world cup for dummies, NBA style

[sonic21]

hahahahaha france? france? for real...france? they cheated to get past ireland...they wont make it to the knockout round

hahaha that just shows how little you know about soccer....i mean nice name drop with lloris but lyon sux, and france barely qualified for the world cup.....

the next best goalie to Buffon is Julio Cesar...his team is going to win the champions league and Brazil more than qualified for the WC.

IN FRENCHIES haha

haha, calm down it's just soccer.

[mogrovejo]

I dont think England will do anything significantly, they pretty much always suck in the last years at big tournaments and i dont see them doing something else this time. They just dont have 'it'.

my favorites for winning; Argentina, brasil, Germany and maybe Spain, but Spain usually sucks. I hope holland would do something and I think they are capable of, but they often have a lack of motivation, which is very needed.

And I do think the USA will surprise.

Well, Spain has an history of underperforming in the international tournaments... but they just won the European Championships 2 years ago.

England has excellent coaching this time around. They've been displaying great chemistry. I don't put much stock on tradition and stuff. There's nothing genetic about winning football compe ions.

I generally like to pull for the US team, but who are their best players? Howard and Donovan? Going into the knock-out round would be great, winning a game there would be a massive overachievement. Effort and work rate only take you so far.

[ffadicted]

so who do you have winning the WC? or are you too afraid to say it?

Brasil: As always, they enter the world cup strong favorites. Roster is disgustingly deep at the back and wings (see: Daniel Alvez probably a reserve), and at the attack as well. Fabiano destroys with the NT, Robinho is still a star if he can play less selfish, and Nilmar is a great young player that a lot may not know about. Grafite is also a nice surprise in place of fat Adriano lol. Midfield is shaky, have had troubles creating scoring opportunities if Kaka isn't playing magic ball. That's why I'm disapointed Ronaldinho isn't going, he has the experience, the talent, the knowledge, and could very well at least be insurance for what Kaka brings to the table. Dunga will be sure to remind the team what happened in '06, and they will stay humble this time, and are out for redemption. Very likely to reach the finals

Spain:

As good as brasil, if not better then brasil. Ridiculous ability to create and put the ball in the net. So many players that are so good as well, they are an offensive juggernaut. You're right to say they've choked before, but they have had experience as a group winning the last Euro, and I wouldn't read too much into the loss to USA in the Conf. Cup. I like leaving Raul out, and Xavi is the star of this team imo, such a leader on the pitch, good defender, and can create as well. Also see them reaching the finals, and the brackets would have them up against brasil, which would be anyone's match


Also, a few thoughts on other teams, in no particular order:

Argentina:

Could certainly make some noise, but they are so inconsistent. Their coach is garbage, and are very susceptible to desperation tactics and failure when playing under pressure. Talented individually, but lack any sort of strong team chemistry. Not like it takes an expert to say this, but they'll go where Messi can take them, but Messi is still very unproven in the international stage. This could be his coming out party, but I expect semis at best, most likely quarters.

Germany:

Will make noise, as they always do. So much tradition and history here, and their team has pride, which anyone that watches can tell you is a huge part of football. Very experienced coaching staff, as well as players like Klose, Lahm, and Ballack. Powerhouse as always, and as OP said, very strong defensively, but can also put the ball in the net with ease. With that said, I wouldn't put them in the Brasil/Spain tier, they're with the likes of England and Argentina

England:

lulz Becks. Sucks for him, I wanted him in. Ummm, where are we with this team. Gotta start with how amazing Rooney is I suppose. Being a Man U fan, I know this guy's game inside out, and I can tell you he's gonna make some noise. England has always had heart, and it's no different this year, and another team that could challenge spain and brasil for the le, perhaps more so then anyone else. They're full of stars, but stars with class, "tim duncan"-like players. Also, biggest collection of WAGs ever, it's a beauty.

Ivory Coast:

Best african team in my opinion, at least when talking position-to-position talent. Drogba is a king, but they also guys like Toure, Eboue and Kolo; quality players with experience and determination. Very difficult group stage, but Portugal has shown plenty of weaknesses and they could easily take second place. They've got the talent and the team play, and it's up to their effort and matchups in the knockout to see how far they can go. I expect R of 16 or Quarters, but wouldn't be surprised too much at a semis appearance

France:

ya'll, I'm sick and tired of getting eliminated by you guys lol (86: France, 94: won, 98: France, 02: won, 06: France). Aint going nowhere, serves them right for the gay ass hand goal. Oh, and I want Ribery in Man U... bad


Netherlands:

The main team you forgot up there. Strong up front, know how to play, but they're also known for fading out when it matters most. With that said, they killed at the qualifiers (17 - 2 in goals), did well at the start of the Euro, and they're looking to improve here. With that said, the bracket gods have them running into brasil in the quarters, which doesn't do much for their chances. This is a team I fear.


Portugal:

Can't see them going anywhere. A complete one man show much like the OP put it, except their one-man hasn't exactly shown much with the NT as of late, at least not enough. You can make the claim they have solid talent elsewhere, but I won't buy it, their chemistry is horrible, and they had a ty qualifiers. Too much of the wrong personality here

Italy:

Not at all favorites. Bad Euro, and not much talent has shown up since '06, they've only gotten worse. Good coaching base and solid players for sure, but I just don't see it with this team, they havn't done anything since winning their 4th le. To real star, no real threats, and their one shinning star is Buffon, although I disagree with him being the best goalie in the cup (no homerism: Cesar has been amazing). Good defense, will probably walk on top of their group, but will bust at the quarters. Book it

[ElNono]

My favourite to win would be Argentina, but I don't trust Maradona. I doubt he's smart enough to handle the team to Lucho Gonzales.

Lucho didn't make the cut, so he will miss this world cup. Agree that Maradona is what can hold Argentina back.

Portugal always looked good on paper, but they fold when the WC comes around. Happened in the Rui Costa era, still happening with this generation of players. Just like Brazil always steps it up for the WC.

As far as Italy, nobody had them penciled for the last one either. But the catenaccio has worked well for them even though it's ugly as .

[cantthinkofanything]

Since I'm guessing most of you spurfans are bored now, I advise you to watch the world cup.

Here's a little guide for you soccer dummies NBA style

And the contenders are:
#6 Argentina - similar to San Antonio Spurs:
Argentina is a great very disciplined team with a few great players like the Spurs. They are eternal favorites and usually go far but most of the time they end up short of their goal just like the Spurs. Like the Spurs they are also composed of a number of older players that slow down their team and in the end, won't be able to keep up with the faster, younger teams. Their leader is Messi, similar to Tony Parker



#5 Germany - similar to Boston Celtics:
Germany is a team of geriatricts but they can still play. They will definitely win some games and it would not surprise if they make the semis or finals. Like the Celtics, their leaders are players past their primes and carrying injuries. Their defense is like a Berlin wall, impenetrable, like sometimes the Celtics are. They will bruise you and molest you, and they get referee preference. But they will also fall short of their goal, like the Celtics. Their leader is Michael Ballack, similar to Kevin Garnett



#4 Portugal - similar to Cleveland Cavaliers:
Portugal is a team centered on their leader, Ronaldo who could be the Lebron of soccer. The most complete player and big and stong and fast enough to be a weapon vs. most defenses. He is the main man and they will go as far as he goes. If Ronaldo has a good WC, they could get to the finals, if not they could fall short. Same as Lebron's cavs.



#3 Spain - similar to Dallas Mavericks:
Unfortunately Spain is similar to the Mavs. They come to the tournament looking like the strongest team but most of the times end up choking to lesser teams or missing penalty shots. Their fans are also similar to mavfans in that they beleive they are superior than the rest and blame the refs if their team fails. Sadly, the Spanish team will fail similar to the mavericks this year. Their leader is Fernando Torres, similar to Dirk Nowitzki



#2 Brazil - similar to Phoenix Suns
This year's Brazil team is different from other years. Just like this year's Phoenix Suns team. They are concentrating more on defense and are leaving behind the run-n-gun game (jogo bonito) They even dumped Ronaldinho from the team, because their coach Dunga wants to have a bunch of soldiers out there, same as Gentry. Dunga will put in whatever soldiers will get the job done. Could they win it all even after changing their game style? I don't think so. Their leader is Kaka, similar to Steve Nash



#1 Italy - similar to Los Angeles Lakers
The most hated team in soccer, the Italian team. They will foul, lie and cheat, do pretty much anything to win. They don't care about winning with honor or if ppl like them. They are also referee favorites and if things don't go their way, will be the first to publicly. See the similarites to Lakers, even the fact that they are defending the le. I don't know why but I like Italy to at least reach the finals, mostly due to their superior players, unbeleivable defense and help from the referees. Much like I see the Lakers reaching the NBA Finals. Their leader is Buffon, the best goalkeeper in the world, similar to Kobe Bryant



Darkhorse: Ivory Coast - similar to Orlando Magic?
They are the best african team and they also have the most dominant player in the game. Didier Drogba. I don't see much similarites with the magic except that they could give any team trouble and have plenty of weapons around their main leader. They are also well coached. They are my darkhorse. So are the Magic.




so you see, now you can safely watch the WC, pick a team and enjoy the summer, forget about the Spurs failures. Which team will you root for?

This is a gay analogy. It makes as little sense as saying that Friends is the Dallas Mavericks of the sitcoms. Or that S y Winters is the TransAm of acting.

[hater]

Brasil: As always, they enter the world cup strong favorites. Roster is disgustingly deep at the back and wings (see: Daniel Alvez probably a reserve), and at the attack as well. Fabiano destroys with the NT, Robinho is still a star if he can play less selfish, and Nilmar is a great young player that a lot may not know about. Grafite is also a nice surprise in place of fat Adriano lol. Midfield is shaky, have had troubles creating scoring opportunities if Kaka isn't playing magic ball. That's why I'm disapointed Ronaldinho isn't going, he has the experience, the talent, the knowledge, and could very well at least be insurance for what Kaka brings to the table. Dunga will be sure to remind the team what happened in '06, and they will stay humble this time, and are out for redemption. Very likely to reach the finals

Spain:

As good as brasil, if not better then brasil. Ridiculous ability to create and put the ball in the net. So many players that are so good as well, they are an offensive juggernaut. You're right to say they've choked before, but they have had experience as a group winning the last Euro, and I wouldn't read too much into the loss to USA in the Conf. Cup. I like leaving Raul out, and Xavi is the star of this team imo, such a leader on the pitch, good defender, and can create as well. Also see them reaching the finals, and the brackets would have them up against brasil, which would be anyone's match


Also, a few thoughts on other teams, in no particular order:

Argentina:

Could certainly make some noise, but they are so inconsistent. Their coach is garbage, and are very susceptible to desperation tactics and failure when playing under pressure. Talented individually, but lack any sort of strong team chemistry. Not like it takes an expert to say this, but they'll go where Messi can take them, but Messi is still very unproven in the international stage. This could be his coming out party, but I expect semis at best, most likely quarters.

Germany:

Will make noise, as they always do. So much tradition and history here, and their team has pride, which anyone that watches can tell you is a huge part of football. Very experienced coaching staff, as well as players like Klose, Lahm, and Ballack. Powerhouse as always, and as OP said, very strong defensively, but can also put the ball in the net with ease. With that said, I wouldn't put them in the Brasil/Spain tier, they're with the likes of England and Argentina

England:

lulz Becks. Sucks for him, I wanted him in. Ummm, where are we with this team. Gotta start with how amazing Rooney is I suppose. Being a Man U fan, I know this guy's game inside out, and I can tell you he's gonna make some noise. England has always had heart, and it's no different this year, and another team that could challenge spain and brasil for the le, perhaps more so then anyone else. They're full of stars, but stars with class, "tim duncan"-like players. Also, biggest collection of WAGs ever, it's a beauty.

Ivory Coast:

Best african team in my opinion, at least when talking position-to-position talent. Drogba is a king, but they also guys like Toure, Eboue and Kolo; quality players with experience and determination. Very difficult group stage, but Portugal has shown plenty of weaknesses and they could easily take second place. They've got the talent and the team play, and it's up to their effort and matchups in the knockout to see how far they can go. I expect R of 16 or Quarters, but wouldn't be surprised too much at a semis appearance

France:

ya'll, I'm sick and tired of getting eliminated by you guys lol (86: France, 94: won, 98: France, 02: won, 06: France). Aint going nowhere, serves them right for the gay ass hand goal. Oh, and I want Ribery in Man U... bad


Netherlands:

The main team you forgot up there. Strong up front, know how to play, but they're also known for fading out when it matters most. With that said, they killed at the qualifiers (17 - 2 in goals), did well at the start of the Euro, and they're looking to improve here. With that said, the bracket gods have them running into brasil in the quarters, which doesn't do much for their chances. This is a team I fear.


Portugal:

Can't see them going anywhere. A complete one man show much like the OP put it, except their one-man hasn't exactly shown much with the NT as of late, at least not enough. You can make the claim they have solid talent elsewhere, but I won't buy it, their chemistry is horrible, and they had a ty qualifiers. Too much of the wrong personality here

Italy:

Not at all favorites. Bad Euro, and not much talent has shown up since '06, they've only gotten worse. Good coaching base and solid players for sure, but I just don't see it with this team, they havn't done anything since winning their 4th le. To real star, no real threats, and their one shinning star is Buffon, although I disagree with him being the best goalie in the cup (no homerism: Cesar has been amazing). Good defense, will probably walk on top of their group, but will bust at the quarters. Book it

going with brasil. way to go out on a limb

[hater]

This is a gay analogy. It makes as little sense as saying that Friends is the Dallas Mavericks of the sitcoms. Or that S y Winters is the TransAm of acting.

you're gay. for watching friends

[cantthinkofanything]

you're gay. for watching friends

damn good point

[ElNono]

it is messi who is overrated. I have yet to see him dominate an olympic/wc game.

Ronaldo singlehandedly has already taken his team to WC semis

What?

[mexpurs21]

I don't agree with your rankings, Spain will win it all, Italy is not as strong as they have always been, Portugal and Argentina shouldn't be on that list, and WHERE THE IS THE NETHERLANDS they haven't lost a game in 56 games, thats like 2 years without losing a game.

[ffadicted]

going with brasil. way to go out on a limb

Oh, sorry man, I didn't know I was supposed to make predictions based on originality.

Paraguay takes it all

[DAF86]

Only Germany, Brazil and Spain are contenders on your list (judging by the last 2 years). You forgot England.

lol, if Germany is a contender then there are at least like 10 contenders.

[Bukefal]

Well, Spain has an history of underperforming in the international tournaments... but they just won the European Championships 2 years ago.

England has excellent coaching this time around. They've been displaying great chemistry. I don't put much stock on tradition and stuff. There's nothing genetic about winning football compe ions.

I generally like to pull for the US team, but who are their best players? Howard and Donovan? Going into the knock-out round would be great, winning a game there would be a massive overachievement. Effort and work rate only take you so far.

Yeah, they did won the EC and they have a pretty good team, but still, Im not sure about them given their history on big tournaments.

AS for the us, I think they will surprise, im not saying they could or will win it all, i dont think so, but I do think they will advance further in the tournament, further then we would expect them to do.

[mogrovejo]

Lucho didn't make the cut, so he will miss this world cup. Agree that Maradona is what can hold Argentina back.

Portugal always looked good on paper, but they fold when the WC comes around. Happened in the Rui Costa era, still happening with this generation of players. Just like Brazil always steps it up for the WC.

As far as Italy, nobody had them penciled for the last one either. But the catenaccio has worked well for them even though it's ugly as .

Maradona is pathetic.

Portugal went to the semi-finals in the last WC and were the best team in that game; quarter-finals, final and semi-finals in the last EC. It's not like they just lay an egg. Dangerous team, especially because this new coach will actually play his best players.

[DAF86]

who else is better? casillas, cech, vandersar? yeah right BUFFON IS THE BEST GOALKEEPR IN THE WORLD, THE WORLD CRAIG

Julio Cesar (Brazil) is the best Goalie in the World.

[DAF86]

Brasil: As always, they enter the world cup strong favorites. Roster is disgustingly deep at the back and wings (see: Daniel Alvez probably a reserve), and at the attack as well. Fabiano destroys with the NT, Robinho is still a star if he can play less selfish, and Nilmar is a great young player that a lot may not know about. Grafite is also a nice surprise in place of fat Adriano lol. Midfield is shaky, have had troubles creating scoring opportunities if Kaka isn't playing magic ball. That's why I'm disapointed Ronaldinho isn't going, he has the experience, the talent, the knowledge, and could very well at least be insurance for what Kaka brings to the table. Dunga will be sure to remind the team what happened in '06, and they will stay humble this time, and are out for redemption. Very likely to reach the finals

Didn't Dunga left him out of the list? Or was that Neymar?

[sonic21]

lol, if Germany is a contender then there are at least like 10 contenders.

Germany has a good generation who often goes far in tournaments.
WC 2006=SF
Euro 2008=RU

i don't think they'll win though

[DAF86]

Comparing Messi to Tony Parker may be one of the greatest troll jobs ever

lol CoM

[DAF86]

it is messi who is overrated. I have yet to see him dominate an olympic/wc game.

Ronaldo singlehandedly has already taken his team to WC semis

What?

Self ownage

[ElNono]

Portugal went to the semi-finals in the last WC and were the best team in that game; quarter-finals, final and semi-finals in the last EC. It's not like they just lay an egg. Dangerous team, especially because this new coach will actually play his best players.

Well, we'll see. I think they need a breakthrough, like Spain winning the EC.
Something to prove themselved they can go all the way.

History is definitely not on the side of Euro teams. They have never won a World Cup when it was hosted outside of Europe.

[Behrooz24]

Meh soccer. WGAF

[DPG21920]

Anyone who calls Christiano overrated is ridiculous. Go Dempsey!

[roycrikside]

I appreciate the effort to bring some soccer knowledge to the forum, but I think most of the comparisons were quite poor and you didn't put much thought into them. If you want to compare soccer teams to NBA teams, I'd go with these...


LA Lakers: Brazil Most star power, most championships, most bandwagon fans, favorites to win again this year. They're coached by a defensive-minded ex-player (Phil Jax and Dunga). Best player a threat to score or pass (Kobe, Dunga).

Cleveland: England Lots of media hype and attention, but ultimately they've won nothing. Their best player scores a lot, but not on the big stage (LeBron/Rooney), but their second and third best routinely disappear in the big tournaments (Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison/Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard)

Orlando: Spain They just won something recently (the Euro Cup/the Eastern Conference) and their roster is ing loaded, but people keep forgetting about them. Their best player (Dwight Howard/Fernando Torres) can't always perform because of cir stances beyond his control (foul trouble/injury).

Boston: Italy Recent champions, old as , lots of internal bickering, tough as heck to knock out in tournaments. They're like roaches you can't kill. Defense-first team.

Spurs: Germany Lots of past success, some proud veterans with a history of showing up when it matters most, but ultimately a bit long in the tooth. They play an efficient, mechanical style but have more flair than their critics give them credit for.

Phoenix: Holland They play an attractive style, very offensive with lots of scorers who can shoot from anywhere. Ultimately they always choke in the big games, but maybe this will be their year.

Denver: Portugal One big off-putting of a scorer (Ronaldo/Carmelo), a lot of arrogant, enigmatic knuckleheads. Lots of unrealized potential. Lots of red cards too. Nobody likes them, emotionally immature.

Dallas: Argentina (sadly, because I like Argentina). One sensational player who has a lot of regular season success but a checkered history in big games (Dirk/Messi). A bunch of individual scorers who play with no heart. An idiotic figurehead on the sidelines who insists on being quotable and making himself the center of the story (Maradona/Cuban). No serious analyst gives them a chance to go far.

Milwaukee: USA Nice story, but ultimately they have little chance against the big boys.

Ivory Coast: Portland Ditto.

[hater]

I don't agree with your rankings, Spain will win it all, Italy is not as strong as they have always been, Portugal and Argentina shouldn't be on that list, and WHERE THE IS THE NETHERLANDS they haven't lost a game in 56 games, thats like 2 years without losing a game.

wake me up when netherlands wins something...

[hater]

I appreciate the effort to bring some soccer knowledge to the forum, but I think most of the comparisons were quite poor and you didn't put much thought into them. If you want to compare soccer teams to NBA teams, I'd go with these...


LA Lakers: Brazil Most star power, most championships, most bandwagon fans, favorites to win again this year. They're coached by a defensive-minded ex-player (Phil Jax and Dunga). Best player a threat to score or pass (Kobe, Dunga).

Cleveland: England Lots of media hype and attention, but ultimately they've won nothing. Their best player scores a lot, but not on the big stage (LeBron/Rooney), but their second and third best routinely disappear in the big tournaments (Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison/Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard)

Orlando: Spain They just won something recently (the Euro Cup/the Eastern Conference) and their roster is ing loaded, but people keep forgetting about them. Their best player (Dwight Howard/Fernando Torres) can't always perform because of cir stances beyond his control (foul trouble/injury).

Boston: Italy Recent champions, old as , lots of internal bickering, tough as heck to knock out in tournaments. They're like roaches you can't kill. Defense-first team.

Spurs: Germany Lots of past success, some proud veterans with a history of showing up when it matters most, but ultimately a bit long in the tooth. They play an efficient, mechanical style but have more flair than their critics give them credit for.

Phoenix: Holland They play an attractive style, very offensive with lots of scorers who can shoot from anywhere. Ultimately they always choke in the big games, but maybe this will be their year.

Denver: Portugal One big off-putting of a scorer (Ronaldo/Carmelo), a lot of arrogant, enigmatic knuckleheads. Lots of unrealized potential. Lots of red cards too. Nobody likes them, emotionally immature.

Dallas: Argentina (sadly, because I like Argentina). One sensational player who has a lot of regular season success but a checkered history in big games (Dirk/Messi). A bunch of individual scorers who play with no heart. An idiotic figurehead on the sidelines who insists on being quotable and making himself the center of the story (Maradona/Cuban). No serious analyst gives them a chance to go far.

Milwaukee: USA Nice story, but ultimately they have little chance against the big boys.

Ivory Coast: Portland Ditto.