2018 World Cup

[Locke]

Originally Posted by White Out 403

There's really no reason that Belgium shouldn't be considered a top contender this year for Russia. They have a very talented group with no glaring weakness.

Right. And then theres Martinez. Who I think is their glaring weakness.

The Belgians are loaded with talent, its tactics and application that would concern me.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I'd rather have Martinez than Deschamps though if we're talking managers likely to disappoint. Kinda surprised that Deschamps wasn't fired on Saturday so Zidane could slide in as coach for the WC. I wouldn't be all that shocked if France choked out in the group stage, Denmark and Peru can definitely beat them if France is struggling with the USA C squad.

[Beninho]

Originally Posted by White Out 403

There's really no reason that Belgium shouldn't be considered a top contender this year for Russia. They have a very talented group with no glaring weakness.

Disagree, they have players who have never done anything on the biggest stages. I’d put them in the second tier of teams. Just look at Hazards and De Bruyne’s CL performances, they both have not done much on the European level. Hazard in my opinion is not a good leader and turns to a ghost often when the game gets hard.

Good defense but Kompany has proved to be up and down and has had lengthy injury problems. Like a lot of teams they are good but have many question marks. Luckily we will find out soon who will swim and who will drown under the pressure of a World Cup.

[Bagor]

Originally Posted by Slava

Well if there’s anyone who knows about failure it’s Tony Adams.

?
He's won twice as many titles than Tottenham.

[Slava]

nm, I don’t care enough to bother.

[Bagor]

Originally Posted by Slava

Those are individual awards now? The guy was hilariously terrible running the show in Granada, so maybe he should just rest on his laurels from days gone by as opposed to trying to pretend he knows what England can do this summer.

Despite what you think he is not considered a failure. As mentioned he is more successful than Tottenham.

Let that sink in.....

I like that Lukaku bet also. Will have a bit of it. Also going to try and have a fun bet on an Alli red card.

[Weitz]

Alright guys, its that time I always throw down some money on 1 team to win it all.

Who you got?

Germany 9-2
Brazil 5-1
France 11-2
Spain 7-1
Argentina 8-1
Belgium 12-1
England 20-1
Portugal 20-1
Colombia 25-1

I'm thinking those are the only true options.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Belgium

[Locke]

I have to go with the Germans.

But if it isnt the Germans I'd certainly go with either Belgium or Brazil.

I think Belgium have the talent, but lack that winning pedigree which is imperative in overcoming adversity in the later stages of the tournament, thats something that teams like Italy, Spain and France always specialized in, finding a way to win when things were not going well.

Beyond that, it really looks like this Brazil squad is coming together at the perfect time.

[Mango]

Brazil.

I want to pick Belgium. They absolutely have the talent, but are they ready to take that next step?

France, Spain and Germany should all do well.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Belgium at 12-1 while Argentina is 8-1 is puzzling to say the least. Argentina barely qualified, Sampaoli is a pretty crappy manager, and their defense/keeping situation is dire. Also you know Sampaoli is gonna keep playing Higuain despite Aguero being exponentially better. I get the respect for Messi, but he might need to score a hat trick a game for them to have a chance.

[GirlySports]

I sprinkled $10 on Croatia 33-1 and $3 on Denmark 100-1

[Magnum PEI]

https://twitter.com/Jaimefmacias/sta...23997813690369

[spuzzum]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

I sprinkled $10 on Croatia 33-1 and $3 on Denmark 100-1

Croatia at 33-1 odds is a great bet. As in previous competitions, HR could sink or swim. They have the talent and skill to go a long way and are again considered a dark horse.

Worst bet is Argentina at 8-1. It could be the worst team they've sent in a number of decades. Without Messi, they got 9 points from 8 qualification games. I could see them crashing out at the group stage facing Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria. Then again, Messi could cement his legend status by going on a run and carrying his entire nation on his back.

It now seems like Belgium has the century long flu from their Dutch brothers to the north. Similar to amazing Dutch teams over the past four decades, Belgium is a team loaded with talent and superstars. They've yet to make any inroads over the past few years and their time is now. I see Belgium crashing out in the round of 16 or QFs.

Germany losing to Austria last week was shocking especially on German soil. To put this into perspective, Canada beat Austria a few years back 3-0 in Vienna. Perhaps it was a blip and they played most of the non starters, but still - not the best way going into the tournament.

France vs Brazil or Spain in the final with the French taking home the prize. If all their superstars gel into a well oiled German machine, watch out.

[Weitz]

Did a couple $3 pinatas on the 2 final teams.

Ended with with:
Belgium vs Sweden
Belgium vs Spain

Hope they all qualify but on opposite sides...

[devo22]

haha wow. Spain have sacked manager Julen Lopetegui because he's agreed to become Real Madrids new manager after the World Cup.

What a stupid and petty decision.

[Swift]

Well that's an incredibly dumb way to blow it all.

[Bagor]

Apparently he 'committed' long term a few weeks back, and the Spanish FA felt blindsided.

His life has just got a lot more complicated.

Good news is he can't tamper directly with Dave now.

Sounds like Real never told the FA they were tapping up their coach!

[Locke]

Originally Posted by devo22

haha wow. Spain have sacked manager Julen Lopetegui because he's agreed to become Real Madrids new manager after the World Cup.

What a stupid and petty decision.

They know that the World Cup starts tomorrow right?

[GirlySports]

There is only one solution.

Spain hires Zidane tomorrow.