World Cup 2010 - South Africa Thread

[clint g]

The USA had one of the strongest, maybe even the strongest professional soccer leagues in the world in the 1920s, and it was very popular too. >> wikipedia link

Yeah I've heard about it, though I never knew the Great Depression was responsible for its collapse. I do remember reading that the US actually put forth it's best effort in the World Cup during the first World Cup back in the day.

I read an article once that - in short - made the argument that the FIFA itself is in large part responsible for the lack of interest in the USA because when this league collapsed during the Great Depression due to conflicts with FIFA (they didn't like the league and tried to destroy it, for a variety of reasons), the American public was so disgusted by the way a European sports organisation tried to influence a domestic league that the sport never really recovered until many generations later.

Hmm, that's definitely interesting. I'll do some digging and read up some more on it. It's always been a topic of interest for me.

As for recovery, we're seeing dedicated stadiums for soccer now rather than borrowed NFL stadiums so I do hope a major resurgence is on the rise With increased immigration from Latin America and the Caribbean, interest in the sport should increase exponentially.

 

[HappyDayRiot]

I support Scotland through qualification.

The prospect of them being knocked out by Mozambique or Botswana is too appealing to want them to not qualify!

I don't really back Scotland generally (partly because of what I think of the SPL probably) but I was gutted for them when they missed out on Euro 2008. They did so well in that campaign. Would have loved to have seen them qualify when England didn't - oh the shame

As for the USA, qualification and national interest aside they had a really good Confederations Cup last year. If they can replicate that in some way they could have a good crack at having one of their better World Cups. Dempsey and Donovan are going to threaten anyone on their day.

 

[V'ger]

they did really well in the confederations cup but England are gonna be prepaired for this

 

[Shaytan]

Well, it wouldn't be the first time our cultures clashed

And this won't be the last time

And in regards to France and qualifying for the World Cup in style - sooo, you're saying Ireland should have gone to South Africa, Carrie?

I never said we qualifies with style
But after all, France is the best handball team right now so it's just logical

 

[Daedalus12]

Actually guys I feel like it's England's year finally. You know a stylish defender from West Ham is the captain and Capello being the maestro. Now only if the cup was played in Europe then I would feel more confident more about England's chance. However since no European team has won outside of Europe hence my prediction that Brazil will win.

 

[Shaytan]

However since no European team has won outside of Europe hence my prediction that Brazil will win.

This is my feeling too. It's so boring (and it hasn't even begin yet ).

 

[Roger Wilco]

However since no European team has won outside of Europe hence my prediction that Brazil will win.

I've heard that several times, but it's a pretty weak argument imo. You could just as easily say that no South American team has ever won a World Cup in Africa.

 

[Daedalus12]

However since no European team has won outside of Europe hence my prediction that Brazil will win.

I've heard that several times, but it's a pretty weak argument imo. You could just as easily say that no South American team has ever won a World Cup in Africa.

Yeah but Brazil has won on every continent except for the ones that hasn't hosted a world cup yet.

When the world cup first landed in North America Brazil won that one.

When the world cup first landed in Asia Brazil also won that one.

Now the world cup has come to Africa for the first time what will Brazil do this time? I think they'll conquer another continent. I also have this faith in a Dunga-led team that they won't suffer a let down.

Brazil has won in Europe which is an amazing accomplishment by itself. Although they did that 50+ years ago.

 

[Roger Wilco]

Well, of course Brazil is always a favourite. They could probably field a competitive team even if their 50 strongest players are staying at home...

 

[Shaytan]

Zidane is not here this year to stop Brazil so...

 

[Daedalus12]

Well, of course Brazil is always a favourite. They could probably field a competitive team even if their 50 strongest players are staying at home...

I don't know about that. The Top XI in any of the top European teams and of course Argentina always match up fairly well with Brazil's top XI. I suppose Brazil does have a more depth of talent.

Also a lot of people are going for Spain as THE favorite this time.

Back in 06 I didn't think Brazil would go anywhere before the tournament.

 

[Shaytan]

A little off topic but for the Euro 2016 : welcome to France

 

[HappyDayRiot]

Spain are the favourites... they'll choke.

 

[Roger Wilco]

A little off topic but for the Euro 2016 : welcome to France

Hehe, the Italians won't be happy about that...

 

[Shaytan]

Italians can't win everything.


Traduction : ils l'ont dans le cul cette fois, yeah \o/ !
(sorry, I won't do that again )

 

[Garak]

I'm calling the Dutch to win it this year, just did my World Cup pool. If Robin Van Persie plays with the same tenacity he sexually assaults women with, the sky is the limit for that team.

I had them beating the Spaniards in the final.

 

[Jax]

If you had to name you World Cup dream XI what would it be? I think it will be interesting to see if our team remains the same after the World Cup in July.

---------Casillas---------

Maicon, Vidic, Pique, A.Cole

Sneijder, Xavi, Lampard, Messi

-------Drogba, Rooney-------

 

[Jax]

Capello has hinted that this could be his team for Eng warm up game with Japan...

James

Johnson, Ferdinand, Terry, A.Cole

Walcott, Huddlestone, Lampard, Lennon

Rooney, Bent

be intresting to see Lennon/Theo on wings though I would think Theo might do better on left than Lennon.

 

[Count Zero]

Oh man, I'm terribly uninformed about football these days. I don't even know who the favourites are, I'm guessing Brazil and Spain?

And what are England's chances?

 

[HappyDayRiot]

Same as always - last 8 if they're lucky.

And judging by how badly they've played against Japan and Mexico this week, winning down to very small margins and a lot of luck - two own goals today - I'd say they're on course for that, but only if they finish top of their group.

First good team they come up against will likely teach them a lesson.