It has started and I'm glad to watch the greatest (my opinion) and the single largest (fact) sporting event in the world. I will make my usual predictions now and see if I am right. I've already filled out my bracket and I'm curious to see how I do.
As always I cheer for the US and Argentina. I've always liked the Argentine side and I have to cheer for the hometown boys. I must say though, I will give up cheering for the US if we don't make it past the first round this year. We have as good a draw as we could hope for in a World Cup - definitely easier than 2002 when we faced Portugal, Poland and South Korea (and we made it out of that group).
Spain looks good, but I think they will choke as usual, although this time in the final game.
Brazil looks the same as last time - leaderless - and will fall short to a better lead team (maybe Holland).
England and Germany are both overrated and missing some key players.
Holland has a lot of talent and I think will finally pull it together to hoist the trophy after a disappointing recent history in The Cup.
No Africans have a chance of making the final, though a couple teams may get through the first round. Their best hope was Ivory Coast, but without Drogba they will have a difficult time in the Group of Death. I think Nigeria and Cameroon both have good chances of advancing to the knock out round.
I think Argentina could have won the whole thing with a better coach. As they are they will likely play in the third place match (at best). They have players past their prime, like Veron and are missing players in their prime, like Cambiasso, Riquelme and Zanetti. Maradona was one of the greatest players of all time, but he's bullheaded and not a great coach. It's sad because the coaching did them in during the 2006 Cup as well. They still have the firepower to put points on the board, but "Will they be able to score more than their opponents?" is the question.
I'll break my thoughts down further in a few more posts to come. Until then, enjoy the beautiful game.
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