Pre WC Ramblings

You know,
I almost love this period the best. Like a kid before Christmas, it's the anticipation.
 I've been watching "friendlies" all week as an appetizer to the main event. I've been listening to soccer talk shows, nervously waiting to hear about a teenagers knee ligament.

For what it's worth, here are some of my thoughts and predictions. Yes, they are seen through my St Georges cross lenses so I'll start with The Three Lions.

Or should I say lion cubs. Uncle Woy has chosen a youthful squad that the English public has been crying our for after the embarrassment of S. Africa.
Problem is, will he actually play them? Hodgson is known for being a pragmatic manager and has indicated that will be his approach, especially for the stifling humidity of Manous, the venue against Italy in the opening game. Despite the exciting promise from some of the youngsters in the Ecuador game, I still feel he'll hold them in reserve to bring on as shock troops later in the second half.
Rooney: In his defence, injuries have often hampered him from fulfilling the potential he showed when he burst upon the international seen years ago but I personally hope that the manager isn't afraid to leave him out if he doesn't perform. The sight of Ox', Sterling and Barkley running with the ball was the most exciting thing I've seen from an England team in years, in fact since Rooney himself.
With that in mind I also hope that if we do go out early, then it's a blaze of youthful entertainment with an eye on the next 2-4 years rather than yet another turgid under achievement....Let'em go Roy!
It would also be nice to not go out on some ridiculous referee blunder. Putting on my conspiracy theory hat, it's been 48 years since the infamous goal against W. Germany in '66. The Lampard disallowed goal in '10 that was two yards over the line completed that karmic circle but in between we've had more than our fair share of insanity from the officials.
The hand of god. Mexico '86
The Beckham red card and subsequent disallowed perfect goal from Sol Campbell also against Argentina in France '98.
The Rooney red card vs. Portugal in Germany '04.
Yes, I know there are many famous grievances over the years, we've come to expect some nutball official from a country you've never heard of ruining a whole nations well being. I just think we've had more than our fair share.

Shaking it off and moving on -
U.S.
Bottom line- you can't tell me there's one more experienced, influential, U.S. player that has done it on a world stage than Donovan. Let alone 23 of them. If you're a manager/ coach then you simply have to make it work. It's your job! The whole thing has come across as petty.
The documentary surrounding the U.S. team countdown to the WC finals has been a fascinating insight into what appears to be either a long term project or a short term overly planned fiasco. If they make it out of the group it will be a miracle. Klinnsy must have a secure contract.

Predictions.
Biggest surprise - England.
Biggest disappointment - England. (see above)
Next biggest disappointment - Messi.
Surprise sleeper team not called Belgium...... Bosnia Herzegovina
Golden Boot.. see above.... Dzeko.
 Prediction based on probabilities - Round of 16 possible match ups mean that either Holland, Spain or Brazil will be out at this early stage. Look at the bracket.

Final four.
Brazil - Argentina (who have an impossibly easy route) France, Germany.
I've got a feeling that Spain may be a little weary.

Finally, despite the apparent shoddy preparation off the pitch. I'm hoping for an exciting wonderful World Cup on it. It might be the last great one for a while given the future venues. Here's hoping our beautiful game survives the contemptible Sepp Blatter and co.