O/T World Cup Anticipation

[MichiganWolf]

Maybe it's a bit easier for me because I never have any real expectations for the USMNT and we don't have much history to live up to, but I am very amped for the WC. There's been a bit of controversy surrounding the US team as Donovan was left off the 23 man roster, but I don't think his inclusion/exclusion makes our ability to get out of our tough group any greater/worse.

I wasn't able to watch much of the 2010 WC as my job at the time called for me to travel quite a bit and I was occupied pretty much the whole day. I think it's going to be a very competitive WC and there's not a team out there with no weaknesses. Even Brazil and Argentina, who seem to be the favorites, have quite a few question marks.

But I'm rearing to go! As a member of the local soccer association, I get $3 pints at a particular bar, $2 refills on domestics and half off appetizers.

[Acido]

I agree, '71, although perhaps it is also because the event is being held in South America rather than a European country?

No it doesnt help that the matches are on so late over here Tundra.

And you mentioned Canada in WCup 86, didnt they get humped by France, Soviet Union, and even Hungary ?

[peterknowlesburnside]

Maybe it's a bit easier for me because I never have any real expectations for the USMNT and we don't have much history to live up to, but I am very amped for the WC. There's been a bit of controversy surrounding the US team as Donovan was left off the 23 man roster, but I don't think his inclusion/exclusion makes our ability to get out of our tough group any greater/worse.

I wasn't able to watch much of the 2010 WC as my job at the time called for me to travel quite a bit and I was occupied pretty much the whole day. I think it's going to be a very competitive WC and there's not a team out there with no weaknesses. Even Brazil and Argentina, who seem to be the favorites, have quite a few question marks.

But I'm rearing to go! As a member of the local soccer association, I get $3 pints at a particular bar, $2 refills on domestics and half off appetizers.

Sounds like a good deal Mich! Personally (and at my age!) I cannot rem

[sweeneywolf]

Maybe I am wrong but when the compo kicks off I think it will gain momentum, it was pretty flat 2 weeks before the olympics I recall

If England do at all well the bandwagon will begin to roll

I love the World Cup

footnote: getting Kevin Bacon to advertise a mobile network by making out he is an England fan is b0lllocks though

[lesleywolf]

I too love the world cup and I can't find my England flags grrr...

Thurs 12th June to Sun 13th July cor wait bring it on...

Sat 14th Eng v Italy 11pm our time
Thurs 19th Uruguay V Eng 8pm
Tues 24th Costa Rica v Eng 5pm

3 Lions on a shirt ...yea baby :-)

[TundraWolf]

And you mentioned Canada in WCup 86, didnt they get humped by France, Soviet Union, and even Hungary ?

Yes, Canada lost to all three powerhouses, but not badly, France 0-1, Soviet Union 0-2 and Hungary 0-2.

By comparison, France defeated Italy 2-0, defeated Brazil on penalty kicks after drawing 1-1 in regulation time and defeated Belgium 4-2 to finish 3rd overall!

[WOODLANDSWOLF]

What has taken the edge off it for me is that in terms of players there are no surprises anymore. Back in the day before blanket TV coverage of all the leagues and the internet blogs, come the world cup you always had the opportunity to see great players that you would normally not see or perhaps had even heard of. But now most of the top players play or have played in the UK anyway. So come the world cup it is just the same old faces. Suarez, Ronaldo, Luiz etc. Same old cheating and diving, same crap refereeing, blah, blah, blah.

Still gonna watch it though!

[Woking88]

Maybe I am wrong but when the compo kicks off I think it will gain momentum, it was pretty flat 2 weeks before the olympics I recall

If England do at all well the bandwagon will begin to roll

I love the World Cup

footnote: getting Kevin Bacon to advertise a mobile network by making out he is an England fan is b0lllocks though

I agree with all of that including the bit about Kevin Bacon.