World Cup Fancies?

[newcustomeroffer]

Any fancies for the World Cup?

Cheering on England patriotically myself, but can't see us making it too far into the competition, although Harry Kane could may well contend for the Golden Boot regardless. Uruguay seem like lively outsiders who could go further than their odds suggest. For me:

Winners: Brazil
Dark horse: Uruguay
Golden Boot: Harry Kane
England exit: Quarter final

[TheGooner]

1.		Brazil	2169
2.		Argentina	2141
3.		Spain	2045
4.		Netherlands	2040
5.		Belgium	2025
6.		France	2005

ELO football ratings ( https://www.international-football.net/ )have Brazil and Argentina way out in front, but I can't shake the feeling that both sides continue to play minnows and run up scores - great for building confidence but a problem when they run into a good side that doesn't let them play.

Brazil have beaten Tunisia 5-1, Ghana 3-0, Japan 1-0, South Korea 5-1 in their last four friendly games as well as Bolivia 4-0, Chile 4-0 and Uruguay also 4-0 in WCQ this year. So their winning and winning big - and may benefit from hot conditions and playing outside Europe ... but still doubts persist.

Argentina are nearly as good, but again like to face minnows. Friendly wins again Jamacia 3-0, Honduras 3-0 and Estonia 5-0 tell us little, but their 3-0 win over Italy in a friendly / FIFA trophy was a good result. In WCQ they drew against Ecuador 1-1, and beat Venezuela 3-0 and Colombia 1-0. Again good - but weak oppo.

Spain are probably still Europe best, and their last 10 games have gone W7-D2-L1 - this includes six UEFA Nations games, 2 WCQ and two friendlies. A better fixture list. The loss came 1-2 against Switzerland, although Spain did also beat the Swiss 1-0 as well. Spain don't score enough goals - but could easily win any game 1-0.

Apparently, the Netherlands are 4th ranked. They're unbeaten in their last 10 games (7-3-0) beating Belgium twice which is fun for them as something not many other teams can do. The Dutch score plenty but defensively are a bit flighty. Great to watch - could win it all - but will probably lose it in the semi-finals. Again.

Belgium are 5th ranked, and have a lot of talent but seem to be better individuals than they are as a team. Just 5-3-2 in their last 10 games, with draws against the likes of Ireland and Wales, I feel like their "goal"den generation is passing and they will not succeed. But could surprise.

France are holders. Lots of talent but again very individualistic, and lacking something. Won just one game in six since June (1-2-3) with losses to Denmark (twice) and Croatia. Could surprise again - have top strikers and keepers which is important..

Spots 7-10 are Portugal, Italy (who didn't qualify), Denmark and Germany. All three sides are not at their best and would be surprise finalists.

As for England? Ranked 14th have not won in their last six games since June (0-3-3) with losses to Hungary twice and Italy. England have some skillful young players but their manager shackles them by playing a 5-3-2 formation - with plenty of backwards and sideways passing. Surely have to get out of their group with USA, Iran and Wales ... but given England's inability to win a penalty shootout you'd think that penalties will probably be how they'll be eliminated.

-------------------------

Winners: Spain maybe Argentina or Brazil.
Dark horse: Croatia
Golden Boot: Who knows? Mbappe / Benzema / Messi / Neymar / Kane are top five chances.
England exit: 2nd Round / Quarter final on penalties

[Mattbar]

I fancy Brazil, if it was in Europe I wouldn't but given it's in a desert there is previous example to go on. I think France will do well just because they generally always do and they have some great forwards.

England will be out as soon as they play anyone decent. I like the prospects for the Netherlands but share Gooners view that they will probably fail at the semi-final stage.

If France progress you have to fancy Benzema for the golden boot. Possible for Kane too if England don't play anyone good until the semis.

[xecutable]

Germany as usual. They may not shine with result or even shape, but always manage to get theirs.

[BetSmartUK]

England this time are ready!

[moizez]

France is my 100% winner
Uruguay cuould be the surprise
I see England a bit better than last WCs, could have a chance vs Argentina in the quarterfinal

My Spain needs a great defense to win matches because the strikers are defficient.

[Oliver Cooper]

Why isn't there a million comments here yet? I thought this would be the most discussed topic even here)

[CasinosBroker]

All bets on Spain.

[moizez]

Why isn't there a million comments here yet? I thought this would be the most discussed topic even here)

People were happy with the domestic leagues and the Champions, doesn't look there is a WC ahead.

[newcustomeroffer]

People were happy with the domestic leagues and the Champions, doesn't look there is a WC ahead.

Has been pretty subdued I have to say compared to a normal World Cup or European Championship.

[chaumi]

I suspect part of the problem (at least for UK, Europe) is......it's not summer! It just feels plain wrong.

Don't know how that plays out across the ROW, but maybe plenty of others think it feels misplaced, too.

[Mattbar]

I suspect part of the problem (at least for UK, Europe) is......it's not summer! It just feels plain wrong.

Don't know how that plays out across the ROW, but maybe plenty of others think it feels misplaced, too.

Yeah I agree, it doesn't feel right. In normal World Cups lots of people take time off work and go to outdoor bars and places with big screens to watch the games in the sun with friends. Everyone in Europe will be watching indoors in cold weather and it doesn't generate the same feeling.

Plus of course people are thinking about Christmas, energy and lots of other stuff that detracts from it.

[onlinegamblers]

I agree, it's different when it's in summer. There is normally crowds around bars to watch the games together in summer, but now is just a normal stressful day with xmas planning and no time to sit down ��

[NoDepositCasinos]

It doesn't even feel like the World Cup to me. I'm not sure if it's because of what you said above (that it's not summer), the proximity of Christmas, or the ups and downs of the economy.

However, since my country did not qualify, Argentina is my absolute favorite this time.

[newcustomeroffer]

England exit: Quarter final

Well that bit was correct (disappointingly but almost inevitably for England), shame about the rest!

[vardan]

Morocco is doing something similar to what Greece did at EURO 2004. A new surprise is very possible.

[newcustomeroffer]

Morocco is doing something similar to what Greece did at EURO 2004. A new surprise is very possible.

For sure, 300/1 before the start of the event!

[ironman2000]

My prediction is for England to raise the World Cup in 2026