I figured with 65 days to go, now is a good time to start a thread for the real Football fans on BP (j/k).

Anything related to WC preparations, squads, players, coaches,, and ultimately games can be discussed here . Things will probably heat up as we closer to June but why not start a bit early .

Please make sure any discussion is civil, respectful, and no trolling.

 

So, who do think will win? which team are you cheering? who will be the dark horse? will the USA make it out of the first round? 

 

Soccer? WTF is that? Had the US put football players out there today they may have had better luck. someone let them know that "everybody gets a trophy" phase is over.

so no games today....not cooooooool.

 

Anyone predicting any upsets in the round of 16?

 

-USA has an ok chance of overtaking Belgium

-Hoping Costa Rica will keep on going

-Mexico cant be overlooked either  

so no games today....not cooooooool.

 

Anyone predicting any upsets in the round of 16?

 

-USA has an ok chance of overtaking Belgium

-Hoping Costa Rica will keep on going

-Mexico cant be overlooked either  

 

I have a couple I am mulling.

 

I think the US team has grown. Klinsmann has done an incredible job and the people worrying about what he says, etc. need to shut up IMO. His only thing I have a problem with was not bringing Landon Donovan. Otherwise, he has done great. Regardless of the points or outcome, the US looks dangerous. 

 

And his gameplan yesterday was fine. The rain created more problems for it and not having Jozy, but group stage soccer is somewhat a chess match. He could have pushed people forward but instead he played a defensive gameplan with counter attack (you could see the wingers moving up the sides super fast when the US stopped shots). You would have liked more chances, but at this stage it was the smart thing to do. The people saying "They threw it in and played for a tie" need to understand, the way they played was smart. Why push forward and take a chance at Germany ripping you up. Save it for when you hopefully get a rematch with them

 

As for next round:

 

1. US over Belgium : Belgium is super young and I think you see a new experienced US team here. I think they find a way to get it done.

2. Brazil over Chile : This is going to be super and really close as these two are rivals, but the home crowd pushes them ahead

3. France over Nigeria:  France continues their under teh radar run with a big win (maybe 3 from the super Benzema)

4. Germany over Algeria: I think this one could be too close for comfort as Germany might relax just a bit looking at the opponent. But in the end, too good.

5. Netherlands over Mexico: Just too strong

6. Colombia over Uruguay: I think Columbia pulls the mild upset. They have a super set of strikers in the front.

7. Costa Rica over Greece: I think this train keeps rolling

8. Switzerland over Argentina: I am probably wrong here, but I really think the Swiss have a nice attack and Argentina is playing a really weird formation that has at times looked very susceptible to an attack. Messi has been brilliant, but is he enough?

 

As for next round:

 

1. US over Belgium : Belgium is super young and I think you see a new experienced US team here. I think they find a way to get it done.

2. Brazil over Chile : This is going to be super and really close as these two are rivals, but the home crowd pushes them ahead

3. France over Nigeria:  France continues their under teh radar run with a big win (maybe 3 from the super Benzema)

4. Germany over Algeria: I think this one could be too close for comfort as Germany might relax just a bit looking at the opponent. But in the end, too good.

5. Netherlands over Mexico: Just too strong

6. Colombia over Uruguay: I think Columbia pulls the mild upset. They have a super set of strikers in the front.

7. Costa Rica over Greece: I think this train keeps rolling

8. Switzerland over Argentina: I am probably wrong here, but I really think the Swiss have a nice attack and Argentina is playing a really weird formation that has at times looked very susceptible to an attack. Messi has been brilliant, but is he enough?

 

I agree with everything except Netherlands vs Mexico..... I just dont see netherlands having an easy job..... This match is most likely going to be just as close as Brazil vs Chile..... unless something like Germany vs Portugal type of red card happens ofc......

Donovan should not have been left off of the USMNT. That is all.

Donovan should not have been left off of the USMNT. That is all.

 

Absolutely. With what he has meant to US soccer, just having that leader and training mentality, the maturity -- has to be there. 

I really really REALLY hope Chile takes Brazil down.

And also I want Argentina to get the boot, but Switzerland won't do the trick.

Sent from my iPhone using Brickpicker

I can't see the Swiss knocking out the Argentinians , then again stranger things have happened in the world of sports.

Im rooting for the Chileans as well. Swiss / Arg match should be a good one. Tough call

Round of 16

 

Brazil v Chile : 12pm Est

 

Colombia v Uruguay : 4pm Est

Today my predictions are

 

Brasil vs Chile = relatively high scoring match, probably 2,5+ goals...

 

Colombia vs Uruguay = expecting Colombia to win but to be sure i predict Colombia or draw

 

Cannot wait for the matches!

Today my predictions are

 

Brasil vs Chile = relatively high scoring match, probably 2,5+ goals...

 

Colombia vs Uruguay = expecting Colombia to win but to be sure i predict Colombia or draw

 

Cannot wait for the matches!

I see Brazil and Columbia making it to the quarterfinals 

I see Brazil and Columbia making it to the quarterfinals 

 

Yeah that will most likely happen in my opinion aswell ...... 

Time for a shootout!!!

Bummer...I was really hoping Chile would pull it off. So close.

That was a good game right there! Boy, if Brazil would have lost that game.........riots in the streets!!

That was a good game right there! Boy, if Brazil would have lost that game.........riots in the streets!!

Yeah I thought "wow, will favelas be on fire ? People firing everywhere, cops shooting with real bullets, etc." but on second thought it would have been like any another day.

Anyone else hate Penalties? I really just don't like them at all. Soccer is a team sport and the penalty kick is unfair to a goal keeper and puts all the pressure on one player.

 

Even though 2 other Chile players were denied, that guy will be the one remembered even though his was a better shot - do it 100 times again and it would go a different direction.

 

I wish they did something awesome: Like 3 on 2 Attack starting at midfield, or at least what Hockey does with a running start type thing. break away would be awesome to watch, would it not?

What a goal for Columbia ..

Exciting first game. Both teams deserved to win .

What a goal for Columbia ..

Exciting first game. Both teams deserved to win .

 

 

For those who missed it!!!

 

Amazing.... best goal of the tournament so far in my opinion!

 

 

Anyone else hate Penalties? I really just don't like them at all. Soccer is a team sport and the penalty kick is unfair to a goal keeper and puts all the pressure on one player.

Even though 2 other Chile players were denied, that guy will be the one remembered even though his was a better shot - do it 100 times again and it would go a different direction.

I wish they did something awesome: Like 3 on 2 Attack starting at midfield, or at least what Hockey does with a running start type thing. break away would be awesome to watch, would it not?

 

While I could generally agree with you to an extent, Chile have only themselves to blame they got to penalties.... that woodwork in 120th minute from Chile was their goal.... and it did not go, so they lost... logical!

Uruguay are lacking a bite upfront..

Forlan gotta call it a day. He isn't half the player he used to be .

Round of 16:

 

Netherlands v Mexico: 12pm Est

 

Greece v Costa Rica : 4pm Est

Edited June 29, 201411 yr by Bold-Arrow

Round of 16:

 

France v Mexico: 12pm Est

 

Greece v Costa Rica : 4pm Est

 

It is The Netherlands vs. Mexico

It is The Netherlands vs. Mexico

oooops, thanks

My betting predictions:

 

Mexico x2 (draw or Mexico)

Costarica vs Greece = under 3,5 goals

 

combined odds: 2,05 @bet365

 

good luck and enjoy the football!