Nothing beats a heated rivalry in sports. And so it is with soccer. With this thought firmly entrenched deep within our empty minds, we offer our dream match ups:
1) England vs. Italy - Possibly the two greatest footballing societies in Europe and among the most passionate in the world. That most of the success has fallen on Italy’s side is a non-starter, however, this time England (ranked 8th) may legitimately be considered a strong contender in South Africa. Italy – ranked 4th in the world – must never be counted out – ever. Add that a few notable Italian managers, tacticians and players now work and play in England, first among them national coach Fabio Capello, along with David Beckham playing at AC Milan and there’s no shortage of story lines with these two soccer outfits.
2) Spain vs. Portugal – Both Iberian neighbours (1st and 6th respectively according to FIFA rankings; 2nd and 12th respectively on ELO rankings) fancy themselves World Cup contenders. Spain in particular will face heavy pressure to lift the trophy for the first time in its history. Portugal has been impressive in recent competitions reaching the semi-finals in 2006. In the eyes of the Portuguese faithful, they’re but one agonizing game away from playing in the finals. It’s a built in Latin rivalry.In fact, throw in France and Italy in any combination and soccer fans could be treated to a wild ride.
3) Brazil vs. Argentina – Dunga has Brazil playing the way he likes and the result is Brazil is looking strong for 2010. Which is pretty much always the case, eh? Loaded with talent, Argentina, for its part, is struggling to find its leg under skipper Diego Maradona. Nonetheless, this show down is a classic show down between two top 10 ranked soccer giants – the so-called ‘Battle of the South Americans.’ Stat: Thirteen World Cup finals and seven titles (Brazil 5; Argentina 2) between the two. 15 Copa America titles for Argentina; 10 to Brazil.
Wanna see fans of both sides really go at it? Just say: Maradona is the best player ever. Or Pele is the greatest player who ever lived.
4) Netherlands vs. Germany – By now, if life was fair, the Netherlands would have two World Cup trophies under its belt. Instead, they have two finals and a “what could have been.” One defeat came at the feet of Argentina in 1978 and the other against arch-rival Germany in 1974. For the most part, they’re perennial favorites at every World Cup and a meeting pitting the two biggest exponents of ‘Total football’ would be quite the spectacle.
Other match ups of interest: Denmark vs. Spain/Netherlands vs. Spain based on style play. Italy vs. Germany/ Italy vs. Brazil – based on classical soccer history. We could name a few more, like any match up between the top 10 nations, but it would just seem like we’re piling on.
What else? Oh. Any African combination!
Forget our myopic views. What would you like to see?
if you’re talking tasty matchups then you are forgetting two of the most passionate in Europe. Most rivalries are built on history, not football history.
England v Germany. Due to military history between the two nations, the 1966 final and the goal that never should have been in England’s 4-2 win over West Germany, the 1990 semi final victory on penalties for Germany, the Euro 96 semi finals for the same reason. This is perhaps one of if not the the fiercest rivalry in Europe. For proof see Euro 2000 riots in Belgium.
England v France is also more anticipated then any match against Italy for their not-so-friendly history as well.
Then you have France/Portugal meeting any of their former African colonies. France v Algeria particularly so after the French treatment of Algerian troops who were fighting for them during WW2.
England vs USA or Ausralia also has some interesting connotations too due to historical links and perceived arrogance of each other.
Yes, I did look at more the “football” history. Looking at history would have made this post too long! It would have led me into Asia, Africa etc. – it could have turned this post into a history lesson!
Absolutely though, England/Germany is divine no matter how you view it. I too think it is the fiercest of all soccer rivalries in Europe.
The longest standing one of course is Scotland/England.
I wrote a blog here a few weeks back on the Wales/England rivalry which I don’t know if you read. They’re all pretty fierce towards the “big brother” round these parts. The Welsh/Irish/Scots all view each other as pretty similar – alcoholic Celts.
At all the Wales-Scotland, Wales-Ireland matches I have attended the chant of choice for all parties has been “We hate England more than you.”
Ha! I know all about the history! Again, true about the Wales, Ireland and Scotland angle. I thoroughly enjoy watching those match ups – and I have no national allegiance to any.
Rather than I, a mere colonial from Canada comment on it, I hope someone would chime in on it.
Yes, I did read it. A fun read!