Germany! Germany! Germany! Germany! Germany! Germany! With the kickoff only hours away, I am hoping Klinsmann-powered Germany would do well in this World Cup - I’m conjecturing that they will at least reach the semi-finals. It’s gonna take a herculean effort, as there are a few good countries stand in their way, particularly cockier-than-ever England team. I love Klinsmann and I think he’s doing a marvelous job given the dearth of quality German players.
The Star says Jurgen Klinsmann, says Arsene Wenger has been the greatest influence on his career. “I have absorbed information from a lot of coaches but the most has come from Arsene Wenger. He has taught me a lot. He impresses me in the way he manages his teams. He always thinks long-term.” I think Klinsmann would make a GREAT no 2 @ Arsenal instead of the lousy Pat Rice aka Elton John wannabe.Â
Player to watch apart from Michael Ballack, is Lukas Podolski. The first game pits the Germans against the Costa Ricans, which I’m auspicating a 2-0 to the Teutons. The Costa Ricans are feeble in dead-ball situations, and so is Ecuador. Both of these countries lack the height to counter a German set-piece attack, or dead-ball. So I’m hoping Germany to win both of these games, and their goals will come from headers. 
But, football is full of surprises - a factual cliche.
The ruggedest game for them will be against Poland. If Germany win their Group, they will face a potentially explosive encounter with England or a knavish tie against Sweden. If the Germans succeed, they might set up a mammoth clash with Argentina or Holland in the quarterfinals. Yikes!
But again, World Cups are pelted with shocks. Here’s a shocker for you, I don’t think Brazil will win the cup. How to play against them? Well, teams will need to rough ‘em up ala Bolton and force dead-ball situations. Their gimpy keeper Dida is extremely overrated, and their back 4 is decrepit. The problem with Brazil is, they will more than always outscore you. So, a team needs to defend high up against them. Easier said than done though.
Dark horses to me are France, Czech and Holland. Hopefully Italy get knocked out sooner because they are by far the most boring team on the planet. Mexico and Portugal will be ousted faster than you can say La Cucaracha. Spain and Australia? Who are we kidding? 
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June 9th, 2006 at 2:08pm
Good views.
Football is a great topic for discussion.
Everyone has their opinion!
have to disagree with you on one thing tho, I think Portuga is one of the dark horses.
June 9th, 2006 at 3:05pm
Well, as long as cocky England and every gloryhunter’s favorite Brazil don’t win it, I’m down for that. BUT, for the sake of humanity, I hope England don’t win it, else you’ll never here the end of it for another century. Even the last one in 66 is still being talked about til today!
June 9th, 2006 at 4:20pm
hi!~ thanks for dropping by..lol. i do not understand why England has to be mentioned every 10mins in a commentary, which is sickening. =( i like england, but that is so excessive. there are plenty of other football teams to talk about..and yes, 66 is like, 50 yrs ago?..
cristiano ronaldo shud do well ma for portugal..so football is football..and the thought that these players play their very best in hoping to bring glory to their country is a ‘big moment’ and gives a heartwarming feeling d =) *cheerios~
June 9th, 2006 at 4:44pm
Hey mate, I hope Germany and England win their respective groups so we don’t have to face each so early in the 2nd round.
I know you guys wanna some revenge after the 5-1 defeat.
Anyway good luck to Germany. The world cup is gona be a blast!
June 9th, 2006 at 5:59pm
I’m all go for Brazil though. They’ll be the team to beat, no doubt. But I just have a hunch that Argentina & France might steal it.
Anyways, that’s why football is round! Let’s enjoy one month of good football. cheers
June 10th, 2006 at 5:05am
I’m hoping for a Brazil vs England match somewhere along the way, and then I’m rooting for Brazil.