Now I won't profess to know much about soccer. I casually follow the domestic leagues and can easily say that out of the five major sports (soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey and football), soccer is the one I know least about. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoy the World Cup and will be betting it this year. I wouldn't suggest anyone following my plays, all I seek to do is spark insightful conversation. Here goes my preview.
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To remove first post, remove entire topic.
Now I won't profess to know much about soccer. I casually follow the domestic leagues and can easily say that out of the five major sports (soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey and football), soccer is the one I know least about. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoy the World Cup and will be betting it this year. I wouldn't suggest anyone following my plays, all I seek to do is spark insightful conversation. Here goes my preview.
Obviously the Brazilians are the heavy favourites in this group. They have a wealth of talent with stars like Neymar, Dani Alves, Hulk, etc. I have a hunch that Croatia will give them a fight in their opening match, but after a closely contested win in their first game jitters, the Brazilians will roll through Mexico and Cameroon. That's not to say that Croatia is better than Mexico, just that I think Brazil will be off a bit in their first game.
Mexico struggled in qualifying, but I think they will do well in South America. They're used to this heat and have a number of quality players like El Chicarito and the like. I think they have enough to qualify here.
Croatia has a couple stars and Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic, so they definitely have an opportunity to qualify out of this group. But they have two things working against them: 1) They play Brazil in their first match; 2) Mexico is more accustomed to this South American climate. I think that they will fall just short of qualification.
Cameroon is going to be the doormat of this group. Obviously Brazil is a juggernaut, but Mexico and Croatia are two solid teams that should beat up on this aging African side. It would not surprise me if Cameroon lost all three games.
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Group A
1. Brazil
2. Mexico
3. Croatia
4. Cameroon
Obviously the Brazilians are the heavy favourites in this group. They have a wealth of talent with stars like Neymar, Dani Alves, Hulk, etc. I have a hunch that Croatia will give them a fight in their opening match, but after a closely contested win in their first game jitters, the Brazilians will roll through Mexico and Cameroon. That's not to say that Croatia is better than Mexico, just that I think Brazil will be off a bit in their first game.
Mexico struggled in qualifying, but I think they will do well in South America. They're used to this heat and have a number of quality players like El Chicarito and the like. I think they have enough to qualify here.
Croatia has a couple stars and Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic, so they definitely have an opportunity to qualify out of this group. But they have two things working against them: 1) They play Brazil in their first match; 2) Mexico is more accustomed to this South American climate. I think that they will fall just short of qualification.
Cameroon is going to be the doormat of this group. Obviously Brazil is a juggernaut, but Mexico and Croatia are two solid teams that should beat up on this aging African side. It would not surprise me if Cameroon lost all three games.
The Chileans are my pick for darkhorse of the tournament. While they wouldn't be such a huge surprise since the World Cup is in South America, but I'm picking them to go all the way to the semifinals. Chile is in a tough group, but they have a number of things going for them: 1) They play Australia in the first game while Spain and Netherlands beat up on each other; 2) The tournament is in their home continent of South America; 3) They play an attacking style; they will attack Netherlands and Spain and that could catch them by surprise; 4) Spain is due for a let-down; 5) Netherlands isn't really gelling right now. I think Chile wins this group.
Spain is going to squeak in because they're so stacked, but I really believe that they're going to have a poor tournament. I think they will beat Netherlands and Australia but tie Chile. Diego Costa could be a big factor for the Spaniards as he gives them a legitimate striker (with Torres out of form) again. But I just think they let-down in this tourney. Call it a hunch.
The Netherlands either dominate or struggle, there's no in-between. I think they're set up to struggle here with the hot climate of Brazil. The Dutch have poor chemistry and I think starting 0-0-1 after a loss to Spain in this tough group will have them on the ropes. Obviously van Persie and Robben are fantastic, but they have a weak backline and that holding mid (Strooman?) from Roma is hurt so that's a big loss. Netherlands is out Round 1.
Australia, like Cameroon, will be the whipping boys of this group. You gotta love the heart they show on the field, but I feel like they're outmatched in this group with the two finalists of the 2010 World Cup and a dynamic Chilean side. I expect Australia to get 1 point at the maximum here.
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Group B
1. Chile
2. Spain
3. Netherlands
4. Australia
The Chileans are my pick for darkhorse of the tournament. While they wouldn't be such a huge surprise since the World Cup is in South America, but I'm picking them to go all the way to the semifinals. Chile is in a tough group, but they have a number of things going for them: 1) They play Australia in the first game while Spain and Netherlands beat up on each other; 2) The tournament is in their home continent of South America; 3) They play an attacking style; they will attack Netherlands and Spain and that could catch them by surprise; 4) Spain is due for a let-down; 5) Netherlands isn't really gelling right now. I think Chile wins this group.
Spain is going to squeak in because they're so stacked, but I really believe that they're going to have a poor tournament. I think they will beat Netherlands and Australia but tie Chile. Diego Costa could be a big factor for the Spaniards as he gives them a legitimate striker (with Torres out of form) again. But I just think they let-down in this tourney. Call it a hunch.
The Netherlands either dominate or struggle, there's no in-between. I think they're set up to struggle here with the hot climate of Brazil. The Dutch have poor chemistry and I think starting 0-0-1 after a loss to Spain in this tough group will have them on the ropes. Obviously van Persie and Robben are fantastic, but they have a weak backline and that holding mid (Strooman?) from Roma is hurt so that's a big loss. Netherlands is out Round 1.
Australia, like Cameroon, will be the whipping boys of this group. You gotta love the heart they show on the field, but I feel like they're outmatched in this group with the two finalists of the 2010 World Cup and a dynamic Chilean side. I expect Australia to get 1 point at the maximum here.
It's a shame that Falcao won't be fit for this World Cup, but the Colombians have some solid players. They play solid defensively and should win what is the easiest group in this year's World Cup.
The Japanese have continued to improve as the years have progressed and I think this is the World Cup where they are able to advance out of the group stages.
Cote D'Ivoire has an opportunity here, as they're finally drawn into an easier group. But with Drogba past his prime, I don't know if they have enough to advance out of the group stages.
The Greeks boast more attacking power than they have had in the past, but I don't see them getting through here.
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Group C
1. Colombia
2. Japan
3. Cote D'Ivoire
4. Greece
It's a shame that Falcao won't be fit for this World Cup, but the Colombians have some solid players. They play solid defensively and should win what is the easiest group in this year's World Cup.
The Japanese have continued to improve as the years have progressed and I think this is the World Cup where they are able to advance out of the group stages.
Cote D'Ivoire has an opportunity here, as they're finally drawn into an easier group. But with Drogba past his prime, I don't know if they have enough to advance out of the group stages.
The Greeks boast more attacking power than they have had in the past, but I don't see them getting through here.
Despite their struggles in qualifying, I think the fact that this tournament in South America gives Uruguay a chance to win this difficult group. They have a ton of attacking skill with Suarez and Cavani, but their defense is suspect. But the Italians always struggle in the early going and while England will be tough, I see Uruguay winning the group.
Italy is loaded with attacking talent with the likes of Balotelli and guys like Immobile and Cassano. Pirlo should get it done again as the maestro pulling the strings of this team. Italy always gets off to slow starts and I expect them to draw against England.
England has no expectations this World Cup, which is definitely a first for them. That could really help them this year, along with the youth movement. It would not surprise me to see England come out of this group, but I think that Uruguay and Italy will be too much for them. The English will narrowly miss out on qualification, but they will have several positives going forward.
Costa Rica will very likely finish last here, but it would not surprise me to see them give one of the their three opponents a scare.
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Group D
1. Uruguay
2. Italy
3. England
4. Costa Rica
Despite their struggles in qualifying, I think the fact that this tournament in South America gives Uruguay a chance to win this difficult group. They have a ton of attacking skill with Suarez and Cavani, but their defense is suspect. But the Italians always struggle in the early going and while England will be tough, I see Uruguay winning the group.
Italy is loaded with attacking talent with the likes of Balotelli and guys like Immobile and Cassano. Pirlo should get it done again as the maestro pulling the strings of this team. Italy always gets off to slow starts and I expect them to draw against England.
England has no expectations this World Cup, which is definitely a first for them. That could really help them this year, along with the youth movement. It would not surprise me to see England come out of this group, but I think that Uruguay and Italy will be too much for them. The English will narrowly miss out on qualification, but they will have several positives going forward.
Costa Rica will very likely finish last here, but it would not surprise me to see them give one of the their three opponents a scare.
The French will be tough to beat this tournament, as they are stacked as always but have a solid manager in Deschamps. Ribery, Benzema, and the young star Pogba will lead the French. They should be able to win this group, although Switzerland has definitely given them problems in the past.
The Swiss will give the French a fight and I think they are better than Ecuador, so I'm picking them to finish 2nd in this group. I don't know much about the team, but I do know that they're always organized and well-coached.
Ecuador could easily advance out of this group, but I think they're going to be the only South American team that gets eliminated early.
Honduras will very likely finish last here. Who knows though, maybe they can squeak out a point.
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Group E
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Ecuador
4. Honduras
The French will be tough to beat this tournament, as they are stacked as always but have a solid manager in Deschamps. Ribery, Benzema, and the young star Pogba will lead the French. They should be able to win this group, although Switzerland has definitely given them problems in the past.
The Swiss will give the French a fight and I think they are better than Ecuador, so I'm picking them to finish 2nd in this group. I don't know much about the team, but I do know that they're always organized and well-coached.
Ecuador could easily advance out of this group, but I think they're going to be the only South American team that gets eliminated early.
Honduras will very likely finish last here. Who knows though, maybe they can squeak out a point.
I think that Argentina will come roaring out of the gate in this World Cup, with Messi putting on a show. They have a very easy group and we could see a few blowout wins for them. But like always, their defense is suspect and that could be exploited in the knockout rounds. I think Messi will finally have a big World Cup.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has one thing that separates them from the other two teams they will compete with for 2nd place in this group: Edin Dzeko. The big target man is a stud and should help Bosnia advance out of this group.
Nigeria has been a decent African team in the past, so it would not shock me to see them advance. I don't know much about their team, but I do know that they will be tough to beat.
Iran is a mess and might be the worst team in this tournament. I would take Argentina -3.5 against them, that's how bad I think they will do in this tournament.
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Group F
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia-Herzegovina
3. Nigeria
4. Iran
I think that Argentina will come roaring out of the gate in this World Cup, with Messi putting on a show. They have a very easy group and we could see a few blowout wins for them. But like always, their defense is suspect and that could be exploited in the knockout rounds. I think Messi will finally have a big World Cup.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has one thing that separates them from the other two teams they will compete with for 2nd place in this group: Edin Dzeko. The big target man is a stud and should help Bosnia advance out of this group.
Nigeria has been a decent African team in the past, so it would not shock me to see them advance. I don't know much about their team, but I do know that they will be tough to beat.
Iran is a mess and might be the worst team in this tournament. I would take Argentina -3.5 against them, that's how bad I think they will do in this tournament.
The Germans are an absolute powerhouse. Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Reus, Gotze, the list goes on. They have a wealth of talent and will put on a show in this tournament. Even though they're in a difficult group, I still see them taking care of business and securing that #1 spot.
Portugal is in for a tough test, but I think Cristiano Ronaldo will put the team on his back in this tournament and lead them to a respectable finish. It obviously sucks for them to play Germany in the first match, but I think they will bounce back and beat USA and Ghana to secure a spot.
USA will narrowly miss out on qualification, but I think they will give Germany and Portugal all they can handle. I predict that they draw the Germans with Jurgen Klinnsmann getting back at his old team. But I see them losing to Portugal which will ultimately be their undoing.
Ghana had a very good World Cup 2010, but I think that they disappoint this time around.
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Group G
1. Germany
2. Portugal
3. USA
4. Ghana
The Germans are an absolute powerhouse. Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Reus, Gotze, the list goes on. They have a wealth of talent and will put on a show in this tournament. Even though they're in a difficult group, I still see them taking care of business and securing that #1 spot.
Portugal is in for a tough test, but I think Cristiano Ronaldo will put the team on his back in this tournament and lead them to a respectable finish. It obviously sucks for them to play Germany in the first match, but I think they will bounce back and beat USA and Ghana to secure a spot.
USA will narrowly miss out on qualification, but I think they will give Germany and Portugal all they can handle. I predict that they draw the Germans with Jurgen Klinnsmann getting back at his old team. But I see them losing to Portugal which will ultimately be their undoing.
Ghana had a very good World Cup 2010, but I think that they disappoint this time around.
Belgium is an emerging powerhouse with young talent all over the field. I think they will score a ton of goals in this tournament and be one of the most exciting teams to watch.
Russia is a veteran squad that will give Belgium a fight for top spot but I think they finish in 2nd.
Korea always plays tough but I doubt they qualify, and Algeria will likely be a doormat.
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GROUP H
1. Belgium
2. Russia
3. Korea Republic
4. Algeria
Belgium is an emerging powerhouse with young talent all over the field. I think they will score a ton of goals in this tournament and be one of the most exciting teams to watch.
Russia is a veteran squad that will give Belgium a fight for top spot but I think they finish in 2nd.
Korea always plays tough but I doubt they qualify, and Algeria will likely be a doormat.
The hosts send a message to the rest of the world by easily handling Spain in a 3-1 win.
Colombia
Italy
The Italians have a really tough test with Colombia, but ultimately advance 1-0 in a goal by Mario Balotelli in Extra Time.
France
Bosnia-Herzegovina
The French easily dispose of Bosnia in a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Germany
Russia
The Germans absolutely throttle their Russian rivals with a 3-0 win.
Chile
Mexico
In an exciting game, Alexis Sanchez scores an injury-time game-winner to put Chile through to the quarterfinals.
Uruguay
Japan
The Japanese give Uruguay all they can handle but Suarez puts the team on his back and gives them a 2-1 victory.
Argentina
Switzerland
Switzerland plays admirable defensively, holding Argentina to 0-0 at the half, before the Argentines finally break them down in the 70th and add an insurance marker in the 85th to win 2-0.
Belgium
Portugal
Portugal wins in Extra Time in an absolute classic, with a 3-2 victory led by a Ronaldo goal.
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ROUND OF 16
Brazil
Spain
The hosts send a message to the rest of the world by easily handling Spain in a 3-1 win.
Colombia
Italy
The Italians have a really tough test with Colombia, but ultimately advance 1-0 in a goal by Mario Balotelli in Extra Time.
France
Bosnia-Herzegovina
The French easily dispose of Bosnia in a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Germany
Russia
The Germans absolutely throttle their Russian rivals with a 3-0 win.
Chile
Mexico
In an exciting game, Alexis Sanchez scores an injury-time game-winner to put Chile through to the quarterfinals.
Uruguay
Japan
The Japanese give Uruguay all they can handle but Suarez puts the team on his back and gives them a 2-1 victory.
Argentina
Switzerland
Switzerland plays admirable defensively, holding Argentina to 0-0 at the half, before the Argentines finally break them down in the 70th and add an insurance marker in the 85th to win 2-0.
Belgium
Portugal
Portugal wins in Extra Time in an absolute classic, with a 3-2 victory led by a Ronaldo goal.
These are the two best teams in the tournament, but they meet in the semifinals. The Germans are simply too much for the Brazilians, and the host team's bid for a sixth World Cup falls short in a classic game, ending in a 3-2 German win.
Argentina
Chile
The Chileans end a spectacular effort in Brazil 2014 with a loss to Argentina in the semifinals. Messi seems to be on a mission.
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SEMIFINALS
Brazil
Germany
These are the two best teams in the tournament, but they meet in the semifinals. The Germans are simply too much for the Brazilians, and the host team's bid for a sixth World Cup falls short in a classic game, ending in a 3-2 German win.
Argentina
Chile
The Chileans end a spectacular effort in Brazil 2014 with a loss to Argentina in the semifinals. Messi seems to be on a mission.
Solid write up my man.....I agree with a lot of points.....
The one that we differ on is Mexico....I've watched all of their qualifying games and recent friendlies and they are just not a very good team....They lack creativity, they lack a true finisher ( I believe Chicharito may be one of the most over rated players around) and they just lost a very key player in luis montes to a broken leg. The Mexican team is a shell of its past reputation.
Japan and Chile will cash some overs in this tourney in my opinion....Very creative, attacking teams with average defense....
Good Luck!
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Solid write up my man.....I agree with a lot of points.....
The one that we differ on is Mexico....I've watched all of their qualifying games and recent friendlies and they are just not a very good team....They lack creativity, they lack a true finisher ( I believe Chicharito may be one of the most over rated players around) and they just lost a very key player in luis montes to a broken leg. The Mexican team is a shell of its past reputation.
Japan and Chile will cash some overs in this tourney in my opinion....Very creative, attacking teams with average defense....
The Chileans are my pick for darkhorse of the tournament. While they wouldn't be such a huge surprise since the World Cup is in South America, but I'm picking them to go all the way to the semifinals. Chile is in a tough group, but they have a number of things going for them: 1) They play Australia in the first game while Spain and Netherlands beat up on each other; 2) The tournament is in their home continent of South America; 3) They play an attacking style; they will attack Netherlands and Spain and that could catch them by surprise; 4) Spain is due for a let-down; 5) Netherlands isn't really gelling right now. I think Chile wins this group.
Spain is going to squeak in because they're so stacked, but I really believe that they're going to have a poor tournament. I think they will beat Netherlands and Australia but tie Chile. Diego Costa could be a big factor for the Spaniards as he gives them a legitimate striker (with Torres out of form) again. But I just think they let-down in this tourney. Call it a hunch.
The Netherlands either dominate or struggle, there's no in-between. I think they're set up to struggle here with the hot climate of Brazil. The Dutch have poor chemistry and I think starting 0-0-1 after a loss to Spain in this tough group will have them on the ropes. Obviously van Persie and Robben are fantastic, but they have a weak backline and that holding mid (Strooman?) from Roma is hurt so that's a big loss. Netherlands is out Round 1.
Australia, like Cameroon, will be the whipping boys of this group. You gotta love the heart they show on the field, but I feel like they're outmatched in this group with the two finalists of the 2010 World Cup and a dynamic Chilean side. I expect Australia to get 1 point at the maximum here.
I like Chile as a darkhorse too. Hope they win that group though, otherwise they could be looking at Brazil (again) in the round of 16.
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Quote Originally Posted by rg3skins:
Group B
1. Chile
2. Spain
3. Netherlands
4. Australia
The Chileans are my pick for darkhorse of the tournament. While they wouldn't be such a huge surprise since the World Cup is in South America, but I'm picking them to go all the way to the semifinals. Chile is in a tough group, but they have a number of things going for them: 1) They play Australia in the first game while Spain and Netherlands beat up on each other; 2) The tournament is in their home continent of South America; 3) They play an attacking style; they will attack Netherlands and Spain and that could catch them by surprise; 4) Spain is due for a let-down; 5) Netherlands isn't really gelling right now. I think Chile wins this group.
Spain is going to squeak in because they're so stacked, but I really believe that they're going to have a poor tournament. I think they will beat Netherlands and Australia but tie Chile. Diego Costa could be a big factor for the Spaniards as he gives them a legitimate striker (with Torres out of form) again. But I just think they let-down in this tourney. Call it a hunch.
The Netherlands either dominate or struggle, there's no in-between. I think they're set up to struggle here with the hot climate of Brazil. The Dutch have poor chemistry and I think starting 0-0-1 after a loss to Spain in this tough group will have them on the ropes. Obviously van Persie and Robben are fantastic, but they have a weak backline and that holding mid (Strooman?) from Roma is hurt so that's a big loss. Netherlands is out Round 1.
Australia, like Cameroon, will be the whipping boys of this group. You gotta love the heart they show on the field, but I feel like they're outmatched in this group with the two finalists of the 2010 World Cup and a dynamic Chilean side. I expect Australia to get 1 point at the maximum here.
I like Chile as a darkhorse too. Hope they win that group though, otherwise they could be looking at Brazil (again) in the round of 16.
I will point out that Brazil hasnt lost a home game since like the 1940s lol so whoever beats them will win the world cup. I will also point out that Mexico is AWFUL. GL!
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I will point out that Brazil hasnt lost a home game since like the 1940s lol so whoever beats them will win the world cup. I will also point out that Mexico is AWFUL. GL!
love the write up. Im from Europe and following football daily. I think you underestimating Croatia. Yes they miss Mandzukic in the first match because he is suspended, but I see them advance together with Brazil. They have some top players: Modric, Rakitic (is going to sign at Barcelona), Mandzukic, Srna (decent defender), Lovren (had an exciting season with southampton). Mexico is not so thrilling to be honost. And I'm not quite sure how much the climate will effect the players. In Africa it was also a different climate for the European teams, but the last 4 were germany, Spain, The Netherlands and Uruguay.
Secondly (maybe because it's my country) Group B is very unpredictable. Chile has the home continent advantage (which I yet have to see if it is really an advantage), but Spain is just pure class. Secondly it is true that The Netherlands are not as good as they used to be, but they have young talent, and for the first time in years they are playing a system and style which focusses on the result and not in the first place on playing attractive football (something we have done many times in the past without succes). And the netherlands have Robben and Van Persie up front, Depay (remember this name, the guy is only 20 years old, but in a few years he will play for one of the top teams in Europe) and Huntelaar are great substitues to add some dimensions up front. I agree with you that it will be all or nothing for Holland, the first game against Spain will be very important. If they don't lose i see the Netherlands advancing.
Adding this: Look how many top players are injured, of course Germany can fill up the hole Reus left, but, when a team advances deeper into the tournament these top players have specific qualities which win mathces. That's why Portugal is one of my darkhorses: Solid (Pepe, Alves = top class) defense and with Ronaldo they have a striker who can score anywhere anytime.
Bol with your bets, hope this discussion will go on, 2 more days till the World Cup, I am excited already
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Hey r3skins,
love the write up. Im from Europe and following football daily. I think you underestimating Croatia. Yes they miss Mandzukic in the first match because he is suspended, but I see them advance together with Brazil. They have some top players: Modric, Rakitic (is going to sign at Barcelona), Mandzukic, Srna (decent defender), Lovren (had an exciting season with southampton). Mexico is not so thrilling to be honost. And I'm not quite sure how much the climate will effect the players. In Africa it was also a different climate for the European teams, but the last 4 were germany, Spain, The Netherlands and Uruguay.
Secondly (maybe because it's my country) Group B is very unpredictable. Chile has the home continent advantage (which I yet have to see if it is really an advantage), but Spain is just pure class. Secondly it is true that The Netherlands are not as good as they used to be, but they have young talent, and for the first time in years they are playing a system and style which focusses on the result and not in the first place on playing attractive football (something we have done many times in the past without succes). And the netherlands have Robben and Van Persie up front, Depay (remember this name, the guy is only 20 years old, but in a few years he will play for one of the top teams in Europe) and Huntelaar are great substitues to add some dimensions up front. I agree with you that it will be all or nothing for Holland, the first game against Spain will be very important. If they don't lose i see the Netherlands advancing.
Adding this: Look how many top players are injured, of course Germany can fill up the hole Reus left, but, when a team advances deeper into the tournament these top players have specific qualities which win mathces. That's why Portugal is one of my darkhorses: Solid (Pepe, Alves = top class) defense and with Ronaldo they have a striker who can score anywhere anytime.
Bol with your bets, hope this discussion will go on, 2 more days till the World Cup, I am excited already
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