The Beautiful Game (The All Inclusive Soccer Thread)

[verb_to_trust]

I'm rooting for Nigeria because their kit is incredible.

[jwfocker]

I'm rooting for Nigeria because their kit is incredible.

Nigeria's kit is awesome but the team has some serious talent. Bunch of young dudes that could do something in this world cup.

France is scary good. Talent everywhere.

Spain is stacked again.

Germany is super loaded as well.

[verb_to_trust]

I'd throw Belgium in the mix too. I expect a euro nation to win but it would be cool to see an African winner.

[Monkey_Driven]

What two teams should I cheer for? I feel like I have to cheer for Germany since I am half German.

[E.H. Ruddock]

Iceland

[verb_to_trust]

Just don't root for Mexico

[Ello Sailor]

Iceland

[Ello Sailor]

I haven't been following the qualifiers - I cannot believe Italy and the Netherlands didn't make it in. That's ridiculous.

I think they should definitely increase the number of spots next time.

[verb_to_trust]

They should NOT increase the spots but it's going to happen anyway. Watered down tournament but more money for FIFA.

[Ello Sailor]

They should NOT increase the spots but it's going to happen anyway.

Why not? There's no way the likes of Serbia and Egypt are stronger football nations than Italy and Netherlands. I don't see how it would be "watered down".

[verb_to_trust]

The Netherlands sucked ass this cycle and Italy couldn't win on aggregate against Sweden. Fuck them both.

[LetMeSleep]

Brazil are firm favourites with Germany and Spain just behind. France have defensive issues but could outfire any team (ala Newcastle 2000). And you can never rule out Argentina.

Belgium, Colombia and Uruguay are the dark horses for me. Japan are a team that could surprise a few at this tournament.

And I realise I've just mentioned 9/32.

[EJ]

And you didn’t even mention Portugal. They won the most recent Euro, right? Seems pretty safe to bet on Spain and Germany.

I hope Iceland makes it out of their group. If only so we can keep seeing their Viking chant.

[verb_to_trust]

I don't think Brazil is going to win the tournament in Russia.

[LetMeSleep]

If I was to bet I'd put my money on Germany.

[jwfocker]

Brazil are firm favourites with Germany and Spain just behind. France have defensive issues but could outfire any team (ala Newcastle 2000). And you can never rule out Argentina.

Belgium, Colombia and Uruguay are the dark horses for me. Japan are a team that could surprise a few at this tournament.

And I realise I've just mentioned 9/32.

I actually think Brazil's issue is their defense. Thiago Silva was good but the dude is 33 and next to him is a bunch of other aging center-backs who are past their prime. yeah they have Marquinho and he's 24 but he's struggled at PSG and so often plays out of position for them.

Marcelo is awesome in attack as a left back but he leaves huge gaps that can be exploited and he won't have Ramos and Varane backing him up. Right back for Brazil is a huge question mark.

France is stacked at center-back. With two guys that start for Real Madrid and Barcelona in Varane and Umtiti. Their backups outside of Adil Rami are young but full of potential. Fullback is question mark with mendy and pavard but center-back is solid as any team.

[verb_to_trust]

A euro team will win, it's just a matter of which one.

[Monkey_Driven]

What team is the most likeable or entertaining to watch for a soccer noob?

[verb_to_trust]

Likable is Iceland. Stlye of play Belgium and Spain.

[verb_to_trust]

Panama will hack and time waste to try and win. Costa Rica will play 5 in the back.