July 1, 201410 yr That was the match of the tournament, never expected USA to come back with a goal. I think Belgium could beat Argentina after seeing them playing earlier, their game was so boring I nearly gave up, both teams just didn't have the heart in it.
July 1, 201410 yr The final 8 are just the 8 group winners then - is this what usually happens? Nearly happened last time, just the USA messing up and letting Ghana help eliminate Group C before the quarters. It didn't happen in 2006 (runners up from G and H made it) and definitely not in 2002 (not even gonna start over there), don't know about earlier. You have to imagine group winners are normally at an advantage though.
July 1, 201410 yr Nearly happened last time, just the USA messing up and letting Ghana help eliminate Group C before the quarters. It didn't happen in 2006 (runners up from G and H made it) and definitely not in 2002 (not even gonna start over there), don't know about earlier. You have to imagine group winners are normally at an advantage though. They're at an advantage of course but you'd think at least one 'upset' would occur out of 8 chances.
July 1, 201410 yr That was the match of the tournament, never expected USA to come back with a goal. I think Belgium could beat Argentina after seeing them playing earlier, their game was so boring I nearly gave up, both teams just didn't have the heart in it. Indeed. The players for both sides just looked bored. Was slightly annoyed Argentina got in right at the end, it almost seemed fairer going to penalties after how dull they played in the match. The US did so well to hold off Belgium for all that time, and even when it looked like a conclusive win for them, they still really went for it. That would've been a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.
July 1, 201410 yr They're at an advantage of course but you'd think at least one 'upset' would occur out of 8 chances. Put it this way though, there were no real 'shock' group winners - the ones that tend to falter in Round 2 - aside from Costa Rica and they probably got the easiest second-placer of the tournament to face. The big teams who powered through in first didn't, aside from Brazil and maybe Belgium, have much to really challenge them on paper. Several of the matches were pretty close though so it could have easily gone another way, Algeria, Chile, Mexico and the USA in particular gave good accounts of themselves so they were quite unlucky not to put at least one runner-up in the quarters.
July 1, 201410 yr Usually we have a big upset by now, but there's not been one yet. All the quarter-finals are pretty evenly matched apart from the Costa Rica-Holland one in terms of expectations and what not. Expect it will happen if Colombia beat Brazil. All of the last 16 games have been really close, I'm not sure how it will be in the quarters. In none of the games I've seen so far, have I seen a team really go for it. Everyone's playing quite conservatively as to be expected I suppose.
July 1, 201410 yr I was sure about their draw result and I bet on it! Both of them were very good!! Belgium had many chances to score but U.S.A were fighters! The latter have very good goalkeeper too! The same happened with Argentina and Switzerland! I didn't expect that Switzerland would be so good team!
July 2, 201410 yr Am gutted that the US squad lost 2-1 in extra time....US goalie Tim Howard had one helluva match, recording 16 saves against the Belgians...perhaps now the US squad, with this effort, won't be frowned upon so badly...at least that's how I see it, where footy is a much bigger game than here in the US...
July 2, 201410 yr The final 8 are just the 8 group winners then - is this what usually happens? I found that a bit amusing as well but I know it's merely a coincidence since Costa Rica and Brazil could've easily not got through on penalties. At the same time it's great to see that group winners actually defended their position.
July 2, 201410 yr Just found out via BBC that it's actually the first time that's ever happened! Group winners making the QFs have shown an increasing trend in recent years. 1998 6 2002 4 2006 6 2010 7 2014 8
July 3, 201410 yr Any QF predictions then? A lot of people on other forums think Colombia will knock the hosts out but I can't see it and thet're 4/1 so if you truly think that then it's worth a tenner. I say Brazil, Holland, Germany and Argentina will be the 4 semi-finalists. I think Germany will be too strong for France. Edited July 4, 201410 yr by Common Sense
July 3, 201410 yr I think it's going to be Colombia vs. France Holland vs. Belgium (This'd be amazing tbh)
July 3, 201410 yr I reckon Belgium could beat Argentina judging on how both teams played in their matches this week. We're surely due one big upset soon (that's not in the group stages at least)?
July 3, 201410 yr I say Brazil, Holland, Germany and Argentina will be the 4 semi-finalists. I think Germany will be too strong for France. +1 Although if Colombia made the semi finals then that would be nice. Not too bothered who makes it as long as France don't.
July 4, 201410 yr I'm actually thinking the 4 finalists will be Colombia, France, Argentina and Netherlands. Although Costa Rica getting to the Top 4 would be amazing.
July 4, 201410 yr Author My predictions have been awful this tournament, but I'm going with Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Netherlands
July 4, 201410 yr Germany in the Top 4 then! I don't see them beating either Colombia or Brazil though, but I'm always really bad at predicting so expecting them to win the whole thing oops
Create an account or sign in to comment