The WORLD CUP thread

Felipe...there is not a lot one could argue with there. I have noticed Ronaldinho being completely anonymous and the Swedish guy was a complete waste of a shirt.

Originally Posted by Tara

is it true Ronaldo is fit to play?

Be surprised if he isn't...

Originally Posted by Conrad Poons

Be surprised if he isn't...

yeah, it was a nastyish cut to his leg but he's had the best part of a week for it to heal.

he'll play fo sho

Originally Posted by DanDare

Lets hope he can silence his critics Saturday.

Whats the feeling over there? Is the populice confident or not.
What has the press been saying?

THB I haven't been paying that much attention to the press, I don't even know if Ronaldo's fit or not. I'm a bit annoyed by the ultra exagerated coverage the world championship is getting, so I tend to keep away from it.

From what I've been seeing there are great deals of confidence going on, based on our previous victories over England (Euro's 2000 and 2004 are still fresh in the memories)...

IMO, I won't be surprised whatever the end result is, as long as it's a fair game. These are two very strong teams, wether we like it or not, and both are capable of the best or worse, all in the same game. For instance, we have proved we can play world class football before, but then get a midfielder booked for playing with his hand in the middle of friggin' nowhere.

So roll on saturday, and may the best team win fair and square. I know I'll be cheering whoever goes through (you guys have a lot to do with it, I consider this forum my second family so it's only fair that I do so), and may the winner take Berlin.

Filipe...Ever the diplomat. Come on admit it you think England are sh+t! :P

Originally Posted by Filipe M.

So roll on saturday, and may the best team win fair and square....

nope. sod that. may england win. however that comes about

Originally Posted by Peter Henry

Filipe...Ever the diplomat. Come on admit it you think England are sh+t! :P

Nope, Spain and France are sh*t, England isn't! :P

Originally Posted by keithd

nope. sod that. may england win. however that comes about

Sorry, Graham Poll is already out of the competition. :P

I am sure Christiano will play,but perhaps in a role least expected. I think Big Phil will play Figo and Simao as his wide men and give them free license to swap wings when it suits them.

Against England I think Ronaldo will be more of a threat playing in front of the England central defenders. I would get him to play in the zone marked by John Terry and attempt to pull him out of position. For the first half I would maybe get Ronaldo to just give and go and not hold the ball at all. Then later perhaps when England feel they have his game plan sussed, take them on with the ball at his feet.

The reason I say this is, that good as Terry is he is a no frills old fashioned type of centre half. This makes him I believe prone to charging in at times and a skillful player can make him pay for that,(remember the champions league game and his attempted body check of Ronaldinho?)

England also need to bare in mind that Ronaldo is a very good header of the ball and any set piece hesitation could once again see them punished.

Having said all of that we have got Geoff Hurst on the bench so no worries! :P

Quiet in here, innit?



I'm looking forward to this afternoon's match - clash of styles, and home support vs natural talent.

I don't mind who wins, just hope it's a good game