Tomorrow, in Germany, begins one of the biggest team sport event on the globe. The FIFA World Cup (Footbal/Soccer often referred to as "the beautiful game"). Held every four years, the World Cup literally brings the planet to a stop during one month of intense competition between the teams of 32 nations. Thirty seven billion people watched the 1998 tournament (1.3 billion for the final alone!)

For many of us, this is more than a game, it´s a passion.

The final match will be played in Berlin on July 9th.

So, on the eve of the tournament, who do you think will be the two finalists?

In one month we´ll see who got it right.

Let the games begin....

José.

I´ll start:

Brazil-Spain

However, tomorrow I´ll be rooting for my own team... Ecuador!

José

Viva, Italia!!!! Go, USA!!! Thank goodness the Stanley Cup Finals are over before the World Cup Finals. I'm not sure I could stand the stress of both events at the same time!

Jose,

I'm from the USA and got hooked on the World Cup back during Italian '90. I was going back to school to earn a teacher's certification, and caught many of the games here in the states during the afternoon broadcasts.

Can't wait!

I am a huge England fan - don't know why for sure, guess it is like a lot of people around the world are Dallas Cowboy fans. I just like them.

Unfortunately, I do not think they will make it to the finals, particularly with Wayne Rooney not being in good football condition throughout group play and perhaps beyond because of the fractured foot that has kept him sidelined.

My "prediction" (read "wild guess") will be Brazil vs. Germany in the final.

Mark

Ok final Brazil vs Argentina

England going out in the Semis as STANDARD!!!

Oh the hurt being an england fan!!

Oh and the best magic trick ever will be ROONEY's foot healing!!!

These are all powerful teams which I´m sure will do well. Let´s see.

José.

Brazil vs. Germany. Brazil to win.

Big fan of football here.

Well the first game is over Germany 4 Costa Rica 2.

Howard

England to win world cup final. Any opposition. Score: 5-1. Rooney hat-trick.

Second game over. Ecuador 2 Poland 0

I hate to gloat but...

:yippee:

José

England 1 - Paraguay 0 ... not the best performance from England, but a win is a win!

BRAZIL! that`s real magic!
kiki

Brazil has had one of the best football teams in the world for many years. Pele, who was one of the best players who ever kicked a ball, was nationalized by Brazil during the 1960's. Don't be surprised if they win.

OTOH, I was in Germany last week. I left as the Craziness was just starting. The Germans just might pull this one off.

To all my German friends -- I am pressing my thumbs.

Well, they are the defending champions, having won the last World Cup (in fact, they've won it more times than any other country). So, yes, it won't be too big a surprise!

Come on England!!

I'm with the Germans on this one:
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/sports/14776941.htm

Best line,"It's Spuelwasser!". True, oh so true.

Hello, Bill. Just curious, but what do you mean by Pele being nationalized by Brazil? Something along the lines of 'raised to iconic status', or similar?

South Korea's gonna win.

I don'tknow if will win the cup, but they are a strong team.

Well, Celebrate the Day! oay, oay ay ay ay ay,

celbrate the day, o~ay, O a~a~a~a~ay, celebrate the day.!!

I bet you can understand this rythem.

jerrine!you have to say "Bavarians" not germans! the bavarians are different from the
rest of germany. we usually don`t like it to be compared with the bavarians. leathertrousers, weisswurst, sauerkraut, and weird music is an old tradition of the `bavarians. but it`s just there! it`s the same, if we say: americans? oh, you mean cowboys and indians? jerrine, don`t missunderstand me!! I don`t wanna attack you!!:)
and to the bavarian members here...ehm..sorry!
kiki

but with the beer, that`s right!!!;)

Hey KiKi, thanks for the "man on the street" tutorial. I would probably hang out with the Baverians as I like the weird music, krout & wurst, and all the trimmings. Good luck to your men in the game!