World Cup Fever and Predictions
Ah, the World Cup is here again.
It only happens every 4 years and that makes for some great build-up and anticipation.
This 2010 World Cup I believe is going to be one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory. How about you?
With powerhouse teams like Argentina, Spain, Brazil, the Netherlands, and many potential dark-horse surprises like Serbia, Ghana, and possibly many others, I think we’ll all be in for a nice treat.
As I mentioned in a recent “Ask Yuri” video, my prediction is that Argentina, England, Spain, and the Netherlands will make it through to the final four. Actually, I’m not even sure if that can happen (based on the bracket structures) but those are my 4 top teams.
However, after watching the Germans dismantle the “Socceroos” 4-0, they may very well go farther than most people would have predicted.
I’d also love to see Brazil go all the way but my gut tells me otherwise. Who knows???
A trip down memory lane…
Four years ago, Amy and I were in Europe during the first 2 weeks of the 2006 World Cup. Actually, I remember sitting on a patio in Nice, France watching the opening match between Germany and Costa Rica – it was awesome. One of the best opening matches I’d ever seen.
Plus, being in beautiful Nice watching on a big screen didn’t hurt either. Our trip then took us to Italy where we didn’t really watch many games on TV as there were just so many other amazing things to see and do.
However, we then traveled up to Salzburg – a city I would highly recommend to anyone. Absolutely beautiful! Plus, they had a huge World Cup viewing “stadium” in the old city centre. The beer was flowing and people were out at all times of the day watching their teams on the big screen.
After 2 days in Salzburg, we then moved up to Munich. What an amazing city! In all the cities I’ve ever been to, Munich has one of the most amazing outdoor markets in the city centre. A must see.
Anyways, on the day that Germany played their final first round match, we traveled out to the “Fan Fest” park at the Olympic Stadium in Munich with 50,000 other Germans to watch the game.
It was one of the hottest days I’ve ever lived through – a whopping 45 degrees Celsius! I recall that just in front of the massive screen showing the game were people responsible for hosing down the crowd using massive water gun-like hoses.
It’s a memorable experience as Germany won that game and the whole place was going crazy. Even on the subway ride back to the city centre, German fans were cheering, singing, and shaking the train from side to side. It was awesome.
For me, that’s what the World Cup is all about. That’s what soccer is all about. And am I so grateful for having played the beautiful game for so many years of my life at close to the highest level.
It would have been great to play in the World Cup but realistically, being Canadian, the chances of playing in the big event were (and probably still are) close to impossible!
Maybe someday they’ll actually qualify – but only if lightning were to strike the Canadian Soccer Association.
Soccer, especially during the World Cup, truly is a sport that unites us. It’s great to see people from all walks of life and from all around the world having a great time with one another.
I think it’s a great example of what our world is really like. Even with all the war and hate and crazy nonsense that goes on, everyone around the world wants the same thing – happiness, love, and to live for a purpose.
I believe that soccer’s World Cup is the bond that unites us in this common pursuit.
Have you ever gone to a World Cup game? If so, what was your experience like?
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Well, I didn’t go before. But I do experience it on TV, on a wide screen, or among my friends. It’s so cool. I think Argentina woll win the world cup. Hopefully
Nice experience by the way!
Hi, I did go to a World Cup match in 2006 in Munich and it was an outstanding experience: there was thunder and lightning and the rain was pouring down and the atmosphere was incredible, although it wasn’t an important game. After watching the first games I am convinced that Germany will definitely be in the semifinals.
I think I’m going to agree with you. They’ve looked by far the strongest team so far.
World cup fever is wonderful I am a rugby fan but having the town
full of tourists from all over the world is something else.
Durban is the warmest place in South Africa during winter and the
beach is packed during the day. Our local radio station interviews tourists on a daily basis and it’s great. People are
having a ball and it’s good to be part of it. The games we can’t
watch we tape so all is not lost. Unfortunately we lost last night but have to support. What happened to Spain. Good on Germany in our home town. Cheers for now. Beryl
I am going for Germany, but this cups is one of the most suprizing–Did you see what just happened to SPAIN?????? That is unbelieveable. Even Brazil had such a hard time with N Korea. I am not suprized my Country, Cameroon, has started so bad now against Japan. THis wolrd cup is just unpredictable.
PORTUGAL…it’s not just ronaldo, it’s also simao, liedson, meireles, coentrao, and so many more…they earned their no. 3 spot in the world by playin great football
surprised to see Yuri has no mention of Italy, 4 times world champions, one behind Brazil. I would rethink your predictions of the last four teams
Sorry Frank. I love everything Italian but I can’t stand the national team. I’m not convinced that they’ll get very far.
Well since Netherlands,is in the finals now,it is between Germany and Spain,for the other semifinal.Unless Germany,play a real silly game,or Spain plays a spectacular match,my gut feeling is it will be Germany all the way.So far this is the only team,which has played some very good attacking and defensive football.
If Germany make it to the finals,Netherlands,being slow starters,will have a tough time,and would probably,play rough,as the did with their game against Brazil.
Overall going by form it will be a lovely match to look forward to,and I would say by the current form and game plan,its GERMANY all the way.Unless???