| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Karl |
Posted - May 29 2002 : 8:50:02 PM
An "expert" view & tips for the W/C
Wed May 29 18:20:26 2002
66.205.24.3
One of the FSW "experts" seems he's done some work since his predictions but there are some quotes in here that should hold nuff man . Gamma i'm depending on you to find my favorite.
Takenf fron Fox Sports World.
I'm Christian Miles, and as a co-host on Fox Sports World's Ticket To Asia, I know a thing or two about The Beautiful Game.
Now, as part of FoxSportsWorld's coverage of the World Cup, I'll be competing against you in UMBRO.COM's Beautiful Game.
The UMBRO.COM Beautiful Game is a fantasy pick 'em game in which you can measure your skills against mine, as well as against fans from around the world.
Christian Miles looks at World Cup groups A-D as we start Part I of his UMBRO.COM Beautiful Game preview
Group A: France, Senegal, Denmark, Uruguay
The Picks: France, Denmark
With or without Henry, the defending world and European champions get an easy passage. Trez could be the man to wear the golden boot. The French reserves, (aka Senegal), will present a formidable foe and a glimpse into the future.
Denmark's strong defensive midfield and Dennis "The Danish Rocket" Rommedahl on the wing should be enough to earn passage to the next phase. The race for second will hinge heavily on the outcome of their clash with Uruguay.
The balanced Danish attack is strong, though Alvaro "The Set Piece Assassin" Recoba could save the points for the Uruguayans.
Group B: Spain, Slovenia, Paraguay, South Africa
The Picks: Spain, Paraguay
The Spanish Armada once again sails in as heavy favorites. Raul, another candidate for top marksman, will flourish with Tristan.
Goals against Cesare Maldini's "Italaguay" will be tough to come by. Chilavert and his back four of Ayala, Arce, Gamarra and Caniza are strong. Santa Cruz brings pace up front, but not enough to race past Spain.
South Africa has some world class, with Radebe in the back and Fortune, but Bartlett's absence has helped to book their return trip back home.
Debutant Slovenia is intriguing with Zahovic in attack, but the team simply doesn't have the horsepower necessary to run with the thoroughbreds.
Group C: Brazil, Turkey, Costa Rica, China
The Picks: Brazil, Turkey
Jogo Bonito, or The Beautiful Game, is not really the style Brazil plays anymore, but Brazil is, well, still Brazil.
Those out there, such as my colleague Nick Webster, who aren't picking them to win Group C need their heads examined.
So it comes down to the number two spot. Costa Rica looked good in qualifying, but Paulo Wanchope may become Wan-chump if his knee doesn't hold up. I think Los Ticos will have their goose cooked, either by a Turkey or Chef Bora.
I like the Turks. Alpay, if he is healthy, is solid in the back, while Tugay Kerimoglu is a passing god who links well with the attack. Leverkusen hero Yldiray Bastürk is a rising superstar, while Hakan Sukur and/or Super League supremo Ilhan and can form a deadly partnership if all goes right.
Mysterious China is an unknown quantity. Bora's boys are superbly organized, but I don't think they have enough to match up against Turkey. These two meet in the last match, which will be a dogfight.
Group D: Korea, Poland, United States, Portugal
The Picks: Portugal, Korea
I would like to say U-S-A-all-the-way, as I did in Quest For The Cup, but after reconsideration and a few key injuries, I've decided I would have to be drunk, or lying to myself, or both, to believe in America's chances. With Armas out, O'Brien will need to step in and get stuck-in if Bruce's Boys are to have any chance of moving on.
Portugal is the cream of this crop. Rui Costa, Sergio Conceicao, and Co. make up a mighty middle. Oh, they also have some guy named Figo, whose injuries will be forgotten as he attempts to awaken the spirit of the mighty Eusebio. Portugal's time is now.
Poland, yawn, does have Dudek as thier savior and African King Olisadebe up front, but not enough to catch co-hosts Korea.
Guus Hiddink's side has an Oranje color, and is very confident. The Koreans are difficult to break down and with Hong Myung-bo as the defensive anchor, they should nestle up behind Portugal.
Group E: Germany, Ireland, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia
The Picks: Cameroon, Germany
A tricky quartet. Excluding the Saudis anyone can make it to the next phase, however tradition favors the Germans. Despite their worthy credentials this is not the Germany that has claimed three World Cups. The strike force is anemic and the midfield lacks spark and the ability to create. But despite their shortcomings and an interesting clash with Cameroon, Rudi Völler's men will advance.
Cameroon's Indomitable Lions are roaring. The Olympic Champions and African Nations Cup holders are athletic and well balanced. Rigobert's always "On" Song when donning his international vest, and Patrick Mboma brings European experience up front.
The Irish, meanwhile, will need a lot of luck when they open against the Africans. They're down to one Keane. Roy will be sorely missed, and Robbie must drop back to help a weakened midfield. In the end I see Ireland's shamrocks wilting in the land of the rising sun.
Group F: Argentina, England, Nigeria, Sweden
The Picks: Argentina, England
Group F, or the Group of 'fear' fields an impressive foursome and the most heated rivalry in world football. Argentina vs. England.
The English squad looks more like a M*A*S*H unit with Becks, Gary Neville, Dyer, Stevie G and even the Murph' out or less than 100%.
The Argies, however, are ripe for success and have a wealth of depth, talent and experience. What is scarier for the English? Batistuta as a sub, or Lopez out wide with Crespo? Ortega drawing two defenders and falling like a sack of spuds or Verón lurking in the middle. Pick your poison. In the end I like the blue and white come June 7th.
Nigeria could present problems with Ogbeche, Kanu, and J.J. Okocha, but the constant state of disarray has grounded the Screaming Eagles. Natural ability cannot make up for coaching changes and instability.
Sweden has a knack for maximizing potential. Magnus Hedman is a quality 'keeper, and Larsson will get his goals. However, playing competitively will be as much as Lars Lagerback and Tommy Soderberg's squad can hope for.
Group G: Italy, Croatia, Mexico, Ecuador
The Picks: Italy, Mexico
Italy without question will leave everbody blue. The Azzurri are simply just too good for the rest. The Italian's 'Catenaccio' defensive system features Nesta and Cannavaro, a duo that will make up for Maldini's lack of quickness in the back. Christian Vieri and Del Piero are a complete parternship up front and will produce some vintage 'calcio'.
Mexico and Croatia are the opening headliners on June 3rd in Niigata. The tricolor has a forbidding defense with Marquez and Suarez supported by the versatile Mercado and Vidrio, but the attack is a big question mark, a lack of European experience could hurt them against the Croats.
However Mirko Jozic's squad is not as young as it used to be. Boban has retired and Kovac and Boksic's best years are behind them. The conditions favor Mexico and so do I.
As for Ecuador, they are to be commended for their first Finals appearance. They have some talent but their demise is inevitable.
Group H: Japan, Russia, Tunisia, Belgium
The Picks: Japan, Belgium
Reluctantly, I am forced to agree with my colleague Max Bretos that is the real group of death, because this foursome is downright morbid. Phillipe Troussier has done a masterful job in his four years in charge of Japan. Most of this team has been together since the early 90's and their familiarity with each other combined with French tactics will pay off.
But here in lies the quandary for Japan. Shinji Ono, the leader of the team in midfield, and striker Hidetoshi Nakata are essential for Japanese success, but neither of these two European based players have spent much time training with the national team.
Robert Waseige was dealt a crippling blow with Mpenza's ankle injury. Enter Jupiler League super-scorer Wesley Sonck. The untested youngster must blend well with the experienced MarcWilmots as the Red Devils rise to the occassion against the 2000 Asian Cup winners in a 2-2 draw.
Which brings us to the rest. Karpin and free kick expert Mostovoi are Celta stars and will need to play like them to salvage any chance for the Russians. Oleg Romantsev's men have a favorable draw, but the rest of the Spartak Moscuvites will find the Orient unkind.
As for Tunisia, hey, they made it this far, but they will inherit Team USA's France '98 title as the World Cup's worst team.
Karl |
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