Who will win the World Cup?

Who do you think will win the World Cup?

  • Total voters
    594
  • Poll closed .
bosnian_red said:
To be honest, my opinion of Brazil is just name value hype. They get hyped every world cup. They had the same manager the last world cup when they lost to Belgium who was nowhere near the best. I don't see anything to suggest they've changed drastically and are now as good as the European elite.
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I understand Brazil's hype. The one I don't understand is Argentina's. Yes Messi is a name and a lot of people want him to win, but to see that midfield and full backs and call them favourites is absurd. Yes, they are on a bit of a run, but they've also had much better attacks than this in the past.

Ironically, I think some of the teams people aren't betting for will do really well here. I suspect the Netherlands, Spain and Germany will really do well. I think France may end up winning again. People still don't fully understand why they won the last one.

They were able to set a counter attacking style. They had a strong enough defence to hold and were fantastic in transition. Kante is injured, but they still have the same elements. In addition, Benzema will actually be in this squad.Some people cite losing Pogba as a big miss. But I actually think him not being there actually helps them in a way. The Pogba - Griezmann duo was the reason they weren't as good in possession in 2018. The reason they used the assymetric 442 in Russia was due to trying to cover Pogba's lack of defensive nous. Matuidi would make up a lot with his workrate. Now, the middle can easily be secured with Tchouemeni and Camavinga/Rabiot. This also allows France to use another winger, which would be Dembele. Add that to the fact that Benzema likes to drop deeper and can partner Griezmann....in addition to being able to use either a 343, a 3412 or a 4231, it makes them pretty versatile, whilst also being solid. They have a stronger back 4 than they did in Russia, a stronger attack and a slightly weaker midfield, in addition to having tournament experience and a pragmatic battle hardened coach. I think they will do really well and would only lose on penalties.
 
tjb said:
I understand Brazil's hype. The one I don't understand is Argentina's. Yes Messi is a name and a lot of people want him to win, but to see that midfield and full backs and call them favourites is absurd. Yes, they are on a bit of a run, but they've also had much better attacks than this in the past.

Ironically, I think some of the teams people aren't betting for will do really well here. I suspect the Netherlands, Spain and Germany will really do well. I think France may end up winning again. People still don't fully understand why they won the last one.

They were able to set a counter attacking style. They had a strong enough defence to hold and were fantastic in transition. Kante is injured, but they still have the same elements. In addition, Benzema will actually be in this squad.Some people cite losing Pogba as a big miss. But I actually think him not being there actually helps them in a way. The reason they used the assymetric 442 in Russia was due to trying to cover Pogba's lack of defensive nous. Matuidi would make up a lot with his workrate. Now, the middle can easily be secured with Tchouemeni and Camavinga/Rabiot. This also allows France to use another winger, which would be Dembele. Add that to the fact that Benzema likes to drop deeper and can partner Griezmann....in addition to being able to use either a 343, a 3412 or a 4231, it makes them pretty versatile, whilst also being solid. They have a stronger back 4 than they did in Russia, a stronger attack and a slightly weaker midfield, in addition to having tournament experience and a pragmatic battle hardened coach. I think they will do really well and would only lose on penalties.
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Benzema is out of the WC mate.
 
tjb said:
I understand Brazil's hype. The one I don't understand is Argentina's. Yes Messi is a name and a lot of people want him to win, but to see that midfield and full backs and call them favourites is absurd. Yes, they are on a bit of a run, but they've also had much better attacks than this in the past.

Ironically, I think some of the teams people aren't betting for will do really well here. I suspect the Netherlands, Spain and Germany will really do well. I think France may end up winning again. People still don't fully understand why they won the last one.

They were able to set a counter attacking style. They had a strong enough defence to hold and were fantastic in transition. Kante is injured, but they still have the same elements. In addition, Benzema will actually be in this squad.Some people cite losing Pogba as a big miss. But I actually think him not being there actually helps them in a way. The reason they used the assymetric 442 in Russia was due to trying to cover Pogba's lack of defensive nous. Matuidi would make up a lot with his workrate. Now, the middle can easily be secured with Tchouemeni and Camavinga/Rabiot. This also allows France to use another winger, which would be Dembele. Add that to the fact that Benzema likes to drop deeper and can partner Griezmann....in addition to being able to use either a 343, a 3412 or a 4231, it makes them pretty versatile, whilst also being solid. They have a stronger back 4 than they did in Russia, a stronger attack and a slightly weaker midfield, in addition to having tournament experience and a pragmatic battle hardened coach. I think they will do really well and would only lose on penalties.
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Not anymore, unfortunately.
 
I'm quite ill-informed when it comes to national teams these last years.

Voted for Argentina as they have quite a balanced team and Messi's back. More a vote with the heart.
Brazil seem to be the better team overall and might add a 6th star to their shirt.
France have too many injuries and off-field distractions.
Germany are still in rebuild.
Spain, I have no clue how they're performing under Luis Enrique and how's the state of their team.
Netherlands, well are Netherlands.
Belgium's best shot was at the last WC.
Portugal can go far if they drop Ronaldo.

Put a penny on England. Who knows.
 
King7Eric said:
Benzema is out of the WC mate.
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That's a real shame. Cruel ending to his national career. France are cursed.

This will be the last time we see a WC in the middle of a season. Pure insanity.
 
I want someone different to win this one so I’ve gone for Netherlands. I know all the usual suspects will be favourites but it would be great to see a new team win it from wherever really. But yeah, Netherlands the team I always cheers for after England. Id really like an African team to have a really deep run as well. I’m not that great with the African nations- but I’m sure someone on here could tell me who has the best chance from there.
 
That_Bloke said:
I'm quite ill-informed when it comes to national teams these last years.

Voted for Argentina as they have quite a balanced team and Messi's back. More a vote with the heart.
Brazil seem to be the better team overall and might add a 6th star to their shirt.
France have too many injuries and off-field distractions.
Germany are still in rebuild.
Spain, I have no clue how they're performing under Luis Enrique and how's the state of their team.
Netherlands, well are Netherlands.
Belgium's best shot was at the last WC.
Portugal can go far if they drop Ronaldo.

Put a penny on England. Who knows.
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In terms of Germany, not sure their still rebuilding. Thier squad contains the same Bayern players running over Barcelona. Musiala, Sane, Gnabry, Muller Kimmich, Goretzka, Neuer in addition to Rudiger, Gundogan, Havertz and Sule. That's a lot of very strong options. In addition to the best coach at the tournament
 
tjb said:
In terms of Germany, not sure their still rebuilding. Thier squad contains the same Bayern players running over Barcelona. Musiala, Sane, Gnabry, Muller Kimmich, Goretzka, Neuer in addition to Rudiger, Gundogan, Havertz and Sule. That's a lot of very strong options. In addition to the best coach at the tournament
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You're right but their defense is not quite there (a strong defense wins you a tournament) and they're not as sharp as they used to. We can't underestimate them as they're the tournament team par excellence but I just don't see them win it. Imo, last four is as far as they can go at the moment.
 
tjb said:
I understand Brazil's hype. The one I don't understand is Argentina's. Yes Messi is a name and a lot of people want him to win, but to see that midfield and full backs and call them favourites is absurd. Yes, they are on a bit of a run, but they've also had much better attacks than this in the past.

Ironically, I think some of the teams people aren't betting for will do really well here. I suspect the Netherlands, Spain and Germany will really do well. I think France may end up winning again. People still don't fully understand why they won the last one.

They were able to set a counter attacking style. They had a strong enough defence to hold and were fantastic in transition. Kante is injured, but they still have the same elements. In addition, Benzema will actually be in this squad.Some people cite losing Pogba as a big miss. But I actually think him not being there actually helps them in a way. The Pogba - Griezmann duo was the reason they weren't as good in possession in 2018. The reason they used the assymetric 442 in Russia was due to trying to cover Pogba's lack of defensive nous. Matuidi would make up a lot with his workrate. Now, the middle can easily be secured with Tchouemeni and Camavinga/Rabiot. This also allows France to use another winger, which would be Dembele. Add that to the fact that Benzema likes to drop deeper and can partner Griezmann....in addition to being able to use either a 343, a 3412 or a 4231, it makes them pretty versatile, whilst also being solid. They have a stronger back 4 than they did in Russia, a stronger attack and a slightly weaker midfield, in addition to having tournament experience and a pragmatic battle hardened coach. I think they will do really well and would only lose on penalties.
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Benzema is out, but the individuals is not the reason they'd lose. It's all due to the coach. They've been shit since the world Cup win. And many felt in 2018 that they won despite their coach. Even with a top coach, it's hard to keep motivation in back to back tournaments. I'd put money on France not doing a whole lot.

Agree with Spain, Germany and Netherlands. They're my top 3 European sides, due to the coaching. People always underrate having a top coach, which is mad as it's the single most important role by far.

Argentina hype has to do with them having the better of Brazil in recent years, and they hammered European champions Italy 3-0 (one off game, but Italy is still a top side even if they had a small lull after the euros which costed them the world Cup spot as well).

Brazil hype for me is just name value. I'm not going to hype a team that struggled in the few difficult games they had to play the last few years, and then flipped in the last world cup with the same coach. I'm very out on all of the pragmatic/struggle ball managers this year. Normally, it's a decent tactic that works because there typically aren't top managers who know how to implement dominant systems in international football, in charge of big teams. This year there are 3 top managers in charge of 3 top squads. Just 1 and you'd assume that someone can upset them, but 3? One of those 3 is going all the way for me. Argentina is the other who could be with them, but their coach is unproven outside of this. But they do look good, press well and counter well. They had better personnel in the past, but look more balanced now.
 
On paper, I think Brazil and England have the most balanced squads, but their center-backs are suspect.
Argentina and Portugal look solid, but their results in the World Cup will be heavily dependent on Messi and Cristiano.
France and Germany will not go very far (QF max).
Poland and South Korea will be the dark horses of the tournament.

My dream final would be Argentina vs. Brazil or Argentina vs. Portugal.
 
I expect Germany's midfield to carry them to the cup. Argentina runner-up.
 
Champions: Argentina
Runners-up: Brazil
Third place: Belgium

Golden Ball (MVP): Messi
Golden Boot (Most Goals): Neymar
Most Assists: Messi
Best Young Player: Bellingham
Breakout Star: Bellingham

Most Entertaining Team: Brazil
Biggest Underachievers: Germany
Biggest Overachievers: Spain (make it out of the group)
 
That_Bloke said:
You're right but their defense is not quite there (a strong defense wins you a tournament) and they're not as sharp as they used to. We can't underestimate them as they're the tournament team par excellence but I just don't see them win it. Imo, last four is as far as they can go at the moment.
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I agree with you actually. Since I remember it, the teams with the best defence always win the world cup, which is why I don't get the obsession over Argentina (unless they start Lisandro Martinez).

In 98, France had Thuram, Blanc, Desailly, Leboef and Lizarazu. With Deschamps, Vieira and Petit screening.
In 2002, Brazil had Edmilson, Roque Junior, Lucio, Cafu and Roberto Carlos. With Gilberto Silva screening
In 2006, despite losing arguably the best centre back of the 2000s in Nesta, Italy had Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materrazzi and Grosso ( who had the world cup of his life) with Gattuso screening.
In 2010 - Spain had Ramos, Pique, Puyol and Capdevila. With Busquets and Xabi Alonso screening.
in 2014, Germany had Lahm, Boateng, Hummels and Mertersacker. With Schweinsteiger and Khedira screening.
In 2018, France had Pavard, Varane, Umtiti ( who was good before the injury) and Lucas Hernandez. With Kante screening.

There's a clear format here. Which is why France with Varane, Saliba, Pavard, Lucas Hernandez, Upemacano, Konate, Theo Hernandez with Tchouemeni screening and Brazil with Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Eder Militao, Danilo, Alex Sandro with Casemiro/ Fabinho screening are my favourites for the tournament. I also think Germany can shock people. Rudiger and Sule are pretty strong centre backs. They also have Bellakechup who has been great this season. They have a host of strong keepers and have Kimmich screening whilst partnered with club teammate Goretzka. That familiarity can help their midfield hold shape better than a lot of others in the competition.

I can also see Van Gaal making Holland very difficult to beat in a similar fashion to 2014. They have better weapons now and far better defenders. Van Dijk, De Ligt, Ake, Malacia, Dumfries, are all pretty good. De Jong is also exceptional as a counter attacking dynamo if needed, but can also help them hold possession too.

I would back Portugal for this more if Ronaldo wasn't in the side. Their defence has Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Dalot, Antonio Silva and Pepe seems to shine in these type of settings even at this age. Add the creativity they have in Bruno and Bernardo Silva, in addition to the pace and trickery of Joao Felix and Raphael Leao. If Vitinha can hold properly and they don't focus on trying to support Ronaldo, they can win this competition. In fact, I would back them if that wasn't the case. They have a lot of high quality decision makers in different positions, more than any other side. Ruben Dias and Cancelo are very tactically astute players. Bernardo is very good at utilizing space efficiently. Bruno may be the most decisive player in the tournament, he is a production machine ( yes KDB is better than him and is the best playmaker and most decisive player in the world) added with the pace and attacking decisiveness of Rafael Leao who partially carried Milan to Serie A. Very dangerous team that hasn't been talked enough about imo
 
bosnian_red said:
To be honest, my opinion of Brazil is just name value hype. They get hyped every world cup. They had the same manager the last world cup when they lost to Belgium who was nowhere near the best. I don't see anything to suggest they've changed drastically and are now as good as the European elite.
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I heard Brazil being bandied about and my gut agreed. Twenty years since they won and the politics will be water of a duck's back for a team that has some Bolsonaro apologists.
 
Normally I'd go for Brazil and France but the latter has a lot of injury issues. Argentina seem to be a bit overrated going by personnel.

But it does seem a fairly open world cup.
 
Champions: Argentina
Runners-up: England
Third place: Brazil

Golden Ball (MVP): Messi
Golden Boot (Most Goals): Kane
Most Assists: Neymar
Best Young Player: Vinicius Jr
Breakout Star: Acuna

Most Entertaining Team: Brazil
Biggest Underachievers: Portugal
Biggest Overachievers: Serbia
 
Surprised France aren't more favoured. Even with the injuries they're stacked with quality and experience. They didn't need Benzema last time.

It's also possible having younger players in now will give them more hunger.

I voted for Brazil, France are right up there certainly above Argentina I think.
 
1 hour before kick off this afternoon all camera's will be banned from the stadium. We will then receive a statement in 1 month that Qatar beat Brazil 3-1 in the final and won the cup.
 
Champions: England
Runners-up: France
Third place: Argentina

Golden Ball (MVP): Messi
Golden Boot (Most Goals): Mbappe
Most Assists: Messi
Best Young Player: Vinicius Jr
Breakout Star: Mejbri

Most Entertaining Team: Argentina
Biggest Underachievers: Spain
Biggest Overachievers: Tunisia
 
Champions: Brazil
Runners-up: Portugal
Third place: Argentina

Golden Ball (MVP): Neymar
Golden Boot (Most Goals): Kane
Most Assists: Bruno Fernandes
Best Young Player: Bellingham
Breakout Star: Moukoko

Most Entertaining Team: Brazil
Biggest Underachievers: France
Biggest Overachievers: England
 
England are massively underrated on here it seems. I wouldn't be surprised to see them shock a few people. They will go deep into the tournament I reckon.
 
CLGFGVI.jpg
 
JJ12 said:
Champions: Brazil
Runners-up: Germany
Third place: Argentina

Golden Ball (MVP): Neymar
Golden Boot (Most Goals): Neymar
Most Assists: Messi
Best Young Player: Muisala
Breakout Star: Jonathon David

Most Entertaining Team: Canada
Biggest Underachievers: England
Biggest Overachievers: Canada
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Your tagline makes for ominous reading.
 
On paper Brazil, but i dont think they will.

Think Germany or Belgium will win it. Belgium were hyped in the past, maybe now they will surprise. I have a feeling they will do well.
 
Champions: Spain
Runners-up: France
Third place: Argentina

Golden Ball (MVP): Messi
Golden Boot (Most Goals): Mbappe
Most Assists: Messi
Best Young Player: Pedri
Breakout Star: Gavi

Most Entertaining Team: Brazil
Biggest Underachievers: Portugal
Biggest Overachievers: Netherlands

Would love Argentina or Brazil to win it but gone for Spain as thinl they've got a very good chance with their coach and style of play. Going to be energy sapping to play against their possession game in the heat. Would be great to see Holland do well too and their style of play and LVG should also help.
 
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izec said:
On paper Brazil, but i dont think they will.

Think Germany or Belgium will win it. Belgium were hyped in the past, maybe now they will surprise. I have a feeling they will do well.
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The defence is terrible though. Completely over the hill. And Witsel still screening it doesn't help. Courtois can only do so much.
 
Ramos said:
The defence is terrible though. Completely over the hill. And Witsel still screening it doesn't help. Courtois can only do so much.
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If there's one thing I'll give the Belgians, it's probably their mentality when they're backed into a corner; they've shown that before on quite some occasions.
 
Belgium aren't very good, most of the players from 2018 have declined or retired and the new faces are nothing special and too inexperienced.

I watched them in their friendly against Egypt and they were underwhelming.
 
King7Eric said:
England are massively underrated on here it seems. I wouldn't be surprised to see them shock a few people. They will go deep into the tournament I reckon.
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England haven't won their last 6 games, including a 4-0 and 1-0 defeat to Hungary. They aren't shocking anyone here
 
Champions: Argentina
Runners-up: France
Third place: Brazil

Golden Ball (MVP): Messi
Golden Boot (Most Goals): Mbappe
Most Assists: Messi
Best Young Player: Foden
Breakout Star: No idea

Most Entertaining Team: Brazil
Biggest Underachievers: Spain
Biggest Overachievers: Iran
 
Can be Brazil head coach by mistake by leaving this beast of a CB out of Brazil world cup squad.

Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães. I can promise you. If you take this beast of CB out of Arsenal team and starting line. Arsenal will collapse like Van Dijk with Liverpool with his long term injury.
This boy is one of the biggest reason behind Arsenal and Arteta success.

Thiago is still good. But he doesn't has the same aggresiveness, acceleration and supreme physical ability.

If one of the CB i can buy to build a top winning team. Beside Kim Jae and Wout Faes. Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães so that kind of CB i m looking after.

He was really impressive for Arsenal last season and continue to help Arsenal to stay on top of the premier league. Above Manchester City.

I was suprise when he was left out of the Brazil squad. A beast of a CB.

Brazil defend might cost them the world cup.

Reason why i pick Argentina over Brazil. Plus the new upcoming really promising and really close to complete as cm player in Enzo Fernandez. Can be a key factor for Argentina. Just look closely at the way Enzo spread the ball. The way he hit the ball is just amazing. And with many really good and sharp finisher up front.

Argentina is team harder to beat than Brazil. I think it will be on penalty. If Brazil will pass Argentina. Argentina defend is so aggressive. Plus a hunger Enzo. Many factors, reasons and ingredients to succeed. But day and match form and luck can something to say. And a cup is a cup.

But on paper and before the match happen. I think Argentina, England and Portugal will be team hard to beat. I think those nations will concede less goals.

Argentina = Aggressive & Tight = hard to beat
 
Still think it'll go to Argentina. FIFA and Qatar didn't pay all that money for golden boy Messi to miss out on the trophy.
 
King7Eric said:
England are massively underrated on here it seems. I wouldn't be surprised to see them shock a few people. They will go deep into the tournament I reckon.
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Yeah, I agree that England are massively underrated on here. Surprised with the poll as well. It's a bit strange that two South American giants (Argentina & Brazil) are given far too much respect and the European countries like England, Germany, Netherlands, France & Spain are massively underrated when the game became all about coaching & tactics today.

Argentina & Brazil both may have quality squads but I don't think their coaching is on the same level as European counterparts. I actually expect both teams to go out in Quarter Finals (Argentina to Netherlands & Brazil to Germany). Poll is far too one sided IMO.

Don't know if it's to prevent jinxing England but I really expect them to win this tournament. I'm not English but it is definitely coming home this time IMO. The success of England at Euro 2020 and English teams in European competitions in the last 4-5 years support this too. Anyway, my predictions :


Champions: England
Runners-up: Germany
Third place: Netherlands

Golden Ball (MVP): Neymar
Golden Boot (Most Goals): Harry Kane
Most Assists: Bernardo Silva
Best Young Player: Phil Foden or Jude Bellingham
Breakout Star: Rodrygo or Bukayo Saka

Most Entertaining Team: Brazil
Biggest Underachievers: France
Biggest Overachievers: Netherlands
 
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