I always thought i would catch up before it started but now it's in a few days and i don't know any of the basic info (I don't really like it but might as well be informed)! Well, first i'll google the teams and then just to be certain i'll ask Captain ugly where is Brazil in the map and…Oh, it's too much work.
Uh, go México?
I also have the very slight hope, the very impossible hope, that Uruguay goes far
Me too, since I drew them in a World Cup pool.
I'm personally predicting an all South American final of Argentina Vs. Brazil.
I'd love to see Argentina win it, with plenty of goals from glorious Gonzalo and a player of the tournament performance from Messi after the stop-start season he had.
Being from South America, I wish I could support my region, but I don't.
Colombia I can support, being from there, but they have no chance to go beyond the second round. It'll be a surprise if they do.
Chile and Ecuador are solid teams, but nowhere near the level required for a championship.
Paraguay used to be a staple of world cups and did well last time, but this time they imploded and became the worst in the region. wut.
Uruguay I would support, but given the group its in I find it really unlikely they'll survive long enough to give us Maracanazo 2.0
Argentina always walks into world cups boasting, but in the end they fizzle for the very simple reason that their soccer culture praises individual performance way too highly. Last world cup was all about Maradona and his protege Messi, and that exploded in their face. I don't see that mentality being any different now. OH god, and can we also talk about their culture of always going the extra mile in exclaiming to everyone how they're the best and will win and they're so good that maradona is god and … etc etc. Such a pedantic attitude, it's a reason why most of latin america dreams of argentina losing so they can just shut up.
And then Brazil actually has a fair shot, but to me that's the most boring conclusion possible given Brazilian soccer has been anything but impressive in the past decade or so.
So basically, the teams from South America I would enjoy winning are nowhere near the level to win it, unless by fluke, and the ones that can achieve that level I doubt would win it due to their own shortcomings, and I also personally dislike them. Brazil has a fair shot of winning, a very real one (especially if we acknowledge the elephant in the room that is corruption and the possibility of fixed matches) but I really don't want them to win it, unless they show from early on that they do deserve it by merit of their skill.
Being from South America, I wish I could support my region, but I don't.
Colombia I can support, being from there, but they have no chance to go beyond the second round. It'll be a surprise if they do.
Chile and Ecuador are solid teams, but nowhere near the level required for a championship.
Paraguay used to be a staple of world cups and did well last time, but this time they imploded and became the worst in the region. wut.
Uruguay I would support, but given the group its in I find it really unlikely they'll survive long enough to give us Maracanazo 2.0
Argentina always walks into world cups boasting, but in the end they fizzle for the very simple reason that their soccer culture praises individual performance way too highly. Last world cup was all about Maradona and his protege Messi, and that exploded in their face. I don't see that mentality being any different now. OH god, and can we also talk about their culture of always going the extra mile in exclaiming to everyone how they're the best and will win and they're so good that maradona is god and … etc etc. Such a pedantic attitude, it's a reason why most of latin america dreams of argentina losing so they can just shut up.
And then Brazil actually has a fair shot, but to me that's the most boring conclusion possible given Brazilian soccer has been anything but impressive in the past decade or so.So basically, the teams from South America I would enjoy winning are nowhere near the level to win it, unless by fluke, and the ones that can achieve that level I doubt would win it due to their own shortcomings, and I also personally dislike them. Brazil has a fair shot of winning, a very real one (especially if we acknowledge the elephant in the room that is corruption and the possibility of fixed matches) but I really don't want them to win it, unless they show from early on that they do deserve it by merit of their skill.
I think you're selling some of these teams short tbh.
Especially Uruguay.
Despite what the English media may claim, Englnad have a very average team.
It's England that I can't see getting out of the group stages ahead of Uruguay and Italy.
Argentina sound a bit like the England of South America from the way you describe it lol.
Brazil have indeed had a bit of a slump in the last decade or so. Now's the time for guys like Neymar to establish a new generation of Brazilian excellence.
You also have to take in account that phenomenon that teams have of playing better when in a their field or a familiar one. I think it plays an important factor. I guess, i don't know. Also, Captain Ugly told me where Brazil is so im totally prepared for this.
Eh, Neymar is an overhyped nobody. They need a second coming of Ronaldo. And no, I'm not talking about Ronaldinho Gaucho or Christiano Ronaldo. I mean the 1990s superstar Ronaldo.
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I also have the very slight hope, the very impossible hope, that Uruguay goes far just for the sake of a second Maracanazo. I would love that SOO MUCH.
Same here. Though I don't mind if Uruguay wins against someone else in the finals, I just want them to do well. Wouldn't be surprised if we don't get to the finals, really.
Wait, they're held with a different schedule? I was under the impression that they were later the same year… e_e
Memory playing tricks with me, never mind. I even followed the headlines pretty closely back then because our national team's players were blogging about it a lot.
lol
but did you watch the women's world cup though? it was awesome.
Gonna throw some random predictions.
Last time i actually got half of the groups, half of the knockout stages, the final and the winner right.
Group A: Brazil; Croatia
Group B: Spain, Netherlands
Group C: Japan, Greece
Group D: Uruguay; England
Group E: France, Switzerland
Group F: Argentina; Nigeria
Group G: Germany, Portugal
Group H: Belgium; Russia
Knockouts:
Brazil vs Netherlands: Brazil
Japan vs England: England
France vs Nigeria: France
Germany Vs Russia: Germany
Croatia vs Spain: Spain
Uruguay Vs Greece: Uruguay
Argentina Vs Switzerland: Argentina
Belgium vs Portugal: Portugal
Brazil Vs England: Brazil
France Vs Germany: Germany
Spain Vs Uruguay: Uruguay
Argentina Vs Portugal: Argentina
Brazil vs Germany: Germany
Uruguay Vs Argentina: Uruguay
Brazil Vs Argentine: Brazil
Germany Vs Uruguay: Germany
And tomorrow i´m going to review this, because it seems way too obvious.
Group C is not exactly that straight-forward. Colombia is the head of the group for a reason, only falling short of Argentina in the south american eliminations. Likewise, Cote d'Ivoire has been in the past a fairly strong African team and I believe they made it to the second round last time they went to the world cup (2006.)
Not that it matters though, since Group C winners face the combo of England, Italy or Uruguay, but still.
edit: nevermind me
Making group predictions, that sounds fun!
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon
Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Group C: Colombia, Japan, Ivory Coast, Greece
Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria
Group G: Germany, Ghana, Portugal, USA
Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korean Republic
Just copy+paste if you want to join the fun. As for my predictions
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon
Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Group C: Columbia, Japan, Ivory Coast, Greece
Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria
Group G: Germany, Ghana, Portugal, USA
Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korean Republic
It's Colombia you guys, Colombia. With an o. Huge pet peeve.
but yea, without putting too much research into it, here's mine:
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, México, Cameroon
Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Group C: Colombia, Japan, Ivory Coast, Greece
Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria
Group G: Germany, Ghana, Portugal, USA
Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korean Republic
Thanks for the correction, Noqanky. Edited it.
I just saw these articles and thought I'd share them. Ribery won't be participating in the World Cup and Germany's Marco Reus might have to drop out as well.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=reus-set-to-miss-out-after-ankle-tear-2355681.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=ribery-and-grenier-ruled-out-of-world-cup-2355377.html
Ribery not playing will hit France's team hard I'm afraid. And personally too I'm sad to see him stay home. Such a shame…
It's Colombia you guys, Colombia. With an o. Huge pet peeve.
but yea, without putting too much research into it, here's mine:
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, México, Cameroon
Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Group C: Colombia, Japan, Ivory Coast, Greece
Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria
Group G: Germany, Ghana, Portugal, USA
Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korean Republic
And here is mine
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, México, Cameroon
Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Group C: Colombia, Japan, Ivory Coast, Greece
Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria
Group G: Germany, Ghana, Portugal, USA
Group H:Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korean Republic
Almost the same..almost.
When AP used to be good:
NEVER FORGET !!
Group C is not exactly that straight-forward. Colombia is the head of the group for a reason, only falling short of Argentina in the south american eliminations. Likewise, Cote d'Ivoire has been in the past a fairly strong African team and I believe they made it to the second round last time they went to the world cup (2006.)
Not that it matters though, since Group C winners face the combo of England, Italy or Uruguay, but still.
I know. That´s actually the group i had more difficulties deciding.
I don´t really trust Colombia´s defence and central midfield, especially in the defensive area. I also don´t see any of the strikers having a good tournament, even though they have enough talent.
Greece always finds a way to go through, and i trust Japan for some reason
And here is mine
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, México, Cameroon
Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Group C: Colombia, Japan, Ivory Coast, Greece
Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria
Group G: Germany, Ghana, Portugal, USA
Group H:Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korean RepublicAlmost the same..almost.
Iran?
@SpaceCowboy: Well, I have a strong regards towards Middle East soccer.
And also I don´t know about Bosnia, if they play soccer like Croatia or Serbia, they might win. About Nigeria, they are not the strongest african team in this world cup.
Well, for a long time they had the best attack in the qualifiers, but eventually over surpassed by Germany and Netherlands (which is not such a bad thing).
Their group wasn´t really that strong, and i think a strong defence can easily shut their attack.
Good goalkeeper. Average defence.
In theory Croatia is stronger in my opinion, but most people disagree with me.
Eh, Neymar is an overhyped nobody. They need a second coming of Ronaldo. And no, I'm not talking about Ronaldinho Gaucho or Christiano Ronaldo. I mean the 1990s superstar Ronaldo.
Riiight….the young and immensely talented young player who signed for Barcelona for a ridiculous fee is a nobody. That doesn't make any sense.
Overhyped, well that's a matter of opinion.
I personally think Neymar is going to grow into one of the best players in the world, but that's just me.
Also, of all the great Brazilian players that they'd wish for the second coming of...90's Ronaldo would be way down the list.
My predicitons (in some cases guesses):
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon
Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Group C: Colombia, Japan, Ivory Coast, Greece
Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria
Group G: Germany, Ghana, Portugal, USA
Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korean Republic
Now, who feels like counting all these up and making an official AP prognosis~
Netherlands is going to be knocked out immediately again.
Netherlands is going to be knocked out immediately again.
I agree with this. I guess for whatever reason they just don't seem to get along and all play as individuals. You can't play football as individuals!
With that said…
Forza Portugal! And Daehanmingook! Clap-Clap Clap-Clap Clap! (South Korean chant for their national football team).
What do you mean "immediately again"?
But yeah, the Netherlands play really anti-socially, so aggressive and bitchy. I don't enjoy watching them play at all.
@Mrs.:
What do you mean "immediately again"?
But yeah, the Netherlands play really anti-socially, so aggressive and bitchy. I don't enjoy watching them play at all.
I agree. I don't think they play an attractive style of football. I'm not saying you need to play an attractive style to win, I'm just saying it is not enjoyable to watch. However, they don't win anyways. Hehe.
Although, you're from Belgium? You must be excited for the Belgian side this tournament. They look very promising and I think they will advance from the group somewhat easily. Even if they have to beat the South Korean side I'm cheering for. :( (My wife is Korean, but my main team is Portugal). What do you think of the Belgian team?
Je parle francais aussi.
(Sorry, there are no accents on this computer. I'm at work. So I did not misspell the word french, by the way).
@E-Ratic:
I agree with this. I guess for whatever reason they just don't seem to get along and all play as individuals. You can't play football as individuals!
With that said…
Forza Portugal! And Daehanmingook! Clap-Clap Clap-Clap Clap! (South Korean chant for their national football team).
Count me in as a supporter of Korea. I was there during the last world cup and it was a blast seeing the matches with the whole city of Seoul wearing red. Still have my red shirt ready, and remember all the ads going "FIGHTING KOREA!"
Regarding Netherlands, I would have more doubts about their chances if it wasn't for the fact the only huge threat they start with is Spain. Chile and Australia they should be able to handle.
I could see them flying off in the second round though.
Count me in as a supporter of Korea. I was there during the last world cup and it was a blast seeing the matches with the whole city of Seoul wearing red. Still have my red shirt ready, and remember all the ads going "FIGHTING KOREA!"
Regarding Netherlands, I would have more doubts about their chances if it wasn't for the fact the only huge threat they start with is Spain. Chile and Australia they should be able to handle.
I could see them flying off in the second round though.
It's always nice to read that another person on these forums has been to Korea and enjoyed it.
I have been there many times to visit my in-laws as my wife's entire family is in Korea and I always love it. I wish I was there for this World Cup as well. Very enjoyable. Also, people there are always happy when they see a "foreigner" cheering for Korea and knowing the chants while also speaking the language.
Although, having my background being Portuguese, I also feel the same excitement when going to Little Portugal (or Portuguese Village) after they win a match. The dancing and excitement is amazing.
In terms of the Netherlands, I agree with you. They are one of the favorites to advance from their group, but I wouldn't be surprised if they get eliminated in the round of 16. If they do not advance past groups, that would be a disaster for Dutch supporters.
@E-Ratic:
I agree. I don't think they play an attractive style of football. I'm not saying you need to play an attractive style to win, I'm just saying it is not enjoyable to watch. However, they don't win anyways. Hehe.
Although, you're from Belgium? You must be excited for the Belgian side this tournament. They look very promising and I think they will advance from the group somewhat easily. Even if they have to beat the South Korean side I'm cheering for. :( (My wife is Korean, but my main team is Portugal). What do you think of the Belgian team?
Je parle francais aussi.
Yeah, I'm very excited, and it's not just me. The hype is really huge here. Our national team used to be really sucky, but in the last two years or so they skyrocketed in terms of quality. Everyone is so excited, hoping they'll make up for some of the shame of the past 25 years :p. Football has always been hugely popular here, so I think everyone's glad we finally get to root for our own country haha. Plus, with the recent tensions between Flanders and Wallonia, it's nice to have something that somewhat unites the country.
I think the team is a really good one, in all aspects. A lot of top players, and they work together really well. I think they'll get out of the group phase pretty easily, but I doubt they can beat the big classics. I think according to prognoses they'll be facing Portugal in the second round, so it could very well be over by then.
And about Korea, I think they'll survive the group phase at least :).
Oh, I speak French too, but it's not my native language. I'm from the Dutch speaking side. I'm a little rusty, so my English is definitely better than my French :p.
I'm from korea, but I have little hopes. I do wish they make it 16s and I'll be happy.
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I'm from korea, but I have little hopes. I do wish they make it 16s and I'll be happy.
I think Korea will make it out of the group good little team are Korea.
I wonder which games would be high scoring ones in the group stages. My choices:
France vs Honduras
Argentina vs Bosnia
Brazil vs Mexico
Argentina vs Iran
Not a fan of Argentina but generally Germany and Argentina always make short work of smaller teams in group stages.
“When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression."
@xan:
I wonder which games would be high scoring ones in the group stages. My choices:
France vs Honduras
Argentina vs Bosnia
Brazil vs Mexico
Argentina vs IranNot a fan of Argentina but generally Germany and Argentina always make short work of smaller teams in group stages.
Don´t say that, Mexico is NOT a small team
When AP used to be good:
NEVER FORGET !!
Were any reasons given for this decision? Otherwise it's just outright stupid to leave him at home. -_-
Probably the squad has more than enough forwards. Of the five forwards, he probably could have replaced Cassano. Cerci and Insigne are different players (more like wide forwards). Immobile was the best Italian striker last season. And Balotelli is probably the best striker int he squad. Guessing Cassano's experience got him in.
England won't win the world cup, for simple reason they are managed by Roy Hodgson.
He will still be at the helm regardless of whatever happen at WC barring an utterly disastrous performance.
He will still be at the helm regardless of whatever happen at WC barring an utterly disastrous performance.
They are very capable of that.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
If Germany manages to reach the half finals, i'm completely satisfied. But att the moment i don't really have much trust in that team.
But that may be mainly because i still don't and will never like Löw as coach.Still rooting for them and all …
I wouldn't worry M8 this is Germany we are talking about, they always seem to turn up for the big tournaments.
I think I'm going with spain for getting their 4th consecutive tournament win. Not gonna do any group predictions, because I simply have no idea who plays and how good each team is currently. I have zero interest in sports and never follow any football outside of the european and world cups. For those I'm for some reason am always really hyped and try to watch as many games as I can.^^ Personally though I hope that germany can finally win again. They came so close in the last couple cups.
Well I'm obviously pulling for my Country Portugal, if Portugal its out I will pull for Brasil becasue of our common history if Brasil is out I'll pull for our neighbors Spain even though that have been winning almost everything latelly even clubs wise.
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Ahhh, my poor little America. The one sport in the world where we are truly "the little guy."
Anyway, in the growing excitement that is The World Cup, some fun videos are cropping up. Like Sean Garnier dressing up like an old man to fool a bunch of kids in a park:
http://elitedaily.com/sports/soccer-legend-dresses-up-as-old-man-and-shocks-everyone-at-the-park-video/620730/?utm_source=FBTraffic&utm_medium=fijifrost&utm_campaign=CMfacebook
So I joined a World Cup pool with some friends and associates where everyone picks two random teams from a hat and chips in ten dollars. My first pick was USA, which is great because I still supported them through the whole Landon Donovan debacle. My second team is Japan, which is fine with me.
!
!
! I believe in Honda and the Samurai Blue
Don´t say that, Mexico is NOT a small team
It's not agreed but I just believe Brazil is significantly stronger. On paper at least…
--- Update From New Post Merge ---
And unfortunately for the US, they are in a pretty tough group. It would be a surprise if they make it through their group stages. They do have a decent team though so its all about how they handle the likes of Germany and Portugal. Would have been great if they were in a much easier group and proceeded to the knockouts at least.
I think Korea will make it out of the group good little team are Korea.
Thanks man. There ain't nothing like a little encouragement for a team of my nationality that makes me feel great.
FIFA world cup is awesome for that.
Hope your team does great.
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I've seen groups of people from Argentina, Netherlands, Belgium and just found a HUGE crowd from Bosnia partying like there was no tomorrow. This is fun already.
My World Cup group predictions (I'm not a massive Soccer fan so don't judge me haha)
The 4 teams that i'm barracking for are; Netherlands, Uruguay, Portugal and Spain. Either of them win it and I'll be happy!
! Group A: Brazil , Mexico
Group B: Spain, Netherlands (Australia to get a record GA in history)
Group C: Greece, Colombia
Group D: Uruguay, Italy
Group E: France, Switzerland
Group F: Argentina, Nigeria
Group G: Portugal, Germany
Group H: Russia, South Korea
My World Cup group predictions (I'm not a massive Soccer fan so don't judge me haha)
The 4 teams that i'm barracking for are; Netherlands, Uruguay, Portugal and Spain. Either of them win it and I'll be happy!! Group A: Brazil , Mexico
Group B: Spain, Netherlands (Australia to get a record GA in history)
Group C: Greece, Colombia
Group D: Uruguay, Italy
Group E: France, Switzerland
Group F: Argentina, Nigeria
Group G: Portugal, Germany
Group H: Russia, South Korea
Yo mate. Are u from Australia?
I'm sure us kiwis are all supporting the Aussies. Since the silver ferns aren't in the world cup this time.
Have faith!
Prediction for tonight's opening match: Brazil wins 3 - 1.
I'd say they'll take it and go 4-0. Brazil needs to show the world that they're hungry for the title.
@Mrs.:
Yeah, I'm very excited, and it's not just me. The hype is really huge here. Our national team used to be really sucky, but in the last two years or so they skyrocketed in terms of quality. Everyone is so excited, hoping they'll make up for some of the shame of the past 25 years :p. Football has always been hugely popular here, so I think everyone's glad we finally get to root for our own country haha. Plus, with the recent tensions between Flanders and Wallonia, it's nice to have something that somewhat unites the country.
I think the team is a really good one, in all aspects. A lot of top players, and they work together really well. I think they'll get out of the group phase pretty easily, but I doubt they can beat the big classics. I think according to prognoses they'll be facing Portugal in the second round, so it could very well be over by then.
And about Korea, I think they'll survive the group phase at least :).Oh, I speak French too, but it's not my native language. I'm from the Dutch speaking side. I'm a little rusty, so my English is definitely better than my French :p.
Aww… my hopes and dreams of having a conversation in French has been ruined. :sad:
I'm very happy to hear that people are excited in Belgium. I was not aware of any tensions within the country, either due to my own ignorance or I don't pay attention to Belgian news, but I hope this tournament brings the country together. That's one thing I love about tournaments such as the World Cup and the Olympics. I love the feeling of world unison. The whole world celebrating one thing. At least before the tournament it feels that way. Hehe.
Also, my Belgian french teacher failed to mention any tensions within the country.
Well I'm obviously pulling for my Country Portugal, if Portugal its out I will pull for Brasil becasue of our common history if Brasil is out I'll pull for our neighbors Spain even though that have been winning almost everything latelly even clubs wise.
Yes! Yeeeeesssss!!! Finally another Portuguese supporter! I'm so sick and tired of hearing about Lionel Messi being the next Maradona and winning the tournament, I might shank someone! (Just kidding, I would never do that). What about Ronaldo?! Why doesn't he get the recognition he deserves? That little rat Messi won't accomplish anything. I hope they get eliminated in the group stage.
