Does the U.S. have a chance to advance to Round 2? Can anybody beat Brazil? Does anybody even care yet?

Only one time has a South American team won a world cup in Europe and that was in 1958 so chances are that a European team will win again.

USA has a chance but it will be tough with Italy and the Czech Rep in their pool.

I care. I know I'll be watching as many games as possible.

I definitely care. I'll be rooting for the US, but I wouldn't mind seeing Germany win. I'm a huge Michael Ballack fan. I may even make my way over there in late May depending on how school goes.

I hope Korea can show some of that luck they did in 2002.

I will watch and I think 2010 is a much better chance for the US. Freddy should be ready and in his prime by that time.


Art

The only thing for certain is that England will advance out of their Group as a favorite, only to flame out and lose in the semis, once again ripping the souls out of every English person who gives a shit. Same with Mexico.

The U.S. team will be fast, but it depends on Landon Donovan setting evrybody up, and the goalie. I like Kevin Hartman of the Galaxy, but I've got this strange feeling that old man Kasey Keller is going to start. He shouldn't, but Bruce Arena can be a dumbfuck sometimes.

You know how they say Americans are always arrogant blah blah blah. English tourists are pigs. They are the loudest, most annoying people I've ever seen. Pure trash.

I agree Denny. England will flame out again which is great because I can't stand them.

seems you both have your redeeming qualities.........

This much response for a soccer post and yet Fraserburn and I continue to struggle in the NHL thread? (sorry to lump you in, Fraser)

We are talking about soccer....right?


If anyone needs me, I'll be hanging from my ceiling fan. It was nice knowing you all.

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Hockey is the most popular sport in the north pole. Enough said.

However...soccer is like the 137th most popular sport in The States....People follow tennis more than soccer.

However...soccer is like the 137th most popular sport in The States....People follow tennis more than soccer.

Thats why we have fox soccer channel and goltv which show 24/7 soccer and all the world cup games will be shown in the US in high definition no less. This isn't 1992 buddy, hockey is falling behind every sport.

Im going to guess Hockey is still loved in Canada...

Hell even Korean doesnt have a hockey league...i think

The U.S. team has their first game in '06 on the 21st versus Canada, which I'm guessing is more or less preparation for the game against Norway on the 29th.

I think they're got a shot at advancing into the next round, but it'll take some luck to get by Italy and the Czech Republic, and Ghana as well.

Is Freddy Adu really as good as the hype suggests? I haven't really followed his progress in the MLS.

Actually its tomorrow against Canada but it isn't televised.

I just wanted to point out that the Korean national team sucks ass in soccer. Watching the english premier league and watching the Korean league, there is a huge difference. In every fucking possession, all we do is pass the ball back instead of trying to make passes up the field...GOD I HATE KOREAN SOCCEr

Same with the Mexican league. I'll watch Chivas or Pumas once in a while, but really the quality of their 1st division blows chunks. I can see why they flame out at each World Cup.

I'm looking for Germany to make another strong showing at this Cup, and I think Portugal will make it into the semis after their shit performance in 02.

I think Korea shocked many teams in 02. They won't be able to sneak up on anybody this year. I think the U.S. will make it to the next round along with the Czechs in their group, which means I think the Italians are this year's Portugal.

We still have a ways to go to become a top five team. Remeber, many of the best athletes in these other nations grow up with soccer (like hockey in Canada, it's in their blood). In the U.S., there are too many different sports options and far more money to be made elsewhere to lure the best "pure athletes" to Futbol.... but that's beginning to change.

If the U.S. makes a strong showing, my prediction is that we will win the 2014 World Cup.

Korea was fluke. Part of the reason was they were in Korea.

When they beat Spain, Portugal, i was surprised.

Does anyone know if Toga is any good?

I dont know whos going to win.

Sleeper? NEtherlands

Pele's picking his home country to win (big shock).

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=356437&cc=5901


'Brazil will edge England to Wolrd Cup' - Pele

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Pele is backing Brazil to retain the World Cup because they have more strength in depth than other top teams, like England or Italy.

'I think England has a good team this year, Italy has a very good team but of course Brazil is the favourite, without a doubt,' Pele told Reuters on Thursday.


He gave his views about the likely winners of this year's tournament in Germany on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, a gathering of political and business leaders.

'Brazil has two teams. If they have to change a player it makes no difference. But if a team like England or Italy lose their best players through injury, they have problems to get replacements,' said the triple World Cup-winner.

Pele was in Brazil's team at the finals in Sweden in 1958, the only time the South Americans have won the World Cup in Europe, and said there was an advantage for European sides this year, given that the finals are in Germany.

'Normally, with the Europeans playing in their weather, in front of their public it's always harder (for Brazil). But this year that could change,' he said.

Pele tipped Czech Republic and the Ivory Coast as countries who could spring a surprise at the finals.

The tournament starts in Munich on June 9 and features 32 teams playing a total of 64 matches across Germany, culminating in the final at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on July 9.

honestly, I dont think Brazil is going to win.

Outside of Rondaldhino, everyone is shit.

Roberto Carlos, rondaldo, fuck them

Austraia got screwed in whatever pool they ended up in.

After all these years of trying to make it we finally get in and BAM! we're in a pool that's gonna kill us.

LOL

Getting really close.

USA beat Poland

Italy raped Germany