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My bets are on Brazil or France.
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MM and Starsky, no doubt England have a very good midfield and it depends on how Eriksson uses it. Problem is that Gerrard and Lampard are two players much like each other, and both have been playing very well in an attacking role this season. However, if Eriksson opts for Joe cole (what he is likely to do), both Gerrard and Lampard will have to move back and play defensively. And because of this their full potential won't be used.
Only system I see in which these two players can perform best is if Eriksson includes as real defensive midfielder (like Makalele at Chelsea or Hamann at Liverpool) in his team, leaves Joe Cole out and allows Gerrard and Lampard as many attacking opportunities as with their clubs
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Well, I was supporting Turkey … but you broke my heart when you told me they won’t be in the games. 
I wanted to see Ilhan Mansiz in action. 
Anyway, I am now supporting Holland. It would be nice to see Argentina make it too, but they won’t.
Italians are good looking, but way too arrogant. French team loses confidence anytime Zidane is not around … even though he is playing, I don’t like the fact that the entire game is on his shoulders. They suck without him and that showed during the last major tournament.
Hmm, I will go for Portugal, Germany and maybe Korea. Croatians are good too, but they play dirty.
I don’t follow soccer regularly, so let’s see if there is any truth in what I say when the games begin. 
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The teams I will be following during the tournament will be England, Brazil, Argentina and Holland. I will of course be supporting England but I think Brazil will win.
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What happened to Rivaldo?
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Argentina? Hello, forgotton the Falklands so easily?
Mehnaz, you need to support Italy woman, Italy, their arrogance is justified by thier strong legs and lush hair styles, I promise. Argies are proper mingers innit.
BBC news said that Chelsea have just signed on the German captain Ballack. I bet Lampards dead chuffed. :halo:
I want France to win. England would be nice but im not that gullible.
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Mohabbat, dont worry about Lampard. Lampard and Ballack will make a dream partnership in the midfield next season.
I agree with Nes's analysis regarding England. However They can play both Gerrard and Lampard in their attacking roles in a five man midfield which is possible in Rooney's absence. Just put some holding midfielder like Carrick in front of four and allow Beckham, Gerrard Lampard cole to play their magic in the midfield with owen up front. But the problem here is that (a) Owen always needs a striker who can link up with him; he rarely plays on his own and (b) Cole was too good in a form this season to actually be left out. But I guess Cole cna play in Rooney's place and then Gerrard Lampard can have fun in the middle.
I would be supporting England, Italy. After that Argentina and Portugal to some extent. I always like Brazil but too tired of them winnning so maybe wont root for them this time around.
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I'm surprised to see Javier Zanetti and Walter Samuel not in the Argentinian side.
Also Inzaghi in the Italian side is a surprise: from where did he come from, 3 months ago he was struggling horribly for form, and now he scored some very important goals for milan and he's in the squadra d'azzuri
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If England don't do well in the world cup - then there is already excuse - Rooney was injured.
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Brazillians would still be the quickest,the most talented bunch in the mid-field .no matter how many rooneys and beckhams they can come up with,europeans can't match brazils talent and athleticism.
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I also back Portugal to make it really far in this tourney.
aaaahhhhh... Those portuguese... Always favorites before worldcup..
I am supporting Pakistan jus shut up those who think Indian dont support Pakistan.
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^ Supporting Pakistan? :D You're in the wrong sport buddy.
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Absolutely right. I think its the English media which hypes up their players especially footballers. Rooney may be good but is he as good as what the media especially make him out to be ? I don't think so.
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I know where I am
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You never know where you are. :p
BTW, I am returning the favour and will support India.