Friday, June 6, 2014

World Cup Predications

With just 1 week till the World Cup, these are my predications for the top 4 favorites of the tournament.

Spain- Don’t be surprise if coach Vicente Del Bosque become the second coach in history to win successive World Cups because for me, the Spanish are the team to beat. The players may be older, but between Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, and Fabregas, Spain still have the best midfield in the world. Add in Diego Costa, and Spain’s attack look very impressive. I know a lot of people have written them off but they won the 2010 World Cup and the European championship in both 2008 & 2012. This is a team that knows how to win!

Brazil- I’m going to say something crazy here; I don’t think Brazil is going to win the World Cup. Yes, I know they are the hosts; they have an 11-year unbeaten record on home soil; and are everyone’s favorite; but I am just not convinced by this team. Brazil may have talented players but their attack is based around Neymer and to me, that’s a problem. Brilliant on his day, Neymer is unfortunately one of those players that run hot-and cold. Basically Brazil is trying to win the World Cup with an attack based around an inconsistent player. Add that to the pressure of playing on home soil, and you get an implosion just waiting to happen.  

Germany- You have to give Joachim Low credit; he is not a coach who shy away from making gutsy call. He is taking his team to Brazil with only one striker; 36 year old Miroslav Klose. Even for a team that plays with the “false nine” formation, that takes balls. Yes, they have an incredible array of attacking midfielders but Ozil had a bad season in England, Khedira just came back from a long injury and I think Marco Reus need someone upfront to play off. The Germans will do well but I think they will come out short again.

Argentina- Argentina’s fortune will depend solely on Lionel Messi. Their bold 4-3-3 formation depends on Messi finding space between the opponent’s defense and midfield and strikers Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain finishing off whatever Messi managed to create. However the defense and goalkeeping departments are huge problems and a good attacking team will have a chance against them.

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