the 370Z.com OFFICIAL football (soccer) thread

[Dasnow]

My fav team going in is England but after that I would have to go with the US. German soccer style is just not for me.

[tc20]

Originally Posted by phelan

Bradley is probably going to stick with a 4-4-2 formation, so I could see Altidore supporting Buddle up front. I just hope I never have to see Ching start a game.

I just hope we never have to see him play a minute in the finals...unless were up by 7!!!

Ching=Fail

And if we stick to the 4-4-2, I would really love to see Dempsey and Altidore as the pair up front.

[Jon@AAMComp]

Can someone tell me why this man is not starting for his country in South Africa?




This summer, I'll be supporting the US team. Our group seems fairly straightforward with the exception of England. Their squad is stacked this year, and they finally have a decent coach. They'll be really tough to beat.

I saw some other people predicted the Dutch will take it this year. I have to agree. They will at least make it to the semis. The Netherlands squad are loaded this year.

I;ve been wondering why he isnt in the squad for a long time.


Ballack is gonna miss the WC now

[phelan]

Netherlands still looks like a good bet to go deep!

[Red370]

Originally Posted by phelan

Netherlands still looks like a good bet to go deep!

balls deep. And the reason?

[cow]

I'm curious to see whether Schweinstiger, et al go after Kevin-Prince Boateng in the Germany vs Ghana group match.

I hope they don't, but people tend to take it personally when one of their country's better players is injured.

[kielbasa16]

Im another soccer enthusiast here though I have to admit, I tend to only watch the big tourneys. The Poles failed to qualify so I am rooting for the US, Netherlands, and Portugal. Though I appreciate the game of the top nations like Brazil, Spain, Italy, and Argentina I tend to stay away from choosing them to win it all. Germany and France are extremely sound, fundamental teams, but I think Spain recently proved that the game of finesse poses some serious competition to those findamental squads.

Im excited as all hell for this cup to begin, and in 2 years Euro 2012 in Poland.. WOOO!

[phelan]

Originally Posted by cow

I'm curious to see whether Schweinstiger, et al go after Kevin-Prince Boateng in the Germany vs Ghana group match.

I hope they don't, but people tend to take it personally when one of their country's better players is injured.

Considering how physical the Bundesliga is, I would not be surprised to see Boateng get knocked out lol. It was a ridiculously poor challenge on Ballack that cost Germany their captain.

kielbasa16: Let's not forget that Spain has a history of choking...

God I cannot wait for the World Cup to start. As an Arsenal fan, this summer is going to long and painful. Barca keeps trying to take Cesc back, Cesc 'saying' he wants to go back to Barca, we have a shoddy goalkeeper and the replacement is too expensive...jeez.

Need some national team football to take my mind off!

[kielbasa16]

Very true. I mentioned Spain because I can remember thinking during that final that Germany just didnt look like they stood a chance. Generally speaking, Im beginning to believe that the style of play of Brazil, Argentina, Spain etc. is too much for the more disciplined Germany, England, France etc.

For those more disciplined teams to stand a chance they have to take control of the tempo and physical aspect of the game early on.

I remember whenever my team played against a much more technically skilled sside our coach would insist that a few good hard tackles early on establish the tone for the rest of the match. I'm not talking about anything dirty, but if you let the guy turn and dance with the ball, youre in for a long long game.

Crap.. I have digressed... missing my soccer days haha

[Red370]

what I think is stupid on Fabs part is the fact that he's going from being a team captain, to riding the pine, he will not start over Iniesta or Xavi at Barca, what a waste man. Here's hoping Asamoah and Yaya are at the Emirates next season.

[cow]

Yaya is expendable since Busquets has come into the rotation. Seydou Keita can back up Busquets.

[tc20]

If the Dutch had a better defensive line I feel their chances would be a lot better. There is no doubt that RVP, Sneijder and Robben are gonna get things done up front. The Oranje will easily reach the quarters where they will probably face Brazil...thats where the problem is.

I really dont like the Brazilians and I hope Holland beat them. But it will be a very tough game for the Dutch to overcome.

[Red370]

Originally Posted by tc20

If the Dutch had a better defensive line I feel their chances would be a lot better. There is no doubt that RVP, Sneijder and Robben are gonna get things done up front. The Oranje will easily reach the quarters where they will probably face Brazil...thats where the problem is.

I really dont like the Brazilians and I hope Holland beat them. But it will be a very tough game for the Dutch to overcome.

Brazil left alot of world class players off the roster this year, case in point, Ronaldinho, I dont think they'll have a good showing this year to be honest. Holland, Germany, Spain and England/Italy in the semi's, this is my final word, Holland/Germany, Holland/Spain in the final, outcome decided by a 75th minute free kick by RvP with a blistering left footed laser shot to the upper left corner, you heard it here first folks. The land of legal hallucinogenics for world champs!

And my pick for flop of the tournament: France, yes France, I said it.

Shock showing of the tournament: Ghana, yes, the afrikaans, will impress throughout.

[cow]

I'm not optimistic for France's chances, but "that's why they play the matches."

/cow spewing cliches