Patriotically Optimistic England Fan (Who will win the World Cup 2002?)

Member Name: mattydalton

Product:	Who will win the World Cup 2002?
Date:	10/05/02 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 36 years of hurt over.

Disadvantages: I'm probably wrong.

Everything you read here is probably a load of rubbish, but I'm staying patriotic so my vote goes to England. Sven announced his 23 man squad yesterday, and although not ideal, is surely equipped to take the world by storm. I have noticed a trend in most other opinions where people have run through all the groups and rounds. Well I'm not going to bother, because I am just not interested in any other team participating in the 2002 World Cup. There is only one team for me this year, and that's England. However, I will write a short review of each teams chances.

Firstly, here is Sven's choice:

Goalkeepers

David Seaman, Nigel Martyn and David James

Defenders

Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Gareth Southgate, Martin Keown, Wes Brown, Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge and Danny Mills

Midfielders

Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Nicky Butt, Owen Hargreaves, David Beckham, Kieron Dyer and Joe Cole

Strikers

Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, Darius Vassell, Robbie Fowler and Teddy Sheringham

I was over the moon to see Joe Cole included in the squad, and dearly hope that Sven will select him as his first choice left-winger. Young Joe is capable of making the same impact on this World Cup as Gazza had in Italia 90. In defence we have a good selection of youth and experience. Campbell has been excellent for Arsenal this season and I would play him alongside Keown, as they are familiar with each other through Arsenal. With Ashley Cole and Danny Mills as full backs, they provide sufficient defensive abilities and exciting attacking options.

In midfield, Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard can be the best midfield partnership in the world if they perform to their full potential. I believe they will flourish in the World Cup and their influence in the big games will pull us through. David Beckham is the perfect right winger and will tear any defence apart with his superb range of passes, and hi
s uncanny ability to put every cross in exactly the right place. Joe Cole will be a revelation if played, but we could well see Sven going with Kieron Dyer, who is also an exciting prospect with his ability to ghost past even the best full backs in the world.

Up front, Sven will probably favour Owen and Heskey, although personally I would like to see Sheringham alongside Owen. Whichever partnership he chooses, Sven will get a hardworking partnership, who should work well together. The familiarity between Owen and Heskey could be a key factor and Owen's finishing has become impeccable this season. With Fowler, Sheringham and Vassell as cover even if both Owen and Heskey aren't included we will get an exciting strike partnership.

Right, that's my assessment of the England squad, how about the rest of the no-hopers in this year's World Cup. Here goes....

France - They fear our boys more than anyone and if they draw us in the second round, it's bye bye France. If they don't draw us they might reach the semis.

Senegal - No-hopers in first attempt, but will not progress from their group.

Uruguay - The very first winners will go out in the very first round.

Denmark - Will reach second round, only just, but get knocked out there.

Spain - Always the under-achievers, and nothing will change. Out in the second round.

Slovenia - Surprise package in qualifiers will surprise again to go through group, yet get knocked out in the second round.

Paraguary - Heard reports of unrest in their camp, so out in the group stages.

South Africa - May as well have stayed at home.

Brazil - Terrible form running up to World Cup, but will make the semis.

Turkey - Hakan Sukur will fire them into the second round but lack of experience will stop them there.

China - Bottom of the group.

Costa Rica - Even Paolo Wanchope can't take them past first ro
und.

South Korea - Won't have far to go home after first round knock out.

Poland - Dudek will see them to 2nd round.

USA - Will give Poland a close run, but finish 3rd.

Portugal - Figo, Rui Costa and friends may reach quarter finals.

Germany - The old enemy will reach the quarter finals, but will be sent packing.

Saudi Arabia - Need I bother, out in the first round.

Rep. Ireland - Quarter finals hopefuls, but no further.

Cameroon - Too young to make an impact and without Roger Milla surely no-hopers.

Argentina - Worthy quarter finalists, but I hate them so they won't go further if you ask me.

Nigeria - Unfortunate to get such a group, finish bottom.

England - World Conquerers! Football's coming home!!!

Sweden - Sven's homeland will be in their homeland sooner than Sven.

Italy - The only team worthy of challenging our boys in the final. As long as Montella's kept quiet, it'll go to us though.

Ecuador - The most notorious thing about Ecuador is Sash's song. No hopers.

Croatia - Second round and no further.

Mexico - Narrowly miss out on second round.

Japan - Surprise package reach second round.

Belgium - Not good enough to reach quarter finals, but will reach second round.

Russia - Change of climate too much for the Kremlin.

Tunisia - A weekend break for the African boys.

I am probably wrong in a lot of my predictions here, but I don't care as long as England win. Obviously this will probably not happen, but what would be the point in the World Cup if we weren't allowed to dream. As for thinking another country would win it, well I'm English, so why would I think somebody else is going to win? Please leave your comments (mostly criticism probably!)

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