Ball Meets World
Can’t make it to Munich for the kickoff on June 9? Consult our World Cup guide, then go yell your face off at an obscenely large TV By Dan Hughes
Image credit: Bernard Weil/CP
For one month every four years, fixing your nation’s hopes on the bounce of a small, spherical object becomes a perfectly reasonable pastime. A play-by-play of one of the most sacred events in sport.
Team: Italy (Odds 8/1)
Style of Play: Watertight defence that's as exhilarating as watching lichen grow
The Buzz: A strong counterattack (plus strong, sun-dappled newcomer Luca Toni) may help them go all the way
Where to Watch: Full-throated cries of "Forza Azzurri!" flow from Tricolore Bar (1240 St. Clair W., 416-654-4228)
Team: France (Odds 10/1)
Style of Play: An uneven game anchored by aging players—save for dazzling striker Thierry Henry
The Buzz: They may have failed to score a single goal before being ousted in 2002, but insiders predict big things this year
Where to Watch: Lap up terrine and crème brûlée while donning a Napoleon hat at Zazou Lounge (315 King St. W., 416-591-3600)
Team: Brazil (Odds 11/4)
Style of Play: A lusty attack has made them the most successful team in history
The Buzz: An abundance of world-class talent (like superstar striker Ronaldinho) means even losing in the final will be viewed as a failure
Where to Watch: Gold-painted fans samba at Brazilian Star Bar & Grill (1242 Dundas St. W., 416-588-2967)
Team: England (Odds 13/2)
Style of Play: As notoriously underachieving as bangers and mash
The Buzz: All eyes are on David Beckham, the empyreal half of Posh and Becks. At 31, he's likely playing his last World Cup
Where to Watch: Clutch a warm pint and cheer on the first nation of football at the Duke of Gloucester (649 Yonge St., 416-961-9704)
Team: Korea (Odds 300/1)
Style of Play: Off-the-charts energy and speed that befits their underdog status
The Buzz: Sacked by Italian club Perugia after scoring on Italy in 2002, pin-up boy Ahn Jung-Hwan would surely savour a rematch
Where to Watch: Expect a mad outpouring of faith at Korea House (666 Bloor St. W., 416-536-8666)
TEST Originally published June 2006
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Ball Meets World
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