Alas, the World Cup! No team outside of South America has ever won the tournament inside of South America. Will this change, in... Brazil!? I have watched one or more friendlies of each and every one of the teams in the tournament. I know the history of each team involved. I know how they qualified. I know the tactics of each manager. As much as I know, I cannot say I know what is going to happen. However, I can say that I am highly confident in my ability to interpret the clashing of styles given the many circumstances.
In beginning this thread, I will post my group future plays as well as my outright winner and then I will post my daily plays in regards to each game.
To remove first post, remove entire topic.
Alas, the World Cup! No team outside of South America has ever won the tournament inside of South America. Will this change, in... Brazil!? I have watched one or more friendlies of each and every one of the teams in the tournament. I know the history of each team involved. I know how they qualified. I know the tactics of each manager. As much as I know, I cannot say I know what is going to happen. However, I can say that I am highly confident in my ability to interpret the clashing of styles given the many circumstances.
In beginning this thread, I will post my group future plays as well as my outright winner and then I will post my daily plays in regards to each game.
Brazil will win this group with relative ease. I do not see them blowing out Mexico or Croatia, but absolutely destroying Cameroon. Croatia are an organized side and I think have an advantage playing Brazil in their opener. Brazil will be excited, confident and most of all... NERVOUS. The weight of the world is on their shoulders and personally I would not be surprised to see a draw. Croatia have an excellent midfield but despite Mandzukic are not a scoring team. They will control the midfield against Cameroon, hold Brazil at bay and squeek one out against Mexico. There is a real chance they get 7 points. Mexico somehow ended up in the World Cup as they always do and somehow have a good chance of getting into the 2nd round once again. They have a decent midfield and have shown the creativity in chance creation that Croatia lacks. Like Croatia, they are flaky at the back, but they do have slightly better forwards. Cameroon will be the most aggressive physically and tactically as well. Their midfield is a complete disaster with Song the potential saving grace, but their sloppiness at the back (despite talented defenders) and therefore Eto, there best attacker, will not get many chances. I can see a scrappy Cameroon stealing the game from Mexico, getting destroyed by Brazil and losing by 1-2 to Croatia.
1. Brazil (7)
2. Croatia (5)
3. Cameroon (3)
4. Mexico (1)
Croatia (Advance) +116
Group A:
Brazil will win this group with relative ease. I do not see them blowing out Mexico or Croatia, but absolutely destroying Cameroon. Croatia are an organized side and I think have an advantage playing Brazil in their opener. Brazil will be excited, confident and most of all... NERVOUS. The weight of the world is on their shoulders and personally I would not be surprised to see a draw. Croatia have an excellent midfield but despite Mandzukic are not a scoring team. They will control the midfield against Cameroon, hold Brazil at bay and squeek one out against Mexico. There is a real chance they get 7 points. Mexico somehow ended up in the World Cup as they always do and somehow have a good chance of getting into the 2nd round once again. They have a decent midfield and have shown the creativity in chance creation that Croatia lacks. Like Croatia, they are flaky at the back, but they do have slightly better forwards. Cameroon will be the most aggressive physically and tactically as well. Their midfield is a complete disaster with Song the potential saving grace, but their sloppiness at the back (despite talented defenders) and therefore Eto, there best attacker, will not get many chances. I can see a scrappy Cameroon stealing the game from Mexico, getting destroyed by Brazil and losing by 1-2 to Croatia.
This is where I may lose some readers... In my opinion the strongest group and one where tactics will prove superior to ability. In my opinion Spain are the best team in this group, Chile second and Netherlands third. I cringed when I see Australia drawn into this group, as they are a nation on the rise and play admirably hard each and every time they play. However, they will play an open style and will more than likely be embarrassed. Spain will play their traditional possession-based game, but with slight difference to the previous Spanish sides. They have become much more agressive both on offense and defense. When they have the ball they pass it much quicker than ever before. Various overlaps and sneaky runs combined with sublime vision and execution will prompt this Spanish side to create scoring chances against anyone while limitnig the chances against. Defensively they press like crazy and this will be their downfall. Against the Netherlands they will do this because the Netherlands also play a possession style game. The Netherlands have one of the best coaches in the world in soon to be United gaffer Van Gaal. A true tactician, he has changed the Orange into more of a counter-attacking team because of the lack of overall talent in the squad. Defensively there are no strong players aside from Blind who will more than likely be used somewhere in the midfield to spring the counter. Sneijder will play in his #10 role and if he plays well can drastically improve the chances of this side. With Robben and Van Persie you have two attackers as lethal as ANY in the world. They create chances for themselves and that is critical to this squad as they play a 5-3-2. I expect this Dutch team to be lethal on the counter and give the Spanish a game in the opener. Chile, oh Chile. Ladies and gentleman, THIS is your darkhourse. Not the first to say it, but I think I have them advancing farther than almost any. The most offensive team in this world cup and more offensive than any I have ever seen. They are rampant on the counter, dare I say nasty. With Vidal we have one of the best players in the world to go along with Vargas and Sanchez up top. Vidal is unlikely for the opener and fortunately it is against Australia. That game will be a 2-1 Chile win in my opinion. Defensively Chile are suspect as their tallest defender is 5'11... Bravo is a great goalkeeper and I think the veteran stands on his head for his country, doing just enough to mask the weakness on defense. I think the Netherlands will start slowly versus Spain only to break hearts with a late equalizer (revenge!). Chile will squeeze on out against an aggressive Australia. With Vidal back for the Spain game, I predict a "shocking" upset as Chile have the exact style, confidence and ability to defeat the Spanish. I see the Netherlands and Australia as a low scoring match but with the class up top they will sneak out a 1-0 victory. In the final matches Spain will massacre a tired Australia team, maybe 5/6-0... Chile/Netherlands is very interesting as both play a counter-attacking style. Knowing they will need just a point to advance, Netherlands will play a defensive game and Chile will rest Vidal and attempt to develop their possession aspect of their game for later rounds and to conserve energy. Call me crazy, but I see:
1. Chile (7)
2. Netherlands (5)
3. Spain (4)
4. Australia (0) Deserve better
Chile (Advance) -120
Spain (DNWG) (+130)
*DNWG (Do Not Win Group)
My unit sizing for futures will be revealed tomorrow, as for group games I will bet one unit a game (Not to win one unit) unless otherwise noted.
Group B:
This is where I may lose some readers... In my opinion the strongest group and one where tactics will prove superior to ability. In my opinion Spain are the best team in this group, Chile second and Netherlands third. I cringed when I see Australia drawn into this group, as they are a nation on the rise and play admirably hard each and every time they play. However, they will play an open style and will more than likely be embarrassed. Spain will play their traditional possession-based game, but with slight difference to the previous Spanish sides. They have become much more agressive both on offense and defense. When they have the ball they pass it much quicker than ever before. Various overlaps and sneaky runs combined with sublime vision and execution will prompt this Spanish side to create scoring chances against anyone while limitnig the chances against. Defensively they press like crazy and this will be their downfall. Against the Netherlands they will do this because the Netherlands also play a possession style game. The Netherlands have one of the best coaches in the world in soon to be United gaffer Van Gaal. A true tactician, he has changed the Orange into more of a counter-attacking team because of the lack of overall talent in the squad. Defensively there are no strong players aside from Blind who will more than likely be used somewhere in the midfield to spring the counter. Sneijder will play in his #10 role and if he plays well can drastically improve the chances of this side. With Robben and Van Persie you have two attackers as lethal as ANY in the world. They create chances for themselves and that is critical to this squad as they play a 5-3-2. I expect this Dutch team to be lethal on the counter and give the Spanish a game in the opener. Chile, oh Chile. Ladies and gentleman, THIS is your darkhourse. Not the first to say it, but I think I have them advancing farther than almost any. The most offensive team in this world cup and more offensive than any I have ever seen. They are rampant on the counter, dare I say nasty. With Vidal we have one of the best players in the world to go along with Vargas and Sanchez up top. Vidal is unlikely for the opener and fortunately it is against Australia. That game will be a 2-1 Chile win in my opinion. Defensively Chile are suspect as their tallest defender is 5'11... Bravo is a great goalkeeper and I think the veteran stands on his head for his country, doing just enough to mask the weakness on defense. I think the Netherlands will start slowly versus Spain only to break hearts with a late equalizer (revenge!). Chile will squeeze on out against an aggressive Australia. With Vidal back for the Spain game, I predict a "shocking" upset as Chile have the exact style, confidence and ability to defeat the Spanish. I see the Netherlands and Australia as a low scoring match but with the class up top they will sneak out a 1-0 victory. In the final matches Spain will massacre a tired Australia team, maybe 5/6-0... Chile/Netherlands is very interesting as both play a counter-attacking style. Knowing they will need just a point to advance, Netherlands will play a defensive game and Chile will rest Vidal and attempt to develop their possession aspect of their game for later rounds and to conserve energy. Call me crazy, but I see:
1. Chile (7)
2. Netherlands (5)
3. Spain (4)
4. Australia (0) Deserve better
Chile (Advance) -120
Spain (DNWG) (+130)
*DNWG (Do Not Win Group)
My unit sizing for futures will be revealed tomorrow, as for group games I will bet one unit a game (Not to win one unit) unless otherwise noted.
I do not understand the font size tripping out like that as I chose size 10 for both posts... Group C and D to come later today. Groups E, F, G and H to come tonight or more likely tomorrow as will my play on the opening fixture.
I do not understand the font size tripping out like that as I chose size 10 for both posts... Group C and D to come later today. Groups E, F, G and H to come tonight or more likely tomorrow as will my play on the opening fixture.
Columbia are a well balanced side with no glaring weaknesses, Greece are rock-solid, Japan are technical and the Ivorians are talented. Year in and out the Ivory Coast boast a talented squad and year in and out I cheer for them, only to be disappointed. This time around they have a world class player in Yaya Toure at perhaps his prime. Gervinho is also an excellent player and Drogba at his age is still a good target man. Defensively... garbage. Talent, but I hate to say I see them struggling mightily against their supposedly easy group. The Greeks will not advance, but will spice things up as they are capable of stifling the Columbians in my opinion. I see the Japanese absolutely crushing the Ivorians and squeeking one out versus Greece with a draw against the sound Columbians.
1. Japan (7)
2. Columbia (5)
3. Ivory Coast (3)
4. Greece (2)
Japan: Over (3.5 Points) -113
Group C:
Columbia are a well balanced side with no glaring weaknesses, Greece are rock-solid, Japan are technical and the Ivorians are talented. Year in and out the Ivory Coast boast a talented squad and year in and out I cheer for them, only to be disappointed. This time around they have a world class player in Yaya Toure at perhaps his prime. Gervinho is also an excellent player and Drogba at his age is still a good target man. Defensively... garbage. Talent, but I hate to say I see them struggling mightily against their supposedly easy group. The Greeks will not advance, but will spice things up as they are capable of stifling the Columbians in my opinion. I see the Japanese absolutely crushing the Ivorians and squeeking one out versus Greece with a draw against the sound Columbians.
Simply put I think Uruguay struggle and am not too sure whether Italy or England will win the group. England are pacey, strong and have an excellent keeper. Italy are classy, tactical, DEEP and also have an excellent keeper, though I see them struggling defensively. Uruguay are weak in the midfield and good at the back, but against the opposing firepower and better midfields I do not see Cavani or Suarez getting too many opportunities. They will be a dirty team and I can see more red cards for them than any other team in the group stages. Oh yeah, Costa Rica! They are simply outclassed despite a couple decent players. Don't think they get blown out by anyone but confident they get 1 or less points, more likely 0.
Italy (Win) +189
England (Win) +213
Uruguay (Eliminated) +163
Group D:
Simply put I think Uruguay struggle and am not too sure whether Italy or England will win the group. England are pacey, strong and have an excellent keeper. Italy are classy, tactical, DEEP and also have an excellent keeper, though I see them struggling defensively. Uruguay are weak in the midfield and good at the back, but against the opposing firepower and better midfields I do not see Cavani or Suarez getting too many opportunities. They will be a dirty team and I can see more red cards for them than any other team in the group stages. Oh yeah, Costa Rica! They are simply outclassed despite a couple decent players. Don't think they get blown out by anyone but confident they get 1 or less points, more likely 0.
Brazil will win this group with relative ease. I do not see them blowing out Mexico or Croatia, but absolutely destroying Cameroon. Croatia are an organized side and I think have an advantage playing Brazil in their opener. Brazil will be excited, confident and most of all... NERVOUS. The weight of the world is on their shoulders and personally I would not be surprised to see a draw. Croatia have an excellent midfield but despite Mandzukic are not a scoring team. They will control the midfield against Cameroon, hold Brazil at bay and squeek one out against Mexico. There is a real chance they get 7 points. Mexico somehow ended up in the World Cup as they always do and somehow have a good chance of getting into the 2nd round once again. They have a decent midfield and have shown the creativity in chance creation that Croatia lacks. Like Croatia, they are flaky at the back, but they do have slightly better forwards. Cameroon will be the most aggressive physically and tactically as well. Their midfield is a complete disaster with Song the potential saving grace, but their sloppiness at the back (despite talented defenders) and therefore Eto, there best attacker, will not get many chances. I can see a scrappy Cameroon stealing the game from Mexico, getting destroyed by Brazil and losing by 1-2 to Croatia.
1. Brazil (7)
2. Croatia (5)
3. Cameroon (3)
4. Mexico (1)
Croatia (Advance) +116
Yet to finalize this or any other bets and I am officially REMOVING my Croatia play and will post another for the group tomorrow. Apologies.
Quote Originally Posted by Nesci:
Group A:
Brazil will win this group with relative ease. I do not see them blowing out Mexico or Croatia, but absolutely destroying Cameroon. Croatia are an organized side and I think have an advantage playing Brazil in their opener. Brazil will be excited, confident and most of all... NERVOUS. The weight of the world is on their shoulders and personally I would not be surprised to see a draw. Croatia have an excellent midfield but despite Mandzukic are not a scoring team. They will control the midfield against Cameroon, hold Brazil at bay and squeek one out against Mexico. There is a real chance they get 7 points. Mexico somehow ended up in the World Cup as they always do and somehow have a good chance of getting into the 2nd round once again. They have a decent midfield and have shown the creativity in chance creation that Croatia lacks. Like Croatia, they are flaky at the back, but they do have slightly better forwards. Cameroon will be the most aggressive physically and tactically as well. Their midfield is a complete disaster with Song the potential saving grace, but their sloppiness at the back (despite talented defenders) and therefore Eto, there best attacker, will not get many chances. I can see a scrappy Cameroon stealing the game from Mexico, getting destroyed by Brazil and losing by 1-2 to Croatia.
1. Brazil (7)
2. Croatia (5)
3. Cameroon (3)
4. Mexico (1)
Croatia (Advance) +116
Yet to finalize this or any other bets and I am officially REMOVING my Croatia play and will post another for the group tomorrow. Apologies.
Suarez and Cavani are top of the line forwards and they never had a midfield to begin with, they play with about 7 defenders and 3 fowards, they break the field into 2 parts.
Im not saying they will advance, but they def have a chance.
I dont agree with Uruguay.
Suarez and Cavani are top of the line forwards and they never had a midfield to begin with, they play with about 7 defenders and 3 fowards, they break the field into 2 parts.
Im not saying they will advance, but they def have a chance.
Suarez and Cavani are top of the line forwards and they never had a midfield to begin with, they play with about 7 defenders and 3 fowards, they break the field into 2 parts.
Im not saying they will advance, but they def have a chance.
And you think 3 forwards will be able to break down Italy and England? They obviously attack with more than 3 players and of course they have a chance to advance but I think less so than England or Italy.
Quote Originally Posted by GreenGinho:
I dont agree with Uruguay.
Suarez and Cavani are top of the line forwards and they never had a midfield to begin with, they play with about 7 defenders and 3 fowards, they break the field into 2 parts.
Im not saying they will advance, but they def have a chance.
And you think 3 forwards will be able to break down Italy and England? They obviously attack with more than 3 players and of course they have a chance to advance but I think less so than England or Italy.
France are strong and could be dangerous going forward. I like them to defeat both Ecuador and Honduras while drawing the talented and tactical Swiss. Switzerland are a class above the likes of a somesick Ecuador and a blunt Honduran bunch.
Switzerland (Advance) -147
Group E:
France are strong and could be dangerous going forward. I like them to defeat both Ecuador and Honduras while drawing the talented and tactical Swiss. Switzerland are a class above the likes of a somesick Ecuador and a blunt Honduran bunch.
Argentina should breeze through here. As explosive an offense I have seen in the last few world cups, but an at times struggling midfield and a suspect defense with a far from world class keeper raise serious questions going forward. Nigeria are physical and offer little in creativity throughout the side. It will be tough for them to break down sides but I think there athleticism may just get them through. Iran will play extremely defensive and have an outsiders shot of qualifying. Not impressed by Bosnia. Excellent in qualifying but this is their first rodeo in a long while and I think they struggle against more athletic teams in the climate.
1. Argentina (9)
2. Nigeria (4)
3. Iran (2)
4. Bosnia (1)
Bosnia (Eliminated) +117
Group F:
Argentina should breeze through here. As explosive an offense I have seen in the last few world cups, but an at times struggling midfield and a suspect defense with a far from world class keeper raise serious questions going forward. Nigeria are physical and offer little in creativity throughout the side. It will be tough for them to break down sides but I think there athleticism may just get them through. Iran will play extremely defensive and have an outsiders shot of qualifying. Not impressed by Bosnia. Excellent in qualifying but this is their first rodeo in a long while and I think they struggle against more athletic teams in the climate.
Most difficult group to handicap in my opinion. I could very well see Germany or Portugal eliminated, but the negativity out of the US camp is disgusting. Initially I liked Klinsmen for reducing expectations, but he is flat out lowering morale with his negative comment after negative comment. The Ghanains have been a bit under the radar and are far from a walk in the park. Organized and with a good counter they will be difficult. Portugal are one of my favourite teams in this tournament. They are sturdy at the back, offer great firepower with Ronaldo and Postiga, as well as the fullbacks (moreso Contrao) getting forward. The midfield is a little above average and won't lose them matches. All in all a strong side that will adapt better to the Portuguese speaking setting. The Germans have the most talent of any team in the world cup, but I must say I hate how Low manages this team. Not sure how Hummels is on the bench for one, or some of the other tactical decisions, but this team will in my opinion struggle versus a good offensive team as they have shown to be shaky in defensive shape.
1. Portugal (7)
2. Germany (4)
3. Ghana (2)
4. USA (2)
Portugal (Win) +244
Group G:
Most difficult group to handicap in my opinion. I could very well see Germany or Portugal eliminated, but the negativity out of the US camp is disgusting. Initially I liked Klinsmen for reducing expectations, but he is flat out lowering morale with his negative comment after negative comment. The Ghanains have been a bit under the radar and are far from a walk in the park. Organized and with a good counter they will be difficult. Portugal are one of my favourite teams in this tournament. They are sturdy at the back, offer great firepower with Ronaldo and Postiga, as well as the fullbacks (moreso Contrao) getting forward. The midfield is a little above average and won't lose them matches. All in all a strong side that will adapt better to the Portuguese speaking setting. The Germans have the most talent of any team in the world cup, but I must say I hate how Low manages this team. Not sure how Hummels is on the bench for one, or some of the other tactical decisions, but this team will in my opinion struggle versus a good offensive team as they have shown to be shaky in defensive shape.
Everyone's favourite horse, a dark one, is Belgium. Deservedly so as they are well-balanced, able to break down the opposition and are solid at the back as well as in goal. Really impressive side but it looks like a tough second round exit. The Koreans are aggressive on attack but defensively weak and are sure to entertain but fail to qualify. The Russians will be pathetic. Seems like a lot of people are giving them credit simply because they are hosting the next world cup and Capello is coaching. With the loss of their captain and little creativity elsewhere in the squad, I think they struggle mightily. The Algerians are ferocious! Love this team and their attacking style. Really a team with great chemistry and they play extremely hard. This team has impressed me a great deal and I am confident that they advance along with the Belgians.
Russia: Under (4.5) -126
Algeria (Advance) +368
Group H:
Everyone's favourite horse, a dark one, is Belgium. Deservedly so as they are well-balanced, able to break down the opposition and are solid at the back as well as in goal. Really impressive side but it looks like a tough second round exit. The Koreans are aggressive on attack but defensively weak and are sure to entertain but fail to qualify. The Russians will be pathetic. Seems like a lot of people are giving them credit simply because they are hosting the next world cup and Capello is coaching. With the loss of their captain and little creativity elsewhere in the squad, I think they struggle mightily. The Algerians are ferocious! Love this team and their attacking style. Really a team with great chemistry and they play extremely hard. This team has impressed me a great deal and I am confident that they advance along with the Belgians.
The Spanish will be looking to keep possession and ease into this one and the 5-3-2 Orange will allow them to do so. The 5 at the back sets up nicely to defend Spain especially when you consider the defensive weakness of the Dutch. Lots of Spanish possession, but when the Netherlands have it I think they will succeed as Spain will press aggressively and the Netherlands will be able to break them down and get the ball forward to their elite players. I can see this going 0-0, 2-1 Spain or 1-1. In any case, I like the chances of this drawing.
Spain/Netherlands: Draw (+248)
Spain vs Netherlands:
The Spanish will be looking to keep possession and ease into this one and the 5-3-2 Orange will allow them to do so. The 5 at the back sets up nicely to defend Spain especially when you consider the defensive weakness of the Dutch. Lots of Spanish possession, but when the Netherlands have it I think they will succeed as Spain will press aggressively and the Netherlands will be able to break them down and get the ball forward to their elite players. I can see this going 0-0, 2-1 Spain or 1-1. In any case, I like the chances of this drawing.
(lol)
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