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[nerd_is_the_word]

Im amazed that we dont have a thread already concerning who will win the world cup this year. So ill put my head on the chopping blocks and start it off.

I reckon Australia will win the world cup (and i know i will get a lot of replies saying to look at their current form) cause they finally have wat is basically the team that won athens back together after elder being out and a couple of peopl retiring i reckon they will be underetimated and i think that could be an advantage... everyone loves and underdog.

As far as the individual awards, you cant go past teun de nooijer for player of the tournament... he is by far and away the best player in the world at the moment and hopefully his world cup form will reflect that and get me a few points for the fantasy league. Goalie of the tournament i think will either be steve mowlam or guus vogels, at the moment those two seem to be a par above the rest, but we have been surprised in this category before. Top goal scorer im thinking could actually go to troy elder this year as out of the dragflickers he seems to be the one who puts goals in the net from field play as well.

What does everyone else think?

[Twister]

I think it's too close to call between the big four!

The Dutch are on a high having picked up the Champions Trophy.  Oltmans has been there and done it.  Taekema is probably the best on-form flicker and De Nooijer is rumoured to be retiring after the tournament.

The Aussies will be hurting after losing in the semis.  They're close to full strength, but losing Wells is a blow.  Mowlem took GK of the tournament at the CT.  With Livermore through midfield and Dwyer you can't bet against them.

Germany have been quiet for a while and home advantage will be massive.  Peters bows out after the tournament and will want to leave hockey on a high.  Zeller is on fire at the moment and defence is solid.

Spain will want to recapture their form from a year ago.  In Freixa they have one of the most exciting forwards, and plenty of experience wil the likes of Pol Amat.  Maurits Hendriks is possibly the best coach looking at what he has done in the past.

For me, the Dutch will win, beating the Aussies in the final.  Germany to finish third - I just think the Dutch and Aussies have a little too mcuh firepower for them.  Spain are a little past their peak, and don't quite have the depth of the others.

But I think it will be a really close tournament - should be great.

[gk09]

For what it's worth, I have to agree with the idea of Holland winning.  It also wouldn't surpirse me if any of the big 4 teams won it, but with the support Holland are going to have there, its going to be like a home tournament for them too! (will be interesting to see the ground for the Holland vs Germany game!!) Also recent form will definately give the Dutch a boost. But I just can't wait to get over there and watch some quality hockey!

[Turtle]

I think it is definately too close to call.

I'll give it a try any how, I am with Twister, Netherlands V Australia in the Final with the Dtuch to win (unfortunately).

However, In the sport that we play it doesn't take much for an upset to occur.

I think Pakistan could be the dark horses of the comp and if they can cause an upset to either spain or Aus they are in with a really good shot.

[zippytime]

I hope that spain get into the final against the dutch as I think that will provide the most entertaining game of the tournament

[musab]

Austraalia,Netherland,Germany and Spain or Pakistan in semis

[Wassie]

I agree with most that the top four plus Pakistan as a dark horse. I think the best final would be Aus v Spain as both side have more electrifying attack than Ned or Germ. Am hoping for an Australian win!

[nerd_is_the_word]

On the topic of indvidual awards taekema's chances of top goalscorer got a boost against India with a massive 5 goal haul. I reckon he will be hard to beat now that he has a 3 goal lead on Zellar, and i can see him scoring a  few in the semi's/final