2010 FIFA World Cup

[Captain Nash]

The largest sporting event in the World is only a week away, and it got me wondering.
Who will you be backing, and who will lift footballs biggest trophy?
Group A
France
Mexico
South Africa
Uraguay

Group B
Argentina
Greece
Nigeria
South Korea

Group C
Algeria
England
Slovenia
USA

Group D
Australia
Germany
Ghana
Serbia

Group E
Cameroon
Denmark
Japan
Netherlands

Group F
Italy
New Zealand
Paraguay
Slovakia

Group G
Brazil
Ivory Coast
North Korea
Portugal

Group H
Chile
Honduras
Spain
Switzerland


Being an Englisman I'll be backing England all the way. But if you were a smart gambler, you'd put a bet on Spain aswell.

[Kristatos]

Yeah, England's first match is against the USA, just to cause stress in our household.

[Captain Nash]

Big blow for England with Ferdinand being ruled out.
Though it could be a blessing in disguise as the overlooked Gerrard now steps up to the captains role.

[carl stromberg]

Kristatos wrote
Yeah, England's first match is against the USA, just to cause stress in our household.

Did you put a US or an England flag on your car?


I shall be supporting England - it's nice to qualify again after missing out on the European champs.

I'm looking forward to England opening a can of whup ass on those dreadful Americans.

A small tip for England fans: if England get through to the knockout stages, put a £10 bet on their opponents to win on penalties, then if England lose on penalties you will win some cash. I did this at the last world cup and won £100 when England lost to Portugal on penalties.

[Captain Nash]

I was having a bet with my brother earlier on the outcome of the England vs USA game.
Scoreline, and who would score.
I predict a 2-1 win for England. First goal from Ashley Cole, the second Peter Crouch.
Though my crystal ball is possibly not working very well, so if I'm wrong, can I borrow the forums?

[James]

England and the US should both qualify from that group though. England in first place of course. They'd be pelted with rotten fruit on their arrival back home if they didn't make the Q/F at the very least. This World Cup is going to be played in relatively mild conditions so the European teams might do very well. Ferdinand being out is not a huge blow because he's been fairly shot lately. He isn't the player he was a few years ago.

[Captain Nash]

So we have two games already played. With some interesting results.

1-1 RSA vs Mexico
0-0 France vs Paraguay

Coming up soon....England vs USA

England, England, England.

[carl stromberg]

The French are crackers. They have that loony manager and a selection of players who run the team; they will probably fluke their way into the final.

The Amercicans are going to get a beating this evening. It will be 8-0! I think it will be 2-1 to England as Nash said, as England never keep clean sheets.

[Kristatos]

The Amercicans are going to get a beating this evening. It will be 8-0! I think it will be 2-1 to England as Nash said, as England never keep clean sheets.

You were only one short.

[Captain Nash]

Spain lose to Switzerland. France on the brink of going out in the first round. Whatever next?
I thought there'd be a little more interest for the World Cup.
Oh well, England take on Algeria later today in a must win match. Looking forward to seeing who Capello will play.

[Kristatos]

Nice to see Greece beat Nigeria. At least it is if you're of Greek descent like me.

[Dr. No]

I hear we were robbed!! There was no US foul in the replay

Ok so I don't follow soccer, last I paid attention that girl was ripping her top off at the Olympics and that was back aways but it annoys the hell out of me when a bad call ruins a game! Annoys me as much as oil ruing our once pristine shores

[carl stromberg]

England were awful against Algeria, one of the worst England games ever. The manager is paid £6 million for selecting that awful team. I could do a better job.

There must be something going on behind the scenes.

The Swiss beating the Spanish was a shock. And I think Greece's win was their first ever in the world cup!

[Captain Nash]

Harry Kewell obviously doesn't know the one about placing your hands behind your back, when defending in the box.
Had to be a red card under the circumstances. No matter how much Aussies protest.
And yes, England were at the worst I've seen them. Hopefully Capello isn't so stupid as to do nothing about it going into the Slovenia match mid week.
Either change the opening line-up or change the formation. 4-3-4 maybe?
Leave Rooney on the bench for the first 45mins, get him all fired up and then let him go. If he doesn't perform then, he's not going to.

[carl stromberg]

Those Frenchies are mad.

The Aussies and Kiwis are quite physical and defensive.

I think England will win 3-0 against Slovenia. If they do not win I'll be at Heathrow airport to greet them with some rotten eggs and fruit.

[carl stromberg]

England are through (with the US). But we have got the Germans......

[Captain Nash]

The little Fokkers are sure to put up a good fight.
Though going into the last sixteen England will know they have no more chances. Just like everyone else.
England played much, much better yesterday. The possesion, the passing, the whole thing. I see no reason why they can't take it further.
Germany are a good side, but I've not seem them do anything that suggests that England can't beat them. We've done it before (several times), and we can do it again.

[Capt. Sir Dominic Flandry]

The little Fokkers are sure to put up a good fight.
Though going into the last sixteen England will know they have no more chances. Just like everyone else.
England played much, much better yesterday. The possesion, the passing, the whole thing. I see no reason why they can't take it further.
Germany are a good side, but I've not seem them do anything that suggests that England can't beat them. We've done it before (several times), and we can do it again.

We need a repeat of this match:




Then bring on the Argentines.

[The Sweeney]

Italy are out!!

I'm actually looking at this difficult run-in as something positive. The only time England ever do turn it on is when they are facing a big team, and England become the slight underdogs, or if its one of the teams with a grudge to settle (Germany, Croatia, Argentina, etc.)

So the fact that they are facing Germany then probably Argentina, two of our greatest foes, at least England will be at the top of their game. I hate it when we play the lesser teams, because England usually play crap too.

And we've beaten both these teams the last time we faced them in a competition -

Germany - Euro 2002, and the World Cup qualifier in 2001 (infamous 5-1)
Argentina - World Cup 2002.

Bring on the Gerries!!!!!!!!!!

[Capt. Sir Dominic Flandry]

Don't mention the war! I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.