FIFA 2014 World Cup - Official Discussion Thread

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Since I wasn't here until fall 2010, I assume this is a separate thread from Lewis's tipping game?

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Also, shame on FIFA for involving Pitbull in anything ever. On behalf of all Cubans I apologize for his existence.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Also, I need an ironic team to back this year. Last time it was North Korea OFC.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Current prediction with pretty colors, and based on my view that Belgium/Uruguay/Colombia are overhyped. On the verge of swapping Portugal for USA. Also lol @ the Dutch getting to the finals.



Also, Costa Rica will be my ironic team due entirely to having the worst possible group.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Actually Windjammer, we have about the same prediction other than a couple kinks in the group orders, and I don't see Japan going far (they had a fairly poor group--no plausible winners in C but the Cotes and Greeks are tough).

And your username reminds me of the disappointment of Iceland's failure to qualify. At least the Croatians will be knocked off in groups.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Portugal won't make it past the quarter-finals. The team is decent at best minus Ronaldo (remember they barely qualified for the Cup in the first place) and they won't hold against their most likely QF opponent, Argentina. It will be fun to see Ronaldo and Messi square off outside their respective clubs--that is, if the Portuguese can make it out of groups (likely unless USA outperforms expectations or Ronaldo FUBARs) and knocks out Belgium or Russia (still greater than even odds but not a safe bet at all). Also note where I have Italia ending in my bracket thingy.

I half-considered sending Ivory Coast to the QF's for the lulz

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Group F is an even bigger joke than B, IMO.

Also, LOL Serbia and Albania in the same group.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

I find it strange that we're talking about Euro 2016... in 2014.

I find it strange that you haven't been banned for being an obvious spambot.

Also, it's a bit tinged by my anti-Portuguese bias, but I could very plausibly see them getting second in Group I.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

If I had to predict now:

A:

Netherlands
Czech Republic
Turkey

B:

Belgium
Bosnia
Israel

C:

Spain
Ukraine
Slovakia

D:

Germany
Poland
Ireland

E:

England
Switzerland
Slovenia

F:

Greece
Romania
Hungary

G:

Sweden
Russia
Austria

H:

Italy
Croatia
Bulgaria

I:

Portugal
Serbia
Denmark

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Round 3 to be better... Euro 2012 and FIFA Confederations Cup.

We will win. Mark my words.

Hey, losing in the quarterfinals isn't that bad.

(or the round of 16, i have high hopes for Ivory Coast)

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

International friendlies today.

Phil and I both know that only one matters .

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

BTW I totally agree that these Spanish uniforms are awful.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

I expected Arbeloa on the squad, but otherwise no major surprises. I'm pleased (but of course utterly unsurprised) to see Costa in as well; Brazilian spectators' reactions will be fun to see. The tough part of course will be whittling this down to 23.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/16/sepp-blatter-qatar-2022-world-cup-mistake

Regardless, barring Qatar voluntarily giving up hosting rights, the damage is done and there won't be a reversal. Hopefully USA can get 2026.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

You know I was at first upset about Donovan getting kicked out, then I realize after looking at the roster, there could be potential....sort of.

The USA will fall in groups regardless of whether Donovan had been picked or not.. You're watching too much ESPN.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Welcome back to Lewis: here to see Germany fail. Again.

It would be hilarious to see Germany get third place a third consecutive time.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

My inclination is that Portugal will top the group to force a Germany-Belgium match in the round of 16; beyond that I'd be silly to prognosticate just yet.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Yeah Italy is generally slow to warm up. I still don't see them getting past the quarterfinals though.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Also Ribery is officially out.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

In other news, lol england

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Here's mine (not part of the tipping competition):

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

O_o

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

I think this match is a good thing on balance for Brazil. They were under the impression that everything was just going to roll their way and they needed a wake-up call. Remember that Spain lost its opening match in 2010 to a team that failed to make it out of groups.

Speaking of Spain, tomorrow will be fun.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Christ this game is boring.