After all the surprise upsets at the last world cup with most of the big names going out early I think we can expect a lot of cautious play during the group stages in the forthcoming cup.
In '02 Argentina, Portugal, and France were all knocked out in the groups, and Italia were knocked out by *COUGH COUGH COUGH COUGH* South Korea (!) in the second round. To say that Italy have the best defense in the world is absolute nonsense.
Originally posted by timebombtedI certainly haven't forgotten the Ashes - mind you, it was about time England won. 16 years of dominance by the Aussies and it got pretty boring really. Not fun to lose but oh well.. Next series here will be the test for the English! It was a terrific series though! :-)
The Ashes numb nuts, how soon you forget........
Cabinet looking very empty these days!
Good to see you got rid of Eddie though..... Gregan next then the Wallabies can seriously rebuild and maybe give us a decent game again :0)
Cabinet is looking empty indeed - not to worry though - given that over the past 20 years or so, we've had more than our fair share of success - Cricket World Cups, Rugby World Cup, Davis Cup.. etc to name just a few - so no complaints for an empty trophy cabinet here!
Doesn't look like the Wallabies could even give the North Pole 3rds any competition - they suck! The future of Australian rubgy is looking rather glum - as for soccer (football) - well, noone here really cares enough to worry about how they go. Still, it's still fun to have a team to follow. 🙂
Originally posted by Dr StrangeloveCertain? As it was mentioned, The Aussies beat England at football a couple of years ago - so it's not certain. Just goes to show that you can't always win.
Err didn't they win a cricket Test series against the Aussies just recently?
Called the Ashes wasn't it?
One thing is certain - England will never lose to Australia at football.
[unless, of course, we let them win]
And noone EVER let's anyone win - just doesn't happen. I'm sure you know that 😉
Originally posted by Dr StrangeloveEngland beating Argentina was an irrelevant friendly, so let's not get carried away.
[b]Football is the real name of it. 😏
What makes you think England will struggle?
They just beat the second favourites [Argentina]
I fancy England to do well - even win it.[/b]
My predicition in the last World Cup, the 4 semifinalists would be France, Italy, Portugal and Argentina. Only Italy made it into the 2nd round. Which just goes to show that it's pretty dangerous making prediction this early into the campaign....
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Originally posted by VargTo be honest, they shouldn't be able to lose that group if they tried to. They were unconvincing away against Wales, and lost to Northern Ireland.
I was responding to the guy that I quoted - that England struggled in the qualifying.
I'd like to see them do well, as I dont want them ending up like Spain, being a big team who never perform. On that point, I can see Spain pulling out a big performance this time around for some reason. I'd love to see Holland win it though.
Originally posted by sasquatch672I don't think either USA or mexico should have a top seeded team. They certainly do not deserve their top 10 rankings. Of course the bottom pool is weak, it is filled with the teams who have performed well and probably above themselves to get there. Japan are no mugs however, and I fancy they could progress if they get Mexico's group.
Is anybody else pumped for Friday's draw? My country (the US) totally got hosed. Mexico a seeded team when the US handed them their ass in qualifying? (I understand how it happened. Don't talk to me about formulas.) You also know that Germany will be handed an easy group. I don't think the US will wind up in either group A or F - they're not a ...[text shortened]... m benefit from their status as hosts?
Look forward to an interesting and partisan discussion!
Far too many Eurasian teams? Funny you say this then complain about the weakness of the bottom pool (containing American, African, and Asian teams). If there were more European teams in there, it would be a lot stronger, but then the small teams wouldn't get the chance to shine.
Maybe we should have World Qualifying Stages, with teams drawn against others from anywhere in the world, with teams being seeded. Be funny to see the Americans moaning when they come 3rd or 4th in one of those groups.
Originally posted by sasquatch672I hope Scotland draws an easy list...
Is anybody else pumped for Friday's draw? My country (the US) totally got hosed. Mexico a seeded team when the US handed them their ass in qualifying? (I understand how it happened. Don't talk to me about formulas.) You also know that Germany will be handed an easy group. I don't think the US will wind up in either group A or F - they're not a ...[text shortened]... m benefit from their status as hosts?
Look forward to an interesting and partisan discussion!
*Bursts out in tears*
Originally posted by welsharnieIf the qualifying for the cup was run on teams from across the world the world cup would end up consisting entirely of Europe and South America, that's why we do it by continent.
Maybe we should have World Qualifying Stages, with teams drawn against others from anywhere in the world, with teams being seeded. Be funny to see the Americans moaning when they come 3rd or 4th in one of those groups.