FIFA World Cup 2010 Thread - 2010

[Leeds Guy]

Sweden will miss out, Portugal will get through with ease. Although I am hoping for a France - Portugal playoff match, that would please me to no end. I would laugh my ass off if Portugal dont make it and that overrated sack of shit that is the stepover machine Cristiano Ronaldo doesnt get to play at the World Cup. I shall also be cheering on Uruguay cos I dont wanna see the Argies at the World Cup either. In the CONCACAF I'm not too bothered who join the USA and Mexico, neither Costa Rica or Honduras will make any impact at the World Cup.

Im now throwing my support behind the Republic of Ireland, I wanna see them get to the World Cup and they should have beaten Italy, poor defending and a a poor Shay Given cost them the 2 goals, but we will have to see who they get in the playoffs. If they can avoid Portugal and France then they have a Good chance of getting there.

 

[The Todd]

Lower level teams that have done well should be rewarded by being given the oppertunity to draw easier teams. And the big guns should be given the disadvantage of being eligible to play other bigger teams.

That would make the qualifying much more interesting. Teams shouldn't be able to qualify when being shit. I just find it funny everyone says "we need Ronaldo and Messi at the Finals". Why? They play shit for their countries. Especially Messi.

Sweden will miss out, Portugal will get through with ease. Although I am hoping for a France - Portugal playoff match, that would please me to no end.

I don't think that can happen. Apparantly they are seeding four of the teams in the play-offs so they can't play each other. If Ireland are not seeds, they have to pray they draw Greece, who probably will be seeds.

I shall also be cheering on Uruguay cos I dont wanna see the Argies at the World Cup either.

I do. I want people to see that without a good midfield backing him up, Messi is lost.

In the CONCACAF I'm not too bothered who join the USA and Mexico, neither Costa Rica or Honduras will make any impact at the World Cup.

Yeah they will, breaking the record for the biggest defeat in World Cup history probably.

Im now throwing my support behind the Republic of Ireland,

Definitely. Irish people can party, which will make the World CUp that much better. The team won't make it out the groups if they get there, though.

 

[NSL]

We made it!

OK, we can stay home now...No need to go and soil all these good vibes by getting bounced early. The last time we went in with any amount of momentum was 2006, and even the die hard soccer fans here don't speak of that. I'm sure we'll make it out of Group play (or I'm hoping ), but I don't think we'll get any further. While we're maintaining our level of play, it seems all the other teams keep getting better.

This could be really bad, or it could end up really good...Either way, I'll be watching, cheering for Brazil...At least then I can be sure of some excitement.

 

[The Todd]

We made it!

OK, we can stay home now...No need to go and soil all these good vibes by getting bounced early. The last time we went in with any amount of momentum was 2006, and even the die hard soccer fans here don't speak of that. I'm sure we'll make it out of Group play (or I'm hoping ), but I don't think we'll get any further. While we're maintaining our level of play, it seems all the other teams keep getting better.

This could be really bad, or it could end up really good...Either way, I'll be watching, cheering for Brazil...At least then I can be sure of some excitement.

All depends on the groups and the seedings. If you can end up with a weak European team, and someone like North Korea (USA vs North Korea, it's bound to happen) then qualifying for the Second Round will be virtually guarenteed. It all depends on the seedings and the draw. Drawing, for example, Holland and Brazil, will fuck any team up.

 

[NSL]

All depends on the groups and the seedings. If you can end up with a weak European team, and someone like North Korea (USA vs North Korea, it's bound to happen) then qualifying for the Second Round will be virtually guarenteed. It all depends on the seedings and the draw. Drawing, for example, Holland and Brazil, will fuck any team up.

I've always found the seeding to be the most interesting part. Watching as they draw the teams to determine who is where always was fun. It'll definitely be interesting to see how it all falls. There's always one group that is stacked, leaving a team that should be moving on without a chance. And, there's always a group that no one watches, because there's 4 teams that no one cares about, and then they look awesome for going undefeated and advancing easily.

 

[The Todd]

I've always found the seeding to be the most interesting part. Watching as they draw the teams to determine who is where always was fun. It'll definitely be interesting to see how it all falls. There's always one group that is stacked, leaving a team that should be moving on without a chance. And, there's always a group that no one watches, because there's 4 teams that no one cares about, and then they look awesome for going undefeated and advancing easily.

Yup. That happens in qualifying in Europe too. We have teams like Croatia, France, Russia, Portugal and Sweden struggling to qualify whilst Switzerland and either Slovenia or Slovakia will qualify. Draw one of them and you're laughing.

USA are currently the 11th best team according ot the FIFA rankings. Croatioa, France and Argentina, all ahead of the US, may not qualify, so USA should be in the second group of seeds. That should mean their group will only contain one powerhouse, which improves the chances of qualifying.

 

[Dave]

The USA are definitely a team with a lot of promise. Typical that, isn't it? The USA aren't interested and then all of a sudden they come in and be good at something. Well, fuck you Amarica. If you are going to be good at it, call it Football, which it is. I am kidding obviously and I think that the USA is a very good team. Landon Donovan and Freedy Adu are just excellent players. I think it is a mark of the times that America's domestic game is vastly improving on a yearly basis and I think they will have a good chance of getting past the first few rounds. However, I don't think they have enough qaulity to get past teams like Germany, Brazil and England.

I will be supporting two teams during the World Cup, I assume. The first team will be Germany. I have always liked Germany in footballing terms and I always support them when Scotland don't reach a tournament proper, which is fucking always. Nevertheless, I think they are a good team and always play better than they probably should. The second team I will be supporting is England. Mainly because I am a glory hunter and I think England have a great chance. They are also our neighbours and I think that a winner from the UK will only be good for our game.

A European winner will suffice though.

 

[NSL]

Yup. That happens in qualifying in Europe too. We have teams like Croatia, France, Russia, Portugal and Sweden struggling to qualify whilst Switzerland and either Slovenia or Slovakia will qualify. Draw one of them and you're laughing.

I probably won't be watching any from work tonight, but I'll definitely be catching up, to see who has qualified. Yesterday I saw the list of teams that can make it today, and the only ones I saw for sure with a chance were Slovakia and Slovenia. All of the rest needed wins or ties, and for a whole mess of other things to fall right for them.

USA are currently the 11th best team according ot the FIFA rankings. Croatioa, France and Argentina, all ahead of the US, may not qualify, so USA should be in the second group of seeds. That should mean their group will only contain one powerhouse, which improves the chances of qualifying.

We don't need powerhouses to lose. Didn't we lose to Ghana in '06? For whatever reason, we seem to play well against the big teams like Spain and Brazil, and then fall flat against "nobodies". This isn't just a soccer thing. It happens in every sport.

Also, one of our strikers was in a pretty bad accident yesterday, and was in surgery for a while...Haven't heard anything else about him, and can't remember his name for the life of me. I hope he's OK, and I hope it doesn't kill us for the WC.

 

[Dave]

Onto another point entirely though and I want to get some feedback on this, if possible. To my knowledge, 8 teams are selected from the teams that finish second in their groups and they are all placed into a playoff. This is common knowledge. However, what I did not realise is that they have recently introduced a seeding system for the 8 second placed teams. The seedings will be decided by the FIFA world ranking system and will give the teams who are higher up an easier draw in the playoff match.

Does anyone else think that this is due to France and Portugal struggling to qualify? What a ridiculous measure.

 

[NSL]

Does anyone else think that this is due to France and Portugal struggling to qualify? What a ridiculous measure.

Whether it's because of that or not, it's a good idea. Why would the best teams that are left out have to face each other to get in? It's just the Wild Card system in the playoffs (at least here). The best teams to not make it in the easy way, get to make it in because they're still better than the rest. It'll make for better games, which means more competition, and that drives the business side of this. Who wants to tune in for Slovenia v. Switzerland, when they can see Brazil v. France?

 

[The Todd]

We don't need powerhouses to lose. Didn't we lose to Ghana in '06? For whatever reason, we seem to play well against the big teams like Spain and Brazil, and then fall flat against "nobodies". This isn't just a soccer thing. It happens in every sport.

No offence, but if you draw Ghana this time around, they would probably be favourties. They have a fantastic team, with Michael Essien, one of the finest players in the English Premier League, their main man. Them and Ivory Coast are dark horses for this tournament.

Also, one of our strikers was in a pretty bad accident yesterday, and was in surgery for a while...Haven't heard anything else about him, and can't remember his name for the life of me. I hope he's OK, and I hope it doesn't kill us for the WC.

Charlie Davies. I haven't seen him play so I can't comment on him. I wish him a speedy recovery though.

The USA are definitely a team with a lot of promise. Typical that, isn't it? The USA aren't interested and then all of a sudden they come in and be good at something. Well, fuck you Amarica. If you are going to be good at it, call it Football, which it is.

I know. *****.

I am kidding obviously and I think that the USA is a very good team.

Oh.

The second team I will be supporting is England. Mainly because I am a glory hunter and I think England have a great chance. They are also our neighbours and I think that a winner from the UK will only be good for our game.

Scottish people support Engalnd? That's new. I remember at Euro 2004 when someone put on the Scottish border "Scotland. Twinned with Croatia, Switzerland and France." Made me laugh. I always support Scotland when they are playing, though that is cos I have Scottish grandparents.

A European winner will suffice though.

Since we won't win it, hopefully Spain. Or Holland. Though will probably be Germany, Brazil or Argentina (if they qualify).

 

[Dave]

Whether it's because of that or not, it's a good idea. Why would the best teams that are left out have to face each other to get in? It's just the Wild Card system in the playoffs (at least here). The best teams to not make it in the easy way, get to make it in because they're still better than the rest. It'll make for better games, which means more competition, and that drives the business side of this. Who wants to tune in for Slovenia v. Switzerland, when they can see Brazil v. France?

That's not the point, NSL. Many teams have tumbled out of the World Cup at this point before and nothing has been done up until now. I think it is fucking ridiculous and do you know why it has been introduced? It's because Canal, the French primary broadcaster of the World Cup in 2010 will not take up as much matches etc if France are not in the World Cup. FIFA re ensuring that they get all of their money from the broadcasters regardless of who is left out instead. If I was the Republic Of Ireland or a similar team, I would be fucking raging. Why should they be given a harder match when FIFA are trying to push through bills that ensure that less developed and successful footballing nations are given representation? I don't think you will be familiar with the Champions League in Europe but if you are you will realise that Platini was told to try and get some of the champions from smaller leagues into the tournament and now we have to deal with random team A vs Manchester United. The point is, they are only using these rules when it suits them and it is completely unfair.

 

[NSL]

The point is, they are only using these rules when it suits them and it is completely unfair.

And you're surprised? They need to keep the money rolling in, and if that means "fixing" it so that can happen, then so be it. Of course, I'm from a country where the business side of soccer is more important than the game itself, so my views are definitely slightly skewed, to say the least.

 

[Dave]

And you're surprised? They need to keep the money rolling in, and if that means "fixing" it so that can happen, then so be it. Of course, I'm from a country where the business side of soccer is more important than the game itself, so my views are definitely slightly skewed, to say the least.

That may be the most honest point I have ever read. You are from American and as such are not passionate about the footballing side of matters. If you are from places like Scotland, England and Ireland, where we are football-mad and are so passionate about our football, this is a huge body-blow. It will also mean that if Scotland are in a position like this next time, we are definitely going to draw a fucking huge team, meaning that we have less chance of making it. FIFA are assholes and sell-outs. That's how I see it anyway.

 

[NSL]

That may be the most honest point I have ever read. You are from American and as such are not passionate about the footballing side of matters.

As a sports fan, it sucks, but I understand that they need to make the most money possible, and having teams like Brazil, France, England, and yes...The USA, is good for business. we may not care about the sport, but we can always appreciate a shiny trophy. we get a trophy, right? Or is it medals?

FIFA are assholes and sell-outs. That's how I see it anyway.

This is true. But, so is any major sports league. If it gets to where more and more countries are upset by it, then they'll either build up the other tournaments to be big, or they'll have to deal with FIFA and their political BS.

 

[The Todd]

Does anyone else think that this is due to France and Portugal struggling to qualify? What a ridiculous measure.

Of course it is. France have the money, Portugal have Ronaldo. It's not a surprise though. Look at how they do the intercontinental play-offs. South America zone, the strongest, draw the CONCACAF zone, the weakest. Also, Oceania don't even get a proper place, but their winners have to play the Asian zone. Why isn't it Asia vs Suuth America, and CONCACAF vs Oceania? Because no one wants to see New Zealand and Honduras in the finals.

If I was the Republic Of Ireland or a similar team, I would be fucking raging.

That depends. Ireland have just run Italy close, in Italy. The teams they can face will be either France, Portugal, Ukraine or Greece, I believe. Greece are abysmal, Ukraine are good only at home, Portugal and France are struggling big time. Ireland should fancy their chances against any of them, especially at home. As long as Croatia don't manage to somehow knock Ukraine out (please do it, Croatia) then ireland have a chance against any team.

Why should they be given a harder match when FIFA are trying to push through bills that ensure that less developed and successful footballing nations are given representation?

They want to make sure a team like Greece or Iraq can't win their continents championships.

I don't think you will be familiar with the Champions League in Europe but if you are you will realise that Platini was told to try and get some of the champions from smaller leagues into the tournament and now we have to deal with random team A vs Manchester United. The point is, they are only using these rules when it suits them and it is completely unfair.

Platini wasn't told to, it was his idea. Before his presidency, he said he wanted to scrap the group stage and have 256 teams in a straight knockout championship, no seedings so the champions of Malta could in theory visit the Nou Camp. If Platini was head of FIFA, he would likely make it easier for smaller teams to qualify.

 

[Dave]

As a sports fan, it sucks, but I understand that they need to make the most money possible, and having teams like Brazil, France, England, and yes...The USA, is good for business. we may not care about the sport, but we can always appreciate a shiny trophy. we get a trophy, right? Or is it medals?

The World Cup is going to make a tremendous amount of money, regardless of whether France is in it or not, NSL. The World Cup is one of the biggest tournaments on the face of the planet and will be broadcast around the world into more than a billion homes. Money is not the issue here. Well, at least not entirely. What FIFA want is the best teams playing in their tournament, regardless of where they finished in their groups and that is what makes me sick.

This is true. But, so is any major sports league. If it gets to where more and more countries are upset by it, then they'll either build up the other tournaments to be big, or they'll have to deal with FIFA and their political BS.

No, what they will do is ignore the smaller countries like they have all along. I would love to see the outcry if France go on and win it after possibly getting in on a fucking fix. That is where the damage could be done and I personally hope it happens.

 

[NSL]

Why would you want France to win, if they get in that way? It'd be bigger if they got in through the playoff, and then lost in the group round. It'd just prove that they didn't deserve to be there, and then they can change it for next time.

I'm hoping that there's a "new" winner, because as much as I enjoy seeing all the big teams doing well, I'd rather see teams come from nowhere to win it all. Keeps it interesting for me.

 

[The Todd]

Congratulations go to Slovakia who have qualified for the World Cup for the very first time. Teams who have also secured qualification tonight are Argentina, who won a poor match against Uruguay, with Lionel Messi extremely unaffective, and Switzerland, who secured the point they needed to guarantee top spot, and Honduras who beat El Salvador whilst a last miniute goal from USA against Costa Rica put the Hondurans through.

In South America, Uruguay are in the play offs and will play Costa Rica so we can pencil Uruguay in too.

EDIT- The draw has been made and Ireland play France. Providing they can take either a 1 or 2-0 lead to Paris, they can progress. France are nothing special. Ukraine should see off Greece comfortably, as Portugal should do to Bosnia and Russia to Slovenia. If it wasn't for Ireland/France these play-offs would be a total joke. As it is they are just a regular joke.

Argentina look poor, but with Maradonna at the helm, with them just struggling to qualify and with people writing them off, there's a touch of fate about them to win the thing. They would have to improve a hell of a lot though.

 

[Dave]

Congratulations go to Slovakia who have qualified for the World Cup for the very first time. Teams who have also secured qualification tonight are Argentina, who won a poor match against Uruguay, with Lionel Messi extremely unaffective, and Switzerland, who secured the point they needed to guarantee top spot, and Honduras who beat El Salvador whilst a last miniute goal from USA against Costa Rica put the Hondurans through.

In South America, Uruguay are in the play offs and will play Costa Rica so we can pencil Uruguay in too.

EDIT- The draw has been made and Ireland play France. Providing they can take either a 1 or 2-0 lead to Paris, they can progress. France are nothing special. Ukraine should see off Greece comfortably, as Portugal should do to Bosnia and Russia to Slovenia. If it wasn't for Ireland/France these play-offs would be a total joke. As it is they are just a regular joke.

Argentina look poor, but with Maradonna at the helm, with them just struggling to qualify and with people writing them off, there's a touch of fate about them to win the thing. They would have to improve a hell of a lot though.

I personally think that Ireland have been handed a relatively easy task here. France have not been a shade of the side that won the World Cup in 1998. They have looked weak up front and even worse at the back. The Republic of Ireland, on the other hand, are really developing into a good team. With players like Robbie Keane, Aiden McGeady and John O'Shea, Ireland really have a lot of strength in some really useful positions. France have looked shaky and are ucky to qualify for the playoffs to be honest. Portugal are the exact same. They will get past Bosnia with some ease and I don't think that one will be close. I guess FIFA's plan to get some of the bigger teams into the Finals with seedings have kind of worked.

My fingers are crossed for Ireland though.

 

[Mavericks fan]

I`m cheering for Serbia.I know we will not win,but we were ahead of France in the group stage...TAKE THAT BITCHES!I just hope it is not going to be a blowout like in 2006(we were undefeated,ahead of Spain,conceded only one goal,yet we lost to Argentina by six and finished last in the group)

 

[NSL]

I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I'm a little upset that Ireland is out. Mostly for nationality reasons alone, but it would have been nice to see them compete.

I know 2 people that are rooting for Uruguay, having been born there, even if they were raised in New York, and have no memories of it. I don't know too much about the international rankings, outside of the major competitors, so I'll probably root for Uruguay a little, depending on where they land.

 

[Tastycles]

This could be the lowest calibre World Cup that there has ever been. Many of the traditionally good sides are out and have been replaced by the likes of New Zealand and North Korea. Argentina and France aren't looking in very good shape. The host nations are also rubbish, so I think this could be quite an open tournament.

Spain look good, and Brazil are always a threat, but England and Germany could also go for a long time. Every year there is a totally random team that flukes their way to the semis, and I expect this year's team of that ilk to be the USA. The USA looked good in the Summer, and more importantly, they will be benefitted by the quality of European challengers being low.

 

[Loveless]

Well I'm still furious over Ireland being screwed but at least I've got allegiances to 2 other teams that have qualified.
What do you mean "many of the traditionally good teams are out"? As far as I can see, the only big team not to qualify are Russia. Pretty much everyone else is there.
As far as the "surprise" team that'll get to the semis, so much depends on the draw but I'd be looking at Ivory Coast or Australia, possibly even Japan. It's 13 days to the draw and as always, I'm really looking forward to it but I sense England are going to get a nightmare draw.

 

[Tuffey]

Thought Ireland were terrific against the French and were very unlucky. But as much as I have sympathy for them over the French goal they need to realise that all this replay talk makes them look petulant. Yes, it was a dodgy goal but football full of them everywhere all over the world in every league.