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16 Replies Last post: Jul 4, 2006 3:12 PM by Michelizda 1 2 Previous Next

smink63

34 posts since
Apr 9, 2002

Jun 12, 2006 6:03 AM

World Cup

Anyone following the World Cup? I grew up in the U.S. playing nothing but soccer, so I have to admit that I have grown tired of Americans lack of respect for the sport. Even so, I'm curious to hear what other runners think. I've always felt that runners have a much more international outlook than other athletes. I mean, really, how many Americans know how far 5K is? Or could name even one athlete in another country? I've also noticed that a lot of soccer players get into running after they "retire." After severing a ligament a few years ago, I gave up playing soccer and switched to running. It was an easy transition, and I haven't had knee problems since.

So, anyway, here are some of my World Cup predictions: I'm a long time resident of Japan, so I will be rooting for the Japanese team (we're scheduled to beat Australia in about 3 hours) until they're eliminated (which will be in the quarterfinals). Since I'm American, I'll root for the Americans, too, but I don't really know the players, so it's hard to get excited. I would LOVE to see a U.S. vs. Japan showdown in the first round, but I'm afraid the U.S. will lose that one. I know Brazil is the favorite, and I'm sure the Germans have a good chance, but I can't bring myself to root for either team. I wouldn't mind seeing England win, though.

The final match? Spain vs. Holland. Holland wins. Of course, Brazil's elimination by Italy in the second round will be the biggest shock for this Cup.

So let's hear YOUR predictions.

Paul in Okinawa
My Running Profile[/URL" target="_blank">

HDH

335 posts since
Aug 19, 2007

1. Jun 12, 2006 8:30 AM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

I got into running because I was a soccer ref and found it took most of the season to get my legs to the point I could keep up with the HS kids so I decided to continue to run between seasons, and a ton of 5k, a several 10Ks, nearly a dozen half's and an 5 marathons later, I am still running.

As for the US view of futbol, I would agree. When in the Navy, I was in Italy during some qualifying matches and the town we were in for a port visit was shut down. I could get a beer once the match was over!!!

For every other country, it is their country playing. We still see it as the US National team playing. And with all other sports having decisions made based upon where the player is relative to in/out of bounds vs soccer where it is the ball that matters, it will be a long time till we are a soccer nation. Actually, I doubt we ever will.

I set up an NCAA style "bracket-ology" for the world cup that I am playing with my kids - now in the 20's and both played soccer in their grade school days.

I have gone with Brazil in the finals but your Italy v Brazil will certainly bring back memories of kicks from the mark in the 98(??) cup.

How can you not include teams from around the world and still claim to hold a "Super Bowl" or be the "World Series" champs??!!

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smink63

34 posts since
Apr 9, 2002

2. Jun 12, 2006 11:28 AM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

Hey David,
I just noticed we share a birthday with Elvis. What a coincidence. I am very depressed as Japan just lost to Australia. Looked like a sure win as Japan was up 1-0 with ten minutes left, and then blew it and lost 3-1. The only thing stopping me from killing myself is that I'm not Japanese. I guess I'll root for the U.S. Match starts in 20 minutes. I think you're plenty safe with Brazil. The picks I listed above were the ones I bet on for our office pool. Enjoy some great soccer. Hope the pathetic U.S. commentary ("The ball has to completely cross the touch line or it's still in play...") doesn't get in the way.

Paul
Unhappy in Okinawa

dg2000r

7 posts since
May 14, 2004

3. Dec 21, 2007 3:11 PM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

I'm English and as such have been brought up on soccer (and amazingly I also share my birthday with Elvis!)

Brazil WILL win this tournament - finishing ahead of Argentina, Italy and the Czech Republic. England, France and Portugal won't make it past the quarter-finals.

Holland could do OK, but I'm not convinced yet. I can't see Germany doing it either, but as the home nation they always stand a chance I guess.

http://This message has been edited by dg2000r (edited Jun-12-2006).

JCyrus

7 posts since
Jun 9, 2006

4. Jun 12, 2006 12:17 PM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

I played soccer from about age eight, up until I was about fourteen. I quit playing competitively before high school, because I was always the chubby kid, and I wasn't amazing at distance. I never got tired during matches, but the conditioning runs killed me. The high school I go to, the coach does conditioning workouts once a week, and they run farther than the cross-country team does!

So I quit soccer, and haven't been doing much recently, but lately I've felt the urge to get active again. And what better sport than running? It's sort of the stepping off point to other sports. If I get in pretty good shape running, I can start playing almost any other sport I want, including soccer.

I'm watching the World Cup quite a bit. I just love watching the pros play!

Augie053

160 posts since
Sep 1, 1999

5. Jun 12, 2006 2:29 PM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

Soccer was somewhat behind my running as well. I realized I did just fine running up and down the field (was probably the fastest and had the most endurance), but once a ball was added to the mix it just screwed me up (I can't play soccer worth beans). So I lost the ball and just kept running.

But who could not be interested in the World Cup? I find it more inspiring than the Olympics. No predictions for me, though. Just enjoying it and pretty much rooting for everybody out there.

HDH

335 posts since
Aug 19, 2007

6. Jun 12, 2006 3:52 PM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

We will have to start a Jan 8th birthday thread.

I went home for lunch (I live 7 miles from work - some days I ride my bike to work) and watch USA v Czech Republic. I left mid 2nd half to come back to work. Once JP Delacamera reminded us that teams that have a 2-0 advantage are 72-0-3 or something like that, I figured USA would not win.

I picked USA and Czech to come out of the group, though, so we need to beat Italy.

I am sure the play on the opening day in which the keeper was outside the penalty area but his hand were on the ball inside the line had a lot of Americans going "Huh??!!"

I have Germany v Netherlands in the 3rd place match. Czech Republic v Brazil in the finals. Ronaldino is just a joy to just watch his footwork.

glenwood96

113 posts since
Jan 17, 2006

7. Jun 12, 2006 4:27 PM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

quote:<HR>Originally posted by henrydavidhall:
I picked USA and Czech to come out of the group, though, so we need to beat Italy.<HR>

I too have US and Czech coming out of our group. It was wishful thinking and it doesn't look good.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by henrydavidhall:
I have Germany v Netherlands in the 3rd place match. Czech Republic v Brazil in the finals. Ronaldino is just a joy to just watch his footwork.<HR>

My finals are Brazil over Argentina, with Croatia over England in the 3rd place game. It was tough picking no Europeans to be in the final but no one stands out in my mind. It would be nice to see Holland finally win one.

Canuck Kid

58 posts since
Jul 9, 2005

8. Jun 12, 2006 11:45 PM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

Yes! Other soccer fans!

I started running because my school didn't have a grade 8 soccer team. I played house league youth soccer for eight years. Once every four years (or two if the Euro tournament is televised) I get to see people playing my sport (I never played baseball, hockey, basketball or football), and with world-class skill at that. I don't really have any picks, I'm just having a great time watching! All I'll say is, please not Germany--I don't know if they've changed, but the last two Cups their soccer was the most boring, slow-paced, ball-control dreck...maybe effective, but stultifying.

In the interests of intellectual honesty though, I have to mention that the World Series got its name from The World, a newspaper--originally, it was "The World's" series. Although if you like to think of it as the World Series because Toronto took it back-to-back in the early 90s, I'm fine by that too.

HDH

335 posts since
Aug 19, 2007

9. Jun 13, 2006 8:35 AM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

Thanks to Canuck Kid for setting me straight on the name of the fall baseball classic.

As for running and futbol, I did 2 youth matches back to back with only one AR (2x40 min each match). I wore my HRM but I never really got into my aerobic zone. It was a good fartlek workout though.

I could not even watch the end of USA v Czech Republic. I liked Iran v Mexico and Japan/Australia - what a comeback.

My VCR's timer is broke so I have to start one tape before I go to work then go home at lunch (7 miles) to swap out and get the 2 afternoon matches on a single tape.

I have yet to watch the Argentina match!!!

irunlikeagirl026

14 posts since
Jul 30, 2004

10. Jun 13, 2006 11:42 AM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

I'm not a huge soccer fan but my high school sweetheart played (even went to states) so I watch it sometimes.

However, my husband and I are EXTRMELY lucky and we are stationed in Germany now. We actually live in Kaiserslautern (where Australia beat Japan) and the US will play Italy here on Saturday (I'm rooting for us, but I'm not expecting too much). It is very exciting!! We even have some die-hard friends flying in from the states to watch the games this week. It is such a great experience - I truly wish all fans could come.

And also - my morning runs are more interesting now as the fans seem to go home early AM. Nothing better than a good laugh.

)

Sorry y'all - I'm just excited (except when I'm trying to park)

RunningNicho

23 posts since
Nov 8, 2005

11. Jun 13, 2006 8:58 PM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

Over here in Australia Soccer is the most played sport by young kids after netball although our national team up until recently hasn't gone that well. Hence now Australia is going ballistic after not only beating Uruaguay to make the World Cup Finals but also beating Japan in the first round.

I don't need to tell you who I'm cheering for. Also for anyone who thought Japan deserved to win there was no way in the world that Schwarzer (the Aussie Goalie) wasn't fouled when Japan 'scored', Japan kept on faking injuries for gamesmenship during the game and we did have about 3 times as many shots at goal, a fair bit more possession and it was only a matter of time before we scored.

MileRunnerDD

183 posts since
Apr 22, 2006

12. Jun 22, 2006 9:05 PM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

US is OUT!

Just got E-LIM-O-NATE-ED!!

Actually, it was a while ago, but still today!

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Bugs34

615 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

13. Jun 29, 2006 5:53 PM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

I don't really follow it but I was in Paris one year when they won it. It was the coolest thing I ever saw. Millions of people came into the streets to celebrate. Everybody was hugging and kissing. They had to shut down the metro because people were walking on the tracks. The whole city was nuts. These people know how to party!

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Bugs[/URL" target="_blank">

Mike Watson070

134 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

14. Jul 1, 2006 5:46 PM

in response to: smink63

Re: World Cup

I started running as a midfielder, so soccer is close to my heart. Ultimately I think that the world cup will come down to France and Germany.

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Jun 12, 2006 6:03 AM

World Cup

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