I predict Germany will win the World Cup by a 1 x 0 score against Argentina.... What do you mean I can't make predictions AFTER an event? Isn't it how all the other prophets do it?
Don't worry, I don't give a damn about football, anyway, I think it's better, considering how bad that would have impacted in a social/economical point of view... Everyone would be partying until 4am, and then no one will go to work next day...
Let's face it guys... Football is yet another tool of political manipulation.
Costa Rica beats Greece in a penalty kick-off. Holland beats Costa Rica in a penalty kick-off. Argentina beats Holland in a penalty kick off.
Would crack me up if Germany beats Argentina in one now.
This!!
Ah, so close too! Though that may have been even more heartbreaking an ending.
Congrats to Germany on a great tournament. Congrats to Argentina on finally getting (almost) everything together and proving you deserved to be there after all. Why did you give us hope, dammit!?
Eternal shame to Higuain, because what the everlasting hell.
I congratulate you all with one of the best if not the very best WC ever!
The tournament where all-people's favourites Spain, Italy and England have fallen. The tournament where Netherlands have surprised us all. The tournament that has opened James to us. The tournament where we have witnessed unbelievable 7:1 in the semifinal, for F***'s sake. The tournament where goalkeepers have been better than ever. The tournament where the best team has won.
Thanks, Brazil! We will all miss you! But right now LET'S CHERISH our memories!
I'm VERY surprised Messi has been named the best player of the tournament. ARE THEY KIDDING?
James - Yes. Robben - Yes. Muller - Yes. Even Kroos - Yes. But Messi... Not his best tournament, that's for sure.
AND NOW! THE WINNERS OF OUR PREDICTION GAME! (the excel table is attached to the OP)
MEET THEM! CONGRATULATE THEM!
The absolute winner:
@booinyoureyes with 107 points (30 points for guessing the champion and 40 points for guessing the group winners)
CONGRATULATIONS!
Runners-up:
@FinneousPJ with 86 points (30 points for guessing the champion and 45 points for guessing the group winners) @Montresor_SP with 86 points (45 points for guessing the group winners) @bengoshi with 82 points (35 points for guessing the group winners) @Pibaro with 80 points (35 points for guessing the group winners) @Dungeonnoob with 70 points (20 points for guessing the vice-champion and 50 points for guessing the group winners) @Anduin with 55 points (50 points for guessing the group winners) @Blackraven with 47 points (45 points for guessing the group winners) @Mhamza with 45 points (for guessing the group winners only) @Qbert with 30 points @elminster with 15 points @Messi with 9 points @TheElf with 5 points @Rhaella with 1 point
Btw, re: player awards, what do people think. The golden shoe is of course objective and Rodriguez deserved it, however many people disliked the choice for golden ball. Personally I think Messi does deserve it, but a case could be made for other players as well. I would suggest Robben, who was the only mega star who continuously shone throughout the tournament in every game up to 120 minutes, IMO. Neuer totally deserved his golden glove.
The golden ball nominees were Di Maria Hummels Rodriguez Kroos Lahm Mascherano Messi Müller Robben Neymar
To me, the player of the tournament should be the one who made difference in every (or nearly every) match of the tournament. Whose actions on the field made us think "Wow". And who has acted the most amazing in one or two matches.
And, again to me, it is Robben.
Against Spain he was the main reason the king was dead. His speed run for the goal... I still see it in my mind. The fastest speed with the ball ever from the facts.
Against Australia Robben scored a goal.
Against Chile - another fantastic run by Robben.
Against Mexico Robben has been fouled. A penalty. Game-over for Mexico.
Against Costa Rica. Have you seen his courage and morale? How he encouraged other players? He acted like a captain, actually.
Against Argentina Robben had the only moment of the match by both sides. If only...
Against Brazil Robben probably became a reason Brazil never recoverd from the previous demolition. A foul and a penalty on the 2nd minute. And later in the game Robben was fouled again but the penalty wasn't given.
So, Robben, to me, was a difference in every Dutch match.
Though @FinneousPJ and many others are deserved winners, and picked more group winners and second place teams than I did. I think that football is a little like economics in that finding long-term trends is more important than individual events, so I'm impressed by all the people who picked so many group winners! Kudos all around
We should have a topic here (or just do it on this thread) where we can predict outcomes. Winner gets to decide everyone else's forum profile pictures for a week!!!
Also, I agree with Robben as being the best player of the tournament.
I don't think Messi was a deserved winner, and would have picked multiple players over him (Robben, James, Hummels, Muller). However, I hate that so many are criticizing him and saying he can't be compared to previous greats now that he hasn't won a World Cup. The idea that Messi's legacy depends on whether or not Higuain scores a sitter is absurd to me. I think Messi is still the most phenomenal player to have ever played the game, and 4 Ballon d'Ors, 3 Champions Leagues, a 73 goal season and countless scoring records (and plenty of assists too) speak for themselves! It is a team game. No individual can win anything by themselves. Messi played deeper than he should have to this World Cup because of the talent they had in attack, yet that talent kind of let him down (Higuain, Aguero, Lavezzi and PaLOLacio, who was picked over Tevez, scored a collective 1 goal in the entire tournament)
That said, Robben was the superstar that was most influential, most often. James, Hummels and Muller were all also influential. Difficult for the German players though, since it was a team effort all around, with so many contributing at different times.
James was the breakout star. I actually disagree with Neuer winning the Golden Glove, despite him playing very well and not really making a mistake. There have been so many great goalkeeping performances this Mundial, from Ochoa to Howard to Enyeama to Navas. I think that Navas might have had a slightly better tournament overall than Neuer (since he was called upon in key moments more and was up to the occasion), but it is difficult for players to win the award if their sides don't make it to at least the semi-finals.
Robben was simply a nightmare for all defenses. He just always asks questions and makes defenders make mistakes (Thiago Silva, Rafa Marquez... Sergio Ramos and Casillas). He might be a diver, but he is also one of those special players who "wage war" on the defense if you know what I mean (kinda like what Drogba used to do, but with speed and precision rather than physicality and precision). Constantly keep them on their toes, challenge them one-on-one and invite them to try and engage them... only to pounce on their mistakes.
A truly delightful player to watch, and a superstar. imho, the Dutch overachieved with the talent they had, and that is because of this phenomenal player they won 3rd place and proved me wrong. If you ain't Dutch you ain't much!
Life, now, is empty and without purpose. Oh, why can't it last forever?
Transfer window excitement
Conte just resigned from Juventus. The only way that makes sense is if he takes over the national team.
Vidal is linked with United (yuck). Reports out about James to Real Madrid (more yuck). Di Maria either to United or PSG. Falcao linked to Real. Mandzukic to Atletico done deal! Diego Costa to Chelsea done deal. Keylor Navas wanted by Bayern and Atletico. Shaqiri is linked to both Liverpool and Roma (both share an owner who is part of Fenway Sports Group... kinda awkward) Toni Kroos to Real Madrid seems like a done deal as well. Alexis Sanchez is already at Arsenal. It seems like Khedira will follow, but he has high, high, high wage demands. Barcelona got Suarez, which can be a huge gamechanger. Imagine a front three of Messi, Neymar and Suarez. Best three-man South American frontline since Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo!
Lots going on, and big changes. It is kinda weird how nothing much is happening in Italy.
Teams that need to do something: Liverpool and Dortmund
Dortmund need a replacement for Lewandowski. They got Immobile and Adrian Ramos so far not sure if that is enough Liverpool also need a striker after the departure of Suarez. Sounds like they will get Origi but if I was them I'd look at Balotelli.
Comments
Congrats! The best team won!
I did...
Sure I did...
Nah...
I didn't...
Well done Germany. You surprised me.
Sorry @CrevsDaak...
Let's face it guys... Football is yet another tool of political manipulation.
On another note, it can't be fun to lose to a team called The Man Shaft
Congrats to Germany on a great tournament. Congrats to Argentina on finally getting (almost) everything together and proving you deserved to be there after all. Why did you give us hope, dammit!?
Eternal shame to Higuain, because what the everlasting hell.
Big thanks to Bengoshi for putting this all together.
can't wait to see who the overall winner is ( i know it ain't me)
Let's rendezvous right here in 4 years!
The tournament where all-people's favourites Spain, Italy and England have fallen. The tournament where Netherlands have surprised us all. The tournament that has opened James to us. The tournament where we have witnessed unbelievable 7:1 in the semifinal, for F***'s sake. The tournament where goalkeepers have been better than ever. The tournament where the best team has won.
Thanks, Brazil! We will all miss you! But right now LET'S CHERISH our memories!
I'm VERY surprised Messi has been named the best player of the tournament. ARE THEY KIDDING?
James - Yes. Robben - Yes. Muller - Yes. Even Kroos - Yes. But Messi... Not his best tournament, that's for sure.
MEET THEM! CONGRATULATE THEM!
The absolute winner:
@booinyoureyes with 107 points (30 points for guessing the champion and 40 points for guessing the group winners)
CONGRATULATIONS!
Runners-up:
@FinneousPJ with 86 points (30 points for guessing the champion and 45 points for guessing the group winners)
@Montresor_SP with 86 points (45 points for guessing the group winners)
@bengoshi with 82 points (35 points for guessing the group winners)
@Pibaro with 80 points (35 points for guessing the group winners)
@Dungeonnoob with 70 points (20 points for guessing the vice-champion and 50 points for guessing the group winners)
@Anduin with 55 points (50 points for guessing the group winners)
@Blackraven with 47 points (45 points for guessing the group winners)
@Mhamza with 45 points (for guessing the group winners only)
@Qbert with 30 points
@elminster with 15 points
@Messi with 9 points
@TheElf with 5 points
@Rhaella with 1 point
The winner of match-by-match predictions:
@bengoshi with 47 points
Runners-up:
@Pibaro with 45 points
@Montresor_SP with 41 point
@booinyoureyes with 37 points
@Qbert with 30 points
@elminster with 15 points
@FinneousPJ with 11 points
@Messi with 9 points
@Anduin with 5 points
@TheElf with 5 points
@Blackraven with 2 points
@Rhaella with 1 point
From this poll: http://forum.baldursgate.com/discussion/32010/world-cup-2014-who-s-gonna-be-the-winner#latest we know that only 5 people have guessed the right winner:
Hail @Coutelier , @Awong124 , @booinyoureyes , @jackjack and @Belteshazzar89 !
Great world cup, great thread; thank you all.
Can we ask you to do the European cup?
I'm always for anything that is interesting to other forumites
Btw, re: player awards, what do people think. The golden shoe is of course objective and Rodriguez deserved it, however many people disliked the choice for golden ball. Personally I think Messi does deserve it, but a case could be made for other players as well. I would suggest Robben, who was the only mega star who continuously shone throughout the tournament in every game up to 120 minutes, IMO. Neuer totally deserved his golden glove.
The golden ball nominees were
Di Maria
Hummels
Rodriguez
Kroos
Lahm
Mascherano
Messi
Müller
Robben
Neymar
And, again to me, it is Robben.
Against Spain he was the main reason the king was dead. His speed run for the goal... I still see it in my mind. The fastest speed with the ball ever from the facts.
Against Australia Robben scored a goal.
Against Chile - another fantastic run by Robben.
Against Mexico Robben has been fouled. A penalty. Game-over for Mexico.
Against Costa Rica. Have you seen his courage and morale? How he encouraged other players? He acted like a captain, actually.
Against Argentina Robben had the only moment of the match by both sides. If only...
Against Brazil Robben probably became a reason Brazil never recoverd from the previous demolition. A foul and a penalty on the 2nd minute. And later in the game Robben was fouled again but the penalty wasn't given.
So, Robben, to me, was a difference in every Dutch match.
Though @FinneousPJ and many others are deserved winners, and picked more group winners and second place teams than I did. I think that football is a little like economics in that finding long-term trends is more important than individual events, so I'm impressed by all the people who picked so many group winners! Kudos all around
However...
Enjoy folks!
I don't think Messi was a deserved winner, and would have picked multiple players over him (Robben, James, Hummels, Muller). However, I hate that so many are criticizing him and saying he can't be compared to previous greats now that he hasn't won a World Cup. The idea that Messi's legacy depends on whether or not Higuain scores a sitter is absurd to me. I think Messi is still the most phenomenal player to have ever played the game, and 4 Ballon d'Ors, 3 Champions Leagues, a 73 goal season and countless scoring records (and plenty of assists too) speak for themselves! It is a team game. No individual can win anything by themselves. Messi played deeper than he should have to this World Cup because of the talent they had in attack, yet that talent kind of let him down (Higuain, Aguero, Lavezzi and PaLOLacio, who was picked over Tevez, scored a collective 1 goal in the entire tournament)
That said, Robben was the superstar that was most influential, most often. James, Hummels and Muller were all also influential. Difficult for the German players though, since it was a team effort all around, with so many contributing at different times.
James was the breakout star. I actually disagree with Neuer winning the Golden Glove, despite him playing very well and not really making a mistake. There have been so many great goalkeeping performances this Mundial, from Ochoa to Howard to Enyeama to Navas. I think that Navas might have had a slightly better tournament overall than Neuer (since he was called upon in key moments more and was up to the occasion), but it is difficult for players to win the award if their sides don't make it to at least the semi-finals.
Robben was simply a nightmare for all defenses. He just always asks questions and makes defenders make mistakes (Thiago Silva, Rafa Marquez... Sergio Ramos and Casillas). He might be a diver, but he is also one of those special players who "wage war" on the defense if you know what I mean (kinda like what Drogba used to do, but with speed and precision rather than physicality and precision). Constantly keep them on their toes, challenge them one-on-one and invite them to try and engage them... only to pounce on their mistakes.
A truly delightful player to watch, and a superstar. imho, the Dutch overachieved with the talent they had, and that is because of this phenomenal player they won 3rd place and proved me wrong. If you ain't Dutch you ain't much!
Conte just resigned from Juventus. The only way that makes sense is if he takes over the national team.
Vidal is linked with United (yuck).
Reports out about James to Real Madrid (more yuck).
Di Maria either to United or PSG.
Falcao linked to Real.
Mandzukic to Atletico done deal!
Diego Costa to Chelsea done deal.
Keylor Navas wanted by Bayern and Atletico.
Shaqiri is linked to both Liverpool and Roma (both share an owner who is part of Fenway Sports Group... kinda awkward)
Toni Kroos to Real Madrid seems like a done deal as well.
Alexis Sanchez is already at Arsenal.
It seems like Khedira will follow, but he has high, high, high wage demands.
Barcelona got Suarez, which can be a huge gamechanger. Imagine a front three of Messi, Neymar and Suarez. Best three-man South American frontline since Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo!
Lots going on, and big changes. It is kinda weird how nothing much is happening in Italy.
Teams that need to do something: Liverpool and Dortmund
Dortmund need a replacement for Lewandowski. They got Immobile and Adrian Ramos so far
Liverpool also need a striker after the departure of Suarez. Sounds like they will get Origi but if I was them I'd look at Balotelli.
But we can start predicting the outcome of the charity shield NOW.
2014 Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester City will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 10 August at 3pm.
I predict 2-1 to Arsenal... I think Man City will come out nervy, because on paper they should win.
26 days to the start of the new season in England... Hurry up!