Originally posted by IdentityCrisis:
Originally posted by vrabbit:
Originally posted by IdentityCrisis:
Originally posted by vrabbit:
Also looking forward to making a new version of this! (originally posted on 12/06/09)
I'll probably do that sometime after mid-may
And yes, group F is ridiculously weak
As it should be. World Champs get a weak group.
If I was you I'd be hoping for tough games from all 3 opponents, which is very possible. If you cruise through group play I'm not sure how 'ready' the squad will be come elimination rounds.
Group B is the 2nd weakest group, which (unlike for Italy) can be a good thing for Argentina if they can perform we'll and build some much needed confidence after their performance in qualifiers.
Group D is underrated: ghana, serbia, and australia are more than capable of giving Germany problems.
They will be perfectly ready if they cruise through. I have no idea what you're talking about. In fact, it will give Lippi further chance to fine tune the offense before round of 16.
And I STRONGLY disagree with your idea of Group D, Germany will have no problem with any of those squads, even thought I do have some respect for Ghana.
Italy will breeze through easily, not to mention won't be really challenges until the quarters, giving Lippi time to tweak his team for the matchups.
As for your Group D assessment, Germany will beat all those teams, but Ghana and Serbia both pose as competent opponents to Germany's play. here are some key points:
1. Serbia's defense got them into the WC and germany is also a strong defensive squad. Willing to put money down that it's a very low scoring contest, but Germany has way more experience.
2. Ghana poses the largest threat. They're fast, aggressive, and playing in a home-field match. Germany will most likely be ready to stop them, but don't be surprised if they open up a lead of 2-0 in the first half and end with a 2-2 tie with Germany (a la vrabbit's prediction)
3. Australia won't do sh*t and whomever can rack up the most points on them (Germany and Ghana) will hold the tie-breakers.
Looking forward to your input IdentityCrisis, I've enjoyed your soccer posts in all the soccer-related threads. Always enjoy talking with true soccer enthusiasts like u and rabbit. This place is gonna be nuts in June....
Not to mention I will be posting pics of my Team USA Altidore jersey when I get it (I got the blue one
)