Predict a world cup SHOCK

[Herr Tubthumper]

It's fairly simple. Basically, they don't BOTTLE it.

I'm still not clear. This isnt an explanation, it's more changing some words. Can you go a little deeper please.

 

[Man of Harveys]

I've never really understood what this mental strength arguement means. No one has ever really properly explained it to me. Can anyone have a go on here?

I can't, not least because I think it's a myth. Because all players get nervous; it just becomes a question of dealing with it. And even when Germany's mental strength is being admired, it still carries a bit of a slight implication that they're unthinking square-headed cold-blooded robots etc etc.

Personally, I just think the Germany team just prepares to an amazing extent, including doing a huge amount of homework on their opponents: remember that scribbled note that Lehmann was handed - by Olli Kahn no less, although he didn't prepare it - about how ALL of the Argentineans were likely to take their penalties in Berlin in 2006? That kind of thing might look like mental strength from the outside but it just comes down to hard work, a solid team mentality that can even deal with strutting individuals like Ballack and Kahn and - crucially I think - totally respecting your opponent.

 

[Pantani]

I've never really understood what this mental strength arguement means. No one has ever really properly explained it to me. Can anyone have a go on here?

I would say that people mean the Germans always play to their ability or a bit better. They do not concede silly goals and most of all they hardly ever lose on penalties.

 

[captainmorganrum]

Paraguay to win Italy's group - Italy runners up.

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

I'm still not clear. This isnt an explanation, it's more changing some words. Can you go a little deeper please.

Not really, they just never seem to bottle it. No idea why although MoH's explanation below seems pretty plausible. Whatever the reason for it, they have theappearance of being incredibly mentally tough as highlighted by their amazing record in penalty shoot outs(one defeat ever, i think).

Personally, I just think the Germany team just prepares to an amazing extent, including doing a huge amount of homework on their opponents: remember that scribbled note that Lehmann was handed - by Olli Kahn no less, although he didn't prepare it - about how ALL of the Argentineans were likely to take their penalties in Berlin in 2006? That kind of thing might look like mental strength from the outside but it just comes down to hard work, a solid team mentality that can even deal with strutting individuals like Ballack and Kahn and - crucially I think - totally respecting your opponent.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I can't, not least because I think it's a myth. Because all players get nervous; it just becomes a question of dealing with it. And even when Germany's mental strength is being admired, it still carries a bit of a slight implication that they're unthinking square-headed cold-blooded robots etc etc.

Personally, I just think the Germany team just prepares to an amazing extent, including doing a huge amount of homework on their opponents: remember that scribbled note that Lehmann was handed - by Olli Kahn no less, although he didn't prepare it - about how ALL of the Argentineans were likely to take their penalties in Berlin in 2006? That kind of thing might look like mental strength from the outside but it just comes down to hard work, a solid team mentality that can even deal with strutting individuals like Ballack and Kahn and - crucially I think - totally respecting your opponent.

This is my feeling on the matter as well. I struggle to get my head round the idea that players like A Cole, Rooney, Terry, Ferdinand and James and possibly others lack mental strength any more than their opponents might.

 

[Simster]

This is my feeling on the matter as well. I struggle to get my head round the idea that players like A Cole, Rooney, Terry, Ferdinand and James and possibly others lack mental strength any more than their opponents might.

I guess we'll see, because if any manager is capable of organising a team in terms of preparation and understanding opponents, it is Capello.

No favourites in Capello's squad, he seems to demand hard work and the correct attitude. I'm hopeful.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Not really, they just never seem to bottle it. No idea why although MoH's explanation below seems pretty plausible. Whatever the reason for it, they have theappearance of being incredibly mentally tough as highlighted by their amazing record in penalty shoot outs(one defeat ever, i think).

Maybe the old adage 'practice makes perfect' might play a part?

Remember, there was a period in England when the (absurd) notion that it was pointless to practise penalties as you couldnt recreate the big-match atmosphere prevalied.

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

Maybe the old adage 'practice makes perfect' might play a part?

Remember, there was a period in England when the (absurd) notion that it was pointless to practise penalties as you couldnt recreate the big-match atmosphere prevalied.

Seaman is still saying it.

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

Maybe the old adage 'practice makes perfect' might play a part?

Remember, there was a period in England when the (absurd) notion that it was pointless to practise penalties as you couldnt recreate the big-match atmosphere prevalied.

Well, that probably didn't help us too much. Whatever the cause I wish England had the same ability(whether it's down to superbly meticulous preparation or is some kind of native Derren Brown-esque mind power).

 

[The Maharajah of Sydney]

Anyone predicting a first World Cup point for the New Zealand FLAIRMUNDOS?

I think New Zealand might sneak a win

I think they can Qualify .
Backed them @ 17.5

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Well, that probably didn't help us too much. Whatever the cause I wish England had the same ability(whether it's down to superbly meticulous preparation or is some kind of native Derren Brown-esque mind power).

Good point. Didn't Yuri Gehler (sp?) once move the ball just as Beckham was about to take a spot kick? Maybe there is more to this mental strength thing than I first thought?

 

[upthealbion1970]

Heskey hat trick vs USA

 

[brakespear]

Chile to win their group or Portugal to finish bottom og theirs.

 

[Gully]

Crouch to win the golden boot.

 

[Seasider78]

Crouch to win the golden boot.

50/1 for that on Ladbrokes worth a pound for Englands most prolific striker!!!!

 

[SirElliotBennett]

North Korea to go through after a draw with Ivory and beating Portugal

That's never going to happen!