Group A -Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay Russia, even at home, is not good (currently ranked 65th, FWIW). Uruguay wins this group easily and the spot for 2nd will be fairly open. Would be awesome for Russia to be embarrassed on their home soil as they shouldn't be hosting this Cup in the first place. Group B-Portugal,Spain, Morocco, Iran Spain and Portugal win this, though Morocco makes it interesting. Group C-France,Australia,Peru,Denmark France and a surprising Peru are my picks, though Denmark wouldn't surprise me. Group D-Argentina,Iceland,Croatia,Nigeria Probably the "Group of Death" as all 4 teams, with Argentina at the head, can make a case for going through. Group E-Brazil,Switzerland,Costa Rica,Serbia A tougher group than it appears. Brazil should get through easily but the fight for 2nd will be good. Costa Rica is no fluke. The Swiss can bore the hell out of anyone but are solid. Group F-Germany,Mexico ,Sweden,South Korea Germany wins this easily. While I'm sure mexico will take 2nd, I'll be a big Sweeden and SK fan. Group G-Belgium,Panama,Tunisia,England Belgium and England go through easily. Group H-Poland,Senegal,Colombia,Japan Poland and Colombia should get through easily. Japan might cause some trouble but it's unlikely. Never know which African team is going to make a run but I'd put my money on Nigeria more than Senegal.
Nothing against Saudi Arabia but it should be clearly Uruguay and Egypt if nothing major happens to their stars. In that case, would still be favorites.
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Tier One Germany, France, Spain, Brazil Tier Two Belgium, Uruguay, England, Portugal, Argentina Strong Teams Colombia, Serbia, Croatia, Mexico, Switzerland, Poland Dark Horse African team (Salah,Senegal,Nigeria), Iceland, Denmark, Peru, Costa Rica
Mostly agree...though I'd be tempted to switch Belgium and Brazil. Something is off with the Brazilians and I don't think they have what it takes to win it. I think it's time for Belgium to formally join the short list of actual favorites. De Bruyne is going to carry them to the next step.
I have faith in them but feel free to have Belgium added to Tier One any time. IMO it's efficient Germany's title to lose although I think they have couple of small flaws.
I might be biased, but don't count out Iran. Iran has probably the smartest Defensive coach in the World Cup in Carlos Queiroz, who's accredited for Sir Alex Ferguson's defense back at ManUtd. They held Argentina to 0 goals for 91 minutes 4 years ago, and have been the top team in Asia since he took over. Since last World Cup, many of the Iranian players are playing in Europe, and the team is very young. Quieroz knows how Portugal plays. I know Iran will drop their game against Spain. But I wouldn't be surprised if they got 4 points or maybe even 6 out of the other games. Their back line is just very disciplined, and now they have a striker who is incredible in international play in Azmoun.
Some teams have nominated their training camp roster. Here's Germany... Small surprises with Tah and Petersen back in, but I don't think they'll make the final cut. Guess Plattenhardt won't make it as well, Reus will probably get hurt and open another spot. But I'm disappointed Löw didn't have the balls to throw out Özil and Gündogan. This... ... is unacceptable. Effenberg was kicked out in 1994 for showing the finger, Löw dismissed Kuranyi when he left the stadium because he wasn't nominated for the game roster. Peanuts compared to cozy up with a dictator who takes German citizens hostage and continuosly threatens and insults Germany and its people. Calling this individual "MY president" disqualifies both of them to ever play for Germany again. Hope for some serious backlash. Kudos to Emre Can who refused to be made a propaganda puppet, too bad he's hurt and can't make it to the World Cup.
