One Day To Go…
Who Would Have Foreseen This Twenty Years Ago?
Far away from Manchester, Florida, PIKs and Debts, all eyes will be on South Africa tomorrow and I, for one, will be glad for that.
Yes, the World Cup is now just one day from kick-off.
First up is the match between hosts South Africa and Mexico. I’ll be watching as much of this one as possible and hoping to see our own Chicharito doing the business on the big stage.
Later tomorrow, is Uruguay against France and our own Patrice Evra has been named as Captain (reportedly causing some annoyance for William “Permasulk” Gallas). United fans will know that if there’s one player in the French team who deserves that armband, it is Evra.
A genuine player who gives 100% in every game, a role model on and off the pitch and, as far as I am aware, has never deliberately handled the ball in the penalty area in order to qualify for the World Cup.
All this is just for starters. The day after we have, of course, England against the USA but I intend to cover that one in a bit more depth tomorrow.
It promises to be a great tournament. I can hardly wait.
I am very excited because this is the closest the World Cup has ever been to where I live!! Since I live in Mauritius, the favourable schedule and time zone will give me the opportunity to watch all the games!! Woohoooo!!! This is going to be an extraordinary football fiesta marathon!!! And for the record, I’m supporting England!
Certainly looking forward to the World Cup. As much I despise the close season, after the season it’s been it’s a welcome break from, as you say, the protests, PIK’s and debt…and garden knomes (thank you for taking the complete piss out of our club the BBC, twats).
Can’t wait to see Hernandez in action and delighted to see Evra as French captain. Being Irish, I’m not sure if I’m happier to see Evra get the captaincy, or seeing Hand-ry being stripped of it. But I’m not bitter, honest.
Holland will be my team, once again. I’m sure they’ll win it…until they self-destruct that is.
Looking forward to it all anyway. Bit of a break at the very least.
Aww… I thought the gnomes were cute. I’m even thinking of buying a few for Christmas presents this year.
Click here for Gnomes
I didn’t realise you lived in Mauritius Red. I used to work for a guy from Mauritius.
Dunno what that has to do with football. Just thought I’d mention it.
I’m going to be supporting England, obviously, but I also have a sneaky feeling for Holland too. They were very good in qualification and have as good a chance as anybody.
I don’t really care who wins it, I just hope that it won fairly and not by a cheating git like Henry. But don’t get me started on that one again!
Holland play great football but they play the same tactics throughout the tournament and eventually become too predictable… Hmm… This time England does have a great chance but the squad is weaker (only one great striker, no established goalkeeper, no quality defensive backups)… However, England have got a great coach after so many years (decades?)…
So, who’s your money on then Red?
I’m actually tempted to have a small punt on South Africa at 170.00 with Betfair.
I don’t think they will win it but host nations always punch above their weight and I can’t remember the last time a host failed to get out of the group stage.
The World Cup in 2002 was jointly hosted by Korea and Japan. Japan went out in the last 16 but Korea went all the way to the semi’s against all the odds.
Of course, I don’t think SA will win it but I do think there’s a bit of trading potential there with a price like that.
Concerning France, I don’t think they’ll qualify for the second round… I feel sorry for Evra but if they can’t even beat China-B, how will they beat Mexico, Uruguay and South Africa??? Mexico has got a talented squad and is playing with great chemistry after their 5 friendlies… Uruguay has got a deadly pair; Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez… And finally, South Africa is on a 10 match unbeaten run and have home advantage…
So, you’re saying it’s a very competitive group and it is possible to find a case for all the teams?
This is probably why SA’s price is so large. I have had a long held belief that these major tournies are rigged so that the hosts don’t go out in the group stage – but that’s just my loony conspiracy theorist side coming out again.
Of course, when SA go out after losing all three group games, my little theory gets shot down in flames. Still, I’ve had a few quid on them at 170.00. Let’s see how it goes.
If I could only swap Maradona for Mourinho or SAF, I would put all my money on Argentina…
Argentina has got the best squad, but Maradona has made some big mistakes by omitting Cambiasso and including Palermo… But their attacking force is second to none; Messi, Tevez, Aguerro, Higuain, Milito and DiMaria… Can’t they lend England one of them?
Yes TRD, I think group A is the most balanced one… Any of those 4 teams can qualify…