1 - France - I am sure I will draw criticism for this but they look the in form team to beat. They won the RSA Men's tournament over a strong Winnipeg side and have also added Benno to their team. They will be tough to beat.
2 - Laos - Laos are the same old Laos, always a contender and probably bound to finish 1st or 2nd. Play together really well as a team and use their quickness to exploit match ups.
3 - Canada - Finished 3rd last year so of course that is where I have them ranked. Last year I didn't really think they were a serious contender to win the whole thing but I think that changes this year. Look for them to upset someone big.
4 - Sudan - Sudan revolutionized the tournament with their "ping it long strategy" and I imagine they will continue to use it. However I just think a lot of stars aligned in order for them to win. A few breaks here and there as well as some spectacular goal keeping. I am not sure they can keep that up.
5 - ROI - Suffered some significant hits this year but are always among the best at recruiting. Expect them to field one very strong lineup with some fill ins to give them breathers. Would be much stronger if they found a keeper or Alfie pulled the trigger and cut his son.
6 - Poland - I would have Poland higher if I was certain Jay would be fully recovered and if they could figure out how to use him. Also waiting to find out if Brett Levis makes the smart decision and skips these games before skipping town.
7 - Nigeria - Played Nigeria recently and must say I was fairly surprised. They are still a very fast team but they look to have added some skill. If they can put it all together consistently look for them to make a run.
8 - El Salvador - Yes I have heard of the big 3 of Rolfe, Jerson and Cesar but I think of them more as the little 3. Let's face it this tournament is not built for the smaller guys. It's ugly. It's about pushing and heading and taking your chances. I can't see them getting out of their group.
9 - Germany - Germany are always better than people anticipate. They may not have the star power that some other teams but they are at least solid everywhere. there is a good chance they make it out of their group.
10 - Colombia - As I have said before Colombia are my sleeper team. They seem to just be able to keep hanging around and hanging around and when a bounce goes their way they are able to capitalize. Not sure how they do it.
11 - Afghanistan - Afghanistan were already a really decent team this year and now they have done some recruiting to try and take their team to another level. Not sure they will make it out of their group but I can guarantee Soheil coaches the hell out of them.
12 - Jamaica - Yes Jamaica has made additions but I am not sure it will be enough. There is not much depth and there is little to know defending as a unit or at all for that matter. Will need to score a lot in order to get out of their group.
13 - Hungary - Played against Hungary and was not overly impressed but I have heard they are bringing in a few university players. I trust that rumor and this ranking reflects that.
14 - Norway - Norway continues to be the same team they have been since 2007. Though I can appreciate that sort of ability it might be time for an update. They still have some soccer players though and could cause some upsets.
15 - Italy - Surprised a few last year with some strong results but they always seem to get into a tough group. Don't expect them to make it out this year.
16 - Greece - Greece have some real quality players but they are another teamwho's failures can be attributed to their loyalty for heritage oplayers. Some of them just don't make the grade. I do absolutely love watching Greece games though so I am hoping they do better than this.
17 - Serbia - Until Serbia finds away to bring in their Winnipeg players this is where they will sit. They have some great players (ie. Darko) and that will allow them to score some goals but I am very worried about their goalkeeping situation. Not sure they have one as of now so that could mean trouble.
18 - Northern Ireland - I think I somehow managed to watch 10 minutes of one of their games in the RSA tournament and it was not pretty. There was a lot of work put in but very little quality substance came out.
19 - Portugal - Another team I have played against and I can't help but be worried for them. If you lose 6-1 to Jamaica I think you are in for a tough go. Many of the same faces we have all seen before. They won't get out of their group.
20 - Scotland - The only people who think Scotland have a chance of doing well are the Scotland players and I have no idea why. They haven't submitted a team that has even bordered on mediocrity in years and I don't know why this year would be any different. At least they are getting younger.
21 - Somalia - It seems that some of Somalia's players have moved over to Djibouti which may be the best thing that could happen to their team. Based on previous years results I do not have a lot of faith in them.
22 - Djibouti - Here is what I know about Djibouti. 1) They are not anywhere close to a contender. 2)They tackle studs up and then they get really angry when you retaliate. 3)They are coming for me.
23 - South Korea - Last year they were bad. I mean really bad. I haven't seen them play at all this year but I am hoping for more. Step it up.
46 comments:
Look out for Hungary this yr, they have acquired the coaching services of Gordon Bank formely of D2 and Rodney Dangerfield as his assistant, look out for the chant
hungary,hungary,hungary hippo attack!
once they unleash this quote/chant they will assemble the flying V, the flying V is possible the best attack in sports, no one can stop it!
HungaryHippo
ROI played Italy last night and I was not impressed one bit. They will struggle against the likes of Colombia, Serbia and Portugal. This group will be a lot tighter than people think. Norway played at the same time and looked far more skillful, Stefan looks to be in really good shape. I think ROI are barely a top 10 team this year.
-Todd
Stefan sucks, all he does is yell and pass it back, he would be really good in a debate competition
HungaryHippo
great original post hungaryhippo, but the coach of the mighty ducks ( D2 as you called them ) was Gordon Bombay. Everyone knows that.
Did ROI beat Italy? How did their keeper look? Also keep in mind they were missing Big Nathan Reis. So take the final score and add on 7 garbage time goals to the final result.
I heard they won 9-1
no Gordon Bombay changed his hame to Gordon Bank now, sorry bro
Hungaryhippo
ROI won 9 to 1
We beat the like 9-1 get a grip.
-Lee
Collins you are such a cry baby. One friendly against Djibouti and you are making such a huge deal about it. Studs up this and that. Shut up already. It's getting old. Regardless of what people do on the field you are going to CRY AND CRY. You are by far the worst cry baby in the tournament. You complain about everything. Djibouti is the last of your concerns. Concentrate on the teams in your pool. The tournament hasn't started yet and you are crying. Dude, you are a real loser.
WAHHH!!!!
anon 15:07 - its clear that you are the fake joker ( even though you forgot to put your name at the bottom you still type all of your comments the same way so its very easy to decipher)
Isn't it hypocritical to call someone a cry baby when in fact all you are doing is crying?
You need some new material
-Your Mother
I heard ROI got lucky in that 9-1 win, Lee should of been kicked out from what I heard, tackling left and right and looking like a hippy, wait a minute he should play on Hungary
HungaryHippyHippo
One of the tools on Djibouti spit on a player on Hungary during a friendly this past weekend. I say keep up the hate on Djibouti.
Italy sucks. They have a brutal defense and an even worse goal keeper. Whoever that guy is sucks a big one. He's just straight up awful. Some division 4 keeper who sits back in his net and doesn't say a word all game. What a joke. Italy will get slaughtered come game time. Just look at there pool. They are finishing in last place with the worst goals against. Don't say I didn't call it.
-Christopher
You can't hate on an entire team. I understand if you hate some of the players, but not a whole team because of one persons actions. It's obvious Djibouti have some douche bags on the team, but some of the players are good people off the field. When you play a sport, you play to compete, not to be someone friend out there. You can be friends after the game is done. I don't condone spitting or whatever, but atleast be a good sport when the game done.
-K.B.
Sorry I accidentally deleted the last two comments posted! Buttons are close when trying to publish comments from my phone -DB
But lets ignore that I made the mistake and blame mike it's easier that way!!
Great post mike, I think you dead on but I would put Norway in the top ten because that's where we belong, and Greece will be in the top 12 I think from what I've heard.
The worst player on Italy is Nestor "I think I'm so good" Garzona. You suck man. You're defensive skills are extremely weak. Why do you think no one on ES wants you on the team?
-Paco
Ha. Anon 18:28 clearly an impersonator, albeit a damn good one!
-Nate
Ireland way too high, jamaica way too low, but mike always looks to take the pressure off of his team. Jamaica should win it all. Good team that added some guys who will add some structure. Team to beat this year. Anything less than first is a fail for them
People have no idea how excited I am for this year. I am going to make a name for myself and everyone will know who Craig Hodel is. I am a top ten player and I can't wait to prove that to everyone. Technically I am sound, but the one thing NO ONE has compared to me is my heart! I work hard and I train even harder. This year I will get the recognition that I deserve. Thanks for having my back Gord, I never knew I was so hated in Regina but to those I say STFU and sit down as your dissing the next MVP. This tournament is the real deal and I am amongst the elite to ever play here.
Nate you're a fat slob and a greasy messy. I really hope I get a chance to see you on the field so I can embarrass you and show you how undeveloped your skills are. I am the best central midfielder in the province right now and if someone thinks they can play at my level, I dare them to step up and challenge me.
Craig Hodel
No way ! Hungary should be #1! we are going to win it!
HungaryHippo
Sorry Craig, the name still doesn't ring a bell. Maybe you can introduce yourself if we play against one another. Always happy to meet a fan.
-Nate
Jhanzeb I know the joker thinks you suck, but so do I! Glad you are not playing this year. Save everyone the embarrassment of having to see you on the field.
-Flavio Bravo
Nate I'll be the guy hoisting that coveted golden boot award show you how real goals are scored. I can't believe a fat mess like you has managed to score EVER! I can only hope that ROI makes it far enough that we meet up!
Craig Hodel
Why not be more strict on your comment deletions mike.. these people making blatantly obvious anonymous derogatory posts but attaching a random name are getting old and annoying.
80% of these comments could be filtered out, and the blog would lose zero content.
Hahaha good one falvio! I dont think im good but i do kno we played on the same team and while i was playing, u were sitting on the bench or at ur home in front of a computer making logos of the that we were gona play each week. So if i succk im not sure u should even be playing this sport buddy! Sure some people hatee and some like me but i still have to meet someone who doesnt think u r an absolute waste of life!
Jhanzeb
Logos of the teams***
Ahhhhh... Gotta love people signing as my name. But oh well people can believe what they want. As for JZ, you're lucky I didn't kick your ass in the middle of the field, I don't care if you were my teammate or not. I come here to have a good laugh at people who still think I'm God Of War and people signing off with my name. Y'all can say what you want about me, because you know me but I don't know who the hell you are as you hide under anonymous or a fake name. My final post and see everyone at the tournament and good luck to everyone!
Ps. Remember to have fun! :)
Flavio C.M. Bravo-Farias
Jhanzeb looks like some just punk'd you into you showing your true colors. Classy post Flavio! Well said as unlike Jhanzeb you didn't take the first chance to verbally attack someone and go running at them full steam. Well done Jhanzeb way to show everyone just how much of a waste of life you really are.
Flavio why are you mentioning GOD OF WAR anyways? Have we talked about it this year? No. You clearly ARE GOD OF WAR. No doubting that. You keep bringing it up. Get over it. We all know the truth. Guilty people usually bring stuff up and can't let it go.
BUSTED. GOD OF WAR = FLAVIO BRAVO ... that much we all know.
Flavio Bravo = worst goalkeeper in the wcp cup/Regina.
Flavio Brother = worst player in the wcp cup/Regina.
Flavio's Dad = worst coach in Regina.
What clowns.
Can't say I disagree with the above comment about the bravo's. lots of flash in goal with no substance.
Flavio Bravo has no skill. He thinks he can make saves, but the easiest ones go in because he is trying to make the save look soooooo good. Concentrate on making the save idiot, not trying to be all fancy. You look stupid out there.
Greece will be in the playoffs. Completely different team.Same defence, different offence. Dont expect them to score too much but they will get out of their group.Goal differential might decide 1st to 4th in this group. They have a solid keeper in Jim cabylis. the younger guy, probably the most underated keeper of this tourney.
Thanks Peter
Jim Cabylis is slightly better than Flavio Bravo. Don't kid yourself Anon: 15:09. Cabylis makes div 6 keepers look good.
to clear things up, I, a player on Team Hungary saw what happened in the hungary/djibouti game. a djibouti player (whoever he was, left footed player, horrible temper) lost a clean tackle and then immediately grabbed the ball with his hands, then the ref called hand ball, obviously. I went over to grab the ball out of his hands and get the play going when he (djibouti) player two hand shoves me and tells me where to go, and how to get there etc. I laugh in his face to just get under his skin. He is later grabbed by one of his teammates to escort him off the field, when he spits towards two hungary players, the horrible ref (who djibouti hired) only gave him a yellow card...play goes on, game finishes in a 5-5 tie, with some horrible goals to add. Then djibouti coach starts lipping off at the Hungarian players, saying we have no class etc. Def a team to watch out for, towards dirty plays and players. Someone is gonna get hurt and its not gonna be good.
I don't hide behind my comments like these anonymous people above me.
Travis Jerkovits - Hungary Player
...also if that hungary hungary hippos things sticks, oh man that's awesome. haha.
I will respond to the one person who left a serious post on here. I have tried different ways of moderating the blog. I tried not moderating at all. I also tried making it mandatory to have a login. But when I did the 1st people posted brutal stuff. You wouldn't believe what I leave out on here! When I tried the mandatory logins people stopped coming. I wish there were more serious comments but unfortunately this is what the people who come one here like to read. Kinda sad at points I know. Maybe I can try and develop an area for only serious comments.. Think that would work?
I hope people aren't taking these aliases too seriously? Obviously many are made up. If you are offended by any of the comments email me at officialblogservices@hotmail.com and I will gladly take them down an not allow them to continue. Otherwise keep the ball rollin'.
I don't know why people are taking the friendly games so serious. A yellow card in a friendly games means nothing. There is no consequences in these friendly games. People need to chill out and understand it's like a practice scrimmage. Come on now. I don't know why people risk being hurt in friendlies. It's really not worth it. Also keep in mind people that friendly games mean nothing. You can't judge a team by one stupid friendly.
Jerkovits the REF made the correct call. Djibouti also did not select the REF. That was up to the RSA to provide one.
Hungary was playing a dirty, cheap game the entire friendly against Djibouti. I've never seen more "studs up" challenges in my entire life. Talk about players who have no clue what they are doing. Hungary is definately that team.
As for this SPITTING INCIDENT. I want to get this all cleared up right now ... my buddy picked up the ball and got some turf in his mouth so he tried to spit it out. He wasn't trying to spit at anyone. Please stop lying and trying to make teams/people look bad. Jerkovits you have no clue what you're talking about, and I don't appricaite your lies. It's nice that you left your name, because I'll be talking to Kevin about the lies you are leaving on the blog. People like you should be suspended for these type of actions.
BREAKING NEWS: Travis Jerkovits suspended for telling lies on the blog
Bwahahahaha I was watching the game, the player spit like 30 seconds after he got up and finished yelling at everyone.... Clearly everyone on here knows DJ BOOTIE is the cheapest team in the tourney. The only reason the ref didnt call the spitting is because he didnt see it, he had his back turned and it happened after he gave him the yellow card, so ya he definatly didnt get up and spit turf out.
Anon 12:39 , your a dirty liar, just like you are player, you fit the bill and obviously play on that poor excuse for a soccer team. #BOTSWANA?SOMALIA? DJBOUTI? Do you guys even know what you are?????? #CONFUSED
Does Jerkovits and Anon 21:39 even lift?
Anon 15.48 how do you get lucky in a 9-1 victory??
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