I hope England don't win the World cup ...

[shaunbhoy]

I believe England will win their next match 1-0 against Slovenia, and progress to the next round accordingly.

However, I had previously forecast that they would beat the USA 2-1, and beat Algeria 3-1, so don't go screaming down to the Bookies on the basis of this latest prediction.

[sasguru]

I believe England will win their next match 1-0 against Slovenia, and progress to the next round accordingly.

However, I had previously forecast that they would beat the USA 2-1, and beat Algeria 3-1, so don't go screaming down to the Bookies on the basis of this latest prediction.

Don't worry, as always we always treat your comments with the respect they deserve

[shaunbhoy]

Don't worry, as always we always treat your comments with the respect they deserve

I expect nothing less!

[gingerjedi]

Oh I don't know, the Brazilians seem to be able to "influence its trajectory"

Not really, a very slight bend on one goal out of 4.

I can guarantee you won't be seeing anything like this in South Africa 2010.

[d000hg]

Graham Le Saux had a degree apparently. But he was a crap player.
I think the question identifies a big flaw in the footy team - they need more middle class people with character, determination and the ability to defer gratification.
Check out how ENgland made the final of the rugby world cup through sheer grit and determination.

Maybe more like the US system where players are scouted before or during college?

[minestrone]

I think a lot of the bigger nations have to accept that the lesser nations are no longer crap at football and they can no longer turn up and think they are going to get out the group easily.

If you want them to wear your football tops you have to expect that they will then go out and learn to play football.

I think much of this "the ball is crap" is denial really.

[Doggy Styles]

Oh I don't know, the Brazilians seem to be able to "influence its trajectory"

Well, not really. I haven't seen any free kicks dip over the wall, not even the brazilians.

Has anyone scored with a free kick yet? Every one I've seen has ballooned over the bar or hit defenders.

[swamp]

I think a lot of the bigger nations have to accept that the lesser nations are no longer crap at football and they can no longer turn up and think they are going to get out the group easily.

...

Not totally correct.

Scotland are still crap at football.

[TimberWolf]

Well, not really. I haven't seen any free kicks dip over the wall, not even the brazilians.

Has anyone scored with a free kick yet? Every one I've seen has ballooned over the bar or hit defenders.

You'd have thought China and India would win all sporting events by virtue of the fact that their populations are so great and the probability of them finding a good player was that much higher. So what prevent India or China from winning the World cup, apart from the fact that they don't play much football? What does winning mean? That you were lucky, or that a country invested more in the game and some others?

[sasguru]

So what prevent India or China from winning the World cup, apart from the fact that they don't play much football? ?

Think you answered your question yourself.
Footy is just not popular in India. You don't see kids kicking a ball round, they set up cricket pitches instead.
Don't know aht they do in China.
Neither country has a pro league AFAIK.