In 2002, Italy and Spain were tragically eliminated from the World Cup in subsequent knock-out rounds by one of the hosts, the *very* unlikely semi-finalist, South Korea. I wouldn't have bet a PENNY on this happening.
After that tragedy, I've teamed up with a certain Anthony Prochilo and come through on a number of predictions, quite consistently, every two years. We started humbly -- with a warning of a Greek tragedy. All we said in 2004 for the Euros was "Watch out for the Greeks," but hell, they shocked even us when they won the whole damn tournament. Well done.
In 2006, I was convinced. So was Anthony. Italy was going to win the World Cup and not even a German SS firing squad could stop them. Germany's soccer team couldn't either. Italy won the tournament and we went ballistic. Not only were we right, but our team won. I will never be able to describe the joy we felt at that moment.
Still 2006, but when the partying stopped, Anthony and I sat in reflection. I claimed that Germany would win the 2008 European Championships. Anthony placed all his eggs in the Spanish basket. Our consensus was that the final would be Spain-Germany.
When 2008 finally came, Anthony and I went to Austria & Switzerland to watch the Euros for ourselves... perhaps not believing that the TV would tell us the truth when we witnessed yet another prediction pan out our way. Sure enough, the final was Spain-Germany. Spain won it... 1-0.... close enough for us to both be satisfied with our 2-year old guesses.
On the plane ride back, Anthony and I drew up another consensus.
The winner of the 2010 World Cup will be:
England.
After that tragedy, I've teamed up with a certain Anthony Prochilo and come through on a number of predictions, quite consistently, every two years. We started humbly -- with a warning of a Greek tragedy. All we said in 2004 for the Euros was "Watch out for the Greeks," but hell, they shocked even us when they won the whole damn tournament. Well done.
In 2006, I was convinced. So was Anthony. Italy was going to win the World Cup and not even a German SS firing squad could stop them. Germany's soccer team couldn't either. Italy won the tournament and we went ballistic. Not only were we right, but our team won. I will never be able to describe the joy we felt at that moment.
Still 2006, but when the partying stopped, Anthony and I sat in reflection. I claimed that Germany would win the 2008 European Championships. Anthony placed all his eggs in the Spanish basket. Our consensus was that the final would be Spain-Germany.
When 2008 finally came, Anthony and I went to Austria & Switzerland to watch the Euros for ourselves... perhaps not believing that the TV would tell us the truth when we witnessed yet another prediction pan out our way. Sure enough, the final was Spain-Germany. Spain won it... 1-0.... close enough for us to both be satisfied with our 2-year old guesses.
On the plane ride back, Anthony and I drew up another consensus.
The winner of the 2010 World Cup will be:
England.
Now I could sit here and explain the reasoning, but really what's the use. Nothing can ever justify why things happen in soccer - they just do.
We also concluded that Argentina would be finalists, and the final itself would be one of the most epic battles of all time... but that Lionel Messi would NOT be walking away with the cup this time - sorry to break it to you Diego.
England will beat Ivory Coast in their semi final and Argentina will beat Spain.
Hey, it might not play out exactly like this but if it does, just remember who told you so ;)
