A message from our host
by Herr Hippo
World Cup 2006 has reached its conclusion, with Italy crowned the winners! We hope that you enjoyed the tournament and, if you’ve been a regular reader of World Cup Hippo, that the site has been an enjoyable and useful complement to the on-pitch action.
Since January we’ve published 148 World Cup related articles. These features have included rash predictions, a plethora of tactical suggestions for Sven Goran-Eriksson, a smattering of poetry, and some clinical insight into the scientific principles underpinning the beautiful game.
Hearty thanks to everyone that visited World Cup Hippo, and special thanks to those who commented on articles. The site will remain online as the definitive World Cup 2006 archive! So please feel free to peruse our pages at leisure.
I’m now taking a well earned three-and-a-half year holiday before I begin preparations for the 2010 World Cup. I’ll be spending most of my time relaxing in the rivers of Uganda with friends and family, although I will undertake a spot of scouting at the odd Champions League fixture. Until 2010 then, best wishes and goodbye!
July 14th, 2006 at 9:22 am
Thank you Herr Hippo, you have been a great host.
I hope you get a job on the 2010 World Cup Organising Committee. They appear to need all the help available right now!
Predictions for 2010:
Winners - Scotland
Runners-up - Brazil
Golden Ball - Roger Milla
July 14th, 2006 at 9:23 am
Many thanks Herr Hippo & colleagues for indisputably the very best World Cup coverage. Bring on South Africa 2010!
July 14th, 2006 at 9:24 am
Or could it be USA 2010? We’ll see!
July 14th, 2006 at 12:00 pm
I look forward to looking through some of the memorable articles on this site in the coming months.
July 14th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
Thanks to Herr Hippo, all his contributors and all the regular commenters. My productivity at work may have fallen due to this website, but my understanding of the sociological side of the beautiful game has increased ninety-three fold.
Predictions for 2010?
Theo Walcott to finally make his Arsenal debut in relegation dogfight with Notts County.
Tony Blair to announce he really does intend to retire this time.
Steve Guttenberg to receive an oscar for his sensitive portrayal of Carey Mahoney in Police Acadamy 8.
And…
Sven Goran Eriksson to lead Australia to World Cup victory.
As a final comment, surely Herr Hippo must win this year’s Pulitzer prize.
July 14th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
Goodbye Herr Hippo! We’ll sure miss you!
I’m welling up inside. I think I might need to pretend there’s something in my eye to relieve the pressure on my tear ducts.
July 14th, 2006 at 5:06 pm
But… but… what will this poor poor American sould do now to get enlightened conversation about footie? Where will I turn? Oh, God, I’m so scared…
July 14th, 2006 at 5:40 pm
By far and away the most considered, witty and astute observations of the entire campaign - Three cheers for herr hippo - hussah, hussah, hussah!!
Can this really be the end? Surely we’re but six weeks away from the glorious start to qualifying for Euro 2008 and what will come to be known as the ‘golden era’ under the future Sir Steve Mclaren….
July 14th, 2006 at 11:52 pm
Thanks for a great blog, Mr Hippo - stop by and see us some time!
July 15th, 2006 at 9:29 am
Good work everyone.
I’m going to pass the time until the next World Cup writing gags for Mark Lawrenson.
July 17th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
Well done Hippo. A fine site and an essential companion to a most enjoyable month. Fine work all round… until the next time football fans!
July 18th, 2006 at 11:59 am
Thanks Herr Hippo, a thouroughly entertaining read during the cup that was only enhanced by my fellow contributors.
Well Done Herr Hippo, and i’ll look forward to hearing from you soon!
July 18th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
Well done one and all.
When will the the Hippo be releasing his World Cup Diary? I’m itching to read his own take on the HIPPO IN THREE IN A ZOO ELEPHANT ROMP story which emerged in the News of the World this weekend.
How about the Premiership Badger?
July 18th, 2006 at 2:23 pm
Don’t really see what all the fuss is about!
July 18th, 2006 at 2:44 pm
Three elephants in a zoo! Scandalous!
July 20th, 2006 at 9:47 am
Oh Herr Hippo, what has become of you!
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006330470,00.html