Job Discussion Forums

[Hoser]

I know there are a couple hanging around already but those are mainly about the TV schedule and live games so I thought I'd start a more general one since it's only about 8 days away now.

Apparently The Daily Yomiuri is supposed to have comprehensive WC coverage in today's newspaper-I haven't gone downstairs to check yet.

I thought Germany was supposed to be a favourite this year but their performance against Japan definitely didn't impress me. That said it was quite an exciting game. I watched the last 25 minutes (not live) and I honestly thought that Japan was going to win! Too bad-that would have been a real shocker even though I'm pretty ambiguous when it comes to my team loyalties.

Speaking of team loyalties, has anyone else with a J-significant other been given a not so subtle hint that you will be supporting the Japanese national team?

[JimDunlop2]

Hoser: I recommend you add "Official" to your post title... and we can use this thread for the duration of the tournament... It'll make life easier to follow soccer discussions in one thread than in many.

Anyway, I too am not impressed by Germany... But the fact that they seem to suck is no surprise to me. Others have been telling me the same thing for some time now.

Still, I have high hopes for Czech Republic. Technically they are rated number 2 in the world at the moment. I think they have a very strong team. But I will certainly admit -- I'm biased!

[Synne]

[Hoser]

Yeah what is up with those rankings? US at #5? Mexico at #4??

Anyways the Yomiuri's coverage is quite good and best thing yet, they have a complete schedule with the live game times and the channels!! So if you don't subscribe then go out and pick up today's Yomiuri.

[Jon Taylor]

I would have to pick one of the unfancied teams, a real outsider to win and my vote goes to Brazil.

If they can qualify from their very tough group including world beating Australia, Japan and Croatia then you have to give them a chance....

[Yawarakaijin]

I will have to admit that I dont really have any strong feelings for any particular team this year being that Canada nor Scotland qualified, yeah I know I know, I'm going to be waiting a long time Although It looked like Scotland had a chance to pull of a miracle during the qualifying, unfortunatly they faltered when it mattered most, as they usually do

This time I'm going with Australia and my dark horse team, not that I really expect them to go to far but it would be nice to see. In regards though to the dismay at Mexico's ranking I have often found them to be a very exciting team to watch play. All the individual flair of players from countries like Spain, Portugal and Italy but with a much more offensive mindset, I truly enjoy watching Mexico play.

[JimDunlop2]

[Yawarakaijin]

The 4 teams I want to see lose are:

1.) Italy. I just cant stand all those fancy pants running around waiting
for their chance to take a dive.

2.) Brazil. Almost for the the exact same reason.

3.) Argentina. Im no big England fan but I will never forgive Argentina
and Maradonna for the hand of god goal.

4.) Korea. They just seem to need to be taken down a peg. Let us see
what they do without that one extra player on the field

[JimDunlop2]

Funny, that's exactly why I want Croatia to lose... They're a bunch of actors. I can't stand Hollywood actors.... Remember that incident during the last World Cup where Brazil's Rivaldo got kicked in the leg and he grabbed his face during the game against Turkey?

Well, Croatia is worse. In fact, they aren't even Hollywood-level actors like Brazil or Italy -- it's more like Bollywood-grade acting to boot. Buncha weasels!

Pierluigi Collina is NOT impressed!
(I wish they could bring him back).....

[angrysoba]

[Hoser]

Who do I not want to win?

A) Brazil- because they've won so often

B) Japan- because we wouldnt hear the end of it for the next year

C) England- for the same reason as above

D) Italy- a team of prima donnas and spitters and divers

[sidjameson]

Trinidad and Tobago..................The Barstewards. All those beaches and rum. Who do they think they are?

[Gordon]

The U.S.
Soccer is one game they are not very good at yet, but they have done a decent job at catching up to some of the second tier countries.

[casual]

[quote="Yawarakaijin"]I will have to admit that I dont really have any strong feelings for any particular team this year being that Canada nor Scotland qualified, yeah I know I know, I'm going to be waiting a long time :) Although It looked like Scotland had a chance to pull of a miracle during the qualifying, unfortunatly they faltered when it mattered most, as they usually do :?

This time I'm going with Australia and my dark horse team, not that I really expect them to go to far but it would be nice to see. In regards though to the dismay at Mexico's ranking I have often found them to be a very exciting team to watch play. All the individual flair of players from countries like Spain, Portugal and Italy but with a much more offensive mindset, I truly enjoy watching Mexico play.[/quote]

Scotland have quite a good record of qualifying for the World Cup. Until the 90s they always had some great players with a smattering of cloggers who always brought the team down.

Now they are simply a team of cloggers who no one has heard of.

Even though I am English I fancy Argentinas chances. I am not petty enough to let a handball from Maradona make me hate them.

[angrysoba]