World Cup 2006 Thread
 

I haven't seen anyone posting anything about the 2006 World Cup, and since it is already underway I figure I'll post a little something about it. There are severaly new teams making an appearance and of course the usual European and South American powerhouses are there.

Today I am very very upset over the USA's lackluster play against the Czech Republic, they showed absolutely no emotion on the field other than being scared. I was rooting for them, but being in the toughest group in the tournament severely limits their chance of advancing... But I will continue to show my support when they play Italy, it is a must win situation.

The other team I am rooting for is the Ukraine, being Ukrainian myself I am extremely proud of them. This is the first time they ever qualified for a World Cup since becoming a free nation after the collapse of the Soviet Union. They dominating qualifying play and are responsible for keeping Greece (EuroCup champions) and Turkey (2002 WC 3rd place) out of this World Cup.

Your thoughts on this year's World Cup? Predictions?

i agree, the US played horribly today. Seeing as this is the first time i've seen this team play, it is hard for me to imagine that they would be ranked 5th in the world. hopefully they will play better against Italy.

FIFA world rankings are always a bit inflated and it also depends on the location of country and their qualifying group. The USA is ranked so highly because of their quarterfinal finish in 2002 and they dominated the CONCAF qualifying group (which has teams like Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, etc.). So compared to some teams in Europe we may not be that great, but ranking wise we're higher.

However, the USA team really is quite good but today's game it was not the same team that I've seen in the past.

if not USA, viva mexico

Englands opening performance was rubbish! our manager should be shot.

The dutch & czech rep. are the best i've seen so far!

robben was class!

figo looked awesome for an old bloke!

looking forward to 2nites games, Brazil vs Croatia & France vs Swiss

Should be good games, and my fav player henry is playing :biggrin:

England should get another new manager as mcclaren is worse than sven, both have no idea, useless :frown:

My misses aint happy about the amount of footy on tv.....un-bloody lucky :biggrin:

our performance was crap, the only reason we won is paraguay scored an own goal. ridiculous. we need to sort it out!!

Anyone see todays S. Korea vs. Togo game? I'm sorry but I despise the Korean team after what happened four years ago, they did not deserve making it to the semifinals at all. My only hope is that they get destroyed by France and Switzerland.

Todays France/Switzerland game seems like it's gonna be a good one.

How could Ukraine lose, I swear these refs need to open their eyes and WATCH the game when making calls. Ukraine also has to step it up and beat the crap out of Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

Tentively looking forward to the US-Italy game this Saturday...

there is some very suspect refereeing going on.

If not the U.S. Viva Portugal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry not a soccer fan,love it on ps2 though.

well im persian so im goin for IRAN!!

You guys can all go for what ever team you want but you know that Brazil is unbeatable, with that said I still think that the Italy could take it.

I watched that Italy game and though they won, without one call going their way it was probable that Ghana would have tied that game. Italy doesn't hold that same "magic" that Brazil is capable of; they play a style of soccer that for me is boring to watch.

Speaking of Brazil, they didn't play to their full potential against Croatia and got lucky on a few plays that could've lead Croatia to lead the game.