The Soccer Thread (Version 13) — Winter World Cup Edition

How big does the bribe have to be to Jack Warner before one can place an order?

And if Trinidad and Tobago pulls off a late stunner, do you have to go home?

 

My bets (so far):

Top scorer — Vini at +2800
Total PK shootouts over 2.5 at +100
Saudi Arabia +300 not to score in the tournament
England/Iran +750 to get out of B
Canada/Croatia +1600 to get out of F
Spain to reach the final +400
USA will have a 0-0 +260

 

I’m on Kane as top goal scorer.
Arg/Eng in the final.
USA to get out of group.

 

On Eve of World Cup, FIFA Chief Says, ‘Don’t Criticize Qatar; Criticize Me.’

The last quote is quite the grandstand.

 

FIFA prez attacking western countries today for being mean to Qatar.
I guess he got a nice envelope last night.

 

Meant for NBA threat

 

He's at least 40, right?

 

Alrighty, here's my prediction:

A: 1. NED, 2. SEN, 3. ECU, 4. QAT
B: 1. ENG, 2. IRN, 3. USA, 4. WAL
C: 1. ARG, 2. MEX, 3. POL, 4. KSA
D: 1. DEN, 2. TUN, 3. FRA, 4. AUS
E: 1. GER, 2. ESP, 3. JPN, 4. CRC
F: 1. BEL, 2. CRO, 3. MOR, 4. CAN
G: 1. BRA, 2. SUI, 3. SRB, 4. CAM
H: 1. URU, 2. GHA, 3. KOR, 4. POR

Round of 16: Netherlands over Iran, England over Senegal, Argentina over Tunisia, Denmark over Mexico (of course), Germany over Croatia, Belgium over Spain, Brazil over Ghana, Uruguay over Switzerland
Quarterfinals: Argentina over Netherlands, Brazil over Germany, England over Denmark, Belgium over Uruguay
Semifinals: Argentina over Brazil, Belgium over England
Final: Argentina over Belgium

Regarding the USMNT, I don't think this will be a tremendous failure, but that they'll draw against both Wales and Iran. It seems entirely likely to me that Iran, the US and Wales could all finish with two points, though for the purpose of this prediction, I'm going to predict Iran nicks Wales with a late goal in an otherwise terrible match.

I should probably explain the France thing. I think there is a FIFA rule that France can't have its shit together in consecutive World Cups. Thus, this.

 

What an unappealing opening game tomorrow.

 

France already without Pogba and Kante, now the Ballon d’Or winner Benzema is hurt. Has all the makings of another defending champ to flame out in group. Lucky to get Australia in their opener and try to work their way into a cohesive team.

 

Will Benzema be well enough to still blackmail his France teammates?

 

Won't be the first crime against humanity that Qatar has committed.