2014 FIFA World Cup

[Andrew3737]

COLOMBIA

My Power Ranking - 12


Likely Lineup



Key Player - Ramadel Falcao

Other Players - James Rodriguez, Jackson Martinez, Freddy Guarin

Everything depends on Falcao's fitness. If he gets fit in time to play, Colombia can do something at this World Cup. The link up and wide play is where they excel. Long balls to Falcao/Martinez with control than out to the wide areas then to a cross is what Colombia is best at. They do it time and time again, yet the opposition can't stop it. Why? Rodriguez and Guarin are too quick. Falcao and Martinez are too strong and powerful.

My Prediction QF. They have an easy group but if Falcao is out, change that to a Second Round. I beat Colombia @ 1002-1 last year to win the World Cup. GET WELL SOON FALCAO.

[Andrew3737]

NETHERLANDS

My Power Ranking - 11

Likely Lineup



Key Player - Robin van Persie

Other Players - Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben, Kevin Strootman


Netherlands aren't as good as they were in 10/12. Sneijder has dropped, Robben decline and RVP injuries. On paper, they still look good. The obv place is that backline. It is one of the worst I've seen on a "contender". Keeping the ball on the floor is essential for this team. Give it to the front 3 of Robben, RVP and vdV and they should be ok. Robben could Robben and carry his team to the final again, who knows?

My Prediction QF. A good draw for them pretty much makes them an easy QF birth. They should struggle from then on in.

[Andrew3737]

BELGIUM

My Power Ranking - 10

Likely Lineup



Key Player - Eden Hazard

Other Players - Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, Thibaut Courtois

Fantastic team that has the best depth in the competition bar Spain. I just feel they have too many very good players, not enough elite. Sure they have the potential, but 2014, is just too soon for Belgium. Most of their key players have just started their primes and are in their early 20's. Even in 2018, Kompany, Vertonghen and others will still be in their primes. However, having the talent in Eden Hazard and a rock defense, they still have a chance. This Belgium team is all about absorbing pressure and exploding on the counter. They are one of the best set piece teams as well. Look for Hazard to pull the DM out of position and create 2 on 1's and 2 on 2's on the edge of the box.

My Prediction - Second round. They are a very good team, but I don't think they can take any of the bigger sides. If they get a good draw, they can def make it past the 2nd round.

[Andrew3737]

CHILE

My Power Ranking - 9

Likely Lineup



Key Player - Aturo Vidal

Other Players - Alexis Sanchez, Matias Fernandez

I really like Chile as a team purely because of how they set up. The formation is so flexible and can adjust in any given game. Its so flowing and beautiful to watch. Vidal is just a pure beast. His engine is incredible and it suits this side, as well as Juventus so well. Sanchez however, is a very important player in this formation. He drops out to the right and brings the FB with him, which causes a chain reaction as Chile don't really have a striker. Valdilvia can pick up the ball and the centre backs have to react. If they come forward, leaves so much space behind and a massive gap. If they don't pick him up, Valdilvia has time on the ball. This is how Barcelona set up when they have the ball pretty much.

My Prediction- Second Round. Wouldn't surprise me if they got further though.

[Andrew3737]

FRANCE

My Power Ranking - 8

Likely Lineup



Key Player - Franck Ribery

Other Players - Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, Laurent Koscielny

A team that is so good on paper, yet under performs every time they play. They are a top 5 side on paper, but I can't put them any higher because they are just perform so badly vs poor sides and struggle vs big sides. Ribery doesn't reach the highs of his Bayern ability, but still is clearly the best player on the French national side. Pogba and Matuidi pairing is almost unbearable to play against.

My Prediction QF. They have an easy draw which will pit them against a good opponent, but they should do the business in the second round, then lose out to better team in the QF.

[Keeper27]

cheers for that, i think Belgium will do very very well.
a lot better than you think

[CrowsFan]

So you're predicting Netherlands to make the QF and Chile the second round. Are you saying Spain won't make it out of the group?

[Andrew3737]

ITALY

My Power Ranking - 7

Likely Lineup



Key Player - Andrea Pirlo

Other Players - Mario Balotelli, Giorgio Chiellini, Danielle De Rossi

Italy have always had a great squad, and this is no different. Strong possesion based side that has powerful midfielders and disciplined, organised defense. We all know how good Pirlo is, as he is key to Italy's domination. One of their downfalls is relying on Pirlo too much. He does 0 defensive work and rarely gets up field either. He is purely their to organise the attack and keep the ball. Fullbacks provide the width while they overload the centrebacks.

My Prediction QF. They are prob the best team overall outside the "top 4". They can def make the SF, if they get a good draw. They can also get there by beating the best.

[Andrew3737]

So you're predicting Netherlands to make the QF and Chile the second round. Are you saying Spain won't make it out of the group?

Looked at wrong group. I think Chile get out + Spain. I for some reason though Argentina's group was Netherlands lel.

cheers for that, i think Belgium will do very very well.
a lot better than you think

I think they will do well, but other teams are just better atm. They are strong and can beat some big teams, but if they get a draw vs one of the big ones, they will struggle tactically.

[CrowsFan]

So you're predicting Netherlands to make the QF and Chile the second round. Are you saying Spain won't make it out of the group?

Looked at wrong group. I think Chile get out + Spain. I for some reason though Argentina's group was Netherlands lel.

Yeah figured that was probably the case

[Vinny]

I have to say, this is well done!

[Andrew3737]

Lets continue on.

PORTUGAL

My Power Ranking - 6

Likely Lineup



Key Player - Cristiano Ronaldo

Other Players - Joao Moutinho, Miguel Veloso, Pepe

Pure firepower of Cristiano Ronaldo lifts them up over the rest. He is simply the only reason why they have any hope of winning a World Cup. Pressure the midfield and explode on the counter with Ronaldo and Nani is the gameplan for Portugal. They have really good engine in all their 3 midfielders and Moutinho is especially good with the ball at his feet. Cant pick a 60 yard pass no worries. Just give Ronaldo the ball.

My Prediction QF. They can easy beat that with an on form Ronaldo, but I feel they will struggle and not have too many chances against the bigger sides.

[Kellogscrunchynut]

Pretty much the same Portugal lineup as other years, needless to say they should perform. Good write ups by the way.

[Nige]

That Portugal lineup lacks Figo.  :P

[Nige]

Gonna post this here...

Shakhtar striker Maicon has died in a car crash.  :(

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/shakhtar-donetsk-striker-maicon-dies-3123651