Perhaps it looks like a lack of respect from afar though. But it was only a month or so ago we were fretting about losing to Oman. We will save the tears and “woe is us” until the fat lady has sung.

As to Ghana I think we are hoping too catch them on an off day. If your dispationate about Australia’s strengths it’s our defensive organisation, physicality and aerial ability. The physicality wont’ worry Ghana but we are hoping the other two do….. but it’s way too early to be talking about Ghana because their is the African Nations cup soon. If they win that it would be a huge statement, but conversley they could play badly and sack their coach and open the window for us.

And I keep trying to predict how this group will end up, but each of the 4 teams has a good reason why it will, and an equally good reason why it won’t progress to the 2nd round.

or perhaps cheddar but with bleu d’auvergne aspirations…

Because you did. In terms of England’s qualifying, Ukraine and Crotia are better sides than any of the Asia sides. The same goes for Russia in Germany’s group.

I thought England were the better side in the 06 Quarter-Final against Portugal. Even though it was generally a pretty dour game, they still played with more ambition than their opponents.

That said, you can’t compare the USA to Australia. England-USA is just another match. I don’t think the Eagles are desperate to take the English down a peg or two like the Aussies would be (albeit Landon Donovan has expressed his irritation at the way the English media looks down on American football).

If I recall correctly he cited the feeling surrounding the friendly between Australia and England at Upton Park in 2003. Apparently he didn’t realise the passion with which former colonies pursue an English team in a sporting contest.

If anyone has a quote to the link would be very appreciative.

Lucky Yanks. Hopefully the Socceroos get the chance in the second round.

As I type thgis I am taking a small break in some work due tomorrow by 10:00 … and I started about 20:00 tonight … but I am listening to one of my play list … this one has 560 songs right now I am listening to .. Amazing Grace andfollowed by Both Sides Now by Judy Collions quickly looking down the list about 10 Kinks songs , followed by Louie Armstrong , Manfred Man, Dido, Pink, Melaine and so on at song 237..

Hope you are feeling better BTW …

There’s no Saudi Arabia for the job to get hammered and I think Australia, South Korea and Japan won’t disgrace themselves (they may not reach the round of 16 but they won’t get hammered either). I also believe that the ultra defensive North Korea who may end up losing all 3 matches won’t get a flogging due to their style of play. Saudi Arabia are more attacking and have more flair and they ended up getting flog due to their naivete. I don’t see North korea falling in that trap. They will park the bus and settle for 1 or 2-0 loss.

Reality: After breezing through the group stage they choke in the round of 16 or quarter finals

Although saying that, this Spanish team looks really good, maybe this time they won’t underachieve and challenge for this world cup ……

Most of them play in their local league…. that’s only a crituque when your local league is poor not when it’ one of the best in the world.

I don’t know about you – but I’d put a large bet on Germany making it out of the group stage again this time around.

Its funny because its true !!!

1. The Germans won’t flukebox their way to the latter stages this time.

2. I really think England can do it.

3. The Netherlands are dark horses.

4. Watch out for the Africans. They’ll win a world cup soon, believe me.

5. Italy needs to understand that defensive football has had its day.

6. Asian team x/y/z will give a good account of themselves.

7. There are no easy games in international football nowadays

8. European big gun x/y/z that stumbled through qualifying has got no chance.

9. European minnow x/y/z who rampaged through qualifying will be incredibly dangerous.

10. Football will become massive in the USA if the Eagles perform well.

Things that actually happen:

1. Germany fluxebox their way to the latter stages.

2. England lose on penalties in the quarter-finals

3. The Netherlands dark horse falls at the first hurdle and has to be put down

4. The Africans sizzle briefly and disappear, like a cheap firework

5. Italy joins Germany in the latter stages

6. Asian team x/y/z gets hammered

7. See 6

8. See 1,5

9. European minnow x/y/z joins the Africans on the first plane home.

10. Football doesn’t become massive in the USA.

They will always be there about challenging the trophy

Germany struggled to qualify to the 2002 world cup. Everyone said it was an average side. Yet they reach the finals

The Germany in 2006 was average. They reach the semi-finals

The Germany for the euros 2008 was considered a mediocre german teams. They reach the finals

Germany doesn’t look like an exceptional team compared to other seeds but Germany are still germany and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are playing in next years world cup final.

I’d be happy if the whole Australian squad played in the Bundesliga!!

This will be Germany’s 17th World Cup – have a guess when they last failed to get past the first round??

Folks – if there is one thing I can tell you about the Germans – they always get past the first round, and pretty much past the second round as well.

In fact, more often than not, they finish top four.