To start with, the links to my World Cup previews for Groups E and F.
Next, I’ve been stockpiling some comments from D.C. United regarding the World Cup. Here are a few snipets:
Ben Olsen, on his 2006 World Cup experience: “It was a blur. It’s such a whirlwing when you’re there. It’s exhausting. It really is. Mentally, you’re just so focused. You’re there for the World Cup, and the media coverage, the security, it’s just an amazing experience. It’s something you kind of just have to go through. You can’t get too much advice but to enjoy it. Try to remember as much as possible while still trying to prepare for the games.
“It was great. It was a wonderful experience. It was much better afterwards. My parents and everybody had a much better time at the World Cup than I did because it’s an intense experience. I loved it, and thinking back now, it was a very special time for me. I wish them the best, and I think they’re going to do great. Once you get out of your group, it’s a roll of the dice.”
Luciano Emilio, on Dunga and the absence of jogo bonito for Brazil: “I think it’s okay, this team for the World Cup. Everybody wants Ronaldinho with the national team, but Dunga didn’t take him. But we have enough players there that can do something good for Brazil.
“I don’t know [about jogo bonito] because in the actual soccer, the more important things is the results. I think the Brazilian people have the mentality to win the games, and then if you can play beautiful, we’re going to play beautiful. But the very important thing is the result.”
Chris Pontius, on U.S. chances: “I think the U.S. has a very, very good chance, especially of getting out of the group. Saturday’s game, England, I think they’re dealing with some injuries. I just saw that [Gareth] Barry is out. There are going to be some mix-ups in their lineup. I think the U.S. has a chance. It’s all about who comes out and settles down in that game first, who gets comfortable and confident.”
Dejan Jakovic, on his hopes for Serbia: “I’m looking forward to it. I think they finally have a good team. The last World Cup they got a little embarrassed, but they have a lot of young players that play for big clubs so I would be disappointed if they didn’t get out of their group with [Michael] Essien being out for Ghana and [Michael] Ballack being out for Germany. Essien is a world class player. He’s the best player for Ghana, and Germany has a lot of good players, but Ballack is a big piece. I’m just excited. I don’t think it’s a fluke they did really well in the qualifying stage, finishing first with France in their group. I don’t think they’re to be mistaken. I think the first game against Ghana, that’s the most important game. You get a win there, and you should be good.”
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