I love watching the World Cup, but I have to admit, I know very little about International Soccer (even though my second cousin played for the Italian National team and Juventus in the 90s).

I know there are a lot of knowledgable fans on here, so help me out: what are some of the big stories to follow? Favorites to win? Underdogs to watch? The chances of U.S. victory? Any backstories, i.e. key player rivalries, injuries, etc? Thanks!

Here's a neat little ESPN.com article to get you started on some things to watch:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/page/worldcup101-05262010/ce/us/key-talking-points-make-sound-smarter?cc=5901&ver=us

BigAppleBuckeye;375505 wrote:I love watching the World Cup, but I have to admit, I know very little about International Soccer (even though my second cousin played for the Italian National team and Juventus in the 90s).

I know there are a lot of knowledgable fans on here, so help me out: what are some of the big stories to follow? Favorites to win? Underdogs to watch? The chances of U.S. victory? Any backstories, i.e. key player rivalries, injuries, etc? Thanks!

ESPN's Soccernet website is pretty helpfull. IMO, they do a good job with everything from news, players, stats, history and story lines:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/?cc=5901&ver=us

BTW, which player is your cousin that played for Juve and the Italian National team?

Thanks, good stuff! PS, my 2nd cousin is Giuseppe Signori (I have actually never met him, but my mom has)

BigAppleBuckeye;375518 wrote:Thanks, good stuff! PS, my 2nd cousin is Giuseppe Signori (I have actually never met him, but my mom has)

Hahaha......."Beppe" Signori, he led the Serie A in scoring several times. Great goal scorer although he never played for Juventus (maybe you got confused), he had his break out year with Lazio, scored over a hundred goals in five years for them, he also had a very successful stint with Bologna.

Can't wait for the Cup to start.

I'm obviously looking forward to watching the US but also really excited to watch the group G matches. Brazil, Portugal, and Ivory Coast all have a chance to make it out of that group (sorry N. Korea).

rock_knutne;375539 wrote:Hahaha......."Beppe" Signori, he led the Serie A in scoring several times. Great goal scorer although he never played for Juventus (maybe you got confused), he had his break out year with Lazio, scored over a hundred goals in five years for them, he also had a very successful stint with Bologna.

haha, you are right! My mom gave me a Juventus cap, I always assumed that was his club team (like I said, I know very little about soccer, but love watching the World Cup). My mom goes to Italy every year, but I haven't made the trip with her (although I am going for my honeymoon this year). Should have probably hung out with him while I was single and rode his fame coattails

If you want to get a general overview of the tournament you can read this. Probably the best attempt I have seen to provide reference points for the casual American fan for all 32 teams.

As far as players to watch the five(six) you should pay the most attention to are Lionel Messi Argentina, Didier Drogba Côte d'Ivoire, Wayne Rooney England, Xavi/Andres Inesta Spain and Samuel Eto'o Cameroon

The overwhelming favorites at this point are Spain. Others to watch would be the usual suspects Brasil, Argentina, Netherlands and if you read any of the English press the English funnily enough. As far as a dark horse everyone seems to be touting Côte d'Ivoire as the most likely candidate among the African sides to have a breakout and make a deep run.

Favorites: Spain

Underdogs: A lot, but some with a realistic chance to make some noise; Ivory Coast, Denmark, USA (sorry but its true), and Netherlands (to win, not just make noise, but they have never won it.)

Story Lines: Ivory Coast has the most talented African squad of all time. England has quite a few internal issues, most notable Frank Lampard having an affair with Wayne Bridges woman. Cameroon's best player, Samuel Eto'o (also one of the best forwards alive) is being a bitch and threatening to not play because of criticism...Italy has left off American born Guisseppe Rossi from their squad. South Africa is BY FAR the worst team rankings wise in the WC, but the host nation has never failed to make it out of group stage. They are paired with France, Mexico and Urugauy so that will be an interesting development.

The USA is wearing the same style jersey they wore when they had their historic defeat of England. England is in our group. That game will have the world watching because of where our country came from, the war, etc. If we win, it would be HUGE, and make worldwide headlines.

I cannot wait.