FIFA World Cup 2010

[theyoungest]

You guys must like watching paint dry.

The World Cup final is the most watched televized event in the world, so there's a rather big market for this paint drying business.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

You guys must like watching paint dry.

1. Football / soccer is the most watched sport in the world. Enough said.

2. Living in Australia you of all people must be used to others calling your favorite sport (I assume cycling) the most boring sport.. etc... I know people hang it on me regarding cycling. So knowing that you get that with cycling, cannot understand why you would comment about soccer like this. Your immaturity and ignorance shines through again.

3. If you have nothing good to contribute to the thread, then stay out bud. We don't wanna hear your pointless comments. Get enough of them in the cycling threads. k thanks.

 

[theyoungest]

1. Football / soccer is the most watched sport in the world. Enough said.

2. Living in Australia you of all people must be used to others calling your favorite sport (I assume cycling) the most boring sport.. etc... I know people hang it on me regarding cycling. So knowing that you get that with cycling, cannot understand why you would comment about soccer like this. Your immaturity and ignorance shines through again.

3. If you have nothing good to contribute to the thread, then stay out bud. We don't wanna hear your pointless comments. Get enough of them in the cycling threads. k thanks.

Wow, it really is a sensitive subject down in Oz, isn't it

 

[Galic Ho]

The World Cup final is the most watched televized event in the world, so there's a rather big market for this paint drying business.

No, that is what FIFA want everyone to believe. Thet cannot prove a single bit of it. I have a friend who works for the television statistic provider in Australia. They have 20,000 boxes giving them data. There are over 21 million people in this country. That is not a large enough sample population to extrapolate accurate data. It is a mathematical con job. But advertisers and networks buy into the BS and spend, spend, spend based on the numbers they generate. They are not accurate here in Australia or reflective of each demographic, but we are told the stats are. The same applies to FIFA and their BS rant about being the most watched event in the world. Honestly they say 2 billion people are watching the final. BS. Absolute hogwash. A lot of people watch but the network honchos exaggerate. It is how they make money. It is what advertising is built upon. Deception, fancy slogans and gullibility.

 

[Galic Ho]

We have no tradition in cycling, but I think we will take the title again in Fifa Word Cup 2010.

He isn't playing buddy. Ronaldhino is a useless discard these days. Kaka is the only chance Brazil have of winning. Brazil won't win. I'll be surprised if they make the semis.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

He isn't playing buddy. Ronaldhino is a useless discard these days. Kaka is the only chance Brazil have of winning. Brazil won't win. I'll be surprised if they make the semis.

you clearly haven't watched milan this season, cause he has had his most solid season in a long time and fully deserves a spot, but probably wont because of the coach.

and they might not get as many viewers as they claim, but it is indeed the most watched sporting event.

 

[Galic Ho]

Wow, it really is a sensitive subject down in Oz, isn't it

Yes it is. We are going to be pawned this world cup. Every decent player has had a major injury recently and our Dutch Coach has no clue on how to score against competent teams. He relies on our opponents in qualifying stuffing up and our physical superiority. We are rough, strong and can endure longer. When it comes to on the ball skill and passing, like we face in our pool rivals we are in serious trouble. If we can get a draw or loss against Germany in the first round, a win against Ghana and maybe a draw against Serbia we might make it through. That is a big if.

Easter 2009 my mates and I went away. One of my school friends my mates and I rarely see joined us. He wanted to knock me out after I downplayed the skill and overall combined talent of the Socceroos. I was simply being realistic. He thought I was being unpatriotic. Soccer/Football is not as big as AFL and Rugby League are in this country. People jump on the bandwagon and because we are no longer in the Oceania zone, but are in Asia, our qualifying path is easier. The public assume we stand a chance because we've qualified for back to back WC's. Real fans can tell that we lack some major firepower. Most still think Italy cheated us out of a Quarter Final spot in 2006. They have no clue and don't like when someone tells them otherwise. That is why I expect nothing from the team. Just being there is a bonus, anything more is great.

It really is a sensitive subject. Aussies and their sportsmen/women always are. People think we can win everything.

 

[Galic Ho]

Group C&D appears to be lacking some depth, and they'll be tied to each other past the group phase. UK v. Germany seems likely...

A & H are quite poor in quality as well, although past the group phase Spain is facing #2 of the group of death. That's a tough draw. And B contains Argentina and Nigeria, off setting an easy qualification in group A.

E&F seem to be more balanced...

Group D has Australia, Germany, Serbia and Ghana. Three of those team are monster teams. That group is no pushover. Serbia have the best fullback in the world. Germany are Germany and need no introduction and Ghana are the most consistent African nation over the last decade. Though Ghana might be without Michael Essien. If it were not for dodgy refering in the last World Cup, Ghana would have beaten Brazil in the round of 16. Lacking depth? Hardly. Your countries pool lacks depth. England will walk right over everyone in that pool bar the US.

You are right though about A and H. France and Spain have it very easy.

Spain and England final. Spain to win 3:1. Assuming England top their pool and we all know Spain will, then they can only meet in the final.

Balanced or hard pool. E, F and G. G is a nightmare. I'm still shocked Portugal qualified. They should not have. The math behind them halfway through was against all odds. Portugal pulled of a miracle in making the final 32.

 

[Galic Ho]

I cannot wait for the match with England. I know we have no chance of winning. That is why it will be even sweeter when we do.

Dude, at the Confederations Cup the US ended Spains 35 match undefeated streak. They also almost beat Brazil in the final. The US are no walkovers. They will put up a stern fight. You guys should make the final 16 barring no major catastrophies.

 

[theyoungest]

No, that is what FIFA want everyone to believe. Thet cannot prove a single bit of it. I have a friend who works for the television statistic provider in Australia. They have 20,000 boxes giving them data. There are over 21 million people in this country. That is not a large enough sample population to extrapolate accurate data. It is a mathematical con job. But advertisers and networks buy into the BS and spend, spend, spend based on the numbers they generate. They are not accurate here in Australia or reflective of each demographic, but we are told the stats are. The same applies to FIFA and their BS rant about being the most watched event in the world. Honestly they say 2 billion people are watching the final. BS. Absolute hogwash. A lot of people watch but the network honchos exaggerate. It is how they make money. It is what advertising is built upon. Deception, fancy slogans and gullibility.

This kind of sample is what many polls (political, viewership, advertising) are based upon. In fact, most polls are based on even smaller percentages. I'm not saying the exact numbers are correct (I believe it was 1,2 billion viewers or so) but I do believe football/soccer has proportionally the largest viewership worldwide.
Some Americans believe the Super Bowl is the biggest event, but it has nowhere near the same viewership. It's not even televized in most European countries, for instance.

 

[Moondance]

No, that is what FIFA want everyone to believe. Thet cannot prove a single bit of it. I have a friend who works for the television statistic provider in Australia. They have 20,000 boxes giving them data. There are over 21 million people in this country. That is not a large enough sample population to extrapolate accurate data. It is a mathematical con job. But advertisers and networks buy into the BS and spend, spend, spend based on the numbers they generate. They are not accurate here in Australia or reflective of each demographic, but we are told the stats are. The same applies to FIFA and their BS rant about being the most watched event in the world. Honestly they say 2 billion people are watching the final. BS. Absolute hogwash. A lot of people watch but the network honchos exaggerate. It is how they make money. It is what advertising is built upon. Deception, fancy slogans and gullibility.

So if its not the FIFA World Cup final, what is then the most watched event on tv?

 

[theyoungest]

Yes it is. We are going to be pawned this world cup. Every decent player has had a major injury recently and our Dutch Coach has no clue on how to score against competent teams. He relies on our opponents in qualifying stuffing up and our physical superiority. We are rough, strong and can endure longer. When it comes to on the ball skill and passing, like we face in our pool rivals we are in serious trouble. If we can get a draw or loss against Germany in the first round, a win against Ghana and maybe a draw against Serbia we might make it through. That is a big if.

Easter 2009 my mates and I went away. One of my school friends my mates and I rarely see joined us. He wanted to knock me out after I downplayed the skill and overall combined talent of the Socceroos. I was simply being realistic. He thought I was being unpatriotic. Soccer/Football is not as big as AFL and Rugby League are in this country. People jump on the bandwagon and because we are no longer in the Oceania zone, but are in Asia, our qualifying path is easier. The public assume we stand a chance because we've qualified for back to back WC's. Real fans can tell that we lack some major firepower. Most still think Italy cheated us out of a Quarter Final spot in 2006. They have no clue and don't like when someone tells them otherwise. That is why I expect nothing from the team. Just being there is a bonus, anything more is great.

It really is a sensitive subject. Aussies and their sportsmen/women always are. People think we can win everything.

Don't blame us In Holland, Pim Verbeek is seen as a loser who gets to profit from Guus Hiddink's slipstream.

 

[Galic Ho]

Argentina has the players, but besides having a manager who is just bad, he also leaves players at home. Why are Tevez and Palermo playing and not Higuain, Milito or Lopez? Why is Veron playing and not Riquelme (who is playing like the Riquelme of old nowadays)? Why for all that is holy is Javier Zanetti still in any national selection?

Answer. Riquelme hates Maradonna. He refuses to play on the national team whilst Maradonna is involved.

Remember, T.I.A. This Is Africa. Expect something special from them, and i think Ghana will do that.

I expect something from the Ivory Coast. Eboue, Kolo and Yaya Toure and one Didier Drogba. Drogba isn't in the form he was last season but he is still solid. Best team in Africa. Ghana might not have Essien which is why I rate The Ivory Coast ahead of them.

 

[cwc online]

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[Galic Ho]

The Spanish national team, like the Dutch national team, can be consistently relied on to choke at the big moments. One tournament doesn't change history.

At least they have won one and have an amazing record the last few years. They have the best strikers in the world and the best midfield. It is their tournament to lose. If Cesc Fabregas can be on the bench that says something about the depth of the Spanish national team. Removing Raul at Euro 2008 was a mastersroke of genius. Spain have changed their attitude. Have the Dutch? I thought they had exorcised the demons and bad player relations and then Hiddink used Russia and Andrei Arshavin to make the Dutch team that annihilated France, look like clueless 3rd division players.

If the Dutch loose Ruud Van Nistelroy then half the problems will end there. Great player but he messes the national team dynamic up. He should have played in 2006 and in 2008 he should not have. The Dutch team should have made the Euro 2008 final against Spain but didn't. It is all attitude. They fix it by leaving the bad eggs at home, regardless of their skill, and all will be fine.

 

[Moondance]

Answer. Riquelme hates Maradonna. He refuses to play on the national team whilst Maradonna is involved.



I expect something from the Ivory Coast. Eboue, Kolo and Yaya Toure and one Didier Drogba. Drogba isn't in the form he was last season but he is still solid. Best team in Africa. Ghana might not have Essien which is why I rate The Ivory Coast ahead of them.

Cote d'Ivoire impressed me too when they drew with Burkina Faso and lost to Algeria in the African Cup of Nations....

Also Essien's loss obviously hurts Ghana enormously, but those initial predictions date back over 5 months now or something.... Essien hadn't even been injured yet.

 

[Galic Ho]

Don't blame us In Holland, Pim Verbeek is seen as a loser who gets to profit from Guus Hiddink's slipstream.

Mate, I agree. The FFA (our ruling body) had **** Advocat lined up to replace Hiddink. He won the Europa title with Zenit St Petersburg and was supposed to leave that week. He was given a $5 million contract to stay. He broke his promise to the FFA and renigged on his contract to coach the Socceroos. The FFA found Verbeek to fill the gap. They had some French coach as well and went with him. Can't remember who, some guy whose surname begins with L.

Apparently the FFA have been talking with Franck Rijkaard. I doubt they have the money but that would be awesome if they can grab him. The FFA really do love Dutch coaches. Unfortunately we currently have the one lame duck from the Netherlands in charge of our national team. But he was better than our interim coach Graham Arnold. That fool couldn't even get us to the Quarters in the Asian Cup.

 

[Moondance]

At least they have won one and have an amazing record the last few years. They have the best strikers in the world and the best midfield. It is their tournament to lose. If Cesc Fabregas can be on the bench that says something about the depth of the Spanish national team. Removing Raul at Euro 2008 was a mastersroke of genius. Spain have changed their attitude. Have the Dutch? I thought they had exorcised the demons and bad player relations and then Hiddink used Russia and Andrei Arshavin to make the Dutch team that annihilated France, look like clueless 3rd division players.

If the Dutch loose Ruud Van Nistelroy then half the problems will end there. Great player but he messes the national team dynamic up. He should have played in 2006 and in 2008 he should not have. The Dutch team should have made the Euro 2008 final against Spain but didn't. It is all attitude. They fix it by leaving the bad eggs at home, regardless of their skill, and all will be fine.

They've won zero World Cups, and two Euro Cups, if this is what you're referring to.... Btw, the Netherlands have won one too.

Btw, way to dig up a bunch of really old posts that I can barely remember writing... I was only 21 when I wrote all those things.... So young and immature

Either way I still think Brasil will win.

 

[theyoungest]

At least they have won one and have an amazing record the last few years. They have the best strikers in the world and the best midfield. It is their tournament to lose. If Cesc Fabregas can be on the bench that says something about the depth of the Spanish national team. Removing Raul at Euro 2008 was a mastersroke of genius. Spain have changed their attitude. Have the Dutch? I thought they had exorcised the demons and bad player relations and then Hiddink used Russia and Andrei Arshavin to make the Dutch team that annihilated France, look like clueless 3rd division players.

If the Dutch loose Ruud Van Nistelroy then half the problems will end there. Great player but he messes the national team dynamic up. He should have played in 2006 and in 2008 he should not have. The Dutch team should have made the Euro 2008 final against Spain but didn't. It is all attitude. They fix it by leaving the bad eggs at home, regardless of their skill, and all will be fine.

Van Nistelrooy was the glue that held our 2008 team together. Seriously, a more modest and socially aware player is hard to come by. I actually hope he will be invited this year, but I seriously doubt it. And even if he is, the more obvious choice for his position would be Robin van Persie.

 

[Galic Ho]

you clearly haven't watched milan this season, cause he has had his most solid season in a long time and fully deserves a spot, but probably wont because of the coach.

and they might not get as many viewers as they claim, but it is indeed the most watched sporting event.

Point taken. But stike anyone with skill next to Andrea Pirlo and they will shine. That Italian man is all class. Ronaldhino messes with the current Brazilian midfield dynamic. HAve you wondered why he left Barca and went back to his former club? It is because of his attitude. He is a "Me" man. All about himself. It is why he showboated and acted fancy a few years back. That and he was lazy. If both Barca (who I hate to admit are the best team in the world the past few years) and the Brazilian national team do not want you then there is a good reason for it.

I for one think he is half the reason France ran rings around them in 2006 in the Quarters. All about Ronaldhino and who got left out? Robinho, the in form player at the time. Robinho was given the last 15 minutes to come off the bench. Too little, too late, because he was causing trouble. Removing Ronaldhino removes part of the problems Brazil have. Just like Rudd with the Dutch. You can be a fantastically gifted player but ruin team dynamics and flow.

 

[Galic Ho]

Van Nistelrooy was the glue that held our 2008 team together. Seriously, a more modest and socially aware player is hard to come by. I actually hope he will be invited this year, but I seriously doubt it. And even if he is, the more obvious choice for his position would be Robin van Persie.

I thought so to in 2008. But after the Russia game all I heard was that the in fighting had returned. Before that I'd heard the Dutch camp had patched things up. But drama returned and there was one camp against the other. The minority camp was lead by Ruud. I really like the guy and don't wish him to be left out but I think it is the right move simply for team dynamics. He is sadly replaceable. If only the guys could get along...but they have shown they cannot. Leaving him out is the best for the nation and team. Saddening.

 

[Galic Ho]

They've won zero World Cups, and two Euro Cups, if this is what you're referring to.... Btw, the Netherlands have won one too.

Btw, way to dig up a bunch of really old posts that I can barely remember writing... I was only 21 when I wrote all those things.... So young and immature

Either way I still think Brasil will win.

I know peope think history counts for a lot but recent history is most important. France were my pick to win in 2006 and they were the best team. Before the tournament they were a joke but I had a feeling they would shine. Spain have historically been underperformers but recent history and the club results of their best players show that history, more importantly, that losing mentality, has been rewritten.

The reason I do not think Brazil will make the final is that I see most of the big work resting on the shoulders of Kaka. Spain and England can spread the talent better. I am really going out on a limb for the British but I sense a shift in their national sporting attitudes. Look at F1 for example. British drivers are doing phenomanally well.

There are only a handfull of teams in my opinion that can win the world cup. The teams I see making the final are a select pool. Of course this depends on player form, injuries and other matches. Here goes:
Spain
England
Italy
Brazil
Portugal
Netherlands
France

The bottom three I am not too sure about. Portugal rely to heavily upon Ronaldo, but then again they should not have qualified and they somehow did, all without Ronaldo. I never know with the Dutch. I think they have turned a new leaf and then they implode. France have Domenech who makes really dumb calls. But they do have Henry and Ribery. I do not see France scoring a lot of goals but I can see them wearing other teams down. Hopefully Gallas and Evra get their act together and marshall the defense properly this tournament. The bottom three can sparkle if they drop the BS and don't take it to South Africa.

The rest I simply don't think can. Germany will do better than most in that list but they have lacked the extra gear needed to win over the last decade. Also I've heard they have too many injuries. One of the other top teams will beat them before they can make the final. Same too with Argentina. I really think they are a basket case right now. Tevez is their best player. Don't ask why I didn't pick Messi, I just think Tevez is more valuable. It would be awesome to see England pound them senseless with Maradonna as coach. Good teams but I don't see them making the final under any circumstances.

 

[Galic Ho]

This kind of sample is what many polls (political, viewership, advertising) are based upon. In fact, most polls are based on even smaller percentages. I'm not saying the exact numbers are correct (I believe it was 1,2 billion viewers or so) but I do believe football/soccer has proportionally the largest viewership worldwide.
Some Americans believe the Super Bowl is the biggest event, but it has nowhere near the same viewership. It's not even televized in most European countries, for instance.

I studied stats and I guess what I am saying is that the numbers are too big. Basically they cannot prove any of it but given the right teams in the final 32 the world cup would be the most watched event each year it is on. Though I have a feeling the Olympics might pull in more people simply because of the diversity it brings. I do know that Football has more fanatics and diehard tragic fans than any other sport on the planet. That is both a good and bad thing.

 

[Galic Ho]

So if its not the FIFA World Cup final, what is then the most watched event on tv?

Olympic Opening ceremony.

 

[theyoungest]

I thought so to in 2008. But after the Russia game all I heard was that the in fighting had returned. Before that I'd heard the Dutch camp had patched things up. But drama returned and there was one camp against the other. The minority camp was lead by Ruud. I really like the guy and don't wish him to be left out but I think it is the right move simply for team dynamics. He is sadly replaceable. If only the guys could get along...but they have shown they cannot. Leaving him out is the best for the nation and team. Saddening.

Hm, never heard anything about this. Usually Sneijder is the scumbag. Great player, but miserable character.