World Cup - Germany 2006 - we're off !

[Szass-Tam]

As far as I know, with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago vs. Sweden, the favourite has won every time so far.

[ZFR]

Originally posted by Szass-Tam: As far as I know, with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago vs. Sweden, the favourite has won every time so far.

Poland Ecuador?

[Memnoch]

Originally posted by Glycerine_74: quote: Originally posted by johnny: quote: Originally posted by wellard: Bold prediction Johnny, the USA are ranked 4th in the fifa listings IIRC

Yeah ? Based on what ? Victories against Panama and hickville united ? If the USA is ranked number 4, there's something seriously wrong with FIFA's list. When does the US ever play against REAL opponents, such as Italy, France, Argentina, or Brazil ? Hardly ever to my knowledge, if they would play a few more matches outside their region, they wouldn't be anywhere near the top 20. [/QUOTE]It strikes me as strange that the US would be ranked anywhere in the top 10 or 20. Anyone who lives in the States will tell you that soccer is just not a big deal here. It's viewed mainly as a "kiddie" sport, at least here in the Midwest. Children's soccer is really big for some reason, yet you don't see much about it at the high school, college, or pro levels. I guess it's because we have the NFL, hell I don't know. I really couldn't care less about either to tell you the truth.

glyc [/QUOTE]It's probably because soccer doesn't offer a viable career path for professional athletes in the US. The big money is in baseball, basketball and American football. I'd have thought it would be hard for the average soccer player to make a living in the US, compared to say Europe or Latin America where even journeymen players can make comfortable money.

And mums and dads love kiddie soccer because it's (technically) non-contact, safe, requires little skill, is relatively "clean" (ie no gangsta image) and the kiddies have heaps of fun running around chasing a piece of leather for an hour or so. Then they're too tired afterwards to be pests, so the parents are happy.

[Stratos]

Yep, 0-0 was pretty lame.

[Szass-Tam]

Originally posted by ZFR: quote: Originally posted by Szass-Tam: As far as I know, with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago vs. Sweden, the favourite has won every time so far.

Poland Ecuador? [/QUOTE]My mistake, but the big teams haven't slipped up yet, despite dubious performances from Portugal and England.

[ 06-12-2006, 05:08 PM: Message edited by: Szass-Tam ]

[Link]

Please, people! It's FOOTBALL, not soccer!

[johnny]

Originally posted by Link: Please, people! It's FOOTBALL, not soccer!

I've given up on trying to convert infidels, i'd much rather kick em in the nuts, my foot-balls coordination is much more convincing.

[Memnoch]

Originally posted by Link: Please, people! It's FOOTBALL, not soccer!

I know it's football, but I don't want to confuse our American friends here.

[johnny]

Yeah, and they must feel confused enough as it is already after that 3-0 suckerpunch. Or should i say soccerpunch.

[wellard]

Originally posted by johnny: 3-0, like i said, the Czechs pulverise the American defense. Anyone still think that the ranking of the Americans on the FIFA list tells anything about their actual strength ?

LOL obviously the ranking is a joke I agree, the bookmakers give more acurate rankings IMO. Well you certainly picked Czechs as a quality team I must admit they have been under my radar. My suprise europe team to do well is the Ukraine. I missed the USA/Czechs match completely hopefully I will catch the highlights later.