Football Pundits Predictions Dialogue
Teacher s Notes
This dialogue contains many idioms used to discuss predictions, probabilities and challenges,
which can be used in a wide range of contexts, as well as some words and phrases that are
more specific to soccer. There is also a range of future forms and modals of probability.
You may want to introduce some of the vocabulary in the text by using Sports Expressions
Matching Cards Game.
Ask the students to memorise the collocations and idioms first, then practise the dialogue.
One technique is for one student to have the text (in this case, the presenter) and prompt the
other two students, who have just a few key words.
Once they can use the new language, they can have their own conversation about their
predictions for the World Cup.
If possible, show a video clip of a TV studio discussion involving  pundits (experts on sport) as
a follow-up activity. Then ask the students to wear suits and ties and film them acting out this
dialogue or one they have written themselves.
With a business English class, you could show a studio discussion about some other event,
such as a business merger or takeover which features similar language of prediction and point
out any similarities in terms of grammar and lexis.
Author: Dennis Delany Page 1 of 33
r: Katie Jones.
© Pearson Education 2010 PHOTOCOPIABLE
Football Pundits Predictions Dialogue
P = Presenter; E1 = Expert 1; E2 = Expert 2
P: So what are the prospects for this World Cup, in your opinion?
E1: It seems to me there are four main contenders: Brazil, England, Portugal and Spain,
who are the Euro 2008 champions. Any one of them is capable of lifting the trophy.
E2: Pele is on the record as backing Spain to win, but that was back in January. Now that
Torres is likely to miss at least the first match with a knee injury, Spain may miss him
badly. To make matters worse, Iniesta has a fractured shin. If I were the Spanish
coach, I d be a worried man.
P: Of course, Brazil face a massive challenge in the  Group of Death .
E1: That s right  they re up against Portugal and the Ivory Coast. They were impressive
against Argentina in their last qualifying match, but they only managed a nil-nil draw
against Colombia.
P: How about Portugal?
E2: I have my doubts  they didn t look impressive in the qualifying rounds, in fact they
almost went out against Albania. They will have to improve enormously. Still, with
Ronaldo in the squad, they are a force to be reckoned with.
P: What do you think of England s chances?
E1: They are certainly in with a chance. They have good discipline, tactics and plenty of
strength in depth. Capello has been very successful in getting them to play as a team
and not a bunch of prima donnas. What s more they are in one of the easiest groups,
Group C. But a lot still depends on Wayne Rooney.
Author: Dennis Delany Page 2 of 33
r: Katie Jones.
© Pearson Education 2010 PHOTOCOPIABLE
Football Pundits Predictions Dialogue
P: What are your thoughts on Germany?
E2: The Germans are always in with a shout. Just look at their track record  three times
World Cup winners, runners-up four times  you can never rule them out.
P: Then there s Holland  could this finally be their World Cup?
E1: Well, as usual they have a talented squad, but my gut feeling is that they will fall short
once again  they are the perennial underachievers. They lack the killer instinct, the
consistency that you need to go all the way.
P: Any possibility of the host nation pulling it off?
E2: Pretty slim, really. They have some talented players, such as Pienaar, but it s a big
ask. Still, you have to factor in home advantage. Playing on your home turf in front of
a home crowd will give them a boost, no doubt about that.
P: Do you see anyone else that might be able to spring a surprise?
E1: Ivory Coast have what it takes to be the first African champions. Many of them played
in 2006 and they will have learned valuable lessons. Drogba is a match-winner, and if
he is on form, well, anything could happen.
E2: We haven t mentioned Argentina yet. They have incredible talent, and with Maradona
as manager, who knows? They have the potential to win it, if they can just get their
act together.
P: So, who do you think it will come down to in the final?
E1: Any two of Brazil, England, Germany, Argentina or Spain.
E2: Personally, the dream final for me would be Brazil v Spain.
Author: Dennis Delany Page 3 of 33
r: Katie Jones.
© Pearson Education 2010 PHOTOCOPIABLE