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2002 World Cup

Japan/South Korea [img]graemlins/tgestar1.gif[/img]
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Kick-off is about to start in the far-east with 32 teams from 5 continents competing for one trophy! [img]graemlins/agree.gif[/img]

Here is my review of each country and predictions:
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Group A

France (World Cup Holders, star player: Zidane(R Madrid), FIFA rank = 1)
France has won every competion they entered since 1996!!! They are the favourites to win at 4/1. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Senegal (star player: Diouf (Lens), FIFA rank = 42)
Runners up in the Africa Nations Cup, they have never been to the World Cup. Odds: 150/1. Extremely heavy in attack especially in the centre!!!

Uruguay(star player: Forlan (ManU), FIFA rank = 24)
1930 and 1950 winners, infamous for fouls they have been less prominent after the 1970s. Odds: 100/1 Best South American Defence!

Denmark(star player: Sand (Schalke04), FIFA rank = 20)
Q-finalists in 1998, not much to say except they have progressed quickly over the years considering Denmark only started playing in 1978! Expect a heavy strike formation. [img]smile.gif[/img] odds: 125/1

<font color=pink>Group B

Paraguay (star player: Santa Cruz (Bayern Munich), FIFA rank = 18)
In World Cup 6 times previously with a good odd of 50/1. They beat Brazil in qualifies, but have an awful penalty history. Strong in Defence.

Slovenia (star player: Acimovic(Tottenham Hotspur), FIFA rank = 25)
1st timers, 2nd time they tried. A high tempo aggressive attacking team. Odds: 300/1

South Africa (star player: Fortune(Man U), FIFA rank = 37)
2nd time in World Cup, they are said top be defensive the strongest in Africa. Odds: 300/1

Spain (star player: Raul(R Madrid), FIFA rank = 8)
the Greatest Under Achievers ever, 10 world cups and not even a final.
end of story. Great odds of 6/1
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Group C

Brazil (star player: Ronaldo(Inter Milan), FIFA rank = joint 2)
The only country to qualify in every world cup, and top it by having won it 4 times!!!. Enough said with odds at 6/1

China (star player: Sun Jihai(Man City), FIFA rank = 50)
1st time at World Cup. Led by the legendary coach Milutinovic, China has plenty of pace hoping to score on counter attacks. Odds at 750/1

Costa Rica (star player: Wanchope(Man City), FIFA rank = 29)
Speed and strong mid-field is the game. odds: 400/1

Turkey (star player: Kerimoglu(Blackburn Rovers), FIFA rank = 22)
2nd time qualified, very well organised and strong, with an emphasis on mid-field players. odds: 80/1

more... after I've slept
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<font color=red>I edited your title to make it more "noticeable", Avatar. [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>

[ 06-02-2002, 10:06 AM: Message edited by: Memnoch ]

And don't forget the All Whites - NZs excuse for a soccer team (I think they're at the world cup? [img]tongue.gif[/img] ) odds... they're not even worthy of odds :D Rikard'll become President before these guys win a world cup [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Downunda, you first have to win Oceania before you get a chance to play off for entry into the world cup. Your All Whites are NOT in the cup - unfortunately neither ar we :( .

YEAH - Danmark :D

So who made it from Oceania? I wasn't quite sure whether we got it or not, last I heard (about 4 or 5 months ago we were still in with a chance [img]tongue.gif[/img] )

Arrghhhh... Did we have to start this so soon? [img]tongue.gif[/img]

My analysis - I'm not going to pass up the opportunity to drink in and English pub at 7 in morning; so I guess it's GOGOGO <h1><font color=red>ENGLAND!!</font></h1>

:D

Seeing as we may be coming home after 9 days I don't think we could start it early enough.

Just to let you know about a bet that I've had.

Total missed penalties (including penalty shoot outs) to be more than 11. For every missed pen over 11 I win £20, for every one under 11 I lose £20.

I've also bet on Uruguay's yellow & red card count.

Seeing as we may be coming home after 9 days I don't think we could start it early enough.

Just to let you know about a bet that I've had.

Total missed penalties (including penalty shoot outs) to be more than 11. For every missed pen over 11 I win £20, for every one under 11 I lose £20.

I've also bet on Uruguay's yellow & red card count.</font>[/QUOTE]pity for you holland isn't there, they miss a penalty for certain.

Avatar you do know that Zidane is injured and will problably not play against Senegal to open up the cup. I have not heard how long he will be out though.
And you all better watchout we actually have a good team this year.

GO USA

LOL - there, did you hear that "the rest of the world" - tremble all, for the mightiest nation on earth has A GOOD TEAM THIS YEAR!!!!

There you go Lanthir, that will have them quaking in their boots ;) .

Oh, and one other bit of trivia from my paper today :

LONDON : More than a third of England's male supporters will refrain from having sex on the night before England play.
In a poll answered by 3000 fans, 36 percent said they always abstain before a big match.

Looks like there are going to some awfully disappointed English femmes over the next 9 days :D .