2014 World Cup

[xudong]

I noticed that strange thing too. :d

[reza]

The draw starts in an hour.

FIFA is having fun with the pots of course

[reza]

[Stitch]

so, anyone still thinks platini doesnt fix everything for france? look at france's group

[reza]

[xudong]

so, anyone still thinks platini doesnt fix everything for france? look at france's group

I am not a conspiracy theorist, but it is quite funny.

Netherlands and Italy football associations both voiced their concerns before the draw on the special treatment France received. The results? Italy became the Team X, Netherlands will need to play Spain (and most likely Brazil in the playoff first round, if I understand correctly), while France is laughing their asses off.

[reza]

Not sure about France, one slip up and they might need to face Argentina.
I think most of the talk before the draw was Brazil getting an easy path which turned out to be anything but, their group might be not so bad but what about them needing to beat Spain or Holland? Then potentially the likes of England or Italy.

[ACMILAN1983]

lol, France couldn't ask for much more, but besides that group I must say the groups look interestingly balanced. Brazil should be confident, but all of the teams in that group can provide a surprise. With the exception of Australia, group B could be very interesting. Group C looks quite interesting too, as I like Colombia and Japan, while Ivory Coast are still strong.

Group F should be Argentina's, though don't ignore Nigeria who are probably the best from Africa right now and Bosnia could also have something to say. Group G is potentially the group of death (though Italy might disagree). Germany, Portugal and Ghana are all good, while the USA might stir things up a little. Germany should come through unscathed, but it's not easy. Group H may have the least interesting names overall, but a Capello lead Russia, South Korea and Belgium will hopefully keep things balanced and should offer entertainment. On group H, Tim Vickery (BBC south American correspondent) said Group H will face the most favorable climate and travel conditions. Belgium were touted a dark horse coming into the competition, I wouldn't be surprised if they make some noise this world cup (still have doubts they can win).

Finally, on Italy, they have a tough group, but seriously it's a group they should come through with success. Costa Rica shouldn't be a concern, while England aren't actually that good (in fact, I expect they'll be knocked out in the group). Uruguay are strong, but I don't think they're as good as previous years. However, I suspect they will be the biggest competition for Italy as they will adapt better to the climate.

[Gabriel426]

I think all the Groups are pretty balance beside The French. Having said that, the French is not as strong as previous years and if Ribery gets injured and miss the WC, they might not even make it out of the group stage.
The rest of the groups are all pretty entertaining and I think there are actually 4 groups of death. As Group C, D, G and H are all pretty even.
Argentina and Brazil should have no problem winning their group while I can't see an upset in Group B with Spain and Holland leading the way.

Having said all that, these type of competitions is about who will have the better form in that month. Being stage in Brazil will surely benefit Brazil and Argentina more.

[reza]

Anybody interested in a (simple) World Cup prediction game?