World Cup 2014: Revisions and Predictions: 6/1/2014

Following the latest news and results, I believe that a reevaluation of the World Cup group predictions from last time is called for. Alongside this, I'll also be making some fearless guesses at the Round of 16 and on. Who'll win? As much as I would like it, probably not Germany. Off we go! In Group A, barring a complete collapse by the Brazilians, the only thing that has changed is who will be in second: I think Croatia might just be able to pull it off. They have shown by far more quality than Mexico of late which leads me to exchange the two in the standings. While the Central Americans may fare better in the climate, the Croatians have more on the bench for me as well as the endurance to push through any troubles. Cameroon is a side that I would love to see get out of the group. While Samuel Eto'o is a phenomenal player - even at his age - and the other members of the squad have a decent amount of class as well as strength, I fear that they may be out-matched in Brazil. It's possible that the Africans may take a point from the Mexicans, but it won't be enough. Not much has changed in my estimation of Group B. Spain and the Netherlands are still my picks to advance from the group, even though Chile will have the likes of Arturo Vidal in their arsenal. The South Americans won't roll over for the Europeans, they may even push them until the final match, but I fear that the Spaniards and the Dutch just have too much for the Chileans to handle. Australia remain odd ones out in my book!

Turning to Group C, Colombia should push through with the squad they have, while Greece will muddle on, defending as if their lives depended on it. Goals will be a concern for the Southern Europeans, but they should tally on the counterattack against sides like Ivory Coast and Japan; winning through in the process. While the Africans are certainly physically fit, you must wonder whether they may be outdone by the technical ability of the Japanese. Nevertheless, I would tip the Africans to finish in third despite the fact that I much prefer Japan's style of play. Group D is far more tricky as Italy and Uruguay remain my picks to progress, though England will hope to serve as dark-horses with Costa Rica probably occupying the bottom of the group standings by the end. While a World Cup win for any of the sides in this group looks unlikely, neither Italy, Uruguay, or England can be taken lightly. Between the two European sides, Italy and England, I would say that the Italians have the right balance of youthful exuberance and aged experience. True, the midfield looks somewhat gray behind the ears, but even so, England will be hard-pressed to match them in the South American heat. Uruguay meanwhile should run the English ragged. At the same time, they might not have the same physical presence as either the English or the Italians. But, they do have proven goalscorers who should harass the defenders of their opponents.

Group E is somewhat more straightforward. So long as the French actually arrive in Brazil, they have the talent to progress from a deceptive group. I say deceptive because the Swiss are a well put together side while Ecuador may serve as a surprise package. All the same, the two European sides are my choices for group winners. Honduras on the other hand would probably count a draw as a success in this group. In terms of title contenders, Group F has one such side: Argentina, who might not be on everyone's lips, but perhaps should be. If Lionel Messi is on target, there will be no stopping them. While the Argentinians should progress rather easily, Bosnia and Herzegovina are the team that I would pick to snatch second. In offense they are deadly while on defense they are as solid as a brick. The same cannot be said for the Nigerians or the Iranians who may pose a few roadblocks, though nothing that the higher quality sides in the group can't handle.

Finally, Groups G and H are rather similar. Both have two sides that should win it, while each have a third side that might just slip in under the radar. In the former, Germany and Portugal are the teams that are clear favorites. The potential stowaway? The United States. Yes, even without Landon Donovan I believe that they can edge Ghana, tie Portugal, and keep things tight in their last match against Germany who may have already qualified at that point. That is no to say that Ghana are push-overs, but they can certainly be beaten. In the latter Group, Belgium and Russia are most likely going to pull through, but don't be surprised if South Korea are able to surprise the Russian bears. And while the Belgians are certainly charismatic, you may wonder what happens when they get flustered or fall behind. It's true, I may be biased towards the South Koreans because of their technique and flair, but I also believe that the Russians are not nearly as strong as they have been in the past. As for the Belgians, they are certainly a force to be reckoned with, but the lack of international experience and change of climate may prove disadvantageous for them. As for Algeria, as wily as they may hope to be, there is only so much that a talent deficit can be concealed.

What of the Round of 16 and beyond? Well, I'll offer some considerations. Depending on how rough the Brazil-Netherlands match goes may determine further progression for either side as Colombia (or Italy, depending on how good the Colombians turn out to be) will offer stiff competition for whoever they face in the Quarter-Finals. France-Bosnia and Herzegovina should be a thrilling fixture with the two sides putting on a great attacking performance. On paper, the French should win the day, setting up a match with Germany who should make easy work of Group H second place side Russia. In the other fixture bracket, Spain will probably face Croatia and claim victory in typical Spanish fashion. The defending champions would then encounter Uruguay who will have beaten Greece in a rugged battle. Meanwhile, Argentina and Switzerland will take to the field in the Round of 16 as Belgium and Portugal face off in their respective fixture. Argentina will likely claim victory over their European opponents before facing off against either Portugal (probably more likely if Cristiano Ronaldo and company are in form and able to play) or Belgium (who would win if they are able to shut down Ronaldo and get their strikers to score as much as they have domestically) in the Quarter-Final.

Speaking of the Quarter-Finals, Brazil will likely best Colombia if they have gotten this far while Germany should handle anything the French can throw at them. Meanwhile, Spain-Uruguay and Argentina-Portugal will be contests just as heated as if they were the Final with Spain probably getting the better of the representatives from Uruguay and Argentina deconstructing the Portuguese. That means the Semi-Finals would place hosts Brazil against Germany while Spain take on Argentina. As much as I would love to see the Germans in the Final, I think that Brazil would claim victory if they made it this far. Argentina would then outdo the Spaniards, setting up a South American Final and a European Third Place match. Argentina would then perhaps break the hosts' hearts as Germany finally dispel their ghosts by defeating Spain in the Third Place match-up. What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree? Feel free to leave a comment! Enjoy the build-up to the showdown!

World Cup 2014 Brazil Update! 5/10/2014

With the World Cup in Brazil fast approaching, let's reconsider the chances that the respective teams have in the competition. Many team updates have impacted the chances of particular sides in performing once the games kick-off. Starting with Group A, Brazil are the obvious favorites of finishing at the top. Mexico are my pick for second place, though it'll be a close run between them and the team that I believe will take third place: Croatia. Finally, Cameroon are the side unlucky enough to get placed in such a competitive group. They are a decent side, and may very well challenge the Mexicans and Croats. 

Group B stands in a similar position to the first group, with Spain my choice of going to the top of the group. The Netherlands should manage second despite Chile's best efforts. Injuries in the South American's squad have dented their chances to be sure. Australia are rather helpless in this group though. They are transitioning with a new coach which may prove too serious a handicap for the Aussies. 

As for Group C, Colombia are potentially the best side of the four though Greece, Japan, and the Ivory Coast are very close in terms of talent, drive, and togetherness. I would suggest that the Greeks are the most well put together side, but every group match will be a challenge here! The Japanese and the representatives from the Ivory Coast will ensure that the action does not stop. 

Turning now to Group D, at least one big name will fall: Italy and Uruguay are my picks to move forward. Their squads should have sufficient depth to deal with the other group members. Having said that, England will certainly challenge the South Americans at least. Nevertheless, the squad fluctuations for the English may prove disastrous. They won't be embarrassed, but the going will be difficult. Meanwhile, Costa Rica should be encouraged to enjoy their time in the tournament, as they will probably fail to qualify for the next round.  

Group E is arguably one of the most straightforward in the competition, with France and Switzerland talented enough to make through at the expense of Ecuador and Honduras. Having said that, the Europeans are very similarly talented; though the delegates from the Americas should prove a close race. Ecuador will provide a spirited display, though the Swiss defense and French cannons should prove too much for them in their respective encounters. 

The teams in Group F are a challenging bunch, with Argentina the clear victors in my book though Bosnia-Herzegovina and Nigeria are difficult to differentiate. All the same, I think that Bosnia-Herzegovina will place second while Nigeria will defeat the Iranians to stay off of the bottom of the table. The Europeans will hope to continue their free-flowing football, while Iran will hope to keep their heads and play the game that they have played through qualifying so successfully. 

 Group G may be the most exciting one, with Germany and Portugal the favorites to progress while the United States and Ghana will be left fighting for third position. No one side is clearly weaker than any other. Ghana may falter, under the sustained pressure of their three competitors. The U.S. and Portugal are trickier opponents for the Germans, though I would expect Cristiano Ronaldo and company to undo the Americans when the time arrives. 

Last but not least, Group H has the potential to become an open contest. Belgium and Russia should win through, but South Korea may challenge the Eastern Europeans – who are not nearly as strong as they have been in the past – while Algeria may be left disappointed unless they can find the back of the net more often against quality opposition. One concern for the Belgians is the depth of their squad and the threat that a disappointing initial result against the Algerians may do to their morale. Hope you are looking forward to the World Cup!

Predictions for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. 12/7/2013.

Well I will promise you all right now: I will not cite the Confederations Cup as a source of information on how the teams participating will do next year. Additionally, I'll say that travel and climate will be an issue for some of the teams playing in the tournament - but this is professional football, not a pick-up game so I expect the sides to compensate for any of these concerns if they have any hope of progressing through the stages to the showpiece event. Injuries may well be an issue, and I'll post closer to the tournament with any updates on that front. As for now, let's get into the predictions! In Group A, Brazil are certainly favorites to win with Mexico and Croatia the two sides fighting for the second position slot. I'd tip Mexico to make it through as Cameroon finish rock bottom and Croatia will not quite have enough. The opening match will set the tone for the Eastern Europeans as they face Brazil in the kick-off for the whole tournament. Depending on how poorly that first match goes, Croatia may well have the stuffing knocked out of them when they face Cameroon 6 days later. On to Group B now where Spain and the Netherlands should be the two to make it through although Chile will not make life easy for either side. Australia will probably not have booked hotels beyond the group-stage dates as a swift exit is on the cards for them. Again, though, the opening match in this group may determine a great deal as Spain take on Netherlands in a match-up that should stir a great deal of emotion from the last time around. If Holland loses their cool, and some players for disciplinary reasons, expect an abrupt South American vacation. As for Group C, Colombia should find their way through however Japan, Greece, and even Ivory Coast will have reason to believe that they can progress to the knock-out round. I'll say Greece might clinch it because of their typical defensive prowess though Japan shouldn't count themselves out of the race. Much will decide on whether Colombia can break down the gate when they face Greece in the group's opening fixture Ivory Coast's match with Japan should prove much more entertaining. Group D meanwhile may be seen as having a three-way race on the other side of the table: Italy and Uruguay are my favorites to proceed - in first and second respectively - however England will not give much to them easily. Costa Rica on the other hand is almost guaranteed a three-and-out affair with little hope of even tying any of the other three. If Italy can defeat the English in their opening fixture, they should win the group; otherwise it'll be Uruguay in first and Italy in second. Onwards to Group E where France and Switzerland are the notable - if imperfect - favorites and Ecuador and Honduras are left fighting for honor. Having said that, if the Swiss don't perform in the opening fixture against Ecuador, they'll be out while France's first match against Honduras should be a nice introduction to the continent. Group F will likely see Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina go through despite Nigeria's best efforts. Iran should enjoy their time on the world stage and play to the best of their ability - this is the culmination of all the work that they have put into the side and it would be disappointing, though not unexpected to go out without a point. Group G. For many of those of you who follow this blog, you'll likely feel hard done by the draw for the United States. It is true, Germany and Portugal are the undeniable favorites to win the group and contenders for the tournament title. It is also true that Ghana are a well put together side and possibly the strongest African side (after Ivory Coast) in the tournament this year. Despite these facts, when the U.S. plays Ghana in their first match, they will give it their all and the two sides really are just about equal on paper. At the very least I would expect the U.S. to draw that game and give the European sides a run for their money before bowing out with their heads held high. Finally, Group H: where Belgium, Russia, South Korea, and Algeria face-off and the Europeans are once more the favorites to make it through. There is honestly little chance that either the Koreans or the Algerians will mount much of a challenge against the Belgians and the Russians though I could see the Russians making life difficult for themselves when they face South Korea in the opener. Algeria will likely bow out in 4th with South Korea above them and Belgium deserved leaders. Again, look for an updated post closer to the tournament about any injuries and such that may alter these predictions. May the best side win!

World Cup 2014 draw! 12/6/2013

And the results are out! After the drawing for the group-stage of the Brazil 2014 World Cup, we have hosts Brazil in Group A against Croatia, Mexico, and Cameroon. In Group B, Spain, the Netherlands, Chile, and Australia will face-off for the right to make it into the knock-out round. Group C is full of dark horses with Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan promising for an exciting opening set of matches. Group D is arguably the opposite with Uruguay, England, Italy, and Costa Rica competing for just two places in the next round. Group E should be relatively straightforward with Switzerland, Ecuador, France, and Honduras fighting for the right to lift the World Cup. Group F should be relatively open as Argentina must contend with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria. Group G on the other hand will likely be incredibly tight as Germany, Portugal, Ghana, and the United States must fight with only two sides progressing to the next round. Last but certainly not least, Belgium, Algeria, Russia, and South Korea make up Group H. Look for a predictions post in the very near future!