FIFA World Cup 2014

[Sprony]

We could start by betting on who survives the group. 

[FrieChamp]

 

One of my friends just set up a betting pool yesterday and I'm joining in on the fun. In order to have a slight chance at winning I'll need to do some research. Goldman Sachs created a report with analysis and predictions again (http://www.goldmansachs.com/our-thinking/outlook/world-cup-and-economics-2014.html). They predict Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain to be in the semi finals and Brazil to win the cup. Anybody have an opinion on Argentina? They have been seen as a serious contender for several times and always ended up getting kicked out before the final. Any signs why it should be different this time? (and don't tell me because they've got Messi  )

 

@Squad: I wouldn't bet on Belgium winning the whole thing, but they've got a good team this time. I'm sure they will make it to the knock-out phase and if they play against Germany, it will be everything but an easy match for the Germans.

 

We should set up a betting pool here on Mapcore too 

 

From my experience those predictions never turn out to be true. A lot of factors can change the result of a match, football is not a FIFA 14 simulation where the most "skilled" team wins. You can't predict vital factors such as a team's morale, how well they get along, if they have too many egos etc...

 

Anyways, I drew Uruguay and Netherlands on our betting pool here at work, so I think I have good chances

 

 

Right...but one can make an educated guess

[PaulH]

Think England will do ok, maybe make it to the knockout stages. It's a youthful team which is good but they don't have a lot of experience playing together, so we'll see. Reckon the usual suspects (Brazil, Spain) will do well again

[Steppenwolf]

I have never been so not hyped for WC. I think it's all turning into shit thanks to FIFA gangsters.

And i don't have much hopes for the German team aswell.

[Squad]

@Squad: I wouldn't bet on Belgium winning the whole thing, but they've got a good team this time. I'm sure they will make it to the knock-out phase and if they play against Germany, it will be everything but an easy match for the Germans.

 

Pretty much my thoughts as well This team is the best we've had in decades (since 1986 or so), but for 95% of the players it's the first big tournament they're participating in. And experience at big tournaments can not be underestimated imo.

Then again, I'm just really thrilled we're going to a WC again and am looking forward what we'll do Surviving the group phase seems like a must and after that, I guess anything is possible, but that goes for any team that gets to the knock-out phase.

[Izuno]

USA is going to definitely....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

....participate in the 2014 world cup.

[selmitto]

Brace yourselves for....

 

 

HUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUE

[Tisky]

 

I think Belgium might very well advance from the group, they have a strong team, also Bosnia might be a wildcard here.

[FrieChamp]

Looking at the groups/teams brings back memories. Can't believe it's less than 2 weeks. SUCH WORLD CUP! MUCH EXCITE!

 

P.S. In other news I just learned that the country is called "Colombia" and not "Columbia". I guess one never stops learning   Next thing I need to find out is why us silly Germans call it "Kolumbien"...and why this never occurred to me when I played Bioshock Infinite 

[Sprony]

My predictions about the group winners:

 

Group A: Brazil and Mexico

Group B: Spain and Netherlands

Group C: Colombia and Greece (this one is hard)

Group D: Italy and England

Group E: France and Ecuador

Group F: Argentina and Nigeria

Group G: Germany and Portugal

Group H: Russia and Belgium

[FrieChamp]

Group A: Brazil and Croatia

Group B: Spain and Netherlands

Group C: Colombia and Ivory Coast (interesting group indeed)

Group D: Uruguay and Italy (hardcore group)

Group E: France and Switzerland

Group F: Argentina and Bosnia

Group G: Germany and Portugal

Group H: Russia and Belgium

[Sprony]

Group A: Brazil and Croatia

Group B: Spain and Netherlands

Group C: Colombia and Ivory Coast (interesting group indeed)

Group D: Uruguay and Italy (hardcore group)

Group E: France and Switzerland

Group F: Argentina and Bosnia

Group G: Germany and Portugal

Group H: Russia and Belgium

 

Yes, I've very conflicted about Group C. I think Ivory Coast is really good (I remember them from 2006) but they never survive the group phase. Greece is horrible to watch (11 men standing in front of the goal defending and hoping for that single counter) but I give them a better chance. But honestly, this group could go anywhere because Japan isn't bad either. 

[will2k]

Group A: Brazil and Croatia

Group B: Spain and Netherlands

Group C: Colombia and Ivory Coast (interesting group indeed)

Group D: Uruguay and Italy (hardcore group)

Group E: France and Switzerland

Group F: Argentina and Bosnia

Group G: Germany and Portugal

Group H: Russia and Belgium

Classic prediction that I agree with

 

However football in general, and world cup specially are known for surprises and underdogs that drop bombshells every now and then, so you never know (Cameroon 1990, Bulgaria 1994...)

[Izuno]

Damn, USA is going to dominate its pool. There's not a single team that will pose any challenge to it.  First off, Germany-

 

 

[Seldoon182]

Group A: Brazil and Mexico (they have great team of young players)

Group B: Spain and Netherlands

Group C: Greece and Ivory Coast

Group D: Uruguay and Italy

Group E: France and Ecuador

Group F: Argentina and Nigeria

Group G: Germany and Portugal

Group H: Algeria and Belgium