BS: Who will win the World Cup?

Subject: Who will win the World Cup?
From: GUEST,Jim Jones
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 02:55 PM

OK, we're down to twelve teams now, and the quarter finals are:

England v Brazil or Belgium

Germany v Mexico or USA

Spain v South Korea or Italy

Senegal v Japan or Turkey

I think that Mexico should easily beat the USA (sorry US catters) and despite their injuries Italy should dispatch South Korea.

A Germany/Mexico quarter final could go either way, but I think Italy would beat either in the semi.

On the other side of the draw:

I'd back Turkey to beat Japan, but who knows with the home support? Senegal/Turkey could go either way. That one's hard to call.

It would take a huge upset for Belgium to beat Brazil, so I expect a Brazil/England quarter final. Whilst I think it will be tight, head rather than heart suggests Brazil.

Whoever wins that one will almost certainly beat Senegal/Turkey/Japan

So I'm going for an Italy vs. Brazil/England final with Brazil or England to win.

What do you think?

Jim

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: C-flat
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 03:09 PM

There's been so many "dead-certs" that have gone out that I wouldn't hazard a guess! The real surprise package, for me, have been Senegal. These guys aren't just getting lucky EVERY time! As for England/Brazil, if we defend properly we're in with a good chance. The Brazilians haven't been too hard to score against (working on the "you score two, we'll score three" principal) and England have the best defensive record in the championship so far. This has been the most open world cup that I can remember so it's going to get really exiting. By-the-way, I thought the Irish were unlucky, especially as they looked like edging it in extra time.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 04:41 PM

IT'S ONLY A GAME FER CRISSSAKES!!!

(having said that, I fancy Brazil/England final with Brazil pipping us)

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 04:46 PM

Oh dear, Liz

There can't be a Brazil/England final. We (most probably) meet in the next game.

What exactly do you have against this thread? I can't see that it's offensive in any way.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: allanwill
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 04:50 PM

Jim Jones

Somehow, I think you've lost track of Germany in your (excellent) summation.

I'm going for an old-fashioned England v Germany final, with England to reign supreme.

Allan (a staunch Republican Australian, but still want England to win).

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: GUEST,Jim Jones
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 05:01 PM

Allan,

I didn't forget Germany. I'm just not too impressed with them this year and would fancy Italy if the two meet.

Jim

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Col K
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 05:11 PM

Does it matter?

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: allanwill
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 05:15 PM

Jim - fair enough.

ColK - Yes.

Allan

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 07:32 PM

ColK,

Yes it matters a lot.

If England win (still unlikely I know) there will be a massive mood change throughout the country.

The same will happen with any other country that might win.

Senegal have called a national holiday as a result of their last victory.

Millions of people are happy and feel good.

If that doesn't matter...

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Terry K
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 07:40 PM

Col K - it obviously doesn't matter to you, but to several millions of people around the world it is a great source of pleasure. And if it doesn't matter, why open the thread? Is it just that you're trying to show how clever you are to be disinterested? I thought that sort of thing went out in the seventies.

And on a serious note, we will beat Belgium and win the final. But if we have to play Brazil instead, it will be a great game and I simply don't know.

So there you have it!

cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Wolfgang
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 03:11 AM

All my four quarter final predictions before it started went wrong, so I may as well give you my prediction (before it all started) for the final: England - Italy with Italy winning. At this moment this is still possible. (My before the games prediction for Germany was leaving after a quarter final loss against Italy)

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 04:55 AM

Well, after USA/Mexico, it looks like the traditional wisdom continues to flounder! Anyone for USA-Senegal?

(I know, I know, we're not likely to get past England. Of course, we weren't likely to get past Mexico, either...)

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 06:19 AM

Well, I suppose now Ireland are out, I don't mind if the poor old Poms win.

Then can we be a republic?

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Gervase
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 06:37 AM

Wait yer turn - some of us in the old country want to be a republic first!

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 10:40 AM

I'm rooting for Senegal!

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 11:11 AM

it is NOT 'important' in the way some folks want it to be...

it is wonderful when your team does well, and it is exciting watching some of the best teams in the world compete, but in any single game (as we have seen), the 'best' team may not win......If Portugal were to play the US and Korea 10 times each, they might win 7-8 of the 10. This time they didn't. (And the US might beat Poland 7 of 10...they didn't this time)

Therefore is is worse than ludicrous for people to connect the depths of their souls and national pride with what happens on a football field!!! Be happy, pleased, disappointed, sad, joyous....whatever the day calls for....but NOT like the guy who shot the Colombian player a few years ago for an accidental 'own goal'.

It IS still just a game....

*rant over* ..go back to your emotional biases and recriminations now.....(what--me? opinionated?...naawwwww)

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: NightWing
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 11:19 AM

I'm curious why GUEST, Jim Jones, thought that Mexico should handle the US so handily (sorry, unintentional pun there). Before this morning's game, the US had won four of the last five meetings with Mexico. And that's with the generally VERY strong crowd support Mexico gets, even when playing here in the States. Now it's five of the last four.

Now if only I could have a hope of an upset over Germany ... but I wouldn't bet on it. *sigh*

BB,
NightWing

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 11:38 AM

Yep. Winning 'five out of the last four' is tricky. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: C-flat
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 11:49 AM

Well Bill D, Your right of course. It IS just a game. Although I seem to remember another "Bill"(Shankly) saying during a post-match interveiw

"Football isn't life or death.........It's far MORE important!"

C-flat(just kidding)

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: GUEST,Mike Strobel
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 12:51 PM

USA over Italy in a squeaker............

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Mad4Mud
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 06:33 PM

I would LOVE to know the answer to this question as I'm off to Las Vegas this weekend and plan on making some bets on the World Cup!

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 06:44 PM

I figure we have it wrapped up now......We'll play Senegal for the Cup and win 4-1.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: DougR
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 07:43 PM

I'm saving my predictions for the World Series (The DBacks will be repeating of course).

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 08:03 PM

I sometimes wonder why it is Ireland doesn't have a "World Series" of Hurling instead of a prosaic old "All Ireland Series"?

As for the World Cup - Brazil, or whoever beats Brazil.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: firínne
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 08:17 PM

McGrath......Hurling is hardly even 'all' Ireland. There are plenty of counties where hurling wouldn't be the main game, it would be gaelic football instead.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Big John
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 08:56 PM

We (THE IRISH) have our World Cup Final in Phoenix Park at 6 p.m today (18.6.02). (It is now 1.50 am. here) . The amazing thing is that thousands of "FANS" who three weeks ago would have erected a gallows in Phoenix Park to hang Mick McCarthy will be there tomorrow to give him and the BOYS a HERO's Welcome. And of course we have the complainers who think the celebration should be held in Dublin city centre where 100,000 people can congregate around one bus carrying thr heros. My "choice" for the winning team is Italy. They had 4 disallowed goals in two matches, three of which were borderline. Those guys CAN score goals.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 08:57 PM

Which makes the analogy even more accurate. (Though it's still the All Ireland, both Hurling and Gaelic Football.)

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 10:02 AM

SO, who's still in? Turkey, the US, Senegal (GO SENEGAL), Brazil? I must be missing some...

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 10:03 AM

Yeah....Korea.......Who just sent another favorite to the showers.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Mad4Mud
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 10:08 AM

Germany's still in too.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Mad4Mud
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 10:09 AM

And Spain.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Mad4Mud
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 10:09 AM

It's tempting to bet on Senegal just for the odds!

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Declan
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 10:10 AM

Quarter final line up :

England v Brazil Germany v USA Turkey v Senegal South Korea v Spain

Not many would have predicted those four games at the start of the tournament.

I think the winners of England Brazil match will be the favourites to win the competition, but in many ways its one of the most wide open tournaments ever, and there'll probably be a few more shocks before the end.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: GUEST,Jim Jones
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 10:15 AM

Well I'm not going to become a professional punter, LOL!

Still think that Brazil or England will win it. But what the hell do I know???

Jim

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Wolfgang
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 10:24 AM

Could my old post here please be cancelled. Of course, I meant to predict a final between Spain and England with England winning.

Look here for my newest prediction next monday.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 10:30 AM

The wonderful thing about many sports is that at the upper level of competition there are many good teams and a few great teams, but on any given day, anyone can beat anyone. Sure, Portugal is probably a lot better that the US and Korea, but they're gone. France? Argentina? Both should "probably still be in it....but.............

Tell ya' one thing for sure.......I would never bet against Korea in this series. They are good, not great, but the heart and home field advantage make them dangerous.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Bullfrog Jones
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 07:19 PM

The one safe bet in this World Cup is that there is no safe bet! As a long-time viewer of World Cup Finals (I watchjed the 1962 finals on TV & was at Villa Park for the group games in 1966) this is without a doubt the most open and therefore the most interesting World Cup ever, and can only do the game good, especially in the Asian and American markets. I agree with Jim Jones (no relation) that whoever emerges from the England - Brazil game is the likely winner -- but who knows?

BJ

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 07:35 PM

I was watching the crowd in the Korea-Italy match. A mass of Korean red - and every here and there someone supporting Italy, waving an Italian flag or scarf. And they were all mixed in together, with absolutely no hassles. Unheard of.

And that is the main winner in this year's World Cup.

As my son remarked - and he is as committed a fan as any - maybe the way to get rid of crowd trouble and hooliganism in the World Cup is to hold it as far away from England as possible.

But just possibly there might be a change in the mode of the music.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Den
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 09:43 PM

I think if I had to bet, I wouldn't bet against Brazil. A lot has been said about the weakness of their defence but can they score goals. That will be England's task to keep the ball away from Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. This is only my oppinion but I think England will try to pummle the Brazilian defence with crosses using Heskie if he is selected to knock the ball down for Owen if he is fit. The trick will be to get the ball at the Brazilian defence. Beckham is good at that but unfortunately he will be coming up against a man who has neutralized him before one Roberto Carlos. It has the makings of a hreat game but I think that Brazil will edge England.

Germany have not impressed me at all in this competition but I think that they will beat the US. The US have played very well and done the business against some very good teams. They beat Portugal but having said that I don't think I have seen Portugal play quite so badly. They did very well against Mexico but I feel that they know Mexico and they know how to play against them. They lost against Poland and that was telling because I think the Germans will play like that. The US are fit but the Germans will have it over them technically. Klose for example will be hard to contain.

Turkey I think will bring Senegals magnificent run to an end. Senegal have pulled off some incredible upsets but Turkey have been very good and were extremely unlucky against Brazil. They play with real flare and like Senegal they have been considered underdogs throughout the competition so they play with that nothing to lose attitude.

Finally I think that Korea will beat Spain. They have home advantage and are on a real run with great self belief. Spain look tired and that was very evident in the game against Ireland. Korea look fit and will run the Spanish off the park.

Only time will tell but for what its worth that's my prediction. Den

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 10:48 PM

Very well reasoned, Den. Except I honestly think the US has (all right, if you insist, have) a good chance to defeat Germany. Germany did not look all that impressive in their last match, and the US did in theirs.

It's certainly true, as 'Spaw and Bill D suggested, that if you ran the tournament over again from the beginning you might well come up with eight different teams in the quarter-final. Like the old saw about American football: "On any given Sunday, any team in the league can beat any other team." Or, as we used to say in Philadelphia in the 60's: "On any given Sunday, any team in the league...can beat the Eagles."

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 04:11 AM

If the question was about the Rugby World Cup - Australia.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Wolfgang
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 06:09 AM

I would never bet against Korea in this series. They are good, not great, but the heart and home field advantage make them dangerous.

The final will be played in Japan.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 06:16 AM

Well said Wolfgang, noticed that too!

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: alanabit
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 07:11 AM

Now that Wolfgang has tipped England, I am more worried for our lads than ever before! Seriously though, although the defence has looked good, I fear for England on Friday. The game is being played in mid afternoon - and that alone could be a two man advantage for the Brazilians. The other reason they worry me is that they have the ability to win without playing well. For the same reason, I can't see the Germans losing to the USA. Germany have not looked inspiring, but they have always done just enough. That is how they have always performed in tournaments - in the World Cups of 1982 and 1986 for instance. Apart from an exceptional goalkeeper they have no outstanding (at world level) players. They are disciplined and consequent though and I believe that they can play better. If the Americans can raise their game still more I will be very surprised. (I'll smile a bit too).Spain are not likely to lose their quarter final - although any predictions are dangerous this year. It looks like being a Brazil Germany final though - and I think there is only likely to be one outcome if that happens.

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 07:28 AM

alanabit

Forgive me if I take heart from your (previous) predictions *grin*

England will win!

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: alanabit
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 02:00 PM

I can enjoy being wrong sometimes too...

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: DougR
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 02:03 PM

Are you sure they weren't referring to the Arizona Cardinals Mark?

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 02:20 PM

Come on, Doug, you know there weren't any Arizona Cardinals in the 60's! As far as I knew, all Arizona had in the 60's was clean air and Barry Goldwater. Oh, and the Grand Canyon, of course!

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 02:25 PM

Yeah, the final will be played in Japan, but I'd say the Koreans, should they get there, will still have home field advantage with a much stronger crowd support than their opponents. 'Course I could be and am probably wrong.......nothing new there.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Who will win the World Cup?
From: AliUK
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 02:42 PM

As a Brit living in Brazil...I have already received death threats from my neighbours. As The match will be at 3:30 in the morning there are gonna be some really sore heads on friday morning WHEN England win.