My Take on the 2006 World Cup

Just as the 2006 World Cup is just right around the corner (starts on Fri, June 9th), San Francisco Chronicle has the article BAY AREA FANS' TAKE ON THE WORLD today.

Here's my take:

Favorite teams: Brazil and Holland

Brazil is such a heavy favorite because of its firepower upfront. I love Samba Soccer.

Holland has been a champion that's without a champion (they twice came very close in winning the world cup and came up just short in 1974 and 1978) in my mind. They play beautiful attacking soccer no matter what.

Favorite player: Ronaldinho, Brazil

He's the most watchful, skillful, and lethal player in the world. Seeing him play is such an incredible pleasure as he really shows his enjoyment of playing the game. He's the one that brings the fun factor of soccer to the next level. He's more like a artist to the soccer game, but he can always deliver the lethal pass/shot to win games.

Here are two videos to show off his incredible talent: video 1, video 2

Most-anticipated games

The Group C games, particularly Argentina vs. Holland because of their bitter rivalry. Group C is the group of death. Group E is another group of Death. I surely hope the US can survive. Italy and Czech Republic are very strong. and Ghana loves to play the underdog role.

Predicted victor

Brazil (soccer dream team), Holland (isn't it time to win the world cup finally on Germany soil? Remember 1988 European Championship)

How I'll follow the action

I am getting Dishnetwork with DVR. So I can record and play back every match easily. But the installation won't be in time by the opening day. So I'd just watch the Spanish channel 14(Gol!!!!!!!!!!!!) first.

Tags: 2006worldcup soccer ronaldinho