World Cup

Germany 2006

Washington Post staff writer Jason La Canfora was online -- live from Germany -- Friday, June 9, at 10 a.m. ET to examine this year's World Cup the day it begins.

What are the teams to beat? Who are the players to watch?

La Canfora also shared his general folly as he tries to navigate to every corner of Germany to cover these games.

Post Coverage: World Cup 2006

Blog: World Cup Journal

The transcript follows.

____________________

Jason La Canfora: Hello everyone. Hope you've called in sick, with a brat in one hand and a beer in the other. I;m keeping my fingers crossed that you will have a broadcast team with some insight and tact on ESPN over there, but I fear that's too much to ask.

Anyway, I've been at Allainz Arena in Munich for most of the day and, now, two hours before kick off it's pretty packed inside already, particularly the Costa Rica section, where chants began about 3 hours before the game.

There is a lot of speculation about the status of German starman Michael Ballack. He was ruled out of this match by his coach yesterday, but now German paper Bild is reporting he had a great night of therapy and could dress.

Guess we'll find out soon enough.

Okay, enough of my blabbering. Let's do this.

_______________________

Brucesliga: Am I wrong to be so bullish on the US chances? I really think we have a very good shot a winning the group outright. I think the group is fairly even, but our fitness and speed will do well against the slower Checks, Italy is overrated, and by the time we play Ghana, they will have self distructed and be sitting 2 of their best players due to cards. I see 2 wins and a tie for the USA.

Jason La Canfora: I have to say I have felt good all along about the US getting through the group, even when Italy and Czech appeared to be nearing full fitness. Not sure what to make of some of this injury stuff, and, as the Ballack situation points to, you never know for sure until kick-off.

But I have thought all along the Czechs are highly overrated. That Ghana Ital game is really interesting now. If Italy has no Zambrotta, Nesta and Gattuso, that takes a ton of bite off that team and weakens the defense big time. Not that others can't step up, but I think they could be vulnerable, and they have been slow starters in some tournaments in the past (of course they rallied to win it in '82, so who knows).

_______________________

McLean, Va.: Pilsner or hefeweizen?

Jason La Canfora: All of the above.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Call me crazy, but I have the US winning the group and beating Austraila and France on their way to a semifinals match-up w/ England.

Jason La Canfora: Sign me up for some of that. Wouldn't that be awesome?

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Can you remember a World Cup when so many top players were injured or questionable going in? Does this say more about the intensity of league play or the conditioning regiments of the players?

Jason La Canfora: It's funny, because they made sure to stop all club schedules sooner than before, and this Cup is starting much latee than it did in 2002, when I felt like the overall plauy suffered maybe not so much from direct injuries, but the overall fatiugue of the players (see: France).

Anyway, for whatever reason the pre-Cup friendlies really took a toll, and some were outright ugly, like that Holland-Australia game. Italy-Swiss had some bite to it as well.

Just goes to show everyone in this country who tries to act like soccer is a sissy sport how demanding and punishing this game is, particularly at this level.

_______________________

Towson, Md.: Hi, Jason. Cousin "Mick the Stick" here. Bruce says he doesn't know his starting 11 vs CZE. Bruce's typical games, or do you think he is honestly waiting to determine his lineup?

Jason La Canfora: Stick, my man. How the hell are you? I need your regular email so I can get you my phone number over here. Shoot me it at lacanforaj@washpost.com.

As for Da Bruce, I think he had his starting XI set some time ago, and with everyone looking healthy (fingers crossed) I bet recently developments have not changed that much.

I think Keller, Onyewu, Stevie C, Lewis, Reyna, Landon, O'Brien, McBride, Mastro, Beas and Pope will be the guys.

_______________________

Richmond, Va.: Jason,

Thanks for your blogs/journals and for being there today. I hope you will give more insight into that new stadium over the next month. I have entered a team in the fantasy league. I took the French defense and left off Ruud and Shev...am I destined to "crash out"?

Ian

washingtonpost.com: Blog: World Cup Journal

washingtonpost.com: World Cup 2006 Coverage

Jason La Canfora: Meant to blog about that game. Pretty cool, but, at the risks of tweaking the powers that be at the Post, I thought it was too easy to stock up on one team. I really debated going with 5 Brazilians up front, and maybe even their defense, too. Should be a limit of 2 players per country, don't you think.

Anyway, I defy anyone to outscore F.C. Chloe. Naw, just kidding, I'll probably be relegation fodder by next weekend and end up bottom of the table.

Off the top of my head I think I went with : Henry, Ruud, Adriano, Ronaldo, Ronaldino, Pauleta and the Portugal defense. I think Portugal will have its way with that group, and figure I can change the defense in the next round.

_______________________

Baltimore, Md.: How are the hard boiled eggs

Jason La Canfora: They're nice and crabby, just like I like them.

_______________________

Chris, Washington, D.C.: I was just reading the Guardian Web site and their pundit says the US group isn't tough at all: the Czech team is old and the Ghana defense is "ropey" (whatever the heck that means). Curiously he has Italy as one of the favorites to win it if Brazil doesn't. What's your view on the US group?

Jason La Canfora: I think it is a very tough group. I agree about the Czech, but to write off Ghana is silly. They have been a power on thier continent for a long time, and have had some bad luck in qualifying. I think they will be very tough. And Italy is Italy. Tough group.

_______________________

Paris, France: What is wrong with Raymond Domenech!?!? He has the perfect chance to make up for a stupid mistake when Cisse gets injured. He can finally give Ludovic Giuly his due, admit he was wrong for not selecting him to begin with, and put the best team France can offer forward. Instead he bring in Sidney Govou, a player with no significant pedigree on the international stage, and who is, if anything, a poor man's giuly. Why can't we ever get sensible leaders in france?!

Jason La Canfora: Maybe it's because I have become a real fan of the way that Lyon team plays over the last few years, but I really like Sidney. Not that Guilly does not deserve a spot, but I like Govou a lot.

_______________________

Alexandia, Va.: As a soccer novice who is the key player on the U.S. to watch offensively?

Jason La Canfora: If you're looking for the person most likely to score the goals, I would say Brian McBride. Particularly on a free kick or corner kick, he is great in the air and plays with a fearless style.

If you want to find more nuanced play, watch the way John O'Brien passes and plays the ball into space. He is the USA's most creative player.

_______________________

China Zhumadian: I am a chinese sunior student. Now our exam is just over, so I have time to watch the WORLD CUP. But I do not know the start time of each game. CAN you tell me? Thank you!

Jason La Canfora: The first game begins in about 2 hours. Check out washingtonpost.com or FIFA.com to see the entire schedule.

Enjoy the games and thanks for stopping in from so far away.

Much appreciated.

_______________________

Liverpool, UK: Jason,

Great article on Rooney the other day. If you find some way to get LaVar Arrington and Wayne Rooney in the same room, you deserve a pulitzer.

On a more serious note, any info on Gerrard's back?

washingtonpost.com: Rooney's Injured Foot Pains All of England (Post, June 7)

Jason La Canfora: Thanks so much. Not sure covering Rooney would be fun. The tabloids have already ruined him, and I don't really blame Wayne for laying low.

As for Gerrard, the latest I heard today does not look good.

I'm at England-Paraguay tomorrow, so I'll keep you posted pre-game.

_______________________

Laurel, Md.: Are any players from the 1998 or 1994 US teams on the 2006 team?

Jason La Canfora: Yes, many. off the top of my head, Claudio Reyna, Keller, Eddie Pope, and McBride are the longest-tenured veterans. Reyna made the 94 team as a youngster but missed the Cup with injuries. McBride scored the U.S.'s only goal in 98, in a loss to Iran, and found the net in 2002 as well. He's the only American to score in more than one Cup.

_______________________

Jacksonville, Fla.: What's the latest on Milan Baros? Has he been declared fit?

How do you think we'll match up against Koller and his height? He had some strong results from recent 'frendlies', if I remember correctly.

Enjoy the Cup!

Jason La Canfora: Baros appears to be out.

I think Onyewu vs. Koller would be a great match-up, I think Gooch's young legs and superior health bodes well. Koller as a long striker - if that's how the go sans Baros - would play into the U.S.'s hands, I believe.

_______________________

Vienna, Va.: I think the Dutch have cool orange uniforms. Does that count for anything?

Jason La Canfora: The Clockwork Oranje. Absolutely. They play some beautiful football as well. As they're icon, Cruyff, says, he would rather lose playing beautiful football than win playing ugly football.

_______________________

Weather Report: Has it started to warm up over there yet? What is the forecast for the weekend?

Jason La Canfora: Not sure about the weekend, and clouds just formed above us, but it has been glorious today, about 68 degrees with a nice breeze. Hope is holds up.

_______________________

New York, N.Y.: What is a nice way to watch the games on my pc at work without alerting my boss?

Jason La Canfora: Not sure that's possible, although FIFA is putting extensive highlights on their site post-game, I beleieve. They also have some sort of match tracker on their site with instant updates.

Good luck.

_______________________

Boston, Mass.: Hi Jason,

Perhaps this is more of an international relations/political question, but why does the U.K. not enter a U.K. team in the World Cup? Instead, we have teams from England, Scotland and Wales. I would think a U.K. team would be quite formidable.

Jason La Canfora: If you can find a group of top Irish, English, Welsh and Scott footballer who would all agree to that, you would be worthy of the Nobel Prize. They're pretty serious rivals. Would be quite a side, though, and poor Ryan Giggs would finally get to play in a World Cup.

_______________________

Charlottesville, Va.: Thanks for the great blog. Who do you think will be the biggest impact player on the US team this year? Ever since the retirement of Jeff Agoos, we have been dying for someone to step up and make an impact.

washingtonpost.com: World Cup Journal

Jason La Canfora: I think that's a sarcastic post, right?

Jeff did not exactly have a sterling 2002, and I think had Bruce put himn down sooner US results may have been even better. But he's known to be a good guy, and man, that dude had some hair in his prime.

_______________________

Bailey's Crossroads, Va.: Who do see as a darkhorse breakout player of the cup?

Jason La Canfora: I think Ronaldo from Portugal, and, if he's fit, Messi of Argentina are going to be two young players to really shine. I also have a good feeling about Spain, and one of their young midfieldewrs - Iniesta, perhaps, or the Atletico Madrid striker, Torres, could do some big things.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Mr. La Canfora,

Servus! as they say in Bavaria. All of my German friends (I lived near munich for six years) are very pessimistic about their hopes this go around. From Ballack's injury to Kahn's loss of prominence, things aren't looking good.

I have two questions about this: are their fears well founded or is it natural German aversion to nationalism? I'm assuming the former.

Conversely, because the United States clearly outplayed a better German team in Japan/Korea, should I get my hopes up that this year the USA will at least make t to the quarters?

Jason La Canfora: Hello, great to hear from you. Bavaria rocks. Having a blast here.

I think the German fears are founded. Not to say this team can not surprise, and history proves the Germans know how to get results even if they are not the best team on that given day. I think the decision to go with Jans over Khanenstein could doome Klinsi.

If they US wins the group, I think they could reach the round of 8, but finishing second and facing Brazil would likely end theyr tournament, I suspect.

_______________________

Highlandtown, Md.: Ballack to the Blues. How many midfielders do they need?

Jason La Canfora: At least 5 more. Lampard, Essien, Cole, Wright-Phillips, Makalele, Geremi, Ballack. Am I missing anyone? At least they finally let poor Smertin go. Like he had a chance of seeing the pitch.

_______________________

Burke, Va.: Hey Jason,

How are the $260 rooms in the Pascha - nice?

Referee question. What did FIFA tell the Refs to focus on/crack down on this WC?

Jason La Canfora: That's the second Pascha question. What is that? Is it something in Munich?

_______________________

Northwest Washington, D.C.: Jason,

I am looking forward to all these audio and video reports The Post is going to have. Who can I write to to try to convince them to make a podcast feed out of this stuff?

washingtonpost.com: World Cup 2006

Jason La Canfora: I think you know than I do. I thought I was doing a podcast after this game, whatever that is? I think I'm supposed to file something on my cellphone.

Anyone in Post land who can fill me in? Bueller .... Bueller.

_______________________

Silver Spring, Md.: Hello!

How do you think this World Cup would help the further development of the MSL and of the US National Soccer Team? And would it capture and bring the attention of the people, media and/or new investors to the game after the World Cup is over?

Thanks and Enjoy the Matches!

Frank Brachtl

Silver Spring, MD.

Jason La Canfora: I think that barring a miracle run from the US it will be another positive, influencial event to keep soccer headed in the right direction back home, but I don't see it as an event that will cause some huge increase. We are looking at a marathon I feel, and the sport is getting there, slowly but surely.

_______________________

Herndon, Va.: Assuming the German team does not advance too far, do you have an inkling of who the German fans will embrace in their absence?

Jason La Canfora: It seems like Brazil is the second favorite team of everyone not in Brazil. And with the way the play, why not? They deserve all the supporters and accolades they get.

_______________________

Boston, Mass.: I doubt this will happen, but I would love if ESPN opened the Mexico v. Portugal game with a clip from the Simpsons from a few years back when soccer came to Springfield and the tv announcer says "Today's match will decide once and for all which nation is the greatest on earth... Mexico or Portugal." And then the flags of the two nations collide and explode a la Monday Night Fottball. Classic stuff.

Jason La Canfora: That is pretty genius. Few things compare to the Simpsons in their prime. I brought along the entire Mr. Show run on DVD. That's some pretty killer stuff, too.

_______________________

Fairfax, Va.: In Goff's chat on Wednesday , he insisted that he cheers for no team. "If I did, I shouldn't be here." You seem a bit more enthusiatic about particular teams. Is Goff being a bit too uptight?

Jason La Canfora: I don't think so.

That's a good question.

Steve covers the USA Nats very regularly and there are some lines you do not cross. You can't be a fan and do this job at the same time.

I am not covering the US in this tournament, and do not cover them with any regularity. I'm not cheering for them, but I have spent most of life playing or being surrounded by soccer and would like to see the sport make it in this country. The success of the Nats goes a long way towards that. But I'm here to be impartial and objective, and that's the only way to do it. Having soem fun on a webchat is one thing, but when it comes to my job, that's something else.

Hope that makes sense, and I could probably explain it better, but I don't have much time left here.

_______________________

Trevor, Baltimore, MD.: It's finally here! (and the Baltimore Sun has a tiny capsule today on page 5 of the sports- meanwhile the Post has everything - I'm officially switching papers). Jas- do you have any insight in to the extent of the Nedved injury?

Jason La Canfora: Thanks Trev. That IPOD has changed my life. I owe you guys big time and you'll definitely be getting soem props on the blog, soon, so be on the lookout. Hope the hotels are decent when you guys get here.

As for Nedved, they're saying it's nothing serious, but if it swells, it could be a big deal.

_______________________

Centreville, Va.: Jason, I envy you and your job.

Can you put some sense into US footie fans for their over the top expectations? For example I had a daft colleague tell me that since the US is ranked No. 5 in the world, they would win or at the least reach the last 4. Fifa rankings are utter tosh as everyone who follows the beautiful game knows.

Cheers

Jason La Canfora: Those rankings are the biggest load of sausage. But you know what, they do serve a purpose because we end up talking about them, and thus the game, all the time. Another one of Blatter's diabolical plans. We are all his puppets.

_______________________

Brewers Hill, Md.: Prediction---First goal of world cup will be a shin ball.... First beer in Brewers Hill tomorrow will be cracked at 8am b4 England-Paraguay

Jason La Canfora: Ah, the shibnall. Rarely executed with perfection beyond Patterson Park.

_______________________

Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica: Hey Jason, it's 8:41am down here in Costa Rica and I'm about to head over to the bar for the game. Are you watching this opening ceremony? It makes the Superbowl halftime show look entertaining.

Jason La Canfora: Yeah, I thought this ceremony would be cooler. I am about 20 rows from the field. I will say this, unlike in the US, they are least have to good sense to protect this gorgeous pitch.

_______________________

U St. N.W., Washington, D.C.: I think Spain will benefit from having Premiership-based players. Spain were notorious for picking a Liga based squad. The experience brouhgt by Riena, Luis Garcia & Xabi Alonso at Liverpool and Reyes at Arsenal could make the difference.

Scotland, England, Wales etc. are all governed by their own Football Assn. (FA) and are recognized individually by FIFA and UEFA. (The Olympic administration recognize "Great Britain" in contrast).

Have you noticed how attrocious Trinidad & Tobago look? Half their team plays for C-list Scottish league players! Dwight Yorke has class but he's getting old and Russell Latapy is player-manager of Falkirk and smokes ten cigs a day....

Jason La Canfora: T and T are in big trouble. They showed a friendly the other night from St. Pauli, a non Bundesliga team, out of form after their season. St. Pauli was literally grabbing guys off a bench and taping numbers on their back and sending them in. And T and T was in what I believe was their final tune-up, and barely won, 2-1, and I thought the Socca Warriors first goal was offsides, anyway.

It does not look good for them.

_______________________

Montgomery Village, Md.: Any chance Balboa comes down out of the press box and leads the US to World Cup Glory??

Jason La Canfora: With a pony-tail like that, anything is possible. He may be the worst commentator ever, excluding that clown who does Yankees games, John Sterling.

_______________________

Gaithersburg, Md.: Has Crouch surprised you with his play in the recent friendlies? I think he has earned the right to start until Rooney gets back (How about that awful pk?). Mark my words..." Joe Cole will become the hero for England this World Cup"

Jason La Canfora: One of the really cool things about watching that England training session up close on Tuesday was keeping an eye on Mr. Roboto. His footwork in small space in that tight 9-on-9 game was pretty impressive. He was linking up well with Owen as well, for what it's worth.

I don't see him as a 90-minute player on that squad, but he could be very dangerous off the bench.

_______________________

DC Baby!: The Czech Republic is so overrated. One of those classic teams that go underrated for so long and then someone feels the need to turn them into a contender. I am much more worried about Ghana.

My qs: is Eddie Johnson going to start?

Jason La Canfora: Given EJ's recent form in the matches I have seen, I'd have to say no. Of course, i have no idea what's going on in their closed training sessions, so keep that in mind. Just one dudes opinion.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: "As they're icon, Cruyff, says, he would rather lose playing beautiful football than win playing ugly football."

I'm pretty young so I don't know Cruyff all that well, but I think that attitude is exactly why the Netherlands lost two World Cup Finals in a row.

Jason La Canfora: I'm with you. I'm not saying it always produces championships - altough that 88 European Cup was something to behold - but man, what skillfull, insightful players. If you enjoy football, you have to admire the way they play. If I were a Dutch supporter, I might settle for 1-0 more often, but in a time of what to me me is becoming homogenous football, it's nice to see some style.

_______________________

English Fans: I read that 40,000 English fans are expected for the match tomorrow but only 10,000 have tickets. That means 30,000 unruly English soccer fans roaming the streets; I'd stay clear of that area.

Jason La Canfora: I'll be right in the middle of it. I have an early morning train to Frankfurt, which takes like 3 hours, and I'll be arriving about 4 hours before the game. Wish me luck with my bags and laptop ... Just kidding. I think it'll be pretty cool. That's going to be some atmosphere.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Wondering what are the good spots to watch the World Cup in the DC area.

Jason La Canfora: Sommers in Ballston and Lukcy Bar downtown are good spots.

_______________________

Herndon, Va.: Do you know if I can take the next month off under the Family and Medical Leave Act? I need to care for my ailing aunt (nudge, nudge).

Jason La Canfora: I'm not a doctor but I play one on TV. If you need someone to sign you sicknote, fax it to me over here. I've got your back.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: I keep hearing problems about racism in European soccer. Do you think the US players(The black players) will experience any racism from fans of any of the teams they might face as Henri,Eto and other prominent european players have?

Jason La Canfora: I certainly hope not. With the crowds so diverse here and the stands filled with many impartial fans and corporate types, I would think that horrible stuff would be minimized. It would sickening otherwise.

_______________________

Waldorf, Md.: OK, I'm being infected with World Cup fever, but I know zip about it and neither the Post's nor FIFA's World Cup web sites have basic info (that I can find); how does a team make it to the finals, how does a player get on a team? Baaasic stuff. You want to grow your fan base, you need to explain the process. Can you duggest a source?

Jason La Canfora: Okay. I'll give a quick primer. Qualification takes about 3 years and happens all over thw world. Each region - Asia, Africa, North America/Carribean, South America, Oceania, Europe, gets a certain number of spaces based on tradition and recent performances on the international stage.

32 teams make it here and it is up to the coach and governing federation of each country to set the roster.

There are 8 groups of 4 teams each; they play a round robin in each group and the top two teams advance and reach the second round. Group winners play second place finisher from another pre-arranged group, and it's sudden death now. Win or go home.

That gets it to 8, and it's pretty standard now. Quarterfinals, semifinals, final.

Shoot me a line at lacanforaj@washingtonpost.com, and I'll help out in any way I can.

Enjoy these next five weeks. This is awesome stuff.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hi Jason, I'm here in Washington and about to get on a plane to Germany in a matter of hours. I plan on celebrating the World Cup in Stuttgart and Cologne, but I don't have tickets to any matches. Any idea whether it's possible to score some on the day of the games?

Jason La Canfora: It doesn't look too good. Depends on the demand for the game however. For this match, I saw no touts or scalpers, but for say, Iran-Angola, there might be extras floating around. I'll have a better feel when more games are going on and I get to some other cities.

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Is England good enough to win its group whether or not Rooney is really healthy? And how far can they go with or without him near 100 percent?

Jason La Canfora: I think they could win that group without him, but Paraguay is a tough team and so is Sweden. Looks like he'll get a run in the group stage, but the second round is when we're supposed to see him full 90.

_______________________

Jason La Canfora: Well guys, looks like mny time is up. It's so great to have the chance to talk footie with everyone, and thanks for all of the great questions. Look forward to our next chat, and I'll keep blogging away. Hopefully, there will be sick notes for everybody. And if not, get a TIVO. It's worth it.

Enjoy the games.

Cheers.

_______________________

Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.