World Cup
-
It’s World Cup time! As we speak the host nation South Africa are 1-0 up against Mexico in the competition’s opener.
What are people’s thoughts on who’ll win? I might put a sneaky bet on Holland.
Has the World Cup finally arrived in America? Is it getting much publicity, much of a vibe over there?
We should organise a (very quick) sweep stake. Thirty two players needed, each get assigned a team at random - 10xp to the winner!
-
North Korea will win, no doubt about it. -Actually, I'd bet for Italy.
-
It's not getting much coverage here (in WV). There was a short story on NPR last night about the US and UK ambassadors betting a dinner, but that's all I've really heard.
-
@Hinx:
Has the World Cup finally arrived in America? Is it getting much publicity, much of a vibe over there?
We don't care bout that shit really. Sports bar has a lil corner in the back showin some soccer game though.
-
my bets on Brazil, but then when im watching boxing im the guy that bets on 'the one ive heard of' or failing that 'the biggest one'
-
We watch the "other" football around here. Though I do think soccer looks cooler, it's just not fun to get into when all your white trash buddies go "Dur, what's a soccer?"
-
Hate any game that involves football hooligans, or silly soccer fans (american football fans) :/
-
HmMmMmMMm random pick…...
Argentina looks good. Their flag is pretty awesome.
-
I reckon England will give it a good go.
Spain would be the obvious choice, but they crumbled at the Confederations Cup.
Argentina have the talent, but they haven't performed and I can't see it.
Germany are always there or there abouts.
Brazil says it all, if I was a betting man, i'd put my money on them.
-
I don't watch football, but I have a hunch Spain will win.
-
I will eat my hat if Brazil or Argentina won´t win,
-
No one hoping for a Spain 1st world cup? I'll bet on them then.
Bars open at 6am here to start watch parties– mostly sports bars or Aussie/Kiwi/Brit style pubs.
But... Seattle is an amazing soccer city as far as the US goes; sell out 36,000 for a major league soccer games. Sold out 72,000 for the friendlies vs. Chelsea and Barcelona last year. We sing songs about killing the ref and wave scarves and bang drums and pretend we're in Europe from time to time.
I wouldn't really expect the US to jump on the whole soccer thing though- it's drawing less that 10,000 people for MLS in some cities. To top that, I have season tickets to the MLS and I've seen one guy play (Landon Donovan) this year that's actually on the US World Cup team. That's 9 teams I've seen play and one guy. Most our players play in Europe on teams you have to go to dank Irish or English pubs to watch at weird hours to see play.
Seattle did beat Boca Juniors this year and I can't wait for the game vs. Celtic, but I'd guess the US won't be losing any sleep over soccer unless we go to the world cup finals which would make the "miracle on ice" thing , when our college kids beat the Russian team in the olympics, look like a cake walk in comparison.
-
Landon Donovan just finished a pretty successful season long loan at Everton here in the UK. He impressed quite a few over here and I can see him returning on a permanent basis after the World Cup.
As for the World Cup itself the smart money is on Brazil and Spain, the latter has a household name in every position and can play some breathtaking stuff – Brazil however actually seem to have a defence this year which combined with their usual attacking potency will make them a difficult team to beat.
England, Argentina, Germany and Holland are the chasing pack behind those two I think.
Surprise package? United States I reckon. They did well in the Confederates Cup and I don’t think a lot of the footballing world appreciates them as the threat they’re going to be. They won’t win the thing and I don’t see them threatening the semi-finals either but they’ll surprise a few people for sure. They’ll qualify with England from the group stages for certain.
Nikko, out of interest how much is a season ticket in the US for football?
-
Denmark! We love being underdogs…
-
About $500 a seat here for the season ($30 a game roughly)… seems like I dropped around $2000 for the 4.
Practically free considering it includes 2 to 3 freindlies a year (with the likes of Man.U, Arsenal, Barcelona, etc.) I'm also in a club section with free concessions and they don't pat you down when you go in so free whiskey and sodas, rum and cokes, etc. Usually, with 3 friends we have a full bar we've snuck in flasks. $30 is a cheap afternoon at the bar, so it's better than seeing it at a pub.
-
Xavi, Pique, Fabregas, Villa, Torres, ect. - It's fairly hard to count out Spain, if at all; They practically all play for, or at least linked to one of the strongest teams in the world - Barcelona, and their fellow La Liga dominates, Real Madrid. With possibly the best midfield in the world atm, it's a hard team to match, but then star-power is not everything - Argentina will be an example of this.
Dunga has changed Brazil. I'm quite certain it's a change for the better, theres no emphasis on flair this time. It's a very physical team, and team that can cause some problems - alot of problems. Cesar's a great keeper, Alvez, Maicon, Lucio, ect. Great defense all-round. And when you have a top-form Robinho to lead the attack? Priceless.
I'll have to agree with Mr. Arse-Anal and go with Holland for a surprise win. The Oranje is an impressive side, and Arjen Robben is probably one of my favourite players this year, his time in the Bundesliga has been stellar for Bayern. Sneijder's coming off a successful Champion's League with Inter, he's a great midfielder and a treat to watch.
I'm a little disappointed with the Italian side this year, but I'm fairly confident Lippi can lead a good, if not decent Cup defense. He has names like Gilardino, Zambrotta, De Rossi and Palombo to play with. Not to mention Buffon as first-choice Keeper. I would have differing choices in the final third, but Lippi's probably one of the best managers around these days. He knows what hes doing - though their loss against Mexico during the friendlies was not exactly the best of signs.
Despite all this, I'll say one thing - Forza Italia.
-
If England replicate the form they showed during the qualifiers I can see them winning it.
It all depends on that boy ROOOONEH.
-
Sneijder, I think, could be one of the players of the tournament.
-
GODAMN VUVUZELA'S EVERYWHERE HEARING THEM 24/7 :evil:
Ahem. I don't support my own team quite frankly (South africa), I've always liked France.
-
At first I liked the vuvuwhatevers, but by half time of the France vs Uruguay game I was like "mate…"
