Brazil's group has to be one of the toughest. Cote D'Ivoire is hands down Africa's best side, and Portugal is... well, Portugal. Tough luck for North Korea.
France got exactly what they wanted: they were put in the one group without a strong group head. However, it's far from an easy one, with Uruguay and Mexico. I don't think the hosts will win a single match in that group, to be honest.
Finally, Argentina's group is almost exactly the same as the 1994 world cup, with South Korea in place of Bulgaria. Which is boring, especially for Greece. Their second cup ever, and almost the exact same group. I hope they advance, so that they can get a bit more variety in their matches.
Group F and Group A are laughably bad. Seriously. Those groups are just manufactured to get France and Italy to the Round of 16....freaking awful.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Mafia MVP Harry Potter Mafia!
Logical Reasoning is dead; Long Live Stupidity
Quote from Seppel »
I love Joboman, Poggy, Niv, and Vezok, because, while they may not be the best players, they still try to win. Having fun is the most important thing to a game, but I've learned that if you don't try to win, then you're ruining everyone else's fun.
I think you underestimate both Mexico and Uruguay, and home field advantage is pretty significant, too. Not saying it's a very tough group, but "laughably bad" is completely wrong. I'd say group C, F and H are all weaker.
Too bad Ivory Coast ended up in the same group as Brazil and Portugal, I would have liked to see them advance from the group stage this time, as they didn't last time because of unfortunate pairings. Not that it's impossible this time, but it's much more difficult than in the average group.
Quote from Johm000 »
Group D is the first interesting group. Germany, Serbia and Ghana all have very good chances of making it through. Australia normally doesn't make it through, but it can be a surprise factor. That said, Serbia are looking very strong and I wouldn't be surprised if Germany didn't make it through.
"Normally", Australia would make it through. Because the only time in recent years they've competed in the World Cup, they did indeed make it through from a reasonably difficult group that included Brazil, Japan and Croatia. This group will be very interesting to follow, as there are no on-paper weak teams, but perhaps not the absolute best ones either, although you could absolutely make a case for Germany.
Spain and Italy should have it fairly easy, and it would be a major upset if one of them didn't make it through. I hope Chile will advance too, as I've got Chilean relatives and I've been there a couple of times.
Group E is very interesting also. The Netherlands was a fan favorite in Euro '08, and impressed pretty much everyone who watched them play. Denmark has been out of the spotlight for a while (although they did play in Euro '04), but had a spectacular qualifier, and Cameroon and Japan are teams fully capable of advancing to at leas the round of 16.
France have been suffering but there's no way even they will slip up to an awful SA side and Uruguay. Mexico's experience will see them through the group stage, at least, but surely not past the round of 16 this time.
Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea Greece
South Korea's flash in the pan won't be repeated, and although Argentina have a manager best described as "inept" (and worst described as things that can't be posted on this site) their quality will simply be too much for this group. Greece have solid defensive capabilities and will see it through against the stuttering Nigeria.
Group C
England USA
Algeria
Slovenia
Slovenia performed well in the qualifying campaign and will likely take third. Much of this group hinges on USA v. Slovenia. USA are a weak team but they're still better than the likes of Slovenia and Algeria (*spits*) England will sweep this group with ease and hopefully hand out a proper tonking to Algeria.
Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia Ghana
Germany may well see the final this time around. It's hard to identify an area where they are lacking, save in goal (RIP Enke.) Serbia have some class players but ultimately Ghana will repeat their performance, bolstered by the exposure of some of their players from last World Cup to European experience. Australia will get hammered.
Group E
Netherlands Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
Cameroon are an afflicted team, and although the arrival of Paul Le Guen managed to turn their qualifying around, the malaise will not relent. Eto'o cannot win games on his own at this level. Japan can be safely ruled out, considering they have only one player of any sort of quality, and the Dutch and Danes will likely take this group.
Group F Italy Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia
Another cakewalk for another suffering team. Italy will find little resistance in this group, but don't expect them to progress far past this stage. Paraguay were good for the round of 16 last time and I expect it again against a fairly weak contender in Slovakia. Better not to mention what will happen to NZ - sorry proud Kiwis!
Group G
Brazil
North Korea
Cote D'Ivoire Portugal
Cote D'Ivoire have many strong players, but they will be torn apart by Brazil's new counter-attacking style and Portugal have a long and distinguished pedigree of cheating progressing in major tournaments. North Korea don't even factor into this discussion.
Group H
Spain
Switzerland Honduras
Chile
Switzerland shouldn't really be getting a mention here - they were horrible on home soil at the Euros. It'll come down to who wants it more from between Honduras and Chile, and I'm going with the Central Americans. They have strong players (a few, at least) and the desire. But an exit in the round of 16 beckons. Spain, on the other hand, may win it all.
Mexico takes the group after the Frenchman suffer a teamwide case of flu-like symptoms prior to drawing with Uruguay.
Group B Argentina Nigeria South Korea Greece
Despite Argentina's class, they spend too many late nights out with their coach carousing to play good football. Shocking tabloid revelations send the entire team home in disgrace and possibly grave danger. Greece takes the group, confusing themselves and the rest of the world.
Group C England USA Algeria Slovenia
The United States shocks England in the first match, but England recovers. In spite of their success against the English, the Americans do everything they can to hand the remaining points to the Algerians and Slovenians, who refuse to take them, thus spending the final coins of worldwide goodwill left over from the election of President Obama.
Group D Germany Australia Serbia Ghana
Germany barrels through. The remaining teams have a difficult time deciding who else wants to advance, but ultimately Ghana volunteers, leaving the Aussies and Serbs plenty of time to help the Argentinians get in more trouble.
Group E Netherlands Denmark Japan Cameroon
Netherlands wins the group. Cameroon destroys Japan and refuses to lose to Denmark. Frogs fall from the sky.
Group F Italy Paraguay New Zealand Slovakia
In a surprise move New Zealand hires motion picture director Peter Jackson to coach their football team for the group stage. It does not save them. Italy and Slovakia advance.
Group G Brazil North Korea Cote D'Ivoire Portugal
Brazil *yawn*. Cote D'Ivoire advances with them. Portugal loses two players to bookings along the way.
Group H Spain Switzerland Honduras Chile
FIFA rules that Spain advances automatically without having to play any matches. The remaining three associations agree on a system where one of their names will be drawn from a hat for the remaining slot. Switzerland is DQ'd when they are caught slipping their name in twice. Honduras advances over Chile.
I don't think the Hondurans will be a match for Chile. Chile's put up some impressive performances during qualifying, in spite of losing both games to Brazil (I was in the last one :)). Suazo and Valdivia are two very good players that may very well be surprise World Cup stars.
Group A has a big conundrum in Mexico vs Uruguay, I'd say. Both are countries with footballing tradition that are currently on a low period (Uruguay has been there for a while). Still, both should be able to avoid losing to the hosts.
I really really want to see a Brazil-Argentina final match. That would be truly epic for both countries. Argentina will probably start this world cup with most bets against them, but the same can be said of Italy in 2006 and Brazil in 1994 and 2002, so...
Either way, I'm hoping an African nation can reach the semifinals this time around. I can only imagine how ecstatic African fans would be.
I don't think the Hondurans will be a match for Chile. Chile's put up some impressive performances during qualifying, in spite of losing both games to Brazil (I was in the last one :)). Suazo and Valdivia are two very good players that may very well be surprise World Cup stars.
You are probably correct about Chile, but I can't help looking for surprises.
Group A has a big conundrum in Mexico vs Uruguay, I'd say. Both are countries with footballing tradition that are currently on a low period (Uruguay has been there for a while). Still, both should be able to avoid losing to the hosts.
Mexico will turn it up at the cup. They looked better during qualifying than they have looked in recent memory, I think. And they are so willing to get their hands dirty during a game.
I really really want to see a Brazil-Argentina final match. That would be truly epic for both countries. Argentina will probably start this world cup with most bets against them, but the same can be said of Italy in 2006 and Brazil in 1994 and 2002, so...
Argentina are a good team, but one that is capable of under-performing. I fully expect them to tank it in the group stage. An all SA final would be fun, though.
Don't be too sure about picking the teams that you think will win the groups. Just remember - in 2002 South Korea made it to the semi-finals, which was unheard of at the time - even IF they were the host country.
All of these teams are in the finals for a reason, as they are (give or take...France for cheating) the best 32 teams in the world for this four year period.
Group A is actually very interesting, but I think that it will be Mexico > France for first and second. The Botswana Botswana just weren't strong enough in the Confederation's Cup to allow for me to believe they will be any better come next summer.
I expect the USA to lose to England, but it all depends on the rosters that both teams field. Onyewu needs to return to form, and they need to, unfortunately, find a replacement for Charlie Davies.
It is going to be a very interesting World Cup, nonetheless. Cannot wait for the rosters to be released.
This would be the Mexico who took on the great footballing nations of Canada and Jamaica, only to draw and lose? Not to mention getting beat by both the USA and Honduras in the next phase.
Yes, it would be that Mexico, and I stand by my statement. We'll see what happens.
Lame group, South Africa can't win a game with Joel Santana and now Parreira, Uruguay almost didn't reach the Worlds, same as France, and same with Mexico. To me France and Mexico goes on.
Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece
Argentina and it's manager Fatdona also sweat to get into the WC. Africans like to give a hard time to South Americans, and i don't know how is Greece, but i think Argentina is in risk here. But my bet is Nigeria 1st and Argentina 2nd.
Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia
England will be first, alot of skillful players, very much superior than the others. The second place is a very tough pick, but i see Slovenia better then the others.
Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana
Easy walk for Germany, i bet Ghana as 2nd.
Group E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
Tough Group. I always like Netherland games, but i think it have been better. I guess Denmark and Cameroon takes the spots.
Group F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia
Paraguay did an awsome qualifyiers. I think it takes the top and Italy on second
Group G
Brazil
North Korea
Cote D'Ivoire
Portugal
Another tough group. First i wanna state i don't believe on Brazil despite it's results, there are tons of bad players in, but the same happens to Brazitugal, i mean Portugal and it's brazilian players: Liedson, Deco...lol (I think FIFA should restrict Worlds to players born into the Country, since it's not a club championship). Anyway, to me Portugal gets the 1st spot, and Cote D'Ivoire and Brazil fights for the 2nd place.
Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
Spain and Chile, far superior than Honduras and Switzerland.
To me, La Furia loses it's virginity and wons the first WC, but i'll cheer La Roja and Portugal. (And Brazil of course, but i don't believe on it)
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Now i lay you, down to rest, you'll never be more than second best" (Megadeth)
If we're picking group winners - I'm not sure how any of you can pick Portugal over Brazil, considering Portugal has been on the downturn since Euro 2008. They BARELY managed to even qualify for this world cup.
well ive been watching soccer since i was born and i cant wait for this to begin especially since for the first time ill actually get to go to the world cups!
im pretty sure that from the first group
MEXICO and south africa will pass. even though france will give them a run for their money. both of em.
as for others...well
argentina and greece
england and US
germany and GHANA! WHOOT!
netherlands and denmark although id love to see japan go further
italy and paraguay
brazil and portugal
spain and HONDURAS FOR THE WIN!!!
_______
all in all i would love for MEXICO to win the world cup although they are not playing as well as they could. other than that i hope spain, honduras, and ghana fo far.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The Absence of Evidence is not the Evidence of Absence"
Hey fellows texans! come visit me at Fat Ogres Games and Comics located at: 1440 Sawdust Rd. E2
The Woodlands, TX 77380
We have lots of great items including a bunch of MTG!
I'm surprised that there are some people who think Slovenia can sneak past us Yanks. Watch for Jozy Altidore to break out big time as he did in the Confederations World Cup. I think this is the year where the Stars and Stripes prove that they can play with the world's best.
I'm surprised that there are some people who think Slovenia can sneak past us Yanks. Watch for Jozy Altidore to break out big time as he did in the Confederations World Cup. I think this is the year where the Stars and Stripes prove that they can play with the world's best.
I'm very confident that the US can equal their 2002 performance. Mexico hasn't been on a particularly strong streak, which means the US will get to South Africa as CONCACAF's premier side. I think England and USA are clear favorites for Group C.
Now I watched some of the World Cup last year, and I have to say I'm kind of confused on this whole "groups" situation. Can someone explain how this works to me (put simply)?
In an eight player game, is anything good? Don't you just sit there countering combos until someone genesis waves for 42 after all the blue players tap out fighting over a bribery?
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Group A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece
Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia
Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana
Group E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
Group F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia
Group G
Brazil
North Korea
Cote D'Ivoire
Portugal
Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
Brazil's group has to be one of the toughest. Cote D'Ivoire is hands down Africa's best side, and Portugal is... well, Portugal. Tough luck for North Korea.
France got exactly what they wanted: they were put in the one group without a strong group head. However, it's far from an easy one, with Uruguay and Mexico. I don't think the hosts will win a single match in that group, to be honest.
Finally, Argentina's group is almost exactly the same as the 1994 world cup, with South Korea in place of Bulgaria. Which is boring, especially for Greece. Their second cup ever, and almost the exact same group. I hope they advance, so that they can get a bit more variety in their matches.
*****
ricklongo and RicardoLongo on MTGO
*****
Visit my gaming blog: http://www.gamingsweetgaming.blogspot.com
****************
Check out Rick's Picks, my PureMTGO article series
****************
Logical Reasoning is dead; Long Live Stupidity
Too bad Ivory Coast ended up in the same group as Brazil and Portugal, I would have liked to see them advance from the group stage this time, as they didn't last time because of unfortunate pairings. Not that it's impossible this time, but it's much more difficult than in the average group.
"Normally", Australia would make it through. Because the only time in recent years they've competed in the World Cup, they did indeed make it through from a reasonably difficult group that included Brazil, Japan and Croatia. This group will be very interesting to follow, as there are no on-paper weak teams, but perhaps not the absolute best ones either, although you could absolutely make a case for Germany.
Spain and Italy should have it fairly easy, and it would be a major upset if one of them didn't make it through. I hope Chile will advance too, as I've got Chilean relatives and I've been there a couple of times.
Group E is very interesting also. The Netherlands was a fan favorite in Euro '08, and impressed pretty much everyone who watched them play. Denmark has been out of the spotlight for a while (although they did play in Euro '04), but had a spectacular qualifier, and Cameroon and Japan are teams fully capable of advancing to at leas the round of 16.
It'll be fun
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
France have been suffering but there's no way even they will slip up to an awful SA side and Uruguay. Mexico's experience will see them through the group stage, at least, but surely not past the round of 16 this time.
Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece
South Korea's flash in the pan won't be repeated, and although Argentina have a manager best described as "inept" (and worst described as things that can't be posted on this site) their quality will simply be too much for this group. Greece have solid defensive capabilities and will see it through against the stuttering Nigeria.
Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia
Slovenia performed well in the qualifying campaign and will likely take third. Much of this group hinges on USA v. Slovenia. USA are a weak team but they're still better than the likes of Slovenia and Algeria (*spits*) England will sweep this group with ease and hopefully hand out a proper tonking to Algeria.
Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana
Germany may well see the final this time around. It's hard to identify an area where they are lacking, save in goal (RIP Enke.) Serbia have some class players but ultimately Ghana will repeat their performance, bolstered by the exposure of some of their players from last World Cup to European experience. Australia will get hammered.
Group E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
Cameroon are an afflicted team, and although the arrival of Paul Le Guen managed to turn their qualifying around, the malaise will not relent. Eto'o cannot win games on his own at this level. Japan can be safely ruled out, considering they have only one player of any sort of quality, and the Dutch and Danes will likely take this group.
Group F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia
Another cakewalk for another suffering team. Italy will find little resistance in this group, but don't expect them to progress far past this stage. Paraguay were good for the round of 16 last time and I expect it again against a fairly weak contender in Slovakia. Better not to mention what will happen to NZ - sorry proud Kiwis!
Group G
Brazil
North Korea
Cote D'Ivoire
Portugal
Cote D'Ivoire have many strong players, but they will be torn apart by Brazil's new counter-attacking style and Portugal have a long and distinguished pedigree of
cheatingprogressing in major tournaments. North Korea don't even factor into this discussion.Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
Switzerland shouldn't really be getting a mention here - they were horrible on home soil at the Euros. It'll come down to who wants it more from between Honduras and Chile, and I'm going with the Central Americans. They have strong players (a few, at least) and the desire. But an exit in the round of 16 beckons. Spain, on the other hand, may win it all.
"...a talisman against all evil, so long as you obey me."
South AfricaMexico
UruguayFrance
Mexico takes the group after the Frenchman suffer a teamwide case of flu-like symptoms prior to drawing with Uruguay.
Group B
ArgentinaNigeria
South KoreaGreece
Despite Argentina's class, they spend too many late nights out with their coach carousing to play good football. Shocking tabloid revelations send the entire team home in disgrace and possibly grave danger. Greece takes the group, confusing themselves and the rest of the world.
Group C
England
USA
AlgeriaSloveniaThe United States shocks England in the first match, but England recovers. In spite of their success against the English, the Americans do everything they can to hand the remaining points to the Algerians and Slovenians, who refuse to take them, thus spending the final coins of worldwide goodwill left over from the election of President Obama.
Group D
Germany
AustraliaSerbiaGhana
Germany barrels through. The remaining teams have a difficult time deciding who else wants to advance, but ultimately Ghana volunteers, leaving the Aussies and Serbs plenty of time to help the Argentinians get in more trouble.
Group E
Netherlands
DenmarkJapanCameroon
Netherlands wins the group. Cameroon destroys Japan and refuses to lose to Denmark. Frogs fall from the sky.
Group F
Italy
ParaguayNew ZealandSlovakia
In a surprise move New Zealand hires motion picture director Peter Jackson to coach their football team for the group stage. It does not save them. Italy and Slovakia advance.
Group G
Brazil
North KoreaCote D'Ivoire
PortugalBrazil *yawn*. Cote D'Ivoire advances with them. Portugal loses two players to bookings along the way.
Group H
Spain
SwitzerlandHonduras
ChileFIFA rules that Spain advances automatically without having to play any matches. The remaining three associations agree on a system where one of their names will be drawn from a hat for the remaining slot. Switzerland is DQ'd when they are caught slipping their name in twice. Honduras advances over Chile.
England wins the Cup.
Group A has a big conundrum in Mexico vs Uruguay, I'd say. Both are countries with footballing tradition that are currently on a low period (Uruguay has been there for a while). Still, both should be able to avoid losing to the hosts.
I really really want to see a Brazil-Argentina final match. That would be truly epic for both countries. Argentina will probably start this world cup with most bets against them, but the same can be said of Italy in 2006 and Brazil in 1994 and 2002, so...
Either way, I'm hoping an African nation can reach the semifinals this time around. I can only imagine how ecstatic African fans would be.
*****
ricklongo and RicardoLongo on MTGO
*****
Visit my gaming blog: http://www.gamingsweetgaming.blogspot.com
****************
Check out Rick's Picks, my PureMTGO article series
****************
You are probably correct about Chile, but I can't help looking for surprises.
Mexico will turn it up at the cup. They looked better during qualifying than they have looked in recent memory, I think. And they are so willing to get their hands dirty during a game.
Argentina are a good team, but one that is capable of under-performing. I fully expect them to tank it in the group stage. An all SA final would be fun, though.
My Mafia Stats - My Helpdesk
G Omnath, Locus of Mana U Arcum Dagsson BUG The Mimeoplasm GW Gaddock Teeg X Karn, Silver Golem
All of these teams are in the finals for a reason, as they are (give or take...France for cheating) the best 32 teams in the world for this four year period.
Group A is actually very interesting, but I think that it will be Mexico > France for first and second. The Botswana Botswana just weren't strong enough in the Confederation's Cup to allow for me to believe they will be any better come next summer.
I expect the USA to lose to England, but it all depends on the rosters that both teams field. Onyewu needs to return to form, and they need to, unfortunately, find a replacement for Charlie Davies.
It is going to be a very interesting World Cup, nonetheless. Cannot wait for the rosters to be released.
Yes, it would be that Mexico, and I stand by my statement. We'll see what happens.
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
Lame group, South Africa can't win a game with Joel Santana and now Parreira, Uruguay almost didn't reach the Worlds, same as France, and same with Mexico. To me France and Mexico goes on.
Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece
Argentina and it's manager Fatdona also sweat to get into the WC. Africans like to give a hard time to South Americans, and i don't know how is Greece, but i think Argentina is in risk here. But my bet is Nigeria 1st and Argentina 2nd.
Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia
England will be first, alot of skillful players, very much superior than the others. The second place is a very tough pick, but i see Slovenia better then the others.
Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana
Easy walk for Germany, i bet Ghana as 2nd.
Group E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
Tough Group. I always like Netherland games, but i think it have been better. I guess Denmark and Cameroon takes the spots.
Group F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia
Paraguay did an awsome qualifyiers. I think it takes the top and Italy on second
Group G
Brazil
North Korea
Cote D'Ivoire
Portugal
Another tough group. First i wanna state i don't believe on Brazil despite it's results, there are tons of bad players in, but the same happens to Brazitugal, i mean Portugal and it's brazilian players: Liedson, Deco...lol (I think FIFA should restrict Worlds to players born into the Country, since it's not a club championship). Anyway, to me Portugal gets the 1st spot, and Cote D'Ivoire and Brazil fights for the 2nd place.
Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile
Spain and Chile, far superior than Honduras and Switzerland.
To me, La Furia loses it's virginity and wons the first WC, but i'll cheer La Roja and Portugal. (And Brazil of course, but i don't believe on it)
im pretty sure that from the first group
MEXICO and south africa will pass. even though france will give them a run for their money. both of em.
as for others...well
argentina and greece
england and US
germany and GHANA! WHOOT!
netherlands and denmark although id love to see japan go further
italy and paraguay
brazil and portugal
spain and HONDURAS FOR THE WIN!!!
_______
all in all i would love for MEXICO to win the world cup although they are not playing as well as they could. other than that i hope spain, honduras, and ghana fo far.
The Woodlands, TX 77380
We have lots of great items including a bunch of MTG!
But on a side note
I would be scared of going to South Africa for the world cup its so dangerous and theres nothing there
Magic Tricks Revealed | Card Tricks | earth4energy | How To Do Magic | Master Mentalism
*****
ricklongo and RicardoLongo on MTGO
*****
Visit my gaming blog: http://www.gamingsweetgaming.blogspot.com
****************
Check out Rick's Picks, my PureMTGO article series
****************
Thanks to DarkNightCavalier