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Fifa World Cup: VIPs love Football
'Australia among the top 20'
14 June 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com
Ian Thorpe (born on October 13, 1982) is also known as the 'Thorpedo'. The Australian swimmer who, after winning the 200 and 400 metre freestyle races at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, became known as one of the greatest middle-distance swimmers of all time. He has won five Olympic Games gold medals, more than any other Australian before.
Interview with Ian Thorpe about the performance of the Australian team
Did you watch the Australia-Japan game and where did you watch it?
Yes I did, late at night in Australia. I saw it at home, late on Monday night. It was quite strange because I went from Australia, where everyone's ecstatic, to Japan, where the mood is obviously a lot more sombre.
What do you think about the performance of your team on the pitch?
Australia have a strong team. We’ve been very unlucky when you look at the draw that we had to qualify for the World Cup. We have some very talented players. If you look at where we are in the rankings, I don’t really think it’s a true indication of how skilled and how good the Australian team actually is.
Who in your opinion was the most important player on the pitch?
Marco Bresciano. Mark Viduka didn’t have his best game, I thought - normally he’s very strong up there. But it is not about the individuals in this team.
Do you think Australia can make it through to the round of 16?
I definitely think Australia are a top 20 team. Reaching the last 16 would be a fantastic result for Australia and it is possible. At the moment, we've got a 50-50 chance. We have a good chance of reaching the second round.
Have you seen any other 2006 FIFA World Cup™ games?
I saw Italy play Ghana, and I actually thought the Italians would be a little bit stronger. But usually when Italy have a good World Cup, they start slowly and then build up, and I am expecting good things from them.
What is your favourite team after the Australians?
You know, there’s no real team that I support. I like how the Italians play, and I also think Germany have a good chance with the home crowd, which will definitely help. Argentina will be strong as well, but who do I think will be in the final? I think it might be Italy-Brazil.
And what do you think the score will be in that final?
I think Brazil will win 2-1.
A website would you like to promote?
My charity. You can visit the website by clicking here.
Your future projects?
I’m in Japan at the moment launching my drink, which is an advanced water called ‘Thorpedo’. Then I’ll head over to LA to train for the next three months and then return to Australia in preparation for the World Championships, which are being held in Melbourne early in 2007.
'Australia among the top 20'
14 June 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com
Ian Thorpe (born on October 13, 1982) is also known as the 'Thorpedo'. The Australian swimmer who, after winning the 200 and 400 metre freestyle races at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, became known as one of the greatest middle-distance swimmers of all time. He has won five Olympic Games gold medals, more than any other Australian before.
Interview with Ian Thorpe about the performance of the Australian team
Did you watch the Australia-Japan game and where did you watch it?
Yes I did, late at night in Australia. I saw it at home, late on Monday night. It was quite strange because I went from Australia, where everyone's ecstatic, to Japan, where the mood is obviously a lot more sombre.
What do you think about the performance of your team on the pitch?
Australia have a strong team. We’ve been very unlucky when you look at the draw that we had to qualify for the World Cup. We have some very talented players. If you look at where we are in the rankings, I don’t really think it’s a true indication of how skilled and how good the Australian team actually is.
Who in your opinion was the most important player on the pitch?
Marco Bresciano. Mark Viduka didn’t have his best game, I thought - normally he’s very strong up there. But it is not about the individuals in this team.
Do you think Australia can make it through to the round of 16?
I definitely think Australia are a top 20 team. Reaching the last 16 would be a fantastic result for Australia and it is possible. At the moment, we've got a 50-50 chance. We have a good chance of reaching the second round.
Have you seen any other 2006 FIFA World Cup™ games?
I saw Italy play Ghana, and I actually thought the Italians would be a little bit stronger. But usually when Italy have a good World Cup, they start slowly and then build up, and I am expecting good things from them.
What is your favourite team after the Australians?
You know, there’s no real team that I support. I like how the Italians play, and I also think Germany have a good chance with the home crowd, which will definitely help. Argentina will be strong as well, but who do I think will be in the final? I think it might be Italy-Brazil.
And what do you think the score will be in that final?
I think Brazil will win 2-1.
A website would you like to promote?
My charity. You can visit the website by clicking here.
Your future projects?
I’m in Japan at the moment launching my drink, which is an advanced water called ‘Thorpedo’. Then I’ll head over to LA to train for the next three months and then return to Australia in preparation for the World Championships, which are being held in Melbourne early in 2007.