Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 : Mon Jun 07, 2010 12:16 am  

Also, look at how much better our preperation is.

This time we've had 2 friendlies against world cup teams and have a training game this week.

In 2006 we played jamaica who weren't competing at the world cup..........that's it! We beat them easily and thought we were the dogs balls.

I expect us to win all our group games but I expect scrappy performances. When we switch to 4-5-1 in the knockout stages that's when our performances will hit a peak.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 : Mon Jun 07, 2010 1:17 am  

Not sure if England will win it, think it may just be too much but we're in with a shout and I'm confident under Capello we should do well. The thing that strikes me about Capello is if things aren't going right, he's not afraid to change things which was a downfall with Sven and McLaren as they didn't seem to have a plan B.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 : Mon Jun 07, 2010 1:30 am  

Ajw71 wrote:

Anyone think Holland have a chance. Been destroying teams in friendlies lately.

They're a bit like England in that they are a very good side but seem to be missing something when it comes down to the crunch games. Think their squad this year is a bit weak compared to previous World Cups and will be interesting to see how they do. They should be pretty good in attack but think their defence is bit suspect and could let them down.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 : Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:45 am  

I like the look of the dutch but their look very vulnerable at the back, also the infighting will kick in soon.

I think it's wide open, Braxil are a good side but they don't have the star players they used to have. Robinho and Elano did little in the PL and Kaka has been poor all season. Spain are a very good passing side but they have injuries/form worries over the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Torres plus the fact they usually disappoint in the big tournaments apart the last Euros. The there are teams like Argentina, England, Holland, France, Italy and Germany all of which are capable of winning it. For dark horses I reckon Mexico and Serbia will go well.

I do hope it's an open world cup, I have a feeling it could be a very boring one with teams adopting a safety first attitude which would mean not a lot of attacking football. Hope I am wrong though.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 : Mon Jun 07, 2010 11:21 am  

Asim wrote: Sad news for Brad Jones. Awful news. Puts the 'importance' of the World Cup into perspective.

Asim wrote: Sad news for Brad Jones. Awful news. Puts the 'importance' of the World Cup into perspective.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 : Mon Jun 07, 2010 11:23 am  

wire_mad wrote:

They're a bit like England in that they are a very good side but seem to be missing something when it comes down to the crunch games. Think their squad this year is a bit weak compared to previous World Cups and will be interesting to see how they do. They should be pretty good in attack but think their defence is bit suspect and could let them down.

Holland are far better than England. They just bottle it when it's time to step up. If only Van Basten, Gullit etc were still around.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 : Mon Jun 07, 2010 11:42 am  

wire_mad wrote:

They're a bit like England in that they are a very good side but seem to be missing something when it comes down to the crunch games.

Pfft

Of the last 4 world cups we've played in 3 of the times we've been knocked out on penalties, that's not even mentioning a couple of euro defeats. If we lack anything, it's abit of luck.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 : Mon Jun 07, 2010 11:54 am  

Has anyone picked up the rights for the final warm up this afternoon against Platinum Stars? Had a flick through the sky guide and can't find anything.

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 : Mon Jun 07, 2010 12:20 pm  

El Pac Carnegie wrote: Has anyone picked up the rights for the final warm up this afternoon against Platinum Stars? Had a flick through the sky guide and can't find anything. Don't think so, but the BBC Sport reporter Phil McNulty will be providing updates on his Twitter feed http://twitter.com/philmcnulty

El Pac Carnegie wrote: Has anyone picked up the rights for the final warm up this afternoon against Platinum Stars? Had a flick through the sky guide and can't find anything. Don't think so, but the BBC Sport reporter Phil McNulty will be providing updates on his Twitter feed http://twitter.com/philmcnulty

Re: FIFA World Cup 2010 : Mon Jun 07, 2010 12:26 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote: Don't think so, but the BBC Sport reporter Phil McNulty will be providing updates on his Twitter feed http://twitter.com/philmcnulty Think Sky have just agreed something. News ticker on the bottom of the screen stating they will have live coverage from 3pm.

Andy Gilder wrote: Don't think so, but the BBC Sport reporter Phil McNulty will be providing updates on his Twitter feed http://twitter.com/philmcnulty Think Sky have just agreed something. News ticker on the bottom of the screen stating they will have live coverage from 3pm.