This is a prediction thread. Not how far do you want your team to get (obviously we all want to be the winners) but how far do you realistically think your team will go. Then, next June/July we can compare how close we were. Last WC i was pretty damn close. I thought we would get to the final and we did. This WC, though, Im nowhere near as optimistic and this is my prediction: My team: ARGENTINA How far will we go: QUARTER FINAL
My expectation will be somewhat determined by the draw but I certainly would consider anything less than the Round of 16 a failure. Mostly because Iran is one of the few remaining teams in the world that have qualified to the World Cup more than 3 times and yet haven't ever advanced from the group stage. Teams like South Korea and Mexico used to fall in that category until they each got to host the tournament. Otherwise, the only other sides that share this dubious distinction with Iran seem to be the Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Scotland. Scotland have appeared in 8 World Cups without making it out of the group stage, but then it is been quite a while since Scotland have qualified to the World Cup (1998 was their last appearance). The Ivory Coast have been to 3 World Cups without advancing from the group stage so Iran (heading to its 5th World Cup) already edges them out in this regard. That actually leaves only Tunisia to compete with Iran in this dubious distinction. Like Iran, this will be Tunisia's 5th World Cup and like us, they too have never advanced passed the group stage. I am certainly hoping that once World Cup 2018 is finished, Tunisia will be the only side left with a chance to match Scotland's record!
Sweden, and I'd be surprised to see us get out of the group tbh but then again I was surprised we got past Italy so...
Australia won't make it out of the group stages. I'll post predictions for the European teams: -Russia: Round of 16. -Germany: Anything other than finals will be unacceptable for them. -Belgium: Probably quarter finals again. -Croatia: Round of 16 or Quarter finals, -Denmark: Group stages or Round of 16. -England: Group stages or Round of 16. -France:Quarter finals or Semi-finals. -Iceland: They would be delighted if they make it to Round of 16. Anything after that is a bonus. -Poland: Round of 16 or they could prove to be overhyped and crash out in group stages.. -Portugal: Probably would aim for Semi-Finals at minimum. -Serbia: Round of 16 or crash out in group stages like they usually do. -Spain: Probably Semis. -Sweden: Group Stages or Round of 16. -Switzerland: Group Stages or Round of 16.
My favorites teams : Venezuela, Canada, North Korea, Mongolia didn't qualified . Panama : where I live : first round Peru : Kind of like : first round without Guerrero / Round of 16 with Guerrero Mexico : I love that team ( I have a hunch ) QF
Korea vs Sweden: 3-0 Korea vs Mexico: 3-1 Korea vs Germany 2-2 Korea vs Switzerland: 2-1 Korea vs England: 2-2 P Korea vs Argentina: 3-2 Korea vs France: 1-0 ET
I'll eat my hat if that happens. I mean for real, every hat, cap, beanie or other headgear I can find lying around. I'll even have a go at the GF's furry winter stuff. Live at whatever youtube channel will have me.
Looking at the draw I'm somewhat more optimistic. Not much mind but getting past S Korea and Mexico is at least within the realms of possibility compared to a few worse draws we could have gotten.
If Messi takes this band of cojos all the way, debate over: he will be the best, greatest, most accomplished footballer ever to grace the game.
My heart and gut says James and Falcao will carry Colombia to the Semis. My mind says they can lose in the second round to Belgium or England.(heck even earlier if the ball doesn't bounce in their favor.) So I am going to officially say right in the middle of those predictions is where my expectations should be. Quarters and a loss against either Brazil or Germany.
Germany: 15% Champion 20% second (35% reaching atleast final) 40% eliminated in Semi-final (75% reaching atleast Semifinal) 20% eliminated in Quartel-Final (95% reaching atleast Quartel final) 4% eliminated in Round of 16 (99% reaching atleast round of 16) 1% eliminated in Group Stage
You are being too harsh on players of the level of DiMaria, Dybala, Correa, Icardi, Lanzini, Paredes, Aguero, Acuna, even Higuain. I agree, if Messi leads Argentina to the WC title he becomes that same day the greatest of all time.
I think the mentality of Argentina is "We have to make it to the Final or else it is a failure". That can be a good thing but also be a bad thing. I remember prior to Brazil Di Maria essentially said that he was expecting to win the World Cup and they made it all the way to the Final when I had my doubts about that team. This one can also make a deep run. But can they deal with the pressure?