Quote Originally Posted by bk1374:
Yeah, I don't think this is a huge factor. June is Brazil's coolest month on average. Average highs in Rio for June is about 77.5 (F) and that is nothing extreme. Obviously if there is a heat wave and that number is pushed up, it could affect some teams, but over all at this point it's a moot point for capping.
Portugal always seem to disappoint in WC. It's also tough to repeat, and Spain will certainly have their work cut out.
I haven't looked too deep into groups and possibilities yet. Hard to not consider Brazil in any predictions, considering how good they always are, and that they are the hosts. Italy might be on my radar as a dark horse.
Yet, Brazil has a higher humidity, which is the reason I brought it up; and if you've never been in a country with tropical climate, let me tell you it affects you in a different way (I hate it). I used to play soccer with my high school team and on several occasions we traveled to other countries to play on school championships, and a slight change in humidity on a tropical weather has a big effect.
In any case, assuming only Brazil has the upper hand due to their climate (meaning everyone else will be affected equally), Italy would be a good contender when ignoring their contenders for the quarter finals; if they manage to get the second position of Group D, they would play against Colombia and then against Brazil (most likely), and Brazil would probably take them out.
If Italy gets first position, they need to play against Spain or the Netherlands (probably Spain) in quarter-finals, and Spain would probably win that one.
Also, that would be if they manage to get through group D; Uruguay and England have very good teams, and even when Costa Rica will most likely be unable to win any of the matches, they can prove to be a real annoyance for any of these teams (even be the reason for one of them to end up third instead of second).
What I don't get is why sportsbooks are giving Belgium such good odds. I can't see them making them past quarter finals if they somehow manage to make it past the round of 16.
P.S. I just saw the odds on Bovada for some matches, and they have Costa Rica as a favorite against Uruguay at +1.5. I'm almost 100% certain that betting for Uruguay is a sure bet with this odds (Costa Rica might do a miracle, so I can't say I'm totally certain, but almost).
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