2006 HWCI World Cup Pool Update

Monday, June 5, 2006
Issue # 1.0.1 "Warm-ups are Over & Odds 'n' Ends"
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CERRITOS, CA (smt) -- Although you can debate the value of what a friendly result brings for the future, it is indeed still nice to end with a victory going into the biggest sporting event in the world. Led by Brazil's 4-0 thumping of lowly New Zealand, England, Germany, Spain, Argentina, and France all posted wins in the past week, with Spain and France having one more match left. Mexico was the only seeded team (Group D) to not post at least a tie, falling to the Netherlands on the road. Are teams holding back or do Ghana's and the Czech Republic's routs over fellow World Cup-bound teams Korea Republic and T&T spell doom for the USA? Well, at least Italy was coy in their scoreless draw with Ukraine. And Ukraine has the nerve to play on Thursday, the day before the World Cup starts (but don't worry, being in Group H they don't open up until June 14th).

In the betting world (which, I guess, we're sort of a part of), Brazil is the easy favorite at 2.5:1 to win the World Cup with England a surprising second at 7:1 with host country Germany and Argentina in third at 8:1 (according to Bet365.com). Italy, despite the scandals, are 9:1 with France, the Netherlands, and Spain all better than 15:1 odds. USA foe Czech Republic is 28:1 and that leaves the USA at a distant 80:1. Mexico is the lowest seeded team at 50:1 with group-mate Portugal better than twice the odds at 22:1. T&T is dead last at 1500:1 with Saudi Arabia at 1000:1. The Ivory Coast is the highest African team at 80:1 (same as USA) with the other four no better than 300:1. The Aussies sit at 125:1.

Not so surprisingly, if you take out the USA dreamer, the pool is mimicking the oddsmakers in terms of who will win it all with Brazil being picked by 6 of the 16 entries so far. With four days left, it looks like we'll top our record of 23 entries last time. As a reminder, all monies go to prizes, with the approximate breakdown for the top 4 prizes at 50% / 25% / 16% / 9%. And, if you have problems entering on the web site, you can fax (720-368-0816) or email your picks to worldcup(at)hwci.com. Also, due to a crackdown by PayPal [ Email ], you can only send money to "smt0222(at)yahoo.com" ($10.61 is the total cost with fees, but I'll accept $10.00 as well). Of course, you can always mail a check (Scott Tamashiro, PO Box 121, Artesia, CA 90702-0121).

And (hmmm... I'm using "And" like a "P.S.") if you have any further questions or comments on the pool or the World Cup itself, feel free to post on our discussion board.

And (blech), here is the debut issue of "Clap! or Crap?", an almost daily update from Sam Nishi filled with his brilliant insights to all that is the World Cup, reported straight from his living room in LA where he will likely have his phone off the hook from 6 am to 3 pm.  Catch all his issues on the homepage or on the discussion board.  Mr. Nishi is an unsung hero with U.S. Soccer (as a volunteer) following all soccer and especially Americans overseas and Landon. Sam is part of the All-Star Stat Crew for the Galaxy and U.S. soccer matches in the Southern California area.

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So, which World Cup coach will replace Steve Sampson?...
Scott