Do Belgium count as a "surprise package"- I think most people are tipping them to do well. Most successful teams these days have a Belge in their side, or two.
I think most people rate their squad, but I don't think many actually think they're going to do anything of real note.
I think you're right. Belgium are ranked 11 in the world so not really an outsider - my outsider Bosnia/Herzegovina.
Current betting odds - Brazil 3/1 Argentina 4/1 Spain 13/2 Germany 13/2 Belgium 20/1 Italy 25/1 France 25/1 Uruguay 28/1 Portugal 28/1 England 28/1 Colombia 33/1 Chile 40/1 Switzerland 125/1 Japan 150/1 Bosnia 175/1
why do some odds get put as to 1 and some to 2 for example. what's the dif between saying 13-2 and 6.5-1, is it a written rule, logical reason for it? don't gamble as you can probably tell lol, but something i never understood why they was done that way.
I think it is for readability. They try and stick with whole number ratios. / Not a gambler. // Gambling illegal here!
It'll be that sneaky tactic of scoring more goals than your opponent Can't see past Brazil or Argentina. Europeans don't do well in S.America and the only ones you'd see wining are Germany and Spain. Can Spain with 4 major trophies in a row? Doubt it, especially if Costa isn't quite fit as Torres/Villa aren't at their best. If Brazil can cope with the pressure then you'd fancy them, especially the way they destroyed Spain at the Confed Cup last year. Argentina are due a decent WC and prob have the best strike force in the world with Di Maria, Higuain, Aguero & Messi. Again, it's just their defence which might let them down but if they can keep it tight you'd fancy them to be able to out score teams - much like us this season. Like us, think they may just fall short though.
Deep defense and fast counter attacks. The possession sides will struggle again if they meet those teams. England wont have any tactics.
Hoping England's 'secret' tactic to nullify Pirlo is Sterling. Bear with me... at the head of the diamond he is a monster for opposing deep-seated midfielders. Did you see the wreck he reduced Fellaini to at OT? Yes, Fellaini is no Pirlo, but the same principle of constantly harassing opposition defenders and midfielders doesn't seem to affect raheem's attacking potential either. I think he'd be wasted on the wing, but hey, ho... I admit that the press hyping of Sterling and Barklay could be counter-productive if these kids don't hit the ground pulling up trees against Italy. Yet, fffs, don't let Rooney try that job again as he ****ed it up totally in Ukraine. Wellbeck could be wild card for that role too, imo.
Honestly don't know. Liverpool- exciting, fast attacking flair, still foundered on the possession game of Chelsea. England will have tactics, but they'll be ****.
i reckon we will start off with the right tactics and idea, but the minute we start seeing more and more of Milner introduced because its not working, you know its going down hill fast. not saying milner is ****e, but generally he is used to tighten things up. if Sterling,Barkely,Wellbeck and sturridge can have a good world cup and on good form we might stand a chance( quarters at least hopefully), also Rooney and Lambert need to chip in. i think the heat is going to **** a lot of them up too much personally, esp the ones with pace, ie be a bit like watching us, ok for first 30 mins, but if we havent scored by then we usually are ****ed, as we will play more teams who play like Chelsea do.
I think England will surprise people this year. England are not great, the Everton of international football, but Roy likes team unity in purpose. You do not have to be exciting to win tournaments [Greece, Spain] rather effective. The 4-2-3-1 the way Roy plays it instantly reverts to a 4-5-1 when on the defensive that allows for a very solid base and a 4-2-4 in attack. Anything can happen, no one expects much of England and that can often be very helpful in this sort of competition.