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12:09:00 PM EDT
No USA, Now What
Obviously watching sports is more fun if you have a rooting interest. And obviously most of us were rooting for the U.S. in the World Cup. Guess what, they sucked. So, if we're going to care about the "greatest sporting event in the world" anymore, we need new teams to root for. Not to worry, InsideTheParker is here with a handy-dandy guide to help you pick your new team.
The first rule is to go with your ancestry. If your family comes from a country still playing, root for them. Next is money. If you bet on a team that advanced or are in a pool and your team made it through, you have an easy choice and you are a degenerate gambler (the teams I had in the pool failed to advance so I'm a normal, healthy American).
If you've read those rules and still don't have a team, this should help you male this vital decision.
Brazil
Root for Brazil if you like: New York Yankees
With five championships (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 & 2002) Brazil has won the World Cup more than any other nation and finished second two other times (1950 & 1998). They have the most talent now and throughout history. The Babe Ruth of soccer, Pele, played for Brazil. Now they have Ronaldo (who is tied for the most goals in World Cup history) and Ronaldinho (two-time world player of the year). The squad wears classic uniforms that may not be the best, but they have the most class.
Argentina
Root for Argentina if you like: Boston Red Sox
They're Brazil's rival. At the first World Cup, way back in 1930, Argentina made it to the Finals and lost. The tone was set. They're always among the best teams in the world but have only won two World Cup championships. And if you ask me, they have the coolest uniforms on the planet.
Lionel Messi sporting the tight vertical stripes of Argentina.
Germany
Root for Germany if you like: Losing World Wars
You can root for the Germans if you like. They're the host nation and my buddies Sampson and Crissman each have gone there this year and had a great time. I'll pass.
Sweden
Root for Sweden if you like: Losing, period
The Swedes were eliminated by the Germans in the first game of the second round. Save them for the World Cup of Hockey.
Mexico
Root for Mexico if you like: See Sweden
Mexico was eliminated by Argentina on Saturday thanks to the most amazing goal of the Cup so far.
England
Root for England if you like: Philadelphia Eagles
A long history with passionate fans that get a little rowdy, but despite all the talk they've only been to the finals one time. But unlike the Eagles, England won a title when they hosted the World Cup back in 1966.
Ecuador
Root for Ecuador if you like: New Orleans Saints
They've been around for a long time but this is only their second appearance in the World Cup. Don't get your hopes up.
Portugal
Root for Portugal if you like: Oakland A's
A small market team with talent. You don't want to play them but you doubt they'll win it all.
Holland
Root for Holland if you like: Buffalo Bills
They're the best team to never win the World Cup. They've been to two finals and another semifinal but no championships.
Italy
Root for Italy if you like: Montreal Canadiens
Nearly a century of consistency. They've been to the World Cup 15 times, the final match five times and won it all three times.
Australia
Root for Australia if you like: Fosters
The Socceroos don't have much of a World Cup pedigree. Their only other trip to the World Cup was in 1974 and they failed to score a goal. They advanced this year but will be greatly overmatched against Italy.
Switzerland
Root for Switzerland if you like: Kansas City Chiefs
Apparently they were good a long time ago. Always a threat to make it to the World Cup but never really a threat to win it all.
Ukraine
Root for Ukraine if you like: The unknown
This is their first trip to the World Cup. Could be a tough match-up for Italy if both advance.
Ghana
Root for Ghana if you like: George Mason men's basketball
An talented team from an unheralded continent (conference) that not many people gave a shot of advancing.Now they have to take on the team favored to win it all in Brazil (UConn).
Spain
Root for Spain if you like: Purdue Boilermakers basketball
Good squad that's almost always in the World Cup but no final fours, much less a title.
France
Root for France if you like: Syracuse/Maryland basketball
Good team that's a tough out in the tourney but that one title probably makes people think they're better than they really are.
Hope that helps.
Written by dustyseafoam Blog about this entry |
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I want Brazil to win because they have my two favorite players, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
Nice blog entry.
Nick "ESPN Nut"
http://journals.aol.com/redwingsnut93/blog
www.espnnut.smfforfree.com
6/28/06 1:57 PM