In less than 30 hours, the next edition of the FIFA World Cup kicks off with hosts Brazil taking on Croatia in the opening match.
The squads for all 32 competing nations have been finalised, barring any last minute injuries. Qualification form and friendly results leading up to this magical occasion can be thrown out the window as anything can happen in football!
That being said, punters still like to predict the outcomes of these events and so here is my prediction for all those who fancy a punt! The squads have been analysed, team tactics have been analysed, amd even the forecasted weather for each match has been analysed. Check out the fantastic website for that at: http://www.metcheck.com/SEASONAL/fifa_world_cup_weather.asp
Round of 16:
Brazil v Netherlands
Ivory Coast v Uruguay
Spain v Croatia
Italy v Colombia
France v Bosnia
Germany v Korea
Argentina v Ecuador (who edge out Switzerland in the Group stages on goal difference)
Belgium v Portugal
Quarter-finals:
Brazil v Uruguay
France v Germany
Spain v Italy
Argentina v Portugal
Semi-finals:
Brazil v Germany
Spain v Argentina
Final:
Brazil v Argentina --> Brazil
Third-place playoff:
Germany v Spain --> Spain
As you can see, it definitely will be a tough run all the way to the final for Brazil with the whole weight of expectation of the home nation on their shoulders. But if they can make it past Netherlands, Uruguay and Germany then they definitely deserve to win in the final too. Just cannot see them losing to their hated rivals Argentina on home soil.
Of course, Brazil could slip up at any stage with all the banana peels in the way. Remember, they did lose to the
Netherlands 2-1 in the last World Cup in South Africa after taking the
lead initially.
Argentina's "soft" run to the semi-finals might cost them as they may not be mentally prepared but I pick them over Spain to make the final because Spain will have a tough game against Italy and could be jaded by the time they face Lionel Messi and co. Come finals time though, Messi could go missing in the match just like he had at the tail-end of Barcelona's season when he was needed most.
Odds are currently $9.40 on the Brazil/Argentina quinella. The Brazil/Spain quinella now down to $12 after some heavy trading at $14.
Of course, injuries and suspensions could also change all this but on the face of it, I think Brazil should win this one at home.
A lot has been made about an European team never having won the World Cup on South American soil but to be honest, despite my prediction, there is no reason why Spain or Germany could not walk away with the World Cup trophy. Those looking at historical trends, there have only been six World Cups held in South America. Some scientists might argue that that is not enough data! Another factor to consider is that majority of the matches will be played in the cooler part of Brazil so the heat and humidity should not be too much of an issue for European teams. That said, plenty of Brazilians, Argentinians and Uruguayans play their club football in Europe these days as well.
Should Brazil make it all the way, look for Neymar to be the player of the tournament and Golden Boot winner given that he takes free-kicks and penalties for the Seleção. Odds are currently $12 on Neymar to win the Golden Boot. Given Argentina's run to the final though, Messi is rightly favourite in the Golden Boot market at $8.60 as he too takes free-kicks and penalties for La Albiceleste. Gonzalo Higuaín is nicely priced at $21 having only trailed behind Messi by one goal in the World Cup Qualifiers.
Should Luis Suarez be fit to start Uruguay's World Cup opener against Costa Rica then he would be a juicy pick at $25 given his goalscoring exploits and clinical penalties this season. Otherwise save your money.
Should Luis Suarez be fit to start Uruguay's World Cup opener against Costa Rica then he would be a juicy pick at $25 given his goalscoring exploits and clinical penalties this season. Otherwise save your money.
The dark horse for the Golden Boot would be Belgium's Romelu Lukaku if he scores 3 or 4 against Algeria and puts 1 or 2 past Korea and Russia in the Group stages. He could even pick a goal up against Portugal in the Round of 16. Worth a flutter at $27!
Happy punting! And for those not punting, sit back and enjoy the spectacle of the world game!
Disclaimer: This author takes no responsibility if you lose your own home. Bet at your own risk! Remember to bet within your limits and gamble responsibly.
