World Cup 2010

By: Neil Cunningham
Head Women’s Soccer Coach

I am counting down the days (29) until World Cup 2010 in South Africa begins. The World Cup, which is soccer, for you dummies out there, is the finest sporting event in the world. It is only contested every 4 years so, when the time comes around, you have 32 countries trying to call themselves World Champions.

I wanted to take a moment to offer a quiz. Send in your answers to cunninghamn@wlu.edu. Winners will receive 2 tickets to the 2024 World Cup.

1. Where was the first World Cup held in 1930? Who won?

2. Who won the last World Cup in 2006?

3. How many people tuned in to view the World Cup in 2006?

4. Which country holds the record for attendance at World Cup games?

5. Name the 7 countries that have won the World Cup.

Coach Cunningham’s Top Picks for the World Cup

1. England: I know what you are thinking. This sounds like a patriotic pick. I never pick England for the World Cup but this time I feel they have a great team and the coaching to back it up.

2. Germany: Nothing much to add here. They are efficient and hard to beat. Methodical, talented and fiercely competitive.

3. Argentina: Even bad coaching from Maradona will not hold these talented players back from victory. They arguably have the most talented player in the world (Lionel Messi) and will probably kick opponents to death at the back. The perfect combination.

4. Spain: European champions and a very talented group of players. Previously been guilty of  not winning when it matters but I think this could be their time. Great balance in the team.

My Outsiders/teams to watch

The World cup always produces the classic Cinderella team and my two picks to cause a few surprises are the Ivory Coast and Serbia. (This is two different countries by the way for the geographically challenged)

Coach Rolf Piranian’s Picks ( Men’s Soccer coach)

1. Spain

2 Outsiders/surprise package: Denmark