The Brazil 2014 Official World Cup Thread

The Tevez news really suprised me to be honest.

 

aye they took that
Franco di Santo instead rather strange me thinks .

 

England are under playing their chances well.
Could be a dark horse.
Anyone backing them?

 

no chance in my book m8

 

The Tevez thing will surprise a lot of people but this Argentine coach is the first to select a squad rather than just trying to cram all the best players on the plane without any thought to formation/harmony etc.

Look at who they have as forwards without Tevez - Lavezzi, Higuain, Palacio, Messi, Aguero. It was probably a toss up between Tevez and Palacio with Palacio a bit more fleet of foot. Given Tevez is unlikely to be a starting player with a Messi/Aguero combo the way to go (Lavezzi if you play 3), Tevez is not a team player at all and is renound for his hissy fits. Argentina are likely better off without him and I strongly fancy them to win it. Messi will be fresh after an injury hit season. The problem is his form was poor at the back end of La Liga.

Defenders have always been their problem but they have had a settled back four for two years now in Pablo Zabaleta, Federico Fernandez, Ezequiel Garay and Marcos Rojo. Their midfield and attacking talent has never been in question. I reckon it could be the right time for them if Messi/Aguero fire. They'd love to stick it up their arch rivals and lift that trophy in Brazil.

 

I think England may turn out to be quite entertaining if Hodgson is brave. Otherwise we'll be turgid to watch. I think Woy might surprise us and give these young players their wings. If he does I could us making the quarters and being quite good to watch along the way.

 

I like Ecuador and Columbia, and I will stick my neck out and say I think they'll both make the quarters. Brazil to win it though.

 

Great to see youth coming through but as soon as I see welbeck my confidence just falls of a cliff

 

Its a sensible bet to think the South American teams will go far. Everyone keeps going on about how strong the European challenge is. History tells us the conditions DO matter. I expect the big 3 Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay to be in the latter stages. As you say Colombia and Ecuador will be big threats to any side. If Brazil were to depart early, I reckon it will be a weird world cup. The samba celebration may stop and the whole thing become a bit damp

 

I agree. Dropping Rooney though I think would have been key. Obviously you can't do that as England's manager, but I don't see him as an asset to the national team.

 

Rooney of 2004 was on the brink of "World Class" for me, but the Rooney post 2004 injuries has fallen way short. He's still a good player, but when I think back to the amazing start the lad had, the pace, power, technique.... the fact he's a fat turd who has to goal-hang to score now really is frustrating.

I had the strong suspicion, of course, but the moment I categorically knew our World Cup hopes were over, was tonight when they said "Rooney has to play the role of Luis Suarez" Yeah, ok.....

 

Rooney and Welbeck out, Barkley and Sterling in for me. Rooney still good back up for Sturridge. We need to be bold. Euro 2004 is an excellent example of why if you have potential sub 21 yr old superstars you should unleash them.

Rooney's problem is he hasn't lived right. While the top players have lived the life and maximised themselves, he has been living the other life. Not in an excess way like Gazza but then he never had Gazza's talent. Just bending the rules a little with having a few drinks, smoking etc. Ashley Cole was the same but he got away with it because he is a natural athlete. Jack Wilshere should take note now before it is too late, Scholes was bang on, he hasn't developed. Some of our young talents get so much so young they think they don't have to work and have the natural talent to see them through. Very few can get away with it. They need to look at someone like Bale, Ronaldo, Messi, Robben - all work as hard as any player despite having more ability.

 

Welbeck is piss poor to be fair mind.

 

Barkley,Sterling and Sturridge have to start all have have great season. Rooney and Wellbeck both mediocre.

 

I have put a bet on the top two teams from each group to go through. Any order 616/1. I have not gone way out there either. I struggled with our group a bit but have gone for us and Italy. Also Spain's group was hard after them but plumped for Chilie over the Dutch as think they might turn out to be quite decent. The rest picked themselves.

 

Where did you get those odds???
I reckon if you spent about £15 in £1 bets on all the likely combinations, you're practically certain to make a few bob

 

Chile could be the surprise package. Medel and Sanchez for the fantasy teams

 

I know I couldn't believe it when I picked them. Betfair. I had to change check it about 100 times to make sure I had picked the right options.

 

England 2-1 up now.

 

Looks like you've jinxed it.