mpm_a019@jhunix.UUCP (Stdnt 019) (12/20/85)
At the risk of sticking my neck out, I would like to venture my guesses at the outcome of the '86 World Cup. Here I must say that I disagree with Mr. J. Armstrong, Jr., who sent in his predictions sometime ago. Group I: Group II: Group III: Argentina, 5 Belgium, 4 France, 4 Italy, 3 Paraguay, 3 Hungary, 4 Bulgaria, 2 Mexico*, 3 USSR, 2 Korea, 2 Iraq*, 2 Canada, 2 Group IV: Group V: Group VI: Brazil, 5 W. Germany+, 4 England, 5 Spain, 4 Uruguay+, 4 Portugal, 4 Algeria, 2 Scotland, 3 Poland, 3 N. Ireland, 1 Denmark, 1 Morocco, 0 *I don't think Mexico is a better team than Iraq, but since they are playing at their home, they should be able to beat out Iraq. +I think perhaps that this division would be the toughest to call; W. Germany and Uruguay have the better teams, but Scotland could present problems for them. The fight between Germany and Uruguay should be most interesting. I think that the weakest division is II, with Belgium as the top contender. In division I, I have no doubt that Italy and Argentina will come out on top--these two teams should be quite strong in the second half playoffs. Off hand, I'd say that Argentina, Italy, Brazil, and England should be the strongest. Though not particularly strong, England should be playing some inspired soccer by then, with all that's happened lately in their sports scene. I'll post a more detailed look at the '86 World Cup, once I take more time to study it during my Christmas break. Is there anybody out there who would like to sponsor a trip (full-paid, of course!) if I happen to have guessed (I mean, deduced) all the right winners in the preliminary rounds? -well, it was worth a try. -not many people around me even pay attention to me, and everyone that I share common thoughts/opinions on almost any subject seems to be re- cuperating in a mental ward somewhere... -Tae S. Kim Johns Hopkins Univ.