the pitch, but undoubtebly the key to success for them is the Chelsea centre-forward; Didier Drogba. Chelsea's own talisman striker has flooded in the goals for his side, and although now at 32 years of age, has still plenty of fire-power left in him. Unfortunately for them though, Drogba picked up a slight injury, and faces potentially missing the pivotal first game against Portugal. Should this happen, the Ivory Coast will find it incredibly difficult to earn a victory past Brazil, for that all important qualification place. All their hopes lie inhow quickly he can return to full fitness.
After a ground-breaking qualifying campaign to the world cup with nine of ten games won, and a record 34 goals scored, England look set for a decent tournament. Set in a group of which they should win, they seem on paper to have a good chance of success. This is also so with the squad. An all-star outing, full of 100% English PremierLeague players, including the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, John Terry, and Ashley Cole, they should mount a serious challenge on the tournament. Unfortunately, in reality England are much like France; very hit'n'miss. Despite the brilliant qualification, poor results in recent friendlies, such as England's lucky 2-1 victory over Japan last week, prove England's tendency to complacency. Added to the contraversy within the squad, the constant changing in captaincy, and the mass influx of injury; there is very little stability, or consistency within the side. That is, unless you accunt for the number of World Cup penalty shoot-outs England have lost; an awful three - joint highest with Italy. The man to watch, who offers a positive consistency, and a perfect nine goals from nine match qualifying is Wayne Rooney. Recognised as one of the planet's greatest strikers, and an incredibly hard-working powerhouse, the Manchester United centre-forward is anticipated to perform this year, as he has hit the prime of his career. The problem with England's current team is the mind-set of the players involved. With the entirety of the squad earning over £50,000 per week, and many earning as much as £200,000 per week, the element of 'celebrity' has often loomed over the team, which often means that their performance for their country is not nearly as high as that for their domestic team. Head-coach Fabio Capello's harsh, seclusive coaching techniques seem to have put alot more effort into performances than have been present in many of England's recent sides. England haven't won a FIFA World Cup in 44 years, and if they want to add another, the players must change their attitudes immediately, and perform to the same standards as they do domesticaly.
Known as 'the European Brazil', the Holland sides of the 1970's, lead by the legendary Johan Cruyff, created the term "total football", of which incorperated quick passing, and masses of flair. This glamourous style of football has always been synonymnous with the Netherlands ever since, and remains today. The immense pace, and skill of the wingers Wesley Sneijder, and Arjen Robben blitz past the defence of even the finest of teams, as shown within this year's Champions League's final, and would be a major threat against the likes of Denmark, Japan, and Cameroon, of whom make up the rest of Group E. They would. However, star man Arjen Robben pulled a hamstring muscle during a warm-up match against Hungary, and so may miss the first game against Denmark. Even so, the sheer amount of quality within the Dutch squad should be more than suitable cover during his absence. There is not as much quality however within the area of defence. With two ageing, and fairly average centre-backs, Holland may be vunerable to a charge down the centre, but they will try to focus on their typical gameplay of keeping the ball, in order to prevent this. The major problem the Netherlands have always had however, like other teams is their typical tendency to not quite make it. Being finalists twice, but never winners, Holland will have to ensure they keep their heads in the latter stages, to earn the results accurately representing their potential.



There...... that took fucking ages......



Enjoy!

Thanks,
Kempo.

well, ill take USA over London, i think that is today...

it there another major sport where the F*ucking game can end in a TIE?!?!? during the world championship?!?!?! What were they thinking when they made the rules for soccer: "what are the odds of a tie?", "a tie will never happen"

Lets keep it simple: in the event OVERTIME ends in a tie, do a KICKOFF, like a shootout in hockey, In they event these 'soccer guys' manage to screw that up with a TIE, go to the "COIN FILP OF VICTORY"

granted in america, thats how we START our games (AMERICA DONT DO TIES), but it shoud be good enough for the END of soccer games....

I did see a picture of a town square, somewhere in south america, with about 100,000 people squished in there, watching the game on a big screen, ouch...-Lookin gains new respect for his cable company.....

well what can I say?

Predictable is an adjective that comes to mind.....
Typical is another....

Same old England, royally cocking up in the World Cup again.....




Oh well.....
I'm not surprised.....
I'm actually pleased that we didn't lose....



And yet slightly dissapointed that Jonathon Spector wasn't involved in the game.....

i was channel flipping and it went to a camera in manchester,england .... the first thought that came to mind " is there gonna be a mass suicide ? " then theafrican icon came up and im like OH ! o ya and brazil ftw :p as previously stated we got foriegnaxchange students from brazil at my school

so youve denied my Brazil winning it all this whole time and now you say that about them? wth you just said they are due to win it. see i know what im guessing about

i was thinking the same thing about the tie lookin, its so stupid. what if the final game ends in a tie? do they cut the cup in half and give a piece to both teams?

also: kemp dont use white as the font color, yellow either. im too lazy to freaking highlight everything to be able to read it.

lol i could write a whole paper on not useing yellow font on a white background , we almost had to in art class lmao

its soo annoying, leave it to a brit to use WHITE on a WHITE back ground. ffs.

i have to agree thats one of the most redundant things ive ever seen

well at the time of writing, it was the old theme, so it was white on grey, and readable. the only non readable things are like 2 team names and like 2 details of teams, nothing especially important.....

well idk what the emblems are so i had to highlight the name to see if i cared enough to read those.
and its not how important it is, its just that someone would use white on white or yellow on white that is a pet peeve of mine.

Great summary kemp! wow...im about 1/2 way through and gotta goto work...

rofl...... took me about 6 hours writeup time, amongst playing games, and checking fb, so yah, there should be quite a bit there

still.....

LOOKIN! JOIN THE FREESWEEPSTAKES!!!!!!!!!!

GO Spain they're Surely going to Win ; ), Whoever Said Spain pat yourselves on the back.