FIFA World Cup 3/4 Final and Championship

Once again I had a split decision with my FIFA World Cup semi final predictionns.  I was tempted to say that Germany would run away with it against Brazil in my prediction but I used more discretion.  Turns out a bolder prediction would have probably even fallen short of the anihalation that Germany pulled off against the home favorites.

I do feel for the Brazilian fans.  I remember wanting the United States to do better than they did back when the World Cup was held here in 1994 I believe. I did not expect a championship but I hoped for a deep run into the tournament that never came to be.  I know that my disapointment for the U.S.A. back then and even now does not even compare to what the Brazilian people must feel.  With that said, as a die hard Mets/Chargers and Islanders fan my entire life I have a little bit better sense for the heart break that comes with losing.  The perspective I do not have even with my fandom in those sports is that of a fan who is used to his team being dominant or used to his team having a storied history and the expectation that comes with that kind of sustained success.  I imagine when you're used to disapointment you have to mitigate the sting a bit or you would be in perpetual depression.  When you're not used to disapointment then I think the sting of defeat might feel sharper to those people.

As I type Brazil is competing against Holland for the 3/4th place finish.  I want Brazil to win because the Holland coach supposedly made some kind of comment playing down the importance of the 3/4 match up.  I say supposedly because I heard about his comment from a third party and have not looked into them myself as of yet.  IF something like what I was told is true than I would definitely support Brazil.  Plus it would be nice for them to save some face anyway after the difficult and embarrassing lose to Germany. 

I predicted the Netherlands would make the finals against Germany in an all Euro FIFA final.  Argentina however held up their end of the bargin in the originally favored final of Brazil v. Argentina.  I think that both the Netherlands and Argentina played a defensive minded game and were evenly matched.  I still hate the penalty kick as a deciding factor in this sport.  As much as I've come to enjoy football I do not know if I'll ever feel comfortable with excepting the penalty kick as a deciding factor in important games.  Even though I expected the Netherlands to come out on top I am happy that Argentina won.  Messi has been my favorite player in the tournament and I wanted to see him win a title once the U.S. was eliminated.

Semi Final Prediction: the Netherlands 2 Brazil 1.  I think that Brazil will show much better in the 3/4 place final then they did against Germany.  I believe though that without Neymar and after the difficulties and stresses of the loss to Germany that a more talented Netherlands team takes it.  I HOPE though that Brazil is able to prove me wrong and give their fans at least a small sense of redemption and pride for a team they had such great expectations for.

Finals Prediction:  Germany 4 Argentina 2.  I think that the final will be a wide open contest with both teams showing off their offensive chops.  I was extremely impressed though by Argentina's goal tender during the penalty portion of their match against Holland.  The German goal tender has impressed me a lot during the entire tournament and I believe should another penalty kick situation arise that he would be much more up to the test than the Dutch goalie was.   I have hopes for both Argentina and Germany in the final.  I would like to see Argentina win because I think that Messi deserves to have a World Cup title on his already impressive resume.  I also have made some online friends from Argentina over the years.  I would like to see Germany win because from a team stand point they have impressed me the most of any team in the tournament.  I also have online friends from Germany who I would be happy for should the German side win.  Not to mention that it would be kind of nice to see the top team from the U.S. group take the title, with the knowledge that the U.S.A. played a close 1-0 contest agains the eventual World Champion.  My biggest hope is that the final will not come down to penalty kicks.  I would like to see one team or the other win it in either regulation or extra time.

After the Championship match tommorrow I hope to give my final thoughts on this year's FIFA World Cup. 

FIFA World Cup Semi Final Match Ups

The semi finals are now wet with Brazil, Germany, Argentia and Netherlands advancing out of the last round.  I finished 2-2 in the last round as my hope for Colombia and France faded in two closly contested match ups against Brazil and Germany.

First Semi Final: Brazil v. Germany

The big controversy of the World Cup to this point had been Luis Suarez's affinity for biting opponents but that was trumped in the Colombia v Brazil match when National Hero,  Neymar broke a bone in his back after having been kneed in there by a Colombian player.  Leave it to the Sports world to provide the best reality dramas on t.v. today.  Will Brazil collapse without their Super Striker?  Or will the team find inspiration and relief do to lowered expectations and surge into the finals by defeating a German team that became the first team in World Cup history to reach the semi finals four World Cup tournaments in a row?

I like the way both teams have played.  I just wonder if Brazil will lose their flare and lose heart without Neymar.  I think this game really hinges on the first half.  If Brazil is even or ahead at the half I don't see them losing to Germany.  The confidene gained with a first half lead  or goal less tie will be enough as the home crowd carries them the rest of the way.   If Germany can score an early goal then I think we might see the Brazilians succumb to the stresses that have weighed upon them for a good deal of the tournament and lose by 2 or 3 goals. 

Prediction: Germany 2 Brazil 0

I think that the loss of Neymar is too much to overcome against a solid and experienced German team that has been here often and will not feel the pressure that Brazil will in front of its home crowd with a berth in the World Cup Finals at stake.

Second Semi Final: Argentina v. The Netherlands

The Netherlands were a finalist last World Cup and have a talented group of players who are chomping at the bit to get back to the finals and bring home the countries first World Cup championship.  They have several accomoplished players who can put the ball in the back of the net of their opposition.  I think that the number of dangerous offensive players on the Netherlands team gives them an edge over Argentina.

Argentina has the best player on the planet though in Lionel Messi and virtually every goal that the team has scored this tournament has been directly off the foot of Messi or an assist from Messi to one of the other Argentinians.  Messi's importance can not be understated.  Can the Neterlands come up with a game plan to keep him in check and force the other Argentinian footballers to step up?  Will Argetina be lifted on the capable shoulders of Messi Dependence and complete the much anticipated Brazil v Argentina final so many were hoping for?

Prediction: Argentina 2 Netherlands 3

I think that what has been a high scoring tournament thus far will prove to carry out to form in this semi finals match up.   Messi will have an impact as he has all tournament long but that the Netherlands talent up front will provide just enough fire power to counter Messi's star power and get them a return visit to the World Cup Finals.  The Netherlands will then have their eyes and hearts set on the country's first World Championship in a battle against Germany.  The all Euro final may disapoint the South American fans but fate struck a cruel blow to the Brazilians chances and Argentina will need to depend on someone else to step up alongside Messi if they hope to add a 3rd World title to their ledger.  

World Cup Brazil: Review and Round of Sixteen Picks

The first round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil has wrapped up and having watched several of the matches I feel a bit more confident in my selections going forward.  I've been very impressed with the skill level, particularly of many of the Worlds top players like Lionel Messi from Argentina, Christiano Ronaldo from Portugal, Neymar Jr. from Brazil, Robin Van Persie from the Netherlands, Jackson Martinez of Colombia and Thomas Muller of Germany.  It's going to be a close battle for the Golden Boot, which goes to the highest scorer during the World Cup.  I believe that Messi, Neymar, Muller and perhaps one other player are tied for the top spot with 4 goals through 3 games.

Here's how I did on my Group Play selections and how I think teams will do in the Round of 16.

*editorial note: The Brazil/Chile match has already taken place prior to the publication of this but the quick turn-a-round from group play to the elimination rounds made it difficult for me to post this before the first match.  I have no knowledge of the outcome of the match though, so I stand by my prediction and if it's right on the money you'll just have to take my word for it. haha

Group A Review: Brazil and Mexico advance

I picked Mexico 3rd in this group and they surprised me a little bit.  I knew they'd be tough, but I did not expect them to draw Brazil, after a brilliant performance from their goal tender against the host nation gave them belief and hope for a deep run.  I picked Brazil and Croatia to advance.  The Croats were a bit disapointing and couldn't quite put enough together to get out of the group.

Group B Review: Netherlands and Chile advance

I picked the Netherlands and defending champion Spain to advance.  I don't know that I would qualify Spain as the biggest disapointment of the tournament yet because I think a lot of people knew their run of international dominance was tettering on the edge.  I think being the first team eliminated though was a bit of a surprise to most and for my part I thought they had enough to win this group and get to the round of 16. >.<  So I was 50/50 again in my picks for group two.  I saw Chile play and was very impressed with their amount of ball possession. 

ROUND of 16 Group A vs. Group B match ups:

Brazil v. Chile

Netherlands v. Mexico

Predictions: Brazil has a tough, tough match against Chile who has looked like one of the best teams overall thus far.  I think being the host nation and having the magic of Neymar is just enough to carry Brazil past Chile in the knock out round.  An early Brazilian goal will win the day as they face a number of challenges and close misses from Chile the rest of the match.   Brazil 1 Chile 0

I doubted Mexico's resolve after their gift entry into the tournament but they have proven to be a very deserving entry with their advance to the round of 16. The Netherlands have star power on Offense that will be a difficult challenge for the Mexican goalie who thus far has been up to the test.  Another close contest sees Mexico fall to the Nethlerlands who have just enough offense to push them into the Round of 8.  Netherlands 2 Mexico 1

Group C Review: Colombia and Greece advance

YAY!  I finally picked a group 100 percent correctly.  I had Colombia advancing atop a group that they ultimately dominated and I had Greece as my sentimental favorite to advance.  Greece pulled off a minor miracle to get themselves out of the first group and proves that sentiment sometimes wins out over plain old common sense!  The Ivory Coast and Japan had their struggles but should hold their heads high for having made the tournament which is no easy feat in its own right.

Group D Review: Costa Rica and Uruguay advance

Well, the one team in the tournament that I summarily dismissed as having a chance in Costa Rica went on to show how much Jon Bear knows about International Football by winning this group handily.  >.<  *the scrunchy face has many meanings and this time it's embarrassment*.  So not ONLY is Costa Rica a beautiful country to visit, but they have very talented soccer players as well.  They also join The U.S.A. and Mexico as one of a record 3 CONCAF *hope I'm spelling that right* teams to make it out of group play.  GO Central and North America!  At least Uruguay salvaged some personal pride for me by advancing and keeping at least one of the two teams I predicted to advance alive in the tournament.  Italy kind of got a raw deal I thought and poor England probably underachieved a bit.

Round of 16 Group C vs. Group D match ups:

Greece v. Costa Rica

Uruguay v. Colombia

Predictions: Greece and Costa Rica may have been the two biggest surprise entrants to the round of 16.  Considering that both teams are new to the fan fare and hoop-la surrounding the event at this stage, I could see a bit of "stage fright" coming into play for one or both of them.  Greece as my sentimental favorite was nice enough to come through for me against all odds.  I believe Costa Rice played better football in advancing out of their group.  With that said, I'm sticking with my sentimental favorite in an unlikely high scoring affair.  Greece 3 Costa Rica 3 with Greece winning on free kicks after extra time.  Oh, and Costa Rica is a nice place to visit. >.<

Uruguay advanced amidst much controversy when one of their players Luis Suarez decided to take a bite out of the shoulder of one of his opponents.  Suarez was a major offensive juggernaut for Uruguay and apparently the only thing that rivals his skill on the pitch is his hunger for human flesh.  Suarez was suspended from International play for 9 games I believe, which should ultimately end his tournament.  Colombia looked to me to be one of the most impressive teams in the opening round.  I like their style of play and their confidence.  Without Suarez, in an ironic twist, it's now Uruguay who's "snake bitten".  Uruguay's bad karma results in a blow out.  Colombia 3 Uruguay 0

Group E Review:  France and Switzerland advance

 I thought that the WHINE from 2010's World Cup would leave France with a major hang-over going into this years tournament and I could not have been more wrong.  France played a dominant game in easily securing this group and the 2014 version of French football seems to be of a premium vintage.  Ecuador and Honduras both looked overmatched in group E as the Swiss took an easy second place in the group.  Once again I finished 50/50 in my selections.  I should have known better than to doubt the wine and cheese combination and I will not make the same mistake in 2018.

Group F Review:  Argentina and Nigeria advance

 Another 50/50 for Jon Bear in this group.  Argentina, or should I say, Lionel Messi was the class of group F.  Without "Messi Dependance" I'm not sure where the Argentines would have finished in this group.  A las, they won the group of the foot of the best player in the world.  The Argentines will need a stronger "team" performance going forward if they hope to advance to the finals as many expected them to at the start of the FIFA World Cup.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran both played admirably and provided a real test for Argentina and Nigeria.  The Nigerian footballers had to deal with some horrible tragedies do to the disgusting bombings which killed innocent people in their home country during two World Cup matches. Their play in light of the tragedies their countrymen and women have faced is inspiring and I hope that they will continue to do well in the tournament and that those who organized and carried out the bombings will be apprehended and punished.

Round of 16 Group E vs. Group F match ups:

Argentina v. Switzerland

France v. Nigeria

Predictions: As a neveux football fan I have been completely blown away by the dominance of Messi.  It's always fun to see someone excel in anything and especially in athletics played on such a high level.  I have enjoyed watching the Swiss play and I think that as a team they've played better than Argentina has.  With that said, I want to see Messi play more football and I'm giving his teammates the chance to catch up to his performance and not be entirely "Messi Dependant". I think this is the best game for Argentina thus far and they beat the Swiss without having to sweat things out too much.  Argentina 3  Switzerland 1

France looked like the best team along with Colombia to me in the opening round of play.  Nigeria has played wonderfully and especially so under some very trying circumstances.  I have to admit that I would like to see Nigeria advance here.  I do NOT think they will let the bombings at home distract them on the field of play.  I think France will get it's biggest test of the tournament so far but survive and advance.  France 2  Nigeria 2 France wins on free kicks following the extra time.

Group G Review:  Germany and United States of America advance

 I predicted Ghana and Germany to advance out of Group G and in all honesty I think they both played the best football of the teams in the "Group of Death".  With that said, I am happy that the U.S.A. proved me wrong and advanced in this group to once again put me at 50/50 in my selections.  I think that the U.S.A. played well against Ghana but had their best game in the tie against Portugal no thanks to Ronaldo's amazing pass to set up the tie scenario with 3 seconds remaining. Ideally the U.S. would have advanced a top the group if not for that tie with Portugal, but Ronaldo also became our savior in the match against Ghana when his rebound goal in the 80th minute of that match pushed the U.S.A. into round 2.  Germany played great against the U.S. and Portugal, but look a bit vulneralbe in their tie with Ghana.

Group H Review: Belgium and Algeria advance

Once again Jon Bear proved his International Football predicting prowess by correctly selecting BOTH Belgium and Algeria out of Group H.  So in all I predicted 10 out of 16 teams correctly to advance to the round of 16.  In what was a particularly topsy turvey first round I think that was pretty good.  *pats self on back*.  I think that this group was one of the weeker groups in the tournament and Belgium and Algeria didn't even stand out as head and shoulders above the competition until the last games were played.  I DO think that Belgium and Algeria have better play ahead of them though and will be tough outs in the elimination rounds.

Round of 16 Group G vs. Group H match ups

Germany v. Algeria

Belgium v. United States of America

Predictions:  Algeria has a quality team and Germany showed some weaknesses against Ghana that Algeria would be smart to exploit.  The question is can they?  I think the Germans rebounded nicely against the U.S.A. and showed that they are in it to win it.  I think Algeria may also take a bit from the U.S.A.'s performance against Germany and play something of a defensive style, hoping for a draw that brings the game down to free kicks.  A lot of what Algeria will do will work, but the German's will have just enough to squeak by without having to face the dreaded coin flip that is the free kick.  Germany 1 Algeria 0

Belgium has a pretty strong football history and even though no team played great in group H, Belgium was definitely deserving of the top spot in the group.  The U.S.A. has played smart and kept things close by alternating their style to counter their opponents biggest strength.  I think that works in the group stages but will not work going forward.  I think the U.S.A. realizes this though and try to open things up a bit more now that they are in the knock out stage.  For better or worse, I'm sticking with my home country now.  They've always had my support, but not always my confidence and belief.  Now I believe that we will win.  But it ain't gonna be easy! >.<  USA 2 Belgium 2 USA wins on free kicks after extra time (thanks Mr. Howard)

So there you have it!  A full review of my first round predictions and prognostications for the second round.  Here's to hoping I've learned a thing or two by watching most of these teams play.  As always Go Team U.S.A.!  

FIFA World Cup 2014 (predictions included)

source

Call me late to the party, but I have to admit that in the last few years I've begun to enjoy soccer (football) a bit more and have a cheering interest for the U.S. team come the World Cup every four years now.  This really began to ratchet up for me four years ago as I watched more FIFA World Cup matches that year than the number I had watched in the previous 9 world cups that I've been alive for.  I believe the only other year I watched any matches was in 1994 when the USA hosted the World Cup.  Why the sudden interest in a sport I never followed before?

I think I can attribute it to a few things.  International Football is televised more than ever before now so I hear the names and occasionally see the star players from other countries more than in the past.  While I do not understand all the rules of Soccer I had the opportunity to watch soccer live a few times for three or four years while my niece played the sport for her high school team.  Watching those games gave me a little bit more knowledge of the rules even though I am by no means an expert on them now.  I think the U.S. success four years ago relative to how they have done in the past also factored in a bit.  It was nice to see the U.S. get out of their first round group and it built some hope and expectation for the future. 

I didn't just watch to see the U.S. play though.  I watched as many of the matches as I could and it was fun to see the talent of teams like Spain and Brazil and Germany, but also exciting to pull for some of the less notable teams trying to pull a major upset.  The FIFA World Cup seems to function as something of a Olympics for one sport.  There is an excitement in the pomp and celebratory nature of the event as it is exhibited by the home country and by the fans of all the teams competing.

Here are the predictions of a very novice World Cup Soccer fan for the teams I expect to survive and advance during the first round.  If I'm right, the top two teams from each group advance.  If I'm wrong then my predictions won't mean a thing.  Haha... well, here goes...

The teams in bold print advance

GROUP A

Brazil 
Cameroon
Croatia 
Mexico

I know that Brazil is supposed to be one of the favorites to win it all every year and I would think that is especially true as the host country this year.  Mexico gets the most press here of any team outside of the United States.  I know the expectations are high but that they needed a bit of an assist from the U.S. team to make the tournament.  Perhaps they ride the momentum of their recent play and make it out of group A, but I'm betting on the Croats to advance along with the Brazilians.  ranking: Brazil-Croatia-Mexico-Cameroon

GROUP B

Australia
Chile

Netherlands
Spain

OUCH!  The news here says that the U.S. is in the "pool of death" with regards to their group, but looking at group B I can't say this one would be much fun to be in either.  My sentimental pick would be Australia, but my head must take priority over the heart on this one.  Spain is a perennial powerhouse and the defending champion.  The Netherlands are returning as the runner ups in 2010.  Chile and Australia are up against it in this group.  ranking: Spain-Netherlands-Chile-Australia (sorry Carlyn >.<)  I hope Australia pulls the upset though and advances. 

GROUP C

Colombia
Cote D'Ivorie
Greece
Japan

Hmmm.  An interesting group here.  I have to humbly admit that I never heard of Cote D'Ivorie in my life.  I had no idea it even existed. >.< (embarrassed face) Unless it's the French name for the Ivory Coast? So please excuse my ignorance here.  I know South America has a long and great history in Soccer so Colombia should expect to get out of this group.   Japan is improving a lot recently and could be a force to reckon with in the future.  I don't like to count them out here but I'm going to say Greece and Cote D'Ivorie (I like the name) fight it out for the second spot.  Sometimes you just need to use advanced metrics a la liking a team name to predict their success.  Greece has had a rough go of things though recently (not talking soccer here) and could use a pick-me-up.  So Greece is the sentimental choice over the other sentimental choice of Cote D-Ivorie.  ranking: Colombia-Greece-Cote D'Ivorie-Japan

GROUP D

Costa Rica
England
Italy
Uruguay

I'm realizing that none of these things are easy to pick as I go group by group.  I seem to remember Uruguay doing well 4 years ago and while I know that does not guarantee anything this time I think they edge England who is always a tough out for the second spot.  If I recall correctly Italy was one of the favorites 4 years ago and underachieved.  Perhaps now they are flying a bit under the radar and overachieve?  I think Italy takes a closely bunched group.  Costa Rica is a beautiful vacation spot. =)  (I like to say something good about every team) Hopefully Jon Bear did not just get his rights to travel to Costa Rica revoked.  ranking: Italy-Uruguay-England-Costa Rica

GROUP E

Ecuador
France
Honduras
Switzerland 

Why do I feel like this group should be thrown into a hat and I should just pick teams out?  I remember a lot of controversy around the French team during the last World Cup.  I think that the shadows of the past rise up and bite the French, with Ecuador edging them out barely for the second spot in group E.  The Swiss make Swiss Cheese of this group.  Sorry I could not resist the cheesy reference.  OMG I just did it again! >.<  Honduras should not be a walk over and it could be I have this group upside down.  ranking: Switzerland-Ecuador-France-Honduras

GROUP F

Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iran
Nigeria

Argentina's soccer legacy is legendary.  I have an online friend from Argentina which also makes me like to see them do well.  I think Iran comes out on top of this group though as the possible surprise first round pick.  Argentina, Bosnia/Herzegovina and Nigeria fight it out for the second spot with Argentina getting the nod.  ranking: Iran-Argentina-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Nigeria

GROUP G

Germany
Ghana
Portugal
USA

The dreaded "GROUP OF DEATH", even though looking at it now I prefer this group to the one that Australia is in.  It may not matter as the U.S.A. has an uphill climb no matter how you look at it.  We're probably the consensus to take last in this group.  I have high hopes that we overachieve and advance.  With that said.  I've been making my picks with my head (mostly) and not my heart.  If I'm fair about things I must continue with that methodology.  I think that Renaldo will play for Portugal, but will he be 100 percent?  Are his injury issues just "posturing"?  I mean, I know soccer does not have anything like players who dive or fake injuries.  It's completely transparent right?  Well, if it's legit or if it's posturing I think that the injury issues around Portugal sink the Portuguese here.  Germany one of the favorites for the entire tournament take the group and Ghana who is no slouch takes second.  The U.S.A. makes a fun push for U.S. fans but it's not our year yet. =(  ranking: Germany-Ghana-USA-Portugal

GROUP H

Algeria
Belgium
Korea Republic
Russia

I think this group looks the least intimidating of the groups to me.  Belgium stands out to me, but picking the second team is more of a challenge.  I think it would be nice if Asia had a representative in the second round, but I think it's most likely that the Asian and  the North American continents get left out of the advance.  Can Russia build off the momentum of their Olympic successes?  Algeria has just enough to fend off Russia though in my opinion and advance.  ranking: Belgium-Algeria-Russia-Korea Republic

We'll see how it all works out in the end.  No matter what I hope that the tournament is as injury and controversy free as possible.  Sure those things make the tournaments more memorable but I feel for the athletes who compete and put their hearts and souls into the game.  Yeah, several of them are millionaires and many revered and idolized, so perhaps I should not feel too bad.  Playing for your country though often seems to bring out a pride that super cedes the sometimes prima donna nature of some of today's athletes.  Hopefully this year's tournament helps to grow my enthusiasm for this global sport.  Best of Luck to all!  but with that said... GO TEAM USA! =D

I look forward to making my second round picks and eating some crow when I get to pick team USA and Australia to make it to the finals! =D