Rio de Janiero - 2014 Fifa World Cup Thread

[FootballLight]

This **should** be the main article for the Fifa World Cup 2014 competition that happens in 10 days time. Lets try and keep the debate simple yet reasonable about all of the build-up, the stadiums, the countries, the players, the qualifying, the winners and most importantly, the "bought" 2022 World Cup.

Enjoy! (And... lets try and make this World Cup as good as possible considering all of the poor build-up, tragic deaths and he outrageous violence that has been happening over recent months)

[Duty281]

England to win the whole thing after defeating the Germans in the final!

That is all.

[FootballLight]

Love to see that happen. Although, if I was a betting man, I wouldn't bet on it.

[Duty281]

That reminds me, I really must gather my savings and lump it on Hodgson's lads to reign in Rio!

En-ger-land...En-ger-land!

[FootballLight]

So you're telling me you expect them to win it? I am hopeful you don't save/waste your money on England to win it. As much as I am backing them this World Cup, I would be respectful towards them and say that a Last 16 place would be acceptable this time around. The demands are high for the players, but considering the group they have got and where they could finish and potential nations in the Last 16 if they finish 2nd, then I would be satisfied but if they finish top of the group (which I'm not expecting), I should think they should at least get to the Quarter-Finals stage if not beyond! But for me, worst case scenario is they finish 3rd in the group, best case scenario is Semi-Finals at best. I'd be satisfied with Last 16, happy with a Quarter-Finals place.

[Duty281]

I think they can win it, with a touch of luck and a couple of players hitting a purple patch, I don't necessarily expect them to win it.

Yes, a safe little £20 on England will do me fine!

[NickisBHAFC]

I can't fu*king wait anymore!!! Buzzing.

[FootballLight]

£20 is ok then I suppose. I thought we were talking thousands of pounds because you said it like you were "saving up" so you could plonk a load of dosh of there.

You only have to wait 9 days, it's not a catastrophe, although the tension is really building up now.

[Duty281]

Don't worry, I'm only 18, £20 is all I seem to have saved at any one time!

[FootballLight]

Oh right. I'm never sure that's all. I'm a very judgmental character that's all. I'll assume that people are different to what they are. You can see how judgmental I am though as I didn't notice your age even though it is a part of your profile when you comment. I ignore key information like that about people before finding out the facts.

[Kurt N. Jurqa]

Fit in well with a few here then

[FootballLight]

Do you mean with me being judgmental.

[cherriesfna]

Don't worry someone already has a England world cup winners 2014 tattoo somewhere

[skyeman]

Don't worry someone already has a England world cup winners 2014 tattoo somewhere

I dislike tattoos but......each to their own.

The wife said when she got a little grass snake around her belly button twenty years ago whilst young it looked fantastic.

Now it is a boa 

[FootballLight]

Reus misses the World Cup. Big miss for him. Just when he is hitting his prime as well, he won't hit better form in his life at the moment. Ribery a little bit past it now but nevertheless, could be his last World Cup this? Or does he have one more in his locker?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Its a shame for Ribery that his last World Cup had mental France and now this time, with France a fresher side and the idiocy seemingly stripped from the squad, he will miss out with injury.

[FootballLight]

Come the next World Cup, he will be 35, that is no age for a winger in modern day football to be playing at the highest level unless they were still on great form, well prepared for a huge challenge and had incredible physical fitness. In a league match against easier opposition, very possible, similar weather conditions, poorer quality players and less fitness needed. All of this seems to be at a much bigger standard in the World Cup. It's a shame for Ribery, it really is. But that's life.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Indeed. He might still cut it behind the striker at 35, I get the feeling he'll have retired by then though. I'm not sure people are desperate to play in a Russian World Cup like they are to play in Brazil

[FootballLight]

I'd prefer playing in Russia because it just seems like a place that will be more organised, have more money to build bigger, better and more efficient stadiums for people. I'd prefer Russia than Brazil, as long as Vladimir Putin bucks up his ideas anyhow. But at 35, winger, striker or attacking midfielder, he'll have no chance of another World Cup now, or at least to a good enough standard imo.

[skyeman]

I personally {even with the Russian problems} would rather walk around the stadia and cities/towns in Russia than Brazil.

Behind schedule, deaths, riots, 62% thinking the money should have been spent internally and so on.

Frak you FIFA. And now we have Qatar.

The fans from all over the World need to stay in big groups whilst going out. SAD.

[FootballLight]

Its amazing to think that a country that doesn't even have its main stadium built yet, nevermind prepared for the opening game in 5 days time and a country that has "bought" the World Cup and people have moaned about it because of its lack of resources and activities that fits the needs of players and fans in country, can get a World Cup delivered to their country, that don't have such a sentimental value to football like us British people do, over countries with much more footballing style, talent and resources such as England, Spain, Italy, France, Germany etc. Its ridiculous to think that it is even possible for countries like Qatar to even get a look into hosting a World Cup, never mind have a chance/win the voting!

[skyeman]

Its amazing to think that a country that doesn't even have its main stadium built yet, nevermind prepared for the opening game in 5 days time and a country that has "bought" the World Cup and people have moaned about it because of its lack of resources and activities that fits the needs of players and fans in country, can get a World Cup delivered to their country, that don't have such a sentimental value to football like us British people do, over countries with much more footballing style, talent and resources such as England, Spain, Italy, France, Germany etc. Its ridiculous to think that it is even possible for countries like Qatar to even get a look into hosting a World Cup, never mind have a chance/win the voting!

^This 100%

Why can nothing be done against a corrupt FIFA.?

Why should European and others put their Leagues on hold for the winter because of bribes in 2022?

Why can't many national teams say NO MORE.

[FootballLight]

I can understand them wanting to put it in different venues across the World to try and stake the claim that British people have about football, that is a great passion for everyone. But they are picking the most ridiculous countries. Somalia should be the next country to host World Cup 2026. That sounds right? No Fifa, it doesn't. Argentina maybe not a bad place to host it or in Uruguay? Countries like that in South America? Or even the USA? Can't remember them having one, huge country. Even if you wanted to choose an African venue, pick a country that has a little bit of wealth, Nigeria maybe not bad for Africa but I wouldn't "want" them to host it personally.

[Duty281]

The USA have hosted the World Cup, in 1994.

I don't have much of a problem with Brazil hosting it; certainly the choices of Qatar and Russia are far more laden with obstacles and corruption.

[skyeman]

The USA have hosted the World Cup, in 1994.

I don't have much of a problem with Brazil hosting it; certainly the choices of Qatar and Russia are far more laden with obstacles and corruption.

With Brazil, i just have a high fear for fans. Then again, i would be afraid to walk alone in many cities at night.

[Guest]

Your be coming in a coffin blah, blah, blah......

[skyeman]

Your be coming in a coffin blah, blah, blah......

You don't think Brazillian cities are amongst the most dangerous on the planet?

Even the HO and Brazillian authorities have warned the fans.

[Guest]

It was a Sol Campbell p*** take, that was all. I'm sure it is dangerous & of course, wish for no trouble during the tournament.

[skyeman]

It was a Sol Campbell p*** take, that was all. I'm sure it is dangerous & of course, wish for no trouble during the tournament.

Ah sorry, never saw it. Me too, hope the WC is a success for Brazil.

[Ent]

I'm sure it will be. There were plenty of worries about South Africa and it worked out well.

Can't believe how many players are crocked for this tournament, it is such a shame.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I'd prefer playing in Russia because it just seems like a place that will be more organised, have more money to build bigger, better and more efficient stadiums for people. I'd prefer Russia than Brazil, as long as Vladimir Putin bucks up his ideas anyhow. But at 35, winger, striker or attacking midfielder, he'll have no chance of another World Cup now, or at least to a good enough standard imo.

Its not something players care for. What do you think is a bigger deal: A World Cup in the greatest nation to play football or one in Russia. One holds mass name value, another doesnt. As a kid, you'd dream of samba football.

Equally, whilst Brazil are a mess politically, you would consider it different to the draconian notion of Russian politics.

[Duty281]

So the Argentine football team have used a game of football to broadcast a disgraceful political view.

A banner was unfurled before their game against Slovenia saying "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas." This was a banner taken onto the pitch that the Argentine team stood behind and a team photograph was taken as well.

No my dear fellows, the Falklands are British as that is the will of the islanders and, therefore, democracy. Britain did not bow to tyranny in 1982 for good reason.

Shouldn't politics be kept out of football? Particularly when those politics aspire to use violence and intimidation to subjugate people to a despicable form of government.

[skyeman]

Not just saying it for the sake of it. But that really is a Frak disgrace for a sporting team to do that.

[Ent]

Football and the World Cup should stay well clear of politics - as should this thread.

[skyeman]

Looking forward to the opening extravaganza on Thursday.. Carnival type dancers, Latin American music. A shame J-Lo has pulled out though.

[Duty281]

Thinking Brazil should be comfortable; a 2, maybe 3, nil win over Croatia.

Less comfortable will be sitting through ITV's awful coverage!

[LastDamnation]

Croatia are a decent team, I reckon it'll be a draw

[Duty281]

Hope not, I've got £25 on the Brazillians!

The hosts have got home advantage, a good attacking force (and not just the riot police!) and they face a largely blunt Croatia team - with the obvious exception of Luka Modric and, possibly, Eduardo.

They should overwhelm Croatia.

[LastDamnation]

Rakitic Perisic and Mandzukic are all quality players. Admittedly Olic is past his peak and Jelavic is awful :P

[Duty281]

Mandzukic is out of the Brazil game because he's suspended.  

[Fernando]

Apparently Neymar has been injured in training, WC participation in doubt currently.

[FootballLight]

Politics and business is just what is ruining football nowadays. All of this that is happening in Brazil, workers are dying, people are rioting in the streets and it just isn't safe for people to go there, enjoy a game of football on the elite stage and then come back knowing they have had a great time, I'd certainly be concerned if I was a fan going to Brazil.

But it isn't like I wouldn't be in Russia at the moment. All of this conflict between them and Ukraine in recent months is just far too much to handle for people, and these conflicts don't blow away after a year, it can many years to overcome, for sure. It wouldn't surprise me if Russia are still in some form of conflict with Ukraine when the World Cup starts.

But it is these sorts of things that just make fans nervy and it shows that people are very edgy about conditions in these countries at the moment. But as rightly pointed out before, why should politics and business take over a physical sport that is taking place on a football field? But then again, as someone needs to point out, the politics and business is hard to ignore in football nowadays.

But back to the World Cup itself, what are people making of this tournament? Just some questions to have a stab at if anyone is interested to take us away from the dreaded politics and business:

1) Who do people think will win the World Cup and a scoreline prediction?
2) Who will get to the semi-finals/win the 3rd place play-off?
3) What teams will WIN their groups?
4) What teams will progress from their groups?
5) State 3 teams that could be "dark horses" to do well in this competition and why (what round will they get to)?

I'll start us off, bright and early.

1) Although they have been doubted and haven't been talked about as much this time around, I'm afraid I can't look beyond SPAIN to win this World Cup, again. It isn't like the heat will effect them much and with a striker like Costa in their side, it just makes it the final piece in the jigsaw for them.
Spain 2-1 Argentina

2) Semi Finals will be the 2 teams above and Germany and Brazil. As much as they could get to the final very easily and win the competition, they are the 4 best teams in this competition and anyone of them could win it, but I just feel these 2 will lack in something, Germany their tactical approach and Brazil a lack of a quality finisher (Fred doesn't fit the bill).
Brazil 1-0 Germany

3) Group Winners: A - Brazil, B - Spain, C - Colombia, D - Italy, E - France, F - Argentina, G - Germany, H - Russia.

4) 2nd place from groups: A - Croatia, B - Chile, C - Ivory Coast, D - England, E - Switzerland, F - Bosnia & Herz, G - Portugal, H - Belgium.

5) My 3 teams to be potential "dark horses" would be:

1. Croatia - They have a cracking team and they have 5/6 top quality players in their side and could be tough opponents for anyone if they get through their group. A difficult team to play against. Quarter-Finals.

2. Portugal - People will think, yeah they have Ronaldo, they will obviously do well, but again, like Croatia, have 5/6 top quality players, it isn't made up of top quality across the board, but expect them to do well and maybe beat the group winners they have to face. Quarter Finals.

3. Bosnia & Herz. - A bit of a random choice and people think they are a considerably weak team in this, it will be a case for them they will be really poor and finish 3rd in their group or really good in their first World Cup and give anyone a challenge. Not as good as the two above, 4.5 top quality players with fairly average one's after that really but could do well and will give a tough challenge for any group winner, including the best one's. Last 16.

[skyeman]

Politics and business is just what is ruining football nowadays. All of this that is happening in Brazil, workers are dying, people are rioting in the streets and it just isn't safe for people to go there, enjoy a game of football on the elite stage and then come back knowing they have had a great time, I'd certainly be concerned if I was a fan going to Brazil.

But it isn't like I wouldn't be in Russia at the moment. All of this conflict between them and Ukraine in recent months is just far too much to handle for people, and these conflicts don't blow away after a year, it can many years to overcome, for sure. It wouldn't surprise me if Russia are still in some form of conflict with Ukraine when the World Cup starts.

But it is these sorts of things that just make fans nervy and it shows that people are very edgy about conditions in these countries at the moment. But as rightly pointed out before, why should politics and business take over a physical sport that is taking place on a football field? But then again, as someone needs to point out, the politics and business is hard to ignore in football nowadays.

But back to the World Cup itself, what are people making of this tournament? Just some questions to have a stab at if anyone is interested to take us away from the dreaded politics and business:

1) Who do people think will win the World Cup and a scoreline prediction?
2) Who will get to the semi-finals/win the 3rd place play-off?
3) What teams will WIN their groups?
4) What teams will progress from their groups?
5) State 3 teams that could be "dark horses" to do well in this competition and why (what round will they get to)?

I'll start us off, bright and early.

1) Although they have been doubted and haven't been talked about as much this time around, I'm afraid I can't look beyond SPAIN to win this World Cup, again. It isn't like the heat will effect them much and with a striker like Costa in their side, it just makes it the final piece in the jigsaw for them.
Spain 2-1 Argentina

2) Semi Finals will be the 2 teams above and Germany and Brazil. As much as they could get to the final very easily and win the competition, they are the 4 best teams in this competition and anyone of them could win it, but I just feel these 2 will lack in something, Germany their tactical approach and Brazil a lack of a quality finisher (Fred doesn't fit the bill).
Brazil 1-0 Germany

3) Group Winners: A - Brazil, B - Spain, C - Colombia, D - Italy, E - France, F - Argentina, G - Germany, H - Russia.

4) 2nd place from groups: A - Croatia, B - Chile, C - Ivory Coast, D - England, E - Switzerland, F - Bosnia & Herz, G - Portugal, H - Belgium.

5) My 3 teams to be potential "dark horses" would be:

1. Croatia - They have a cracking team and they have 5/6 top quality players in their side and could be tough opponents for anyone if they get through their group. A difficult team to play against. Quarter-Finals.

2. Portugal - People will think, yeah they have Ronaldo, they will obviously do well, but again, like Croatia, have 5/6 top quality players, it isn't made up of top quality across the board, but expect them to do well and maybe beat the group winners they have to face. Quarter Finals.

3. Bosnia & Herz. - A bit of a random choice and people think they are a considerably weak team in this, it will be a case for them they will be really poor and finish 3rd in their group or really good in their first World Cup and give anyone a challenge. Not as good as the two above, 4.5 top quality players with fairly average one's after that really but could do well and will give a tough challenge for any group winner, including the best one's. Last 16.

Great post.

Unfortunately you are right. Corruption, politics and sport {football, cricket, snooker etc} are in one.

Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Holland, Portugal, England, Italy, France or Germany to win for me.


I have nine fence posts up my aris.

[Duty281]

1) England to defeat Germany in the final, perhaps by a 2-1 scoreline.

2) Brazil and Argentina, who lose to Germany and England respectively.

3) Brazil, Spain, Colombia, England, Switzerland, Argentina, Germany, and Belgium.

4) Croatia, Chile, Japan, Italy, France, Bosnia, Ghana, and Russia.

5) Dark horses:

Bosnia - Very decent side, and play very attacking football. I can possibly see them upset the Argentines first, and they could, at a push, reach the semi-finals. Ones to watch!

Chile - The conditions are in their favour, after all.

Colombia - Ditto.

[skyeman]

Duty? How about England beat Agentina 2-1 in the final with a handball goal by Rooney and at the final whistle he pulls down his shorts and on his backside are the words.

Here are your Malvinas.

I can but dream  

[Duty281]

We're stuffing the Argies in the semi-final instead!

Which will add to England's victories in '62, '66 and '02.

Anglo-Saxon superiority. Always.

[Duty281]

I like the idea of this vanishing spray at the World Cup; it should certainly mean greater fairness at free-kicks and, as a knock-on effect, a greater chance of scoring direct from them.

And has anyone seen Lawro's opening set of predictions on the BBC website? I've never seen such a safe set of predictions! At least he's backing England to win, I'll always like him for that.

[Duty281]

So opening night tomorrow, I'll stick with a 2-0 Brazil prediction.

Goals coming either side of halftime.

[Dave.]

Billo's last tournament for RTE, I think it's fair to say he say done an oke doke job presenting football, live.

[Guest]

Already bored of Adrian chiles' face but kick off being nearly an hour away more than makes.up for it

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