The World Is Watching
The 18th FIFA World Cup got underway in Munich, Germany as more than 150 World Cup winners from past World Cups put on a spectacular show.
Claudia takes the coveted WC trophy
Germany - Costa Rica
Germany got off to a winning start as they beat a highly motivated Costa Rican team 4-2 thanks to 2 goals from Klose and spectacular strikes from Lahm and Frings. Costa Rica fought back with goals from Paolo Wanchope but couldn't beat the hosts, and they were unlucky to lose the game. Germany needs to set its leaky defence right if they have to win the World Cup.
Ecuador pulled off the first upset when they beat Poland 2-0. Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado scored the goals for the South Americans.
Looking at Poland's form from the pre-WC friendlies and their first match, I guess they will be among the countries who will return home early. Ecuador looks likely to finish second.
Last-Minute Predictions
Group A: Germany & Ecuador
Dark Horse: Costa Rica
Group B: England & Sweden
Group C: Argentina & Holland
Dark Horse: Ivory Coast
Group D: Portugal & Mexico
Dark Horse: Iran
Group E: Italy & Czech Republic
Dark Horse: Ghana
Group F: Brazil & Australia
Group G: France & Switzerland
Group H: Ukraine & Spain
Poll Results!
Who else but Ronaldinho tops the list.
Spectacular Strikes
Ecuador pulled off the first upset when they beat Poland 2-0. Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado scored the goals for the South Americans.
Looking at Poland's form from the pre-WC friendlies and their first match, I guess they will be among the countries who will return home early. Ecuador looks likely to finish second.
Last-Minute Predictions
Group A: Germany & Ecuador
Dark Horse: Costa Rica
Group B: England & Sweden
Group C: Argentina & Holland
Dark Horse: Ivory Coast
Group D: Portugal & Mexico
Dark Horse: Iran
Group E: Italy & Czech Republic
Dark Horse: Ghana
Group F: Brazil & Australia
Group G: France & Switzerland
Group H: Ukraine & Spain
Poll Results!Who else but Ronaldinho tops the list.
posted by Lucas @ 7:01 AM
8 Comments:
Now we've seen some upsets. Dark horses are really getting better. I'm sure we'll see one or two enter at least the quarters.
How thoughtful of u to put Claudia Schiffer right at the top :)
Argentina have looked the best till now...for me.
USA might be the dark horse in the Italy grp.Nt that sure abt Ghana.
I was ver impressed with Ivory Coast though. They created so many chances...just didnt put em away. Zokora,Ya ya look real good.I dont know why they didnt start with Dindane.
Abt the vote, i was thinking of voting for Titi 10 more times. :)
@Soccerguy
Let's see which dark horse does well this time...my vote is for the Socceroos.
Also, Angola did very well against Portugal last night! I dont understand Portugal's problem...they really struggled after the opening 15 minutes.
@Sriskandhs
Agree with u...Argentina has looked the best...the lesser weight of expectations has done them good this time. Ivory Coast gave them a good run for their money but Arg's experience helded them.
I am not sure USA will do as good as last time.
And yes, I was surprised to see just a solitary vote for Henry.
Probably the most inspired team up till what I've seen now is Trinidad & Tobago. Firstly, their defence isn't shaky. Secondly, Hislop the goalkeeper was absolutely phenomenal against Sweden. So if T&T can do it, why can't others?
The Socceroos are really hyped up now and it's time for them to lift up to expectations. Probably got the edge over Japan to beat them and to qualify. Yeah, my vote goes the same way as yours.
And the Socceroos win :))
France is Zidane-centric. Henry wants the spotlight on him. But he still needs to pick up his scoks. No doubts about it.
Zidane is at his nadir. Players having a verbal feud in the middle of the pitch, coach blowing his top at the pre-match conference, keeper walking out, Unity is unknown to French. Added to that, it has 6 men over 32.
BTW the polls should be revised to include guys like Rosicky, Robben, Kaka and Riquelme.They've been real quality.
Yup. They play everything thro Zizou.He played pretty well though.THis Gallas fella is an arse.Whay the hell was he arguing with Zidane i dont understand?
Henry went missing yesterday. Why he is nt that effective for France?Beats me..ITs probably bcos, as Mar says, the play doesnt go thro him.
I liked Abidal though. Ribery looked ordinary.
@Marauder
I listed just the superstars in the polls but it looks like other great players are emerging this tournament. Good to see players scoring lots of goals. Cahill, Rosicky, Bravo, Klose already have 2 goals while Kaka, Crespo , Riq are sure to fight it out with these players for the golden boot/golden ball. I guess I will have to create a new poll now :)
As u said, Henry wants the spotlight on him...that's the reason he opted to stay at Arsenal too. He was awful yesterday and it looks like France have to play like Arsenal if Henry has to score.
Ribery looks all hyped-up. Zidane looks weary after just one game. They have to play really better if they have to progress far. Vikash Dharasoo looked good when he came on...he can be given a start.
Btw, Brazil wasn't playing up to their usual high standards. What's up with Ronaldo? He was so awful!!!!! He can kiss his dreams of overtaking Gerd Muller, goodbye!
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