Germany 2006 Options

[balduran]

Note that teams aren't aligned alphabetically.

And guys and girls - please keep it serious

[Seifer]

The seedings weren't totally realistic I feel. Lets take a look.

Brazil - Hot favourites to retain. With reason. Ronaldinho is hailed as a threat but with people like Robinho,Adriano et al floating around, you can't take your eye of them for a second. Gilberto as a holding midfielder will make a huge difference as Dunga did in 94.

Mexico - Little chance. Defense is too weak and aside from Borgetti, I don't rate most of their players.

Argentina - Very fractured, expecially after the Maradona fun and joy. Old fashioned British defense and their individualistic players make for a dangerous mix. Can be beaten though as their coach looks weak on quality substitutions after the starting 11. Too many European based players could be a drawback.

Italy - Not sure on these guys. Very defensive team under Trappatoni which is thier natural game. Strikers of old such as del Piero and Vieri have yet to reproduce form and thier replacements have yet to convince. Totti has got to sort it out at Roma as he could change the nature of a game and his absence would be missed.

Germany - No hopers. This team is worse then the one that got to Japan 02 final. Aside from Klose and Ballack, they have no quality. Lack of competitive games, the referee scandel and unrealistic pressure could be their undoing. Semi's would be a good result for them.

England - Have a chance although not as good as half of the top seeds. Defense is superb although midfield is class, often its a case of too many likeminded players. Either Gerrard stops attacking or he's dropped for Hargreaves/King. Beyond Owen and Rooney, atack is too lightweight. Crouch, Vassel and Hesky don't cut it and Smith is too volatile for a world cup.

France - Most successful team of the recent 8 years or so from Europe. Poor failing at the last WC, EC and making a mission for qualifiying from their group has led many to write them off. The possible dark horses. Team temper is suspect and failing to utilise Trezuguet or Henry places too much pressure on Midfield to score. I'm concerned a lot of them may suffer burnout.

Spain - Another close team to call. Not as individualistic as the Latin American countries and so called flair players have yet to impress, Torres aside. Unsure on thier prospects.

This post has been edited by Seifer: Dec 14 2005, 12:33 AM