Comments on: Big Question: Does Past World Cup Success Matter this Year?

By: ephrem

ephrem — Thu, 25 May 2006 13:22:22 +0000

2006 world cup the winner brazil

By: ephrem

ephrem — Thu, 25 May 2006 13:18:03 +0000

brazil

By: Aakash

Aakash — Mon, 22 May 2006 11:17:11 +0000

speaking of past world cups, look at what i found on google video

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5240830760377005893

:-)

By: DT

DT — Mon, 22 May 2006 09:33:06 +0000

rescorpione17, Ivory Coast is so overrated. I think Tunisia and Togo have decent chance to create an upset or two. France didn’t do too well in the qualifying matches. Their coach didn’t even call Giuly, Pires and Govou. Spain qualified through the play-off. It’s probably the worst Spain team they have for 12 years or so.

Karlo Dunatov, I don’t think Croatia manage to beat Italy if they meet this year. Out of the 32 countries that participating in this year’s World Cup, Italy has the strongest (and most balanced) squad.

Luca Toni is way better than Ronaldo. Gilardino is slightly better than Adriano. Zambrotta is better than Roberto Carlos. Pirlo is as good as Kaka.

By the way, I’m not even an Italy fan. But I fancy betting on them to win this World Cup.

By: Camtona

Camtona — Mon, 22 May 2006 05:41:43 +0000

I sincerely hope this world cup continues the trend from wc2002 & euro2004 & causes a few suprises.

Australia has slipped under the radar for traditional football fans but is a team that will make it’s presence felt.

Croatia will have to play above themselves to get a result against Australia.

By: Fabio

Fabio — Sun, 21 May 2006 21:05:02 +0000

yes past does play a role, a role of intimidation, besides that all must be decided on the present. i would have to agree with rescorpione17 about Italy having the best team on paper since 1982, and this year is no exception, but when it comes down to the kick off, all that goes out the door, and thats when we seperate the men from the boys. lets hope they all mature this year

Forza Azzurri

By: Karlo Dunatov

Karlo Dunatov — Sun, 21 May 2006 17:46:47 +0000

Hey rescorpione17 you’re right, Croatia should not be underestimated at this world cup. Although they are not quite as good as the team from ‘98 they could cause quite a stir against Brazil in their opener and should qualify easily out of their group. I’m hoping for a showdown with Italy in the second round for Croatia. Who we could easily oust and send home early.

By: Rusty

Rusty — Sun, 21 May 2006 16:32:13 +0000

Yes, the past will play a role. Brazil is head-and-shoulders above the rest of the field, but who knows? The winner wull be one of the powerhouses again, as there is a tradition at the World Cup like nowhere else.

By: rescorpione17

rescorpione17 — Sun, 21 May 2006 12:36:03 +0000

there is traditon there are records and ambitions some of us played around with mathematical grids having 1982 as a center giving brasil an edge i gave a little grid based on the fact that Italy wen to final every 12 tears since 1970…but ..but ..this all of this is just pregame talkshow i truly found myself thinking that what happened in Euro 2004 with greece going all the way…it may open the field of contenders up and give all of us a big surprise and after all i would probably love to see it ,once stated that i am for Italy (on paper has the best starting eleven since 1982…)
looking at the 32 teams i wonder who could be the one with biggest potential for a fist timer well i already put SPAIN on my top 4 for if they win their group their ride to semifinals looks quite approachable… they do have some talent there…a big sleeper is CROATIA i don’t know about their dept in the bench but again…the shadow of Greece is all over the world of national teams ..i don’t think any of the african teams could pull it off this year..only Ivory Coast have some real talent but their group…is a real mess…

By: Bense

Bense — Sun, 21 May 2006 12:28:05 +0000

I’d say because of 1998, France was overrated, now they are a little underrated, but who knows. Hopefully the Swiss kick their butts.