So where did this year's World Cup gathering in Germany leave the once-capable soccer capital of Brazil in the overall 2006 team standings? Well, as the old Beatles song so fondly recalled for us, "Nowhere Man," down and out in Frankfurt, and not even qualified for the semifinal round in Munich's Olympiastadion.
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The Selection of the Shields written by anthony watson,
July 30, 2006
Glad to read someone writing about the valiant performance of portugal in the World Cup. I really thought they were going to make it to the mountaintop. Some of their players are older though so I am worried about their ability to make a run in 2010. Who will replace Figo, for example.
~aw
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In 2010... written by Crystal ball operator,
July 30, 2006
... Gornaldo will be in great shape, and Felipão will lead Portugal to the final, where it will be beaten by Brazil in a penalty shoot out after a 4-4 draw.
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Excellent! written by Chelsea,
July 30, 2006
Beautifully written article, much thanks for finally pointing out what a wonderful job Portugal has come from and how far they actually got! I love how you identified each and every team.Everything you mentioned were the thoughts in my mind. -Cristiano Ronaldo is the best!
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Time was written by DAIU,
July 30, 2006
A few years ago, Beckenbauer predicted that with the power of the club sides, the world cup would be centered on the international club format. It might not suit South Africa but the recent Brazilian experience in Germany shows clearly that national pride and motivation has been substituted by individual talent sponsored by top sports equipment brands.Just as no national side is capable of winning against European top clubs so no coach is able to weld a national team with more than four `star´ strikers like Brazil or one with obvious goal scoring deficiences. The result was a world cup with poor football in terms of expectations, given the huge opportunity for so many gifted club players from all over the world. The reality is that at club level footballers play to show and sell their skills, like it or not. Winning takes on a different meaning, far removed from the old national bloodties.World Cup football could learn from the success of the Champions League and respond to the obvious: world class soccer is now focused on the ability of clubs to exploit athletes, irrespective of national origin and produce entertaining football with results.
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ali \'s call at 00919829298623 written by Manjoor ali,
August 16, 2006
Beautifully written article, much thanks for finally pointing out what a wonderful job Portugal has come from and how far they actually got! I love how you identified each and every team.Everything you mentioned were the thoughts in my mind. -Cristiano Ronaldo is the best!
So where did this year's World Cup gathering in Germany leave the once-capable soccer capital of Brazil in the overall 2006 team standings? Well, as the old Beatles song so fondly recalled for us, "Nowhere Man," down and out in Frankfurt, and not even qualified for the semifinal round in Munich's Olympiastadion.
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~aw