2006 World Cup Germany

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 3:48 am

You know, considering that FG is an international forum, you would think someone would talk about the most anticipated sporting event in the history of the world.

Thats right my fellow Americans, its not football( wait it is football, just not to us - its soccer), Its football, just not American football. Im so freaken confused.

The 2006 World Cup is being hosted in Germany, and is roughly a week away from the opening game. I am completely surprised why no one is interested in discussing the event as of yet, so I will begin the thread.

Of course people are making their prediction as to who will be in the finals of the 2006 World Cup. Will it be Brazil(God I hope not)? France? Germany? England? USA? I mean USA.

Ok ok, people are saying that the USA is in a very tough group, Group E. But I personally believe that our USA team this year is more than capable of beating Italy and Ghana. Its the Chechz Im worried about. But still yet, I still have a complete confidence in our boys, and dont lack the least little bit of optimism for them in this years World Cup. Its my team and always will be.......GO USA!

Having said that, I would like to know the opinions and predictions of who you here at FG will be watching(Native Country I presume) and what hope you have for them, as well as who you believe is going to be the toughest to beat in the upcoming event and who you think will be the surprising "sleeper" of countries that will do well that no one else would have expected.

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 5:15 am

Sadly the best team didn't qualify. Personally I hope England win if only because I am fed up with constant reruns of the 1966 world cup. Do americans actually know the world cup is on?

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 5:22 am

gmc wrote: Do americans actually know the world cup is on?

Yes gmc,

I have been anticipating the World Cup for about 2 months now.

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 5:25 am

gmc wrote: Sadly the best team didn't qualify. Personally I hope England win if only because I am fed up with constant reruns of the 1966 world cup.

If the USA gets knocked out of the running, I would like to see...........

.......someone other than Brazil win.

Post by **spot** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 5:46 am

I was misled at an earlier stage - someone told me here that the Welsh Irish and Scots had qualified. I just looked, and they didn't, which rather changes matters.

I'd like to see a surprise outsider finalist and there's not many fliers for that job. Togo, perhaps.

England look set to beat Poland in the second round, which will be fun to watch. Then we have to beat Mexico, then France, and finally Germany in the Final. I can see us managing that sequence. I'd still rather Togo won than England, it would liven up the contest.

Uncle Kram · Post by **Uncle Kram** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 6:46 am

Fortunately, being in Germany, it means that we get to watch the England games at a reasonable time in the evening.

When it was in Japan & S.Korea last time the entire nation ground to a halt as the matches which were in the evening there, were in the middle of the day here. We had to shut up shop and head for the pub. What a hideous ordeal that was for everyone

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:16 am

I would love to see England win....of course....and if they get get their act together they could.

i would like to see the USA get further than the groups into the second round at least...(I'm sure I've already said all this in a previous thread) but they are in a tough group with Italy and the Czech republic.

In reality I think germany, England, Italy, Brazil,Holland, Portugal, France, Spain will get to the second round...after that...who knows. Ask me again when I've seen them all play.

I am ready with T-shirt, flags, and match schedule and can't wait for it all to begin.

Post by **spot** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:35 am

Then I'll give you an alternative line-up for the final eight, and we'll see who's closest:

England

Ecuador

Holland

Mexico

Italy

Brazil

France

Togo

Uncle Kram · Post by **Uncle Kram** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 2:56 am

Apart from seeing your own country lift the World Cup, Is there anyone who wouldn't want Brazil to win it?.

They grace the game like no other nation.

The 1970 World Cup Final when Brazil beat Italy 4-1, was on my 10th birthday, and for most kids, (and even adults I guess), that witnessed that skill, and the latterday talents of Ronaldo, Ronaldhino, Romario and Junhino etc, surely there can be no better team

Post by **spot** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 6:29 am

ArnoldLayne wrote: England, I fear, may make it to the final but again lose out.Are Paraguay not up to scratch these days? Because if they are, and Sweden pull off a couple of good games, Sven may leave the country on a slightly flat note.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:10 am

Oh I'm all ready and geared for this Summer's big sporting event, it's going to be fantastic. I just hope that the best team wins in the end, and we come out of it with positives about sportmanship, excellent skill, great goals that kind of stuff, and not more complaining about having video replays after some team get booted out with a dubious goal.

COME ON ENGLAND!!! And three cheers for Peter Crouch and his robot dance!! :wah:

Uncle Kram · Post by **Uncle Kram** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:03 am

chrisb84uk wrote: Oh I'm all ready and geared for this Summer's big sporting event, it's going to be fantastic. I just hope that the best team wins in the end, and we come out of it with positives about sportmanship, excellent skill, great goals that kind of stuff, and not more complaining about having video replays after some team get booted out with a dubious goal.

COME ON ENGLAND!!! And three cheers for Peter Crouch and his robot dance!! :wah:
The first time I saw Peter Crouch was when he played for us (Aston Villa). I couldn't believe what I was seeing. He was so far removed from what a footballer should look like. I thought he had lucky legs (ie: lucky they didn't snap and stick up his arse). He failed to deliver the goods for us, but after a stuttering start at Liverpool and on the international stage , he appears to be coming into his own. For Englands sake, I hope he does the business in Germany. So yeah, I'm with you Chris......COME ON ENGLAND !!

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:10 am

Uncle Kram wrote: The first time I saw Peter Crouch was when he played for us (Aston Villa). I couldn't believe what I was seeing. He was so far removed from what a footballer should look like. I thought he had lucky legs (ie: lucky they didn't snap and stick up his arse). He failed to deliver the goods for us, but after a stuttering start at Liverpool and on the international stage , he appears to be coming into his own. For Englands sake, I hope he does the business in Germany. So yeah, I'm with you Chris......COME ON ENGLAND !!

Oh I couldn't agree more. My brother is a Villa fan, and he was so happy to see the back of Peter Crouch, because he just considered him to be a striker that could never score, and despite being tall seemed to never hit the net with headers or anything. I know that when we signed him, I was pretty unsure of how good his signing would be, (though to be honest our strike force at the moment, consists of Gerrard alone,) but he has certainly proved everybody wrong. The fans now love him, the media seem to have given him more respect and he deserves it for the great performances that he has given for club and country.

As for the World Cup, I think we have an excellent chance this year, I really do. However all the talk is about Rooney and the strikers, that I fear that people are missing out on a bigger problem our defence. If you saw the match against Jamaica, then they had quite a few good chances, that good teams would of punished us for. I just hope that the back line shapes up a bit, and is prepared to see off all the skills and tricks used by teams such as Brazil against us.

Post by **spot** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:44 am

chrisb84uk wrote: Oh I couldn't agree more. My brother is a Villa fan, and he was so happy to see the back of Peter CrouchI heard him on Radio 4 last week and I tried hard to work out what the story related to. He met a Member of the Royal Family, apparently, and there had been an Exchange of some sort which left them both reasonable pleased. I don't know what was said between them, it was a confusing tale. The word Robot did appear though. Discovering at this late stage that the man's a footballer makes matters no clearer whatever. Why is a Member of the Royal Family bantering with a footballer? We live in degenerate times, I fear.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:49 am

spot wrote: I heard him on Radio 4 last week and I tried hard to work out what the story related to. He met a Member of the Royal Family, apparently, and there had been an Exchange of some sort which left them both reasonable pleased. I don't know what was said between them, it was a confusing tale. The word Robot did appear though. Discovering at this late stage that the man's a footballer makes matters no clearer whatever. Why is a Member of the Royal Family bantering with a footballer? We live in degenerate times, I fear.

Well I believe that this is to do with this story when Prince William met the England team, and wanted to see Peter Crouch's robot goal celebration.

Royal approval for body-popping Crouch

13:24pm 1st June 2006

Peter Crouch repeats his robotic dancing moves in front of a laughing crowd including Prince William

Prince William has made a surprise visit to see England's World Cup squad - and was treated to a repeat of the now famous Peter Crouch dance.

William turned up as Sven-Goran Eriksson's players practised at Manchester United's training ground in Carrington.

Crouch's team-mates persuaded the 6ft 7ins striker to show his robotic moves to the Royal visitor, who burst out laughing and then shook his hand.

The Liverpool centre forward's trademark shuffle was first seen in public on Tuesday after he scored England's third goal in the victory over Hungary at Old Trafford.

William arrived shortly after the session began and met England's injured striker Wayne Rooney who was on the touchline watching his team-mates in action.

He also met some competition winners who had been invited to watch the players train before Eriksson stopped his session and introduced him to the entire squad.

William, an Aston Villa supporter, spent a few moments chatting to Eriksson and the squad who face Jamaica in their final warm-up friendly at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The World Cup squad fly to Germany on Monday for the tournament which starts on June 9. William will travel to Germany to cheer on England in their opening World Cup game against Paraguay.

It will be the first England game for the future King since he became President of the Football Association.

Clarence House said that, before the game, William will meet England fans at the stadium in Frankfurt, along with local dignitaries and stadium officials. He also will meet the Minister President of Hesse, Roland Koch.

William, who is a fan of Aston Villa, succeeded his uncle, Prince Andrew, as FA president a month ago. The son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, he presented the trophy at the May 13 FA Cup final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium when Liverpool beat West Ham in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw.

Post by **spot** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:54 am

What a tall chap he is, to be sure. I'll watch out for him.

Ever since Gordon Banks retired from the national squad I have been thankful that an adequate replacement was available in the form of Peter Shilton, though I was told recently that his position in the England team has lately been occupied by David Seaman. I do hope this young hopeful does as good a job as his predecessor.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:01 am

spot wrote: What a tall chap he is, to be sure. I'll watch out for him.

Ever since Gordon Banks retired from the national squad I have been thankful that an adequate replacement was available in the form of Peter Shilton, though I was told recently that his position in the England team has lately been occupied by David Seaman. I do hope this young hopeful does as good a job as his predecessor.

Just to clarify this Spot are you saying that David Seaman is the current England goalkeeper??

Post by **spot** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:03 am

chrisb84uk wrote: Just to clarify this Spot are you saying that David Seaman is the current England goalkeeper??

Unless he's suffered some form of injury or debilitation? I do hope he's still there, I've enjoyed watching his recent performances. He looks competent. We ought to do well this time.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:06 am

spot wrote: Unless he's suffered some form of injury or debilitation? I do hope he's still there, I've enjoyed watching his recent performances. He looks competent. We ought to do well this time.

Hehehe sorry to tell you this Spot, but David Seaman finished playing for England a long time ago. The current England goalkeeper is Paul Robinson, but he is an excellent keeper, and I'm sure he will do us proud this Summer!!

Post by **spot** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:07 am

chrisb84uk wrote: The current England goalkeeper is Paul RobinsonIt will distress you to discover this, but I've never heard his name before. Perhaps I need a newspaper to catch up.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:10 am

spot wrote: It will distress you to discover this, but I've never heard his name before. Perhaps I need a newspaper to catch up.

To be honest that doesn't surprise me. He is pretty well known if you are into the game pretty well, but any normal football watcher, probably wouldn't really know who he is either, but his actions speak louder on the pitch and that's why he is our number 1 at the moment.

Post by **spot** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:15 am

I briefly looked at the players' list - where's Paul Gascoigne? What of Gary Lineker? How can we hope to do well if we play untried unknowns?

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:21 am

spot wrote: I briefly looked at the players' list - where's Paul Gascoigne? What of Gary Lineker? How can we hope to do well if we play untried unknowns?

:wah: Hahaha ok you got me very funny, you've been playing me all this time, nicely done. Anyway here's for a great world cup for England and come a month's time a victory celebration to be held upon the players return!!

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:24 am

chrisb84uk wrote: Hehehe sorry to tell you this Spot, but David Seaman finished playing for England a long time ago. The current England goalkeeper is Paul Robinson, but he is an excellent keeper, and I'm sure he will do us proud this Summer!!

Spot only remembers Gordon Banks Chris....tell him we're in the 21st century now

Post by **spot** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:26 am

It is such a joy to have Chris back. There's not many others like him.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:27 am

spot wrote: It is such a joy to have Chris back. There's not many others like him.

I wholeheartedly agree....my spirits lifted when I saw him post today.:-6

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:28 am

spot wrote: It is such a joy to have Chris back. There's not many others like him.

:wah: You are an evil man, funny and cunning but still evil!!

And is this a good thing being unique or not?? :sneaky:

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:29 am

Bez wrote: I wholeheartedly agree....my spirits lifted when I saw him post today.:-6

hehe thanks Bez, I never knew that my return would make people so happy hahaha. :p

Post by **spot** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:32 am

chrisb84uk wrote: :wah: You are an evil man, funny and cunning but still evil!!

And is this a good thing being unique or not?? :sneaky:Oh, more than just good, more like wonderful. There's nobody else here I could have played that with, I think, but one of you's enough.

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:55 am

All right guys....

The 2006 FIFA World Cup begins tommorow, and all predictions and optimistic ambition has been duely noted.

Now it only seems appropriate to transform this thread in to game time discussion.

Please give us your thoughts and dislikes pertaining to the Cup, and maybe even some taunts while the event is underway here.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:55 am

K.Snyder wrote: All right guys....

The 2006 FIFA World Cup begins tommorow, and all predictions and optimistic ambition has been duely noted.

Now it only seems appropriate to transform this thread in to game time discussion.

Please give us your thoughts and dislikes pertaining to the Cup, and maybe even some taunts while the event is underway here.

First game's Friday K. - Germany v Costa Rica

I predict that Germany will win

2nd Game same day - Poland v Ecuador

I predict Poland will win

No taunting from me, but I'll expect some stick when my my predictions go to 'rat sh!t'

Post by **spot** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:02 am

Bez wrote: First game's Friday K. - Germany v Costa Rica

I predict that Germany will win

2nd Game same day - Poland v Ecuador

I predict Poland will win

No taunting from me, but I'll expect some stick when my my predictions go to 'rat sh!t'According to the 5-6pm slot on Radio 4 (I can't really call it PM here) the Germans have built statues for the World Cup eulogising What Germany Has Done For The World. One of them's a giant Aspirin, doubtless to go with the Giant Headache they handed round on various occasions.

Yes, Costa Rica will be lucky to score one goal in five in their group before they disappear.

I have more hopes of Paraguay than of Ecuador but even so I'll stick my neck out and give the game against Poland to the South Americans. I'd love to see South America collectively go massive this time, purely for political reasons.

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:03 am

I just drew Brazil and Germany in a sweep, what are my chances?

Post by **spot** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:05 am

What's the winnings if you get to win the final with one?

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:17 am

Bez wrote: First game's Friday K. -

Oops.

I have days mixed up. I dont know why but for some reason I thought it started on a thursday...

Anticipation can be deceiving.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:30 am

abbey wrote: I just drew Brazil and Germany in a sweep, what are my chances?

so, so...

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:32 am

K.Snyder wrote: Oops.

I have days mixed up. I dont know why but for some reason I thought it started on a thursday...

Anticipation can be deceiving.

It's Ok...I have the dates ingrained in my brain because the first England game is on the 10th...the day my son gets married....talk about bad planning ! :rolleyes:

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:43 am

Bez wrote: It's Ok...I have the dates ingrained in my brain because the first England game is on the 10th...the day my son gets married....talk about bad planning ! :rolleyes:

You would think that would be a good thing....

...just rent a big screen tv, and put it behind the alter. :wah:

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:31 am

spot wrote: What's the winnings if you get to win the final with one?A massive Ã‚£64! :yh_money

Post by **spot** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:35 am

abbey wrote: A massive Ã‚£64! :yh_moneyI'd say if someone offered you Ã‚£30 for the pair this week you might happily take it.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:38 am

K.Snyder wrote: You would think that would be a good thing....

...just rent a big screen tv, and put it behind the alter. :wah:

Well...by popular request they have agreed to have the TV on at the reception. The game should be over before the sit down meal...so it'll either be 'crying in the soup' or 'mucho celebrations' with the wine flowing.

Post by **spot** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:49 am

Clancy wrote: I wish the Engerland team all the best, and look forward to high drama,a lot of skill, and a lot of goals. :)Now that really is jolly sporting of you, old man - not everyone would recognise how rare it would have been to hear that from north of the border over the years. I hope we live up to your generous encouragement.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:11 pm

Rooney's on the plane back to Germany....he WILL be part of the squad and will take part after the group matches. heard this on Radio 5 Live Just 1 minute ago.

Is this good or bad ?

Bad for Jermaine Defoe...he'll have to come home

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:59 pm

spot wrote:

I have more hopes of Paraguay than of Ecuador but even so I'll stick my neck out and give the game against Poland to the South Americans. I'd love to see South America collectively go massive this time, purely for political reasons.

I hadn't realised that Venezuela had qualified!

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:52 pm

Bez wrote: Well...by popular request they have agreed to have the TV on at the reception. The game should be over before the sit down meal...so it'll either be 'crying in the soup' or 'mucho celebrations' with the wine flowing.

Yeah, but what will be the emotions after the actual game?

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:53 pm

Bryn Mawr wrote: I hadn't realised that Venezuela had qualified!

Argentina and Brazil is enough.