FIFA World Cup 2014

[che]

This is my absolute favorite thing that happens ever. It always feels like such a long wait, and then it's over so fast. Yes, Brazil and many countries have some very serious problems right now. So does FIFA. But my absolute favorite thing in the world is seeing everyone decked out with shirts and face paint of their country's colors, cheering and just in general drowning in excitement.


USA has an extremely tough group this time. It's not going to be easy for us, and I think everyone knows that. Germany is a freaking powerhouse. So efficient at everything. Many USA fans aren't even looking at this game as a possible victory. A victory for us over Germany would be a tie. Ghana is also a really tough match for USA, but I think it's our best bet to getting the points we need to make it past our group stage. Portugal, after seeing them play Mexico the other day. I honestly have to say they didn't really impress me much. Though they were missing Ronaldo, who many see as one of the best players in the world, the rest of the team didn't seem to triumph over Mexico as much as I expected.

Uruguay has Diego Forlan. They're going to do well in that group, maybe even coming out on top. I've not been a fan of Italy or England in the past...8 years at least. Same with France. They used to be really great teams but they have been sort of a let down recently. And with Ribery not playing...

I really, really wanted to see Falcao in this cup. It is such a shame about his injury. He is just great. But the entire Colombia team is actually really good, I see them coming out on top in Group C. Spain and Netherlands will no doubt triumph that group. I'm not even sure about group A, because I haven't followed any of the teams. Brazil is not the Brazil it was in the 90s that I grew up with. I guess I have watched Mexico the most, even seeing some of their players in the CONCACAF Champion's League with Cruz Azul and Sporting KC. They aren't really impressive at all, but they can surprise you.

Argentina might actually be a much better team than it was in the 2010 world cup. So I expect them to do much better. I'm not even sure on group H but I'm rooting for Belgium since they haven't been in a world cup in a while.

As for who I am picking as most likely to be in the final four, it's tough to call. There are going to be surprises along the way in group stages, and many other things that happen. I can probably safely say that Spain and Germany will both be there. Argentina and Colombia maybe, possibly Uruguay. Netherlands maybe, but they do have a young team as you said.

In any case, I can't freaking wait.

[Xanatos]

I'm not even sure on group H but I'm rooting for Belgium since they haven't been in a world cup in a while.

Along with Uruguay Belgium is my top contender out of the shadows, and for a good reason. They have by far the best young team I've seen in quite a while and they can only get better as the time goes by, just look at those names... Kompany, Fellaini, Hazard, Benteke, Lukaku, Mirallas, Vertonghen... got chills just looking at their team. No wonder they were ahead of Croatia in qualifications.