World Cup 2006 thread

[om3ga]

BERLIN (Reuters) - Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho is the most commercially valuable soccer player in the world, followed by England internationals David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, a study of brand value said on Thursday.

Consultancy BBDO Germany estimated Ronaldinho's brand was worth 47 million euros (£32.6 million) followed by Beckham's at 44.9 million euros and Rooney's at 43.7 million euros.

Two other Barcelona players, Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o and Argentina's young forward Lionel Messi, completed the top five, both brands being worth just over 30 million euros.

While Real Madrid midfielder Beckham still had the best-known face in soccer, Ronaldinho's comparative youth and recent achievements with Barcelona made him a more attractive marketing prospect, the consultancy said.

Having just turned 26, the Brazilian is nearly five years younger than Beckham and was voted FIFA World Player of the Year the past two years.

"Beckham owes his second place in the ranking to his status as the 'metrosexual' prototype and the lucrative contracts this generated for him," BBDO said. Striker Rooney, 20, plays for Manchester United.

Beckham's Brazilian team mate, Ronaldo, came seventh in the list while Chelsea's Frank Lampard placed 8th.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was ninth and Germany playmaker Michael Ballack 10th.

Details:
Ronaldinho's brand worth more than Beckham's
Ronaldinho

 

[Jacksson_77]

Germany's coach Juergen Klinsmann finally has decided that Jens Lehmann will be our first choice goalkeeper and thus replace the extremely disappointed Oliver Kahn. Kahn is now considering to retire:

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/060407/2/inip.html

:hatsoff: Jackson

 

[jumbo_jim]

There was actual talk of German politicians trying to get the World Cup postponed for a year because of the big problem of bird flu which has recently occured. I think they have now changed there mind.

Kahn is a better keeper than Lehmann but neither is world class anymore. I personally think Timo Hildebrand is Germany's best keeper. Agree on Coupet being France's best.

 

[cycle454]

i really wish the USA wouldnt have to play Brazil(or whomever is first of that group) if they finish second in their group

 

[om3ga]

Posted this in the footy thread - then remembered this one:

Spurs' King could miss World Cup

Tottenham and England defender Ledley King will miss the rest of the season and is a major doubt for the World Cup after fracturing a bone in his foot.
The 25-year-old was injured during Saturday's win at Everton after a clash with Duncan Ferguson but played on, only limping off in the 90th minute.

According to SKY, it's a stress fracture to the fourth metatarsal....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4915338.stm

 

[stek1983]

Embrace unveil World Cup anthem

 

[regmcfly]

Yeah, they played it on Radio 1, and they asked everyone to call in and say what they thought about it. The first guy called in an went "yeah, it's alright, but it's not "World In Motion", is it?"
I hope to god that was peter hook calling in.

 

[jumbo_jim]

Embrace unveil World Cup anthem

It is a good indie song but it isn't a catchy tune that will be sung on the terrace.

 

[stek1983]

Lothar Matthaus fears England

 

[jumbo_jim]

The Germans shouldn't fear anybody as they are an okay team but if well organised they could beat everyone.

 

[om3ga]

It is a good indie song but it isn't a catchy tune that will be sung on the terrace.

True

(dusts down copies of "3 Lions" and "Vindaloo"......)

 

[om3ga]

Wayne Rooney is a doubt for the World Cup after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his right foot during Manchester United's game against Chelsea.

Rooney has been told he could be out for six weeks, exactly the amount of time until England's first match against Paraguay on 10 June.

Meanwhile, Michael Owen was "not 100% happy" with his foot after returning from injury for Newcastle.

Details:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4957970.stm

Finally Charlton boss Alan Curbishley has denied his departure was linked to the English FA's search for a new England coach.

He said: "This has nothing to do with that. It's a time of mixed emotions, but it is the right time for me and right for the club."

(course, that could be a red herring.....)

 

[poggy]

/B]

(course, that could be a red herring.....)

I'll go with this myself.

 

[stek1983]

Injured Rooney a World Cup doubt

 

[bauer_24]

he's out for 6 weeks, i dont think he'll miss the whole world cup. He is one of england's main players. Who is his replacement? crouch?

 

[AnderZ]

No doubt, Brazil is going to win. They have some awsome players, and a great coach.

 

[Undertaker]

No doubt, Brazil is going to win. They have some awsome players, and a great coach.

No doubt that Brazil has some great players , however i dont think they will win this world cup

 

[stek1983]

Reaction to Rooney injury concern

England midfielder Steven Gerrard said it would be "impossible" for England to succeed in this summer's World Cup without striker Wayne Rooney.

 

[om3ga]

Reaction to Rooney injury concern

England midfielder Steven Gerrard said it would be "impossible" for England to succeed in this summer's World Cup without striker Wayne Rooney.

Jeez - at this rate, why bother getting on the plane to Germany?

:dunno:

 

[bigredguy]

Reaction to Rooney injury concern

England midfielder Steven Gerrard said it would be "impossible" for England to succeed in this summer's World Cup without striker Wayne Rooney.

thats the wrong attitude,Mr.Gerrard!:nono: