World Cup 2002

Karembeu · Post by **Karembeu** » Fri May 24, 2002 2:53 pm

(@Minerva: I couldn't wait any longer...

)

Finally a thread especially dedicated to the World Cup that begins in just one weeks time...

Stars of the tournament?!? Massive upsets and big surprises?!? Great goals and brutal tackles...here's the place to discuss everything that has to do with the World Cup...

First of all....which country do you all believe will win it all?!?
I believe that Spain will go all the way....feels as if it is their turn to manage some good results...

Beowulf · Post by **Beowulf** » Fri May 24, 2002 3:07 pm

Our captain (Irish) got thrown off the team yesterday. First he left training, saying he was leaving the squad. Then he changed his mind. Then he argued with the manager (again), so he was sacked. He deserved it, though he should have been kept, since he was our only decent player.

I believe that if Nigeria don't win, that honour will go to Cameroon.

Karembeu · Post by **Karembeu** » Fri May 24, 2002 3:15 pm

Originally posted by Beowulf
Our captain (Irish) got thrown off the team yesterday. First he left training, saying he was leaving the squad. Then he changed his mind. Then he argued with the manager (again), so he was sacked. He deserved it, though he should have been kept, since he was our only decent player.

I believe that if Nigeria don't win, that honour will go to Cameroon.

Yup, I saw that on the "World Cup news". Seems that he was dissappointed with the facilities...thought he deserved something better... Obviously representing your country and feeling pride in that wasn't enough for him... Surely Roy Keane should have learnt long ago that football is a team sport...I'm happy to see that the Irish non-playing staff had the courage to send home the "star"....

Mr Sleep · Post by **Mr Sleep** » Fri May 24, 2002 3:29 pm

My Brother (the football enwisened one) reckons on Italy. I am more inclined for Spain. However it looks more likely it will be France since they have the experience.

Demis · Post by **Demis** » Fri May 24, 2002 3:36 pm

Italy will make it this time, France and Brasil are not at their best right now and i don't know much about Argentina at the moment even though i've heart bits that there very strong. If anyone could stop Italy in this Cup is their luck since for some years now they only lose during extra time or penalties but wil see about that.

Also Portygal have a strong team and i can't wait to see them in action will also see how far they can get.

Mr Sleep · Post by **Mr Sleep** » Fri May 24, 2002 3:50 pm

Originally posted by Demis
Italy will make it this time, France and Brasil are not at their best right now and i don't know much about Argentina at the moment even though i've heart bits that there very strong. If anyone could stop Italy in this Cup is their luck since for some years now they only lose during extra time or penalties but wil see about that.

Italy will win if they can get past Spain in the knockout stages. Italy have the easiest group and the easiest run in, they only have 2 recognised European opponents in the Knockout stages.

Also Portygal have a strong team and i can't wait to see them in action will also see how far they can get.

Pre world cup they weren't that impressive.

C Elegans · Post by **C Elegans** » Fri May 24, 2002 4:39 pm

Originally posted by Beowulf
I believe that if Nigeria don't win, that honour will go to Cameroon.

It would be great if the cup went to Africa this time, unfortunately I believe Argentina has very good chances.

ThorinOakensfield · Post by **ThorinOakensfield** » Fri May 24, 2002 5:15 pm

Hmm, haven't seen real football for so long living in the US.

I've lost track of whats being going on, but as usual I'm going with Italy. They're my favorite team. 3

I never liked Argetina, but I hope we have some really good games this year, like last World Cup, England vs. Argentina. That was a great game. Anyone remember that one?

I hate France most of all and really don't want them to win. Can't believe that they won the Euro and World Cups. Dammit.

@CE: Supporting Nigeria? I never have watched that much African football. Is it good, like the South American football (fast and furious, unlike those boring Europeans

)?

C Elegans · Post by **C Elegans** » Fri May 24, 2002 7:59 pm

I'm personally not fond of Argentina either, but seeing how they sailed through the South American qualification I do think they are a likely candidate for the cup.

Unfortunately I only saw one game (the horrible and boring final) of the 1998 world cup, I was far away from TV:s at the time.

Originally posted by ThorinOakensfield
@CE: Supporting Nigeria? I never have watched that much African football. Is it good, like the South American football (fast and furious, unlike those boring Europeans )?

If you read mine and Robnark's discussion in Karembeu's other football thread, you'll find that we both support Nigeria because of their fast, offensive and fun-to-watch playing style. It's different from the South American style, perhaps not as elegant to watch, but instead it is more energetic and very exciting.

One of my friends also support Nigeria, but it's just because she thinks their team has the most handsome players

Demis · Post by **Demis** » Fri May 24, 2002 8:33 pm

Originally posted by Mr Sleep

Italy will win if they can get past Spain in the knockout stages. Italy have the easiest group and the easiest run in, they only have 2 recognised European opponents in the Knockout stages.

I don’t know what to say about Spain. The national team of Spain has proven in the past that it's are not very reliable. They are either fitted for the best or worst.

Tamerlane · Post by **Tamerlane** » Fri May 24, 2002 10:53 pm

For once I get to watch the matches in prime time.

Tis a shame about Keane leaving as well as the argument between Ljundberg and Mellberg. Not exactly the best way to bond together as a team prior to the tournament.

My money is on France, mainly because my relatives in France would threaten to disown me if I don't support them.

Karembeu · Post by **Karembeu** » Sat May 25, 2002 1:44 pm

Originally posted by Tamerlane
For once I get to watch the matches in prime time.

Tis a shame about Keane leaving as well as the argument between Ljundberg and Mellberg. Not exactly the best way to bond together as a team prior to the tournament.

My money is on France, mainly because my relatives in France would threaten to disown me if I don't support them.

Just goes to show how important the World Cup really is....even for the players who seem to have everything...

France are one of the hot contenders for the number one spot....but without "Christian Karembeu" in the squad they won't make it past quarter-final...

frogus · Post by **frogus** » Sat May 25, 2002 2:00 pm

My money's on.....

ENGLAND !!!!!

We're certainly in with a chance, but we seem to be 'in with a chance' every year. Smart money is on Argentina methinks...those swines. I'm hoping Saudi arabia can pull a fast one against Germany though, and may Keane have done with the rest

...

crazymancometh · Post by **crazymancometh** » Sat May 25, 2002 2:27 pm

Im predicting the upset of WC history...The USA behind awesome goalteniding somehow wins lol.

Word · Post by **Word** » Sat May 25, 2002 4:37 pm

It would be amazing if africa managed to take home the cup but I think italy or england will take it. I'm rooting for the US until they get eliminated though as i'm american.

Robnark · Post by **Robnark** » Sat May 25, 2002 4:47 pm

england won't come close to taking it. their hopes are slim at best. they might get quite far if they play their best, bu with so many injuries and an unspectacular team, it's not likely.

C Elegans · Post by **C Elegans** » Sat May 25, 2002 7:30 pm

I agree with Narkolepsia, I unfortunately think England's chances are slim. Well, it's good for Nigeria of course

I hope will have time to watch at least some of the England - Kameroon friendly, Kameroon is a great team to watch. It's a pity all the African nations have been plagued with financial as well as political problems.

I heard Sweden did not impress against Japan yesterday, 1-1 on a Swedish own goal, and the Swedes had a weak defense whereas the hosts played very well. l

Tamerlane · Post by **Tamerlane** » Sun May 26, 2002 2:01 am

Is Ronaldinho(sp?) playing for Brazil. I've heard a lot about this youngster but have yet to see him play.

Another youngster to watch is the young Frenchman Cisse. Having him, Trezeguet(sp?) and Henry up front, and you've got yourself a World Class forward line.

Karembeu · Post by **Karembeu** » Sun May 26, 2002 7:52 am

Originally posted by Tamerlane
Is Ronaldinho(sp?) playing for Brazil. I've heard a lot about this youngster but have yet to see him play.

Another youngster to watch is the young Frenchman Cisse. Having him, Trezeguet(sp?) and Henry up front, and you've got yourself a World Class forward line.

Yup, Paris SG's Ronaldinho will feature in Brazil's team... He has proved to be an excellent choice up front next to Ronaldo in the warm-up games...

Auxerre's Djibril Cisse is an exciting new up-and-coming player to watch...not only is he extremely pacey, but scoring goals seems to be no problem at all for him...

Moleman · Post by **Moleman** » Sun May 26, 2002 9:07 am

Well, reigning champs have even better team than in last the World Cup - they have much better strikers now, (Trezeguet (that's right spelling), Henry, Wiltord) and solid midfield with players like Zidane and Vieira. So, perhaps the only question mark in the team is the central defence, as Desailly hasn't played his best season so far, and another regular central defender from the champion team, Blanc, is missing. I think France has to be the favourite as champions.

But I bet they get the hardest challenge from Argentina, as they have players such as Walter Samuel, Ayala, Hernan Crespo, Veron, Batigol... though, the question is: can those superstars form a good team? Too many egos perhaps?

I, too, expect to see great things from those youngsters Cisse and Ronaldinho, if they get to play. A pity Saviola couldn't make it...