2006 FIFA World Cup Germany

[Brent Burns]

I am sure most of you already know Bruce Arena's background. He was an All- American in lacrosse at Cornell; furthermore, he did play soccer and lacrosse at Nassau Community College (1969-1971).

[tamu33]

My Picks

Group A: 1. Germany, 2. Poland

Group B: 1. England, 2. Sweeden

Group C: 1. Argentina, 2. Netherlands (toughest group from top to bottom but ARG and NET will come out on top )

Group D: 1. Mexico, 2. Iran, 2. Portugal (Who ever wins the Iran v POR game will go through... could be decided on goal differential)

Group E: 1. Italy, 2.Czech Republic (US will give the Czechs a run for their money but the Czechs are just too good to pick against) (This will be a tough group and could be named the Group of Death because of the high ranking ITA and CZH squads, the Spirited Ghana team and the Darkhorse USA.)

Group F: 1. Brazil, 2. Japan (strongest team in years for Japan. Qualified as #1 team from Asia and i think they can beat Croatia)

Group G: 1. France, 2. Korea Republic (France got lucky... they are in probably the weakest group, Korea's strong showing at their WC leads me to pick them.)

Group H: 1. Spain, 2. Ukraine (Not much in this group, SPA and UKR will be the premiere match and who ever wins it will get top spot.)


Round of 16
Left side of Bracket
1. Germany over Sweeden
2. Argentina over Iran
3. Italy over Japan
4. Ukraine over France

Right side of bracket
5. England over Poland
6. Netherlands over Mexico
7. Brazil over Czech
8. Spain over S. Korea

Quarterfinals
1. Germany over Argentina
2. Italy over Ukraine

3. England over Netherlands
4. Brazil over Spain

Semifinals
1. Italy over Germany

2. England over Brazil

Finals
1. England over Italy

[shrekjr]

Picked like a true Aggie. If half of those picks are right, I'll be surprised!

[tamu33]

How does being an Aggie relate to this at all?

Besides, I have a few upsets compared to FIFA rankings and I also have favorites going far. Seems like a good bracket pick to me.

I admit Iran over Portugal is a homer pick but I am heading to Germany to see them, so might as well pick them to advance.

Japan over Croatia is just a hunch even though I think Brazil and Croatia recently had a 1-1 draw in Croatia.

Also, everyone thinks the US will be strong, just reminds me of how we went into France in 1998 and then we ended up dead last.

[shrekjr]

Also, everyone thinks the US will be strong, just reminds me of how we went into France in 1998 and then we ended up dead last.

I'll agree with this. As I said earlier, the US has a chance, but there is no guarantee. They will have to play very hard just to advance to the next round. I'm thinking a 1-1-1 record in the first round and advancing on a tie-breaker would be considered a success. Once into the second round, anything can happen!

A guy here at the office today said anything less than a semi-final berth for the US would be disappointing. I think he's in for a lot of disappointment!

[FLAK]

A guy here at the office today said anything less than a semi-final berth for the US would be disappointing. I think he's in for a lot of disappointment!

I agree, the U.S. is going to have to play out of their minds to really get that far. I'm pulling for England, mostly because I think Wayne Rooney is the shiz, but also because Brazil needs to be kept in check.

I think tamu's picks are on the safe side, though they will most likely (barring a major upset) be correct besides Italy making it to the finals

[jessexy]

The US could be in real trouble here. last WC, they got to face a struggling Portugal, mediocre Poland, and the host (read:home-field advantage) South Korea that ended up making the semis.

but this year could be a nightmare draw for the US. they could end up with any of the heavyweights and a strong second-tier Euro team. then play a second tier South American team or a unpredictable African team.

I would hate to see them in a pool like this:

Brazil Argentina France
Ghana Ivory Coast Australia
Netherlands Portugal Czech Republic

For the record, i was close on these horror groups for the US. They were drawn into a group with Ghana and Czech. Argentina and Ivory Coast were together with Holland. and Brazil and Australia will face each other. Bad draw for the USA.

now for my picks

A. 1 Germany 2. Poland with a small fight from Costa Rica, but not much.

B. 1. England 2. Sweden T&T will be the favorite underdogs

C. 1. Netherlands 2. Argentina The Serbs wont even score a goal. game 3 (ARG v. HOL) will be a stinker cuz theyll both be qualified already. the other game 3 (IVC v. SER) will be fun as the both bow out.

D. 1. Mexico 2. Portugal

E. 1. Italy 2. United States US takes 3 points from Ghana and the Czechs, but lose to Italy after a good fight as they are the 2nd team from this group. Bruce is considered a God after this WC

F. 1. Brazil 2. Australia Aussies slide through on points

G 1. France 2. Switzerland These teams qualified together in the same group in Europe and are regional rivals. Togo and Korea dont have enough. This is the most open group of all, though.

H. 1 Spain 2. Ukraine Shevchenko from Ukraine can beat S. Arabia and Tunisia by himself. he'll have too.

Second Round
Germany v. Sweden- Home team advantage
Holland v. Portugal- Holland goes through
England v. Poland- England repays the Poles from last year in Qualifying
Mexico v. Argentina- Mexico has a chance, but Argentina knows Europe
Italy v. Australia-Depends on Italian team focus, but this doesnt look tough
France v. Ukraine- Who knows? France may be too tired, but I'm picking them
Brazil v. United States-USA tries to look good against better team. Fight hard. This is a successful WC for USA, considering the horrible draw
Spain v. Switzerland-Spanish beat Swiss, but are challenged

Quarterfinals
Germany v. Holland- Holland has just as many fans at game cuz they are next door, which takes away home field. Holland wins on PKs
Italy v. France- France is too old and tired. Italy is thru.
England v. Argentina- England cannot handle this pressure. Sven is fired!
Brazil v. Spain- Brazil. Enough said.

Semifinals
Holland v. Italy- Holland comes out on top
Argentina v. Brazil-Epic Battle, looks like best game of Century. Brazil wins cuz Dida saves the day. Thank the Virgin Mary they finally have a good keeper after winning 5 with mediocre ones.

Final
Holland v. Brazil- 6 Time World Champions. good game cuz of the crazy Holland fans battle the fun Brazilian fans in the stands too. Who said Green and Orange dont mix.