Argentina look the goods to me. Won S.America comp easily.

Also like Germany.

How good were Paraguy's goals!!!! WOW
Para's defence is a bit weak though

Italy nearly always choke.
Brazil have been struggling
France's defence isn't as good as it was in '98.
Spain's defence doesn't look up to scratch.

Don't know about the others. Crotia and Holland were good in '98, don't know about there prospects.

:grin:

Holland have as much chance as Australia grasscutter - they are watching it at home.
Ireland and Portugal finished ahead of them in the qualies.

One thing for sure - the reffing has been a disgrace.

refs have been good except for the ref in brazil match.

Italy were awesome in the 1st half, but closed shop in the 2nd half.

Brazil created enough chances for 5 or 6 goals - wouldn't write them off yet. Denilson should start the game though.

I agree - refereeing very consistant and has allowed the play to flow. Thought the ref in Brazil game gave them a few concessions - in particular their encroachment of the 10 yards at free kicks and the Rivaldo disgrace.
Argentina/Italy both impressive. Jury is out on Brazil/Spain. Gutsiest efforts by Senegal,Ireland and Sth Africa.
I think France are great bets at $3 to top their group. Should win the remaining two games after the "scare" and can't see Senagal coming up again twice.
Football has been first class - as you would hope/expect.

Argentina sure aren't looking so good at this stage..sent packing.. nor italy for that matter.
England have really been playing boring lacklustre,football,
Denmark have really impressed.. and Brazil r looking brilliant.
my pick for finals....for what its worth...Denmark against Brazil.

Brazil for me. Lumbar Sua Buceta!!!!!!

what does everyone think of the Joao Pinto incident in the Portugal v Korea match , after being shown the red card he has allegedly punched the ref in the stomach which is just out of the camera view and then the ref is saying quite clearly in his native language " he punched me in the stomach , he punched me in the stomach ".
If he is let of with a fine it would be disgraceful he should be banned for at least 12 months a stand has to be made some time or rather.

If he's intentionally punched the referee at least 10 years -which is probably effectively life. What about the other player who was trying to get the referee to change his mind and had both hands wrapped around the referee's face. He should also be put out for at least a year.

England have really been playing boring lacklustre,football,
Denmark have really impressed

Boring, lacklustre England 3
Impressive Denmark 0

Michael Owen is the key to this team. Now that he's scored his confidence will be sky high. I'm not saying they can win the tournament but it looks like they've turned the corner at least.

On the "assaults" punching the ref.....life
touching the ref as per the face incident.....12 months. Both penalties immediate and no avenue of appeal.

The worst aspect of soccer? Feigning injury.


[ This Message was edited by: Privateer on 2002-06-16 18:22 ]

[ This Message was edited by: Privateer on 2002-06-16 18:23 ]