Itandje to the World Cup

To be honest, we've heard about the African continent coming on, we've seen them given world cups but there is absolutely no evidence of African teams being closer to winning a world cup than there was 20 years ago.
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Sadly, the way in which they seem to have 'caught up' with the established nations is in terms of their cynicism. I'll never forget the outrageous cheating from the Ivory Coast player to get Kaka sent off, to give one example.

comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 15 seconds ago

To be honest, we've heard about the African continent coming on, we've seen them given world cups but there is absolutely no evidence of African teams being closer to winning a world cup than there was 20 years ago.
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Sadly, the way in which they seem to have 'caught up' with the established nations is in terms of their cynicism. I'll never forget the outrageous cheating from the Ivory Coast player to get Kaka sent off, to give one example.
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The best players play in Europe, where cynicism is rife. When you watch the smaller teams at the ACON, the quality is so low that you're almost crying out for someone to dive and win a penalty, but they don't because they haven't played in Europe.

I am with you there a bit Clockwork. African nations have produced some great players. The likes of essien who was a beast and whose prime was cut short by injury sadly. The likes of eto'o. The likes of the toures. But unfortunately (and even to an extent in that group of players its sort of evident) they have an abundance of holding midfielders and a lack of creativity and game changers. It's something readily acknowledged in African football itself. It's gone from being laced with skilful players but schoolboy defending to being regimented and lacking in individuals who will change a game.

comment by merrysupersteve (U1132)
posted 3 minutes ago
I am with you there a bit Clockwork. African nations have produced some great players. The likes of essien who was a beast and whose prime was cut short by injury sadly. The likes of eto'o. The likes of the toures. But unfortunately (and even to an extent in that group of players its sort of evident) they have an abundance of holding midfielders and a lack of creativity and game changers. It's something readily acknowledged in African football itself. It's gone from being laced with skilful players but schoolboy defending to being regimented and lacking in individuals who will change a game.
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And as for the goalkeeping...I've seen better in the Conference.

Been keeping a close eye on African teams and most of them look are going to go further than England IMO.

*look like they are..

Been keeping a close eye on African teams and most of them look are going to go further than England IMO.
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Well, a lot depends on the groups, I suppose. But I still can't see any African team reaching the semi-finals, maybe not even the quarters.

Speaking of groups, there are bound to be multiple groups of death this year. Because Belgium, Colombia, Uruguay and Switzerland are all seeded, teams like Holland and Italy are not, as well as England and (should they make it) Portugal. Some pretty strong sides will find themselves in tough groups.

Regardless of groups, Uruguay are a team to be avoided. Suarez and cavani is a strikeforce nobody would like to face and they can destroy anyone on their day. I have fancied the Germans in recent tournaments but they've failed and I find it hard to see past Brazil. 1 competitive defeat on home turf in 51 years is absolutely incredible and they made Spain look silly in the confederations cup. Will be interesting to see where the bookies place them.

Good to see Lucas back playing for Brazil.

Regardless of groups, Uruguay are a team to be avoided. Suarez and cavani is a strikeforce nobody would like to face and they can destroy anyone on their day. I have fancied the Germans in recent tournaments but they've failed and I find it hard to see past Brazil. 1 competitive defeat on home turf in 51 years is absolutely incredible and they made Spain look silly in the confederations cup. Will be interesting to see where the bookies place them.
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Both Uruguay and Colombia are being talked up as dark horses, and Belgium look like they might do quite well. Any of these teams might make the semis. But I just can't see anyone other than Brazil or Spain - possibly Germany - winning it. As you say, never does home advantage seem to have been quite so much of an advantage.