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I'll have a go.Who's going to win?
Sleeper picks? Deep sleeper?
Which team will be a surprise struggler?
How will the Concacaf teams do?
I'll have a go.
Really tough to pick a winner this year I think. Probably seven or eight teams who could win. I'll go out on a limb and pick Germany (ugh). Decent defense and goal all throughout the team.
I like Denmark to reach at least the quarter finals but everyone seems to think the same, so I'll say Serbia. Great forward line and midfield and a coach (Dragan Stojkovic) who was one of my favorite ever players. I like Japan to get some kind of result against one of the big boys even if they don't advance and the same for South Korea.
Bit worried about this as they seem to be a popular choice to win it all but I think Argentina might struggle. Might not have an issues in group play but a really difficult path to the final. France or Denmark in the second round, probably Holland in the QF and Brazil in the semis - I could say them losing to any one of those teams.
Concacaf - tough draws for all four teams. I could see them all failing to advance. USA v Wales will be a key game for the Americans. Wales are fired up and will be dangerous. I can see Canada getting a draw with Belgium but even their game against Morocco won't be easy.
Copying your format.
My Group winners (1, 2):
A Holland, Ecuador - agree on this one. I too would have picked Senegal before Mane's injury.
B England, Wales - but wouldn't be surprised at any team getting out of this group.
C Argentina, Poland
D Denmark, France
E Germany, Spain - I think Japan will cause an upset along the way though.
F Croatia, Belgium - can see Canada pushing Belgium close for second.
G Brazil, Serbia
H South Korea, Uruguay - really competitive group. Love Portugal's midfield (especially Bernardo Silva) but I think the coach holds them back.
With those results:
2nd Round:
Holland over Wales
England over Ecuador
France over Argentina (sorry)
Denmark over Poland
Germany over Belgium
Spain over Croatia
Brazil over Uruguay - curious to see if Uruguay play Suarez and Cavani or opt for a younger front line.
Serbia over South Korea
3rd Round
France over Holland
England over Denmark
Germany over Brazil - really tough one to call.
Spain over Serbia
Germany over France
Spain over England - like the Croatia semi 4 years ago, England just can't get a hold of the ball in midfield and Pedri and Gavi pass them to death.
Germany over Spain. - wanted to pick Spain but I think they could struggle for goals whereas Germany have so many threats - Havertz, Sane, Gnabry, Muller, Musiala, Goretzka...
Nobody cares. We’re all watching it from home. Take it to the politics board.Anyone could have predicted this...
I'm not a big fan of this Argentina squad, but that was beyond shockingSaudia Arabia with the huge upset over Argentina.
Argentina controlled the action, Saudia Arabia with only 3 shots and 2 on goal and they both hit the back of the net. Both were beautiful goals.
Argentina now probably needs to win vs Mexico and Poland to advance... pressure has amped up, and the teams under Messi have played tight many times in big games with pressure.
Well... USA started out well controlling ball and playing fast. Gales made some half time adjustments and USA appeared tired until got some subs on the field.
Zimmerman with very bad foul, Bale had his back to the goal.
For USA to advance may come down to goal differential.
Some interesting facts I read:
- Weah was the first player to score against Wales in World Cup since Pele in 1958 (Wales 1st time at Cup in 64 years)
- Adams 3rd youngest captain since 1950 at men´s World Cup
- Musah youngest player to start for USMNT at World Cup
- USA winless in last 10 matches vs European teams at FIFA World Cup, last win 2002 vs Portugal
E Germany, Spain - I think Japan will cause an upset along the way though.
Confederation of African Football with a couple of very strong outings today