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This is a combination of subtext and my own views really. Trying to be more towards the former. They are in no way a prediction.
I've tried to make it so it's entertaining even if you're not into the whole thing.
All taken from here but I won't attribute the quotes within my post. Just because.
GROUP A
Germany "It could have been worse. We're happy. We think this group is very do-able."
We'll be embarrased not to get through the group.
Ecuador "It is difficult, but not frightening. We just have to be competitive."
We might score a surprise win somewhere and wound some pride.
Poland "Of course I am satisfied, more than that I am extremely happy. I think our chances have risen."
If we were in a stronger group, we'd be worried. We'll come through the group second.
Costa Rica "We represent four million Costa Ricans and hope to do as well as possible."
We'll be home within a fortnight.
GROUP B
England, Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago and Sweden. I'm skipping this one. Might write up my own thoughts in another post though.
GROUP C
Ivory Coast "I think this is the toughest one. It's extremely difficult but it will do us good as we will see some great soccer."
We'd have liked an easier group to give us a better chance. I don't think we're going to make it.
Holland "They are all countries with a rich history and technically skilled players."
We're more scared than we wanted to be. Argentina, bugger. On the other hand, we're trying to be polite to Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro and not hurt their feelings.
Argentina "We are not afraid. We have a lot of confidence, we have no fear."
See you in the second round.
Serbia & Montenegro "Easy groups do not exist at the World Cup. We must work hard to get results."
We've got a hard group. Better luck next time. (Note: The only people who EVER say "easy groups do not exist at the World Cup" say it because they've just been landed in a group that's hard for them. If you're middle-ability team you say it when faced with two of the favourites. If you're a world-class team, you say it when faced with two more. If you're one of the minor teams, you say it because it's true.)
GROUP D
Portugal "The meeting with Angola will be a special moment. It'll be a great festival because our countries are related."
And also because we'll kick their arse. Do we look worried in the slightest?
Mexico "This is a favourable group, one you can compete in. We can do things here."
See you in the second round.
Iran "Our group contains very good teams. I hope we respond to the different problems."
We'll have a good kick around and then go home.
Angola "The people of Angola are proud of us and it will be an honour to be there."
Whatever we do, there are going to be huge parties. We're gonna go home with the smallest goal difference we can.
GROUP E
Italy "I'm not disappointed, I'm satisfied. It will be tricky, but they are all strong teams at this level. It's not a problem."
I'm trying to hide the fact that this team should be world class, yet consistantly fails to impress. We'd have liked a slightly easier group.
Czech Republic "Please write down, 'Italy is the favorite' for this group, not us."
We could go far on skill, but we'll collapse under pressure.
USA "We will have our hands full. We know they are all going to be difficult games."
If we give it our best shot, we could make it through.
Ghana "Every team will be difficult but we like challenges and we take this seriously."
We're going to go down fighting.
GROUP F
Brazil "In technical terms, it's not so strong but it's a group in which there's going to be a lot of physical strength."
Hahahahahahahahaha!
Japan "It is better to face Brazil in the group than the final."
We can't beat Brazil, so it's better to lose whilst it doesn't matter. How zen.
Australia "This is what dreams are made of. One of the dreams has come true and now we dream that we can get through the group."
Oh bloody hell, Brazil? We'll struggle to best the other two to come second.
Croatia "I believe we're better than Australia and Japan is also beatable. I'm satisfied."
Brazil? What are you talking about? Lalalala I can't HEAR you!
GROUP G
France "We know the Swiss and did not beat them during qualifying. South Korea is a bad memory and we don't know Togo."
We won the World Cup then we won the European Cup and we thought we were invincible. Now we realise we were not.
Switzerland "We are confident that we have a real chance of qualifying from this group."
Things are looking better than they should have. Le yay! Die Yay! Il yay!
Togo "There are no easy teams in the football world today but we're happy with what we got."
We didn't stand a chance wherever we were put, so we might as well enjoy ourselves against some relatively good teams.
South Korea "We have three tough games and we have a veyr young team but it is maturing."
We set expectations far too high by coming fourth last time, we're going to have to fight. Also, someone can't type.
GROUP H
Spain "It is a good group and we are favourites with Ukraine, but we have to prove that. In general I am definitely satisfied."
We know we're good, but we also know we never show it. This group could work in our favour.
Ukraine "It doesn't matter for us what group we ended up in. Our team has proved it can manage."
Not a bad group, we can probably afford to be pretty cocky.
Tunisia "We can defend ourselves. We're small fry but we have our strengths and a chance."
We're not going to make it out of the round, but that doesn't mean we're going to roll over.
Saudi Arabia "The team has changed a lot and there's real quality and skill in the side."
Can no-one mention Germany 8 - 0 Saudi Arabia plskthnx?
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(VISITOR) AUTHOR'S NAME
EofS
MESSAGE TIMESTAMP
10 december 2005, 13:52:23
AUTHOR'S IP LOGGED
83.216.149.253
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