I honestly think the French will struggle to qualify from the group stage. They're too old, disorganised and don't seem to be a solid group of mates who respect each other, which I think every successful team needs. They have too many things going against them to make any impact IMO, which is a shame for Hugo Lloris, who I rate as in the same bracket as Cassilas, Buffon and Julio Cesar as the top keepers going. As much as Ivory Coast seem to be the best African hope, I think a lot depends on Drogba, and not on his fitness. It's his mood that determines how his team performs, and too me he's almost too much of a baby too be relied upon on this stage, despite what he's done in Europe and in England. Portugal will suffer as soon as someone either clobbers Ronaldo, or marks him out of the game (which hasn't been unknown), but it'll be an interesting week nonetheless.

Hey Che,

I said before the competition kicked off that the Argies would do well, in spite of Maradona, and I'd put money on them making the semis. Can't honestly see past Spain or Brazil to actually win the thing, unless they knacker each other out whenever they meet. I also think, like quite a few other folk over here that France and Portugal will struggle to do anything of note. If the Dutch can get Robben fit, then watch out for them as dark horses. Sneijder on his own as an attacking force, is stoppable, but the two of them supplying Van Persie could well be unplayable IMO. All in all, I hope the games start to get a bit less cautious than they have been so far.

Happy Birthday

Mid-South Fencers' Club: Durham, NC The first of several Veteran Circuit events this year. Mixed Vet Combined events! Dedicated, rated officials, great atmosphere, and good food and coffee closeby for apres-escrime get-togethers.

Map to 1104C Broad Street Durham NC 27705

More Info
Mixed Vet Combined events! Points will be awarded for combined overall finish in all three events, with separate awards for Vet 40, Vet 50, and Vet 60 for both genders. Old-school format- pools only. Dedicated, rated officials, great atmosphere, and great food and coffee closeby for apres-escrime get-togethers.

Events Scheduled:
Vet Combined Mixed Epee
Vet Combined Mixed Foil
Vet Combined Mixed Saber

$30 per event, $60 for registrations in all three events. All fencers must be a USFA member (memberships available at the door).

Preregistration opens on 08/20/2008.
Preregistration closes on 11/01/2008.

Haha! I just noticed how epee heavy my friends list is. I'm not sure what that means...