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You know me all too well, hambon78. :D Cheers. :pint:

I hope you're right, baggio. It would be nice to see some new blood at the top for a change. But when Pele starts commenting on what he thinks shares of Manchester United should be worth, it's all over. ;)

Don't get me wrong. I like Pele. I just hate it when sports journalists get so desperate for a story that they do something so irrelevant as to ask a byegone player as if he's somehow an authority on something that has little to do with how good he was as a player -- as if there's no difference...

With all due respect, Pele, we loved you on the pitch and all, but who the %$#@ asked you?! :wth: Off the pitch, your career has mostly been a disaster. So what makes you part of the psychic friends network? Since when have you become an authority on sports betting lines? :confused2

I plugged my thoughts into the BBC Sport WC calculator, and it spat out Brazil over the Czech Republic in the final. I really must be in a generous mood with those guys (the Czechs in particular that is, but both, really).

Have we underestimated Totti's ability to self-destruct in crucial moments and take the whole team's morale down with him?

I think people are basing that off their Euro 2004 play. Which, IMO, didn't appear to be a fluke.

I think Italy could contain the Ukraine NT. Sheva can't do much if the Italy midfield is blocking off his feeds.

Again, you're thinking individuals rather than team play. I see U.S. as significantly stronger than Ghana. The sum is greater than the parts in the case of the US NT. A bit like the Germany NT that way.

Group C is nice, but Group E gets my vote for this WC's Group of Death. I don't think anyone, save maybe Brazil or Argentina, can guarantee their placement relative to a dark hourse U.S. NT. Laugh all you want, but that's a team that can be readily underestimated for their team play versus their...

:) That's the spirit.

I may need them, Rami. Please do send references! :lick:

The US outlasted a pretty tough group last time and, in my humble and independent opinion, played quite valiantly against the Germans. This is one WC where, in light of the surprises like Greece a couple years ago, seeing US in the SFs or even final isn't entirely insane.

Ahhh, yes... **hands wringing like Mr. Burns** This will be great. That and my wife plans dinner menus off of who is playing that day. :lick: This is going to be a good WC. :D