World Cup 2010

The World Cup 2010 is due to start in South Africa in a week's time. Everything will be come to a standstill all over the world. Couples will throttle each other's throats. Factories will operating at 60% capacity. Fans will commit suicide after losing everything they have betting on the matches. I hope you guys are feeling it, it should take precedence even over sex (ok, you can do it at half-time)

Argentina, while not odds on to win, is certainly very capable of taking the trophy. I have talked to several Argentinians the last few months, all of them have been pessimistic about their chances due their lack of faith in Maradona as a coach.

So I am here to talk with soccer fans, the sport I know you guys love passionately, that is why you all left the good ole USA to be in one of the meccas of soccer. So let's talk futbol, everyone from everywhere. I will make my pick in a few days time.

Argentina looked pretty bad several times during their qualifying run. They have so many talented players, but will not win because of Maradona. I watched two of the games right at the end when it looked like they would not qualify. People were hanging their heads in the BA airport. Paraguay looks to me to be the second best side in South America, though Chile could get some emotional pop from the recent earthquake. Another thing I have noticed is that the top half of the draw, Groups A-D, looks far easier than the bottom half. Brazil's half has more of the top teams in the world and it will be tough for anyone to come out of that half. But, England and Germany are well positioned to make it to the final. I did not think Argentina deserved to get a #1 seed. It was based on previous World Cup performances, not their qualifying the last two years.

Stinger

I agree that Paraguay is looking good. Especially in there group. I watched them beat Greece the other day in a friendly. The defence looked a little slow though.

Not exactly an original thought, or one that's going to collect a long odds, but you heard it here first. It's Brazil.

Now, if you want to make some money: One interesing bet is the USA to win their group. Last I checked, you get about 4:1 on that prospect. Given how weak the other two teams in the division are, other than the UK and the US, a bet on the US is basically a bet on the outcome of the June 2 US / UK match. Now, the US may lose, and there may be a draw (which means the group will likely come down to goal differentials) but I dare say if the US wins that opening match, they'll win the group. And they've got to be better than 4:1 to win that match.

Maradona, what piece of work. No futball expert, but the last time I checked, futball was a team sport. Maradona does not have a clue on how to manage a team and inspire a team effort. It will be every man for himself. Argentina out in the first round. Watch Brazil, they play with passion.

[QUOTE=Big Travel Guy]Not exactly an original thought, or one that's going to collect a long odds, but you heard it here first. It's Brazil.

Now, if you want to make some money: One interesing bet is the USA to win their group. Last I checked, you get about 4:1 on that prospect. Given how weak the other two teams in the division are, other than the UK and the US, a bet on the US is basically a bet on the outcome of the June 2 US / UK match. Now, the US may lose, and there may be a draw (which means the group will likely come down to goal differentials) but I dare say if the US wins that opening match, they'll win the group. And they've got to be better than 4:1 to win that match.[/QUOTE]BTG.

Its USA vs England.

UK do not have a soccer team - four countries = four teams.

If you remmeber that there will be 5 milllion Scotsmen cheering for you next week!

[QUOTE=JuanCaminante]BTG.

Its USA vs England.

UK do not have a soccer team - four countries = four teams.

If you remmeber that there will be 5 milllion Scotsmen cheering for you next week![/QUOTE]I wish I have access to legal wagering. No, I do not wish to be involve in online gambling at this time. I remember when the World Cup was held in the States in 1996, I was in Las Vegas and was too chicken to put money on the US vs Colombia match, the odds for the US as underdogs were 1 to 40.

My gut feeling is that Holland and Denmark are going to do very well, although the Dutch has a history of self destruction ala Argentina. They were both impressive in qualifying. It will be interesting to see how North Korea is going to perform, they are rated the lowest of the teams in the World Cup

Bet the frontrunners. Either Brazil or Spain. Argentina has tons of great players but some of them aren't even on the National Team due to Maradona's idiocy. Spain is loaded, and Brazil have a coach who knows what he is doing and doesn't let public opinion deter him from his plan. Brazil has a stout defense and a lethal counterattack. I'm picking Luis Fabiano as the top scorer in the WC.

I think this one is ripe for an upset from deep in the field. There is so much being bet on Spain and Brazil that its almost like the bookies know something.

Argentina has some great players but they are not playing like a team. If they were they would be favored heavily.

Argentina is 6/1 or 13/2 odds on to win. Sweet if they come through, and Maradona will attain sainthood and get to screw Christina.

Too bad it is not like the market where you can short. I would definitely short Argentina. Do you really think Maradona would screw her? They are both kind of f'ed up. Replying to others here, don't count out Slovenia in the US group. They kept Russia from qualifying. Also, until Didier Drogba broke his arm, I was picking Ivory Coast to advance ahead of Portugal, but if he can't go, there is no way that happens. I think the story of the World Cup so far is all of the injuries even before the contests start. Playing into the hands of Brazil, Spain, and England, who are relatively unscathed, are the injuries to Drogba, Ballack, Altidore, etc. As for North Korea, the only news so far on them is that when they arrived, they mistakenly listed a backup striker as a third goalie, so he can only play that position, which means he will not play. They only scored 7 goals in 8 games in the last round of qualifying against very weak opponents. They may not score 1 in South Africa, though we can't forget that unbelievable upset against Italy in 1966. No one knows much about them, but I predict they finish last.

[QUOTE=JuanCaminante]BTG.

Its USA vs England.

UK do not have a soccer team - four countries = four teams.

If you remmeber that there will be 5 milllion Scotsmen cheering for you next week![/QUOTE]SORRY! Yes, of course, and I absolutely know that. Just a case of sloppy e-mail abbreviation.

Dedicated to the mongers, who come and go.

Argentina has been a international soccer powerhouse from very early on, it's Spanish and Italian roots with a little English touch create a physical yet skillful style of game that is quite different from it's more popular and famous neighbor, Brazil and it's signature samba soccer. This rivalry, one of the most intense in the world is legendary to soccer fans.

With Boca Juniors one of the top 5 teams in the world, year after year, the Argentina football clubs make Argentina one of the world's top soccer exporting nations, it's stars are performing in almost all the major leagues in the world. Messi of Barcelona was the FIFA player of the year for 2010.

Others may differ, but I do feel that in recent years that Argentina have choked on more than a couple of occasions on the world stage. And especially when Brazil were involved, that Argentina suffers from a inferiority complex. Now, Argentina did win the Olympic Games in 2008 and beat Brazil on their way to win the gold medal. But really, who cares about soccer in the Olympic Games, the sold out crowds might say otherwise (but every sport sells out in the OG)

Let me take you back to Lima, Peru, 2004 at the Copa America (South America plus invitees) championship game between Argentina and Brazil. I still can't believe I was not there, soccer in the day and women at night! Loaded with stars, Argentina dominated a Brazil be team to lead 2-1 with seconds to go when Adriano was left open but still had to make a good shot to tie. Argentina lost on penalities and in my opinion, have never been the same since then. In 2006, playing scintillating football in the opening rounds, they allow a weak German team (but playing on home soil) to beat them, despite scoring first very early on and having momentum. Leaving young Messi on the bench was self defeating. The coach was somehow not nailed to the cross, the Argentinians somehow accepted that this was their position in the pecking order of life.

So now, struggling to qualify for 2010, their own soccer federation in disarray, pick Maradona to be their coach. Then Maradona trying to impose order, decided not pick the best team available, omitting Zenetti and Cambiossa from the Champions League winner Inter Milan. No wonder, Argentina fans are in no mood to talk soccer.

To be an Argentinian soccer fan, is to be longsuffering. And so the question, is their soccer life so different from their everyday life?

I am not sure if this article or request got it's due, but it is worth noting.

[url]http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world-cup-2010/world-cup-news/madcap-maradona-demands-snazzy-luxury-toilets-for-argentina-team-20100524-w4c2.html[/url]

The world cup is a great format for the world to relax and enjoy for the time being.

Besides the chalk picks, we like Mexico, Greece, sleepers. Some great teams and athletes are playing.

I wonder how many AP member do want Argentina to win?

[QUOTE=Master J]I am not sure if this article or request got it's due, but it is worth noting.

[url]http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world-cup-2010/world-cup-news/madcap-maradona-demands-snazzy-luxury-toilets-for-argentina-team-20100524-w4c2.html[/url]

The world cup is a great format for the world to relax and enjoy for the time being.

Besides the chalk picks, we like Mexico, Greece, sleepers. Some great teams and athletes are playing.

I wonder how many AP member do want Argentina to win?[/QUOTE]Here's one, even with Maradona, or in spite of him.

The Barras Bravas are there now also!

[url]http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100607/ap_on_sp_so_ne/soc_hooligan_hotel;_ylt=Auc50nuQ.mHhPjP3aADx3iOs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTFkM3R2bWJuBHBvcwMxODkEc2VjA2FjY29yZGlvbl9zcG9ydHMEc2xrA2FyZ2VudGluZWhvbw--[/url]

If you ever want to do something that is borderline stupid go to a Boca game and sit in the barras bravas section. I did it, once.

I find it interesting that there are probably guys staying there together that hate each other here. In the article it says that they deported a few to Angola, thats gotta suck.

[QUOTE=Master J]I wonder how many AP member do want Argentina to win?[/QUOTE]I do, just for the parties and mayhem that would follow. I lived in France during the last world cup and it was a lot of fun as they worked their way to the finals. Of course it was pretty depressing when they lost.

That said, if Uruguay, Paraguay, and / or Chile do well, I'm going to take a little trip. I'm curious to see who makes it out of the first round.

PS: I agree with all the comments about Argentina and it's illustrious coach. However, you guys seem to be overestimating the other three teams in their group. Though anything can happen in the World Cup.

Where are you guys going to watch? It's kind of early, so I'll probably head someplace in the neighborhood. Probably Cronico in Plaza Serrano.

With soccer fever rising to sizzling pitch, the arrival of the overweight and overloud American fans (the line stolen from ESPN) give rise to the fact that soccer will ultimately attain equal popularity to the other major American sports. Most important, they are OVER THERE, ticket sales indicate that Americans were the biggest buyers among countries. I could be wrong, but my take on that is that the American ticket agencies (scalpers) were the biggest buyer of tickets.

So what gives to the fact that this board, dominated by American patriots is so blase about World Cup 2010. Man, USA vs England! Does that not give you guys a hard-on. This is the Revolution War all over again, get out your muskets (not your dicks) and wave the RED, WHITE & BLUE. Stop thinking about beer, beef & and the state of your salami. That is why I could never be in the US during the tournament, the emotional stupor is just mindnumbing there.

About this time, my emotions suffer from misgivings as to why I am not there in person to enjoy the celebration. Well, poor planning is the main culprit. Therefore, I vow that I will be there in Rio de Janeiro in 2014. A swim, the game, followed by a trip to 4x4, now that is heaven.

[QUOTE=Black Shirt] Man, USA vs England! Does that not give you guys a hard-on. [/QUOTE]I, for one, do have a hard-on for this match. So when you're all watching, at El Alamo or wherever, on Saturday, just think of old BTG with his hard on, rooting with his heart, and his cash, for the US of A!

[QUOTE=Big Travel Guy]I, for one, do have a hard-on for this match. So when you're all watching, at El Alamo or wherever, on Saturday, just think of old BTG with his hard on, rooting with his heart, and his cash, for the US of A![/QUOTE]Will be rooting for the Yankees just like you. And the winnings will be put to good use, I am sure.

Have your say, who is going to win The World Cup.

Well, with less than 9 hrs to go before kickoff, we still have yet to hear from many of you, especially the know -it -all Americans. Either you are obsess with sex or you don't give a damn. It's ok, to each their own loss.

I have decided to put all my support behind Argentina. If they disappoint me, that is ok, Argentina (espeially their women) have given me many pleasurable moments and I would like see Argentina win and give them a big moment of pride on the world stage. My other sentimental choice would be Netherlands. And no surprise, Brazil and Spain, if they play to form, would be playing for Cup.

Let the festivities begin, get a couple of loads off early, so you will not have to ibe nterrupted. There will not too many breaks coming the next month.

Everytime I try to convince myself to support Argentina, I see that mellon-head Maradona on TV and I remember why I don't like them in the first place. But still, I have to say it would be nice to see them win.

My sentimental favorites are always France, Uruguay, and Mexico (all in the same group this year! Even though I'm a Yank, I always find it hard to root for the USA. Not for any political reason, I've just never liked the players or coach.

I've never understood why the US doesn't show more interest in the World Cup. It's always a lot of fun and brings people from all over the world together.

Enjoy!

Can only echo the sentiment for Maradona. The guy is a ticking time bomb. He will cause an uproar in one way or another to attract attention and Argentina will be history.

Think the match between USA and England is going to be renamed: USA vs BP.

One thing for sure, the Argies do not have any sense of humor. Tried buying a Nigerian flag to hang off the balcony, it did not go over very well.

Brazil, Brazil, Brazil.

This is a pretty fun Nike commercial that they made for World Cup.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idLG6jh23yE&feature=player_embedded[/url]

The opening day saw 2 matches that ended in ties, kind of lackluster and a little disappointing. Well, that is soccer, teams were probably nervous with so much at stake. Today is super exciting, with both Argentina and USA in action. I am on edge waiting for the matches today, so I am going to get a massage, should it be therapeutic or sensual. I can't make up my mind.

Upon further review, Argentina aint looking too bad. My mouth once again may have overloaded my ass.

[QUOTE=Damman]Upon further review, Argentina aint looking too bad. My mouth once again may have overloaded my ass.[/QUOTE]Oh, there is still plenty of time for you to be proven right.

Messi making things happen, but then always sort of off the mark. The suspect defense gave up some chances but no goals. Not what I expected (I think I was thinking 3:1 or 3:2 or something) but three points in the bank. Bring on South Korea.

[QUOTE=Big Travel Guy]Messi making things happen, but then always sort of off the mark. The suspect defense gave up some chances but no goals. Not what I expected (I think I was thinking 3:1 or 3:2 or something) but three points in the bank. Bring on South Korea.[/QUOTE]Three points is three points, but an underwhelming performance. Argentina is slow on defense and as they move on they are going to give up goals. They can't keep misfiring as they did today. Gutierrez at rightback is not going to work, IMHO, and Veron is too slow and still with his habit of bad passes in World Cups. Even though Messi didn't score he actually had to play as a striker and "point guard" today because Veron couldn't handle the responsibility. Maradona should have brought Banega and / or Aimar. He's gonna regret that I think.

Congratulations Argentina.

[QUOTE=Doggboy]Three points is three points, but an underwhelming performance. Argentina is slow on defense and as they move on they are going to give up goals. They can't keep misfiring as they did today. Gutierrez at rightback is not going to work, IMHO, and Veron is too slow and still with his habit of bad passes in World Cups. Even though Messi didn't score he actually had to play as a striker and "point guard" today because Veron couldn't handle the responsibility. Maradona should have brought Banega and / or Aimar. He's gonna regret that I think.[/QUOTE]Totally agreed with you, this team is still trying to find itself. Tevez and Higuain were non-factors, so expect Milito to come on. He had himself quite a game for Inter in the Champions League Final.

Humongous draw for the states. That keeper for England will be having nightmares about his fuck up for a long time. That said, the states played really well. They are a very disciplined squad who play with passion, but not out of control. They are far from the most talented, but on any given day they can give much more talented teams a hard time. They drew with the best team in their group, so that's a big leg up as far as getting out of group play.

Yes, the US should gain confidence from this match. Hope to see a tighter defence in the next 2 games. England look like they could score more with Rooney, Lampard & Gerrard, somehow, they did not.

[QUOTE=Black Shirt]Yes, the US should gain confidence from this match. Hope to see a tighter defence in the next 2 games. England look like they could score more with Rooney, Lampard & Gerrard, somehow, they did not.[/QUOTE]Am I the only guy that thinks almost EVERYBODY should be scoring more this World Cup? I mean, I'm not one of these American sports fans that thinks everything needs to be high scoring, but: there was talk that Uruguay has gone to a much more dynamic offense, with some real potetent strikers, but that maybe their defense was suspect: result: 0 - 0. Argentina, which we know has suspect defense, but also the most potent offensive player in the world: result 1:0. Chances galore in England / USA, but the USA needed an absolute goaltending freak disaster to even get the score to 1:1.

Greece, European champions just 6 years ago, score nothing. South Africa and Mexico don't score much.

It just seems like something is a little lackluster, offensively, all around so far. Am I wrong?

[QUOTE=Big Travel Guy]Am I the only guy that thinks almost EVERYBODY should be scoring more this World Cup? I mean, I'm not one of these American sports fans that thinks everything needs to be high scoring, but: there was talk that Uruguay has gone to a much more dynamic offense, with some real potetent strikers, but that maybe their defense was suspect: result: 0 - 0. Argentina, which we know has suspect defense, but also the most potent offensive player in the world: result 1:0. Chances galore in England / USA, but the USA needed an absolute goaltending freak disaster to even get the score to 1:1.

Greece, European champions just 6 years ago, score nothing. South Africa and Mexico don't score much.

It just seems like something is a little lackluster, offensively, all around so far. Am I wrong?[/QUOTE]It seem like many offensive players including strikers would rather pass the ball than shoot. I wish they would shoot on sight. Anything can happen on a hard driving strike, it can take a bounce off anybody in the penalty box or the goalie could make a poor parry and leave it for somebody to follow up. I don't know what the percentage of goals that come from that category, but I suppose it could be quite high.

England's Heskey & Wright-Phillips both had Howard at their mercy and shot directly into the US goalie, Howard. I guess it is not as easy as it looks. That is why the top strikers are worth mega-bucks.

[QUOTE=Big Travel Guy]Am I the only guy that thinks almost EVERYBODY should be scoring more this World Cup? I mean, I'm not one of these American sports fans that thinks everything needs to be high scoring, but: there was talk that Uruguay has gone to a much more dynamic offense, with some real potetent strikers, but that maybe their defense was suspect: result: 0 - 0. Argentina, which we know has suspect defense, but also the most potent offensive player in the world: result 1:0. Chances galore in England / USA, but the USA needed an absolute goaltending freak disaster to even get the score to 1:1.

Greece, European champions just 6 years ago, score nothing. South Africa and Mexico don't score much.

It just seems like something is a little lackluster, offensively, all around so far. Am I wrong?[/QUOTE]There's alot more emphasis on defense in the sport over the past 20 years, and that mentality gets ratcheted up another notch in the World Cup. The prevailing philosophy now is to win with defense. Even Brazil, known for playing the "beautiful game", is more focussed on defense now. They have arguably the best keeper in the world, don't worry about maintaining possession, and then kill you with quick, lethal counterattacks. You know defense is a team's priority when they leave Ronaldinho off the squad.

I rather enjoyed Argentina's style of play, and especially Messi's creativity.

I wouldn't count them out just yet. Just because they barely qualified and have a hot head as a coach shouldn't matter.

¡Nunca se sabe en Argentina!

Today's match-ups are very interesting in trying to gauge some of the serious contenders for the World Cup. Is Italy too old? Netherlands, whom I like very much, can they fulfill their destiny after years of flirting at the top? Can Japan match South Korea's success as they strive to show that Asia is finally able to match-up physically with the Western powers. Hmm, these games are really screwing up my sleep!

[QUOTE=Black Shirt]Today's match-ups are very interesting in trying to gauge some of the serious contenders for the World Cup. Is Italy too old? Netherlands, whom I like very much, can they fulfill their destiny after years of flirting at the top? Can Japan match South Korea's success as they strive to show that Asia is finally able to match-up physically with the Western powers. Hmm, these games are really screwing up my sleep![/QUOTE]Big match-up today between Paraguay and Italy. Paraguay had a lot of success in the WC qualifiers and are dangerous even with the loss of Cabanas. They also have a good coach-an argentino. I'm hoping for a quick exit for Italy. They are consistently one of the most defensive minded, boring teams. Though it's hard to argue with their history of success. I was in Little Italy in NYC in 1982 when they won the WC in Madrid. Unbelievable scene.

Now this is funny.

[url]http://trueslant.com/donovan/2010/06/14/the-sound-thats-ruining-the-world-cup-the-vuvuzela/[/url]