Coupe de Monde

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Tough one. I look at teams who have the ability to step up a gear when they have to and that puts Brazil at the top with home advantage. Hard to discount the Germans, who were runners-up in Mexico.

As for England. If we try to play like we should get through the group I think we'll come undone. If we go to see what damage we can do and give the young players a chance to express themselves, we might upset a couple of more fancied countries.

Sturridge the new Lineker?? 

[BillyStubbsTears]

Now THERE's a username. Beats "Denaby Red" hands down.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I'd be happy with your line up.

[BillyStubbsTears]

i expect us to get to the- Semi-final/Possible Winners

Sammy lad. If I had a pound for every time I've heard us go to a World Cup with that prediction since I became sufficiently sentient to take notice of football, I'd have £7. And we've got to a semi once in that time. And we only managed THAT by squeaking a win after being outplayed by Cameroon.

Over the past 40-odd years, we have typically been about the 16th best team in the world. I expect us to perform like the 16th best team in the world over the next month. We're competent and hard-working. We're not bad, but we're sure not brilliant. It's been the same throughout my sentient life, having been in gestation in 66 and 3 years old in 70, when we really WERE up there with the very best.

We'll not be embarrassed in Brazil. But we'll not look remotely good enough to challenge the really strong nations. Go into it with that attitude and you'll enjoy the WC without being devastated when England get on the plane home.

[SoundbiteBarmyArmy]

Just out of interest; people who have voted A.N.OTHER, who do you actually think will win? Have England really got a chance, or am I missing someone other than Spain, Argentina, Germany, Brazil, or have you got some real 'dark horses' in mind!?

[BigColSutherland]

Few shouts for Belgium, Italy, France and Portugal probably. And England.

It's a shame we can't have more than 5 options on these polls - Forum Admin, is this possible?

[SoundbiteBarmyArmy]

A few people have said Italy, but I'm unsure as they seem to be taking a younger team with players who aren't as recognised in the past (unless you're a Serie A fan). I think Belgium & France have a decent cilbre of player, but I think there's better. I can see why people are saying Portugal actually.

[BigColSutherland]

Portugal are very sound defensively and they have the ability in Ronaldo to get a goal out of nothing. Perfect ingredients for a tournament team. A bit like the Spanish though, I think they may have peaked in the last couple of tournaments.

Looking at the draw, it could well be Portgual Belgium in the second round - that would be an absolute cracker.

[RJHeader]

I cant see Italy getting out of our group to be honest. Captain been ruled out. Find a way to stop Pirlo and you'll beat Italy.

(Admittedly thats a very difficult task!)

[Greg Blundell]

Majority of the nations this time around have either a really strong attack but not too great a defence, or a really strong defence and not too good of an attack. France for me being the main exception!

Having said that though I don't think France will win it. Set of mardy buggars who are anything but a team. For me it's out of 3 teams, Brazil (home advantage), Germany (always do well!) & Begium (so many great young players).

Germany will win it 

[RedJ]

I think Spain again.

Germany always seem to be the best time yet find a way to blow it lately. Belgium will be the dark horses though.

[drfc-steve]

I can't see England getting past the group stage. Germany will win it.

[keepmoatfaithful]

i also think the germans have the best chance but hope they dont win it obviously 

[pib]

i also think the germans have the best chance but hope they dont win it obviously 

Why not?

[BigColSutherland]

Massive blow for the French today - Ribery out of the tournament.

[NickDRFC]

I don't quite get the hype with Ribery, he must be shit hot in the bundesliga and qualifying/friendlies, because he always looks bang average when I see him in the champions league or World Cup/euros

[grayx]

Massive blow for the French today - Ribery out of the tournament.

Good. awful fcuka.

[southwestexile]

Always thought he'd look better in a German strip

[BigColSutherland]

They're dropping like flies!

Marco Reus, arguably Germany's best player, is now out.

James Horncaslte has this list:

Reus, Gomez, Ribery, Rossi, Falcao, Strootman, Jese, Walcott, Saborio. Then you think of Suarez, Vidal, Costa all had surgery +/or trtment

[RobTheRover]

A world cup of second string teams?

I can't see past Brazil to be honest. Home advantage pays.

[keepmoatfaithful]

i also think the germans have the best chance but hope they dont win it obviously 

so hands up who predicted germany wud make the final?