| It has been a long time coming - 1966 was not | | | | stage. |
| supposed to be the only time England won the World | | | | A good start is important, but probably not critical (see |
| Cup, was it? | | | | Italy for proof of slow beginnings and world cup |
| That was a great showpiece at the time, and a | | | | winning medals). It is important to build up momentum |
| romantic story. Sure playing most of their matches at | | | | while avoiding disasters - thinking of the USA here. The |
| Wembley was a great help, but it was a good team, | | | | team that grows during the tournament, and does not |
| and Ramsay was the right manager for the job, at | | | | raise immediate expectations too high will succeed |
| that time. | | | | best. England need a steady start, get through the |
| The manager plays a critical role in any winning team, | | | | group without too much panic, and then it becomes a |
| but he must have the players to coach also. | | | | cup match competition. |
| Switzerland have a great manager - a double | | | | They do have the players, individually at least, and he is |
| champions league winner in Hitzfield - but the squad is | | | | a good manager - but they will also need good luck, |
| probably going to limit their success. On the other hand | | | | and the right public support to make it all the way. I just |
| Maradona has the players, but can he manage? | | | | feel there are more worthy teams, and one of them is |
| Capello did secure 2 La Liga titles in Spain, and has | | | | bound to shine more brightly. Enjoy a fascinating |
| great club pedigree. England virtually sailed through | | | | competition, full of surprises and hopefully great football, |
| qualifying it it true, but the seabed is littered with great | | | | whoever wins. |
| 'qualifying' teams, that failed to perform on the big | | | | |