Now that we have this awesome thread, I can drop in here with a World Cup preview and no one can complain. For the soccer lovers, :hi: For the haters, :Bbiteme:
Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon.
Brazil is the obvious pick to win the group. Who will finish 2nd? Croatia and Mexico have talent, but are flawed sides. I'll give the advantage to Mexico since the World Cup is in the Western Hemisphere and the Mexicans will have lots of crowd support.
Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Probably the toughest group as any of Spain, Netherlands, and Chile could win the group. I'm gonna predict Spain crashes out since they have 2 sides in the Champions League final and may come in tired. 1st place: Dutch, 2nd place: Chile. Australia has no chance.
Group C: Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan.
Really interesting group. Columbia has been playing well so I'll take them to win the group. Greece doesn't have enough ability to score and Ivory Coast hardly plays to their potential. I'll take Japan to finish the group in 2nd.
Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Can England advance out of this group? I don't think so. I'll take Italy to win the group, followed by Uruguay in 2nd.
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
How lucky can France get? They go from on the cusp of not making the World Cup to drawing the easiest group. France will win the group, and I'll take Honduras as a surprise 2nd place finisher. Honduras is an athletic team and I don't believe Switzerland and Ecuador can score enough.
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia, Iran, Nigeria
Argentina wins the group followed by Bosnia. Bosnia is a good side and will give teams trouble in this tournament.
Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA
Germany wins the group. USA gets revenge on Ghana and holds down Ronaldo to take that 2nd spot. I'm a homer, can't pick any different.
Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea
For those who don't know, Belgium is stacked. They win the group followed by Russia.
Brazil is too young and there is too much pressure to win the World Cup on home soil, IMO. I'll take Argentina to win the whole thing. Lukaku from Belgium will win the golden boot.