The Official 2018 FIFA World Cup Thread

#532
#532
Persian Vol said:
There’s no reason to omit Uruguay from that list.
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Also, Spain is not going to waltz into the final. If they get through Russia, Croatia is going to knock them out.
England doesn't have a complete picnic, either. Sweden could be a tough match for them.
 
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#533
#533
I could see Uruguay, Portugal, France, Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Croatia, or England winning it all. As wide open as any tournament I can remember. I'm tempted to say that it's Brazil's to lose, but their Round of 16 and quarterfinal games (probably, if they make it) are against Mexico and Belgium. That ain't easy folks. They'll have to play national powers the whole way.

England, on the other hand, I don't think honestly has all that difficult of a path relatively speaking. They'd rather be in the position on the bracket they are in than Brazil or Belgium. Either Brazil or Belgium isn't making it beyond the quarterfinal, which would be a huge disappointment. England has a clear path to the semifinal, maybe beyond given how they've played.
 
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#537
#537
05_never_again said:
They're basically an EPL all-star team. You can't be too hard on them because they are such a small country, but given their talent level you can say they've underachieved the last few years. A totally mediocre US team very easily could have beaten them in 2014 in the first knockout game.

They've had a couple of "golden ages" where they happen to have a group of great players peaking all at the game time - one in the 80s to early 90s and a current one that started in about 2010 - but very little success outside of those periods. They were even #1 in the world at one point in 2015.

They might have more raw athletic talent than any other team in the tournament, including Germany or Brazil, and have elite talent at every position. There isn't a single position group you look at and say "yeah, they're kinda vulnerable there."
Click to expand...

There’s a big point you’re missing. Pep has turned DeBruyne into a top 4 player in the world. Add that to their attack and here you are.
 
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#538
#538
Persian Vol said:
If I had to pick a vulernability I would pick defense. They only play 3 at the back and their midfielders are not defensive minded. A quality team shouldn’t have a problem scoring on them.
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They still have a world class defense and goal keeper. And that’s without Konpany. When he’s healthy, watch out. I like them because their not afraid to concede and play that way.
 
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#539
#539
Persian Vol said:
I feel like Germany is a team who plays better when they aren’t the favorite.

They’ve always been that team that hasn’t always been the favorite to win but a quality team that always ends up in at least the semi finals World Cup after World Cup. They lacked passion and urgency and looked sloppy throughout.
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They lacked something. What could it be?
 

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#540
#540
05_never_again said:
It's amazing that this is the only World Cup I can remember where they were the favorite. Given their past success, you'd figure they'd always be a popular pick.

They weren't a favorite in 2014 (won), 2010 (3rd), or even 2006 (3rd) when Germany hosted it. It's kind of long ago, but I don't remember people expecting huge things from them in 2002 (2nd) either.

This is their first finish outside of the top 3 since 1998.
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Not trying to be a jerk but Germany is almost always a favorite to make the semi finals if not win the whole thing. That’s why this tournament was so shocking in a group that featured no one of their caliber. Mexico should be no threat to Germany and the other two teams were afterthoughts. Heck, if the proper penalty and red card were given early against Sweden, they’d have zero points this World Cup. That being said, they have won 20% of the world cups played. Then there’s this...
 

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#542
#542
Outofmyvolcanmind said:
They still have a world class defense and goal keeper. And that’s without Konpany. When he’s healthy, watch out. I like them because their not afraid to concede and play that way.
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They are talented on defense, but they generally play a true 3 at the back formation and while it makes their offense potent and exciting, Neymar and company are salivating for an opportunity to play against that off the counter. I think Belgium is a good and fun team to watch, but I don’t think they will win it all.
 
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#543
#543
Outofmyvolcanmind said:
They lacked something. What could it be?
Click to expand...

They lacked an overall passion and energy. They were clearly complacement and played sloppy. It was only until they knew they were going to be in danger until they decided to pick it up a bit. I doubt bringing in sane would have made the rest of the team play better or more inspired. Without Sane this team is still talented enough to make the finals.
 
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#544
#544
Persian Vol said:
They lacked an overall passion and energy. They were clearly complacement and played sloppy. It was only until they knew they were going to be in danger until they decided to pick it up a bit. I doubt bringing in sane would have made the rest of the team play better or more inspired. Without Sane this team is still talented enough to make the finals.
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They were old and slow. Looked like the Spurs playing golden state the past 4 years.
 
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