World Cup thoughts....as a forum let's hear some views

[JOHON8]

It's amazing how underrated Brazil are in this forum. Did anyone watch the confederations cup where they came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the final... not to mention how well they played as a team the entire tournament? Anyone watch the warm ups where they scored THE BEST team made goal vs Ireland? South American Cup etc... Brazil and Spain are the teams to beat in this tournament. For a team to beat either of these 2 they need to have some kind of counter strategy, because they will be dominated the entire game regardless of whether they win or lose.

Anyways, the biggest underdog has to be South Africa. I said this before, they had massive results vs Brazil and Spain last summer and can keep a game tight vs anyone. Not to mention they have the former Brazillian coach right now preparing them.

[Dark Horse]

The Confederations Cup? Friendly games?

You're talking about NBA preseason versus the playoffs.

[nasaki]

the safe bet would be brazil again

[Tommy_de1st]

and dont forget bout Argentina: Messi and Tevez upfront

[theplagy]

South Korea to advance @ +257

1 L vs Arg and 1 W and 1 D against Greece and Nigeria.

[Wilforth]

BTW, you folks shouldn't forget to go OVER in all games involving Nigeria. Their defense is rubbish.

[Ian]

The World Cup strikes me as the sort of event that will attract a lot of homers betting on their country's team. What are people's thoughts on this, and what do you think will be the most public teams?...

Without knowing very much at all about soccer, I suspect team USA will be overvalued for the above reason and might be worth fading.

[Wilforth]

The World Cup strikes me as the sort of event that will attract a lot of homers betting on their country's team. What are people's thoughts on this, and what do you think will be the most public teams?...

Without knowing very much at all about soccer, I suspect team USA will be overvalued for the above reason and might be worth fading.

That's definitely true. I won't be surprised if USA are installed a favorite over Slovenia. Of course, if that happens, you should know what to do.

[Goat Milk]

It's amazing how underrated Brazil are in this forum. Did anyone watch the confederations cup where they came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the final... not to mention how well they played as a team the entire tournament? Anyone watch the warm ups where they scored THE BEST team made goal vs Ireland? South American Cup etc... Brazil and Spain are the teams to beat in this tournament. For a team to beat either of these 2 they need to have some kind of counter strategy, because they will be dominated the entire game regardless of whether they win or lose.

Anyways, the biggest underdog has to be South Africa. I said this before, they had massive results vs Brazil and Spain last summer and can keep a game tight vs anyone. Not to mention they have the former Brazillian coach right now preparing them.

Came back to win 3-2 against who? THE USA? Not much of an accomplishment there. I guarantee Brazil won't get passed the third round, that is, if they continue to decide to neglect Ronaldhino. Brazil is trying to replace veteran leadership and player that has more world cup experience than anyone else on the team and sill a top 15 player in the world in my opinion with the next young gun. This mentality ultimately leads to failures in winning championships.

Argentina is being way overrated. Does anyone know if Requelme is even going to play? Everyone is hopping on them just because they have messi. You can't win a championship without at least 1 great midfielder. Don't say Veron is a great mid, he blows.

[SoV]

The USA are favourites to progress over Slovakia. Will have a bit of dabble on Slovakia to qualify from their group.

[Wilforth]

I guarantee Brazil won't get passed the third round, that is, if they continue to decide to neglect Ronaldhino. Brazil is trying to replace veteran leadership and player that has more world cup experience than anyone else on the team and sill a top 15 player in the world in my opinion with the next young gun. This mentality ultimately leads to failures in winning championships.

Ronaldinho's continued exclusion from the Brazilian team is inexplicable.

[Socrates]

Anyone in on group winner predictions? I'm going to bet on Mexico winning group A.

Mexico won the group of death back in 1994, and won the group in 2002. They tend to play European sides very well during group stages; Italy in 94 (tie), Holland in 98 (tie), Italy in 2002 (tie). Portugal the exception in 2006, losing 2 to 1.

The coach in 2002 that won the group was none other then Javier Aguirre, who just so happens to be the current Mexican coach. He's a fantastic coach and the team has been in great rythm since he took over the reigns of what had been left by Sven Goran Eriksson.

Mexico handle Uruguay fairly well, they've had great performances against the Uruguayos for some time now in Copa America. France seem to be stagnate, not much else to say other then the fact that they have a horrible coach. South Africa is the only team that gives me worries as it's the home opener and Mexico generally doesn't do to well against African sides, but...this South Africa team is just awful, so a strong Mexico side should beat them, and that's what i'm banking on, literally.

Take all of this as you wish, and feel free to add anything I might have missed.

[lakerboy]

BTW, you folks shouldn't forget to go OVER in all games involving Nigeria. Their defense is rubbish.

yes african teams play little defense.

[rfr3sh]

argentina should be a joy to watch
of course, im rooting for england to win it all, its our year!

[lakerboy]

argentina should be a joy to watch
of course, im rooting for england to win it all, its our year!

are you from england?

[rfr3sh]

are you from england?

born in england, live in canada

[lakerboy]

born in england, live in canada

oh i see. lots of those folks here in ontario- ready for the penalty shoot out exit

[rfr3sh]

oh i see. lots of those folks here in ontario- ready for the penalty shoot out exit

yeah, am also in Ontario , have to places to live, one at uni one at home
and i dont think that will happen this year
england will be in the finals !

[Goat Milk]

yeah, am also in Ontario , have to places to live, one at uni one at home
and i dont think that will happen this year
england will be in the finals !

very likely.

[samus82]

I won a lot of money during the Confed cup by betting on Spain with goal handicaps. I hope to achieve the same feat this summer.

[JRLM8]

The underage prostitute that Ribery slept with:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/22/zahia-dehar-pictures-phot_n_548613.html

Mexico to win Group A is looking tempting now.

[Smogs]

The underage prostitute that Ribery slept with:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/22/zahia-dehar-pictures-phot_n_548613.html

Mexico to win Group A is looking tempting now.

I don't think it will have any impact, you have to remember that Malouda is playing better than Ribery at the moment - imo of course

And how big are her

18....my god

[Jimmy0607]

Mexico to win group A?

[JRLM8]

France squeaked in to say the least. France's last win over a World Cup-bound team was in 2008. This isn't a terribly confident group on the international stage, and if their star is facing jail time, I would imagine this is the straw that broke the camel's back. That plus they set up their training camp at sea level and 2 out of their 3 games are at elevation.

And Mexico is the best of the other three. Uruguay survived in the play-off against Costa Rica. Mexico crushed Costa Rica, 3-0, in one of the last World Cup qualifiers. Mexico won their group in 2002 with Italy, Croatia, and Ecuador. Don't see why they couldn't repeat this accomplishment.

[Jimmy0607]

For the last time , QUALIFIERS DONT MEAN ANYTHING!!!!!!

[JRLM8]

Really? In a do or die situation for both teams in both games, there is no value in a common opponent and results?

Then you are just basing your decision on paper and not how they perform on the field.

Mexico is higher than Uruguay in FIFA rankings, Elo ratings, and the World Cup seeding formula.

I don't see why they wouldn't be a good pick considering their previous experience at World Cups and in a wide-open group.

And I hate Mexico. I just think this is a good spot for them.

[Domer]

i dont care how square it is, but i am betting on the united states in every game. not doing so would simply be un-american.

[Jimmy0607]

Who does Mexico and the US play in world cup qualifiers?

[skrtelfan]

Most important things to remember are that when betting longer shots you often get better odds betting individual games than betting a team to win their group or win the World Cup or whatever. Also, if you are going to bet one of these "to win the group" or "to win the World Cup" props, make sure you have a lot of outs and shop around because some books really screw you on the vig there.

[xGrr]

weather and the stadium position matters a lot in this world cup and will factor in some important games, i am still waiting to see the rosters before i do anything personally

[Socrates]

Mexico to win group A?

Think objectively for a second. I know you're a Forlan fan boy and all, but Uruguay isn't going to stop Mexico. Mexico have taken Uruguay out now twice in Copa America, don't see why they can't do the same in the World Cup.

Also, France isn't playing well. Their coach is that bad. South Africa is the only X factor, mainly because it's the opener and Mexico has had a history of struggling against African sides.

Mexico
France/South Africa
Uruguay

Still can't decide which of the two will finish second.

[Socrates]

Who does Mexico and the US play in world cup qualifiers?

Costa Rica, a team Uruguay struggled against. Costa Rica had Uruguay time wasting on their own home soil, disgraceful.

[Shark79]

Think objectively for a second. I know you're a Forlan fan boy and all, but Uruguay isn't going to stop Mexico. Mexico have taken Uruguay out now twice in Copa America, don't see why they can't do the same in the World Cup.

Also, France isn't playing well. Their coach is that bad. South Africa is the only X factor, mainly because it's the opener and Mexico has had a history of struggling against African sides.

Mexico
France/South Africa
Uruguay

Still can't decide which of the two will finish second.

Mexico takes down SA and probably even Uruguay (due to previous history).

They will just need a tie with France and their set to take either 1st or 2nd in that group.

They do have a lot of talent, and their head coach knows his team very well. As much as I hate to accept this, it does come out as an option for them to take first place.

[Tommy_de1st]

gonna fresh this thread up

I just realized how strong Argentina is.
The likes of Zanetti, Cambiasso, Milito, Samuel, Burdisso (all Inter Milan), Tevez (Man City and is "on fire" ), Messi (Barca,he's soccer genius), Mascherano (Liverpool), Higuain (Real Madrid), Heinze (Ol.Mareille) , Aguero (Atl.Madrid), Lopez (Lyon), Di Maria (Benfica Lisboa) are capable of pulling a GOLD medal

[ermangelo]

Messi can't play well in the national team because he doesn't get the support he gets in Barcelona from Xavi, Iniesta , etc. in terms of passes. Also we should bear in mind that Maradona was only a great player, he is not a very good coach.

So I think Spain is the best bet to win the World Cup, if they don't have any major injuries.