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Post by I-H-F on Jun 10, 2010 19:05:22 GMT
The 2010 World Cup starts in South Africa tomorrow.
We have alot of forum members whose country's are involved in the tournament. Neither Irish team are involved, but I'm looking forward to seeing some of the world's best players in action over the next month.
Interestingly, the New Zealand national team, "The All Whites" have qualifed for only the second time, and the first time since 1982.
We all know that Hayley is a big fan of the New Zealand Rugby team, but I'm wondering if she will be watching her nation's football team in action?
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Post by mihizawi on Jun 10, 2010 19:12:24 GMT
Hi, Paul (it was your name, wasn't it? geez, now I am not so sure)...
I think it is very, very possible that Hayley will watch New Zealand, afterall, she lives in UK, where football is one of the main sports, isn't it?
Here, the media are placing Spain as the big favorites, but I wonder... is it seen this way in other countries?
Michal
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Post by sharon on Jun 10, 2010 20:05:54 GMT
My country is also favourite...you couldn't miss it, every Dutch fan is covered in Orange...stuff.
Even some South Africans are...
I'm not really into that, I don't really look forward to all the noises of those very popular horns. The kids in the neighbourhood are using them very...unneccesarily these days!
Though there's always a good mood around these kinds of events. Which I appreciate. And I always support our country, even when I 'm not watching.
May the best team win!
Sharon
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Post by martindn on Jun 10, 2010 20:24:27 GMT
Hi Michal,
Yes, over here they are all rooting for England. But so far I would put Spain as favourites to win.
I shall miss the banter this year. In the previous two World Cups, we have been on holiday in France, in our motorhome. Many French campsites have TV rooms, and there is usually a crowd when the football is on. There is some wonderful banter, as there are usually people there from many different nations.
I hope you won't mind Sharon (and Joyce) if I tell you a story about one of them. I think the match was Germany vs Croatia, and there were some very noisy Dutch people who were dressed in orange and sported PSV Eindhoven scarves etc. They were trying to wind up the Germans in the room by shouting their support for Croatia. My wife Sue, eventually got fed up with this and shouted "ENGLAND". Suddenly everything went quiet. (I should mention that England had beaten Holland rather heavily a few days beforehand). The German couple sitting in front of us turned round and smiled...
It is all good natured really. That's the lovely thing about being in a place like that. Unfortunately we won't be able to holiday on the continent this year.
Martin D
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Post by I-H-F on Jun 10, 2010 22:24:38 GMT
Brazil and Spain seem to be favourites from what I've heard. But I think there's 4 or 5 other teams that have the potential to win it.
Everything points to a South American winner this time. Since 1962, the winners have been alternated between South America and Europe. This time its South America's turn. Also, no European team has won the trophy outside of Europe.
Interesting patterns, but those patterns could go out the window this time around!
Personally, I think Brazil will win it again.
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Joe
Administrator
Supporting Hayley since 2003!
Posts: 6,715 
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Post by Joe on Jun 11, 2010 0:09:56 GMT
Hi all  I am also quite keen on this year's World Cup! I've been collecting the stickers in the World Cup Sticker Album by Panini. If anyone wants to have a sticker swap, let me know! England play the USA this Saturday! Got my England kit ready to wear. My four picks for any two in the final: England - Spain - Brazil - Italy But good luck to all 32 teams, there were lots of close matches in the qualifiers. I pray for a safe and very enjoyable World Cup. Joe |
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Post by Ross on Jun 11, 2010 5:14:49 GMT
i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif We are starting to get excited in New Zealand about our team playing in the Cup. Unfortunately most of our games are around 2am. I think we will be very happy if we can get a draw and if we win a game I think we should declare a public holiday lol.
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Post by Elliot Kane on Jun 11, 2010 8:22:56 GMT
Much as I'd love England to win, it's not going to happen, sadly. Not only is the climate against us, but we have lost a few key people to injury and John Terry.
We DO have a great manager (For the first time since '96) which will help a lot, but I'd be happy if we reached the semis, honestly.
Brazil or Spain look favourites, to me.
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Post by Jeff on Jun 12, 2010 11:24:46 GMT
I thought about a bet on Argentina at 7/1 (they have the best player in the world in Lionel Messi) but then I studied my wallchart and realised they could meet England in the final ! Always assuming we beat Brazil in the semi. Well, I can dream can't I ?! A shame my favourite coach won't be there: Leo Beenhakker was sacked by Poland. He always reminds me of a bad gardener !!  Frankly I hope someone beats France. They don't deserve to be there. Why ? Ask any Irishman. With a bit of luck we could have some quarter-finals to savour: Netherlands v Brazil South Africa v England Germany v Argentina Italy v Spain. Now here's a question for our Scottish friends: Who will lose first, England at the World Cup or Andy Murray at Wimbledon ? I think we know the answer to that one !  |
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Post by Libby on Jun 12, 2010 21:42:39 GMT
I see all over Twitter that US is playing England. So how can there be so many teams playing for 1 cup? I don't get sports, unless it involves ice skates and triple jumps! :rollin
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Post by martindn on Jun 12, 2010 22:23:58 GMT
There is a complicated process of elimination Libby. After this first atage, half of the teams will be eliminated. The top two teams from each group qualify for the next stage. In Group C, I would expect that England and USA will be the teams that qualify.
BTW I thought that England were by far the better team, but a silly mistake cost them the win.
Martin D
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Post by Elliot Kane on Jun 12, 2010 22:52:06 GMT
I don't think that's fair to the US, Martin (And I'm English myself, so obviously wanted England to win). Truth is, we just weren't good enough in the final third and the US keeper had a good game. Too many English players were making up the numbers rather than playing really well, so the US may not have been quite as good overall, but they fought really hard and deserved that draw.
I have no idea why Capello didn't play Joe Cole. I think he would have made the difference.
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Post by larryhauck on Jun 12, 2010 23:57:33 GMT
Hi Martin
Although I'm not a soccer fan, I must say that in any sport mistakes are an integral part of the game. In the final analysis the score is the determining factor. I certainly understand you wanting to support you team; but sometimes the best team doesn't win. I'm an avid sports fan in the US and I've seen my teams lose on bad calls from referees and umpires and referees. But you just suck it up and move on.
Larry
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Post by martindn on Jun 13, 2010 18:00:23 GMT
Hi Guys,
Yes, I agree, England will have to do a lot better to live up to the expectations of their coach!!
Don't worry I've seen the best team LOSE many a time, not just draw. And I have to give the USA team credit, they defended well, and their goalkeeper got things right when he needed too (unlike ours).
Martin D
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Post by gra7890 on Jun 13, 2010 21:18:50 GMT
Germany always find a way to peak at the right time  Graham |
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