After the group stages (and we're talking about 48 games), the situation has become quite mixy. Instead of having @Pibaro as a prominent leader, other participants have come much closer.
Here's the rating based only on match-by-match predictions
Pibaro - 24 right predictions, including 5 with right score
bengoshi - 26 right predictions, including 1 with right score. The person with the biggest number of right predictions but it seems very hard to predict the exact score.
Montresor_SP - 19 right predictions, including 5 with right score
booinyoureyes - 17 right predictions, including 4 with right score. You should take into consideration that this person has managed all this in 14 (!) matches less
Qbert - 13 right predictions, including 2 with right score.
elminster - 4 right predictions, including 1 with right score. You should take into consideration that this person is the only one to rightfully predict Uruguay games agains England and Italy. @elminster is also known as Uruguayan wizard!
Now I will analize the group winners predictions that were made before the tournament has started.
Just for the sake of honesty: Dear @bengoshi if you say i'm the leader i'll give you a insightful, if you say i'm not, you'll gain nothing more than a like from me
Predictions for the first knockout stage (predictions for this and latter stages will count no matter when the game ends: in the first 90 minutes, in extra time, by penalies - the winner in the penalties just gets +1 goal in terms of prediction score, for e.g., the game ends 2:2, teams go into the penalty shootout, the first one wins, the score is set as 3:2):
Brazil - Chile 3:2
Although I like how Chile plays, it's the home for Brazil. In the knockout stage we'll see a little bit different Brazil, I think. More concentrated, more lethal.
Colombia - Uruguay 2:1
Without Suarez Uruguay lost to Costa Rica. I guess against Colombia Uruguay won't make it either.
Netherlands - Mexico 3:1
Van Gaal is a winner. And a good tactician. Even solid defence won't keep Robin and Robben.
Costa Rica - Greece 1:0
A hard match to predict. After winning on the last minute, Greece is now in the sky. But Costa Rica is still a quick team.
France - Nigeria 3:2
Attacking power of Les Blues is huge. They would outscore Nigeria.
Germany - Algeria 2:0
No more F***-ups after the Gana match. A direct way into the final.
Argentina - Switzerland 3:1
Messi plays better and better. Aguero is a big miss but nevertheless Argentina is on its way too.
Belgium - USA 2:1
I think that in the end Belgium will get a winner. They always seem to find a way.
booinyoureyes - 17 right predictions, including 4 with right score. You should take into consideration that this person has managed all this in 14 (!) matches less
I am efficient at converting chances. You may call me the Hernan Crespo of predictions! lol
ummm lets see When it comes to the scores I'm not going to pick any draws since they won't count, though I think many matches (USA and Greece actually, as well as possibly the Colombia and France matches!) this would be the likely outcome
Brazil over Chile let's say 2-1 Chile may surprise but this seems the most likely outcome by a sliver Colombia over Uruguay 1-0 I guess (not gonna score more than one on my boy Godin, but can't see Cavani going it alone)
Germany 3 Algeria 0 Better team in every way. Germany can break down a tight team that throws number better than anyone else. If the Germans score in the first half Algeria will leave themselves open, and then its a blitzkrieg France 2 Nigeria 0 France is the better team, even without Ribery. Honestly the Nigerians are lucky to have beaten Bosnia, who got robbed by the referee
Dutch over the Mexicans 2-0 Feel bad for my neighbors, they have played very bravely. I have a lot of Mexican friends and hope they do well Greece 1 Costa Rica 0 Costa Rica has had a magical run, but reality must set in eventually right? Greece is now healthy in defense and should shut things down. Papastathopoulos will hopefully show why he was in the All Bundesliga Starting XI and hopefully Samaras will do something
Argentina 2 Swiss 0 My uncle lives in Geneva so I am pulling for the Swiss, but Argentina is too strong. I think they might be better off without one of the front four. I think they were mistaken in trying to play Aguero, Higuain, Messi and Di Maria. Higuain especially I feel was misused. He has the smartest movement of any striker, crowding him out is not good. Belgium 2 USA 1 We have a shambolic defense, though they played well against the Germans. There is a magic to this USA team and they have excited the nation. We are all very proud of them, and it would not surprise me if they shock us again, but Belgium winning is still the likeliest outcome. Sucks if it happens, but hopefully I'll still have Greece. I do hope for a USA vs Greece Semi-Final though! It would make my day/life
I may change it when it comes closer... I may go with my heart on the USA-Belgium game if I do! I have a lot of Colombian, German and Mexican friends/amigos so they are who I'd support after the USA and Greece. The Dutch have an easy path to the semis, and can beat Argentina or Belgium too... I still think that they are overrated a bit, but the results might prove me wrong! Spain the most disappointing obviously, but the Italians and the English also came up well short. The Ivorians were also highly touted and had stars, but they did not play well (I think the passing of their brother may have heart the Toure Bro's performances) I have a small bet with a friend, where I picked Europe and he picked the field. The fact that Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Colombia will be weeded out into one side helps me, though I am still unlikely to win it. No Europeans have won the WC in South America before.
Brazil - Chile: 3-1. Brazil is playing home and has a slightly better team. Chile really has to have a good day (but they do have some of those, so...).
Colombia - Uruguay: 2-1. A difficult match to predict. I think missing Luiz Suarez will bite (sorry...) Uruguay.
Netherlands - Mexico: 2-0. Mexico has a strong team but not strong enough to take out the Netherlands.
Costa Rica - Greece: 0-1. This could go either way but I think the Greeks have that bit more experience which is important in the playoff stage of a big tournament. Also, it would make @booinyoureyes very happy. )
France - Nigeria: 2-0. The Nigerians have seemed a bit vulnerable in the group stage, and the French offense is very strong. The combination spells trouble for Nigeria.
Germany - Algeria: 2-0. I think the German offense will simply wear down the Algerian defense over 90 minutes. However, if Algeria can score on a breakaway they may cause one hell of an upsetter. Also, they have something to avenge from back in 1982... ;-)
Argentina - Switzerland: 2-1. Switzerland ought not to be able to threaten the Argentinian side. But so much depends on Messi...
Belgium - USA: 1-0. The more experienced Belgians score a goal and defend the result.
I've completely missed this prediction thread. Though I did make nice of chunk of rl money from betting so I guess that compensates for it. :=)
Anyway 1st knockout round:
Brazil - Chile 1-2
This match could actually be the huge shocker of this round. I think Chile has looked really good, and Brazil hasn't shown their best yet. If Chile is able to put pressure on Brazilian defenders and midfield as they were able to against Spain eg. Brazil is in real trouble.
Columbia - Uruguay 2-0
In their first WC game Uruguay played with Suarez on the bench they looked really weak. Columbia had pretty easy group, but handled it with style. I think Columbia is going to win this one.
Netherlands - Mexico 3-1
Netherlands is probably the that has impressed me the most in this WC, at least compared to how I expected them to perform. Mexico on the other hand hasn't really shown anything special.
Costa Rica - Greece 1-0
This is probably the hardest game to call. Either of these teams could win, but I hope CR continues to shine! This also the most likely game to need extra time, and maybe even penalties.
France - Nigeria: 3-0
I just don't think Nigeria has what I takes to win France here. If you can't win against Iran how are you supposed to beat France that isn't melting from the inside this time.
Germany - Algeria: 2-0
I think this game is probably the safest bet of this round. The german machine will grind, and grind until it get what it wants and you need to team better than what Algeria has to stop that.
Argentina - Switzerland: 3-2
This game could actually pretty tight. The Swiss were excellent in their last game, and while Argentina has looked good as well, it has in no way looked unbeatable. In the end though I think Argentina just has bit deeper team, and clears the way to the next round.
Belgium - USA: 2-1
I don't have a huge amount of trust in Belgium here, but I have even less trust in USA. Belgium has played pretty well, but their group was easy and they haven't been properly tested yet in my opinion.
Okay. I'm late. But as you know I was favouring the S.American teams... which means my predictions are...
Brazil - Chile ... Brazil
Colombia - Uruguay... Uruguay... So I can say England lost to a team that went further into the competition... doh
Netherlands - Mexico... Mexico
Costa Rica - Greece... Sorry @Booinyoureyes ... Costa Rica
France - Nigeria... Nigeria will have the stamina...
Germany - Algeria... Germany. I think Algeria just don't have the discipline... Although I may be punished for not going with my gut. Algeria will have it easier out there in the humidity.
Before today's big match (where Greece will burn Costa Rica like they were a fine piece of Saganaki cheese!) I'd like to share with you all my favorite chant about my favorite (joke) of a footballer
Woaoaoooh Sammy, oh Sammy, he floats like a gazelle, Like the lovely Cheryl, he uses L'Oreal! He's worth it too with his hair so long and fine, He's Georgios Samaras, Celtics number nine!
Comments
Tonight no goal will be scored!!!!
In Italy someone will talk about Balotelli
Suarez will bite the dust.
Here's the rating based only on match-by-match predictions
Pibaro 29 points
bengoshi 28 points
Montresor_SP 24 points
booinyoureyes 21 points
Qbert 16 points
elminster 5 points
Pibaro - 24 right predictions, including 5 with right score
bengoshi - 26 right predictions, including 1 with right score. The person with the biggest number of right predictions but it seems very hard to predict the exact score.
Montresor_SP - 19 right predictions, including 5 with right score
booinyoureyes - 17 right predictions, including 4 with right score. You should take into consideration that this person has managed all this in 14 (!) matches less
Qbert - 13 right predictions, including 2 with right score.
elminster - 4 right predictions, including 1 with right score. You should take into consideration that this person is the only one to rightfully predict Uruguay games agains England and Italy. @elminster is also known as Uruguayan wizard!
Now I will analize the group winners predictions that were made before the tournament has started.
Montresor_SP 69 points
Pibaro 64 points
bengoshi 63 points
booinyoureyes 61 points
Dungeonnoob 50 points
Anduin 50 points
Blackraven 47 points
FinneousPJ 45 points
Mhamza 45 points
Qbert 16 points
elminster 5 points
theElf 2 points
As it happened:
Brasil Mexico
Holland Chile
Columbia Greece
Costa Rica Uruguay
France Switzerland
Argentina Nigeria
Germany USA
Belgium Algeria
Right predictions:
@FinneousPJ
Brazil
Holland
-
Uruguay
France, Switzerland
Argentina, Nigeria
Germany
Belgium
Total: 9 nations = 45 points
@booinyoureyes
Brazil
Holland
Colombia
-
France, Switzerland
Argentina
Germany
Belgium
Total: 8 nations = 40 points
@Anduin
Brazil
Chile
Colombia, Greece
Uruguay
France
Argentina, Nigeria
Germany
Belgium
Total: 10 nations = 50 points
Astonishing, congratulations!
@Dungeonnoob
Brazil
Holland
Greece
-
France, Switzerland
Argentina, Nigeria
Germany, USA
Belgium
Total: 10 nations = 50 points
Astonishing too, congratulations! And you've predicted USA
@Pibaro
Brazil
Chile
-
-
France, Switzerland
Argentina
Germany
Belgium
Total: 7 nations = 35 points
@bengoshi
Brazil
Holland
-
-
France, Switzerland
Argentina
Germany
Belgium
Total: 7 nations = 35 points
Heh, it's interesting that I and @Pibaro got only 35 points from here...
@Mhamza
Brazil
Holland
Columbia
-
France, Switzerland
Argentina
Germany
Belgium, Algeria
Total: 9 nations = 45 points
Woohoo, the only person to predict Algeria! Congratulations!
@Montresor_SP
Brazil, Mexico
Holland
Columbia
-
France, Switzerland
Argentina
Germany
Belgium
Total: 9 nations = 45 points
You've predicted Mexico. Thumbs up!
@Blackraven
Brazil, Mexico
Holland
Columbia
Uruguay
France
Argentina
Germany
Belgium
Total: 9 nations = 45 points
You've predicted Mexico too. Thumbs up!
Dear @bengoshi if you say i'm the leader i'll give you a insightful, if you say i'm not, you'll gain nothing more than a like from me
Brazil - Chile 3:2
Although I like how Chile plays, it's the home for Brazil. In the knockout stage we'll see a little bit different Brazil, I think. More concentrated, more lethal.
Colombia - Uruguay 2:1
Without Suarez Uruguay lost to Costa Rica. I guess against Colombia Uruguay won't make it either.
Netherlands - Mexico 3:1
Van Gaal is a winner. And a good tactician. Even solid defence won't keep Robin and Robben.
Costa Rica - Greece 1:0
A hard match to predict. After winning on the last minute, Greece is now in the sky. But Costa Rica is still a quick team.
France - Nigeria 3:2
Attacking power of Les Blues is huge. They would outscore Nigeria.
Germany - Algeria 2:0
No more F***-ups after the Gana match. A direct way into the final.
Argentina - Switzerland 3:1
Messi plays better and better. Aguero is a big miss but nevertheless Argentina is on its way too.
Belgium - USA 2:1
I think that in the end Belgium will get a winner. They always seem to find a way.
P.S. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2669916/The-world-bites-Suarez-parodied-Jaws-Dracula-Hannibal-jokes-viral.html
Ahhhahahhaa. No, wait. Ahhhahhahhahahha. Made my day.
Brazil vs Chile 2-1
Uruguay vs Columbia 1-1
Netherlands vs Mexico 2-1
Greece vs Costa Rica 0 - 1
Nice job picking everyone, looks like i have some work to do to match the pace.
3-2 Brazil
2-0 Columbia (sorry elminster but w/o Suarez i don't see Uruguay getting it done)
3-1 Netherlands
2-1 Costa Rica in pk's
When it comes to the scores I'm not going to pick any draws since they won't count, though I think many matches (USA and Greece actually, as well as possibly the Colombia and France matches!) this would be the likely outcome
Brazil over Chile let's say 2-1 Chile may surprise but this seems the most likely outcome by a sliver
Colombia over Uruguay 1-0 I guess (not gonna score more than one on my boy Godin, but can't see Cavani going it alone)
Germany 3 Algeria 0 Better team in every way. Germany can break down a tight team that throws number better than anyone else. If the Germans score in the first half Algeria will leave themselves open, and then its a blitzkrieg
France 2 Nigeria 0 France is the better team, even without Ribery. Honestly the Nigerians are lucky to have beaten Bosnia, who got robbed by the referee
Dutch over the Mexicans 2-0 Feel bad for my neighbors, they have played very bravely. I have a lot of Mexican friends and hope they do well
Greece 1 Costa Rica 0 Costa Rica has had a magical run, but reality must set in eventually right? Greece is now healthy in defense and should shut things down. Papastathopoulos will hopefully show why he was in the All Bundesliga Starting XI and hopefully Samaras will do something
Argentina 2 Swiss 0 My uncle lives in Geneva so I am pulling for the Swiss, but Argentina is too strong. I think they might be better off without one of the front four. I think they were mistaken in trying to play Aguero, Higuain, Messi and Di Maria. Higuain especially I feel was misused. He has the smartest movement of any striker, crowding him out is not good.
Belgium 2 USA 1 We have a shambolic defense, though they played well against the Germans. There is a magic to this USA team and they have excited the nation. We are all very proud of them, and it would not surprise me if they shock us again, but Belgium winning is still the likeliest outcome. Sucks if it happens, but hopefully I'll still have Greece.
I do hope for a USA vs Greece Semi-Final though! It would make my day/life
I may change it when it comes closer... I may go with my heart on the USA-Belgium game if I do! I have a lot of Colombian, German and Mexican friends/amigos so they are who I'd support after the USA and Greece.
The Dutch have an easy path to the semis, and can beat Argentina or Belgium too... I still think that they are overrated a bit, but the results might prove me wrong!
Spain the most disappointing obviously, but the Italians and the English also came up well short. The Ivorians were also highly touted and had stars, but they did not play well (I think the passing of their brother may have heart the Toure Bro's performances)
I have a small bet with a friend, where I picked Europe and he picked the field. The fact that Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Colombia will be weeded out into one side helps me, though I am still unlikely to win it. No Europeans have won the WC in South America before.
Brazil - Chile: 3-1. Brazil is playing home and has a slightly better team. Chile really has to have a good day (but they do have some of those, so...).
Colombia - Uruguay: 2-1. A difficult match to predict. I think missing Luiz Suarez will bite (sorry...) Uruguay.
Netherlands - Mexico: 2-0. Mexico has a strong team but not strong enough to take out the Netherlands.
Costa Rica - Greece: 0-1. This could go either way but I think the Greeks have that bit more experience which is important in the playoff stage of a big tournament. Also, it would make @booinyoureyes very happy.
France - Nigeria: 2-0. The Nigerians have seemed a bit vulnerable in the group stage, and the French offense is very strong. The combination spells trouble for Nigeria.
Germany - Algeria: 2-0. I think the German offense will simply wear down the Algerian defense over 90 minutes. However, if Algeria can score on a breakaway they may cause one hell of an upsetter. Also, they have something to avenge from back in 1982... ;-)
Argentina - Switzerland: 2-1. Switzerland ought not to be able to threaten the Argentinian side. But so much depends on Messi...
Belgium - USA: 1-0. The more experienced Belgians score a goal and defend the result.
Colombia
Netherlands
Costa Rica
France
Germany
Argentina
Belgium
Are my predictions. I hope Greece loses!
Brasil - Chile 2 - 1 ( Brasil )
Colombia - Uruguay 1 - 0 ( Colombia )
Anyway 1st knockout round:
Brazil - Chile 1-2
This match could actually be the huge shocker of this round. I think Chile has looked really good, and Brazil hasn't shown their best yet. If Chile is able to put pressure on Brazilian defenders and midfield as they were able to against Spain eg. Brazil is in real trouble.
Columbia - Uruguay 2-0
In their first WC game Uruguay played with Suarez on the bench they looked really weak. Columbia had pretty easy group, but handled it with style. I think Columbia is going to win this one.
Netherlands - Mexico 3-1
Netherlands is probably the that has impressed me the most in this WC, at least compared to how I expected them to perform. Mexico on the other hand hasn't really shown anything special.
Costa Rica - Greece 1-0
This is probably the hardest game to call. Either of these teams could win, but I hope CR continues to shine! This also the most likely game to need extra time, and maybe even penalties.
France - Nigeria: 3-0
I just don't think Nigeria has what I takes to win France here. If you can't win against Iran how are you supposed to beat France that isn't melting from the inside this time.
Germany - Algeria: 2-0
I think this game is probably the safest bet of this round. The german machine will grind, and grind until it get what it wants and you need to team better than what Algeria has to stop that.
Argentina - Switzerland: 3-2
This game could actually pretty tight. The Swiss were excellent in their last game, and while Argentina has looked good as well, it has in no way looked unbeatable. In the end though I think Argentina just has bit deeper team, and clears the way to the next round.
Belgium - USA: 2-1
I don't have a huge amount of trust in Belgium here, but I have even less trust in USA. Belgium has played pretty well, but their group was easy and they haven't been properly tested yet in my opinion.
Great match, but the wrong ending.
They are going NUTS with that Rodriguez goal.
That is his second absolutely magical goal this tournament (the one against Japan... wow)
Unbelievable player. To think that Atletico wanted him while he was still playing in Argentina... what a missed opportunity!
nomnomnomnom
This is some horrible parenting. What kind of a mother would choose him as a baby sitter?
Darn FIFA and its anti-vampirism slant.
I'm late. But as you know I was favouring the S.American teams... which means my predictions are...
Brazil - Chile ... Brazil
Colombia - Uruguay... Uruguay... So I can say England lost to a team that went further into the competition... doh
Netherlands - Mexico... Mexico
Costa Rica - Greece... Sorry @Booinyoureyes ... Costa Rica
France - Nigeria... Nigeria will have the stamina...
Germany - Algeria... Germany. I think Algeria just don't have the discipline... Although I may be punished for not going with my gut. Algeria will have it easier out there in the humidity.
Argentina - Switzerland... Argentina.
Belgium - USA... Belgium
Lets see...
Woaoaoooh
Sammy, oh Sammy, he floats like a gazelle,
Like the lovely Cheryl, he uses L'Oreal!
He's worth it too with his hair so long and fine,
He's Georgios Samaras, Celtics number nine!
Netherlands - Mexico 3 - 1 ( Nederlands )
Costa Rica - Greece 1 - 1 ( Greece winner thanks to penalty shoot out )
Van Gaal is a wily old fox.