[kabar]

I compare the World Cup to March Madness. In the beginning there are upsets and Cinderellas, but in the end, for the most part, the traditional powerhouses are still there. Germany, Brazil, and Argentina can be expected to advance far into the tournament. Quality usually wins out.

I have been watching World Cups for 50 years. I have watched many of them living abroad in various countries. I enjoy the spectacle and the atmosphere. I am glad we are still in it. The longer we stick around, the more fans will be attracted in this country to the sport, which is truly the world's game.

[dfwgator]

We definitely need to overhaul our academy system to develop the young talent. Right now, it simply takes too much money and time for most parents to do what is necessary to develop their kids.

Trying to do it through schools won’t work, like it does with basketball and football. There simply aren’t enough good coaches to go around.

[Mr Fuji]

Yes, it’s too hard for a Cinderella to string together wins in group play and then make a serious run in the knockout rounds. There are just too many quality teams at any given WC and sooner or later one will catch you and send you home.