The Official World Cup 2010 Thread

[Unknown Soldier]

Originally Posted by The Monkey

So, any hopes for North Korea? I image their players to all be two meter tall robots, devoid of any display of emotions in victory or defeat. Will be very interesting to see them play.


Why would I root for the eternal enemy? :P

Not being too familiar with Nordic rivalries, why is there a rivalry with Denmark? Also how does Sweden interact with Norway and Finland?

I know this isn`t a history thread but just a quick outline.

[The Monkey]

Originally Posted by Unknown Soldier

Not being too familiar with Nordic rivalries, why is there a rivalry with Denmark? Also how does Sweden interact with Norway and Finland?

I know this isn`t a history thread but just a quick outline.

Obviously, it's nothing serious, it's mainly playful antagonism for the most part (such as what I imagine is between the US and Canada or Oz and NZ). Sometimes it heats up, but that's quite rare. Generally, Sweden has closer ties to Finland that the other two, because we were the same country for 500 years until we lost them to the Russians in 1809. With Norway and Denmark it's another story. We have been in countless wars with them throughout history, and we forced for the Norwegians into a personal union after we lost Finland, which I suppose may still cause some resentment. But it's only really when it comes to sport that real hostility remains.

That's at least my view of the relations.

[Unknown Soldier]

Originally Posted by The Monkey

Obviously, it's nothing serious, it's mainly playful antagonism for the most part (such as what I imagine is between the US and Canada or Oz and NZ). Sometimes it heats up, but that's quite rare. Generally, Sweden has closer ties to Finland that the other two, because we were the same country for 500 years until we lost them to the Russians in 1809. With Norway and Denmark it's another story. We have been in countless wars with them throughout history, and we forced for the Norwegians into a personal union after we lost Finland, which I suppose may still cause some resentment. But it's only really when it comes to sport that real hostility remains.

That's at least my view of the relations.

I knew most of what you said from my history studies but always good to get a perspective from a local. Its a shame that we don`t get to see Ibrahimovic in the WC. I know he has his critics but I love watching him.