Thursday, June 10, 2010

Part 4 - The du Nord Semi-Ultimate World Cup 6 Questions

We asked lots of friends from around the footballing universe to give us their thoughts on some very important questions relating to the WC.

Here is the fourth batch of folks and their answers:

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The Gaffer
EPLTalk.com

Who is your favorite national team?

Wales

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Since Wales didn't qualify, I'm now supporting England and the United States. So my allegiances will be split on June 12th, but I'm hoping for a US win to send a message to the world and mainstream America.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil against Spain with the South Americans winning it in extra time.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

I'm really hoping that Herculez Gomez gets a chance to shine for the United States. He could be a breakout player. But the footballer I'm most looking forward to seeing break out is Jesus Navas for Spain. Again, if he gets a chance to play, he'll be able to amaze viewers with his dribbling skills and clinical finishes in front of goal.

How will the USA do?

I keep on going back and forth on them. Some days I wonder if they'll make it out of Group C. Other days, I think they'll go far. My problem with the US squad is that they're a Jekyll & Hyde side. When I think they'll do well, they play with no passion. When I think they'll get clobbered, they step up their game and completely stun me. I'm predicting they'll make it out of Group C but will exit in the round of 16.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

I'd love to see France get beat for the way they cheated their way into the World Cup. A thrashing from Mexico, Uruguay or South Africa would be lovely. Come on karma!

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Richard Allen
Crave Cottage Newsround


Who is your favorite national team?

England, but part of me will be cheering on Ghana, Chile, the US and probably someone else I haven’t thought about yet. North Korea even: there’s so little mystery in modern football isn’t there?

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

See above, although these teams will probably be out too. Who knows….

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Cameroon v Brazil, with Brazil to prevail.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Part of the fun of the world cup is when people you didn’t know about surprise you. I remember a Russian fellow scoring five goals in a game in the nineties. That was terrific. So here’s to the unknown player who doesn’t know what a hero he’s about to become.

How will the USA do?

Surprisingly well. England’s weaknesses and the US strengths (and vice-versa) are intriguingly aligned, which could lead to a more open game than people are expecting. Then in the knockouts anything can happen, so a semi-final isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Portugal are the only team that stand out this year. I don’t dislike Holland as a team, but Arjen Robben winds me up. So his removal somehow would be pleasing.

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Sam Pierron
Fan Relations Maven - Kansas City Wizards


Who is your favorite national team?

USA

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Oh, I mostly just root for good games at that point.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil and Spain. Brazil wins.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Hmm. Great question; the teams that are likeliest to do well are filled with players we see on a monthly basis. Alexis Sanchez is the kind of player who can make people take notice, in a system that showcases his abilities. With Juve being down a bit, eyes haven’t really been on Chiellini; it takes defenders a while to get their due (it seems like people forgot about Lucio for 8 years), but he could get some major cred in his first World Cup.

How will the USA do?

Lose in the second round.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

I would say Mexico, but when it comes down to it, I enjoy seeing Italy lose more.

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Duane Rollins
The 24th Minute


Who is your favorite national team?

Canada

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Home Nations + Ireland

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Argentina over Brazil

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Rocky Santa Cruz

How will the USA do?

3 pts, 3rd in group

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Which team do you love to see get beat? Italy

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Greg Seltzer
Mouthy scribe - MLSsoccer.com/Soccer 365/No Short Corner

Who is your favorite national team?

USA, but I also live 'n die with the Dutch

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

See above.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Injuries have changed things and I need to re-do my brackets. That being said, right now, I can say I think either Brazil or the Netherlands will make the final from one half. Depending on a couple of injury situations, Spain is likely my other half pick. My sleeper choices are Paraguay, Serbia and Uruguay.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Several guys could make names, Japan's Keisuke Honda, Paraguay's Lucas Barrios, Serbia's Milos Krasic, Brazil's Michel Bastos, Spain's Juan Mata. And of course, let's not forget, possibly someone like Edson Buddle, Herc Gomez or Stuart Holden.

How will the USA do?

Advancement from the group seems well within reach, even with the injuries. From there, the round of 16 match should be very tough. That's probably where it ends. A famous win there could see them meet up with Mexico to make the semis. I doubt they can win it, but they could put in a good scare.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Mexico!!

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Alex Haueter
Media Coordinator - NSC Minnesota Stars

Who is your favorite national team?

USA, despite the constant frustration I experience when I watch.

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Switzerland, where my dad’s side of the family is from. After the Swiss get knocked out, I’ll pull for Spain because I appreciate their style.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil 2, Spain 1

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Nicklas Bendtner

How will the USA do?

To give a definitive answer, I’ll say second round. However, I won’t be at all surprised to see a three-and-out, and I also could see the team making the quarterfinals depending on what happens in Group D. If the US can manage to avoid a second-round match with Germany, I could see them getting past Serbia, Australia or Ghana.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Italy. Catenaccio makes me cry, and a team that practices diving earns no respect from me.

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Amos Magee
F-I-F
Director Soccer Development, Coach - Portland Timbers

Who is your favorite national team?

US nats are clearly my favorite. However, I will always support the French National team as I spent three weeks of the 1982 world cup in France. The French national team of Platini, Tigana, Tresor, Giresse etc. helped make me a soccer fan and I have loved and supported them ever since. I am still not over the loss to W Germany in the 82 semifinal. I was also at Parc des Princes when Bulgaria upset France and knocked them out of qualifying for the 1994 world cup. Being among all those crying French fans solidified them as my team. The pathos was appealing. Suffice to say 1998 was my favorite world cup since 1982.

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

See Above.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

It is tough to pick against Spain or Brazil. But what fun would that be? I am picking the Dutch in a surprise. They beat Brazil in the final.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

I think that Wesley Sneijder will have a fantastic world cup. He was the engine that made Inter go in the attacking 3rd. I think Carlos Vela will have a great world cup. Fresh and fit with a lot to prove. This could be his coming out party. Youan Gourcuff will pull the strings for France and almost make French fans forget about Zidane. Almost. And I think Landon Donovan establishes himself as the first bonafide American superstar at this tourney.

How will the USA do?

I think the US gets into the quarter final. Loses in extratime.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

I root against the Germans. Refer above to 1982 and that cheat Schumacher. I will root against Argentina this tourney as I can't forgive Maradona for not taking Cambiasso and Zanetti. I'm also comfortable w him failing as well. I actually root for Mexico in the world cup as their success helps CONCACAF.

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Tom Dunmore
Editor of Pitch Invasion (www.pitchinvasion.net)


Who is your favorite national team?

England. I was born there....I don't live there, don't particularly like the players or the circus that surrounds the English team or the inevitable fact we will suffer a cruel and unusual punishment in an elimination round, but that's the card that fate dealt me.

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

I'll support the United States, if only because of their numerous connections to my club team, the Chicago Fire.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Spain....over someone that I've have to check is possible for them to play depending on the bracket. Which I'm too lazy to do.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, would it? Honestly, I'm not sure what would be classified as a breakout when we're now so familiar with so many players around the world thanks to the magic of television. Robbie Findley?

How will the USA do?

A horrible defensive breakdown will see them go out in the second round despite a good performance.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

It used to be Germany, but the enmity's not there so much any longer. Wait, no, still Germany.

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Jared Montz
Former Chicago Fire player
Created America's 1st Online Soccer Academy at http://www.OnlineSoccerAcademy.com
Host the Jared Montz Soccer Podcast


Who is your favorite national team?

USMNT!

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

I just follow the tournament in general.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

The USMNT will be in the final and will win it. Gotta "Believe in it"! However if they are not then Spain will win it.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Edson Buddle. Michael Bradley will increase his stock by a lot this tournament too.

How will the USA do?

USMNT will do great.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Any team the USMNT is playing!

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Nick Green
English-born, naturalized Canadian citizen who lives in the U.S.
Writes a column for the Daily News and other SoCal newspapers
Blogs at www.insidesocal.com/soccer


Who is your favorite national team?

Canada

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Too late. North Korea

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil-England (I can dream). England chokes again and Brazil wins.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Edson Buddle

How will the USA do?

Reach the last 16

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Mexico. Mexico. Mexico.

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Dan Loney
bigsoccer.com until they come to their senses


Who is your favorite national team?

I was going to say I'm Tina Turner to the US National Team, but Tina Turner eventually left Ike. So I'm Christina Crawford, and the US is Joan. Or I'm Mia Farrow in "Purple Rose of Cairo," and the US is her abusive husband Monk - "I never hit you! I always warn you first!"

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

"If." That's cute. France is only a coin flip in my book to make it to the second round, but I'm still cheering for them. People hate everything about France, for one thing. For another, if France does win, then the Republic of Ireland become the Moral Champions of the World.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Gotta go with the Galaxy over Columbus at this point. What? Okay, fine. Cameroon over Brazil.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

I don't know. Probably some god-damned foreigner. What?

How will the USA do?

My heart says "Semifinals, fuck you." (My heart has a foul mouth.) If I were betting my children's shoes, though, I'm saying second round elimination.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Mexico, but I don't think they're going to get beaten until long after we can gloat about it comfortably.

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1 Comments:

Blogger Graham said...

So far only Jared Montz has picked USA as winning it all I think, what's the payout here Bruce?

11:39 AM  

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