World Cup Draw

[Kid Frost]

Well I really wish mexico or portugak could take it but they wont cause either brazil( Ronaldiho, Ronaldo, Adriano) england( Rooney,Owen Beckham) but still Thierry henry is goin to play for france

 

[Shiny Meganium]

My prediction:

Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador
Germany will be top of the group, followed by Ecuador, who are very underrated.


Group E
Italy
Ghana
United States
Czech Republic
Tough group. Italy will win it with Czech Republic in second. <------I agree


Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Sweden
I think it's a reasonably difficult group. England come through with either Paraguay or Sweden.


Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan
Brazil will take this one with Japan in second.


Group C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro
Netherlands
Argentina wins this one with the Netherlands in second. No chance for the others.


Group G
France
Switzerland
South Korea
Togo
France first, S.Korea second.

Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal
It will be between Mexico and Portugal, but Portugal will win this group.

Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia
Spain and Ukraine will advance. Tunisia may be reckoned with though.


I reckon the final will be Brazil v. The Netherlands

 

[Lust]

Well I really wish mexico or portugak could take it but they wont cause either brazil( Ronaldiho, Ronaldo, Adriano) england( Rooney,Owen Beckham) but still Thierry henry is goin to play for france

There's no way Portugal and Mexico will both make it to the final. Portugal just isn't that good. I think that Mexico has a pretty good chance of getting far, but not to the championship game.

If Mexico were to get to the final then there would be a pretty good chance that we would win. We've beat Brazil 3 out of the last 4 times that we've played them.

 

[Dawson]

As I said, it's stupid to assume that Brazil going to the final is a full gone conclusion. They're gonna have a tough challenge progressing so far this time around. Just try working out who they'll face after the group stages. They'll face either Italy or Czech Republic in the second round of the World Cup, depending on who wins that group. Then they'll have to face the winner of the Spain vs France/South Korea match in the quarter finals. After that, it'll be either England or Argentina in the semi final. So they'll have to beat most of the so called "favourites" just to get to the final, it's not gonna be a walk in the park so stop expecting to be.

Also, it's pretty much logically impossible for Brazil to face any of those, or most of the other teams mentioned on here in the final since that's not the way the teams were drawn into their groups. I still say Netherlands will be in the final since their path to the final (Mexico/Portugal, Germany/Sweden, Czech Republic) is still difficult but they're better than all of those teams.

And after working it out, I'm even more certain that it'll be England, Brazil, Czech Republic and the Netherlands in the quarter final, as it's more likely than any other outcome.

England's likely opponents - Poland, Argentina, Brazil. We have probably the easiest second round draw where we'll destroy them thus boosting our confidence for Argentina, who we've beaten the last two times we've played them (once in the last World Cup), and I still believe Brazil are waaay over hyped by you guys.

 

[Dragonite Tamer]

Brasil are probably going to win but GO GERMANY!!!

 

[Intuition]

Well, Holland has a pretty good team too. I think they (we) have a good chance of winning this year ;).

 

[Lucifer.]

Old thread, but I've only just stumbled across it and it's not as though the topic at hand is over and done with. The WC isn't for another 4 months.

Anyway, if you think England are overrated then you don't know much about football. All bias aside, we have an incredibly strong team capable of beating just about anybody on our day. Rio Ferdinand and John Terry are two or the world's best centrebacks, Frank Lampard has one of the most lethal shots in the game, Steven Gerrard is the most well-rounded midfielder in world football, David Beckham is by far and away the greatest passer of the ball and Wayne Rooney has unsurpassed technical ability for someone of his age. The only thing we lack is a powerful, old-fashioned English centreforward like Alan Shearer. I'm hoping Dean Ashton will earn a call-up and provide us with that missing link, though.

Brazil tend not to do so well in European-based tournaments. When all's said and done Argentina will probably fair better than them because they're a stronger defensive outfit.

Holland are an outside bet. As are Germany purely for the fact that they're the hosts. In terms of quality they're not even worthy of being top seeds.

Here's how I predict the groups will finish:

Group A
Germany
Poland
Costa Rica
Ecuador

Not as clear-cut as you may think. Like I said Germany aren't a nation to be scared of anymore. They just have home advantage. I wouldn't rule out Poland topping the group.

Group E
Italy
Czech Republic
United States
Ghana

If Italy are on their game they can win the tournament. The USA could just pip the Czechs if they play their cards right. Not as impossible for them as you may think.

Group B
England
Sweden
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago

We've had trouble with Sweden in the past. If we both win our other two games (as I expect we will), then I wouldn't bet against Sweden either having a better goal average or beating us in the final game.

Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

Brazil top. Nothing for them to fear here. Croatia aren't that great so Australia have a chance. Lots of Premiership players in their squad after all.

Group C
Argentina
Netherlands
Serbia & Montenegro
Ivory Coast

The Serbs are underrated. Might cause an upset for Holland.

Group G
France
South Korea
Switzerland
Togo

France...aren't anything special, even with Zidane back in their ranks. Henry generally isn't that good at international level. This is a pretty dull group but I hope Togo do well. :D

Group D
Portugal
Mexico
Iran
Angola

Pretty obvious outcome but Iran are supposed to be surprisingly good. I don't expect either Portugal or Mexico to go far, though.

Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

Spain are even worse at under-achieving than England are. They'll win the group though. Ukraine are the dark horses of this tournament.

At the end of the day I expect Brazil will win it. I don't think this is the strongest Brazilian side I've seen but they have offensive players who'll scare the life out of any defender. They leave massive gaps at the back but when you've got a frontline of Ronaldinho, Kaka, Ronaldo and Adriano I don't think you particularly care.

 

[Maverick]

Old thread, but I've only just stumbled across it and it's not as though the topic at hand is over and done with. The WC isn't for another 4 months.

Anyway, if you think England are overrated then you don't know much about football. All bias aside, we have an incredibly strong team capable of beating just about anybody on our day. Rio Ferdinand and John Terry are two or the world's best centrebacks, Frank Lampard has one of the most lethal shots in the game, Steven Gerrard is the most well-rounded midfielder in world football, David Beckham is by far and away the greatest passer of the ball and Wayne Rooney has unsurpassed technical ability for someone of his age. The only thing we lack is a powerful, old-fashioned English centreforward like Alan Shearer. I'm hoping Dean Ashton will earn a call-up and provide us with that missing link, though.

Dean Ashton isn't international class yet, in my opinion. I'd rather see Bent or Defoe given a go alongside Rooney, though Owen would still be my ideal choice providing he's fully fit by then. But please, anybody but Peter "Beanpole" Crouch.

I'm going for England to win it, just for the fact that they're my home country. But I do believe we can beat anybody. As you say, Brazil are very top heavy and leave themselves exposed at the back, it only takes one decent chance for the opposition for them to be punished at this level. Anything's possible, they may even find themselves getting beat by an underdog.

 

[Lucifer.]

Dean Ashton isn't international class yet, in my opinion. I'd rather see Bent or Defoe given a go alongside Rooney, though Owen would still be my ideal choice providing he's fully fit by then. But please, anybody but Peter "Beanpole" Crouch.

The trouble with Darren Bent is that he's not a "powerhouse" centreforward. He's got strength and he's decent in the air, but his pace is his main weapon and we're already bringing Owen, Rooney and Defoe who are also quick. Rooney's strength is incredible but he's a player who likes to get around the pitch, not stand around up front.

Ashton lacks experience, yeah. But he made the jump from Championship to Premiership incredibly well last season, and if he does it again with West Ham over the next couple of months there's a good few friendlies that Sven can try him out in. But yes anything is better than Peter Crouch. What is the point in being that tall and not being able to put away the simplest of headed chances.

The trouble with Brazil is that yeah, they're weak at the back. But for every goal you score they're likely to grab three :D. I'm not sure whether the draw allows it, but it'd be great if Argentina could knock them out for us. I'd fancy our chances against the Argies after our recent not-so-friendly victory.

 

[Kid Frost]

So people what players should we look out for, i think

Christiano Ronaldo From Portugal is one

 

[Maverick]

The trouble with Darren Bent is that he's not a "powerhouse" centreforward. He's got strength and he's decent in the air, but his pace is his main weapon and we're already bringing Owen, Rooney and Defoe who are also quick. Rooney's strength is incredible but he's a player who likes to get around the pitch, not stand around up front.

Ashton lacks experience, yeah. But he made the jump from Championship to Premiership incredibly well last season, and if he does it again with West Ham over the next couple of months there's a good few friendlies that Sven can try him out in. But yes anything is better than Peter Crouch. What is the point in being that tall and not being able to put away the simplest of headed chances.

The trouble with Brazil is that yeah, they're weak at the back. But for every goal you score they're likely to grab three :D. I'm not sure whether the draw allows it, but it'd be great if Argentina could knock them out for us. I'd fancy our chances against the Argies after our recent not-so-friendly victory.

Do we really need a "powerhouse" though? I think two forwards with incredible pace and skill will be just as effective. With the style that England plays, it's not like we really need a tall, strong forward anyway, since the majority of our chances come from balls played to the feet.

Ashton was great, from what the games he actually played last season. But they say the second season is always the hardest for a player so it's best to judge him after his second season. And you know what Sven is like, he never uses players properly. Look how he shoved Andy Johnson on the right wing last year. He'd probably end up putting Ashton as left back.

Unfortunately, it looks like we'll have to play Argentina ourselves in the quarter final, and Brazil in the semi's. Such is our luck.

 

[Alex The Great Master]

Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador
Germany for sure. I mean, they are locals!

Group E
Italy
Ghana
United States
Czech Republic
According to Pure, I was banned because I said Ghana sucks cuz it is in Africa. I mean, can't I talk about football? Italy will win. United States sucks at football, sorry.

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Sweden
England will win, Sweden second. No chance for Paraguay or Trinidad.

Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan
Brazil again. Can't they ever give a chance to other teams?

Group C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro
Netherlands
Bad luck again! You Brazilian cheaters, thinking we will lose against an African team. Argentina wins, Netherlands second. I hope, since our team manager sucks (WE LOST AGAINST ENGLAND IN DA LAST MINUTE!), and everyone is scared of Serbia and Cote d' Ivoire.

Group G
France
Switzerland
South Korea
Togo
This team is unpredictable, with so much surprises last time.

Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal
Portugal first, Mexico second. However, Mexico usually sucks at football compared to Europe and South America.

Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia
Spain first for sure. Not that all of Real Madrid and Barcelona players are Spanish...

And England is NOT overated (unfortunately), they got Beckham and Owen. Of course, the English guys were lucky last time (yes, Pekerman sure sucks at managing a soccer team, not to mention Bielsa). USA again, doesn't care about football, American football and baseball are more popular despite they're the only country that plays those sports. The final will be Brasil vs. Germany. I won't try to say who will win.

 

[Lust]

Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal
Portugal first, Mexico second. However, Mexico usually sucks at football compared to Europe and South America.

Oh, really? When was the last time your dirty Argentinian team beat Brazil? When was the last time they beat Germany? The last time Mexico and Argentina played, Mexico dominated, but Argentina won. Argentina hurt a lot of our players that game too. If they meet in the World Cup Mexico will win by two goals.

 

[Alex The Great Master]

When was the last time your dirty Argentinian team beat Brazil?

Last year. Brazil won the rematch to that match, though. And even if Mexico beats Argentina, they can't get a chance to go to the finals. And did you notice that no Mexican teams won the Copa Libertadores lately? Boca Juniors did, and they even won agaisnt European teams. Mexico can't ever beat Real Madrid or Milan.

 

[Lust]

And did you notice that no Mexican teams won the Copa Libertadores lately? Boca Juniors did, and they even won agaisnt European teams. Mexico can't ever beat Real Madrid or Milan.

This is only the third or fourth year that Mexican teams have been allowed to be in the Copa Libertadores. Pumas got to the final the first time they played and Chivas is kicking butt this year. Watch out.

Also, the reason why we can't beat teams like Real Madrid or Milan is because we don't play them. Real Madrid played Pumas last year, I think, and Pumas won.

And even if Mexico beats Argentina, they can't get a chance to go to the finals.

Maybe, but it would still like to see my "sucky" Mexican team beat your Argentinian team. Wouldn't that mean your that your Argentinian team really sucks? If they lost to a country that sucks at football according to you.

 

[Maverick]

I'll settle this...they equally suck. Now you can quit *****ing. Mexico don't suck though. They, like several other nations, are quite the underachievers. Argentina don't suck either, unfortunately. England have just happened to be the best team when we've played the last 3 times, they just had luck on their side at France '98 :D

 

[Lucifer.]

Do we really need a "powerhouse" though? I think two forwards with incredible pace and skill will be just as effective. With the style that England plays, it's not like we really need a tall, strong forward anyway, since the majority of our chances come from balls played to the feet.

I think so, yeah. Beckham is the greatest crosser of the ball in the world, yet he has nobody capable of getting onto the end of them unless the marking's incredibly poor. Good, well-organised defences like Italy and Argentina won't consider Owen or Rooney a serious threat in the air.

Wel, maybe Argentina isn't such a great example all things considered :D But they'll be a tougher outfit in the actual tournament. You can be sure of that.

I don't think Ashton should be in the starting line-up. No way. Owen and Rooney are a good partnership. I just think we need that option on the bench and somehow I don't think Peter Crouch is the man for the job. x|

Not that all of Real Madrid and Barcelona players are Spanish...

A large portion of the Spanish team plays their football in costa del Liverpool. Quite a contrast to sunny Spain. :p

Madrid aren't actually that good. Their best players are old and fast running out of steam. Ronaldo just isn't on form (criminally he'll still make the Brazilian starting line-up) and their defence is in disarray. They play Arsenal in the Champions League in a couple of weeks time, and if the Gunners themselves weren't also struggling I'd predict a complete annihilation.

 

[Ryoutarou]

Seeing as this thread was posted in after it's close date, I'm gonna lock it. You can just start a new one if you want, keep it civil though, or that one will get locked.