USA (Sockeye) and Japan (Buzz Bullets) appear to be well matched
having both beaten each other in close matches. Personally I see these
two as joint favourites although I think sockeye may just have the
edge come summer. Canada (Furious) cannot be underestimated although a
poor showing at nationals last summer does not bode particularly
well.
I don’t see any other teams challenging these 3 for the top spots. GB
and Sweden appear to be far and away the two strongest teams from
Europe at the moment, they are pretty well matched although GB have
had the better of recent games (including the European championship
final). From what I’ve seen I don’t think they have the same level of
athleticism or quality to compare with the USA, Canada or Japan. Of
course I would love to see GB produce some surprises being a brit
myself!
Australia are the other team in contention. Ill admit to not knowing
anything about them although I’ve heard they might be preparing with
some games against top US club sides, something that could definitely
play to their advantage.
So here's my top 6:
USA
Japan
Canada
Great Britain
Australia
Sweden
Anyway thats enough chit-chatting from me. Let's hear what you
think...
> Canada (Furious) cannot be underestimated although a
> poor showing at nationals last summer does not bode particularly
> well.
I wouldn't exactly call winning Nationals a poor showing. That's why
they're going to Worlds, after all...
I think he was thinking of Furious' showing at UPA Nationals last fall.
Thanks for splitting that hair, it was the UPA nationals I was
thinking of!
2005 World Games
1) US
2) Australia
3) Canada
4) Japan
(US over Australia 13-11; Canada over Japan 15-14)
2006 World Ultimate Club Championships
1) Japan (Buzz Bullets)
2) Australia (Thong)
3) Australia (chilly)
4) US (Sub Zero)
(Japan over Australia 17-8; Australia over US 17-15)
2007 Beach World Championships
1) Australia
2) Philipines
3) USA
4) GB
(Australia over Philipines 11-9; USA over GB - 14-11 (?))
I can tell you that Australia is returning the same core from '04, but
with a lot more experience. Australia has set up a frisbee
infrastructure since '04 to improve the level of competition greatly
(NUFL). They are also currently coming to the States mid-July to have
a pre-worlds tour against some of the top club teams.
Here is a an article about the team:
http://www.afda.com/trashtalk/showarticle.php?articleid=513
Some videos of the games can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/euc2007
(even have some nice video of Tom Waijers, yay Dutchmen!)
Open: http://www.ultitalk.com/index.php/topic,236.0.html
Women: http://www.ultitalk.com/index.php/topic,338.0.html
Mixed: http://www.ultitalk.com/index.php/topic,339.0.html
Masters: http://www.ultitalk.com/index.php/topic,340.0.html
Junior Boys: http://www.ultitalk.com/index.php/topic,341.0.html
Junior Girls: http://www.ultitalk.com/index.php/topic,342.0.html
Lots of teams, lots of possibilities.
- Seppo #22
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While Furious' showing was disappointing by their standards, "Canada"
was still 3 points from making the final.
Japan to win it all? Odds in Vegas are 4-1.
PLACE YOUR BETS!
My prediction: All but the Buzz Bullets get too stoned and oversleep
for their games. Go Bullets! UnaGaishemas!