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I'm in a sweep stake ..whichever team I get drawn is the team I'm supporting
Quote by thepainter
I think you'd need to get in line before he'd cry on your shoulder.![]()
The offensive playing teams usually get their ass kicked by some boring defensive team like Italy. So don't expect Portugal to win it hehe.
Germany looked rather good in their final friendly game before the World Cup starts. Coming back from 0-1 and playing better and better as time wears on during a game.
As much as I dislike the Germans since I'm Dutch, I often do find myself rooting for them since they spell CHARACTER to a tee.
Quote by roccotool
It definitely is a fever because I got caught up in it before, when I wasn't even a soccer fan.
The countdown clock is ticking and it's exciting.
Quote by Magical_felix
As for Ronaldo crying... Give the guy a break, it's the World Cup. If you want to see real crybabies look at Argentina after they get eliminated. the whole damn team cries.
Quote by thepainter
Actually it doesn't matter how many "good" players Germany has. They always thrive on character and TEAM effort. Plus they always grow in a tournament. I definitely won't be surprised if they get far.
Oh, the guy you mentioned is Schweinsteiger which means "pig climber" in German. Yes, the joke never get old.
And actually I don't think he has that much flair. He's playing defensive midfield position nowadays so don't expect to see much fireworks from him.
One player on the German team who hopefully will get a bit of playing time is Marko Marin. His playing style is a bit Dutch, always threatening to make a solo action, challenging defenders, always heading for the penalty box area. He's a short guy but he's got good skills and a wonderful drive.
Another German player to keep an eye on is Cacau who should be their no 1 forward player. He's got a tremendous drive and excellent fighting spirit. Klose has no self confidence, too old, didn't play much the past season. So I say Cacau in, Klose out.
And oh, France. Did you check on the outcome of their friendly game against China yesterday? They lost 0-1.
Of course all the friendly game don't count blabla but it does indicate they've got plenty work to do before being anywhere near a competitor for the title.
I still say Uruguay is gonna eat those frogs raw!![]()
Quote by VanGogh
England's Captain ... Out!
groan ......
* * * * *
RUSTENBURG, South Africa - England captain Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the World Cup on Friday after injuring his left knee in their first full training session since arriving in South Africa.
The 31-year-old central defender suffered a ligament injury in the final minutes of training after he went into a tackle and fell badly. Liverpool's Steven Gerrard will now captain the team, the FA said in a statement.
"Further to a scan arranged by the England medical staff immediately after training on Friday afternoon, Rio has been ruled out for four to six weeks and will therefore unfortunately miss the World Cup," said the FA.
Tottenham Hotspur's Michael Dawson is to fly to South Africa to take Ferdinand's place in the 23-strong squad.
England manager Fabio Capello said: "It is obviously bad news and everyone with the squad is very disappointed and sorry for Rio.
"It was an accidental injury in training but had nothing to do with the pitch."
JAMES BLOW
The Italian also said goalkeeper David James had missed training due to a nagging knee injury aggravated by the long flight from London.
There was some consolation for the beleaguered England camp with better news over midfielder Gareth Barry's injured right ankle.
"He is getting better and better every day. He started training with the team. He will go to the gym this afternoon with the physiotherapist and always train with the team in the mornings," said Capello.
The manager, though, was unsure if Barry would feature in England's opening match against the U.S. on June 12.
"He will not do everything just yet and we have to be a little careful with him just at this moment," said Capello.
Ferdinand took over as captain after Chelsea's John Terry was stripped of the job in February because of an off-pitch scandal involving his private life but he has not played regularly for Manchester United this season due to a succession of injuries.
The United defender appeared for England in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and has made a total of 78 appearances, scoring three goals.
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/England+captain+Ferdinand+World/3112537/story.html#ixzz0puYZIYVG
Quote by thepainter
Oh dear, Arjen Robben might be out for the World Cup too now. He seemed to have pulled some muscle late in the friendly game against Hungary.
Once again truly living up to his 'man of glass' reputation.![]()
Quote by Magical_felixQuote by thepainter
Oh dear, Arjen Robben might be out for the World Cup too now. He seemed to have pulled some muscle late in the friendly game against Hungary.
Once again truly living up to his 'man of glass' reputation.![]()
Damn... He'll be out for the whole cup? Or just first couple of games maybe?
Quote by thepainter
LOL
Talk about getting the short end of the stick. Honduras will most definitely not be the surprise of the tournament.
My money's on an African team since a nation from where the tournament is held usually does surprisingly well. Example? In 2002 the tournament was held in Japan and South Korea, the latter made it to the semi-finals where Germany sent them packing.
Oh, I read that Drogba might play at the World Cup after having had successful surgery on his broken arm. Also, Robben is now claiming he might be able to play the first game against Denmark.
Quote by Loislane
I got Honduras in our World Cup Draw at work...what a waste of a fiver...they lost to Romania 3-0 ...(sighs)..so I'm supporting honduras until they get knocked out lol