FIFA WORLD CUP

Monday, December 19, 2011

FIFA WORLD CUP: elektroninen tupakka

Friday, December 16, 2011

elektroninen tupakka

Elektroninen tupakka on noussut koko maailman suosioon. Tuhannet suomalaiset ovat päässeet jo kokeilemaan sähkötupakkaa. E-tupakka onkin ehkä vuosisadan keksintö, sillä se on todella helpottanut ihmisten vieroitusta perinteisestä tupakasta.

E-tupakka on laite joka toimii kuin tupakka, muttei siinä ole tulta eikä tuhansia myrkkyjä. Ainut sähkötupakan myrkky on nikotiini.

Sähkötupakka on helppo tilata ulkomailta - sillä suomessa sen myyntiä ja ennen kaikkea markkinointia rajoitetaan.

osta sähkötupakka

Jokaisen tupakoijan tulisi vaihtaa sähkötupakkaan, sillä se on huomattavasti turvallisempi vaihtoehto. Klikkaa Tästä ja saat tietää, että miksi.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

World Cup 2006 Preview - Ecuador

By David Walker

Outright Odds: 300/1

Group A Winners: 9/1

Ecuador qualified for their second world-cup finals in succession on the back of a remarkable home record which included victories over both Brazil and Argentina. So should punters rush out and lump on the huge 3001/ (Bet365) odds available for the largest upset in World Cup history? In short, no.

Ecuador qualified with one of the most lopsided qualifying record of any team competing in Germany this summer. Quito, the country’s capital, stands 2,850 metres above sea level and assisted by the thin air, Ecuador were almost unstoppable at home. They won seven out nine home games, including victories against the South American giants with the other two results goalless draws against Peru and Uruguay.

Away from home it was an entirely different story. Five defeats, two draws and one victory in the equally high altitude of Bolivia was perhaps a more realistic measure of their capabilities but overall they sealed third place in the group.

Ecuador will have to improve on their travels if they want to avoid humiliation in Germany. Their stint in the 2002 World Cup was their first but they have the victory over the third-placed team of 1998, Croatia, to draw inspiration from.

Potentially, they could be a tough team to break down in defence. Captain Ivan Hurtado, a 31-year old veteran with nearly 130 caps to his name is partnered by Giovany Espinoza who was the only player in South America to play in all 18 qualifying matches. For all this experience, the defence can be caught flat and, if Espinoza is taken out of the reckoning, is all over the place when high balls are played in the box. They are also weak in terms of goalkeeping.

Ecuador have moved away from the short-passing through the middle which has categorised their game in favour of striking quickly down the wings. In Edison Mendez, who scored the winning goal against Croatia and five goals in qualifying, they have a player who can cause problems. There are also high hopes surrounding Luis Antonio Valencia, 20, who chipped in with another three.

Former Southampton flop Augustin Delgado is Ecuador’s main focal point in attack. He netted five times in qualifying and scored his country’s first ever World Cup goal, taking the lead after five minutes against Mexico in a match they eventually lost 2-1.

Ecuador’s lack of experience in Europe could prove to be their downfall as they have only played three full internationals on the continent and they looked completely overawed when playing Italy four years ago. They will do well not to finish bottom of the group.

Recommended bet:

Ecuador’s lack of experience in Europe and dire away form means they cannot be backed with any confidence apart from finishing bottom of the group. Look out for potentially tasty odds on them suffering a “shock” defeat against Costa Rica and consider them to finish bottom of Group A.

Costa Rica to beat Ecuador @ 2/1

David Walker runs free World Cup bets and World Cup previews websites. A free 45-page World Cup guide is available from the website and features a "free World Cup football shirt for every reader" offer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Walker

technorati tags: Football
Soccer Sport

Monday, June 12, 2006

World Cup Preview - Poland

By David Walker

Outright Odds: 125/1

Group A Winners: 4/1

Following a disastrous 2002 world-cup campaign in which coach Jerzy Engel talked up his side’s prospects only for them to be beaten 2-0 by South Korea and hammered 4-0 by Portugal, Poland will be keen to recreate their former World Cup glories.

Under coach Pawel Janas, Poland made short work of their qualifying group, enjoying home and away victories against Austria, Azerbaijan, Northern Ireland and Wales. Two narrow 2-1 defeats to England prevented a clean sweep but eight wins out of 10 matches was more than enough to cement their place in the finals.

In qualifying they proved their ability to beat average teams convincingly and they will need to repeat this on the grand stage if they are to repeat their glorious campaigns of 1974 and 1982 in which they finished third. However, they also need to prove they have what it takes to beat the stronger sides as they did in 1974, when Argentina, Italy, Sweden and Yugoslavia were dispatched before beating Brazil to claim third place.

They certainly have the firepower to do so and Poland’s main strength lies in attack. During qualifying they cracked in 27 goals, notably the 8-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan and scored at least once in all 10 of their qualifying matches. More importantly, they scored 10 more than group winners England managed for all their multi-million pound’s worth of strikers and only three sides scored more goals than the Poles during the European qualifying campaign.

Elche striker Tomasz Frankowski, nicknamed “The Goals Hunter” and Celtic forward Maciej Zurawski fired in 14 goals between them during qualifying while Southampton’s Grzegorz Rasiak is also in contention.

Poland are also a side that is not short of experience. The expected starting line-up has an average age of over 30 while Jacek Krzynowek, Jamil Kosowski and Radolsaw Kaluzny have all played in the German Bundesliga. Four years ago the team struggled to cope with the climate in Korea and Japan but will have no such issues this time when making the short trip over the border into Germany.

Their only real weakness is at the back where they have developed a habit of conceding soft goals which will not go unpunished when they face a team in clinical mood.

Recommended Bet:

Poland have received a favourable draw in which they should arguably beat both Ecuador and Costa Rica with the local “derby” fixture against Germany sandwiched in between. The dismal failure of four years ago means the Poles cannot be backed confidently to win Group A, although they are strong enough to qualify from it.

Poland to qualify from Group A @ 8/15

Poland to beat Costa Rica @ 4/5

David Walker runs a popular free World Cup bets website. A free 45-page World Cup preview guide is available from the website and features a "free World Cup football shirt for every reader" offer.

technorati: Betting Football Soccer Sport

World Cup 2006 Preview - Germany

By David Walker

Outright Odds: 8/1

Group A Winners: 4/9

Former national favourite and Tottenham Hotspur diving enthusiast Jurgen Klinsmann takes control over the next generation of Germany players who are keen to end 16 years of hurt and win the world-cup for a fourth time on their own soil.

Klinsmann has thrown the traditional playing style manual out of the window. Gone is the patient, tight gameplay, his teams are sent out to play a "fast-paced, attacking and very aggressive" game which has significantly improved their goal tally. However, this strategy, along with a number of inexperienced defenders (none have played at a World Cup finals before) has seen a once resolute back line concede almost as many goals as the team score at the other end.

The current squad is void of any true superstar names, with only Michael Ballack offering real world class status. Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger hope to prove there is life after former heroes Lothar Matthaus, now-manager Jurgen Klinsmann and Andreas Moller.

While there are question marks over the defence, Schweinsteiger forms part of an outstanding midfield alongside Ballack and the more experienced Sebastien Diesler and Torsten Frings. These players will have to work hard to ensure their untested defence (bar veteran goalkeeper Oliver Kahn) does not get caught out and that a sufficient supply line meets their equally World Cup virginal strikeforce of Kevin Kuranyi and Podolski.

As always, host nations will have their critics about how ready they are to perform on the biggest stage of all after playing only friendly matches for over a year. Germany did participate in last year’s Confederations Cup which offered a decent level of competition. The Germans finished third but a 2-2 draw against Argentina and narrow 3-2 defeat against World Cup favourites Brazil suggests they are on the right track. Strikers Kuranyi and Podolski also rattled in five goals between them.

German sides appear to relish being criticised and seen as the “underdog”, yet are always there or thereabouts at the business end of the tournament. Indeed, they were dumped out of the 1998 tournament in the quarter-final stage by Croatia, their worst result at the World Cup since 1958, but reached the final four years later.

Klinsmann’s side has learned to accept their limitations but combat this by working for eachother as a team. Rudi Voller lead his much-criticised Germany team to the final of the 2002 World Cup so the message here is, never write off the Germans, especially on their home turf.

Recommended Bet:

Expect Klismann’s side to come out all guns blazing during the tournament and with home advantage they should ease through the group stage. A much criticised German side reached final four years ago, so why not this time aswell?

Germany to win Group A @ 4/9

E/W Germany to win the World Cup @ 7/1

David Walker runs a popular free World Cup bets website. A free 45-page World Cup preview guide is available from the website and features a "free World Cup football shirt for every reader" offer.

Technorati: sport football soccer

Football World Cup News

Author: John Francis

The football fever is back and is slowly gripping the football
crazy nations around the world. The 2006 FIFA world-cup, also
known as World Cup Football, is to take place in Germany. News
regarding world cup football is coming in thick and fast. The
finals are scheduled between 9 June and 9 July 2006. The teams
for the finals have been identified and grouped. Tickets sales
have already started and are receiving enthusiastic response
from around the world. Tight security arrangements have been
made taking into account the conditions prevailing in certain
parts of the world. Team preparations, injury worries of the
teams, top players, the preparations of the stadiums and
security measures are some of the hot topics for world cup
football news.

Expert opinion on the different teams that are taking part in
the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals are an important column in many
websites, magazines and newspapers. The form of important
players and their injury worries are updated taking into account
their current performances in the major leagues around the
world. Young and new players are introduced to the football
fans. Latin American and European teams are the most discussed
teams. Earlier it was hard to get news about little known teams
participating in the world cup finals. But with the Internet
revolution, it is now easy to get news about African and Asian
teams participating in the finals. The expectation from the home
team and their preparation is another important news item
discussed exclusively.

Information regarding world cup football ticket sales is another
important news item that is featuring in most of the media
around the world. Traveling to Germany during the world cup is
another important area dealt. Visa issues, the venues,
transportation, accommodation and other nuances involved with
traveling during the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals is finding space
in many of the top journals. Hooligans and the problem created
by them are favorite news items for several agencies. The
measures taken to deal with hooligans have already started
appearing.

The most important resource to collect news about 2006 FIFA
World Cup finals is the Internet. There are several sites
providing all the latest information on world cup football
finals. Some of them also help in purchasing tickets. Travel and
accommodation arrangements are also offered by several websites.
They also provide details about the products related to world
cup football. Regularly updated news is the greatest advantage
that the Internet provides.
Technorati: Sport Soccer
About the author:
World Cup Football
i offers information about the soccer world cup.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

The Great World Cup Germany 2006

By John Francis

The 2006 FIFA World Cup (officially titled 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, sometimes referred to as the Football World Cup) finals are scheduled to take place in Germany between 9 June and 9 July 2006. Qualification for the tournament is now complete, with all 32 competing teams confirmed. The 2006 finals are the 18th to be contested.

A total of 12 German cities have been selected to host the world-cup final tournament. The stadium capacities shown are all seated capacities. Many of the stadiums have higher capacities for German domestic Football matches as some of the seats are replaced with terraces.Starting from Germany 2006, the winner of the past World Cup had to qualify for the Finals. Only the host nation qualifies automatically from 2006 on.

In the qualification process for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the six FIFA confederations were allocated a share of the 32 spots available on the basis of the strength of their teams. The final distribution was as follows:Europe - represented by UEFA : 51 teams competing for 13 places (Germany qualified automatically as host nation for a total of 14 places) ;Africa - 51 teams;South America -10 teams;Asia - 39 teams;North, Central American and Caribbean -34 teams;Oceania - 12 teams.

For the first time ever, the defending champion (Brazil) does not qualify automatically. The hosts (Germany) will retain their automatic spot. In 1934, the defending champions (Uruguay) declined to participate and the hosts (Italy) had to qualify, but in the tournaments between 1938 and 2002 (inclusive), the hosts and the defending champions had automatic berths.

The original distribution of places between the six confederations called for Oceania to be given one full spot in the final 32; however, this idea was seen as giving Australia a virtually certain place in the finals, being by far the strongest footballing nation in their region. This decision was reconsidered in June 2003 and the previous distribution of places between Oceania and South America was restored.

The main surprises in European qualification at World Cup Germany were the absences of 2002 third-place finishers Turkey (eliminated by Switzerland after a momentous playoff), 2004 European Champions Greece (eliminated by the Ukraine), and established sides Denmark (eliminated by the Ukraine as well), Russia (eliminated by Portugal), and Belgium (eliminated by Serbia-Montenegro and Spain). In Africa, 2002 quarter-finalists Senegal (eliminated by Togo) and established sides South Africa, Cameroon, and Nigeria (eliminated, respectively, by Ghana, C?te d'Ivoire, and Angola) unexpectedly missed the trip to the Finals. The other zones saw no major upsets.While representing Oceania, from the beginning of 2006 Australia is part of the Asian Confederation, and will represent Asia in following World Cups.

If teams are even on points at the end of group play, the tied teams will be ranked as follows:greater number of points obtained in matches between the tied teams,goal difference in matches between the tied teams,greater number of goals scored in matches between the tied teams,goal difference in all group matches,greater number of goals scored in all group matches,a play-off on neutral ground, with extra time and penalties if necessary (in qualifying),drawing of lots (at the final event).This is a change from the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where total goal differential was the first tiebreaker.

Thirty-two years after the last football World Cup in Germany, the 2006 FIFA World Cup will again take place in Germany. For the first time after the reunification of both German states, the entire world will look to the New Germany, situated at the heart of Europe.

World Cup Football i http://www.worldcupfootballi.com/ offers information about the soccer world cup.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Francis

FIFA World Cup 2006 England Glory - 1966 / 2006

By David R

It surely has a nice ring to it and would be a dream come true for the plethora of England fans who have never yet witnessed the creator of ‘the beautiful game’ bring home the goods.

Although England have a pretty favourable group, with Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago, and the dreaded Sweden; they will come through the group stages to the finals and then, with a bit of luck, stomp all over the opposition with verve and tenacity; if Wayne Rooney keeps his head that is.

As well as being a serious contender for the coveted Golden Boot Award, if England do indeed progress, Wayne Rooney is the key to England’s success in World Cup 2006 and the rest of the team and world know it. The guy is a physiological freak in terms of the sheer power and depth of attack in his possession and will simply rip through the best defences that any of the world’s toughest may throw his way. He already proved this in Euro 2004, Portugal, where he was a constant worry for the opposition and, of course, does so every week at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney is simply one man, though, and cannot do the job alone; he will need pace man magician Michael Owen at his very best, Beckham curling em in sweetly from the right, Frank Lampard bulldozing through the middle and Mr Sven Goran Eriksson not doing his usual trick of messing with formations and pulling off players at the wrong moment. In fact, England hasn’t had such a brilliant compilation of players in years; it’s whether they can gel at the right time and do what the England rugby lads did in 2003.

One thing is certain though and perhaps will never change; anyone and everyone faced with England, ups their game rate by a noticeable margin. It seems that everyone wants to beat the ‘Auld Enemy’; hardly surprising beings as the country with the once largest of empires has, at one time or another, trounced on or been instrumental in shaping the modern world as we know it. It seems logical that someone would want to get their own back by beating the national football team.

Many of the England naysayers believe that the England team lacks the personality and passion to bring home the cup. Although a personality is great for the cameras, the one ingredient that is surely more important is playing the game of football and scoring goals, and with the current England line up we have the best chance since 1966. Roll on World Cup 2006…

David R is senior editor of the site http://www.goldenboot.me.uk covering Golden Boot and Top Goal Scorer player profiles of previous World Cups, World Cup 2006 information and match fixtures as well as coverage of the 12 German venue cities for FIFA World Cup 2006.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_R

world-cup england
soccer

A World Cup Guide to Berlin

By Seb Jay

Out of the twelve German cities to play hosts to the FIFA 2006 World Cup Finals it is Berlin - Germany's capital - that has arguably the most important role to play. It is in this city on Sunday 9th July that two teams will contest the final game of the tournament, and one of those teams will claim the ultimate prize in international football…the World Cup.

The stadium in which the Final will take place is Berlin's Olympic Stadium - the very same venue that was used for the 1936 Olympic Games where Jessie Owen claimed four gold medals. In preparation for the FIFA 2006 World Cup finals the Olympic Stadium has undergone a complete renovation. Some 242 million euros were invested to bring the stadium into the 21st century. Work was completed in July 2004, and in September of that year Brazil met Germany for the inaugural international game.

Aside from the World Cup Final on 9th July, Berlin's Olympic Stadium hosts a number of other World Cup matches. Brazil play Croatia here on 13th June, Sweden take on Paraguay in Group B on the 15th June, and Ecuador will attempt to defeat the hosts Germany at Berlin on the 20th. Ukraine face-off against Tunisia on the final day of group competition in the tournament too, while Berlin will be home to the first 2006 World Cup quarter-final on 30th June.

Berlin Sights

Berlin has so much to offer visitors this summer. There are world famous monuments, parks, restaurants, shops, museums and a zoo to take in. Two 'must see' attractions that should top everyone's list are Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower.

Brandenburg Gate

Arguably Berlin's most famous monument, the Brandenburg Gate towers 20 metres high into the Berlin sky. It was built in 1791 and survived the conquest of Napoleon, but was badly damaged in the Second World War. For years it stood as a partition between East and West Germany as part of the Berlin Wall. Today, it is a symbol of a reunited Germany.

The TV Tower

Affectionately known as the 'toothpick' the TV Tower near Alexander Square is the second highest in Europe. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and offers spectacular views from the viewing tower and restaurant. On a clear day you can see up to 25 miles out into the German countryside. It's well worth a visit!

Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seb_Jay

world-cup Berlin soccer

A World Cup Guide to Dortmund in Germany

By Seb Jay

In the summer of 2006 Dortmund in Germany is set to serve up a feast of soccer. The town, which is well-known in Germany for its open parks and waterways, will host six World Cup games, including the Group F game involving Japan and the reigning world champions, Brazil, and one of the World Cup semi-finals. World Cup action begins in Dortmund on the second day of competition when Trinidad & Tobago take on Sweden in Group B.

All of the World Cup games are being played at Dortmund's Westfalenstadion - home to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund. The stadium was built for the 1974 World Cup Finals, and at the time was one of the most prestigious football stadiums in the world. For the 2006 World Cup Finals the Westfalenstadion has come through a program of renovation, and can now seat up to 67,000 spectators.

Dortmund City Highlights

A visit to Dortmund would not be complete without taking in some of the city's sights. Even if you're in Dortmund for a flying visit to watch the World Cup there are some attractions that you simply should not miss.

Bodelschwingh Castle

Bodelschwingh Castle is an impressive 13th century moated building, and the largest of its kind in the area. It is privately owned so visitors are not allowed access into the castle or its grounds. The view of the castle from the surrounding countryside though is well worth the visit.

Westphalia Park

Westphalia Park is one of several major parks in the city of Dortmund. It contains Dortmund's giant TV tower with rotating restaurant and the 212-mtr high Florianturm. The park itself boasts many acres of lawns, wooded walks and hidden gardens. Don't be surprised to come across some interesting 3D art in the park as well.

Museum am Ostwall

The Museum am Ostwall is home to an impressive collection of 20th century German art. Paintings, sculptures and graphic art can be found inside the museum, as well as over 200 works of German Expressionism.

Getting to Dortmund

Dortmund is served by its own airport. It is located some 10kms outside the city and runs regular routes to and from the UK and other airports in Europe.

Car hire can be booked in advance for pick up at Dortmund airport through http://www.your-carhire.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seb_Jay

world-cup Dortmund
Germany Soccer

A World Cup Guide to Munich

A World Cup Guide to Munich
By Seb Jay

Munich - home to German fooballing giants Bayern Munich - is the most southerly city in Germany to host matches from the 2006 World Cup finals. The city is set to build upon its already immensely important reputation in world sport (the city was host to the fated 1972 Olympic Games, the 1974 World Cup Final and the final of UEFA's EURO'88) by staging the tournament's opening game - Germany v Costa Rica on 9th June.

The stadium - named the Allianz Arena - is in fact situated a little to the north of the city in the district of Frottmanning. It is easily accessed. The A9 motorway connects the city to the new stadium, while Munich International Airport is served by the A92 - a motorway that intersects with the A9 to the west of the airport.

Whether approaching the stadium from the city or the airport there is certainly no danger of you missing the Allianz Arena. Its mammoth translucent structure resembles a donut shaped pillow fit for a giant. There really is nothing else quite like it in Germany. Once inside the stadium don't be surprised to find yourself looking around in wonder. The structure seems to have more in common with a futuristic spaceship rather than a football stadium. It's simply breathtaking.

Four things you must do in Munich

Aside from the World Cup, Munich offers a wealth of attractions for its visitors to enjoy. No matter how short your stay in the city here are four things that you simply must do!

Visit a Beer Garden: There's plenty of them in Munich! After all, Munich has long been revered as one of the beer-making capitals of the world.

Try a Bavarian Sausage: Munich is the capital of Bavaria - a free state famous for its forests, its mountains and one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world…BMW or Bavaria Motor Works. It is also the birthplace of the authentic German sausage. Try the Weisswurt…you won't be disappointed!

See the Nymphenburg: The Nymphenburg is a Baroque palace constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. It offers a true glimpse into Bavaria's royal past. The palace's façade is three times longer than the Munich Olympic Stadium!

Take a stroll through English Garden: Munich's outdoor centrepiece is this 5km-long lawned park. It was built in 1789 and contains within it many features including a classical-style rotunda. If you're looking for peace and tranquillity in the heart of Munich this is the place to be.

Getting to Munich

Many world airlines fly direct to Munich International Airport. It is then just a matter of following the A92 road directions into Munich city and/or to the Allianz Arena stadium.

Hire cars can be booked in advance for pick up at Munich airport via http://www.your-carhire.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seb_Jay

Saturday, June 10, 2006

World Cup 2006 Preview - Czech Republic

Author: David Walker
Outright Odds: 33/1 Group E Winners: 9/4

The Czech Republic may be ranked by FIFA as the second best team
in the world behind Brazil and the best in Europe but they made
hard work of qualifying for the finals. Pitted against Holland
in qualifying, they lost home and away and also suffered defeat
in Romania to finish second in the group. They won both home and
away 1-0 against Norway in the play-offs to secure their place
in Germany.

Despite a nervous qualification, expectations are high this time
around for the Czech's first appearance in the finals since they
entered as Czechoslovakia in 1990. The side have not been out of
FIFA's top six since 2004 and can no longer be dubbed underdogs
or outsiders. Under their old guise they twice finished
runners-up in both 1934 and 1962 and they have the ability to go
one better this time around.

For many of the current squad, it's now or never, as the
attacking force of Tomas Galasek, Karel Poborsky, Jan Koller and
Pavel Nedved, back out of retirement, are all entering the
veteran stage of their careers. All made their mark a decade ago
as the Czech Republic surprised everyone by reaching the final
of Euro 96 and taking eventual winners Germany into extra time.

Under manager Karel Bruckner, who took charge in 2001 after a
successful spell as under-21 coach, the Czechs can be a real
force to be reckoned with. Nobody scored more goals in the
European qualifying campaign than Bruckner's side and it's
hardly surprising, given his choice of tactics.

The Czechs play a cavalier style of attacking football that can
be breathtaking to watch. Who can forget their classic Euro 2004
against Holland in which they battled back from 2-0 down to win
the match 3-2?

With Nedved, Galasek, Poborsky and Tomas Rosicky, the Czechs
boast one of the most creative midfields in international
football. Jan Koller struck nine times in qualifying to take his
tally to 40 goals in 66 appearances but he is in danger of
missing out on the finals after suffering cruciate ligament
damage in September 2005.

While almost unstoppable in attack, where the Czechs fall short
is in defence. Full backs Marek Jankulovski and Zdenek Grygera
offer plenty of attacking support from the back but are prone to
being caught out. But given their overall ability they are worth
a shout to win the tournament at long odds.

Recommended Bet: At odds greater than 2/1, the Czechs offer
much better value than Italy to win the group given their
potency in attack. According to FIFA the Czechs are Europe's top
side yet the bookmakers don't fancy their chances given the odds
on offer. At 33/1, the Czechs offer good each-way value to win
the tournament outright. Czech Republic to win Group E @ 9/4
E/W Czech Republic to win the World Cup @ 33/1

About the author:
David Walker runs a free
World Cup bets website and written href="http://www.betbonus.co.uk/articles/cat_index_22.php">World
Cup previews. A free 45-page World Cup guide is available
from the website and features a "free World Cup football shirt"
offer.

World Cup 2006 Preview - USA

Author: David Walker
Outright Odds: 100/1 Group E Winners: 7/1

The USA have a lot to live up to after reaching the quarter
finals four years ago but being placed in the "Group of Death"
could see their campaign in Germany fall much shorter.

As usual, the USA had a relatively easy group, with only Mexico
providing any real competition. This the fifth consecutive
finals the US are participating in, despite being much-maligned
as a capable international football team.

In 16 qualifying matches Bruce Arena's side lost just twice,
away at both Mexico and Costa Rica and secured their place in
Germany with matches to spare and topped their group ahead of
Mexico due to a better head-to-head record.

The USA may be rated eighth in the world according to the FIFA
rankings, but similar to Mexico, the sheer number of games they
play against sub-standard opposition means they are perhaps
artificially high. Arena could afford to field a reserve team
for the final two matches and still win the group. The bookies
are under no illusions and rate them as 100/1 (Bet365) outsiders
to win the tournament outright, top 10 in the world or not.

Like Italy, the USA may also suffer from a lack of stability.
While Claudio Reyna is the first-choice captain, no less than
seven players wore the armband during qualifying.

However, if they can get past this then Arena can rely on a
vastly experienced team to try and negotiate their way into the
second round. While 164-cap Cobi Jones has finally retired, the
US have another centurion in Reyna while Kasey Keller, Brian
McBride and Eddie Pope are all veterans of previous World Cup
campaigns. Even striker Landon Donovan, at 23-years-old, boasts
over 70 caps.

Despite struggling to make the grade in Europe, Donovan remains
the USA's most potent threat. Now playing as a midfield
playmaker and back in his homeland with Los Angeles Galaxy, he
racked up six goals in qualifying and created as many for others.

There may not, however, be a place for 16-year-old sensation
Freddy Adu. The DC United striker could be representing Ghana in
this year's finals but pledged his international future to the
USA.

Recommended Bet: This is an exceptionally tough group for the
USA to negotiate, especially since they do not play top class
European opposition very often. This could well be the type of
group where everyone takes points from everyone else, but Bruce
Arena's side best chance of success comes in their final group
game against Ghana. At odds-against, the USA look a sound bet
but even victory here may not be enough to make it to the last
16. USA to beat Ghana @ 6/5

About the author:
David Walker runs a free
World Cup bets website and written href="http://www.betbonus.co.uk/articles/cat_index_22.php">World
Cup previews. A free 45-page World Cup guide is available
from the website and features a "free World Cup football shirt"
offer.

Who Will Win The Fifa World Cup?

Who Will Win The Fifa World Cup?
By Steve Hill

Many people, including myself are starting to look forward to the world cup of football. The question many people are asking is who is likely to win the tournament? In this article, I give my own viewpoint on this subject and discuss some of the likely contenders (teams) who could win.

The world cup finals are being held in Germany and it promises to be a very exciting and entertaining event. The tournament which only takes place every four years is in my opinion the biggest sporting event which takes place. It means everything to all of the players taking part as well as to the supporters.

Potential winners of the football world cup

Germany

The hosts Germany are always a big threat in the world cup and have an outstanding record in the tournament. The team seems to peak at just the right time and as they are playing on home soil, they must have a great chance. I personally believe though that Germany will be knocked out in the quarter-finals. I think that their best player is Micheal Ballack.

France

The French team have had an outstanding decade and still boast some of the best players in the world. Players like Henry can turn a game in an instant and he is just one of a few players which I could mention.

France should do well but I do not believe have enough to win the tournament.

Holland

I must say that Holland are one team which I love to watch playing football. They approach the game in the right way and their supporters make it a very colourful occasion.

Despite having many top players, Holland always seem to flatter to deceive and this could well be the case this year.

If my home team of England does not win the world cup, I would love to see the Dutch lift the trophy.

Spain

Spain in a way are very much like Holland in that they always seem to fall short despite having many superb players.

On their day the Spanish team can beat the best in the world and should come close this year.

I personally believe that Spain will be knocked out in a penalty shoot out, this is what normally happens to them.

Portugal

After just failing to win the European football championship, Portugal with their Brazilian manager Scolari, will be hoping to go one better in the world cup. It came as quite a shock when Greece beat them in the Final two years ago and this defeat might play on their minds when the pressure is on.

England

Being from England myself, I am obviously hoping that my home nation can lift the trophy for the first time since 1966.

England certainly have enough talent in the team but something always seems to go wrong.

Wayne Rooney has the potential of being the best player at the world cup and if he can stay fit, England will have a great chance.

I personally believe that the English will be eliminated in the semi-finals.

Italy

The Italians have a number of superb footballers but my only concern for them is that they do not always play as a team.

I believe that they should have won a lot more tournaments over the last twenty years and I do not think that they will win this year either.

Brazil

Brazil are by far and away the best team in the tournament. This is my tip for the team which should win the Fifa world cup.

To win the tournament you require something a little bit special and Brazil certainly have that.

The only way I can see them not winning is if they have a bad run of injuries or a series of red cards. Both of these are highly unlikely.

I hope you all enjoy watching the world cup as much as I will, so lets sit back and enjoy this summer of football.

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