High time this was done. @Vulpinous or @DDR (if you're still alive) Change it and make an official thread if need be. In the meantime, prediction time... Neither Italy nor the States will get out of the first round. Bank it.
I'll be in Vegas for the end of the first round, start of the second. With my prognostication skills I think I have a pretty solid plan to payoff the mortgage and fund the kids college while I'm there. I believe @La Magica will back me seeing as he is a firm believer in my handicapping skills.
I'm gonna miss seeing every Serie A fan blaming their rival club's players for any shortcoming. That's when missing the world cup will hit me hardest. Portugal are a dark horse. Only Brazil could play them off of the pitch. They can grind down and wait out everyone else.
Brazil have a really easy path to the semi's assuming the favorites win their groups. They'll probably avoid Spain and Germany until the final. The other side of the bracket has potential for some carnage. Germany-England, Spain-Argentina, Spain-Germany, Argentina-Germany.
I looked at the group stage fixtures a few days ago. I think there was maybe 2 or 3 games I'd consider watching.
Nothing would be more painful to watch, but the field is pretty poor, and they're good at getting the tough results.
England are due for a deep run, just on the law of averages. English fans' heads might explode if two Spurs led them to that deep run though. They finally have a real playmaker in Dele too.
I'm in a similar boat. No Italy or US, and Japan look terrible. I'm gonna root for Messi, but Argentina look pretty terrible at times, too. Actually, I think I'll just root against Germany.
You guys are crazy. I'm dying to see Russia and Saudi Arabia slug it out. Someone might even register a shot on goal by halftime.
A very underwhelming opening game. Egypt got a very good chance against these two teams if Hector Cuper has the balls to attack
The final games in the group stages can be entertaining...….that's when all those park the bus sides realise they have no points and might actually have to go out and play some....you know....football.
I just really want to see a South American final. Brazil-Argentina would probably break the internet.
Argentina need to win their group, or they'll have to go through France, then probably Spain or Portugal before the semis. I can see them getting nipped if good Croatia shoes up for this tourney. Although Croatia are the kind of squad that would spank Argentina, then lose to Nigeria.
And on today’s episode of Gloriously Comical World Cup contradictions .... pic.twitter.com/BXq03Ri90s— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) June 12, 2018
Portugal vs Spain Croatia vs Nigeria Germany vs Mexico Poland vs Senegal France vs Peru Argentina vs Croatia Brazil vs Costa Rica Nigeria vs Iceland Poland vs Colombia Denmark vs France Nigeria vs Argentina Mexico vs Sweden Serbia vs Brazil Senegal vs Colombia England vs Belgium Group games I'll try to watch. Bolds are can't miss.
I’m a little concerned I haven’t heard back from @DDR for about half a year now. If I don’t hear soon I’ll email him.