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Pastimes : Soccer World Cup MLS Euro Champions League etc -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: George Papadopoulos who wrote (1182)	12/1/2001 6:24:31 PM
From: X Y Zebra	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 5130

Spain has been playing fairly lately; in addition the traditional strong teams have not been that strong. Then with the addition of the Asian and African teams and after reviewing the map of the games as the possible results through the schedule, Spain seems to have not so difficult a route. The key however, is that the team has got to pull together and play decisively and learn how to win, if not, then it will be the perennial disappointment for the Spaniards. From the individual team perspective, Spain has always been a strong country i.e. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid and others. (True it is than in the individual teams you have foreign players that perhaps make the difference in a cross-European Championship). Still, Spain has had enough locals that by now you would expect them to have won the cup at least once. Perhaps this will be their best chance to date. As for the group of death, without question the "F" group is it. I remember Nigeria beating some impressive teams in France and winning their group, (defeating Spain in the process), in the last cup and I would not be surprised if Nigeria proves to be a hard team to beat. Here is were Argentinean pride could cost them plenty, if they go in that game thinking they have already won, they could get their heads handed over on a silver platter. Remember in 1958 the Swedes nearly won the cup, defeating the West Germans 3 x 1 in the semi-final. Until they met Brazil in the final, losing 5 x 2. It took the talent of a young Pelé, and the most powerful team Brazil ever put together with Gilmar, Garrincha, Vavá, Bellini, Zagalo, Djalma Santos and Nilton Santos. Btw... France defeated W. Germany in that tournament for 3rd place with a 6 x 3 score, Juste Fontaine taking the highest goal scoring ever in a world cup with 13 goals against Pelé's 6 and Germany's Helmut Rahn 6 (in the old 16 countries tournament). This time the Swedes could beat any of their opponents in that group so while we can make all the projections we want, surprises will abound and the Swedes could be a good source of surprises. In fact I would not doubt that in their eyes, it is Argentina and England who will have to sweat it. (I am sure they will). China could certainly be a surprise team; I am afraid Brazil is far from top form and if overconfidence sets in, I would not be surprised if the Ticos (Costa Rica) takes the honors in that group.