316 replies to this topic

[Hi, I'm VALUE!]

So far every host nation has advanced to the 2^nd round

Is South Africa likely to continue that trend?

[El Diablo]

FIFA will somehow make that happen...

[Atterr]

It depends on the draw. Maybe if they avoid Portugal or France, there is hope for them. But even then, their chances are very slim I think.

[eaglejelly]

Is South Africa likely to continue that trend?

If South Korea and Japan can do it, why not south Africa. A buzzing home crowd can do a lot for you.

[ghdi]

If South Korea and Japan can do it, why not south Africa. A buzzing home crowd can do a lot for you.

South Korea/Japan was a lot different though. South Africa could, but its not the same. France doesnt even count and same if Brazil were to win in 2014.

The US can lose the World Cup this Friday. If we get in the wrong group, it's curtains. I'm hoping for something cush with lots of defensive teams, as thats sadly, our style. We struggle against teams with any type of pressing attack and play the waiting for mistakes game too often. Id like to have England in our group though. Id like to see Landon ruin Becks

[Jimmy Leeds]

I wish to avoid the Dutch, the Danes (because I'm Danish and rooting for them also)and Portugal (revenge), and Brazil..........

[El Diablo]

South Korea/Japan was a lot different though. South Africa could, but its not the same. France doesnt even count and same if Brazil were to win in 2014.

The US can lose the World Cup this Friday. If we get in the wrong group, it's curtains. I'm hoping for something cush with lots of defensive teams, as thats sadly, our style. We struggle against teams with any type of pressing attack and play the waiting for mistakes game too often. Id like to have England in our group though. Id like to see Landon ruin Becks

Not to throw water on your parade but this US team is not any better then last WC's group which was poor.

[Jimmy Leeds]

Not to throw water on your parade but this US team is not any better then last WC's group which was poor.

The US was the vicitm of very poor refeering.

The Bocanegra Red which should have been a yellow at worst versus the Italians, and the non-existent foul against Onyewu vs. Ghana giving them the penalty.

Brutal.

The US will upset a top European club, then lose to a weaker African club......and not advance due to goal differential.

[eaglejelly]

The US was the vicitm of very poor refeering.

[njdevsfn95]

the Czech Republic is a nation we think is better at hockey than soccer, probably thanks to 1998 Olympics and Patrik Elias and Petr Sykora.

they were a good team back in 2006. they were ranked #2 going in.

the US was the ONLY team not to lose to Italy, the World Cup Champions. we also "tied" them 2 - 1

Edited by njdevsfn95, 03 December 2009 - 11:16 PM.

[Jimmy Leeds]

How about EXTREMELY POOR refereeing.

If you disagree with that, you don't recall the particular decisions I'm referring to.

Indisputable.

[ghdi]

There were some bad calls in 06, but the play of the team sealed the losses. That was a terrible group to be in and is worst-case scenario this time around.

As for this World Cup squad, its better than 2006. Theres more viable offensive threats and if Jozy and Landon can develop a chemistry better seen than in qualifying, a similar run to 2002 is not out of the question. Id be stunned at anything more than the quarters though, and Id be pretty surprised at that really. It really depends on a few hours from now. A good group can be the ticket to the Final, especially for teams at the fringe like any CONCACAF squad for the most part.

I dont think theres a clear cut favorite by any stretch. Brazil? Yea, always, but they're not the Brazil of the last 10 years either. Every team has a weakness.

[Jimmy Leeds]

Losing Davies is a big loss for the US. He really looked good out there with Donovan. Shame what happened to the girl.

[Atterr]

I dont think theres a clear cut favorite by any stretch. Brazil? Yea, always, but they're not the Brazil of the last 10 years either. Every team has a weakness.

Spain is definitely the favorite. European champions and they have only gotten better. Brazil is always dangerous, but I'm not convinced and Argentina will not win as long as Maradona is coach. Can't wait for the draw!

[Hi, I'm VALUE!]

Watching draft live via ESPN.com

Poll in the draft room: What seed, aside from South Africa, is the most vulnerable?

45% say Argentina, followed by 17% for England.

[Hi, I'm VALUE!]

Someone needs to learn to tell time in South Africa...

[Hi, I'm VALUE!]

From ESPN Chat:

Jen Chang: Charlize Theron needs to fire her agent for setting her up with this gig. She was just forced to ask "What are these ping pong balls for" ....

[nmigliore]

Damn Mexico.

[Hi, I'm VALUE!]

Mexico draws South Africa.

[nmigliore]

USA with England lol.