That is a really strong squad apart from a few issues upfront and a few aging legs in the middle. They are pretty much the main contenders.

Torres

For them to win though, it will require Xavi to have a Zidane-esque tournament circa 2006 though. Hope he goes out on a high. My favorite all time midfielder. At his peak he destroyed every other midfield he came against.

Wait, I don't believe Torres got in ahead of Negredo. That must be the most stupid decision any of the world cup managers have made.

Apparently Cesc is to leave his "dream club" Don't really know what to think about that.

I think you should think there's a possibility he might leave

Very clever.

I try

Well i did say Torres would be picked despite many of your optimism.

Only real suprise is Jesus Navas being dropped.
I believe he should be going to the World Cup

Negredo is another suprise exclusion.
I thought he would be selected especially due to Diego Costa injury/fitness concerns.

Negredo should have been selected especially since Costa has such major concerns. Why on earth would he pick Torres? He doesn't score and Fabregas is much much better suited if the man upfront is to primarily link up play to the midfielders. Also, who exactly will play be linked up to? It's not like there is David Villa this time to score the goals is there? Pedro is unlikely to start. Selecting Torres makes absolutely no sense.

It makes perfect sense & even Chelsea fans will agree with me.
Torres is a big game & a big stage & big occassion player.

Really? Because he has scored a few goals in important games? Who hasn't? How many games for Chelsea has he scored against Liverpool, Utd, City, Spurs and Arsenal? I am sure you will find a pretty poor record against those teams. That goal against Barca really skewed the picture for people.

FORZA DEPOR

What a cop out from David Villa going to New York- he could still provide a lot in Europe.

Not really Henrik. He does deserve a last major payoff for his career and he can't really play at the highest level anymore. For all the years spent at Valencia on a "modest" salary, he deserve the $$$$.

He could still get paid good money and cut it at a decent level for me- I'd have loved him at Villarreal, I am sure Valencia would definitely have taken him back and even the likes of Tottenham or Everton could have gone for him.

I love Villa, but just feel he was too good for this move. I felt the same with Henry even though he was getting on in his career.

Think about it, would he rather cut it at a decent level for clubs that would never pay him handsomely or play in the US for mega-bucks? I know what I choose.

Depor are going up

Villa will be a millionaire, perhaps the easier lifestyle may be what he's going after and I can somewhat understand that.

But honestly if I was a footballer I'd rather play with Crystal Palace than the MLS personally!

I have already congratulated you, Kent.

THE BIG TIME

If I was a footballer at the end of my career, having won pretty much everything, I'd go to New York for a couple of years.

I'd go Toronto

Congrats Kent

I honestly wouldn't. Careers are so short, I'd prefer to play somewhere in Europe. I applaud players who have been at big clubs and have dropped down a level in terms of club just to remain competitive. Once you're retired you can visit anywhere you like in the World.

For all the nonsense about the Beckham revolution for example, the MLS is still quite a terrible league which is just a retirement home for older players looking for an easy lifestyle and a lot of money.

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