World Cup 2010

[ArnoldT]

We are just 11 days from the 2010 World Cup and as I can see we have representatives from many nations that will participate. 
Although it is rather strange for an American to introduce a Soccer topic I am a bit of an a 'unusual' American when it comes to soccer.

 I spent 15 years with the game as  the team physio for the NY Cosmos and then the United States National Team.  I have attached the  full picture that serves as my ID on the SRGC.  Aston Villa's Brad Freidel was one of my under-16 players way back when.

I think the discussion can take any direction as long as there are no yellow and red card offenses and we follow the rules of FIFA "Fair Play".

I for one are interested in the weather at the various SA sites.  I've looked at a map and some of the cities may have wet cold weather.

So lets have a go. 

Can anyone beat the Brazilians!

[daveyp1970]

Arnold i'd like to think its Englands year our starting table shouldn't cause too many hiccups but unless we get an easy ride to the finals i can't see us winning.I think its a pretty safe bet to say a South American side will lift the cup this year,but who ever wins it it's going to be fantastic.BRING ON THE WORLD CUP

[ranunculus]

Well, Japan just beat themselves today ... they scored three superb goals to lose 2-1.  If they can take penalties as well then they should prove unbeatable ... unless they are drawn against Japan!!!!   An occidental conundrum from the man who baffles himself most of the time. LOL.   

It's your fault Arnold ... you started it!

Who do Scotland play? 

[Michael J Campbell]

 If we had Thierry Henry on our team we could win it.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/republicofireland/6599687/Thierry-Henry-admits-to-handball-that-defeated-Ireland-in-World-Cup-play-off.html

[ArnoldT]

Mike:

Thierry Henry would be an asset if we played "hand ball"....

[David Nicholson]

Michael, I thought you only had to say you liked Guinness, or to spread Kerrygold on your toast, to qualify to play for the R of I these days

Scotland's football team is, of course, well known, for not having qualified for any tournament held this century Indeed the Scottish FA only ever book one night's bed and breakfast for the team for all competitions.

Arnold, it wouldn't surprise me if your lot gave my lot a bit of a shock.

[daveyp1970]

Michael, I thought you only had to say you liked Guinness, or to spread Kerrygold on your toast, to qualify to play for the R of I these days

Scotland's football team is, of course, well known, for not having qualified for any tournament held this century Indeed the Scottish FA only ever book one night's bed and breakfast for the team for all competitions.

Arnold, it wouldn't surprise me if your lot gave my lot a bit of a shock.

how funny

[Michael J Campbell]

Michael, I thought you only had to say you liked Guinness, or to spread Kerrygold on your toast, to qualify to play for the R of I these days Grin

Or come  from one the six occupied Counties.

[David Nicholson]

Michael, I thought you only had to say you liked Guinness, or to spread Kerrygold on your toast, to qualify to play for the R of I these days Grin

Or be from one the six occupied Counties.

History has a lot to answer for Michael

[alpines]

...and pity me!!!! An Englishman living in the USA. Just as well neither of them will win. You've got to fancy Spain...or maybe Argentina. So by my flawless prediction history, I reckon Lesley's mob...the Kiwi's, are hot favorites, especially having just caused a riot in Serbia !!!

[alpines]

...and having been deprived of some decent football conversation for the last 4 years (talk 'football' to an American and they immediately don shoulder pads and start talking about Bears and Cowboys), you might never get me off this thread. And where did the word 'soccer' come from anyway? When a foot kicks a ball....that makes it 'football. What have socks got to do with it? Answers on a shin pad please.

[daveyp1970]

...and pity me!!!! An Englishman living in the USA. Just as well neither of them will win. You've got to fancy Spain...or maybe Argentina. So by my flawless prediction history, I reckon Lesley's mob...the Kiwi's, are hot favorites, especially having just caused a riot in Serbia !!!

that was fantastic result for the all whites(im sure I've read somewhere they've called the New Zealand side that) against Serbia.

[Lesley Cox]

Yes, the NZ side are called "All Whites" as distinct from the "All Blacks" who are our rugby team. And the All Whites beat Serbia yesterday, (but wearing all black while the Serbians wore all white. Confused? )The Serbians weren't very happy about it apparently. They're ranked around 8-10 in the world or similar while NZ is ranked about 798th.

[alpines]

You New Zealanders cause trouble wherever you go 

[Lesley Cox]

And have much pleasure in doing so. Well, we have to be useful for something.