For those who understnad Quant and can analyze it, here is a Quntitative guide on FIFA by JP Morgan.

Prediction: England to win!

Injury update:

Treble winner Julio Cesar got injured in Brazil's 3-0 win against Zimbabwe.The seriousness of the injury is yet to be assessed.

Also Germany won 3-1 against Bosnia & Herzegovina :
scorers:Edin Dzeko(Serbia),Lahm and Schweinsteiger for Germany.

Agent: Chelsea & Arsenal Target Yaya Toure Leaving Barcelona For England - Goal.com

Out of the 3 clubs mentioned

United, Chelsea and City i think only City can pay 30 mil for a midfielder..United(cannot pay) and Chelsea(would not like to pay)..So first signing of the season for Mancini...

The Azzuris lost to Mexico 2-1

Mexico 2 - 1 Italy
Carlos Vela opened the scoring early before Medina added a second late, Bonucci pulled one back in the final minute for Italy.Missed Chilleni at the back.

Spain beats South Korea 1 - 0
Scorer - Jesus Navas
Unusual lineups from both sides, but in the end European champions Spain edged past South Korea in a largely uneventful encounter. Jesus Navas, one of the best on show, scored the only goal of the game late on.Also featured today for Spain were Pepe Reina,Albiol ,Fabregas,Martinez and Mata.

End of an era in some aspects. 1 CL victory, Another CL Final, FA Cup victory in the first 3 years at charge. few managers can beat that.however last few years owing to lack of funds and some tactical disasters, things have gone down at Liverpool.

Even now when he has left , there still remains a question. where are the funds? Even if a big name comes to anfield, doe he have the money to buy the players? When will the ownership change hands. All these questions will have a big effect on the future of the club. Just hope that the management makes the right moves going forward.

i also want Rafa to take away with him his love brigade ie Kuyt and Lucas.

Kuyt may not be the most exciting player,but surely he is an effective player in the Dutch National side Thanks Rafa and Liverpool.

Also one cannot ignore the fact that Liverpool reached the UCL final twice in the last 6 years.
So in my opinion he did a decent job,though he was a disaster last year

Rafa Benitez is out: Spaniard to quit Liverpool with a 4m pay-off

Read more: Rafa Benitez is out: Spaniard to quit Liverpool with a 4m pay-off | Mail Onlinee

rooney gets training for goal celebration...
YouTube - ROONEY GOAL CELEBRATION with James Corden & Coca-Cola

i heard that Sami Lee is also being considered as an option.Lol
Rijkaard ,Pellegrni ,Guus can b good options.Also heard that legend Dalgish can be brought up to fill the boots of Rafa.I'm just hoping everything turns out good for them.

Rafa was always an interesting man-ager (was as in the premier league). So much so that at times i really wanted to peep into his brain as to what actually went on in there...!!
Substituting your best striker with half an hour to go and the game yet to be won...!! Taking off the captain when victory is far from sealed... at times Liverpool barely got away with a draw...!! The most interesting of transfers... quite a few though and sadly most didn't work out for him...!! He beat the Pundits hands down on the team sheet at times...!!
the interesting post match interviews with the spanish accent sprinkled in...!!!The verbal jousting with fellow mangers...!!
quite a few things will be missed about Rafael Benitez in the premier league....!!
Best of luck Rafa, do well wherever you go....!!
Good riddance though...!! oops....

The dud Rafa should have left last year perhaps.Maybe then the club would'nt have come on the brink of demise.
The sitiuation's really gloomy at Merseyside and i'm pretty sure atleast 2 big names will leave Anfield this summer.Just hoping they're Benayoun and Mascherano ..both of them can fetch some cash to buy atleast 1 world class player.
i also want Rafa to take away with him his love brigade ie Kuyt and Lucas.

I guess u r right he should ve left a year bak...the problem between the owners didnt help...there was a matter of egos involved for example robbie keane a player they spent more than 20 mill on and he didnt play him at all....once the dressing room starts breaking up theres no coming bak....well he's history now.....will be interesting to see who they replace him with.....they were in talks with klinssman a ciple of years bak to replace rafa but that didnt materialise ...lets see wat happens this time

The dud Rafa should have left last year perhaps.Maybe then the club would'nt have come on the brink of demise.
The sitiuation's really gloomy at Merseyside and i'm pretty sure atleast 2 big names will leave Anfield this summer.Just hoping they're Benayoun and Mascherano ..both of them can fetch some cash to buy atleast 1 world class player.
i also want Rafa to take away with him his love brigade ie Kuyt and Lucas.

You think wrong brother.
'We never walk alone.'
And I just got a fellow supporter in you.I'm not alone.
You won't refuse such a lucrative offer ow,would you?? ;)

Am a gooner sorry dude ...thanks for the offer anyways ...

the post above this something for u to read

Rafa benitez leave liverpool......End of an era...the link is below

Football Barclays Premier League Rafael Benitez leaves Liverpool ESPNSTAR.com
where it went wrong for him....

Football Barclays Premier League | Where it went wrong for Rafa ESPNSTAR.com
rafa benitez a man who loved anfield.....
Football Barclays Premier League Benitez: A man who loved Anfield ESPNSTAR.com

rohan_b Says

I thought u guys never waked alone???

You think wrong brother.
'We never walk alone.'
And I just got a fellow supporter in you.I'm not alone.
You won't refuse such a lucrative offer ow,would you??

Fabio Capello has dropped a strong hint that David James will be England's goalkeeper for the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa by handing him the No1 jersey for the competition.

The 39-year-old was back in the England's starting XI for the first time in 13 months for Sunday's 2-1 win over Japan in Graz.

Robert Green has started eight of the past 11 internationals, while Joe Hart has forced his way into contention after an impressive season on loan at Birmingham City. But the former had to be content with the No12 shirt, and the latter No23, when the squad numbers were announced by the Football Association (FA) today.

There were few surprises from No2 to No11, with those recipients likely to start England's curtain-raiser against USA on 12 June.

But Emile Heskey, who played a key role in the qualifiers, had had to be content with the No21, with Peter Crouch getting the No9. The Tottenham Hotspur striker has scored 21 goals in 38 appearances for his country, while the Aston Villa man has managed only seven in 57 internationals.

tyrant kid Says

None for liverpool???? .... :nono:

I thought u guys never waked alone???

:nono:
Who cares for Benitez bro...never had never will...he carries the air of a disgruntled gov. official who works only for his salary.
The only reason i watched the KOPs play to lose every game of their's was speculation about Mourinhio's arrival and that a vast array of players from milan were gonna give us the momentum we needed.
All done with,dunno what to do seeing the team i've loved all my life sink to newer and more disheartening lows.
Frankly if I were Torres or Gerrard,I would have already been on the plane to some sweet place in Spain.

Benitez set to leave liverpool????

I think he's brought liverpool as far as he could.....having lost the support of plays like gerrad and torres ...his time is done it seems....

ashish13dec Says

Cesc has been unsettled at Arsenal thanks to some dirty tactics and petty politics at Barcelona.I personally don't subscribe to the idea of keeping a unwilling player.These Spanish Clubs need a lesson because English Clubs are not feeder of Spanish Clubs.SAF did the same with Ronaldo and hope Arsene does the same.Bidding 30 million for a player who has 10 years left at top level and is one of the best CM of the world is somewhere demeaning Cesc's ability.And Mr.Laporta think that the correct valuation of Cesc is 30 million and he willnot break the bank.If overrated Ibra is worth some 58 million and unknown defender from Shaktar is worth 25 million,how on earth can Cesc be valued 30 million.

English clubs must be used to this by now, every year we see the top 10-20 performers getting bids from Spanish clubs(or atleast speculations), it would be great if an English club could fend them off for a while. Following are the players that i remember who has been linked to Spain this yr

Rooney
Cesc
Vidic
Gerrard
Torres
Lampard

I don't remember other names, now imagine what BPL would be without these players

So to Arsenal and I hope other English clubs can try the same strategy to keep their star players(provided the player doesn't want to move to Spain)

There has been so many speculations about this, and from here it looks like that Cesc too wanted a move to Barca, then whats the point of keeping a player who doesn't wanna stay in the team??
Although this is certainly a very good answer to all the money and election tactics that Spanish clubs implements to get the players they want.
Only time can tell whether it was a wise decision or not..

Cesc has been unsettled at Arsenal thanks to some dirty tactics and petty politics at Barcelona.I personally don't subscribe to the idea of keeping a unwilling player.These Spanish Clubs need a lesson because English Clubs are not feeder of Spanish Clubs.SAF did the same with Ronaldo and hope Arsene does the same.Bidding 30 million for a player who has 10 years left at top level and is one of the best CM of the world is somewhere demeaning Cesc's ability.And Mr.Laporta think that the correct valuation of Cesc is 30 million and he willnot break the bank.If overrated Ibra is worth some 58 million and unknown defender from Shaktar is worth 25 million,how on earth can Cesc be valued 30 million.

"We have followed recent speculation linking Cesc with a move away from the Club but as there has never been any official approach for him, only two informal exchanges, in which we made it abundantly clear that we have no interest in transferring Cesc, we have refrained from publicly passing comment. However, yesterday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc and in response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain.
"To be clear, we will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word."

There has been so many speculations about this, and from here it looks like that Cesc too wanted a move to Barca, then whats the point of keeping a player who doesn't wanna stay in the team??

Although this is certainly a very good answer to all the money and election tactics that Spanish clubs implements to get the players they want.

Only time can tell whether it was a wise decision or not..

A joke I found on a forum esp for all the england and brazil fans---->>

It is just before the England v Brazil match. Ronaldinho goes into the Brazilian changing room to find all his teammates looking a bit glum. "What's up?" he asks. "Well, we're having trouble getting motivated for this game. We know it's important but it's only England. They're sh*te and we can't be bothered." Ronaldinho looks at them and says, "Well, I reckon I can beat them by myself-you lads go down the pub." So Ronaldinho goes out to play England by himself and the rest of the Brazilian team go off for a few jars. After a few pints they wonder how the game is going, so they get the landlord to put the teletext on. A big cheer goes up as the screen reads "Brazil 1 - England 0 (Ronaldinho 10 minutes)". He is beating England all by himself! A few pints later and the game is forgotten until someone remembers, "It must be full time now, let's see how he got on." They put the teletext on. "Result from the Stadium 'Brazil 1 (Ronaldinho 10 minutes) - England 1 (Lampard 89 minutes)." They can't believe it; he has single-handedly got a draw against England!! They rush back to the Stadium to congratulate Ronaldinho. They find him in the dressing room, still in his gear, sitting with his head in his hands. He refuses to look at them. "I've let you down, I've let you down." "Don't be daft, you got a draw against England, all by yourself. And they only scored at the very, very end!" "No, no, I have, I've let you down...I got sent off after 12 minutes."

today's top rumours.....

1.Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is plastered across the front of today's Marca, with the paper claiming that new boss Jose Mourinho has identified the England international as the man to lead his Real Madrid revolution.
2.According to Spanish newspaper Sport, City's bid for Maicon could be rivalled by Real Madrid, whose new boss Jose Mourinho is also chasing Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Inter Milan's Diego Milito
3.Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is apparently considering a move for Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz and could offer midfielder Yossi Benayoun in part-exchange.

Well this is what i gathered from blogs over a few sites ...
1) Not possible and it will take very persistent persuasion on part of Mourinho to get Gerrard...but who knows...he may offer Kaka in return as Kaka is not the type of player Jose would want in his team..
2) Both Milito and Maicon are almost certain to join Real if Inter lets them go...Milito's carrer got a big boost this season due to Mourinho and he would want to stick with him....
3) I think its time Rafa sells three or four fringe players and gets a good striker from BPL itself....and stop chasing dreams....City won't sell Cruz for even 20M plus Benayoun...

today's top rumours.....

1.Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is plastered across the front of today's Marca, with the paper claiming that new boss Jose Mourinho has identified the England international as the man to lead his Real Madrid revolution.
2.According to Spanish newspaper Sport, City's bid for Maicon could be rivalled by Real Madrid, whose new boss Jose Mourinho is also chasing Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Inter Milan's Diego Milito
3.Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is apparently considering a move for Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz and could offer midfielder Yossi Benayoun in part-exchange.

Maicon has already stated he wants to go to real madrid to team up with jose mourinho so if given a choice between man city and real he ll choose the latter.

The transfer kitty given to benitez this time is just 15 million pounds and watever he can get by selling of players....dunno if city will settle for that that too when they payed 25 mill for santa cruz ( wish i had money)

Another rumour joe cole might have signed a 3year deal with arsenal...dunno how much of truth in that ......

today's top rumours.....

1.Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is plastered across the front of today's Marca, with the paper claiming that new boss Jose Mourinho has identified the England international as the man to lead his Real Madrid revolution.
2.According to Spanish newspaper Sport, City's bid for Maicon could be rivalled by Real Madrid, whose new boss Jose Mourinho is also chasing Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Inter Milan's Diego Milito
3.Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is apparently considering a move for Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz and could offer midfielder Yossi Benayoun in part-exchange.

"We have followed recent speculation linking Cesc with a move away from the Club but as there has never been any official approach for him, only two informal exchanges, in which we made it abundantly clear that we have no interest in transferring Cesc, we have refrained from publicly passing comment. However, yesterday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc and in response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain.
"To be clear, we will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word."

.

Thats the reason i love arsenal very graceful and behave like gentlemen....a post some one put on the arsenal community on orkut---

Barca and Xavi: "Can we get Cesc for 29 mill?"
Arsenal: "You sure can!!.
You can have his DNA for 29 million and create another Cesc."

"We have followed recent speculation linking Cesc with a move away from the Club but as there has never been any official approach for him, only two informal exchanges, in which we made it abundantly clear that we have no interest in transferring Cesc, we have refrained from publicly passing comment. However, yesterday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc and in response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain.
"To be clear, we will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word."

Superb response from Arsenal,good retort to disgraceful conduct from Barcelona. Barcelona should stop unsettling players of other club by claiming DNA,RNA and idiotic stuff.Xavi,Iniesta,Puyol,Pique have been doing so since last year.Almost all the wannabe Presidential candidates have also done everything they could have to unsettle the player.Pundits from all over the world have criticized disgraceful conduct from Barcelona except tabloids from Spain like Marca and AS.

Arsenal turn down Barca offer for Fabregas News Archive | News Arsenal.com

looks like a closed deal now

world cup warm up update:

4-1 win for Holland against Ghana:
Kuyt,Sneijder,van der Vaart,van Persie scoring for Holland.

Portugal won 3-1 against Cameroon:Eto sent off

2 goals for Raul Mericeles and 1 for Nani

England's 23 men squad announced.

Full team as follows (courtesy Goal.com)

Full England squad:
Goalkeepers Robert Green West Ham United
Joe Hart Birmingham
David James Portsmouth
Defenders
Rio Ferdinand Manchester United
John Terry Chelsea
Ashley Cole Chelsea
Glen Johnson Liverpool
Stephen Warnock Aston Villa
Jamie Carragher Liverpool
Ledley King Tottenham
Matthew Upson West Ham
Midfielders
Steven Gerrard Liverpool
Frank Lampard Chelsea
Aaron Lennon Tottenham
Shaun Wright-Phillips Manchester City
James Milner Aston Villa
Michael Carrick Manchester United
Joe Cole Chelsea
Gareth Barry Manchester City
Forwards
Wayne Rooney Manchester United
Emile Heskey Aston Villa
Jermain Defoe Tottenham
Peter Crouch Tottenham

The circus that is outshowing ronaldo's move to real madrid ,

cesc fab's move to barcelona time line ......worth a read if ur a football fan

time line

To me leaving Theo is not a bad idea at all. He has never been good in footballing attributes discounting his sprinting abilites (thats not something absolute need in football).

If Theo doesn't provide something extra,then apart from Joe Cole none of the winger provide anything.And what Joe Cole provides is experience.Lennon is almost same as Theo and his tracking back is awful. Above all inclusion of SWP above Theo is laughable.Again super hyped England will return back with same intensity.
Apart from Theo,why was Parker included in 30 men squad when capello didn't give him chance to perform in any friendlies and if Carrick is included in squad without giving chance to Scott Parker,then it is highest order of hypocrisy from Capello.

If the report from Goal.com to be believed (they themselves are quoting it from Skysports) then Theo Walcott and Darren Bent are out of this World Cup. Instead Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole are on the plane.

To me leaving Theo is not a bad idea at all. He has never been good in footballing attributes discounting his sprinting abilites (thats not something absolute need in football).

Inclusion of Joe Cole adds a well demanded versatality in the three-lion's midfield which otherwise is habituated to tactical approaches. Joe, despite his fragile nature on the field, is creative and experieced too. He could be really helpfull on those days when Capello finds playing Gerard and Lampard together is going difficult.

Theo walcott is more of an impact substitute...he s useful wen the defenders start tiring after 70 mins or so...thats when he scores or creates chances the most....joe cole is more creative and with more experience will be a better player this world cup...though i think walcott will be a star by the time of the next world cup....

If the report from Goal.com to be believed (they themselves are quoting it from Skysports) then Theo Walcott and Darren Bent are out of this World Cup. Instead Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole are on the plane.

To me leaving Theo is not a bad idea at all. He has never been good in footballing attributes discounting his sprinting abilites (thats not something absolute need in football).

Inclusion of Joe Cole adds a well demanded versatality in the three-lion's midfield which otherwise is habituated to tactical approaches. Joe, despite his fragile nature on the field, is creative and experieced too. He could be really helpfull on those days when Capello finds playing Gerard and Lampard together is going difficult.

Can anyone tell me did someone replace Jose @ Inter??
Or the place s still vacant???

No replacement has been named yet .....moratti is trying to get capello for the job and he cant do that till the world cup is over so hes not making any announcements now.....other managers in the frame are roy hodgson who is the manager of fulham ...hes already coached inter on 2 occasions ....and guus hiddink.....

Dark Miasma Says

Chamakh leaving Bordeax for Arsenal....

Hes already been unveiled as an arsenal player....he has signed a 4 year deal....

Chamakh leaving Bordeax for Arsenal....

ashwin1804 Says

its a closed thread

That was a redundant thread. Here's the thread for FIFA WC 2010:

http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/chit-chat-your-interests/54133-fifa-world-cup-2010-lets.html

please continue here if one could

Fifa world cup 2010

http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/chit-chat-your-interests/54493-fifa-world-cup-2010-a.html#post2138597

its a closed thread

please continue here if one could

Fifa world cup 2010

http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/chit-chat-your-interests/54493-fifa-world-cup-2010-a.html#post2138597

rohan_b Says

Goal dot com gives the most weirdest of news most of which arent very true.....though even i read somewhere that jose has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave if man utd come calling ....This guy certainly looks ahead and knows wat exactly he wants.......

He certainly is in such a position where he has all the bargaining power

Check this link:

Manchester United Confident New Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho Will Eventually Replace Sir Alex Ferguson - Report - Goal.com

Goal dot com gives the most weirdest of news most of which arent very true.....though even i read somewhere that jose has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave if man utd come calling ....This guy certainly looks ahead and knows wat exactly he wants.......

Check this link:

Manchester United Confident New Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho Will Eventually Replace Sir Alex Ferguson - Report - Goal.com

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart hopes Jose Mourinho drives his new Real Madrid charges into the ditch.

Considering the time Jose had in Barca during the 90's (He was an interpretator for Sir Bobby Robson, and held other positions of responsibility) , its not surprising to see such noises eminating from the Barcelona camp.

The best thing I admire about the Mourinho of today is his vision, of being able to see things holistically as a team than as a composition of star studded players.

There have been news about possible 'star' buy-outs by Mourinho, most notably from the Chelsea and Liverpool camps , post his appointment.

Not surprising to see the likes of Kaka (after a not so impressive first season) having a feeling of not being in Jose's scheme of things at the Bernabau. Although sad to see the gap (b/w teams) widening up in the league, here's hoping for an exciting season ahead.

Stevie G the best player today for England and not to forget 3-4 Superb saves by Joe Hart.Stevie G limped off after the match so that's a very big scare for the Team,even though he was on the field only after the 2nd half.

Ashley and Joe Cole linked up well during the later stages on the left hand side.

Frank Lampard yet again Missed a penalty for England.God help them in penalty shootouts.I wish they don't have to face any Penalty shootout till lifting the trophy

CB pairing of Terry and Rio still looks clumsy sometimes.I don't undersatnd why they ain't able to co-ordinate well .I personally feel Terry + Carragher will be the best pair.:)

Adam Johnson + Barry + Carrick + Parker did'nt feature today . Tom Huddlestone didnt impress much . Bent didnt look gr8 even.I hope some of these will be shown the backdoor on tuesday for sure.

England win 2-1 against Japan thanks to two own goals

Dark Miasma Says

Millwall Utd beats Swindon Town in the final match to win the the League 1 and is promoted to the Championship. Millwall achieves this feat after 18 long years if I am not mistaken.

Oops. I am sorry. Millwall defeated Swindon in the playoff @ Wembley. They finish 3rd in the League with 85 points

Millwall Utd beats Swindon Town in the final match to win the the League 1 and is promoted to the Championship. Millwall achieves this feat after 18 long years if I am not mistaken.

Spain 3 - Saudi Arabia 2

91st min goal by Lorentte'

Nice to Oranje supporter here.
Even though I have voted for France,I support Oranje equally.I was quite amazed to see them not in the poll.They have not lost a single qualifier game like England,still England is hyped as always.

Hi England lost1-0 to Ukraine in the World Cup Qualifiers,only to dump Croatia from the WC to take revenge of their EURO exit which they successfully did.;)
And along with Holland Spain also won all of their matches in the WC qualifiers.
Yes I agree that in every WC England is hyped because of their great sqaud which they have in almost every WC,but never they can match up to the expectations.In the last 2 WC they have marked an exit in QF which is indeed disappointing considering the squad they had.But this time they have one of their best squads in recent history,combined with a great coach.Really I hope that they can make it all the way.Like every WC,this year also am routing for England,wanna see them bringing the glories of 1966 back.
P.S Nice to see some activity going on this thread, with the big guns coming in along with the newbies.:cheerio:

------Engelaar------De Jong-------
Robben-----Sneider-------van der vaart
-----------RVP-----------

Engelaar seems to be a distant possibility.Marc van Bommel will be the first choice in all possibilities.After a good Euro 2008 Engelaar lost his form and place in the national team,but has made a comeback in the current season.
Also i m not sure if Van der Vaart will play in the starting XI.
The current coach Bert van Marjwik has always chosen only one among
Sneijder and VDV.Only Marco van Basted played them together in Euro 2008.There is a high chance that Kuyt will be preffered over VDV.

But the attacking quartet of Robben,Sneijder,VDV and RVP will definitely send shivers down the spine of any defence.
Also quality players on the bench-Affellay and Elijero Elia,not sure abt Ryan Babel

Huntelaar hasnt had enough playing time this season.He was a regular bench warmer at A.C Milan.Still managed to score 7 goals.

I think Ruud van Nistelrooy shud have been selected in the team.Again lack of playing time cost him the place in the team.Managed 7 goals in 18 apperances for Hamburg.Though he doesnt deserve a place in the starting XI atleast cud be used as a substitute.RVN has the knack of scoring goals in desperate situations.(Euro 2004 -against Germany,Euro 2008 against Russia)

And defence seems to be really a matter of concer for the Oranje.They lack quality defenders.Can any EPL fans rate the performance of Johny Heitinga for Everton this season.In VDS they had a gr8 goal keeper.The retirement of Van der Sar might make matters more complex.


I too feel that England,Brazil and Argentina are the most hyped teams in any WC atleast in my part of the country(Kerala)-
NOM to the fans of any of these teams.

Well its difficult to pick sides when it comes to nations as compared to picking your favorite club...! And in my case i have a couple of favorites... Spain being my best bet and m backing Portugal as the underdogs to make it at least till the semis... and you never know, being in the group of death... they just might raise their game...!! Spain though are strong contenders and if they can manage to keep an injury free squad throughout the world cup ( not that there isn't enough bench strength)... they can very well go the whole way...!!

mayanknahom Says

Well according to the poll....no one is counting Netherlands as favourites...but i think it is a pretty good side..it only needs a bit of discipline..and they performed exceedingly well during qualifiers !:)

I am a hardcore fan of the Netherlands and i have voted for them under Others.:)
Indeed they won all the 8 matches in the qualifying stage

mayanknahom Says

Well according to the poll....no one is counting Netherlands as favourites...but i think it is a pretty good side..it only needs a bit of discipline..and they performed exceedingly well during qualifiers !:)

Nice to Oranje supporter here.
Even though I have voted for France,I support Oranje equally.I was quite amazed to see them not in the poll.They have not lost a single qualifier game like England,still England is hyped as always.Dutch are ranked 3rd in FIFA's ranking next only to Brazil and Spain.Their attack and midfield is second only to Spain.Most probably their formation upfront will be
------Engelaar------De Jong-------
Robben-----Sneider-------van der vaart
-----------RVP-----------
With robben,sneider,vdv and rvp,they have 4 match winners in their squad.Apart from these 4,Huntelaar,Kuyt and Affelay will give new dimension to their attack.But major flaw of Dutch squad is their fragile defense and it can cost them WC.Hopefully Engelaar and De Jong do something exceptional in midfield to save their defense.
Apart from these aspects,another worry for them will be fitness.

mayanknahom Says

Well according to the poll....no one is counting Netherlands as favourites...but i think it is a pretty good side..it only needs a bit of discipline..and they performed exceedingly well during qualifiers !:)

netherlands are definitely favorites.. they are famous for playing complete football.. they cant be black horse.. coz they are one of the strong contenders.. still being Italian fan i am vary fond of robben and van persie...

akhiltn_85 Says

Guys which will b the surprise team dis year?? the black horse....

Well according to the poll....no one is counting Netherlands as favourites...but i think it is a pretty good side..it only needs a bit of discipline..and they performed exceedingly well during qualifiers !:)

alokkhadgi Says

Yup the ad's damn good...

Awesome ad...it shows what is the difference b/w being a star on club level
and national level....in NIKE's unique way ofcourse.

akhiltn_85 Says

Guys which will b the surprise team dis year?? the black horse....

Ivory Coast...