The unofficial World Cup Thread,

[Louis VI the Fat]

If I had to make a prediction, I'd say:

Spain - but might collapse under pressure
Brazil - duh
Italy - god forbid
Germany - tournament players par excellence, even when they are bad, they make it to final
England - why not, eh? Capello's got his act together
Serbia - surprise package

France is really just waiting for Blanc to take over. The ref will finish the blues off in the last group match against the home country.
Argentina's players are second to few, but they are coached by the Nose of Coke, El Diego. who managed to not select half of Inter's side.

Portugal and Holland for dangerous outsider.

[Jolt]

I'll reserve my statement of Portugal's probability or not to go far, after the next friendly with Cameroon, a few days from now.

[GeneralHankerchief]

USA. And we still won't care.

In all seriousness though, I'd like to see Argentina go far because their coach is apparently legally insane. That'll make for some interesting news fodder. And maybe England, because I feel sorry for them.

For the non-clueless followers of the sport, does Mexico have any shot? Or did they only stomp us last year because the game was in Azteca?

[naut]

Dunga will win it for Brazil. The man's a tactical and defensive whiz.

[drone]

Or did they only stomp us last year because the game was in Azteca?

I don't think Mexico will make it out of the groups. South Africa will get the calls as the host nation, so Mexico has to beat out France and Uruguay for the other group spot. Not promising. Skill-wise, I'd put Mexico a little behind the US (all other things being equal). Azteca is a huge advantage, at a neutral site they won't intimidate the refs, won't have the altitude, and won't have the battery fire from the stands.

[naut]

I don't think Mexico will make it out of the groups. South Africa will get the calls as the host nation, so Mexico has to beat out France and Uruguay for the other group spot. Not promising. Skill-wise, I'd put Mexico a little behind the US (all other things being equal). Azteca is a huge advantage, at a neutral site they won't intimidate the refs, won't have the altitude, and won't have the battery fire from the stands.

It'll be tight, tight, tight. None of the teams have really impressed. Uruguay and France have both struggled, Mexico play some good stuff but are profligate.

[Fragony]

We bring a pretty good team, defense is weak but we have plenty of offensive power.

[Rhyfelwyr]

COME ON YOU ENGLAND!

[Pannonian]

France is really just waiting for Blanc to take over. The ref will finish the blues off in the last group match against the home country.

Talking of finishing off, wasn't one of your captains shot for treason after France flopped in a World Cup?