2014 WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP IN BRAZIL

[Skjellyfetti]

Just wanted to bump this to see how it turns out. And, see how "predictable" the World Cup is.

Spain is eliminated.
Italy just got beat by Costa Rica (but, still probably through to the knockout)

Are you going to bump my other threads where things I said are coming to fruition?

But still, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and the Netherlands are still there, and three of them are through to the next round (Argentina's group is crap, they were through when the draw came out). Would you make a bet that none of them wins the whole thing (which was the point of the original post)? I wouldn't.

So... you can name off 9 teams... and if one of them wins it the World Cup is "predictable"

[Skjellyfetti]

I also bumped it, in part, since you ignored my response about how the World Cup is decidedly not very predictable.

let's look at how predictable the last World Cups have been.

2010

betting favorites pre-World Cup: Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and England
The final four: Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Uruguay.

1 out of 4 right. The favorite won.

2006
betting favorites pre-World Cup: Brazil, England, Germany, Argentina
The final four: Italy, France, Germany, Portugal

1 out of 4 right. The favorite lost in the quaterfinals.

2002
betting favorites pre-World Cup: Argentina, France, Brazil, Italy
The final four: Brazil, Germany, Turkey, South Korea

1 out of 4 right. The favorite didn't even make it out of their group.





I don't get at all how you can say that the World Cup is so predictable.

Looking at the data.... it looks like you're saying this SOLELY because Spain, the favorites, won in 2010.

[CitadelGrad]

I also bumped it, in part, since you ignored my response about how the World Cup is decidedly not very predictable.

let's look at how predictable the last World Cups have been.

2010

betting favorites pre-World Cup: Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and England
The final four: Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Uruguay.

1 out of 4 right. The favorite won.

2006
betting favorites pre-World Cup: Brazil, England, Germany, Argentina
The final four: Italy, France, Germany, Portugal

1 out of 4 right. The favorite lost in the quaterfinals.

2002
betting favorites pre-World Cup: Argentina, France, Brazil, Italy
The final four: Brazil, Germany, Turkey, South Korea

1 out of 4 right. The favorite didn't even make it out of their group.





I don't get at all how you can say that the World Cup is so predictable.

Looking at the data.... it looks like you're saying this SOLELY because Spain, the favorites, won in 2010.

Betting favorites mean nothing. Oddsmakers attempt to get 50-50 money on every bet.

[GannonFan]

Are you going to bump my other threads where things I said are coming to fruition?

But still, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and the Netherlands are still there, and three of them are through to the next round (Argentina's group is crap, they were through when the draw came out). Would you make a bet that none of them wins the whole thing (which was the point of the original post)? I wouldn't.

So... you can name off 9 teams... and if one of them wins it the World Cup is "predictable"

Uh, I listed 6 teams, that should be easy to count - five fingers from one hand and then one more from your second hand.

And the point remains. I named 6 teams out of the 32 that are in the World Cup. Do you still want to take the field and I take those 6? I still feel pretty comfortable that one of my 6 will win the World Cup - how do you feel about your 26? Italy's not out yet, and they're still going to be favored going against Uruguay. And you have to think, Brazil and Argentina are probably co-favorites at this point given how Europe can't seem to play out of their time zones.

[GannonFan]

Are you going to bump my other threads where things I said are coming to fruition?

But still, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and the Netherlands are still there, and three of them are through to the next round (Argentina's group is crap, they were through when the draw came out). Would you make a bet that none of them wins the whole thing (which was the point of the original post)? I wouldn't.

So... you can name off 9 teams... and if one of them wins it the World Cup is "predictable"

I think it's funny that not only did you not count right the first time, but that you went back and bolded your miscount the second time. Seriously man, I know going to a second hand to finish the count is difficult for some, but put a little effort into it!

[Grizalltheway]

It does seem like a lot of work just to get to this when you figure that the only teams that have an actual chance to win the World Cup are, and probably in order:

1. Brazil
2.
3.
4.
5. Spain (yeah, real big gap between the hosts and everyone else)
6. Italy
7. Argentina
8. Germany
9. Netherlands

And that's really it. I mean, it's fun to watch happen, but the end result is pretty well known. It's become the NBA playoffs in a way, very predictable.

Just wanted to bump this to see how it turns out. And, see how "predictable" the World Cup is.

Spain is eliminated.
Italy just got beat by Costa Rica (but, still probably through to the knockout)

Italy probably through? Uruguay knows they have to win against them, and if Italy play the way they did today, Suarez is going to shit all over them.

[JMU DJ]

Just wanted to bump this to see how it turns out. And, see how "predictable" the World Cup is.

Spain is eliminated.
Italy just got beat by Costa Rica (but, still probably through to the knockout)

Italy probably through? Uruguay knows they have to win against them, and if Italy play the way they did today, Suarez is going to shit all over them.

My money's on Lil' Luis and the Hand of God.

[GannonFan]

Just wanted to bump this to see how it turns out. And, see how "predictable" the World Cup is.

Spain is eliminated.
Italy just got beat by Costa Rica (but, still probably through to the knockout)

Italy probably through? Uruguay knows they have to win against them, and if Italy play the way they did today, Suarez is going to **** all over them.

Remember, though, Italy hasn't won the second game in a World Cup group for some time now, and the streak continues. Suarez is dynamite, for sure, but the rest of Uruguay didn't look any better against the Ticos than Italy did. Should be a great game, though. And remember, Italy is ahead in GD, so Uruguay has to win. If it's a tie Italy is through.

[GannonFan]

Italy probably through? Uruguay knows they have to win against them, and if Italy play the way they did today, Suarez is going to **** all over them.

My money's on Lil' Luis and the Hand of God.

I was always fine with him purposely hand balling that shot. I never understood the anger from people about that. It's not like he got away with it - Ghana got the PK shot and he got tossed from that game and the game after it. He took the punishment. Wasn't his fault that Ghana blew the PK then and in the shootout.

[JMU DJ]

My money's on Lil' Luis and the Hand of God.

I was always fine with him purposely hand balling that shot. I never understood the anger from people about that. It's not like he got away with it - Ghana got the PK shot and he got tossed from that game and the game after it. He took the punishment. Wasn't his fault that Ghana blew the PK then and in the shootout.

I'm not mad at him, he saved the game and put it on Ghana. I'd understand if he did it again (as he said he would). If he's willing to take the card/suspension for his team, so be it. I mean clearly, at that moment it was "stop them at all cost." Just look at the other defender, arms outstretched, which is the opposite of what you are taught defending inside the box. Knowing that Lil' Luis has been hot all year, is coming off a good game, and is willing to do anything to win puts his team a leg up over an old Italian team to me.

Spoiler: show

Luis's still a dirty, cheating shitbag though

[tribe_pride]

I was always fine with him purposely hand balling that shot. I never understood the anger from people about that. It's not like he got away with it - Ghana got the PK shot and he got tossed from that game and the game after it. He took the punishment. Wasn't his fault that Ghana blew the PK then and in the shootout.

I'm not mad at him, he saved the game and put it on Ghana. I'd understand if he did it again (as he said he would). If he's willing to take the card/suspension for his team, so be it. I mean clearly, at that moment it was "stop them at all cost." Just look at the other defender, arms outstretched, which is the opposite of what you are taught defending inside the box. Knowing that Lil' Luis has been hot all year, is coming off a good game, and is willing to do anything to win puts his team a leg up over an old Italian team to me.

Spoiler: show

Luis's still a dirty, cheating shitbag though

Absolutely agree with both of you. You have to take the handball at that point or you are not playing to win. It's a PK and red card but it's worth it at that point in the game.

And if he needed to, you know that Suarez would bite an opponent (or teammate?), pretend he has been shot and go down hard to the ground, or whine to the ref for a whole game to get Uruguay to advance over Italy. I hate that guy big time but he is great and did the right thing last World Cup.

[GannonFan]

Spoiler: show

Luis's still a dirty, cheating shitbag though

[SuperHornet]

I can't believe this guy channeling his inner Tyson.

[Grizo406]

The MOST PERFECT corn on the cob that I've ever had the pleasure of eating is served up at the Western Montana Fair. This year's dates for said event will be 5 August through 10 August.

The ears of corn that are served are perfect in every way!



It causes me some concern that a dickhead like Luis Suarez is still out there...with so many unprotected corn plants left unattended!

Another reason I don't care for soccer.

[89Hen]

The ears of corn that are served are perfect in every way!

Why is it yellow?

[CAA Flagship]

The MOST PERFECT corn on the cob that I've ever had the pleasure of eating is served up at the Western Montana Fair. This year's dates for said event will be 5 August through 10 August.

The ears of corn that are served are perfect in every way!



It causes me some concern that a dickhead like Luis Suarez is still out there...with so many unprotected corn plants left unattended!

Another reason I don't care for soccer.

Montana may have perfect looking corn, but how does it taste?
I would put Jersey corn up against Montana corn in a taste test.
http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/jersey-sweet-corn/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Grizo406]

Montana may have perfect looking corn, but how does it taste?
I would put Jersey corn up against Montana corn in a taste test.
http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/jersey-sweet-corn/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ya' can't help but win that one. You're startin' with the hybrid, silver queen...which, IMO, is UNFAIR!!!

[grizzaholic]

Montana may have perfect looking corn, but how does it taste?
I would put Jersey corn up against Montana corn in a taste test.
http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/jersey-sweet-corn/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ya' can't help but win that one. You're startin' with the hybrid, silver queen...which, IMO, is UNFAIR!!!

Grizo...he is obviously using performance enhancing nutrients.

[Grizo406]

Ya' can't help but win that one. You're startin' with the hybrid, silver queen...which, IMO, is UNFAIR!!!

Grizo...he is obviously using performance enhancing nutrients.

Although its very, very good, I wouldn't be surprised it those EC'ers force fed enhancing nutrients to all the shellfish...

[SuperHornet]

The good news: The dude with the case of the munchies is gone for four months, per FIFA.

The bad news: the US draw. Not that FIFA is "out to get us" or anything like that, but this is one tough row to hoe, so to speak. If we get past Belgium (a bad job in and of itself), we'll face either Switzerland or Argentina. We probably stand a pretty good chance against La Suisse, but Argentina will be MUCH harder. And if we get past the quarterfinals, there's a VERY good chance we play a pretty decent Mexican team in the semis. And then there's the likelihood of either facing Brazil or having a re-match against a stoked German squad in the finals.

This will be VERY hard. I won't say it's impossible, but it's pretty dang close....

[BlueHen86]

The good news: The dude with the case of the munchies is gone for four months, per FIFA.

The bad news: the US draw. Not that FIFA is "out to get us" or anything like that, but this is one tough row to hoe, so to speak. If we get past Belgium (a bad job in and of itself), we'll face either Switzerland or Argentina. We probably stand a pretty good chance against La Suisse, but Argentina will be MUCH harder. And if we get past the quarterfinals, there's a VERY good chance we play a pretty decent Mexican team in the semis. And then there's the likelihood of either facing Brazil or having a re-match against a stoked German squad in the finals.

This will be VERY hard. I won't say it's impossible, but it's pretty dang close....

I can't complain about the draw now. The draw for the group stage sucked, but once you get to the knockout stage everyone is tough. We finished second in our group. so we are going to get a group champion. I'd rather face Belgium than face Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands or France.

[SuperHornet]

86: Agreed....

[GannonFan]

86: Agreed....

Yup, everyone is tough now, can't complain about the difficulty once you get to the Round of 16 and further. Gotta play someone.

[CAA Flagship]

http://www.app.com/story/sports/2014/07 ... /12144723/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

RIO DE JANEIRO — Since Day 1, when Brazil put three past Croatia, the World Cup has enjoyed a goal deluge as sustained as an Amazon forest downpour.

A combination of factors gelled to put Brazil on a trajectory to smash the record for most goals at any of the 20 World Cups.

The target to beat is 171, from France in 1998. That could be surpassed in the semifinals or July 13 final in Brazil. Already, the 154 goals here — with eight games still to play — are more than in South Africa in 2010 or Germany in 2006.

Naturally, having 32 teams — the format since 1998 — produces more goals than earlier World Cups with 24, 16 or as few as 13 teams.

But the ratio of 2.75 goals per game in Brazil is impressive, too. Organizer FIFA says that is the best average through this stage of the competition since 1986.

Here are reasons why goal-scorers have felt so at home:

Fitness

Thank not just players but their fitness trainers, too. Teams prepared superbly for the heat, humidity and arduous travel between far-flung venues. Players are coping remarkably from the exertions and accumulated fatigue of a match every five or six days.

Better fitness and endurance is allowing teams to attack at higher speeds for sustained periods and to threaten for longer. Players wilted and cramped at some hotter venues and in games taken into extra time, but perhaps not as dramatically as they might have done 10 or 20 years ago.

"We thought that with the weather conditions here in Brazil … teams were going to be very economical with the expenditure of efforts," said former Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh, now on a FIFA panel dissecting the play, tactical innovations and other on-field trends of this World Cup.

"It's been end-to-end stuff."

Home advantage

Teams from the Americas looked as comfy as Brazilian sunbathers on Copacabana beach, and swept up half of the last 16 places.

"The South American teams have got a sort of aggressive bite here which I don't see when they travel away from their base," said former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, also part of the FIFA study group.

Forwards on form

Attackers who forgot to pack their scoring boots for South Africa brought them to Brazil. Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie scored three in total for the Netherlands in 2010. In Brazil, they've netted that many each before their quarterfinal chance to score more against Costa Rica.

Five goals made Germany's Thomas Mueller top scorer in 2010, but won't be enough in Brazil. James Rodriguez already has five for Colombia. Scoreless in South Africa, Lionel Messi has four for Argentina. So do Mueller and Brazil's Neymar.

"We think that one of the main reasons we have so many goals is because we have a generation of outstanding strikers," Houllier said.

Tactics

Coaches have been rewarded for fielding attacking formations. Against Iran, Argentina started an awesome forward trio of Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero — almost too much firepower.

Some teams slimmed down to three players in defense, allowing full backs to roam forward, swamp the midfield and enable midfielders to then push into the danger zones too. Teams are turning defense into attack with lightning speed, as Chile did in humbling dethroned champion Spain 2-0.

"Some of the games have been like hockey or basketball, just going from one goal to another," Houllier said. "It's like a stream of players going forward."

Players possibly also felt an extra need for flair because Brazil is the land of football as art.

"Everybody has come out blazing," Oliseh said.

The ball

Players roundly criticized the 2010 ball for taking crazy dips and dives and even FIFA's study group noted it "picked up incredible speed."

But the 2014 ball has worked fine, as Rodriguez proved with the best goal so far, chesting it down and volleying in.

Teams got the ball months in advance to practice with it.

Knowledge spread

With the globalization of football, the gap in skills and know-how between the best and worst teams continues to shrink. Supposed minnows proved to be piranhas in Brazil, unawed by their supposedly more illustrious prey.

Playing abroad brings experience that footballers repatriate to their national teams, strengthening them. Sage foreign coaches have helped, too. Costa Rica's 23 players work in 11 different countries and have a coach from Colombia. They beat former champions Uruguay and Italy, along with 2004 European champion Greece, on their way to their quarterfinals on Saturday.

"It's not easy to beat even the smaller nations. Everyone's improving and world football is evolving," France defender Mamadou Sakho said. "Everyone is improving technically, tactically and physically."

AP sports writer Jerome Pugmire contributed from Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.

[Grizalltheway]

Germany up 1-0 on the frogs after 12 minutes