The first game is just about 6 months away. I know that rosters aren’t final yet that injuries can still become a big factor, but I think it’s about time for a poll. If you have a good reason for your selection, please share.
The order is based on the current odds.
I went with Brazil. They’ve been practically unbeatable historically in competitive matches in their home country. I just don’t see a European team being able to travel over there and win.
My wild cards would be Belgium (I know they’re European, but they have a lot of maturing talent) and Uruguay, who IMHO currently have the best player on Earth in Luis Suarez.
It’s hard to bet against home team advantage here.
Damn! Meant to make this poll public.
I voted for Spain. Obviously, there’s a lot that can happen between now and the start of the Cup. Spain is a well oiled machine.
Do we all think that the heat at many of the venues will play a role? Does it get 30 C hot with mid 70 percent humidity when most European players have their games? I just think that teams from federations with that kind of weather will find conditions in Brazil to be an advantage.
I’m going to guess that Brazil will find playing at home, with all that pressure, to be a bit of a curse. I think they make it out of their group, and most simulations have them as the most likely team out of all of them to make it to the Round of 16. But I don’t have them in my predicted final game. They may not even make it to the semis, depending on whether Columbia, Uruguay, or the Ivory Coast catch them napping.
I’m picking Argentina.
USA! USA! USA!
ETA: Vbulletin took away my capitals…
Canada. By a mile.
It’s going to be a South American World Cup: either Argentina or Brazil. The smart money’s probably on Brazil. It’s time for them to avenge the Maracanazo!
The USA would be fortunate to escape the group stage.
The only European sides likely to challenge far are Germany and Spain.
Of course one never knows. Crazy things can happen. But it really seems like Brazil’s World Cup to lose.
Brazil, because of the referees. Half the squad should have been booked for persistent infringement in the Confederations Cup final but magically the referee just couldn’t seem to find that card. I’m sure the World Cup will be even worse.
I would like for it to be Germany but Loew’s tactics for big games are too reactionary and he always seems to shoot himself in the foot. Plus they won’t be used to the weather and they have a problem on defense in that they really need Philipp Lahm to play right back, left back, and holding midfield all at once but there’s only one of him.