The 2014 World Cup Thread
Scooby Regular
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From: UK
If the Italian team go down with food poisoning maybe 
Balotelli could run amok pulling our defence all over the place especially if we don't contain Pirlo's passing.
I just hope we start with Sturridge and Stirling as we need both those players individual skill in the last 3rd where we have really been struggling in the warm up matches.
Italy haven't exactly been on fire either in the warm ups however look back over their WC and EC record for the last 10-20 years and then compare against ours and see it won't be a push over. Their squad is pretty much the same as what got them to the 2012 EC final against Spain beating Germany on the way so they are a very good and experienced team.
I can't wait for Saturday 11pm to see how it pans out. Curry and beer at the ready for tomorrow's opening match
Balotelli could run amok pulling our defence all over the place especially if we don't contain Pirlo's passing.I just hope we start with Sturridge and Stirling as we need both those players individual skill in the last 3rd where we have really been struggling in the warm up matches.
Italy haven't exactly been on fire either in the warm ups however look back over their WC and EC record for the last 10-20 years and then compare against ours and see it won't be a push over. Their squad is pretty much the same as what got them to the 2012 EC final against Spain beating Germany on the way so they are a very good and experienced team.
I can't wait for Saturday 11pm to see how it pans out. Curry and beer at the ready for tomorrow's opening match
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From: The most happenin city in the country
everybody has a chance, just some more than others lolol.
#Greece2004Euro
#Greece2004Euro
We have no chance of winning, lets make that the obvious statement before the WC even kicks off.
We struggled against Peru, Equador and Honduras. How do you think England could beat Brazil, Germany, Spain or Argentina on the back of those awful games? And I don't care how Hodgson or even the press try and dress those performances up, they were terrible.
With how we played in those 3 warm up games I don't even fancy our chances of getting out the group stage. Italy and Uruguay are far tougher opponents with much better players than what we faced in those 3 games.
Personally I think this is one of the weakest squads we have gone to a WC with when I think back over the previous 6 and compare squads (Mexico 86 is as far back as I can remember).
The one game i'm already looking forward to is Spain vs Holland on Friday, what a cracker that could be. And then Germany vs Portugal on Monday. Those are the only other 2 'big games' of the group stages outside of England vs Italy.
We struggled against Peru, Equador and Honduras. How do you think England could beat Brazil, Germany, Spain or Argentina on the back of those awful games? And I don't care how Hodgson or even the press try and dress those performances up, they were terrible.
With how we played in those 3 warm up games I don't even fancy our chances of getting out the group stage. Italy and Uruguay are far tougher opponents with much better players than what we faced in those 3 games.
Personally I think this is one of the weakest squads we have gone to a WC with when I think back over the previous 6 and compare squads (Mexico 86 is as far back as I can remember).
The one game i'm already looking forward to is Spain vs Holland on Friday, what a cracker that could be. And then Germany vs Portugal on Monday. Those are the only other 2 'big games' of the group stages outside of England vs Italy.
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From: Arborfield, Berkshire
Sterling was out best player by a mile. Rooney was crap again and that coming from a utd fan. We were good going forward just no one making that final run into the box to convert. Defensively a lot of work to do.
Although gutted we lost, at least it was the first match and there's 6 points to go for still. I was, however very impressed with the youthful energy and pace of the front men last night. If that final ball comes and they gel a little bit more against Uruguay... that one goal for the confidence.
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From: Not all those who wander are lost
Spain looked totally lacklustre last night. Chile wanted the win much more and were the only team up for the game.
England need to get an early goal tonight to settle the nerves and I can see Rooney being up for the fight. If he can raise his confidence early on it'll do him wonders and we'll see the real him back. Lugano being out is a big boost and I don't see Suarez playing as he has done; too early after his operation and he won't have the pace or want to risk damage.
My prediction is a 2-0 win for England. Rooney, Gerrard (P).
England need to get an early goal tonight to settle the nerves and I can see Rooney being up for the fight. If he can raise his confidence early on it'll do him wonders and we'll see the real him back. Lugano being out is a big boost and I don't see Suarez playing as he has done; too early after his operation and he won't have the pace or want to risk damage.
My prediction is a 2-0 win for England. Rooney, Gerrard (P).
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Scooby Regular
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Absolutely pathetic. I said we wouldn't get out the group stages after the awful performances in the warm up games but even I didn't see it being this bad. Diabolical and easily the worst England team i've ever seen.
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From: 535D M-Sport Touring
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Pontificating
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From: Conrod Straight
Stevie G to hang up his boots now ? 2 years over due.
That said, how many times did I see the poor fella gesturing to his team mates where he wanted them to be, or where they should have been.
That said, how many times did I see the poor fella gesturing to his team mates where he wanted them to be, or where they should have been.
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From: Not all those who wander are lost
He's just come off the back of one his best ever seasons. That said, I'd like him to hang up his England boots and concentrate on club football.
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Pontificating
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From: Conrod Straight
His worst season at international level, and I did mean to say his international boots 
Who else would like to see all the oldies dropped, so the likes of Shaw, Barkley, the Ox, Raheem start for England as they are the "future", it would be a pointless exercise to play the same team again, I'd also drop Henderson and Johnson.
Who else would like to see all the oldies dropped, so the likes of Shaw, Barkley, the Ox, Raheem start for England as they are the "future", it would be a pointless exercise to play the same team again, I'd also drop Henderson and Johnson.
