If you go back 24 years;when Europe organize the world cup they always take it and when the Americas(south or north),organize it;\nArgentina or Brazil took it.I think Italy will take this one because they are the only team who can beat Brazil and they have Marcelo Lippi....go back 24 year and play that tape in your head and tell me if I'm a liar...\nWhat do you think?
217087
I think thats a good point , that the brazilian team never took a cup when played in europe , but i think it is thier year, thier decade\n\ni cant see a team dealing with Ronaldo,Kaka,Adriano,Ronaldihno and many more on the same team\n\nIts just not fair
621145
Italy and Ghana should progress through to the knockout stage.  With Ghana winning and next playing USA, they are a strong and fast side.  The fact that the USA are now depleted due to 2 red cards already puts them under greater pressure.\n\nItaly are still the class act and I believe they will beat Czechs, there by giving them first in the group.\n\nI believe that Italy have enough quality to go far in the tournament too, so look for them in the quarters and semi finals
661250
Sorry, I don't have the answers to your questions. But I am sooooo tired of all the Italy-bashing. Why is it that when anyone wins last minute they're suddenly cheaters? Whatever ...\n\nWOO HOO ITALIA!!!
674828
If Italy plays to potential then they can win against anybody.  Remember the last time they Played Brazil they took it to shoot out.  If Baggio didn't kick it to the moon then Brazil and Italy would both have 4 cups to their name.  They have some excellent guys on offence and still a killer defence.  The 4-3-3 formation puts an emphasis on striking.  If Toni can get it going they will kick ass.\n\nRemember that Italy seems only to play to the skill of their opponents.  They always have squeeked by whomever they were playing whether Germany or Saudi Arabia.  They typically turn it up a notch when they have to.\n\nThe scandal will only help them - they have something to prove.  Remember also that Paolo Rossi had baggage back in '82.
557618
hahaha Italy sucks!!!! They are not playing well since Korea 2002. They complained about 4 years ago regarding the ref. They should know that the problem with the ref. was way before that.\nI think the worldcup is a crap, and only generate HATE and VIOLENCE between nations.\nAGUANTE bOcA
188267
The best players are in Brazil team. But for them it is almost impossible to win in Europe. Hence, the best chances in my opinion have Germany as a host and Italy which has very good and ambitious squad.
451444
Not one single opposing player scored on Italy for the entire WC in regular play.  I seriously doubt Ziziou or anyone else would have done that with only 10 minutes left.\n\nEdit:\nSome good points below me that indeed the Italians could have lost in the final moments of the game (not including the fact Zizou would have been in the shoot out).  What I want to know is how much some of you would have bet money on it.\nYes Italia did well in the Germany game, and lets not forget the Australians against South Korea (I think it was against SK).  It's just not likely is all.
610927
I think the U.S.A has a chance. They need to play their game that they played in 2002. Italy didnt look great against Ghana in their first game. The U.S has players that can play against anyone they are very young and talented. My Advice: Be Confident and Play like a 5th place team in the world!
668789
Well Germany have good chances of reaching the final (if they beat Argentina) but you may notice that there in the final we may have brazil which is the toughest team in the world now, we have to remember the final match of the previous worldcup also where brazil beat germany. well germany have 80% chances to reach the final IF and only IF they go through the match with Argentina which is another tough team. Overall i would like to say brazil is at the top and germany and argentina are at number two. Germany may reach the final but in the final it may see problems with Brazil or Argentina. Brazil if favourite to win the worldcup along with Argentina. But we cant forget Italy which is another good team......so overall you can't say anything so early because all world's best 16 teams are in the ground at the moment...........please atleast wait till the Semi-Finals....
640407
Giuliano C I totally agree with you, but unfortunately nothing will stop them!!! I don't even want to think about when we win the World Cup, they'll be talking about the Italians until 2010....Unbelievable!!
583535
No i haven't!! First time to qualify in the world cup and they've already have gone through to the last 16!! AMAZING is what I say!! They can definately get the Brazilians hearts pumping. Because they seemed a bit too relax in their previous matches........But I still think Brazil will go through but I m hoping they don't!!
603151
S&M is playing cos they qualified for the World Cup as a team. They have only separated a week before the start of the World Cup finals, so it wouldn't make sense to disallow them from playing, or allow them to participate as two separate teams.\n\nAs for the trophy, a duplicate will be made, so the actual and duplicate will be rotated between the two countries during the four years that they hold the cup. Of course, the chances of them winning are slim.\n\nSerbia will then be defending the title in the next World Cup, cos 22 of the 23 players in the current squad is Serbian! Only one is from Montenegro.\n\nAnd note that S&M used to be one country - they only split recently. Which means that countries aren't allowed to simply pool their players together and field a team of mixed nationalities in the World Cup.\n\nYup, hope this addresses your queries ;)
210132
They need to get number one out of the "death group",because they will then have a greater chance.If they end up getting number 2 in the group,they will run in to Brazil in the first round.That will be another historic match between the Top two teams in the World Cup.This is judging by their talent in every postion.Now it all depends how they do on the group stage.Remember that Mexico beat them in the last World Cup,this is a team that USA has won 7 out of their last games )against Mexico).The Czech Republic is also ranked number 2 in the world.In my opinion Italy will get through but if they are #2 in the group ,Brazil might beat them in the first round.You never know tho because I believe Totti will finally help Italy in the WC!
632707
I agree with you, but i think they have proven something by just being in the world cup, because it is a long way to qualify for the World Cup. I also agree with Iran, and Trinidad, because Iran is a though team, and trinidad gave a pretty good defence in the last two games. But if you remeber Croatia made it to the quarter finals in their last World Cup, or 1998 i don't really remember.
161181
I hate to admit it. But Brazil is going to take home the cup again. \nWhen I look at there team I just laugh at how good they are.\n\nRonaldinho him self is just sick. I can sit and watch him play with the ball all day.\n\nI just finished reading an article that Pele says "Ronaldinho better then Maradona"\n\nShould I say more\n\nor the Italians will take it...(that's my team) \n\ngermany is a contender yes, but do they have what it takes.... don't think so
611655
Yes i am tired of answering the same type of question. Answering the same question again and again has made me gone mad and confused. I'm a detective but see, what has happened with me. I read the answers of other people and more than 60% are saying Brazil. 35%Germany and 5% other teams. I am fed up the same question again and again. They think that I'm a psychic. I can only make predictions and why they can't wait for the final match to start. Why don't they see it on their own?\n\nThank you very much for such a nice question. I'm feeling better now.
644043
Brazil plays beautiful football, but Argentina can rack up the goals.  I like Italy, partly because the cup in being held in Europe this time, and generally Euro teams win when it's in Europe.  Also would be happy with England and Germany winning.