Only 2 more years to teach a lesson.

Perhaps the best midfield ever assembled will be ready to Bloom.

Denilson Rivaldo Emerson Juninhio

Denilson will be the best winger by the with plenty of Serie A Experience and still able to dribble like no other man.

Rivaldo - Self explanatory

Emerson - Most balance midfielder in the world Leverkusen begged him to stay but now he's come to Roma. So balanced He is Zidane + Viera.

Juninhio - No not MiddleB's. The one you probably never heard of still in Brasil. Just like Luis Figo, in fact could be better and ready for the big stage by 2002.

And upfront a healty mature Ronaldo supported by either Amoroso, Elber, or Ronaldinho.

With wingbacks of R. Carlos and Felippe!!!

STill the best team

Can't really disagree with you too much, Junihno. But, remember my friend,...... championships are won on the field of play and not by making a statement in capital letters on an online forum. Last I saw, France handily beat the "unbeatable" Brasil. Now, Holland, Italy, France and Portugal are playing their "assiuses" off on the pitch. The glory is theirs now. Brasil (and Argentina)will have their day. Be patient....

On the other hand...and as a follower of South American futbol, I wonder how Brasil, Argentina and Uruguay would compare to the teams in EURO 2000?????

I am sure that they would hold up well but wouldnt it be great to see Holland V. Brasil or France V. Argentina in the semifinals???Oh, well thats for WC 2002. I cant wait.

In the meantime...let's give these guys their due...this tournament has been awsome. I wish that South America could get its act toghether and stage a Copa America like this. Sometimes many of the South American teams send their B squads to the Copa America. That really burns me up!!!Usually there are about 10,000 - 15,000 people per game, unless the host plays against Brasil.... That has to stop! EURO 2000 RULES!

Easy way to solve that problem- hold Copa America every 4 years, not every 2 like it is now. That would generate more anticipation and interest among the players and fanaticos to actually show up.

As it is Copa America is the best arguement out there against making the World Cup a bi-annual affair.

Absolutely true both Polish and Diablo. I've seen great stuff at this tourny. Best since 1998 WC. Acutally best Euro tourny ever, except I prefered the venues in England, fans seemed more passionate except in cases where the Dutch played and all went Orange.

But I'm just hoping that many dont forget the dangers that loom in the continent that produced such greats as Maradonna and Pele.

OK, before you guys get all excited and wet your pants about Euro 2000 and starting up with all that bullshiat about Europe being more superior and whatnot...

The leagues in South America conflict sometimes with Copa America Schedules. Also, staging a mass event such as an International Cup is expensive, and sadly, not many Latin American nations have the dough to be spitting out every so often.

If you notice, all of the Euro 2000 teams are sponsored by a brand name company, unlike most of the South American sides. I'm not trying to insult my own background, but the cities and stadiums are also not always in the perfect conditions. It is evident that there is a vast difference in wealth when you compare these continents.

The football styles are also very different in Latin America. Here we try to have fun and play the beautiful game more than try to be competitive and play a militant "total football" style like many European nations play. Latin American sides are more flamboyant and creative, and dynamic; they don't always have a static method of play. They change things around a bit during the game. It's technical, but quick and ready for any available opportunity.

I believe that there is an impressive force of football in Europe, but I wouldn't say anything negative about the Latin American sides until we reach Japan/Korea 2002. It will be great and I hope we will see the same harmony between fans of many nations like in France 98. Until then, let's just sit back and watch http://www.soccergaming.com/ubb/smile.gif

KappA

Brazil is sooo god that they got their ass kicked 3-0 vs France.Not only that ,but they tied against Colombia and won a narrow victory against peru and Ecuador.Admit it ,Brazil is in a slump ,Argentina will rule south American football .The reason why i like Argentina is cause they have italian heritage (example,Batistuta's grandfather was italian )Most of them have grand parents or parents who were born in Italy .

Wow Pablo. What a great reason to like a team people are part Italian. Listen, for the WC final 2 years ago i'm not going to cry about it. But recently Brasil has NOT sent their best players.

Admit it unless Brasil win all games the way the Dutch did 6-1 vs Yugo people arnt satisfied. Winning for Brasil isn't enough people want beautiful football.

Pablo, if Italy won all their games rather it be Turkey, Belgium, Sweden or Holland 2 - 0 or 1 - 0, you'd be screaming how great Italy is.

Face facts a win is a win. Except for Brasil thats not enough, and by holding them to higher standards you admit their team is still at a level above the rest!

I must admit that Brazil is a good soccer team they are very attackive. but their players are getting boring. Italy are bringing on younger players & they have a very diffencive team. I prefer Italy over Brazil.

Brazil are good.
But they only get tested how good they are once evry 4 years.

All otehr South American teams apart from Argentina are weak, and you can't judge a team from friendlies or useless tournaments like the confed's cup.

If you think the US is good because they beat team in some crap Confeds cup or Nike cup then that's pretty sad.

Brazil are great, no doubts there.
But it is stupid in the 1st place to make such a statement, since officially they're not the best since 98 anymore and on the pitch there is no way they'd beat France and Holland today.
The problem is, as some of you mentioned, that they only have 1 country that gives them a hard time in SA, and so they may win 3-0 on the average, but what does that mean

Again, how can you say that, when curretly France, Holland and Portugal play the best football seen in ages???
Seems you are frustrated because Brazil has nobody as good as Zidane, Figo or Davids.

WTF ?????

No one as good as Zidane, Figo or Davids ???

Those are the only players that actually stand out on those teams, other than Deschamps, Henry, Conceicao or Bergkamp and Kluivert.

How can you make such a stupid statement ? Look at how Europe BUYS so many Brazilians for God's sakes. They are in the Bundesliga, La Liga, they are abundant in Serie A, they're all over ! Brazil probably fields many more players to nations all over the world more than any other country.

And look at players from the past and from today. Brazil dominates football in one form or the other, either by winning cups or fielding players in club teams, that you cannot deny. Zico, Tostao, PELE, Didi, Bebeto, DUNGA from the past are some. Today I can list Romario, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Edmundo, Emerson, Rivaldo, Elber, Roberto Carlos, Ze Maria, Aldair, Cafu, Denilson, Juninho, etc. Gosh there are so many I can't remember.

So Zambrotta, THINK and open your eyes before you speak.

KappA

I can´t answer that, but I´ll write a thing.
4 TIMES CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!
See ya http://www.soccergaming.com/ubb/wink.gif

Yes,I would be very happy happy if Italy wins 1-0 or 2-0 ,because Italy is a defensive team ,when they score a goal,they put everyone in the back ,thats why u dont see them win by a big margin ,but they rarely lose their lead .Brazil is more offensive who just won 1-0 over Peru and only3-2 versus Ecuador .What is sad is that they gave up 2 goals againt ecuador .Admit it ,Brazil is in a slump .They have trouble beating very weak teams .

I just said that "the greatest soocer-nation on earth" does not have a player among the world's top 5 currently, ****head.

WHY DOES EVERYONE THINK IM GOING TO ROMA?? DONT YOU GUYS READ THE NEWSPAPER? IF LEVERKUSEN WANTS ME TO STAY THEN I'LL SAY. I HAVE A CONTRACT TILL 2002 WITH LEVERKUSEN. IT DOESN'T MEAN IM COMMIN TO ROMA THIS YEAR JUST CUZ I SIGNED A CONTRACT FOR THE FUTURE? I ALASO MIGHT BE GOING TO REAL MADRID. I'LL THINK ABOUT EVERYTHING. WHERE DO ALL MY FANS WANT ME TO GO?

Well it's true Brazil have no1 of Zidane's standard, simply because he's the best player in the world, but Rivaldo comes fairly close

France are still the best, and Portugal and Holland play great football

I don't get this Figo infatuation. When Figo decides he ought to defend as well as saunter around the field with the ball, maybe I and others will think differently.

Davids is still the world's best player, followed by Rivaldo, Stam, Zidane, Batistuta, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Keane, Maldini, Ronaldo.

That's my ten, although I don't know why I named them


I could be wrong!

Hey Emerson,you already signed with Rome .

yeah i did, but not for this year...i might go next year

antithesis:

You usually have very well reasoned intelligent posts. I'm just curious why you would list Ronaldo and Cafu along the world's top 10 players. I know it's all a matter of opinion and probably a dubiously irrelevant question, but, ...I'm curious. My 10 would be...in no order: Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Davids, Rivaldo, Stam, Batistuta, Figo, Desailly, Schevchenko.

Hello i'm a new member of this forum.
I think that Italy after this Euro 2000 will became the best national team.
Why?
Because Italy has young player that the others nationals team haven't and because at the next World Cup, Italy will win one of the young team, while Germany, Holland, France, Argentine, Spain haven't young players.
Maybe only Brazil will be like us.


[This message has been edited by Guido (edited 06-27-2000).]

Diablo, I see the point you did not state, but, even with injuries over the last two years, one would find it difficult to select a better striker than Ronaldo. Ronaldo has performed and starred in three European Leagues, and his international scoring record, I think, IS SECOND ONLY TO SUKER. Although Batistuta is the best at present, to me; because Ronaldo isn't very good in the air I think.

Cafu, is there, because he is the foremost over-lapping wing back in football today and is without peer on the right. Roberto Carlos has Maldini, Ziege, and Zenden as players against whom he can be measured, but Cafu is so far ahead of other right backs that it is difficult to rate him properly.

Scan your mind back and you'll probably recall that Cafu predates Roberto Carlos in the type of wingback play they both have mastered. And if you can find a right back as good let me know, because living in the Caribbean we only see the glamour teams from the glamour leagues on television. Maybe there is a lad outside of England, Italy, Spain and Holland, as I confess I know next to nothing about the French and Portugese Leagues.

Guido Has a point. Ronalddo is S**t. In a few years time you will see a new name in the top 10. That is BARRY FERGUSON. He play like the best player around this year. When it went wrong for Rangers he lifted them and inspired them. He should be in this years ratings for Britain at 2, after Roy Keane that is. Watch out for the name in a few years time.

antithesis:

Now I understand about Cafu'. I recall WC 94 and the qualifying games for the WC...back when he was a bit younger. He wreaked havok on that right side. I'm from Bolivia and recall a game in 93 where Brasil just pummeled Bolivia on that right side. Cafu and, I think it was, Rai were unstoppable. I've been thinking about it and cannot come up with another wing back on that side that can do the things Cafu' does. Maybe Thuram when he plays with France comes close. He is always getting forward and causing trouble. Recall the semifinals against Croatia...he killed them from the right wing. However, I think he plays in center back for Parma. I've also seen Chelsea play Petrescu as a right side wingback at times with good results (Admittedly not Cafu' class however.) There is a young player from Flamengo in Brasil named Athirson. He is going to be BIG very soon. He has played in Cafu's spot in the fist couple of qualifiers for Brasil with great reviews. I understand, however that his natural spot is on the left wing but with Roberto Carlos he has to diversify his game and move over. Look for him in the fututre.

Anyway, I may be quibbling but,I'm not so convinced about Ronaldo. Yes, he certainly was THE MAN in Holland, Barcelona, Inter, and for Brasil until recently, but I just dont know how much he has left. From what I saw of Ronaldo, even when healthy, he was not only weak in the air, but weak in the box...he did not impress me as being able to battle for a loose ball and thump it into the goal the way Batistuta does so well. To me, that is essential in a true "striker". I guess when he was on, he was so damn good at everything else nobody noticed. Anyway, the thought of passing up a healthy Ronaldo on any team is probably foolish. I'm very interested to see what happens with him next year.

On another note, what are your thoughts on Chelsea and their aquisitions of Hassebaink and Gudjohnsen. I would have prefered to see them get someone like Juan Veron or Ariel Ortega etc. to shore up a weak midfield.

CAFu is old !!Maldini is better than him and he is 32 ,he is currently playing on the left flank and he still plays as good as he did back 5 years ago .

Hey Zambrotta:

No, you are the f u c k head. Look at what you wrote:

[Seems you are frustrated because Brazil has nobody as good as Zidane, Figo or Davids.]

[I just said that "the greatest soocer-nation on earth" does not have a player among the world's top 5 currently, ****head.]


You're an illiterate kocklicker that didn't even know what an Ivy League College was, so don't try arguing with me, imbecil. Oh, also what is SOOCER ?

KappA

First off, do not question someone's intelligence because he or she does not know what an Ivy League school is. Afterall, do you see me questioning you because you cannot spell "imbecile?" And if you cannot figure out what "soocer" is by the context, than you lack reason (which is something Ivy League students do not)...
Second off, this post has invited trouble due to the arrogant tone...if Brazil are the best, then why did they not take home the World Cup championship? Their team might be the best in Brazil, but in South America, Argentina is king...
At this moment in time, I believe that Holland are the best...

You are spot on mate, except, and this is mischevious logic.......could it be that their midfield is proven in the Premier League and without Champions League football, they believe they have one more year before they can make a serious offer for a midfielder of the calibre you recommended. I think those guys will never settle for anything less than Champions League football to move to England.

What I am saying is they believe that they will reclaim a top three place, at least, next year. Andddd, you have to admit that Hasselbaink is a player you cannot pass on, because, if he has a good season with Chelsea, they'll probably get $M30- 35 FOR HIM IF THEY WANT TO SELL. My guess is Chelsea claims 2nd spot behind Arsenal and shocks the Premier League by acquiring Davids, Zidane.

The other guy you mentioned.......I pass, because I have seen him play just once and not enough to speak to it.

antithesis: it's spelled SUKUR

not SUKER as in davor suker, see, that puts it in a totally different situation doesn't it.

Thanks for the correction, but I meant Davor Suker, if Sukur has a better international scoring record....I plead ignorance

Daniel: Once again you show your ignorance!

"All otehr South American teams apart from Argentina are weak, and you can't judge a team from friendlies or useless tournaments like the confed's cup."

Do you recall WC 98?... Chile tied Italy and got past the group stage. Paraguay got to the group stage and took the world champs to the golden goal before L. Blanc scored. Colombia was dangerous even though they were rebuilding. Argentina was a real contender and gave Holland all they could handle.

Wait until you see Uruguay in these qulifiers and WC 2002. They are stout!! The only real weak teams are Venezuela and Bolivia and they are roughly equivalent to Slovenia, Wales, and Ireland. Paraguay and Chile, are roughly on par with Sweden, Romania, Germany, England etc. and Uruguay and Colombia are about equal to Chek Republic, Yopugoslavia, Portugal etc. While Brasil and Argentina can give Italy, France and Holland a run for their money every day.

All of those players that big European tems are shelling big money out for are playing on South American National sides...you should learn a bit about futbol in South America before you write something so stupid.

Brazil are usually the best side in every position, but two or three.

Recently they have been let down by keepers and central defenders who are not as good as the rest of the team. (hence the over-reliance on old players such as Zago(antonio carlos), Aldair, Baiano, and Tafferel).

Other playes in these postions (eg Dida, are to inexperience at the very highest level).

In my opinion, at this moment in time, Argentina are just slightly better than Brazil. But his may change in 2-3 years

Chris

Kappa, what's the point of arguing with you fascit kid???

Well, saying that no other team in SA is no chalenge to Brazil is a bit harsh. Brazil are great but Uruguay is coming back up. In fact they play next weak, let's hold the "you are an Idiot" coment for now...

the bottom line is that brazil have four stars on their shirt u know what that means?
4 time world cup champions!!!
that's what counts, not sexy football, not missed chances, not expensive players, only the stars count!!

Wow so Brazil has 4 stars ,but that doesnt make them the best in the world at this moment ,anyways italy has 3 stars ,they just need to win 1 and they will be equal ,but for Germany ,I doubt it that they will win it in this decade .

Paolo_Rossi:

Brasil's four stars represent the four times they have won the World Cup!!!! That's BIG TIME!

I have no idea what the 3 stars on Italy's jersey means...they certainly have not won the WC 3 times. I mean there is a big difference there. Understand? If Bolivia or the USA put 5 stars on their jersey...it would mean nothing.

Pablo, Italy won 1 wc after world war 2. Germany Brasil and Argentina all won theirs after the war. Brasil won 4 world cups in the last 50 years.

If you wanna bad mouth Uraguay, then you should take a look in your own mirror because they were great back when Italy was.

Voltaire:

How can you say that I lack reason when I asked that question ? If you did not recognize the cynicism involved in it then it seems that i'm not the one lacking reason. Also, there are variations of spelling. Come on, even someone like you should know that since you know how to manipulate the English language so well.

Oh and it's funny that you attempted to humiliate me when it is evident that you made your own error in grammar, and in the same sentence that you employed to attack me: "And if you cannot figure out what "soocer" is by the context, than you lack reason." I think what would correctly fit in that sentence would be "then," not "than."

And as for you Zambrotta:

I didn't want to argue, just show you that you made two mistakes; one being that you claim that Brazil has no top world class players comparable to Zidane, and the other that you claimed you had only mentioned the top 5, calling me a ****head, when in fact you had just said "Seems you are frustrated because Brazil has nobody as good as Zidane, Figo or Davids," that is all.

KappA

Brazil aren't that dominant. Any team that draws 1-1 with our crappy England team can't be that good.

They'll probably win the WC in 2002 though.
(Or they'll crack under pressure in the final)

Thats because their players are doing nothing but play football from 2 yrs. old onward. They have it in their genes. Brazilians aren't known for much else.

If they win, I don't think it will really change my impression of them. They are natural players playing a frustrating possession game against their opponents.

Lots of individual skill but not much in the way of tactics.

KappA: I did not reply to you in my 1st post. I replied to Juninho. So please, if I answer someone else, would you mind not to freak out?

Actualy the result btewen Uruguay and Brazil was 1-1, Da Silva (U) scored the first gol after 5 minutes in the First Half. Rivaldo scored the Penalty from Brazil at the 85th minute. Carini (U) was considerd the best player, he stoped everything but the Penalty...

URUGUAYOS CAMPIONES DE AMERICA Y DEL MUNDO,
AQUI LLEGAN LOS PATRIOTAS QUE A CABAN THE TRINFAR...

Sorry had to get that out of my system...

Anyway I think the brazilian players cracked under the presure of playing Uruguay, in the Maracana. They never forgave Uruguay for it, and I doubt they'll ever will. Kinda like the argentinians, they hate us too...


PS. The Reason why Uruguay did not atend the World Cup 1934 & 1938 where because they were held in Europe and did not wish to travel that longer distanse. And I truly daubt Italy would win them both If Uruguay Participated, they already where 3 time World Champs back then...

Oh yeah, Did you know Uruguay's 4 stars above the shield simbolise the 2 Gold Medals in the olimpics (1924 & 1928) and 2 World Cups (1930 & 1950) won by them...

So what ,Italy has 3 world cup anyways ,its Uruguay's fault for not participating in those 2 world cups,btw ,I have the italian jersey and it has 3 stars .

Yes ,italy did win 3 world cups(1934,1938,1982).1934 and 1938 is a long time ago ,but it still counts as a victory ,plus Italy would of beatten Uruguay ,they had Meazza,Pioli,Orsi,Monti,Allemand,Olivieri etc... during the 1930's ,they only lost 8 times .Anyways ,if u look at the italian jersey ,on the side you will see three stars representing 3 world cups.

Siamo molto fieri di questo trofei:
5 World Finals ( 34,38,70,82,94)
3 World Cup (34,38,82) 3 stars on jersey
1 Euopean Championship (1968)

Together Germany we won 3 World Cup, only Brasil is better than us