Posted:
#226
Nesci, I've been watching your picks all WC. Best of luck this afternoon with NL! 
2014 FIFA World Cup: Brazil (Plays & Analysis)
Posted:
#229
Been in a little bit of a funk lately. However, I stand by all selections. France/Germany was even, Netherlands were horribly unlucky not to score a couple at least in regulation and deserved the victory. Belgium were also very much in the match vs Argentina. Things do not always go your way but you have to keep the same attitude and maintain your cool. Apologies to any those that have tailed the past couple of days, but your welcome to those that have been here since this great run began.
As for the disagreements, thank you to those who are supporting me, but axion has all the right to disagree. Axion, I appreciate your comments and hope you stick around for the final four matches
Posted:
#230
Quote Originally Posted by Nesci:
Belgium vs Argentina:
Belgium vs Argentina:
Argentina, like Brazil, have been scraping out wins. Belgium, like Colombia, have been more impressive. However, I see this one turning out a little differently. This is the first game Argentina will play against a team with a superior midfield. Belgium also have superior defense and a much better keeper. Argentina are certainly more lethal up top but Belgium can score as well. I see Belgium as the clear winner here as well as both teams scoring, really going for this one. So confident both teams score, that I will do what I have not yet done and make a 3 unit play on BTTS (represented by a # sign)
#BTTS (-106) 3.00
*Belgium (Advance) (+163) 2.00
Belgium (3) Argentina (2) +4000 1.00
Belgium (3) Argentina (1) +4019 1.00
Posted:
#231
Quote Originally Posted by Nesci:
Netherlands vs Costa Rica:
Netherlands vs Costa Rica:
Not much to say here... Costa Rica have been a great story and have been a joy too watch. However, the Netherlands are pure class and possess a far superior midfield and are lethal in the final third. Expect the Netherlands to win comfortably.
*Netherlands (-185) 3.70
Netherlands (4) Costa Rica (0) (+2000) 1.00
Posted:
#234
Hey man, I thought I would share some stats with you since you are a nice guy. Over the past six WCs in the 12 semifinals, 0-0 1H is 8-4, u2 is 6-3-3. In the seven semis involving Germany and Brazil those numbers are 7-0 and 5-0-2 (2 is a push). This is not too surprising since in the five of those seven semis these two teams were big favs, but still these trends are amazing. Couple that with the expected style of play from Brazil: lots of fouls to break the opposing teams attacks and pressure from crowd and the loss of Neymar. I think this one will be another tense, low-scoring affair.
As for the sides, I am liking both European teams. The Dutch actually play South Americans pretty well: they knocked out Brazil and Uruguay in 2010 and took care of Chile this year. Their only problem is the crowd and Messi.
As for the sides, I am liking both European teams. The Dutch actually play South Americans pretty well: they knocked out Brazil and Uruguay in 2010 and took care of Chile this year. Their only problem is the crowd and Messi.
Posted:
#236
Germany vs Brazil:
Historically this encounter has favoured the Brazilians, but this is no Brazil of old. It is a far-cry from the samba dancing squad of the seventies. This Brazil sacrifices offense for defensive organization.
The loss of Thiago Silva is therefore massive. Aside from the leadership and strength he brings to the team, his actual footballing skills are the real loss here. Arguably the best central defender in the world, certainly top 3; dearly missed. Replacing him will be Bayern Munich standout defender Dante. A quality replacement, however Dante is sometimes too relaxed for his own good often making suspect errors in seemingly harmless situations. The duo of Dante and Luis will comically pair two of the more famous afros in soccer, hopefully a boost in chemistry!? Filling in for Neymar (so sad) will be another afro in Chelsea midfielder Willian. He is a classy midfielder that I have long wanted to start in this 11. He can win balls defensively and create well for his teamates. He also possesses a scoring touch that Brazil could surely use with or without Neymar as they have been far from strong on offense. I really like the structure of the 11 and think Brazil will play a solid match in the midfield. Up top it really comes down to Hulk stepping up. Fred can finish but rarely creates as he is poor 1v1 as is potential back-up Jo. With Hulk you have a player that creates his own shot and needs merely a half yard to launch his cannon of a left. Oscar must also step it up as he ultimately will determine if Brazil clicks or not. Maicon was good, but I hope to see Dani Alves back at right back as he is more of an offensive asset than the aged Maicon.
The Germans are a machine. The best midfield by a mile (half the squad plays midfield!) and the most efficient offense. It always seems like the little things go the Germans way and this is not by chance. Like I said, they are highly efficient which is what you need to be in a knockout competition. In goal you have in my opinion as well as many others the best keeper in the world (though Courtois may soon steal that title). Curious to see how Low changes the formation, but I trust him to get the best out of his squad as he is a great tactician. The midfield here is phenomenal, not only offensively but actually moreso defensively. All of their midfielders (maybe no Goetze) are more than capable ball winners. Lahm may play again at right back but either way he finds ways to be involved as he is in my opinion a top 5-10 (closer to 5) player in the world.
The crowd will serve wonders for Brazil as they have now adjusted to the pressures of losing on home soil (Chile). Germany are the only team I think immune to pressure, like I said, they are a machine! Brazil strike me as more solid at the back, but Neuer evens things up at worst. The midfield battle is surprisingly not one-sided as Brazil will be set up very well there. Up top it is hard to say, but slight edge to the clinical Germans (Hulk may be big though). Overall a VERY even fixture as the odds indicate, but because of their efficiency I must say the Germans have the slightest of edges. Expecting a highly tactical match with few goals (0-3). I predict it will end 1-1 after the 90 with the Germans winning in extra time or penalties
Brazil (1) Germany (1) +532
Germany (Advance) -101
Posted:
#237
Argentina vs Netherlands:
Where I think the Brazil/Germany match will be low-scoring, I see goals in this one. Going to take a more efficient approach in comparing these two teams. First, Di Maria is out which is a huge loss. Other than that, fairly even fixture I think. Here is my comparison:
Keeper: Even (Both mediocre)
Defense: Even (Both mediocre)
Midfield: Netherlands (Able to possess and create better)
Offense: Even (With Di Maria no, but Messi/Aguero = RVP/Robben
Coach: Netherlands (Much better at adjusting, Sabella is poor IMO)
Overall the slightest of edges to the Netherlands is negated by the fact the match is in South America. I see both teams scoring a high percentage of the time (Hopefully not a repeat of Argentina/Belgium) and will confidently make my second 3 unit play as well as a 2 unit play on the Netherlands to advance (too much value in an even fixture).
#BTTS (+115)
*Netherlands (Advance) (+123)
Posted:
#239
Quote Originally Posted by Nesci:
Germany vs Brazil:
Historically this encounter has favoured the Brazilians, but this is no Brazil of old. It is a far-cry from the samba dancing squad of the seventies. This Brazil sacrifices offense for defensive organization.
The loss of Thiago Silva is therefore massive. Aside from the leadership and strength he brings to the team, his actual footballing skills are the real loss here. Arguably the best central defender in the world, certainly top 3; dearly missed. Replacing him will be Bayern Munich standout defender Dante. A quality replacement, however Dante is sometimes too relaxed for his own good often making suspect errors in seemingly harmless situations. The duo of Dante and Luis will comically pair two of the more famous afros in soccer, hopefully a boost in chemistry!? Filling in for Neymar (so sad) will be another afro in Chelsea midfielder Willian. He is a classy midfielder that I have long wanted to start in this 11. He can win balls defensively and create well for his teamates. He also possesses a scoring touch that Brazil could surely use with or without Neymar as they have been far from strong on offense. I really like the structure of the 11 and think Brazil will play a solid match in the midfield. Up top it really comes down to Hulk stepping up. Fred can finish but rarely creates as he is poor 1v1 as is potential back-up Jo. With Hulk you have a player that creates his own shot and needs merely a half yard to launch his cannon of a left. Oscar must also step it up as he ultimately will determine if Brazil clicks or not. Maicon was good, but I hope to see Dani Alves back at right back as he is more of an offensive asset than the aged Maicon.
The Germans are a machine. The best midfield by a mile (half the squad plays midfield!) and the most efficient offense. It always seems like the little things go the Germans way and this is not by chance. Like I said, they are highly efficient which is what you need to be in a knockout competition. In goal you have in my opinion as well as many others the best keeper in the world (though Courtois may soon steal that title). Curious to see how Low changes the formation, but I trust him to get the best out of his squad as he is a great tactician. The midfield here is phenomenal, not only offensively but actually moreso defensively. All of their midfielders (maybe no Goetze) are more than capable ball winners. Lahm may play again at right back but either way he finds ways to be involved as he is in my opinion a top 5-10 (closer to 5) player in the world.
The crowd will serve wonders for Brazil as they have now adjusted to the pressures of losing on home soil (Chile). Germany are the only team I think immune to pressure, like I said, they are a machine! Brazil strike me as more solid at the back, but Neuer evens things up at worst. The midfield battle is surprisingly not one-sided as Brazil will be set up very well there. Up top it is hard to say, but slight edge to the clinical Germans (Hulk may be big though). Overall a VERY even fixture as the odds indicate, but because of their efficiency I must say the Germans have the slightest of edges. Expecting a highly tactical match with few goals (0-3). I predict it will end 1-1 after the 90 with the Germans winning in extra time or penalties
Brazil (1) Germany (1) +532 1.00
Germany (Advance) -101 1.00
Posted:
#240
Quote Originally Posted by Nesci:
Argentina vs Netherlands:
Argentina vs Netherlands:
Where I think the Brazil/Germany match will be low-scoring, I see goals in this one. Going to take a more efficient approach in comparing these two teams. First, Di Maria is out which is a huge loss. Other than that, fairly even fixture I think. Here is my comparison:
Keeper: Even (Both mediocre)
Defense: Even (Both mediocre)
Midfield: Netherlands (Able to possess and create better)
Offense: Even (With Di Maria no, but Messi/Aguero = RVP/Robben
Coach: Netherlands (Much better at adjusting, Sabella is poor IMO)
Overall the slightest of edges to the Netherlands is negated by the fact the match is in South America. I see both teams scoring a high percentage of the time (Hopefully not a repeat of Argentina/Belgium) and will confidently make my second 3 unit play as well as a 2 unit play on the Netherlands to advance (too much value in an even fixture).
#BTTS (+115) 3.00
*Netherlands (Advance) (+123) 2.00
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