Is this World Cup one of the greatest ever?

Question

To me, Germany 2006 has had it all - Great victories for virtually unkown teams, powerful teams which have been defeated in incredible upsets, old players past their prime shining brightly, superbly exciting games, and, most importantly, it has created an atmosphere which has brought tremendous joy to the troubled world in which we live in. It has been the Beautiful Game at its best. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

I agree, I am sad it is alreay over, this last month has been really exciting, especially since Italy is in hte final match.

Answer 2

Either you are a naive new-comer to soccer, or else your
comments are motivated by non-soccer related considerations.
(I know my comments won't win the best answer prize from
you, but nevertheless they are the sad truth which somebody
must must speak about.)

This has been a miserable World Cup: second lowest number
of goals scored, the highest number of 0-0 ties, the highest
number of red cards, the highest number of yellow cards,
no cindereally team (anyone not ranked in the top 10) reaching
the final 4, worst and the highest number of mistakes by refs
documented on TV, and so on...

Despite these technical deficinecies, the game is still beautiful,
and the comradery and friendship atmosphere is great. But
let's make one thing clear: when there is very little great
soccer at the technical level, all other stuff has a hard time
making up for that deficiency.

Despite my somewhat gloomy outlook, I was encouraged
by the spirited plays from teams like Australia, Ghana, and
Croatia. Even the heavy-weights like Germany, Portugal,
Argentina, Mexico and Netherlands were fun to watch on
and off. Italy stood out for being flawless (playing near
error free football) , but completely unimaginative and
boring. The rest of the teams might as well forget this
World cup. Let's hope 2010 is a better one than 2006.
2002 sure was much better!

Answer 3

YYYYYEEEEEESSSSS

I say this not only because Italy rightfully won because they had the best team man per man as decided by the FIFA world cup dream team as 7 itlaians were on the team as compared to the next highest country having 4 players on the dream team.

But besides that this world cup may not have had the most goals due to all the traditionally lower skilled teams improving at an unprecidented rate and improving their defence thus eliminating the run away scores of 5 to 0 and so forth. So there's a higher quality of soccer now a days from all countries.

Secondly from an entertainment standpoint no other world cup has been watched as much as this one (i hear numbers like 30 billion person watched games). The reason is because this world cup had the most drama. The biggest reason is close games... but also the Suprises, the knowing that there wern't any guaraties on who would win, many of the favorite teams doing what they should, star players reaching thier potentials,. new up and coming stars showing what's ahead for years to come, Good refing (the red cards and fouls were deserved and not tolerating the diving and over acting) , exciting penalty shots, spectacular goals, intense play,

Answer 4

This definitely has the capability to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest ever. Every element that you could think of is there as you have mentioned it. The only missing element now, is the final game between France and Italy (note: an all blue finals hehehe, Azurri vs. Les Bleus). If it produces an epic battle then definitely it will become one of the greatest. The line-up of players is already a potential blockbuster: Toni, Del Piero, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Vieira, Makelele, Thuram, Gattuso, Pirlo, Barthez, Buffon, Henry, Ribery, and most especially, Zinedine "Zizou" Zidane. If Italy wins, Brazil's leading status with "five-stars" will be reduced to one. But if France wins the Gold trophy, the football world will consider another "legend" worthy of rivalling Pele and Maradona's achevements and exploits in the glorious form of Zizou.

I already asked this particular question regarding this matter way before the start of the tournament, however, I didn't think that the question got enough exposure. Yet, all I can say is that from the time I posted that question up until now, I'm very satisifed with what I have witnessed.

Enjoy the Fifa World Cup Final Game!!!

Answer 5

I'm sorry to say I do not agree with you wholeheartedly.
There was very little skillful play on display : and when such an instance was shown , that occasion was then obviously overblown as something of greatness and a standout. In reality we have had a drought of great inspirational play.
The teams and the individual players showed little imagination , less skill, mediocre tactics and strategy and an overflow of diving and acting - which is nothing but a detriment to the Beautiful game.
I realise that skill , great play and strategy itself must take a back seat to " playing to survive" at the most important tournament of all.
Yet , on the other hand ,that is exactly the time and scenario when the BEST should be inspired to come forward from the player and the team.
Did we really see one ( or more ) individual show fantastic skills , plays, intuition and knowledge of the game : such that will leave an impression on our memories for ever ?
Did one ( or more team ) dominate or display an incredible approach to these World Cup games ? One that would leave us not only talking of their feats but looking forward with anticipation to the forthcoming matches ?
Did any team(s) surprise us with their imagination and attempts .. did they bring anything new and glorious to the stage ?
And what of the so called " STAR" PLAYERS" ... did they live up to their vibes or were they total dissappointments ?
I'm sorry ... but this Cup was not one of the best for the Sport.
At this , the Top Level of the Game , we need to see the absolute best the Sport has to offer .. players with magic in their feet , and intuition and attempts at plays that reek of the " wow " factor and show honor , courage , bravery and the Glory of the Sport. Strategy and tactics that induce and are conducive to bringing out the best that football has to offer.
Yes , though , with the stress of the situation I realise that coaches and teams have to play a game that optimises their success at continuation : but even so , this can be accomplished without stifling all the Beauty that can be in the Beautiful game.
Cut out the diving and the acting , penalise the hooligan for the vicious foul - these should have no part in the Game - it brings ridicule to the sport and diminishes it.
I saw Captains ( no less !!) of teams diving and acting to try to draw whistles - and so too for so called star players from many teams - how sad for the Beautiful game that it has been drawn down to these ignoble theatrics and cheating.
However , to finish on a positive note .. we did see the play of teams improve , especially in the semi- finals .
Thank goodness we also saw an attacking brand of football from the likes of Italy and Portugal and France... rather than the defensive ( twelve men in the goal box ) brand we have been accustomed to over the years .
And a recognising nod to the Ghana's and Trinidad and Tobagos for their accomplishments.

Answer 6

Germany 2006 marked the beginning of an end to the "Beautiful Game" - countries' manger-coaches have made "winning at all cost" Priority No.1. This is evident in the approaches to the games by the greatest soccer nations like Brazil, England, France, Italy, Portugal.

Portugal coach Scolari from Brazil: "All the teams which played beautiful football are at home now".

Head Coaches now are vastly different from the past where each country's team has its own home grown national to manage the team. Today's million-dollar football managers are a global product where reputation, proven track record and international experience are key to landing a lucrative appointment as a country's head coach. Invariably the demands and expectation are often skyhigh. Few coaches now would ever think of playing football to entertain when their necks are on the line.

Germany 2006 also witnessed more yellow and red cards in the history of the FIFA World Cup - players now resort to a host of underhanded tactics to try to curry favorable decisions from refs. This will be the norm henceforth - another nail in the coffin of the beautiful game.

Germany World Cup 2006 is not the greatest ever because it has created more questions than answers - if FIFA fails to find answers the hot weather will not be the only problem in South Africa 2010.

Answer 7

This was probably the worst world cup of all time!!! The football was just too defensive. Too few goals were scored particularly in the second round. No classic or dramatic matches. Brazil had a terrible uninspired team and no team really stood out. For the most part, teams were content with sitting back and taking the game to penalties. The only teams that played some adventurous football were Ivory Coast, Germany and Argentina (except in the second round). To me the greatest world cup of the modern era continues to be Spain 1982 - great matches and a super exciting team from Brazil.

Answer 8

Well, I feel that this World Cup has been one of the better ones in recent memory, I mean, where else can you see Brazil beaten and still want to watch the final? Maybe it has a lot to do with the fact that Germany has seemed so inviting to everyone who has gone to watch the games or maybe it could be the fact that all the teams have been so evenly matched. Having Ukraine lose the first game 4-0 and still make it to the top 8 can tell you that! Futbol is making a mark in America, so let's enjoy it while we can. After this match, we have 4 more years to wait, and a planned trip to South Africa might be in order. The 2006 Fifa World Cup, 'A time to make friends'

Answer 9

On the field of play this was certainly not the best World Cup ever. There were no really great games and no really great players. Compared to say the 1970, 1978 and maybe the 1998 competitions this was lack lustre. The degree of unnecessary diving and cheating by talented footballers is so sickening and destroys the game. One good thing was that referees did try to stamp out shirt pulling. I am sick of hearing that diving and shirt pulling are 'all part of the modern game'. They are not ....it is foul play and should be recognised as such. And can there be anything more despicable than fellow professionals baying to the refereee to get a player sent off.

The overall atmosphere of the competition was good. It was a fine example of nations concentrating on sporting patriotism rather than political or religious dogma. This is what football should be; a beautiful game to be shared and enjoyed by all.

Answer 10

It began interestingly enough... Costa Rica scoring 2 goals against Germany, Ecuador beating Poland 2-0, England under- acheiving after that 5-0 friendly with Jamaica, Serbia Montenegro being blanked by Argentina 6-0, Angola vs. Mexico 0-0, Spain beating Ukraine 4-0, etc., then becoming anti-clamactic with France and Italy ending up in the final.... the cup coming back to Europe after an 8 year hiatus.
The only plus being that this world cup has opened much more communication between people via the internet.

Answer 11

I definitely do believe this was one of the best world cups ever. Especially because of the new teams. I think that the mix was too predictable, and we needed some new teams to liven things up a bit. Also was surprised to see how talented some of them were, like Australia. Also my country of Trinidad and Tobago qualified for the first time ever, so we of course had a ball playing against the likes of England and Sweden, and actually not losing by ten - nil or something!!! It was great seeing our boys on TV. We definitely had a great time with this world cup, and the upsets with Germany and Brazil being out added to the flavour. The Rooney hype was terrific, whether he was playing or not. The booing of CRonaldo (though I think he's gorgeous). The Mexico/Iran game was terrific. Ecuador played really well also. Seeing 'mature' players play was also great, like Zidane, Figo and our own Latapy and Yorke. It's not all about speed and youth, talent and skill also is welcomed. The banner against racism. I also think that even though some of the games have been extremely physical, like the Portugal/Holland match, most of them have been quite cordial before and after the game and I appreciated that players could act maturely whether they are winning or losing.