T-minus expectations and counting…

Make no mistake about it; the last couple of friendlies siphoned off some of the enthusiam of the Red Devils, but tonight’s the night it all begins. I’ll be at this Irish-esque bar called “O’ Briens” watching Germany get the piss beaten out of them (hopefully not, however; I’ve got them topping the group). It’s times like this that I wish I was in Germany for the match, however. As boisterous as the Korean fans were four years ago, they’d be nothing compared to a Mexico- or Argentinean-hosted tournament (coupled with a win on the opening day).

I still marvel at the numbers; they’re expecting 1.5 BILLION viewers for the opening game. I’d kill to be in Munich right now–and not just for the beer and bratwurst.
Many people are predicting that Korea’s interest in the World Cup will wane if the team gets knocked out, but I have a feeling they’ll just minimize the amount of televised game selection to the ‘big names’.

Will there be an upset tonight? I doubt it; I always root for the underdogs, but Costa Rica seems to be arriving in Germany in disarray, much like poor Togo. And even without Ballack, Germany’s got a whole country at their side, as well as a young and fiery squad, with just enough veterans to keep the youngsters in check. I think Neuville will be on target at least once tonight. Don’t ask why.

Tino, Alex, Burgit, Matthew, Jocki, Frantzeska, and Sabina! This post’s for you!

p.s. handshakes all around to both my fellow bloggers and to football fans everywhere tonight! I hope we have a nice, clean, memorable World Cup, and that the most deserving winner truly gets what’s coming to them.