My God, where to begin. Heading into the Final Group Games of the
2014 World Cup, we are squarely in football paradise. There's really
nothing that would shock me at this point. Nothing, and that is what has
made the 2014 World Cup so special.
Group A
1.) Brazil (1-0-1 = +2)
Brazil's really in a no-win situation right now, as nothing will satisfy the Brazilian fans outside of holding the Jules Rimet trophy on July 12th. Nothing. They actually played better against Mexico than they did against Croatia, but a ridiculous spate of saves kept them off the scoresheet. They should roll Cameroon and enter the Knockout Rounds with some momentum against a good opponent no matter who it is.
2.) Mexico (1-0-1 = +1)
3.) Croatia (1-1-0 = +2)
I'm grouping these two teams together because of their upcoming meeting. What a game this should be. Both teams played Brazil tough, Croatia ruined with a bad penalty call against them, and Mexico saved by Ochoa's brilliant goalkeeping. Croatia looked totally reborn with Mandzukic, but it should be said they, outside of their 1-0 lead, was being played very evenly, if not outplayed, by Cameroon before Alex Song's red card. Mexico needs to play well in this game, because on paper Croatia is better.
4.) Cameroon (0-0-2 = -5)
Obviously, this has been a disastrous World Cup for a team that really didn't have many expectations. It's sad seeing Samuel Eto'o sitting forlornly on the bench, but he's past his prime. I can't see them giving Brazil much shot. Alex Song's red card ruined them, a shocking mistake from one of their veteran players.
Predictions:
Brazil def. Cameroon 3-0
Crotia def. Mexico 2-1
Brazil (7 pts.) and Croatia (6 pts.) advance
Group B
1.) Netherlands (2-0-0 = +5)
2.) Chile (2-0-0 = +4)
The real group of death killed off the defending Champs quickly and with great ease, as both teams combined to outscore the Spanish 7-1. Both struggled more with Australia, which begs the question: are the Soceroos actually better than Spain? Getting back to reality, I'm really surprised that Netherlands has been able to hold their form with the Van Persie, Sneijder and Robben trio for a good six years. They took hold in Euro '08 and have lasted longer than Spain. Chile has been good at playiing defense, good at playing offense, and generally been a better version of the team that did well in 2010 as well. Without Van Persie, this is a really even game coming up.
3.) Australia (0-0-2 = -3)
The Australian team continues to play well for a country with no real soccer history. Let's remember this team came within a really dubious penalty from taking eventual Champion Italy to extra time in 2006 in the Round of 16. They were run off the field in 2010, but Tim Cahill is ageless. They can leave the World Cup with their one great moment with Cahill's Goal of the Tournament against the Dutch.
4.) Spain (0-0-2 = -6)
That '-6' Goal difference is still stunning. They have to pound Australia by three to avoid being the worst defending Champion on goal difference. It was a poetic moment for the team that had won 3-straight major tournaments to be the first knocked out in 2014.
Predictions:
Netherlands draw Chile 1-1
Spain def Australia 3-1
Netherlands (7 pts) and Chile (7 pts) advance
Group C
1.) Colombia (2-0-0 = +4)
Colombia's 3-0 win over Greece in Round 1 was one of my favorite performances. Honestly, they've been my favorite team, one with a bunch of no-names making a name for themselves playing truly attractive football. James Rodriguez has been a revelation. Colombia has been a revelation. I love the way they play and I really believe they can make noise in the Knockout Rounds if they get the best draws.
2.) Ivory Coast (1-1-0 = 0)
The Ivory Coast came into this World Cup with relatively low expectations after getting trumped up in 2006 and 2010, and lo and behold they have an easy path to making it to the knockout rounds for the first time. Just beat Greece, terrible, aimless Greece, and they are in. Didier Drogba's a shell of himself, but that whole team perks up when he's in there. Honestly, this is the strongest Ivory Coast team I've seen, and they deserve their spot.
3.) Japan (1-0-1 = -1)
4.) Greence (1-0-1 = -1)
I didn't watch the Japan vs. Greece game, and I probably saved myself a dreadful 90 minutes. Both these teams seem allergic to attacking, and hopefully they provide easy fodder for Colombia and Ivory Coast and let the right two teams to go through.
Predictions:
Colombia def. Japan 2-0
Ivory Coast def. Greece 2-0
Colombia (9 pts.) and Ivory Coast (6 pts) advance
Group D
1.) Costa Rica (2-0-0 = +3)
Easily the most stunning team so far as I don't think anyone saw this coming. Costa Rica was billed, quite rightly, as the 'other' team in the 'Group of Champions', and they've beaten the three time and two time Champions to get here. Their win over Uruguay remains one of the most stunning comebacks I have seen. I honestly don't think they'll go very far in the knockout rounds, but all the credit in teh world to them.
2.) Italy (1-1-0 = 0)
3.) Uruguay (1-1-0 = -1)
It's amazing how good Luis Suarez is. He looked understandably slow in his return, but he had two chances and scored two goals. He makes that Uruguay team run, as does Nicolas Lodeiro, who played so much better than Diego Forlan (which is sad, given how awesome Forlan was in 2010). This is a great game, probably my favorite going into the 3rd round of group games. Two come in, only one can advance. As for Italy, they looked tired against the Costa Ricans, but this is still Italy we are talking about. It would seem incomprehensible for them to go two straight World Cups without making the knockout round. Italy seems to always get the result. Can it happen again?
4.) England (0-0-2 = -2)
As our former rulers, I would like to give a hearty message to England: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Predictions:
England def Costa Rica 2-1
Italy draw Uruguay 1-1
Costa Rica (6 pts.) and Italy (4 pts.) advance
Group E
1.) France (2-0-0 = +6)
France has been the best team in the World Cup so far. Somehow, despite that and scoring a World Cup high 8 goals, with a World Cup best goal difference, they are under-the-radar. I honestly think France needed their one failed major tournament cycle after Zidane left to recover from losing their best player ever. Starting in 2012 they removed the pressure from Ribery of making him into the new-Zidane and just started to play. Now, without even Ribery, they've made this their tournament. Teams that start this strongly rarely hold up, but this is great form ahead of Euro 2016 which will be in France.
2.) Ecuador (1-1-0 = 0)
3.) Switzerland (1-1-0 = -2)
I wish they were playing each other for the right to go to the 2nd round, but they already played their match, with Switzerland's dramatic 89th minute winner. What a game that was too. What a huge impact it could have too. Switzerland looked awful against France, but as long as they beat Honduras and France holds up its end of the bargain, they go through. I really hope that doesn't happen since I'm not really a fan of watching that Swiss team.
4.) Honduras (0-2-0 = -4)
Congrats to them for scoring their first goal in a World Cup in a while, but they really aren't up to par with the other three teams. Hopefully they can play spoiler against Switzerland, because I would much rather have an above average South American team continuing in this World Cup than an above average European one.
Predictions:
Ecuador def. France 2-1
Switzerland def. Honduras 3-1
France (6 pts.) and Ecuador (6 pts.) advance
Group F
1.) Argentina (2-0-0 = +2)
I guess you can say this has been a dream tournament for Leo Messi, scoring the game winning goal in both games, both being awesome individual goals themselves. He helped Argentina escape some serious infamy with that stoppage-time goal against Iran of all teams. The bad news of course is had that been a better team that Iran, Argentina is probably down 3-0 in the 91st minute when Messi does his magic. The rest of the team, most notably Higuan and Aguero, need to step up for Argentina to have any chance.
2.) Nigeria (1-0-1 = +1)
3.) Iran (0-1-1 = -1)
They played an awful game against each other, and each would likely be Round of 16 kindling against France, but someone has to go through. Each would be a nice story. Nigeria would be an African team in a World Cup that quite conceivably could get 3 African teams into the last 16. Iran would be the first Western Asian team to make it past the Group Stages. Iran, let's be real, deserved at least a draw against Argentina. They still have a chance if Nigeria falters against Argentina. They would be the ultimate underdog.
4.) Bosnia and Herzegovina (0-2-0 = -2)
Honestly, how the hell did they make it out of UEFA Qualifying. It's a shame they are playing when Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Turkey is sitting this out.
Predictions:
Argentina def. Nigeria 3-0
Iran def Bosnia 2-1
Argentina (9 pts.) and Iran (4 pts.) advance
Group G
1.) Germany (1-0-1 = +4)
A very uncharacteristic German performance kept them from already clinching, but they're in decent shape. It is hard for Ghana to catch them on Goal Difference, so even if they suffer a shock loss to the US they should go through on Goal Difference. Germany probably should have put one of those last couple chances away, and they look so incredibly dangerous going forward. I think they showed that those two center backs are beatable through. Still a top team that should get through off the strength of that '+4' goal difference alone.
2.) United States (1-0-1 = +1)
Obviously, that was an incredibly tough loss. As someone who's seen a lot of tough losses as a fan, that one was hard to take. Of course, it really doesn't change much for the US. Given they're drawn with Group H and Belgium has been wholly underwhelming finishing 1st and 2nd means nothing. The cynic and tactician in me would really like Germany and US to collude and play to a draw, but the US is probably safe. They only way out is if Ghana wins by at least two goals or if the US loses by at least two. Of course, Germany has no incentive to win by more than 2. It would be awful if they don't make it. The success of the US team really will help keep the US connected into what has been an awesome World Cup. I fear National interest waning if the US is knocked out, so I really hope Cristiano Ronaldo's lone contribution to this tournament is that pass.
3.) Ghana (0-1-1 = -1)
4.) Portugal (0-1-1 = -4)
Ghana looks like a bigger skin for the US after the way they hung with Germany, but I was really impressed with their defending in getting back and keeping the German team at bay after the Germans reached a new level in the last 15. This Ghana team likely won't make it out, but they've sure shown again that they are the best tactical African team three World Cups running. For Portugal, they need a massive win and help, but they can give back to the country they just burned. The US would go through if Cristiano and Co. can get a result against Ghana (save a major Portugal win).
Predictions:
Germany def. USA 1-0
Ghana draw Portugal 2-2
Germany (7 pts.) and USA (4 pts.) advance
Group H
1.) Belgium (2-0-0 = +2)
Belgium was a trendy sleeper pick for obvious reasons. They have major talent that plays on major clubs. They have the start of a potential Golden Generation.They've also been really underwhelming. They needed 70 minutes to score against Algeria, and they needed 89 to score against Russia, a team who outplayed them pretty substantially in the 2nd half. Belgium might have been a sleeper, but they've mostly just been asleep.
2.) Algeria (1-1-0 = +1)
3.) Russia (0-1-1 = -1)
In the final winner-take-all game (assuming South Korea doesn't beat Belgium), Russia has been very unlucky in this tournament, but could still get out of the group all the same if they just beat Algeria. Algeria was really impressive in both of their games, playing Belgium well and then running right through South Korea time and time again. It looks like them targeting French-born, ethnic Algerians is doing wonders for them. Of course, had they done that 25 years ago, they could have had Zinedine Zidane. This Russian teams starts slowly, but they always seem to reach a higher gear late in hte game. Hopefully for them they don't fall behind early again.
4.) South Korea (0-1-1 = -2)
Technically they are still alive, but this is a team that was strafed by Algeria and should have lost to Russia if not for an all-time goalie blunder by Igor Akinfeev. South Korea made it out of the Group Stage last time around, but it was a similarly bad group and they were better. I can't see them going through, and they really don't deserve to after two lackadaisical performances.
Predictions:
Belgium def. South Korea 3-1
Russia def. Algeria 2-1
Belgium (9 pts.) and Russia (4 pts.) advance
Projected Round of 16 Games
(A1) Brazil vs. (B2) Chile
(C1) Colombia vs. (D2) Italy
(E1) France vs. (F2) Iran
(G1) Germany vs. (H2) Russia
(B1) Netherlands vs. (A2) Croatia
(D1) Costa Rica vs. (C2) Ivory Coast
(F1) Argentina vs. (E2) Ecuador
(H1) Belgium vs. (G2) USA
Group A
1.) Brazil (1-0-1 = +2)
Brazil's really in a no-win situation right now, as nothing will satisfy the Brazilian fans outside of holding the Jules Rimet trophy on July 12th. Nothing. They actually played better against Mexico than they did against Croatia, but a ridiculous spate of saves kept them off the scoresheet. They should roll Cameroon and enter the Knockout Rounds with some momentum against a good opponent no matter who it is.
2.) Mexico (1-0-1 = +1)
3.) Croatia (1-1-0 = +2)
I'm grouping these two teams together because of their upcoming meeting. What a game this should be. Both teams played Brazil tough, Croatia ruined with a bad penalty call against them, and Mexico saved by Ochoa's brilliant goalkeeping. Croatia looked totally reborn with Mandzukic, but it should be said they, outside of their 1-0 lead, was being played very evenly, if not outplayed, by Cameroon before Alex Song's red card. Mexico needs to play well in this game, because on paper Croatia is better.
4.) Cameroon (0-0-2 = -5)
Obviously, this has been a disastrous World Cup for a team that really didn't have many expectations. It's sad seeing Samuel Eto'o sitting forlornly on the bench, but he's past his prime. I can't see them giving Brazil much shot. Alex Song's red card ruined them, a shocking mistake from one of their veteran players.
Predictions:
Brazil def. Cameroon 3-0
Crotia def. Mexico 2-1
Brazil (7 pts.) and Croatia (6 pts.) advance
Group B
1.) Netherlands (2-0-0 = +5)
2.) Chile (2-0-0 = +4)
The real group of death killed off the defending Champs quickly and with great ease, as both teams combined to outscore the Spanish 7-1. Both struggled more with Australia, which begs the question: are the Soceroos actually better than Spain? Getting back to reality, I'm really surprised that Netherlands has been able to hold their form with the Van Persie, Sneijder and Robben trio for a good six years. They took hold in Euro '08 and have lasted longer than Spain. Chile has been good at playiing defense, good at playing offense, and generally been a better version of the team that did well in 2010 as well. Without Van Persie, this is a really even game coming up.
3.) Australia (0-0-2 = -3)
The Australian team continues to play well for a country with no real soccer history. Let's remember this team came within a really dubious penalty from taking eventual Champion Italy to extra time in 2006 in the Round of 16. They were run off the field in 2010, but Tim Cahill is ageless. They can leave the World Cup with their one great moment with Cahill's Goal of the Tournament against the Dutch.
4.) Spain (0-0-2 = -6)
That '-6' Goal difference is still stunning. They have to pound Australia by three to avoid being the worst defending Champion on goal difference. It was a poetic moment for the team that had won 3-straight major tournaments to be the first knocked out in 2014.
Predictions:
Netherlands draw Chile 1-1
Spain def Australia 3-1
Netherlands (7 pts) and Chile (7 pts) advance
Group C
1.) Colombia (2-0-0 = +4)
Colombia's 3-0 win over Greece in Round 1 was one of my favorite performances. Honestly, they've been my favorite team, one with a bunch of no-names making a name for themselves playing truly attractive football. James Rodriguez has been a revelation. Colombia has been a revelation. I love the way they play and I really believe they can make noise in the Knockout Rounds if they get the best draws.
2.) Ivory Coast (1-1-0 = 0)
The Ivory Coast came into this World Cup with relatively low expectations after getting trumped up in 2006 and 2010, and lo and behold they have an easy path to making it to the knockout rounds for the first time. Just beat Greece, terrible, aimless Greece, and they are in. Didier Drogba's a shell of himself, but that whole team perks up when he's in there. Honestly, this is the strongest Ivory Coast team I've seen, and they deserve their spot.
3.) Japan (1-0-1 = -1)
4.) Greence (1-0-1 = -1)
I didn't watch the Japan vs. Greece game, and I probably saved myself a dreadful 90 minutes. Both these teams seem allergic to attacking, and hopefully they provide easy fodder for Colombia and Ivory Coast and let the right two teams to go through.
Predictions:
Colombia def. Japan 2-0
Ivory Coast def. Greece 2-0
Colombia (9 pts.) and Ivory Coast (6 pts) advance
Group D
1.) Costa Rica (2-0-0 = +3)
Easily the most stunning team so far as I don't think anyone saw this coming. Costa Rica was billed, quite rightly, as the 'other' team in the 'Group of Champions', and they've beaten the three time and two time Champions to get here. Their win over Uruguay remains one of the most stunning comebacks I have seen. I honestly don't think they'll go very far in the knockout rounds, but all the credit in teh world to them.
2.) Italy (1-1-0 = 0)
3.) Uruguay (1-1-0 = -1)
It's amazing how good Luis Suarez is. He looked understandably slow in his return, but he had two chances and scored two goals. He makes that Uruguay team run, as does Nicolas Lodeiro, who played so much better than Diego Forlan (which is sad, given how awesome Forlan was in 2010). This is a great game, probably my favorite going into the 3rd round of group games. Two come in, only one can advance. As for Italy, they looked tired against the Costa Ricans, but this is still Italy we are talking about. It would seem incomprehensible for them to go two straight World Cups without making the knockout round. Italy seems to always get the result. Can it happen again?
4.) England (0-0-2 = -2)
As our former rulers, I would like to give a hearty message to England: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Predictions:
England def Costa Rica 2-1
Italy draw Uruguay 1-1
Costa Rica (6 pts.) and Italy (4 pts.) advance
Group E
1.) France (2-0-0 = +6)
France has been the best team in the World Cup so far. Somehow, despite that and scoring a World Cup high 8 goals, with a World Cup best goal difference, they are under-the-radar. I honestly think France needed their one failed major tournament cycle after Zidane left to recover from losing their best player ever. Starting in 2012 they removed the pressure from Ribery of making him into the new-Zidane and just started to play. Now, without even Ribery, they've made this their tournament. Teams that start this strongly rarely hold up, but this is great form ahead of Euro 2016 which will be in France.
2.) Ecuador (1-1-0 = 0)
3.) Switzerland (1-1-0 = -2)
I wish they were playing each other for the right to go to the 2nd round, but they already played their match, with Switzerland's dramatic 89th minute winner. What a game that was too. What a huge impact it could have too. Switzerland looked awful against France, but as long as they beat Honduras and France holds up its end of the bargain, they go through. I really hope that doesn't happen since I'm not really a fan of watching that Swiss team.
4.) Honduras (0-2-0 = -4)
Congrats to them for scoring their first goal in a World Cup in a while, but they really aren't up to par with the other three teams. Hopefully they can play spoiler against Switzerland, because I would much rather have an above average South American team continuing in this World Cup than an above average European one.
Predictions:
Ecuador def. France 2-1
Switzerland def. Honduras 3-1
France (6 pts.) and Ecuador (6 pts.) advance
Group F
1.) Argentina (2-0-0 = +2)
I guess you can say this has been a dream tournament for Leo Messi, scoring the game winning goal in both games, both being awesome individual goals themselves. He helped Argentina escape some serious infamy with that stoppage-time goal against Iran of all teams. The bad news of course is had that been a better team that Iran, Argentina is probably down 3-0 in the 91st minute when Messi does his magic. The rest of the team, most notably Higuan and Aguero, need to step up for Argentina to have any chance.
2.) Nigeria (1-0-1 = +1)
3.) Iran (0-1-1 = -1)
They played an awful game against each other, and each would likely be Round of 16 kindling against France, but someone has to go through. Each would be a nice story. Nigeria would be an African team in a World Cup that quite conceivably could get 3 African teams into the last 16. Iran would be the first Western Asian team to make it past the Group Stages. Iran, let's be real, deserved at least a draw against Argentina. They still have a chance if Nigeria falters against Argentina. They would be the ultimate underdog.
4.) Bosnia and Herzegovina (0-2-0 = -2)
Honestly, how the hell did they make it out of UEFA Qualifying. It's a shame they are playing when Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Turkey is sitting this out.
Predictions:
Argentina def. Nigeria 3-0
Iran def Bosnia 2-1
Argentina (9 pts.) and Iran (4 pts.) advance
Group G
1.) Germany (1-0-1 = +4)
A very uncharacteristic German performance kept them from already clinching, but they're in decent shape. It is hard for Ghana to catch them on Goal Difference, so even if they suffer a shock loss to the US they should go through on Goal Difference. Germany probably should have put one of those last couple chances away, and they look so incredibly dangerous going forward. I think they showed that those two center backs are beatable through. Still a top team that should get through off the strength of that '+4' goal difference alone.
2.) United States (1-0-1 = +1)
Obviously, that was an incredibly tough loss. As someone who's seen a lot of tough losses as a fan, that one was hard to take. Of course, it really doesn't change much for the US. Given they're drawn with Group H and Belgium has been wholly underwhelming finishing 1st and 2nd means nothing. The cynic and tactician in me would really like Germany and US to collude and play to a draw, but the US is probably safe. They only way out is if Ghana wins by at least two goals or if the US loses by at least two. Of course, Germany has no incentive to win by more than 2. It would be awful if they don't make it. The success of the US team really will help keep the US connected into what has been an awesome World Cup. I fear National interest waning if the US is knocked out, so I really hope Cristiano Ronaldo's lone contribution to this tournament is that pass.
3.) Ghana (0-1-1 = -1)
4.) Portugal (0-1-1 = -4)
Ghana looks like a bigger skin for the US after the way they hung with Germany, but I was really impressed with their defending in getting back and keeping the German team at bay after the Germans reached a new level in the last 15. This Ghana team likely won't make it out, but they've sure shown again that they are the best tactical African team three World Cups running. For Portugal, they need a massive win and help, but they can give back to the country they just burned. The US would go through if Cristiano and Co. can get a result against Ghana (save a major Portugal win).
Predictions:
Germany def. USA 1-0
Ghana draw Portugal 2-2
Germany (7 pts.) and USA (4 pts.) advance
Group H
1.) Belgium (2-0-0 = +2)
Belgium was a trendy sleeper pick for obvious reasons. They have major talent that plays on major clubs. They have the start of a potential Golden Generation.They've also been really underwhelming. They needed 70 minutes to score against Algeria, and they needed 89 to score against Russia, a team who outplayed them pretty substantially in the 2nd half. Belgium might have been a sleeper, but they've mostly just been asleep.
2.) Algeria (1-1-0 = +1)
3.) Russia (0-1-1 = -1)
In the final winner-take-all game (assuming South Korea doesn't beat Belgium), Russia has been very unlucky in this tournament, but could still get out of the group all the same if they just beat Algeria. Algeria was really impressive in both of their games, playing Belgium well and then running right through South Korea time and time again. It looks like them targeting French-born, ethnic Algerians is doing wonders for them. Of course, had they done that 25 years ago, they could have had Zinedine Zidane. This Russian teams starts slowly, but they always seem to reach a higher gear late in hte game. Hopefully for them they don't fall behind early again.
4.) South Korea (0-1-1 = -2)
Technically they are still alive, but this is a team that was strafed by Algeria and should have lost to Russia if not for an all-time goalie blunder by Igor Akinfeev. South Korea made it out of the Group Stage last time around, but it was a similarly bad group and they were better. I can't see them going through, and they really don't deserve to after two lackadaisical performances.
Predictions:
Belgium def. South Korea 3-1
Russia def. Algeria 2-1
Belgium (9 pts.) and Russia (4 pts.) advance
Projected Round of 16 Games
(A1) Brazil vs. (B2) Chile
(C1) Colombia vs. (D2) Italy
(E1) France vs. (F2) Iran
(G1) Germany vs. (H2) Russia
(B1) Netherlands vs. (A2) Croatia
(D1) Costa Rica vs. (C2) Ivory Coast
(F1) Argentina vs. (E2) Ecuador
(H1) Belgium vs. (G2) USA
