Pool Who's Who

The Continentalist, aka Nutmeg (Pacifica, CA) - The Originator of the World Cup 2006 Friends Pool... and conveniently the taker of the spoils of said pool. Runner up in the Champions League Pool 2007 and contributor to CL Pool 2008 blog. Watch out for The Special One. As the legal representation for the blog, he's sure to exploit every possible loophole in his run for victory.

Eastern Influence (Menlo Park, CA) - The current Cupholders. Hailing from the South Bay peninsula and el Cuidad de Monterrey, Mexico, this multinational family wielded their title-winning tactics from the depths of Montenegro last year. Recently relocated to Menlo Park, we'll see if their European savvy holds up now that they're back in their home FIFA conference. The Californian half of Eastern Influence is infamously remembered for his pick against Mexico, and the mother of his children, in the 2006 World Cup Friends pool. Before the arrival of Cantona, Eastern Influence were widely regarded as the most knowledgeable poolers in football matters.

Big Bend, aka TK, Team Auckland (Pacifica, CA, as of this weekend) - Though he descended a New Zealand glacier to make his picks on time last year, TK is mysteriously MIA from this year's blog, instead electing to make his first picks via email. For now we'll assume he's been busy performing intricate orthopedic surgeries and house-hunting. Just missed the Runners-Up prize in last year's pool. His experience is steeped in his days on the pitches of Menlo Park with the Continentalist and Eastern Influence.

Team Jerusalem (yes, Jerusalem) - The lone ex-pat pool team this year. Should get a handicap for following the tournament in Hebrew (definitely not his first language). Despite starting last year's pool with "this has something to do with college basketball, yes?", his old English connections assure that football runs deep in his blood. Picks may appear improvised at times, but don't be fooled. He's a master tactician who could at any moment pick the lock of the pool (or steal the keys from the Continentalist).

The Terrible Twos, aka Bigmaggie, Team Lee (Marina Del Rey, CA) - Watched World Cup 2006 in Hoboken, NJ, during the last year of a long stint in NYC, and the first year with their little one (sporting hot soccer threads on last year's blog). Now they're back to their west coast roots, and riding the elevator in their Marina Del Rey crib with Nicholas Cage. Known for unorthodox picks and bold attitude, the Terrible Twos have jumped to an early advantage.

SaMo, aka The Jerver, Perfect Pitch (Santa Monica, CA) - Fresh off of a last place finish in the 2007 Pool, SaMo is still wondering why Bayern Munich isn't in this year's tournament. Always on the verge of a red card himself, SaMo is an aficionado of fair play and the beautiful game. His vast knowledge of American sports arcana has yet to translate to an advantage in his reading of the European game. Just be glad this isn't Major League Baseball Pool 2008.

Team EC (San Rafael, CA) - Joined the pool in 2007, their maiden west coast year after relocating from New England. Can be found wearing PSV Eindhoven jerseys while making picks over BBQed oysters with county compatriots Real Marin. They'll be following the games from Azzurri country in March with secret weapon Carovillaninho in tow. With strong scouting skills and an early edge, Team EC could well be this year's Cinderella story.

JonnyRay United (Boston, MA) - Capitalizing on Team Effsee FC's relegation, JohnnyRay United is fresh up from the lower leagues with high aspirations of capturing his first title. Started his club career in Massachusetts with the Winchester High Sachems and ended it with too many pints in the pubs of London. (Or was it Australia, or Vermont?) He'll be architecting his plans for victory in between designing eye-popping furniture and changing diapers.

Banana Island (San Francisco, CA) - Seoul Sister #1. This South Korean starlet will catch matches in between shots of animation and Kim Yu-Na figure skating competitions. Her man of the match is Park Ji-Sung even if Manchester United isn't playing. While new to the pool this year, she's plenty capable of swimming in the deep end.

Cantona (Corte Madera, CA) - Has lived and died by the fortunes of Manchester United since he was a young lad in Wales. Has been known to follow the Red Devils via short-wave radio while on Pan-Pacific animation sojourns. Although new to the pool, his veteran experience in the European leagues could easily lead him to this year's Golden Boot.

Real Marin (Fairfax, CA) - Hanging on every magisterial Barça move and blogging from their hideout in the redwoods of Fairfax.