Help me pick a World Cup team to cheer for

[Mudcat]

Unfortunately, while soccer is very popular among kids in Canada, our national program sucks a monkey through 30 feet of garden hose and we are not represented in the tourney.

I'm not even so much interested in who is most likely to win, I just want someone to get behind. Any reason will do.

Would anyone care to make a case for their favorite squad?

At the moment I am leaning towards Brazil. I have always been intrigued at how they have one-name players (like Pele and Ronaldo) and they have taken it to a whole new level now with striker, Fred.

I would find it very easy to get behind a guy whose name is just Fred. I can see myself starting a whole Fred bandwagon.

However I also know that cheering for Brazil is something like cheering for the Yankees or Duke - and that goes against the grain for me - so I am open to suggestions.

[Mudcat]

Here is the full list of participants. Togo jumps out at me for some reason. Maybe I should support our Costa Rican brethren for all that country does for the gaming industry. I always wanted to go to the Galapagos Islands, so maybe Ecuador. Would it piss off Americans if I cheered for France? That might be fun.



Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden

Group C
Argentina
Côte d'Ivoire
Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands

Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal

Group E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic

Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo

Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

[BadAzz]

I traditionally cheer for Holland and Czech Republic. Holland has quirky orange colored jerseys and Czechs just play fabulous, offensive minded soccer.

You say your national program sucks - we have never been in ANY big soccer tournament. Go Finland. Jari Litmanen used to be a great player, but I guess he is about 45 years old now and if we are lucky he may be able to play 50 minutes and not get injured. Needless to say, he is still the best offensive player we got.

EDIT. Forgot to mention that we are not represented in the tournament - as if someone did not get it already...

[SBR_John]

Costa Rica baby!!!!

This is my call of the year:
In the Group A opener;
Costa Rica 2
Germany 1

By hook or by crook get your cash down on the mighty Ticos to stun the world in the opening round!

[Terris]

Well certainly not germany, or italy after the Juventus scandal
Brazil is easiest to cheer for, i think they have a 50% chance of winning the Cup again.
Other than that i like to see underdogs winning games, f.e. the african teams.

[natrass]

I always like to see the old eastern bloc countries do OK as they had such a hard time under their corrupt regimes in the past.

If you want to see beautiful football in years to come support Holland and Brazil. For some teams (ie the minnows and italy) its only the rresult thats important, these two like to play.

If you want to see brave defensive grind-outs then Serbia or the Ukraine will be your ticket.

Personally, I always hope the saudi's do badly as they shouldnt be there (they always seem to have an easy route ... a bit like -if you dont mind me saying - Mexico and the US). Whereas Australia should have been there years ago (bar playing Iran, they always get lumped with the South Americans).

It goes without saying that the whole forum will NOT be supporting the Argies until they apologise for the Malvinas debacle!!! And Maradonnas cheating. And Crespos haircuts.

[Willie Bee]

I'm cheering for a team in each group...

Group A Costa Rica
Group B England
Group C Netherlands
Group D Portugal
Group E Italy (scores points with my maw-in-law)
Group F Australia
Group G Switzerland
Group H Tunisia

[The Great One]

Might as well go to U.S.A. Always amuses me that the U.S. will compete at a high level in something like this when it is not even taken seriously in the United states.

Very few will watch or even follow it in this country, but all of the foreigners live and die for it, but we will still somewhat be in it and Americans have not a care in the world for the World Cup. In fact, most don't even know when it is happening.

[diamond]

You have to cheer for ECUADOR..cheer along with playing the great dance track of Sash called "ECCCCCCCCCCUAAAAAAAADOR"

[Terris]

cheer along with playing the great dance track of Sash called "ECCCCCCCCCCUAAAAAAAADOR"

or start listening to good music instead

[Concorde]

Costa Rica baby!!!!

This is my call of the year:
In the Group A opener;
Costa Rica 2
Germany 1

By hook or by crook get your cash down on the mighty Ticos to stun the world in the opening round!

John, the referees will make it 3 - 2 for Germany ...

[Concorde]

Who will win the World Cup of the most hottest babes?

[Stumpage]

Mudcat, I say get on the Polish bandwagon.....I'm not Polish, and though I've lived basically my whole life in Ontario, I'll be hoping that my homeland England finally brings home the Cup after 46 years...But, as to your quest, I have to say that Poland is deserving of a little celebration, in my opinion. Hell, you spend 6 wartime years with Hitler on one side of you, and Stalin on the other, and you're still around after that mess, then I believe it can be safely stated that you deserve a bloody break...

[natrass]

Might as well go to U.S.A. Always amuses me that the U.S. will compete at a high level in something like this when it is not even taken seriously in the United states.

Very few will watch or even follow it in this country, but all of the foreigners live and die for it, but we will still somewhat be in it and Americans have not a care in the world for the World Cup. In fact, most don't even know when it is happening.

I think FIFA love the US in the World Cup for the $$$s. But, as you say, its hard to see where the revenue comes from.

It may be that if even 2% of Americans watch it then the $$$s will still add up to more than, say, the whole of Iran or the Ukraine going crazy about it.

The US had a decent team though in the early '90s and while they are not as good now they will still put in a very decent show again Im sure.

[Lucas]

I traditionally cheer for ... Czech Republic...

Wow! Czech really has some fans outside. I am afraid WC will be a big disappointment for any Czech fan. They are unable to play something at WC.... offense?? The best shooter of the ligue has about 11 goals in 30 matches! And the players from outland can not form a backbone of team.
Do not bet on Czechs.
Hope I am wrong.

[BadAzz]

If Nedved is still able to move without a wheelchair, Czechs will always have a change . Even if Poborsky did cut his hair...

[Lucas]

:an_roll_l
Nedved is a mardy boy. Unfortunatelly necessary.
Poborsky: Playing second Czech league that is really good preparation for WC (but it was not probably just his fault)
Curious story:
My friend playing 4th Czech league called "Poborsky" because of the strange hair style as former real Poborsky did for real Poborsky some adjustment of his residency
The real Poborsky´s behavior was also strange. He ordered marble for walls for millions, after the panelling of the wall was done, he said: "that is bad tone of marble, get everything out and buy some new".. and his wife never answered greeting.
They have no fancy, they have no nurture, they are rednecks from village but sometimes they can play soccer and therefore they are models for young guys. I do not want to be too moralistic, but I do not like the fact.

[Mudcat]

No love for Serbia and Montenegro? What's up with that?

There are some very good ideas here. I did think about Poland but, like that dentist on Seinfeld who converts to Judaism, it would just be for the jokes. I'm not sure that's a good enough reason.

Certainly it's not as compelling as cheering for a team because I think Fred is kind of a funny name. Heh heh . . . Fred.

Willie has a good idea too. Cheer for damn near everyone.

The idea of cheering for Brazil is appealing. From what I gather, they may be the most entertaining team to watch. There is something to be said for that.

Plus there's Fred.

[isetcap]

I have property in Prague and I visit CZ regularly so I will be cheering for them although I hear Lucas loud and clear when he says they won't do well.

I just got back from my second trip to Brazil and I'm sure that any football purist would declare their team as beautiful to watch. I will be cheering for them also. I spent about 15 minutes last night with the Tivo watching Ronaldinho hammer that goal against England in 2002. This is what the English had to say about that masterpiece...

"I thought he mis-kicked the free-kick," Seaman (goalie) said afterwards.

"It was a freak goal that was a cross that ended up in the net," England captain David Beckham (intellectual mastermind) added.

[Baphomet]

If you see the history of WC's, all of the tournaments in America and I mean the continent, were won by american countries (for example USA 2004 by Brazil, or Mexico 86 by Argentina).
And all played in Europe were won by europeans, like Italy 90 and England 66 by Germany, Spain 82 by Italy, etc.

If Brazil won, I'd be very surprised.

My favorites:

Group A Germany
Group B England
Group C Argentina
Group D Mexico
Group E Czech Republic
Group F Brazil
Group G France
Group H Spain

Germany - Brazil on finals again.

[sergfro]

I'm from Argentina so i'll be cheering for them....thats about the only thing people can cheer about in Argentina..their soccer

[isetcap]

...thats about the only thing people can cheer about in Argentina..their soccer

Ahh, the beauty of the Populist rhetoric when it manifests itself through socialist "reform". Maybe Bolivia and Venezuela will enjoy the same governmental success as Argentina since they have recently elected similar politicians to ruin...ahem...run their countries.

[pjesnik24]

Well, nobody is saying anything about Croatia but we have a great team again and I would say that we have a fair chance to advance at least to the second round. However, every Croat is hoping that we will at least repeat the result from France when we where 3rd in the world!

[Curse Fire]

America baby!

[BK]

Costa Rica ALL the way!!! Just because...

[adriano]

I will cheer for Cote D'Ivoire

I have always thought an African team deserves at least once to go to a semi-final...

[Baphomet]

Soccer is not about deserving anything, it's about goals and technique.
Germany has a strong team, good goalkeepers and excellent physical condition.

African teams just like some asian teams are very fast, but they lack condition and technique. They go to the WC just because they need to fill in the spaces that Fifa stupidly decides to give them.

I'd rather watch a match like Colombia - Russia (2 countries that didn't classify) instead of watching Serbia and Montenegro against Côte d'Ivoire. = > WTF!!!

Croatia will surely make it to the second phase, maybe second one of the F Group.

Costa Rica stands no chance against Deutschland, I just hope CR not to receive more than 3 goals on the inaugural match.

[Lucas]

I have property in Prague and I visit CZ regularly so I will be cheering for them

Here is the video of You and BadAzz

http://bob-dave.cz/video-detail.php?video=budvar45#body

I thought "Bob and Dave" are only some advertisement... no no, it is reality.

[isetcap]

Here is the video of You and BadAzz

http://bob-dave.cz/video-detail.php?video=budvar45#body

I thought "Bob and Dave" are only some advertisement... no no, it is reality.

This commercial points out several things that are absolutely true in the same way that My Big Fat Greek Wedding can clue people into the Greek lifestyle.

The first thing to take from it is that Czechs drink beer like water. In fact, they drink beer more than water. I would not be surprised if many of them have not actually imbibed any water in years. CZ is the home of pilsner so I'm sure that has much to do with it. A pint of beer in a pub is less expensive than a half-liter of water and apparently it is very good beer.

The next valid point is that the women are stunningly beautiful. What they fail to mention though is that their attitudes can leave much to be desired. It's understandable though because in general, most of the guys they have to choose from are beer-guzzling model-types likes these guys in the commercial. I've never seen a place that had such a disparity between the looks of the men and women. The women are also quite promiscuous. If a girl tells you she is married then that usually only means that you might have to spend an extra half-hour talking to her about her surly disposition before you take her back to your flat and see how good a gymnast she is. Her husband will not care because it is more important for him to be drinking beer somewhere with his mates.

The final thing to take from this fine video clip is that Czechs do live in paradise. It is a gorgeous country and Prague is hands-down one of the top 5 cities in the world. Anyone who is single should go there at least once before they stop being single. It should be mandatory. Just writing this post is making me want to call my travel agent and buy some plane tickets...

[Willie Bee]

Her husband will not care because it is more important for him to be drinking beer somewhere with his mates.

I thought that was a universal thing and not just confined to the Czech Republic?

[Lucas]

The first thing to take from it is that Czechs drink beer like water. In fact, they drink beer more than water. I would not be surprised if many of them have not actually imbibed any water in years. CZ is the home of pilsner so I'm sure that has much to do with it. A pint of beer in a pub is less expensive than a half-liter of water and apparently it is very good beer.

Yes that is true. There is a big group of men that can see the beauty of the world just in beer.

The next valid point is that the women are stunningly beautiful. What they fail to mention though is that their attitudes can leave much to be desired. It's understandable though because in general, most of the guys they have to choose from are beer-guzzling model-types likes these guys in the commercial.

Absolutely.

I've never seen a place that had such a disparity between the looks of the men and women.

Have You ever been to Slovakia? More beautiful women and more ugly alcoholists there than in the CZ.

The women are also quite promiscuous. If a girl tells you she is married then that usually only means that you might have to spend an extra half-hour talking to her about her surly disposition before you take her back to your flat and see how good a gymnast she is. Her husband will not care because it is more important for him to be drinking beer somewhere with his mates.

Do not forget U are a rich and U are foreigner! That is the best aphrodisiac all over the world!
But there is something on it... few days ago my father´s friend (from pub of course) went home and saw his wife fvcking with a guy. He returned to the pub and drank and drank, then returned home and jumped out of the window. He is dead. So sometimes they care...

The final thing to take from this fine video clip is that Czechs do live in paradise. It is a gorgeous country and Prague is hands-down one of the top 5 cities in the world. Anyone who is single should go there at least once before they stop being single. It should be mandatory. Just writing this post is making me want to call my travel agent and buy some plane tickets...

That is true. I do not know anyone from outland who did not like visiting Prague. But the rest of CZ is much different (not only that South Moravien drinks wine, North spirits) and also nice. But if someone wants just cheap drinks and girls with the right amount of instant mysticism, there is no better place I guess

[natrass]

I have to say upfront i have never been to CZ.

However, isetcap, I am suprised there was no mention of haircuts in this.

Again, taken merely from a casual observance of their footballers, the Czech Republic is behind only China for having the worst male haircuts in modern civilization.

I have read there are still some remote villages there where the mullet is still the reverred as the true epitomy of style.

[Lucas]

I have to say upfront i have never been to CZ.

However, isetcap, I am suprised there was no mention of haircuts in this.

Again, taken merely from a casual observance of their footballers, the Czech Republic is behind only China for having the worst male haircuts in modern civilization.

I have read there are still some remote villages there where the mullet is still the reverred as the true epitomy of style.

It is the so called path dependency! The sportsmen esp. footballers have the same haircut from the 80´s. They are not very creative people, they can just kick a ball, so they saw their older conservative fellows and assimilated.
Jaromir Jagr changed his haircut after years in the USA.
Czech policemen and assassins have both the same haircut (different from sportsmen)!!

[Lucas]

If you go to Czech rep and see there this haircut the owner will be either policemen or assasin.

[natrass]

Jeezus ... how many assassin's are there over there?

I appreciate the way the 'artist' has even put a smirk on his face!

Here is a picture of what the World Cup will be missing this summer ...

http://www.esports.lv/forums/thread-images/fun.jpg