2014 FIFA World Cup

[brokenshoelace]

Such a shame about all the injuries. In particular, Ribery and Reus missing out is a blow for both their teams and the world cup itself.

 

[Kieran]

Okay, we're all still basking in Rafa Love, but let's get serious: who wins this thing?

It's gonna be one of the Big 5, right? Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany or Spain. Any other countries have shot?

I'll go with Germany, I think they'll have a big tournament, and I think the hosts will crack under the strain, and Spain will fall asleep someplace, tika taka tick tock...

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

spain still have an awesome squad, going for a 4th major title in a row will be interesting.

argentina have the fab four..messi/aguero/de maria/higuain.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

We are counting down the last 48 hours...


Groups

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GROUP A
Brazil
Croatia
Mexico
Cameroon

---

GROUP B
Spain
Netherlands
Chile
Australia

---

GROUP C
Colombia
Greece
Côte d'Ivoire
Japan

---

GROUP D
Uruguay
Costa Rica
England
Italy

---

GROUP E
Switzerland
Ecuador
France
Honduras

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GROUP F
Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iran
Nigeria

---

GROUP G
Germany
Portugal
Ghana
USA

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GROUP H
Belgium
Algeria
Russia
Korea Republic

---

Only 2 teams advance from each group.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

yippee..world cup time is almost here..

:celeb: :

 

[Moxie]

Well, group B looks tough. Spain with Netherlands, who were the two finalists last time, and everyone says Chile has an exciting squad. Spain has the Dutch first round. Let's see if the Dutch play clean.

 

[Kieran]

I think with Luis van Gaal as manager, it can be taken that the Dutch will try rediscover their football principles after the horror show the last time...

 

[brokenshoelace]

Okay, we're all still basking in Rafa Love, but let's get serious: who wins this thing?

It's gonna be one of the Big 5, right? Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany or Spain. Any other countries have shot?

I'll go with Germany, I think they'll have a big tournament, and I think the hosts will crack under the strain, and Spain will fall asleep someplace, tika taka tick tock...

I can't see anyone outside of those five. Italy are the team I root for, but the other four are just better teams at the moment. Though I still think Italy are one of the few teams whose style troubles Spain and, despite Germany being a better team, I'd favor the Italians against them because well, they always beat them.

However, as far as winning the tournament goes, I'm no fan of this particular Brazilian team, they're really solid. We've talked about it before, this isn't your typical Brazilian team, but defensively they arguably have the best back line they've ever had. I'll pencil them as the favorites at home, closely followed by Spain. Germany and Argentina (in that order) follow.

The Germans have a phenomenal squad with ridiculous talent and play great Football. Marco Reus' injury though, is a major blow, as is their lack of strikers. Nevertheless, their army of offensive midfielders is still intimidating.

I love the Argentines, and they do have arguably the best player in the world at their disposal, in addition to Di Maria who's been sensational, but I'm not sure about their midfield/defense. Up front, they have the most fire power out of any other team, but I'm not sure about the balance.

 

[brokenshoelace]

I think with Luis van Gaal as manager, it can be taken that the Dutch will try rediscover their football principles after the horror show the last time...

Van Gaal is a great manager, but I find this current Dutch squad really underwhelming. Arjen Robben is realistically the only world class player they have other than maaaaaybe Van Persie if he rediscovers his form. Sneijder is just past his prime (though still serviceable) and they've been hit by numerous injuries. They've got a pretty tough group. The problem for them is, if they finish second behind Spain (likely), they'll play Brazil in the second round, and I can't see that turning out well for them this time around.

 

[tennisville]

I am so excited for this world cup , the timings will be really bad for me but I will be watching and rooting for Argentina. I supported Spain for 12 years but want to root for the under dogs now like I did with Spain in 2002

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

I want England to win obviously but we will prob fall short...again.

 

[Kieran]

I want England to win obviously but we will prob fall short...again.

"Prob?" :lolz: :lolz:

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

I want England to win obviously but we will prob fall short...again.

"Prob?" :lolz: :lolz:

you got to be in it to win it..and I don't see the rep of Ireland in the finals.
:cry :ras: :violins: :grin::laydownlaughing

 

[Moxie]

When it goes deeper, we should get the polls going, but I'm curious for everyone's favorites, and also back-ups/next favorites etc.

I'm rooting for Spain, and I usually back Italy. I hope that the US makes a good showing, and, of course, it would be amazing if Brazil won it at home. I'll hope for Mexico to do well, and Argentina. (Interestingly, a fan called into a local radio program today, and complained that if only Argentina can find team cohesion, and stop always playing like a bunch of individuals. Funny, that's exactly their problem in Davis Cup!)

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Been waiting 4 years for this and now, we are down to a day!

First game:​

BRAZIL versus CROATIA

 

[tennisville]

I want England to win obviously but we will prob fall short...again.

:laydownlaughing Haha you wont even get out of the group stage :laydownlaughing

I said I was rooting for Argentina with maybe Spain being the second favourate

 

[Kieran]

I want England to win obviously but we will prob fall short...again.

"Prob?" :lolz: :lolz:

you got to be in it to win it..and I don't see the rep of Ireland in the finals.
:cry :ras: :violins: :grin::laydownlaughing

Population of four million, with Gaelic football and hurling as our national sports, we decided we'd have the greatest rugby side in the northern world this time and make the football World Cup next time...

 

[markus1]

world cup is now just a few hours less than 2 weeks away

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekk. lets hope they finish the stadiums in time..3 are not complete.

:celeb:

and after the stadiums are finished, let's hope that nothing collapses

Actually, I'm pretty exited about the event. Today Brazil plays against Croatia and Brazil sooo wins it
I hope to see Germany and Argentina in final!

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

I want England to win obviously but we will prob fall short...again.

:laydownlaughing Haha you wont even get out of the group stage :laydownlaughing

I said I was rooting for Argentina with maybe Spain being the second favourate

well I am patriotic I want my country to win. I am looking forward to watching spain and argentina too.

what country are you in ?..clearly didn't qualify where ever you are. :laydownlaughing:lolz:

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

I want England to win obviously but we will prob fall short...again.

"Prob?" :lolz: :lolz:

you got to be in it to win it..and I don't see the rep of Ireland in the finals.
:cry :ras: :violins: :grin::laydownlaughing

Population of four million, with Gaelic football and hurling as our national sports, we decided we'd have the greatest rugby side in the northern world this time and make the football World Cup next time...

no one is interested in heaving or geese football, and rugby ?..lol you haven't won that world cup either. :laydownlaughing