I know the World Cup is few months away, but it would be fun to see how close (or far) our predicitions. So let the games begin:

1. Champion:
2. Runner-up
3. Surprise team
4. Disappointment.
5. Best Player

[This message has been edited by Netbreaker (edited 10/21/2005 7:25p).]

I'm in. But, unless I've missed something, there are still some spots undecided. They haven't had the playoffs in Europe. Plus the 4th CONCACAF team needs to play Asian team.

What is the World Cup?

1. Champion: Argentina (I'd say Brazil but want to pick someone different)

2. Runner-up: Netherlands (I've always had an infatuation with them since the days of Bergkamp)

3. Surprise team: One of the teams from Africa. I can't even remember which African teams are in. Ivory Coast??? Quarterfinals???

4. Disappointment: England (I know, what a shocker)

5. Best Player: Ronaldinho

I'm probably going to be way off because I really don't follow soccer across the Atlantic that closely.

We'll say europe wins. No need to go into details.

Winner: Brazil
Best Player: Bucky

Bucky would've been one hell of a goalkeeper.

I'll wait to see the groups before I make my picks. If Brazil, Germany, and Argentina are all in the same group, it would definately change who I would pick.

However, for best player, I will go with who I have been saying for the past year, Kaka.

[This message has been edited by randy828 (edited 10/24/2005 11:37a).]

Well, that can't happen, but I get your point. There's always one 'Group of Death'. Tentatively, you have to think the Netherlands will break through at some point, but I just don't see how Brazil can lose. I will say that if Australia make it past the playoff round (and that's a huge if), they could be a surprise team as they have some talent and Hiddink is a great coach. When the draw is made in December, we should revisit this thread.

Isn't it if you're in the top 8 of the FIFA rankings you can't be placed with another top 8 team? And somehow the USA isn't far off from 8th in the world.

Not exactly. FIFA is using a formula that combines a country's current FIFA ranking, with their performances in the last three World Cups. How much each is weighted, I don't know. From that, they determine a seeding system where the top 8 can not be grouped together. As such, the US won't be seeded in the top 8 since I'm sure our last place finish in '98 will do more than enough to counter our #7 spot in the FIFA rankings right now.

I read an FIFA article regarding World Cup rankings a few months ago. The top 8 teams get placed in 8 separate brackets. The other 24 teams rankings are irrelevant. Could theoretically get #9, #10, and #11 all in one bracket.

It's kinda like the NCAA basketball selection committee. You know how they get results, just not exactly. The breakdown is something like this...

50% for current FIFA ranking
28% for 2002 World Cup results
14% for 1998 World Cup results
7% for 1994 World Cup results

Last I checked, US was ranked #6. US had great results from 2002. USA looks really good on 75% of determining factors. 1998 results were terrible, but lots of teams didn't even qualify. In 1994, we made it to round of 16 so that can't hurt.

Things to keep in mind. Some of the highly ranked teams from Europe probably won't qualify for Cup. And some of the teams that did well in 2002 might not qualify. At this point, I think we've got a legimate shot. Maybe a dark horse but at least worth looking at.

In September we were #7.

I won't make too many predictions, but I will say that the biggest disappointment will be Mexico (which won't be a disappointment for me personally). They will underachieve this year.


BTHO EVERYONE!!!!!

Good info on how they do the draw. December?



"Can I ask you a question?
What is it?
It's an interrogative form of sentence, used to test knowledge. But that's not important right now."

December 9th I think

Good article on the draw:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=351199&cc=5901

Now let the predictions begin!

I need to find one of those excel spreadsheets

I'll go first. This is in order as to who will qualify out of the group. Disclaimer: I am never right about these things.

Group A: Germany, Ecuador
Group B: Sweden, England
Group C: Holland, Ivory Coast
Group D: Portugal, Mexico (both with 7 points, but Portugal will win the group due to GD)
Group E: Italy, Czech Rep. (I hope I'm wrong)
Group F: Brazil, Australia
Group G: Switzerland, S Korea
Group H: Spain, Ukraine

I like Dre's list except I truly believe that the US will advance. There is no way Italy beats Ghana and us. They always seem to blow one so hopefully it is our game.

I also don't mind the tough draw. If we are going to become a nation to be reckoned with, we might as well fight our way through probably the second toughest group.

quote:

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If we are going to become a nation to be reckoned with, we might as well fight our way through probably the second toughest group.

---

I really like that line of thinking... but I still think it'll take us another 2-3 cups to reach that status.

Group A: Germany, Ecuador(Costa Rica might make another run)
Group B: England, Sweeden
Group C: Netherlands, Serbia (Really tough group to pick, anyone can make it to the next round)
Group D: Portugal, Mexico
Group E: Italy, USA(Another tough one, the Czechs scare me)
Group F: Brazil, Croatia (I would like to see the Aussies here but doubtful)
Group G: France, Switzerland (S. Korea was a host fluke last WC)
Group H: Spain, Ukraine (Tunisia might sneak in)


As for the original post:
1. Champion: Brasil (the best until proven otherwise)
2. Runner-up: Netherlands
3. Surprise team: Serbia
4. Disappointment: Argentina
5. Best Player: Ronaldinho (Best player on the best team)


[This message has been edited by deltachi05 (edited 12/10/2005 11:39p).]

OK..here it goes:

Group A - Germany; Poland
Group B - England; Paraguay
Group C - Argentina; Nether
Group D - Mexico; Portugal
Group E - Czech; USA
Group F - Brasil; Croatia
Group G - France; Korea
Group H - Spain; Ukraine

As for the answers to the original question

1. Brasil
2. Czech Republic
3. Czech or USA for getting out to the 2nd round in this group
4. Germany (or Italy)..I go with Germany for not getting past the 2nd round on their home turf.
5. Kaka



"Can I ask you a question?
What is it?
It's an interrogative form of sentence, used to test knowledge. But that's not important right now."

It is Italia's time to go down.

I honestly can't see us breaking down the Italian defense or taking it to their midfield. They don't use their forwards to the best of their ability so they don't scare me, just hope Totti throws a fit, or spits at someone again.

Soccer? Is it a sport for men too?

I predict a bunch of soccer will be played and America will collectively yawn as the results get buried on pg 17 of the Sports section...

you probably predict incorrectly, douchebag. I think Italy is the team left feeling used after group play. after that who knows. I think we are one of a few teams that could have a shot at beating Brazil. Best goalkeeper in the world, probably one of the more physically fit teams that can play good pressure defense. we counter-attack pretty well.

this winter in spring should be pretty interesting, as I believe there are a pretty good amount of freindly scheduled.

Group A: Germany-Ecuador
Group B: England-Paraguay
Group C: Argentina-Netherlands
Group D: Mexico-Portugal
Group E: Italy-Czech Republic/USA (too close to call)
Group F: Brazil-Japan
Group G: France-Switzerland
Group H: Spain-Ukraine

Second Round:
Germany vs. Paraguay
England vs. Ecuador
Argentina vs. Portugal
Mexico vs. Netherlands
Italy vs. Japan
Brazil vs. US/Czech republic
France Vs. Ukraine
Spain vs. Switzerland

Quarterfinals
Germany vs. Argentina
England vs. Mexico/Netherlands
Italy vs. France
Spain vs. Brazil

Semifinals
Germany/Argentina vs. MexicoNetherlands
Italy vs. Brazil

That is as far as I can go....

Make a prediction about your Mexicans you pansie.

Also, there's no way the Mexicans would beat the English or the Netherlands.

[This message has been edited by CadeLBB (edited 12/12/2005 2:15p).]

I was thinking the same thing.

Ok, Mexico Will Beat the Netherlands or Argentina...We have done it recently on international competitions..
...
Mexico will reach quarter finals by the time the US team is back at home watching the game on TV

thats what happens when you get an easy bracket that doesnt match you up against Brazil in the 2nd round.

quote:

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Mexico will reach quarter finals by the time the US team is back at home watching the game on TV

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Maybe, but I think a round of 16 appearance with the US' draw is more impressive than a QF appearance with Mexico's. If Mexico doesn't make it out of the Round of 16, I'd consider the WC to be a failure if I was a supporter.