We only really dont like France and Germany, for obvious reasons.

Im wanting Italy to fail spectacularly because theyre in the same group as England.

That's my guess. Regardless of what happens; I believe that the winner will be Spain, Argentina or Brazil. Western European football is not on the same technical level and way too reliant on counterplay and big room, which has proved rather a waste as a tactic against fast-paced, ball-controlling Hispanic and Portugese football.

I dont know about that. More and more teams are perfecting the counter attack strategy that counters the tikka-takka style at club level, so I wouldnt at all be surprised to see some of that stuff used at the WC.

I fully expect England to park the bus and rely on the Ox, Sturridge and Sterling with a pacey counter attack, especially against Uruguay.

This time, Spain can't win again, can they?

That's what a lot of people said the last time though. I'm hoping that at least one African team makes it out of the groups and into QF's, preferably Ghana, just because they play such fun and exciting football.

Spain is a very strong contender, without a doubt the strongest from Europe but I think Argentina will take it home this time despite Brazil's home advantage.

One thing is for sure; I'm really, really, really looking forward to this! We even bought the World Cup package at work so we won't miss that much!

I was surprised when they won the Europeans two years ago. But this time Brazil bought the World Cup :P

Matches are well after work over here, so it wont be a problem to follow.

I wanna join :)

Predictions

Group A
1-Brazil
2-Croatia

Group B
1-Spain
2-Netherlands

Group C
1-Japan
2-Côte d'Ivoire

Group D
1-Italy
2-England

Group E
1-France
2-Switzerland

Group F
1-Argentina
2-Nigeria

Group G
1-Germany
2-Portugal

Group H
1-Belgium
2-Russia

Round of 16

Brazil vs Netherlands - Winner Brazil

Japan vs England - Winner England

Croatia vs Spain - Winner Spain

Italy vs Cote d'voire - Winner Italy

France vs Nigera - Winner France

Germany vs Russia - Winner Germany

Argentina vs Switzerland - Winner Argentina

Portugal vs Belgium - Winner Portugal

Quarters

Brazil vs England - Winner Brazil

Spain vs Italy - Winner Spain

France vs Germany - Winner Germany

Argentina vs Portugal - Winner Argentina

Semis

Spain vs Argentina

Brazil vs Germany

Finals

Spain vs Germany - 1-2 GERMANY because I'm German biased as hell.

Brazil cant play Germany on the finals if they both qualify on the first place in theyre respective groups, they play on the semi-finals.

I'm having such a hard time doing the second stages. I cannot decide between putting what I want vs what's more likely to happen :(

I like Brazil and I think they'll make it to the final easily, but I want Argentina to win. The meltdowns in Brazil would be glorious, and I don't think Argentina will ever get another clear chance to reach the final any time soon (ditto for Uruguay). It's now or never.

Europeans can win the final when they get to host the world cup again , which is basically every time. /salt =P