I know that this may seem like a pointless exercise but with the world cup a week away, I figured it would be interesting to see what people thought about who advances to knock out stages. I also realise that the majority of this forum is composed of Americans who don't have a dog in this fight this year (and as an Italian, I feel the pain) but with a decent number of underdog teams making headlines (Saudi Arabia, Panama and Iceland) it could be a pretty interesting world cup. Anyway, here go my predictions:
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay [Top 2: Uruguay and Saudi Arabia] Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran [Top 2: Portugal and Spain] Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark [Top 2: France and Peru] Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria [Top 2: Argentina and Iceland] Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia [Top 2: Brazil and Costa Rica] Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea [Top 2: Germany and Mexico] Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England [Top 2: Belgium and England] Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan [Top 2: Poland and Colombia]
For me its,
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay [Top 2: Uruguay and Egypt] Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran [Top 2: Portugal and Spain] Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark [Top 2: France and Peru] Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria [Top 2: Argentina and Croatia] Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia [Top 2: Brazil and Switzerland] Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea [Top 2: Germany and Mexico] Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England [Top 2: Belgium and England] Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan [Top 2: Poland and Colombia]
I usually support the Azzuri in such competitions but I was surprised when they did not qualify. Also, you could make a WSO Fantasy football league or something on one of the sites of there's enough interest.
I can see why you would say Egypt for Group A, but I'm really curious as to why you say Switzerland for Group E instead of Costa Rica.
I feel Switzerland has a much stronger team compared to Costa Rica. Other than Keylor Navas its mostly homegrown talent who play in their own country. Nothing against them, but I feel that the European leagues are way above in terms of difficulty and technical ability.
With the Swiss team stacked with players playing in the top European leagues on paper at least they should beat Costa Rica. Another problem with Costa Rica is that their team has stagnated a bit since the last world cup since the difference makers are the same just 4 years older.
Most importantly, I think Costa Rica did so well in the last World Cup because it was held in South America where they had the full support of the crowd. Though the power of supporters in debatable and not quantifiable it does play a part just like when Japan had a very good run in 2002.
This time its in Russia and the Swiss will feel more at home/used to the conditions as compared to Costa Rica.
But its the World Cup and there are bound to be surprises where logic does not work so I may be wrong :D. Also, Egypt will only go through on the back of Salah and even that will be an uphill battle. If he does not recover in time I just don't see Egypt qualifying.
Croatia coming out of group D. Smart man.
What doesn't convince me about this is that Iceland seem motivated as hell...
dont know much about their defense, but when youve got perisic, mandzukic, kovacic, modric, pjaca and rakitic in your midfield and attack, that gives you a huge leg up. they can easily be a dark horse
For me it’s
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay [Top 2: Uruguay and Russia] Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran [Top 2: Spain and Portugal] Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark [Top 2: France and Denmark] Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria [Top 2: Argentina and Croatia (maybe nigeria instead?)] Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia [Top 2: Brazil and Costa Rica] Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea [Top 2: Germany and Mexico] Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England [Top 2: Belgium and England] Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan [Top 2: poland and Colombia]
I'm sure uncle Putin will find a way to make sure Russia pass group stages #bribesquad
I don't know about that.... but definitely playing on home ground would make a huge difference and they're probably similar to if not better than saudi arabia or egypt
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay [Top 2: Uruguay and Russia] Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran [Top 2: Spain and Portugal] Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark [Top 2: France and Australia] Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria [Top 2: Argentina and Iceland] (hard one to call between the last 3, but I was impressed with Iceland at the Euros and really hope they qualify) Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia [Top 2: Brazil and Switzerland] Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea [Top 2: Germany and Mexico] Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England [Top 2: Belgium and Panama] Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan [Top 2: Poland and Colombia]
How do you get MS on a topic about personal predictions?
If it's about Panama qualifying above England, that was clearly not serious lol
I also look at the spine of the team. For me, it will be France and Germany in the final - obviously barring any key injuries. I also think Belgium is a dark horse - so much young talent. Brazil always blows their load. Argentina's center midfield is too weak. England - same deal as Brazil. Spain's style of play is too delicate to win a WC.
Gonna be in Barcelona during a group stage match... Hoping for a win for the party of a lifetime.
Going to be in Panama for the 3rd place match and final so IF by some miracle Panama make it that far, that's going to be a crazy party regardless of outcome.
Group Stage
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay [Top 2: Uruguay and Saudi Arabia]
Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran [Top 2: Spain and Portugal ]
Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark [Top 2: France and Peru]
Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria [Top 2: Argentina and Croatia]
Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia [Top 2: Brazil and Costa Rica]
Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea [Top 2: Germany and Mexico]
Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England [Top 2: Belgium and England]
Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan [Top 2: Colombia and Poland]
Round of 16
1A Uruguay vs. 2B Portugal [Winner: Portugal]
1C France vs. 2D Croatia [Winner: France]
1E Brazil vs. 2F Mexico [Winner: Brazil]
1G Belgium vs. 2H Poland [Winner: Poland]
1B Spain vs. 2A Saudi Arabia [Winner: Spain]
1D Argentia vs. 2C Peru [Winner: Argentina]
1F Germany vs. 2E Costa Rica [Winner: Germany]
1H Colombia vs. 2G England [Winner: England]
Quarter Finals
Portugal vs. France [Winner: Portugal]
Brazil vs. Poland [Winner: Brazil]
Spain vs. Argentina [Winner: Spain]
Germany vs. England [Winner: Germany]
Semi Finals
Portugal vs. Brazil [Winner: Brazil] Spain vs. Germany [Winner: Germany]
Finals
Brazil vs. Germany [Winner: Germany (probably not 7-1 though)] Third Place: Spain vs. Portugal [Winner: Spain]
Very well thought out but I disagree with Poland beating Belgium and England beating Colombia in the round of 16. I think the opposite will be true
I'm not convinced enough by my two choices there to argue with you. A lot of toss ups here. Plus, inevitably at least one of the top teams will have an atrocious showing and someone will have a dream run.
saudi arabia out of the group stage? i really dont know a ton one them, any insight on them?
They're a surprise team. Whilst they didn't soar through their qualification group, Mohammad Al-Sahlawi was joint top scorer for the qualifiers (16 goals). They don't have a player like Salah but if you watch their qualifiers, they defend quite well but don't waste time and linger around midfield when the other teams fails an attack - the counter fast. They may not be super tactical but they have quite a few players who shoot hard and accurately from outside the box. I think they could finish 2nd in the group but can pass.
SOMEONE has to finish second. I don't really believe in Russia or Egypt either
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay [Top 2: Uruguay and Russia] Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran [Top 2: Spain and Portugal] Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark [Top 2: France and Peru] Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria [Top 2: Argentina and Croatia] Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia [Top 2: Brazil and Costa Rica] Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea [Top 2: Germany and Mexico] Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England [Top 2: Belgium and England] Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan [Top 2: Poland and Colombia]
Why is everyone so bullish on Poland? I get Lewandowski is an animal but are any of the other players particularly impressive? I'm looking at their qualifying matches and the only decent team they beat was Denmark who also crushed them 4-0.
People are bullish on Poland in the same way they are bullish on Egypt who rides on Salah.
Fair point. I think that group is going to be hardest to predict given Senegal and Japan are no pushovers compared to Poland and Colombia. Poland might have a leg up given they will be much more used to the playing conditions as compared for example to Colombia.
A note on Lewandowski..... finished as European qualifying's top scorer, and Bayern Munich's superstar is our ("Poland's") main weapon in Russia. However, the team is much more than just one striker. Coach Adam Nawalka is a popular specialist who is building on a major success at Euro 2016, where the team reached the quarterfinals and exited only on penalties. They have a solid backbone of experienced leaders, including centre-back Kamil Glik, defender Lukasz Piszczek and midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, who are ably complemented by rising young stars like Piotr Zielinski and Karol Linetty. It is a very promising blend that could possibly develop into worthy successors to the majestic Poland teams of the 1970s and '80s that were considered some of the best in the world.
The biggest concern and I say this as a pole some of the key players didn't have a good club season, which is especially true of Krychowiak who wasn't even a certain starter at West Brom. Arkadiusz Milik barely featured at Napoli after yet another significant injury setback, Kuba Blaszczykowski was injured for most of the season at Wolfsburg, Kamil Grosicki went astray at Hull City, while Wojciech Szczesny spent the season as a bench-warmer behind Gianluigi Buffon at Juventus. Even Lewandowski came under pressure at Bayern Munich for failing to prove his worth in the Champions League. Nawalka needs all of his stars in top form in a difficult group, and Poland might be in trouble if many of them underperform. Finding the right balance in midfield between Krychowiak and Zielinski is another major issue.
I agree with this. As someone of Polish ethnicity, I'm a major fan of this team, and despite them realistically not making it far, I personally have high hopes.
Stole the format from CRE - Hope you don't mind.
Group Stage
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay [Top 2: Uruguay and Egypt]
Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran [Top 2: Spain and Portugal]
Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark [Top 2: France and Peru]
Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria [Top 2: Argentina and Croatia]
Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia [Top 2: Brazil and Switzerland]
Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea [Top 2: Germany and Mexico]
Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England [Top 2: Belgium and England]
Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan [Top 2: Poland and Colombia]
Round Of 16
1A Uruguay vs. 2B Portugal [Winner: Portugal]
1C France vs. 2D Croatia [Winner: France]
1E Brazil vs. 2F Mexico [Winner: Brazil]
1G Belgium vs. 2H Colombia [Winner: Belgium]
1B Spain vs. 2A Egypt [Winner: Spain]
1D Argentia vs. 2C Peru [Winner: Argentina]
1F Germany vs. 2E Switzerland [Winner: Germany]
1H Poland vs. 2G England [Winner: England]
Quarter Finals
Portugal vs. France [Winner: France]
Brazil vs. Belgium [Winner: Brazil]
Spain vs. Argentina [Winner: Spain]
Germany vs. England [Winner: Germany]
Semi Finals
France vs. Brazil [Winner: Brazil] Spain vs. Germany [Winner: Germany]
Finals
Brazil vs. Germany [Winner: Germany]
Third Place: Spain vs. France [Winner: France]
No one thinks Iran can make it out of groups? I think they may be a surprise this time around especially with their performance during qualifiers.
Out of group A would rank them 3rd. Better than Russia but behind Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Iran Saudi Arabia is going to be a tense match but overall as a team I think the Saudis are better.
In any other group, maybe. With Portugal and Spain? They don't stand a chance. Maybe they'll prove me wrong.
How the hell did Russia thrash KSA 5-0 !
I'd like to revise my prediction for Group A and not put KSA as one of the top 2 hahahah
I'm Italian and I'm watching. Support who you like; either a team you like or an underdog e.g. Panama
Panama is going to get thrashed :p
Also now I feel Russia might just make it to next round with Putin around :D
Are you guys kidding me? Denmark is obviously going through.
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay [Top 2: Uruguay and Russia]
Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran [Top 2: Spain and Portugal]
Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark [Top 2: France and Denmark]
Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria [Top 2: Argentina and Croatia]
Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia [Top 2: Brazil and Switzerland]
Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea [Top 2: Germany and Sweden]
Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England [Top 2: Belgium and England]
Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan [Top 2: Poland and Colombia]
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay [Top 2: Uruguay and Egypt] Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran [Top 2: Portugal and Spain] Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark [Top 2: France and Denmark] Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria [Top 2: Argentina and Croatia] Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia [Top 2: Brazil and Switzerland] Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea [Top 2: Germany and South Korea] Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England [Top 2: Belgium and England] Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan [Top 2: Colombia and Poland ] Group I: Chile, Netherlands, Italy, and USA [Top 2: Italy, Chile]
Group I has to be Italy and Netherlands
Haha wow this just made me realized the Dutch aren't in this one
Based on how the first few matches have gone, I think this World Cup will be harder to predict than anticipated.
Haha, that might be the understatement of the day! Great WC though. No team yet looks amazing or terrible (other than Saudi Arabia).
Group A: Russia Uruguay Group B: Spain Por Group C: France Denmark Group D: Arg Cro Group E: Bra Swi Group F: Ger Mexico Group G: Belgium England Group H: Colombia Japan
Group of the failures (nice idea Andy): Chile then Italy
In any other group, maybe. With Portugal and Spain? They don't stand a chance. Maybe they'll prove me wrong.
Also I'm officially supporting Mexico because Italy is not in it.
Underdogs, good football, same flag colours.
right there with you, they just have an eagle in the middle of their flag and we dont. mexico and croatia are my go to's this tourney
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay [Top 2: Russia, Uruguay] Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran [Top 2: Portugal and Spain] Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark [Top 2: France and Denmark] Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria [Top 2: Croatia and Iceland] Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia [Top 2: Brazil and Serbia] Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden and South Korea [Top 2: Germany and Mexico] Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England [Top 2: Belgium and England] Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia and Japan [Top 2: Poland and Colombia]
My prediction - nothing getting done on LatAm desks until July.....
Russia will win the tournament easily!
México wins group F!
Honestly I'm confident Germany will win it. Mexico were solid, but I expect them to struggle against Sweden. S.Korea is also very organised and tactical.
Stunning World Cup anyway, so many unexpected results. I'm gonna put 5€ on Croatia going to the final, impressive team indeed
And Russia has qualified to the L16. Given their form before the WC I really did not expect them to have such an explosive start.
Yes, but in the L16 they'll most likely be against Portugal or Spain...bye bye Russia hahahaha
gotta agree with you, sure the stat line makes it look like theyre on fire, but when they only had to beat KSA and Egypt, its misleading. Expect them to play conservatively against Uruguay to rest up for more than likely portugal.
Group A can be called. ffffml Whyphy WagyuFoieGras ArbitrageA neink @YNG Rainmaker" called it! Congrats
whats everyones take on argentina vs croatia? read argentina might play a 3-3-3-1, with dybala/aguero on the wings and messi in the middle, and higuain up top. i personally like the croatia side, that midfield is insane, and dont sleep on mandzukic and pjaca, personally think they have what it takes to top that group
I think Argentina will draw with Croatia and beat Nigeria.
Based on last week I'd go with Croatia as they were impressive and Argentina lacklustre, but I expect the big teams to step it up a bit now.
In my office it's half bet on a draw (1-1 or 2-2), the rest have Argentina to win 2-1, and then there's me with Argentina with 3-1..
what a game by croatia, they were hungry for that win
How will Trump feel if Mexico wins it all? That’s the real question
Probably not happy but regardless of that, the good news is that even if by some miracle he wins a 2nd term he won't be around to fuck up the 2026 World Cup.
As it is right now, my prediction might as well end up 100% accurate. Though if we want to be precise, Uruguay went ahead of Russia and Croatia ahead of Argentina.
I fully expect Colombia to beat Senegal in two days.
Called it.
Also Jesus Christ Japan, really? They almost blew up worse than Germany. Nonetheless, called that group too.
15/16. Fuck Germany.
So Portugal vs Uruguay and Argentina vs France in L16. Things are already getting heated up. This is the best chance that other teams who are not usually fancied have to have a swing at the cup.
Go France n Belgium \m/
how do you like france's likelihood of getting to the semis?
Depends. Argentina have been poor this Worldcup. Also the French have not exactly lit the Worldcup. I think France should be able to defeat Argentina given Argentina's weak defense (they are playing Mascherano in central defense when he's supposed to be a DM, Otamendi can become a bag of nerves if pressured while Fazio is slow) and Sampaoli being a shit coach (you are struggling to break down teams with Messi, Dybala, Aguero and Higuain on the same team while Icardi was not even selected in the squad).
But its knockout so anything can happen since even a broken clock is correct twice a day.
And if France does go onto the Quarter Finals they will face Portugal/Uruguay. If its Portugal they should be able to win but against Uruguay its going to be tough since they have a very strong defense with heavy firepower up ahead.
But if France reaches the Semis then they'll have proved they are champion material.
All that matters is that Brazil will win the World Cup against France or England
WOW! Germany 4th in their group and beaten by South Korea...
Well, I bragged too early.
Then again, I'm glad Germany is out so.....
A really smart decision young man, we can put your Germany pick here in a money market mutual fund aaaaaaaaaaaand it's gone.
All Germany had to do was beat fucking KOREA!!! And Mexico had a complete meltdown and almost let it all slip away. Just nuts
This world cup is fucking awesome!
Well damn, no Germany in this world cup.
They were at the direct opposite of France, so you could've had a France-Germany final. And a pattern was being set up too.
2014 World Cup: France/Germany meet in quarter finals (German win)
2016 Euro Cup: France/Germany meet in semi finals (French win)
2018 World Cup: France/Germany meet in finals (??? win)
There was also the following pattern in the last few WCs:
2006: Italy win and don't pass group stages in 2010
2010: Spain win and don't pass group stages in 2014
2014: Germany win and don't pass group stages in 2018
The curse of winning...
France won 98 and got kicked out in the first turn in 2002.
I wish there's a Belgium Croatia final but I know that's not going to happen... I think.
Would also love to see this. About a 3% chance of it happening if you play with 538's predictions.
Alright, let's hope I'm wrong on a few of those: France over Argentina Uruguay over Portugal Spain over Russia Croatia over Denmark Brazil over Mexico Belgium over Japan Switzerland over Sweden England over Colombia
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