FIFA World Cup 2014

[Vinny]

And now that Chile won with two goals of diference, Spain's life is worse than ever. Correct me if I'm wrong, but either they have to completely wreck someone or they cannot lose any more games, right?

I'd say both things.

And i don't think Chile is going to let Spain simply "streamroll" through them.

Spain need a lot of goals... or Jesus.

[HolyKnight]

I'd say both things.

And i don't think Chile is going to let Spain simply "streamroll" through them.

Spain need a lot of goals... or Jesus.

To be honest, i saw the game pretty purchased. And not only that one.

2 goals of Mexico anulled of the past game, and suddenly the spanish get spanked like this?

Brazil losing?

Maybe im wrong, but Fifa is a business.

[Chim]

I have to support Argentina.. Like i've been doing since 1998.. .. But seriously.. This year is one of the best chances for them.. An easy group stage should have them finishing on the top.. Round of 16 has them facing no 2 from group E, another easy group france being top contenders, thus ecuador, swiss and honduras as the likely opponents making another possibly easy match.. the quarters are where it gets a competition for them with chances of meeting GER, POR, USA, RUS being the highe.st.. The most dangerous of these would be GER and POR, but considering its the quarters its acceptable.. all in all chances for argentina are good.. plus they will be having a lot of support from fans.. so it should almost be like home games for them.. It would be brilliant if brazil and argentina are in the finals.. that will definetely be an epic match!!

Don't underestimate Switzerland. They aren't a 'top' team but they aren't exactly easy either. Spain lost against them last time in World Cup 2010.

And if Argentina ends up first in their group and Germany as well, they will avoid each other until the finals. They will probably run into Belgium, Russia or Portugal. USA isn't that great so I don't expect them to survive their group. And I'm interested how Messi will play. He didn't have a great season and he doesn't always play well for Argentina.

[Yash]

A lot of ifs and buts.. especially after seeing spain demolished last night I feel that maybe there could be a huge upset this year.. even though they started playing well they seem to be suffering from a mental block.. after the first goal of the dutch it became one sided..

as for messi and argentina.. well if you compare his performance for argentina i wouldnt say he doesnt play well.. he is their top scorer.. also while barcelona may not have had a great season messi was still one of the best scorers this year.. and messi isnt the only one argentina have in hand.. aguero, higuain, maxi etc. are all good.. and i honestly believe that just one player wont be able to make anybody win this year.. it will take the entire team..

cant wait for the england italy match.. though it starts at 3.30 am for me..

[Guest]

Remeber that time when Switzerland were higher ranked?

[Chim]

Not that many ifs and buts. It just sounded like it's easy for Argentina to get to the finals. While I do believe they will win their group (as will Germany I think), they won't have the hardest campaign. That's why I think they will run into either Belgium, Portugal or Russia.

As for Messi: It's the same situation as Ronaldo and Portugal. While they have more amazing players, it always comes down to those two. And I think the pressure is even harder on Messi since Barcelona didn't have a great season so I'm wondering how he will deal with that. It can't be easy to be considered the next Maradona and have a whole country wait until you make them champion.

[Azeria]

Ironic that we are talking about Football on a mainly pokemon forum

But Still you can not deny that Spain got Hyper Beam'ed by Holland and Then Swalllowed

[Vinny]

Ironic that we are talking about Football on a mainly pokemon forum

But Still you can not deny that Spain got Hyper Beam'ed by Holland and Then Swalllowed

That's why this topic is in a place called "Wasteland". ^^

To be honest, i saw the game pretty purchased. And not only that one.

2 goals of Mexico anulled of the past game, and suddenly the spanish get spanked like this?

Brazil losing?

Maybe im wrong, but Fifa is a business.

Maybe it was just a coincidence... a pretty fucked up coincidence

Fact is: Football (Soccer, the sport that people kick the ball, whatever you call it) moves a lot of money. It wouldn't surprise me if the champion was decided before it even started.

But oh well, what do i know?

[Tempest]

If that's the case, they must be good actors to keep it beleivable.

[Gyaradoskiller]

You guys are surprised that Spain got demolished? In 2002, France, who was the defending champions, got beat in the first match by debuting Senegal.

[Yash]

honestly football makes more money without it having been bought out.. its by far the most played game in the world.. and if you think about it the teams that do end up being champions are from countries with far inferior economies to be able to support such tactics..

as for messi.. i feel he is old enough to handle the pressure.. as is ronaldo.. neymar however is not.. i would not be surprised if it takes a toll on him.. specially after seeing the first match it felt like neymar and oscar were the only ones playing their natural game.. the rest seemed out of it...

and i meant it will be easy for argentina to reach the quarter finals.. after that is where it will be difficult.. basically i think they should manage through the group and round of 16 quite easily.. after that with the germans/portugal/russians etc is where they will be challenged properly.. that is unless france/argentina either one end up second in their group.. then the round of 16 could be france vs argentina and again be challenging...

[Yash]

Wow.. another upset.. this world cup seems to be amazing at surprising us..

Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica

[Chim]

Before the start of the World Cup, some friends and I tried to predict the outcome. Or rather what we expect and I decided to share my prediction. Most of the teams already played their first game and I can already throw some of my predictions out of the window. Feel free to comment on them or share your own expectations.

Group A: My prediction: 1. Brazil 2. Croatia 3. Mexico 4. Cameroon

After first game;
Brazil is one of my two favorites to win this World Cup. However they didn’t convince me in their first match. Maybe it’s because of the pressure but if they go on like this, I don’t think they are going to win. They mainly won because the referee made some ridiculous decisions. I still think they’re going to win this group.
Croatia played well against Brazil. If they keep it going like this, the match against Mexico will decide the winner. I gave them a slightly better chance because I believe they have a bit more quality.
Mexico convinced me in their first game. If not for the referee they would have won with more than 1-0. They have a good chance of surviving the group stage. Everything will be decided in their last game against Croatia.
Cameroon, I expected them to have a hard time in this group, but after the first match I think they don’t stand a chance. They might even be sent home with 0 points.

Conclusion: I stay by my previous prediction.

Group B: My prediction: 1. Spain 2. Chile 3. Netherlands 4. Australia

After first game;
Australia is a bit in the same situation as Cameroon. While they don’t have a bad team, they had no luck with the drawings. The other 3 teams are on a much higher level.
Chile is a dark horse. They play enjoyable offensive football and have the potential to go far. Before the World Cup started I gave them second place in this group and they didn’t disappoint me against Australia. I still believe they will reach second place.
Netherlands basically destroyed my predictions for this group. Aside from their attackers, they lost quite a bit of quality. I saw some practice games and they didn’t convince me. Combine that with a complete change of their usual system, I didn’t believe in their changes. Boy, did they prove me wrong. The hype is back, but they have to be careful not to be too confident like they usually are.
Spain so far is a disappointment. They might have the most quality in their team and they have the experience. However Torres was a complete disaster as was Casillas. Their defense was a mess and it will be hard for them to come back. If they had lost with only 1-0 or something I would still give them the benefit, but 1-5 is hard to deal with. They have no other choice to win their remaining games and it’s all or nothing in their next game against Chile.

Conclusion: Based on the first games I would probably change Netherlands and Spain. If Spain doesn’t win against Chile, this group is decided.

Group C: My prediction: 1. Colombia 2. Côte d’ivoire 3. Japan 4. Greece

After first game;
Colombia, even without Falcao, was my favorite for this group. I didn’t watch the whole game but what I saw convinced me they will survive this group.
Côte d’ivoire might end up first place, but they’ll have to be better than in their game against Japan. Again, I only saw this first half on replay, so I can’t say too much about it. They started to turn the tide only after Drogba was on the field.
Japan is a good team, but they basically stopped playing after they scored. If they want to make it to the next round, they’ll have to win twice. Not impossible, but it’s going to be hard against Colombia.
Greece, there is not much to say about them. I’ve never been a big fan of their playing style and they never stood a chance. Another team with a possibility to end up with 0 points.

Conclusion: Again, I stay by my prediction.

Group D: My prediction: 1. Italy 2. Uruguay 3. England 4. Costa Rica

After first game;
Costa Rica made it sure interesting in this group. I knew they had a great goalie but that was about it. I thought they were in the same situation as Australia and didn’t really stand a chance, but yet again, I’m completely wrong. Their comeback against Uruguay was great to see and I’m curious how they will fare against Italy and England.
Uruguay was another dark horse for me. (Together with Chile and Belgium). Last World Cup they reached semi-finals and I enjoyed their games. I expected much from Forlan, Suarez and Cavani but I was let down. Even without Suarez it wasn’t enough. They might be in the same boat as Spain since their experienced players let them down as well (Forlan, Lugano). And it doesn’t help when your goalie is insecure in the air. It will be hard for them. They have to win their remaining two games, which is no easy task.
England is always considered a threat. Their players have a lot of talent and the expectations are always high, but they never convince on tournaments. Before the start I thought it would be the same, but they convinced me I’m wrong. If they keep playing like this and win their remaining two games, they will advance.
Italy, a team I expect a lot from. They have a great mix of talent and experience which was the main reason I put them first in this interesting group. They pretty much met my expectations.

Conclusion: After the first games I think England will take second spot. Uruguay might end up fourth which will be a big disappointment to them.

Group E: My prediction: 1. France 2. Switzerland 3. Ecuador 4. Honduras

After first game;
Honduras will still come short. It’s not the hardest group, but they just don’t have the talented players like some of the other teams.
Ecuador, I considered placing them second, but in the end I went for Switzerland. That game was probably the worst I’ve seen so far, but they still lost in the extra time, which is a blow. It will be hard for them to win against France.
Switzerland did what they had to do; win against Ecuador. I only placed them second since they have more talent (like Shaqiri), but they didn’t convince me. They’re lucky to win, but if it goes on like this they will lose to whoever wins Group F.
France is my absolute favorite in this group. Last World Cup was a disaster so they have a lot to make up for. Even without Ribery they still got some great talented players (Pogba, Benzema). They had no problems in their first game, even it was ‘only’ Honduras. I expect them to reach at least quarterfinals.

Conclusion: After seeing Switzerland win their game, I think I’m right with my prediction.

Group F: My prediction: 1. Argentina 2. Nigeria 3. Bosnia and Herzegovina 4. Iran

After first game / expectations;
Argentina, I only saw a part of their game and it didn’t convince me. I expected more out of them. They got some great players but everyone looks at Messi and as I already mentioned in this thread, the pressure might be too much to deal with. I still think they will win this group, but becoming World Champions might be a bit too much. Depending on who they run into and circumstances, they might exit in the quarterfinals.
Bosnia and Herzegovina did well for a debuting country / team. They aren’t a bad team and this group is certainly interesting and possible to survive, however I think they will run short on a few points / goals and Nigeria will take second place.
Nigeria hasn’t played a game yet. The main reason I placed them second is because the group they are in. If Argentina doesn’t step up their game they might even get a point against them. Furthermore I think they are a better team than Bosnia and Iran.
Iran is, to me, in this group the ‘lesser’ team. They might decide who takes second place by taking points from the other teams, but in the end they will run short.

Some sort of conclusion? I can’t really say all that much since Nigeria and Iran still have to play their first game. Bosnia and Nigeria will decide who takes second place.

Group G: My prediction: 1. Germany 2. Portugal 3. Ghana 4. USA

Expectations;
Germany is my second favorite to win this. They might not be on full strength since Reus is injured, Khedira has no rhythm after his long injury,… but they will, as usual, play their tournament. The overall quality of this team is definitely top 3. I’m really looking forward for their game against Portugal.
Portugal is a dangerous team. They got some incredible talented players (Ronaldo), but they don’t have the quality of Germany. They had to play extra qualifiers because Russia took first spot in the European Qualifiers. From time to time they aren’t consistent enough and the rumors about Ronaldo’s injuries aren’t helping.
Ghana will have confidence. They beat Korea Republic 4-0 in their last practice game. They do stand a chance but it’s going to be hard. But hey, this World Cup is full of surprises so don’t count them out. I do believe they have a bit more quality than USA so that’s why I placed them third. It can be easily the other way around though.
USA is, on paper, the team with the least individual talented players. They do make a decent team and have an incredible coach who can help them out and can change the game with his tactics. It was hard to place them fourth but someone has to be.

Some sort of conclusion? Since they haven’t played any games yet I can’t say anything about changing their places. While I do feel confident about Germany and Portugal, Ghana and USA might chance places and cost me some prediction points.

Group H: As a Belgian, this is the group I’m looking forward to. My prediction: 1. Belgium 2. Russia 3. Algeria 4. Korea Republic

Expectations;
Belgium, what can I say? I’m from Belgium so I hope they get far. I do believe they are a dark horse and will win their group with 7/9 (Tie against Russia). They got a lot of talent, but since I’m not neutral, I’m going to leave it at that.
Russia is definitely the biggest challenge. Some of their biggest names have retired and now they have a compact team. I believe they will also get 7/9, but they won’t score as much goals as Belgium. (Or I hope xD)
Algeria I don’t know much about. I believe they are a hard team with some talent on the wings. They might be the big surprise in this group and I’m looking forward to see them lose play against Belgium.
Korea Republic is another team I’m not familiar with. I did follow the results of their practice games. The feeling I get is that they are a disciplined team (like most Asian teams), but their defensive is a weak point. That might be their downfall in this group.

Some sort of conclusion? What can I say aside from cheering for Belgium? I seriously hope I’m right on this one (or Belgium 9/9 points), because I don’t want them to run into Germany so soon.

[Yash]

German domination of Portugal.. 4-0.. Pepe uses Headbutt.. Red Card sends him back..

The game actually showed perfection from the germans.. Possibly the best defensive team in the world cup showed us just how deadly their attack is.. The steady german assault and pathetic portuguese defense finished the game in the first half itself..

[Notus]

Soo, Brazil 0x0 México. Nice game to watch in my opinion, and hell, that Ochoa did use Iron Defense XD. Share your toughts!

Edited June 17, 2014 by Notus

[Yash]

Definitely a brilliant game.. even though it was a draw it was entertaining.. the attacks from mexico and brazil as well as sudden counter attacks made for some fast paced action.. and ochoa erected a Barrier in front of the goal...

[Guest]

Definitely a brilliant game.. even though it was a draw it was entertaining.. the attacks from mexico and brazil as well as sudden counter attacks made for some fast paced action.. and ochoa erected a Barrier in front of the goal...

I know i'm gonna sound suspicious cuz i'm brazilian and all, tbh i don't really care about football but it seemed to me that ochoa got really lucky, he didn't need to move much, the balls just went right aimed at him or something. I'm not denying his credit, otherwise he wouldn't have been chosen to be a goalie but i don't think people should be calling him a hero either.

[Deleted User]

[Yash]

Telos mate.. the saves he made from neymars shots made him move around all over the place.. even the one where fred missed wide it required the sense for ochoa to stay in goal.. had he moved fred could have chipped it over him.. he really deserves the credit for his performance that day.. he kept a clean sheet despite having a improved brazillian attack.. atleast better than the way the were looking in the first game.. far more stable and much more dangerous..

[Notus]

Brazil played a terrible game today. Not sure if they deserved to pass but... Hell, those penalties were electrifying.

Edited June 28, 2014 by Notus

[Deleted User]

Clutch win my Germany. Ozil coming through when it counts.

[pandaemang]

Gfg. Germany lol

[Notus]

This is what happened.

[Yash]

Man that was insane... Brazil getting destroyed.. Cant wait for the finals though.. Argentina should win it!!

[Deleted User]

Schweinsteiger is a tank.