2010 World Cup - Official Thread

[Era Might]

This is the official World Cup thread. I'm starting it a month early because I'm so excited, so if you have any interesting articles to post, post them.

I just saw that Charlie Davies was left off the USA roster (he's still recovering from a car accident seven months ago).

Edited May 11, 2010 by Era Might

[dominicansoul]

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1207105/index.html#a+defensive+pairing+ages

I agree, this is probably the best defense in the world...


[quote]A defensive pairing for the ages
(FIFA.com) Friday 7 May 2010

It was in July 2002 that Lucio and Juan were first aligned together as Bayer Leverkusen’s first-choice centre-back pairing, a partnership which has since become an integral part of a Brazil side now almost as well-known for their defensive nous as attacking prowess.

Indeed, after taking the reins following A Canarinha’s disappointing quarter-final exit at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, Brazilian supremo Dunga has forged a tough, well-drilled and lethal counter-attacking side which claimed victory at both the 2007 Copa America and FIFA Confederations Cup 2009.

“The Seleção’s new mentality is largely down to Dunga,” Roma stalwart Juan told FIFA.com. “He's made everyone aware of the importance of defending. Everybody is putting more value on the work that we defenders do. That recognition makes us proud, particularly because of Brazil's culture of attacking football and star names.”

The current squad is more team-oriented. It’s a better-balanced side. There’s not as much experience, but there is a huge desire to have a great World Cup.Defender Juan comparing this Brazil team to the one in 2006
This mentality is, according to Juan, the main difference between the squad preparing to bid for glory at the South Africa 2010 and that which limped out of the finals against a Zinedine Zidane-inspired France four years ago. “The 2006 Seleção was more attacking and had more experienced players with exceptional technical ability,” said Juan, whose professional career started at Rio de Janeiro outfit Flamengo.

“The current squad is more team-oriented. It’s a better-balanced side. There’s not as much experience, but there is a huge desire to have a great World Cup,” continued the centre-back. “Over the past four years Dunga has managed to assemble a solid squad. We built our team in the face of criticism, which has made us even stronger.”

Unity equals strength
That strength and solidity is characterised by the Juan-Lucio partnership, and the pair enjoy a firm friendship after many years of shared experiences both on and off the field. “Ours is a great story, one which has grown into a great friendship. We always stay in touch and we get our families together whenever we can,” said Lucio, currently at Roma’s Serie A title rivals Inter Milan. “We get on really well and are really good team-mates, and that's key to winning games.”

The statistics bear this out. Brazil have won 27 of the 37 games the pair have played together since 2005, drawing seven and losing just three while conceding a paltry 21 goals in the process. However, this year's African showpiece could be the first time coach Dunga has both players at his disposal for the duration of a major tournament. An operation led to Lucio missing the Copa America in 2007, while Juan sat out most of Brazil’s South Africa 2009 triumph after an injury in the second group game.

Ours is a great story, one which has grown into a great friendship.Lucio on his partnership with Juan
“I suffered a lot last year, but fortunately it’s been a while since I picked up an injury and I’m back and helping the team again like before,” said 31-year-old Juan, who spent a large chunk of 2009 on the treatment table. “I’ll get a few days off after the Italian season is over and I’ll be intensifying my training to reduce my risk of injury even more.”

Friends or foes?
Lucio, set to turn 32 on Saturday 8 May, has also taken steps to ensure he is in tip-top shape for South Africa 2010: “I try to work on my strength whenever I can to make sure I can get through so many matches. That’s why I’ve set up a home gym, which is a big help.”

One of the mainstays of the Inter side which is currently top of Serie A, in the final of the UEFA Champions League and which won the Italian Cup against Roma on Wednesday, Lucio has particularly caught the eye when denying the likes of Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi this season. Juan’s return to the Roma team after a muscular injury was also pivotal, his presence helping the capital club string together a 24-match unbeaten run including a league victory over Inter which has brought them within two points of Jose Mourinho’s side with two matches remaining.

“We’re not making a big deal of it [the rivalry]. Each of us fights for his team’s cause, but afterwards we’re still friends. We usually just chat in the tunnel beforehand because during the match, particularly as it’s Roma versus Inter, you have to be totally focused,” said Juan, who also faced his Brazil team-mate at Bundesliga level, once Lucio had left Leverkusen for Bayern Munich.

“Things aren’t easy. Every game is decisive and hugely competitive,” added Lucio, whose Inter team take on his former club Bayern in 22 May’s Champions League final. “There’s everything still to play for, but we’re having a good season and we’ll keep believing in ourselves right to the end.”

All of which must be music to Dunga’s ears as he prepares to select his final squad for South Africa 2010. Having his first-choice centre-backs in form and battling it out at the Serie A summit is a luxury few national coaches enjoy. However, given their past injury problems, can both stay fit long enough to line up together come Brazil’s Group G opener against Korea DPR on June 15?
[/quote]

[Tony]

well, well, well, what an interesting World Cup this is turning out to be. Italy, England, Spain, Germany, all struggling so far, and France are unraveling before the entire world. and the USA are playing very well but only two draws to show for it. They were robbed against Slovenia!

[Era Might]

[quote name='Tony' date='20 June 2010 - 05:31 PM' timestamp='1277069512' post='2131820']
well, well, well, what an interesting World Cup this is turning out to be. Italy, England, Spain, Germany, all struggling so far, and France are unraveling before the entire world. and the USA are playing very well but only two draws to show for it. They were robbed against Slovenia!
[/quote]
Based on the early results, the USA might have a chance if they can get past the group stage.

Brazil and Argentina have been among the better teams so far.

Edited June 20, 2010 by Era Might

[Vincent Vega]

Germany had a great start against the Australians, but thanks to the Hallmark Store-sponsored ref on Friday morning, find themselves now in a much less favourable position.
We'll see how they fare against Ghana on Wednesday.

[ortus]

The tournament started off slowly but it is now starting to heat up. Some of that warmth is caused by the French team exploding/imploding ([i]amazing how they are able to do both at the same time!![/i]) live on television.

I've watched a fair number of the matches and so far the South American teams are head and shoulders above anyone else (with the possible exception of Holland). I saw most of the Brazil v Ivory Coast game earlier and if Brazil keep playing at that level then they will be very hard to beat.

[melporcristo]

+JMJT+

I loved Shakira's "Porque esto es South Africa" song (heard it on the radio) but I heard the performance was less than stellar since she continues to show WAYYY too much.

Edited June 21, 2010 by melporcristo

[-L-]

Oi today was stressful, as someone of Italian heritage, watching them tie with a vastly inferior team was frustrating to say the least My grandpa almost burned a hole through the TV with his death stare of disappointment lol although I am still confident they will move on to the next round.

And as for the USA they should be able to handle algeria, hopefully they get to face either serbia or ghana, im scared of the germans even after their lack luster performance the other day (due to the ref perhaps)

[aalpha1989]

[quote name='Tony' date='20 June 2010 - 05:31 PM' timestamp='1277069512' post='2131820']
well, well, well, what an interesting World Cup this is turning out to be. Italy, England, Spain, Germany, all struggling so far, and France are unraveling before the entire world. and the USA are playing very well but only two draws to show for it. They were robbed against Slovenia!
[/quote]

Hey Tony, sorry I bailed on that Champions League thread... I was taking a break from phatmass at the time of hte final... congrats to Inter, though! You deserved the win.

[Tony]

[quote name='aalpha1989' date='21 June 2010 - 12:51 AM' timestamp='1277092271' post='2132028']
Hey Tony, sorry I bailed on that Champions League thread... I was taking a break from phatmass at the time of hte final... congrats to Inter, though! You deserved the win.
[/quote]

Hey, thank you! Bayern had a good season too winning the the Bundesliga and German Cup, congrats to you guys too !

[Seven77]

7 awesome goals for Portugal today!!!

[Jesus_lol]

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Edited June 21, 2010 by Jesus_lol

[kafka]

Brazil is looking real good. At least Drogba scored. Feel bad for the African teams.

I hope the U.S., England and Germany advance. Once the U.S. goes I cheer for England and Germany.

[Ash Wednesday]

I have to root for the U.S. but I would be really happy for England if they win. They're really passionate about it over here.

I would like to see someone unusual or less likely win it, someone besides Brazil or your usual Mediterranean country.

[kafka]

[quote name='Ash Wednesday' date='21 June 2010 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1277153524' post='2132377']
I would like to see someone unusual or less likely win it, someone besides Brazil or your usual Mediterranean country.
[/quote]
me too, but who would that somebody be?