I know it is not to all tastes, but I and a few others may wish to discuss the events of the world cup as they take place over the coming 5 weeks or so.

Its eight days away now and I must admit that I am undergoing the usual emotional regression to that childlike state of excited anticipation - again!...it happens every four years.

As far as forecasting the eventual winner...c'mon, we must all nail our colours to the mast before the tournament...it will make it that bit more interesting...I'll say Argentina.

I know it runs contrary to the unwritten rule that South American or European sides may not win the World Cup when held outside of their continents, but I will make this act of faith and opt for Argentina winning on German soil. I think that they will...

Teams I also like....England have a strong squad, with or without Rooney. Beckham's crosses in the friendly against Hungary were astonishingly accurate - I dont like him as a player but no other side has a wide midfielder who can deliver such troubling ball from wide positions...

The French and Brazilians will be formidable, of course. The Czechs are a handful, though Smicer is out. Serbia (and Montenegro - for the last time?) will provide a few shocks, as will Ukraine, the US, the Swiss (though few will forecast this - watch!). I expect Spain and Portugal to under-perform, as usual, though they have quality squads. England, will, of course, do the same, in the latter stages...

Italy and the Dutch will struggle through on mere talent...but they will have little else, though Van Basten is taking a tough line with his petulant players, and this may stand for them.

Of the rest...the Ivory Coast will disrupt someone, as may Paraguay, Iran, Japan, Korea...

So its the Argies for me...(or the Czechs, Brazil, England, Italy!.....)

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"A man's work is nothing but this slow trek to rediscover, through the detours of art, those two or three great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened."

I know it was bad luck of the draw and all, but #5 ranking in that bracket is pretty tough. Although I'm sure they're overrated at 5. Last time they made it into the next round and lost 1-0 to eventual champs Germany, a similar type run would be a great success. But I suspect they won't advance this year unless they can upset Italy or the Czechs. Not that I'll be watching much of it, I can watch the last 30-60 minutes before my attention wanders elsewhere.

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All you need to know about the energy crisis:
ANWR Exploration Republicans: 91% Supported. Democrats: 86% Opposed.
Coal-to-liquid R's: 90% YES. D's: 78% NO.
Oil Shale Exploration R's: 90% YES. D's: 86% NO.
Outer Continental Shelf Exploration R's: 81% YES. D's: 83% NO.
Increased Refinery Capacity R's: 97% YES. D's: 96% NO

SUMMARY: 91% of House Republicans have historically voted to increase the production of America’s own oil and gas. 86% of House Democrats have historically voted against.

..but there are fitness worries for Renya and McBride, two of the top players. Otherwise more than capable of upsetting either Italy or Czech republic (on a given day)...

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"A man's work is nothing but this slow trek to rediscover, through the detours of art, those two or three great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened."

My bet is Brazil. The only thing that can stop the 'Magic Quartet' is Parreira being too conservative. If he just lets them do their stuff, they'll wipe the floor with everyone they meet.

As for England, yet again we have the potential to win it, but we wont. Rooney's probably going to be out (unless the F.A make him come back to early and f**k him up good) for the early stages if not the entire competition. Gerrard is the best bet to replace him, but that will require a holding player, and since Sven refuses to give the best player in that position a proper shot at it (Carrick) I can imagine England falling apart completely after the group stages.

I think the Hungary game showed that without Rooney, Sven's 'tactics' will isolate Owen and Gerrard and force us to rely on set pieces. Beckham's right foot (nice to see he hasn't lost that talent) and Terry's head will provide most of the goals. The game also showed that Crouch can't dance, and Sven still insist on playing Hargreaves for some completely inexplicable reason. For the love of God man, he's crap!!!!!

Ahhhh, I never tire of a football rant...

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It's the difference between suicide and slow capitulation... - Jim Morrison

Although I last read the thought is it won't hamper him too much. Hopefully. Assuming the US doesn't make it I'll be pulling for England. Italy third.

__________________
All you need to know about the energy crisis:
ANWR Exploration Republicans: 91% Supported. Democrats: 86% Opposed.
Coal-to-liquid R's: 90% YES. D's: 78% NO.
Oil Shale Exploration R's: 90% YES. D's: 86% NO.
Outer Continental Shelf Exploration R's: 81% YES. D's: 83% NO.
Increased Refinery Capacity R's: 97% YES. D's: 96% NO

SUMMARY: 91% of House Republicans have historically voted to increase the production of America’s own oil and gas. 86% of House Democrats have historically voted against.

True, Rebellion...I too would be delighted if England would win the World Cup.

Oh, no...but then we would have to listen their f*cking commentators for the next forty years, going on and on and on....

and on and on and on and on and on... (c'mon the ARGIES!).

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"A man's work is nothing but this slow trek to rediscover, through the detours of art, those two or three great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened."

Saw Rooney at training today (on the news); things are looking up! I think he will play at some stage, but they would be wise to hold him until after the first round...

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"A man's work is nothing but this slow trek to rediscover, through the detours of art, those two or three great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened."

Id be happy to see England crash and burn as usual.
Think the USA are a wee bit overrated by Fifa but the group there in isn't as bad as some of the others.

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"Better to die on you feet than live on your knees" - Emilio Zapata

Israelis allways enjoyed free world cup,but now a big cooperation bought the rights to the world-cup's broadcasting,and demands 150$ from each person to view the games. This is absord. So,the site ONE have started a combat against the cooperation,and now,while the Charlton(the cooperation) company expected a turn-out of at least a few hundred thousands. But because of this provocative move by them.soccer fans(which Israel has in plenty,most wanted sport) decided not to buy(almost all of them can)(including me),and only 9000 people purchased this package. While Charlton expected a flow of hundreds of million of dollars,they are now in losses and are being sued. GOOD LUCK. I'm watching the world-cup in a bar next to my house.Go Brazil!

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To be free people,in our own land,the land of Zion and Jeruaslem

Good matches so far.
I exclude Porugal from that!
Though the poor Ivory Coast, (*)(*)(*)(*) Argentina!

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"Better to die on you feet than live on your knees" - Emilio Zapata