its takes more than a decent manager. A complete overhaul of how the game is played from grassroots level needs to happen. That wont happen any time soon with the money grabbing FA we have. They should be shot.
Who will win the World Cup ?
- Thread starter Raoul
- Start date
its takes more than a decent manager. A complete overhaul of how the game is played from grassroots level needs to happen. That wont happen any time soon with the money grabbing FA we have. They should be shot.
And the fact that they nearly drew ? I think the whole universe agrees on that. Had that Rooney shot gone in during the later stages of the game, England could've just parked the bus. And even if it hadn't, a late goal is by no means unrealistic. I just think Italy could have done much better against that England side, but their defenders and forwards just weren't as good as Pirlo on the day.
For me, the Italians will go far if they get their regular back five (with Buffon) playing together soon. If not, teams that can actually finish their chances off will eliminate them.
The Manchester United of 2012/2013 disagrees. They won the title with no midfield.
But I get where you're coming from, a good midfield is much more important in cup tournaments. Gerrad was dross, and so was most of the England team. I hope England make it out of the group, but I'm not so optimistic especially now that Suarez seems fit and Costa Rica are playing well.
we have so many defects in our side. Our defence is nothing great. It is better than the dross we have for midfield though. Our only plus is the forwards...and Roy fecks even that up.
Just having pace is not enough. think Rooney, Welbeck, Sturridge and Sterling if used correctly will be very good. But like I said...we need a complete overhaul of the midfield.
Those stats are fine...what they don't say is..what the Italians can do if needed. That information comes from the team they have....which imo was stronger than ours.
Completely agree on this.
I wish I could call Hodgson a decent manager, I just think he's insanely shite.
must disagree with what you said about the 2012/2013 title winning side Fergie had Scholes and 'forced' Rooney to play in midfield...so we did have a midfield. As despondent as I am about England,we have a stronger side than both Uruguay and Costa Rica...Suarez or not.
Does anyone still think Spain will win the World Cup after that debacle against Holland?
Come on ref, that's a foul.
So far Netherlands and Germany look to be favourites, but it was only Group Stage 1
I still consider Spain and Brazil to be the favorites!
Shame this poll wasnt more dynamic, left open with the ability to change your vote.
Cause I voted for Brazil and, while I take on board what people have said about not judging a team in the group stages, I really dont think this Brazil team has it in them.
I reckon this will be the year a European team wins it in South America.
Cause I voted for Brazil and, while I take on board what people have said about not judging a team in the group stages, I really dont think this Brazil team has it in them.
I reckon this will be the year a European team wins it in South America.
A lot of people's favourite Spain just got knocked out. This World Cup is just too hard to predict. I voted for Germany but honestly this WC is so crazy that so many teams can win it.
I'll hold my hands up and admit I had Spain to win. Never saw this coming but they completely deserve it for refusing to adapt their side over the last few years, and then still playing the likes of Alonso and Casillas even after the Holland game. Most of the players didn't seem to show any desire either bar Iniesta.
Hope Chile go far, they are a really exciting side, but as you say who could predict this world cup.
Hope Chile go far, they are a really exciting side, but as you say who could predict this world cup.
45 people know feck all 
On a more serious note, its gonna be germany or brazil. Think germany have the better team (think they have the best team in the entire world cup), but the south american omen will work again them.
On a more serious note, its gonna be germany or brazil. Think germany have the better team (think they have the best team in the entire world cup), but the south american omen will work again them.
Didn't think Spain would win myself (Argentina here) but I'm shocked that they went out so early.
After today, I think Chile could go far. Will be a very interesting game between the Netherlands and Chile, the winner likely avoids Brazil and could end up going very far in the tournament. Could easily see both teams beating Brazil also. Exciting and unpredictable World Cup so far.
Group A:
1. Brazil
2. Mexico
3. Croatia
4. Cameroon
Group B: (Very tough call between Chile and the Netherlands for 1st)
1. Chile
2. The Netherlands
3. Spain
4. Australia
Group C:
1. Colombia
2. Coté d'Ivory
3. Japan
4. Greece
Group D: (Honestly, I find this group very difficult to predict I expect Italy to finish top, but 2nd could be anyone.)
1. Italy
2. England
3. Costa Rica
4. Uruguay
Group E:
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Ecuador
4. Honduras
Group F:
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia & Herzegovina
3. Iran
4. Nigeria
Group G:
1. Germany
2. Portugal
3. United States
4. Ghana
Group H:
1. Belgium
2. Russia
3. Korea Republic
4. Algeria
Round Of Sixteen:
Brazil vs The Netherlands (very tough choice, the winner could easily win World Cup)
Colombia vs England
France vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Germany vs Russia
Chile vs Mexico
Italy vs Coté d'Ivory
Argentina vs Switzerland
Belgium vs Portugal
Quarter-Finals:
The Netherlands vs Colombia
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Germany
Chile vs Italy
Argentina vs Belgium
Semi-Finals:
The Netherlands vs Germany
Chile vs Argentina (could see it going either way)
Third Place:
The Netherlands vs Chile
Final:
Germany vs Argentina (could go either way)
Winners - Argentina
I'll stick with Argentina, but honestly, I wouldn't feel confident about any prediction in this WC. Most unpredictable one I can remember.
Group A:
1. Brazil
2. Mexico
3. Croatia
4. Cameroon
Group B: (Very tough call between Chile and the Netherlands for 1st)
1. Chile
2. The Netherlands
3. Spain
4. Australia
Group C:
1. Colombia
2. Coté d'Ivory
3. Japan
4. Greece
Group D: (Honestly, I find this group very difficult to predict I expect Italy to finish top, but 2nd could be anyone.)
1. Italy
2. England
3. Costa Rica
4. Uruguay
Group E:
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Ecuador
4. Honduras
Group F:
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia & Herzegovina
3. Iran
4. Nigeria
Group G:
1. Germany
2. Portugal
3. United States
4. Ghana
Group H:
1. Belgium
2. Russia
3. Korea Republic
4. Algeria
Round Of Sixteen:
Brazil vs The Netherlands (very tough choice, the winner could easily win World Cup)
Colombia vs England
France vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Germany vs Russia
Chile vs Mexico
Italy vs Coté d'Ivory
Argentina vs Switzerland
Belgium vs Portugal
Quarter-Finals:
The Netherlands vs Colombia
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Germany
Chile vs Italy
Argentina vs Belgium
Semi-Finals:
The Netherlands vs Germany
Chile vs Argentina (could see it going either way)
Third Place:
The Netherlands vs Chile
Final:
Germany vs Argentina (could go either way)
Winners - Argentina
I'll stick with Argentina, but honestly, I wouldn't feel confident about any prediction in this WC. Most unpredictable one I can remember.
I now have this feeling that someone unexpected may go on and win the thing. Basically not your Germany, Brazil, Argentina or Spain (of course) now. Correct me if I'm wrong but those four teams were the favorites before the tournament kicked off.
They were yeah. Huge distance between their odds and odds of 5th favourites too.
Lots of goals. Lots of great games. Spain crashing out in group stages. This WC is awesome!
chile
netherlands
germany
italy
one of those will win.
netherlands
germany
italy
one of those will win.
Chile.
Jump on the bandwagon.
Jump on the bandwagon.
This is anyone's WC seriously. If you'd have said a week ago that Spain would be out before England I'd have had you sectioned.
I voted Brazil at the start, but they've hardly been great. Argentina have so much firepower, way more than Brazil have. Might fancy the Argies to do it.
I voted Brazil at the start, but they've hardly been great. Argentina have so much firepower, way more than Brazil have. Might fancy the Argies to do it.
I think France could have what it takes to win it. They've got some very classy players in midfield and a talented CB pairing (don't think Sakho is the best to partner Varane though). Moreover, they've got what all great sides should have; a very good goalkeeper and a in-form striker. They've got bite, stamina and physique paired with speed, creativity and technique. Of course they had a very easy game against Honduras, especially after the red card, but they also impressed me during a friendly against Holland which they won 3-0 and I think they will at least get to the semis.
Germany has probably got the best squad of the tournament in terms of quality. Before the Pepe's red card against Portugal they weren't that impressive though and would've trailed by a goal if it wasn't for Portugal's lack of a quality striker. Even more so than Italy, Germany always gets to the advanced stages of an EC or WC and are always a force to be reckoned with.
Brazil has really been disappointing thus far but the pressure on them is just unbelievable. Everything other than winning the cup is failure, as simple as that. We've already seen a few cracks and if they're paired up with a good side in the next round they might just crumble. Scolari should have brought different strikers with him though. Fred or Jo (who not to long ago was city's 914154th striker) are just not good enough. They wouldn't even get in the squad of all other sides I mention in this post. The lack of punch up front coupled with too little bite and physique in the middle of the park will hurt them against another top side.
Argentina has, like France, got a very easy draw for the group stages and will no doubt progress. They've got the best strike-force of all contenders but their manager seems to be too cautious in terms of tactics. However, their squad is slightly unbalanced in terms of quality, certainly when you compare their offense and defense. They've also got Messi.. Messi scored a great goal in their first game even though he played badly, there's no telling if Messi could find his form of old. It would be absolutely madness if Argentina won the WC in Brazil. All hell will break loose.
Italy is just Italy and can always win it. Their mentality is what sets them apart as well as their intelligent tactics. Coupled with like I said a great goalkeeper and a lethal striker
Holland have to top their group if we want to get to the QFs because I just don't see us beating Brazil who will be out for revenge (QF WC 2010). Our strike-force is of course immense with the likes of RVP and Robben but the rest of the squad just lacks quality. Playing more defenders doesn't make you defensively more solid as we've seen against the Aussies and I really do fear for Monday's match against Chile, especially now RVP is out suspended.
Chile hasn't got Holland's strike-force but you could argue that their squad is more balanced. Their fighting spirit and impeccable organisation is what sets them apart atm and like Simeone's Atleti they could just surprise us all. They could just well be the side that knocks Brazil out of the cup if they end up 2nd in the group.
Uruguay has been another disappointment thus far but if Suarez's gets in shape again and they beat England tonight I think they could still surprise. They are comparable with Chile but have got more quality up front. Seeing how they played against Costa Rica though, it wouldn't surprise me if even England managed to beat them.
Germany has probably got the best squad of the tournament in terms of quality. Before the Pepe's red card against Portugal they weren't that impressive though and would've trailed by a goal if it wasn't for Portugal's lack of a quality striker. Even more so than Italy, Germany always gets to the advanced stages of an EC or WC and are always a force to be reckoned with.
Brazil has really been disappointing thus far but the pressure on them is just unbelievable. Everything other than winning the cup is failure, as simple as that. We've already seen a few cracks and if they're paired up with a good side in the next round they might just crumble. Scolari should have brought different strikers with him though. Fred or Jo (who not to long ago was city's 914154th striker) are just not good enough. They wouldn't even get in the squad of all other sides I mention in this post. The lack of punch up front coupled with too little bite and physique in the middle of the park will hurt them against another top side.
Argentina has, like France, got a very easy draw for the group stages and will no doubt progress. They've got the best strike-force of all contenders but their manager seems to be too cautious in terms of tactics. However, their squad is slightly unbalanced in terms of quality, certainly when you compare their offense and defense. They've also got Messi.. Messi scored a great goal in their first game even though he played badly, there's no telling if Messi could find his form of old. It would be absolutely madness if Argentina won the WC in Brazil. All hell will break loose.
Italy is just Italy and can always win it. Their mentality is what sets them apart as well as their intelligent tactics. Coupled with like I said a great goalkeeper and a lethal striker
Holland have to top their group if we want to get to the QFs because I just don't see us beating Brazil who will be out for revenge (QF WC 2010). Our strike-force is of course immense with the likes of RVP and Robben but the rest of the squad just lacks quality. Playing more defenders doesn't make you defensively more solid as we've seen against the Aussies and I really do fear for Monday's match against Chile, especially now RVP is out suspended.
Chile hasn't got Holland's strike-force but you could argue that their squad is more balanced. Their fighting spirit and impeccable organisation is what sets them apart atm and like Simeone's Atleti they could just surprise us all. They could just well be the side that knocks Brazil out of the cup if they end up 2nd in the group.
Uruguay has been another disappointment thus far but if Suarez's gets in shape again and they beat England tonight I think they could still surprise. They are comparable with Chile but have got more quality up front. Seeing how they played against Costa Rica though, it wouldn't surprise me if even England managed to beat them.
@Captain Murphy: Nice summary, but where have been the chamces for Portugal to be in the lead by 3-2 at the point Pepe went mad?
France showed nothing up to date. And I rate them lower than Brazil, Argentina or Germany. Their midfield besides Pogba lacks players of the highest quality and there seems to be no one filling Riberys role as a creative midfielder to be honest. If we meet them in the quarters, I won't be worried. They probably will even go out against Bosnia in my opinion.
France showed nothing up to date. And I rate them lower than Brazil, Argentina or Germany. Their midfield besides Pogba lacks players of the highest quality and there seems to be no one filling Riberys role as a creative midfielder to be honest. If we meet them in the quarters, I won't be worried. They probably will even go out against Bosnia in my opinion.
Yeah you're right about that, it weren't exactly chances more like fast breaks where Almeida wasted the opportunity because he was either too slow or lacked control. Portugal could have had a chance if they were more organised and didn't play a striker just to play a striker if you know what I mean. With 10 men in the second half they were better organised and still had some threat going forward.
I think Valbuena was great in the match against Honduras (had two assists if I'm not mistaken) and is better than Ribery in that position. Imo France are better of without Ribery and they showed it in their first game. Cabaye is great in distributing the play, and Griezman is a very classy player. Then you have Matuidi who is just very solid; I get what you're saying and he he's not exactly the most classiest midfielder but he has got the legs and is a very useful player for France.
Agreed, I had Spain in the final. At this point, I could see Chile taking their place.
The Argies have a lot of firepower but are lacking in the cohesiveness department. Sure the Messi goal was great play, but you get the feeling that they are still a band of individuals trying to string along a few decent passes. In that respect, they are similar to England. If they however manage to improve that aspect of their game, they could go far.
Can't see past Germany personally
Because Germany are massive favourites again they'll probably lose to Italy, again, if Italy will be out (knocked Germany out: WC 2006, Euro 2012) and with Spain out (knocked Germany out: Euro 2008, WC 2010) I can't see another option but Ze Germans.
I see Italy winning it. Everyone is hyping the Germans but I see them losing at some point same with the Dutch.
Italy so far has won one game against a not-so-great England (to put it mildly). The spine of their team apart from Balo is looking at the 30 year mark from the wrong side. Might be a factor in a long tournament.
He gets better with age the beautiful cnut.
Do You imply that they are old? because most of the Italians are not over 30 as far as I know. Pirlo sure, but DeRossi is just 30, Siguri is 27, Chiellini 29, DeSciglio 21, Marchisio 28, Abate 27, Verratti 21, Immobile 24, Bonucci 27.
Not too bad I'd say.
I think Germany will win if they don't run into Italy, somehow they just seem unable to beat the Italians regardless of form. And if they do run into Italy, either Brazil or Argentina will win the WC.
Angelo is the man. Put your money on Germany and you will sleep well at night knowing you'll make a few easy quid.
Technically both went out after matchday 2 in their groups, Spain only went out first because they played first.
Italy's record against Germany is pretty incredible.
I'm firmly in the French camp.
They're the only side that look like they're actually building momentum during the competition.
They're the only side that look like they're actually building momentum during the competition.
France easily. What a squad and such unity too.
Costa Rica
Might have something to do with the fact that almost half the teams in the tournament have played 1 game. Which makes it kinda hard to "build momentum".