The holy season for real (as opposed to American) football fans is nearly upon us. Say what you will about how “boring” the sport supposedly is, but the FIFA World Cup really never disappoints in terms of drama. I mean, Zidane’s head-butting incident in the 2006? Maradonna’s hand-of-God stunt in 1986? Beckham’s red card that led to effigies of him being burned at pubs across England in 1998? God, and I haven’t even started on the goals!
Winning the World Cup entitles the citizens of that nation to four years of invaluable bragging rights. But as is common with any tournament-style competition, the winner isn’t always who it deserves to be (reigning champions Italy spring to mind). FIFA updated its rankings and to be honest, I think any of the top ten teams — Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England, Croatia, France — could win it. Brazil is ranked number one, Italy won the last World Cup, Spain won Euro2008, Argentina has Messi, Portugal has Ronaldo, and England has Rooney. The greatest strength of countries like Holland, Croatia, Germany and France is they all play well together as a team, though Germany lacks a leader and Holland has a tendency to self-destruct mid-tournament.
The South African time difference is kind to America: games this summer will start at either 10am or 2.30pm. The tournament kicks-off on June 11 and the final will be held a month later on July 11. I don’t dare jinx (or bet against) my team, England, by making picks — I’ll leave that for you to do in the comments — but here is the full schedule and add these must-see group stage games to your calendar:
England (8) v. USA (14) - Saturday June 12, 2.30pm
It is kind of sad that these two teams are ranked so close to each other, give one country’s passion for football and the other’s apathy.
Germany (6) v. Australia (20) – Sunday June 13, 2.30pm
Germany has won the competition three times, but shouldn’t underestimate the Aussies, who were only knocked out to eventual champions Italy in 2006 thanks to a controversial penalty in the dying seconds of the game.
Mexico (17) v. France (10) -Thursday June 17, 2.30pm
I think the French team is stuck between eras; they have some very promising youngsters, but still retain some of their 1998 World Cup winning side. It should be interesting to see how they fair against Mexico (watch out for Arsenal’s Carlos Vela).
Brazil (1) v. Portugal (3) - Friday June 25, 10am
A clash of two great footballing nations with a colorful colonial history. I don’t want to simplify the game to just this, but the battle between Real Madrid team mates Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo is something to look out for.
Spain (2) v. Chile (15) – Friday June 25, 2.30pm
Spain consistently has one of the strongest squads in the world, but until Euro2008 had a tendency to let all that potential go to waste. Chile should be a good litmus test for Spain’s conviction in this year’s tournament.
“Holland has a tendency to self-destruct mid-tournament” Ain’t that the fucking truth.
As for the Spain/Chile game, there’s a high probability than La Roja will have won their first 2 games and will play scrubs against Chile. I think the marquee matchup in that group will be Switzerland/Chile.
Also, I can’t wait for the possibility of a Spain/Brazil round of 16 game (probably won’t happen, unless one of the two doesn’t win their group). We’re also headed for a (relatively) likely Holland/Brazil matchup in the quarterfinals.
AHH I’m so excited. Hop Hop Holland! Vamos Argentina!
Suri, I would love to get a list of good places to watch the game this summer- I’m staying here and don’t have cable. lax on carding would be nice as well….
I second that, Ana. Although isn’t ESPN broadcasting every match? if so, my apartment will definitely host a few viewings!
@Ana Try Sláinte, on Houston and Bowery. They don’t card for entry, because they serve food. Same deal with The Central Bar on 9th street off 3rd Avenue. I think Sláinte is less crowded, but everywhere is likely to be a shit shot during the world cup.