by J Hutcherson | June 8th, 2006
We’re a day out, and there’s only one thing that can express what I can only assume all of us are feeling. Take it away, Hasselhof.
With that stirring intro, it’s time for some picks. Now let us get one thing clear. Yes, I do work for the Players Association and they do won this website. Neither of those things have any impact on my World Cup picks. If I thought the US were going to crash the group, I would pick accordingly. I picked them to get out of the group last time, when I wasn’t working for them.
I’m not an unabashed homer, and I respect the opinion of those that look at Group E and immediately see Italy and the Czech Republic going through. I don’t agree. The Czech Republic is monumentally overrated and Ghana is a non-issue. Could that non-issue beat the US? Yep, and just about every other team could beat any other team catching them on the right day.
There are people with columns who have done things like pick Mexico to roll, Australia not only to advance from their group, but to beat the Czech Republic in Round Two, and everybody has their major power exiting early.
Rather than running in circles trying to justify something as idiotic as World Cup picks, I went with what I thought was likely and not best day. So I’m loaded up on the Euro teams in Europe picks, only one real dark-horse, and the main events starting in Round 2.
Here we go.
Group A
Poland
Germany
Group B
England
Sweden
Group C
Argentina
Holland
Group D
Portugal
Mexico
Group E
USA
Italy
Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Group G
France
Switzerland
Group H
Spain
Tunisia
Round 2
Poland beats Sweden
Argentina beats Mexico
Germany beats England
Holland beats Portugal
USA beats Croatia
France beats Tunisia
Italy beats Brazil
Spain beats Switzerland
Quarterfinals
Argentina beats Poland
France beats the US
Holland beats Germany
Italy beats Spain
Semifinals
Argentina beats France
Holland beats Italy
Third-Place
Italy beats France
Final
Argentina walk the shores of wonderland.
Yeah, I know. The US has yet to work out the strike partnership issue, that impacts the midfield, and so on. I’ve used this example before, but Roy Lassiter is a folk hero in most leagues for doing what he did best - poaching goals and arguing everything. Ed Johnson’s penchant for arguing everything looks a little off in Major League Soccer and US-based friendlies. Not so much at the highest level. He’s the guy this time around. He’ll be the difference. Then again, maybe not.
What I’m Watching
ESPN Classic is showing the US - Portugal and US - Mexico games from 2002 at 2pm and 4pm. ESPN2 has LA vs. LA live at 10pm. The NBA Finals start tonight as well. All Times Eastern
Quote Of The Day
“We have two objectives while we are here. The first is to concentrate on the playing side, the second is to have the correct contact with the media and fans. We want to keep everyone happy, but we must also concentrate on our opening game.” Italy Federation official Giancarlo Abete.
The Wonderful World of Soccer Media: Europe
‘I wanted England job’ says O’Neill — from The Independent’s Phil Shaw.
Gibson puts club future in hands of Southgate — from The Times’ George Caulkin.
The Wonderful World of Soccer Media: USA
They’re Young and Ready to Shine — from The New York Times’ Jack Bell. Registration Required
The secret is out . . . — from The Washington Times’ John Haydon.
Quite a trip for U.S. midfielder — from The Dallas Morning News’ Katie Hairopoulos. Registration Required
Galaxy give Yallop his ‘dream job’ — from The Carson Daily Breeze’s Bob Holtzman.
Former World Cup hopeful Lassiter still having a ball in Austin — from The Austin American-Statesman’s Kevin Robbins. Registration Required
Mexico battles identity crisis — from The LA Daily News’ Scott French.
Big Picture
Search shows Bonds is not feds’ only quarry — from The San Francisco Chronicle’s Gwen Knapp.
Pursuit of Baseball’s Drug Users Heats Up — from The LA Times’ Tim Brown and Gary Cohn. Registration Required
A New Front in Baseball’s Drug War — from The New York Times’ Jack Curry. Registration Required
20 questions with Dwyane Wade — from The Miami Herald’s Dan Le Batard.
The NBA’s True Maverick — from The Washington Post’s Michael Lee. Registration Required
Deal opens lane for Blazers sale — from The Oregonian’s Helen Jung.
Comments, questions, solutions to problems that have yet to present themselves. Please, tell me all about it.