FIFA World Cup 2014

[r0eladn 123]

I find it interesting that Holland and Spain are in the same group as the winners and runners-up of the last WC.

 

Yeah, in contrast of what happens in other sports, (f.e. darts) this hasnt been taken into account afaik for the creating of the pools.

 

I think most of the groups are well balanced, so that is a good thing.

[Nlwt 732]

 

I find it interesting that Holland and Spain are in the same group as the winners and runners-up of the last WC.

 

Yeah, in contrast of what happens in other sports, (f.e. darts) this hasnt been taken into account afaik for the creating of the pools.

 

I think most of the groups are well balanced, so that is a good thing.

 

I'd say they are pretty balanced too, I mean there are a number of groups that are as difficult as others rather than just one group primarily being the group of death.

[cactus. 844]

 

I find it interesting that Holland and Spain are in the same group as the winners and runners-up of the last WC.

 

Yeah, in contrast of what happens in other sports, (f.e. darts) this hasnt been taken into account afaik for the creating of the pools.

 

I think most of the groups are well balanced, so that is a good thing.

 

 

Spain/Holland looks awesome, but I bet they'll play out to a 0-0 draw and then try to beat up on the other opponents so that they both progress. I hope Chile does one of them in.

 

And yeah I agree most the groups are pretty well balanced. There isn't really a standout group of death this time, which is pretty cool.

[iNero 532]

maaaan... just saw that England-Italy will be 3am in the morning ( CET )

 

Dont really care for both of them, but its an interessting match

Edited December 7, 2013 by iNero

[Divbo 7]

 

 

I find it interesting that Holland and Spain are in the same group as the winners and runners-up of the last WC.

 

Yeah, in contrast of what happens in other sports, (f.e. darts) this hasnt been taken into account afaik for the creating of the pools.

 

I think most of the groups are well balanced, so that is a good thing.

 

 

Spain/Holland looks awesome, but I bet they'll play out to a 0-0 draw and then try to beat up on the other opponents so that they both progress. I hope Chile does one of them in.

 

And yeah I agree most the groups are pretty well balanced. There isn't really a standout group of death this time, which is pretty cool.

 

Englands group must be considered group of death. I personally hope they get destroyed, purley because the English media are absolute rockets who believe everytime England get to a major tournament the should win it. They put s much pressure on their team and always set the nation up for dissapointmnet,

[SouthLand 1,617]

GK: Casillas

 

DF: Azpilicueta, Ramos, Pique, Monreal,

 

MF: Silva Iniesta Navas

 

FW: Pedro Villa Negredo

[Hodgey. 2,031]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/dec/19/world-cup-brazil-vanishing-spray-blatter

 

This is the most pointless thing I have seen in football in a while. I've seen it used various times and even when the wall moves infront of the line the free kick isnt retaken. Just pointless IMO.

[VIPΣR 1,534]

I would really love to see the final being between Portugal and Brazil. In my opinion this would be the most fitting final for this year's World Cup. But well I don't know, if Portugal is capable of reaching the final, as long as they don't get Germany, Spain or France on their way I think it's pretty possible.

[cactus. 844]

I think people are really underestimating Portugal for this tournament. Ronaldo seems to be in the form of his life, and he knows more than anyone that this could be his best chance to cement his name as the greatest of all time. The Portugal team may be so-so, but if they can gel for what, 7 games? they can compete with anyone. Pepe and Coentrao (sp?) are in good form as well. I see them getting at least to the semi-finals.

[Der_Don 318]

I think people are really underestimating Portugal for this tournament. Ronaldo seems to be in the form of his life, and he knows more than anyone that this could be his best chance to cement his name as the greatest of all time. The Portugal team may be so-so, but if they can gel for what, 7 games? they can compete with anyone. Pepe and Coentrao (sp?) are in good form as well. I see them getting at least to the semi-finals.

Of course it's possible for them to go on and win the whole thing. But I just don't see it. Apart from the three players you mentioned, their squad is rather mediocre. And I don't even consider Coentrao world class.

[cactus. 844]

It's definitely a long shot for them to win it all, and Ronaldo's individual performances will be absolutely crucial for them. But once they reach the knockout stage I can definitely see them taking down one of the favorites.

[Hodgey. 2,031]

As long as Germany or Argentina dont win it I'm not really bothered who does.

[Der_Don 318]

It's definitely a long shot for them to win it all, and Ronaldo's individual performances will be absolutely crucial for them. But once they reach the knockout stage I can definitely see them taking down one of the favorites.

Definitely. Once they get on a roll, they'll be tough to beat.

 

Relax Hodgey, neither will win it. It'll be Brazil or Spain.

[Jimmy_Leppard 955]

Smaller countries (soccer-wise) will be the spotlight of this WC, not the usual bigger countries, beware what I told you.

[dice 2,089]

 

I think people are really underestimating Portugal for this tournament. Ronaldo seems to be in the form of his life, and he knows more than anyone that this could be his best chance to cement his name as the greatest of all time. The Portugal team may be so-so, but if they can gel for what, 7 games? they can compete with anyone. Pepe and Coentrao (sp?) are in good form as well. I see them getting at least to the semi-finals.

Of course it's possible for them to go on and win the whole thing. But I just don't see it. Apart from the three players you mentioned, their squad is rather mediocre. And I don't even consider Coentrao world class.

 

Look where Uruguay and Netherlands went in the last WC and their squads were weaker than current Portugal. Coentrao is world class for his country, his Real appearances may be a bit uninspired, but I've watched him in the last WC and the Euros, he's comparable with the best left backs when he wants to.

[Fluffy Sock 5,556]

Look where Uruguay and Netherlands went in the last WC and their squads were weaker than current Portugal. Coentrao is world class for his country, his Real appearances may be a bit uninspired, but I've watched him in the last WC and the Euros, he's comparable with the best left backs when he wants to.

 

 

Yep, the little bastard used to play 1000x better in his national squad. Ironically is Ancelotti who makes him look good in his club too, not Mourinho.

[Hodgey. 2,031]

 

 

I think people are really underestimating Portugal for this tournament. Ronaldo seems to be in the form of his life, and he knows more than anyone that this could be his best chance to cement his name as the greatest of all time. The Portugal team may be so-so, but if they can gel for what, 7 games? they can compete with anyone. Pepe and Coentrao (sp?) are in good form as well. I see them getting at least to the semi-finals.

Of course it's possible for them to go on and win the whole thing. But I just don't see it. Apart from the three players you mentioned, their squad is rather mediocre. And I don't even consider Coentrao world class.

 

Look where Uruguay and Netherlands went in the last WC and their squads were weaker than current Portugal. Coentrao is world class for his country, his Real appearances may be a bit uninspired, but I've watched him in the last WC and the Euros, he's comparable with the best left backs when he wants to.

 

Netherlands had a much better team in the 2010 WC than Portugal have at the moment. The Dutch didn't have the greatest back four in the 2010 WC but other than that they had some of the best players in the world in their squad at that time. Whereas Portugal (apart from Ronaldo) really dont have a player that is outstanding and could carry the team if Ronaldo was injured, the dutch did.

[dice 2,089]

Their midfield is more than capable of providing service and Ronaldo wasn't even their top scorer in the qualifiers up until the last games with Sweden, he only scored in 2 games in the whole process

Edited April 30, 2014 by dice

[Hodgey. 2,031]

Their midfield is more than capable of providing service and Ronaldo wasn't even their top scorer in the qualifiers up until the last games with Sweden, he only scored in 2 games in the whole process

 

Excatly and they needed a playoff to qualify. If they cant finish atop a group that consisted of Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Luxenborg and Northern Ireland I doubt they have any chance of getting further than the quarter finals.

[dice 2,089]

I'm saying that they are good even without Ronaldo

[gtamann123 2,383]

England and USA both got sh*t draws if you ask me. USA has absolutely no shot at all of advancing and England may have a slight chance if Uruguay's squad isn't as good as it was in 2010.

[Hodgey. 2,031]

I'm saying that they are good even without Ronaldo

 

Nope. If Ronaldo gets injured they're f*cked.

[I cucked Alex Jones 3,963]

Uruguay's squad is better this year than in 2010. England better hope the Italians pull off another 2010.

[dice 2,089]

Portugal scored 20 goals in the qualifying round before the games with Sweden and out of those 20 goals Ronaldo scored only 4. Hardly a one man team

[Shoumaker 1,194]

Uruguay's squad is better this year than in 2010. England better hope the Italians pull off another 2010.

England have a better squad as well.

 

Italy and England for me to go through.

[Hodgey. 2,031]

Portugal scored 20 goals in the qualifying round before the games with Sweden and out of those 20 goals Ronaldo scored only 4. Hardly a one man team

 

Again, look at the level of competition they played against. I'm not saying Portugal are a horrible team but they aren't going to get results against the top teams in the world.

[§†range 4,260]

Smaller countries (soccer-wise) will be the spotlight of this WC, not the usual bigger countries, beware what I told you.

Croatia has a population around 4 million and has managed to qualify for the last 3 I can remember. 98' was their best run, looking forward to them having a good showing and I hope your prediction is spot on Jimmy.

[SouthLand 1,617]

I just won The Brazilian world Cup with Macau.

 

(Obviosuly in the 2014 World Cup videogame)

 

It was sad to beat my country in the Finals 2-1

 

With two goals of Geofredo Cheung

[The Gardener 161]

Is there going to be a prediction league for the World Cup finals? I'd take part

[Nlwt 732]

 

Is there going to be a prediction league for the World Cup finals? I'd take part

 

I reckon there should be. Would be more than happy to set one up. Anyone else interested?