World Cup Predictions (based on good looks)

Germany v. Italy

Germany

Yeah, Paris Hilton may like Lukas Podolski, but I'd say it's Michael Ballack who is the dreamiest German. Plus, he's captain which means that he's, you know, in a position of power.



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Michael Ballack, the midfield maestro of Bayern Munich and Germany, is one of the few German players that the experts unanimously believe to be 'world class'. Germany's hopes rest largely on his shoulders if they are to win the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, with the Chemnitz-born star coming under extreme scrutiny every time he takes to the field.
When he has an outstanding game, then you have seen the "real Michael Ballack". If he plays well, the reports generally say “could do better”. If he is average, the same questions always appear: What was wrong with Ballack today? If Oliver Kahn ships too many goals, Ballack was playing too offensively. If things are not going well in the final third, the German captain is sitting too deep. Ballack’s problem is that he can do everything - and do it very well. And woe betide him if he does not display his full range of skills to the public in every game he plays.

It is the age-old problem: you take your home-grown talents for granted. Abroad, Ballack is recognised, respected and feared. In Germany, popular opinion is divided. And yet not only has the number 13 become German captain under Jurgen Klinsmann, he has long established himself as the undisputed leader of the DFB team. However, one thing everybody can agree on is that Germany will only play a prominent part in their home FIFA World Cup if their midfield lynchpin is in top form.

Ballack has consistently excelled in a German shirt. His performances at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan were exemplary, leading his team into the final almost single-handedly. The father of three (three sons: Louis, Emilio, Jordi) was responsible for the 1-0 wins against USA in the quarter-final and Korea Republic in the semi-final. And then disaster struck: Ballack was forced to commit a tactical foul in the closing stages against the Koreans, was shown a yellow card and missed the final against Brazil.

Munich move
After spells with Chemnitzer FC, FC Kaiserslautern and Bayer Leverkusen, the “most prolific midfielder in the world”, according to club boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, arrived at record German championship winners Bayern Munich in 2002. His contract runs until 2006, and both parties have declared their long-standing interest in extending the deal. Even Bayern Munich, it seems, have learned to appreciate the priceless talents of the world-class Ballack. Contract talks have now worn on for a number of months and the club are growing impatient to secure the midfielder's services for the foreseeable future.

In 2004/5, Ballack was instrumental in Bayern winning the league and cup double. His outstanding endeavours were recognised with his third successive player of the year award, leaving the midfielder just one behind the ‘Kaiser’ Franz Beckenbauer, who earned the accolade on four occasions. “Michael is the league’s superstar,” says national coach Klinsmann of his skipper.

The laid-back German captain’s motto has always been: “Don’t take everything so seriously,” although with the pressure on for his side to lift their fourth FIFA World Cup title, after success in 1954, 1974 and 1990, his philosophy on life could be seriously put to the test this summer.

OMG - he's like an anti-German (read: laid-back) German. Awwww!!

Italy

And Italy, it may be weird that the cutest guy shares my mom's name (but then again a lot of people are sharing my mom's name nowadays (see: A. Hathaway in the Devil Wears Prada)), but Andrea is just so cute.



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Andrea Barzagli is one of Italy’s rising defensive stars. Tall, physically strong and a good header of the ball, the central defender started his career in Serie C.
After a year with Ascoli in Serie B, he got a chance at the highest level with Chievo. Still improving, he switched to Palermo where he has matured into one of Italy’s top defenders.

He played for the Azzurri at the 2004 Olympic Football Tournament and also in their successful 2004 UEFA European U-21 Championship campaign, and has already attracted the interest of Italy’s big guns.

Yeah, completely and superficially based on looks...

GO GERMANY!!