You never write off the Germans or the Italians no matter how strong or weak you think their squads are. Mentally they are usually very strong and have the edge in the big games.
This year the Germans have an unbelievable squad, only Spain can compete with it in terms of depth. It does not matter that they have only named two traditional forwards in Klose and Volland because i doubt Loew will even play with one, more likely to be with Mueller or Goetze as a false nine. Spain won in 2010 without a recognised striker in their starting lineup, furthermore a great deal of the players play for Bayern just as there are many barca players who play for spain so i think this philosophy will be apparent in their style of play.
Nobody backed Italy in 2006 and they went all the way. They aren't the most glamorous but if the bodge sends his players out against them like last time at the European championships then the Italians will destroy them. How that game went to penalties i will never know.
I agree Argentina and Brazil look very promising. Uruguay will not do as well as last time imo but wouldn't be surprised to see them come second to Italy. France, Portugal and Colombia are dark horses to make the semis. the former have two very special players in Ribery and Pogba who could take them there.
I just can't see Spain winning it again as good as they are. The dutch have are trialling a new system and have a weak defense, also they will likely verse Brazil in the round of 16.....
My pick is Argentina.
This year the Germans have an unbelievable squad, only Spain can compete with it in terms of depth. It does not matter that they have only named two traditional forwards in Klose and Volland because i doubt Loew will even play with one, more likely to be with Mueller or Goetze as a false nine. Spain won in 2010 without a recognised striker in their starting lineup, furthermore a great deal of the players play for Bayern just as there are many barca players who play for spain so i think this philosophy will be apparent in their style of play.
Nobody backed Italy in 2006 and they went all the way. They aren't the most glamorous but if the bodge sends his players out against them like last time at the European championships then the Italians will destroy them. How that game went to penalties i will never know.
I agree Argentina and Brazil look very promising. Uruguay will not do as well as last time imo but wouldn't be surprised to see them come second to Italy. France, Portugal and Colombia are dark horses to make the semis. the former have two very special players in Ribery and Pogba who could take them there.
I just can't see Spain winning it again as good as they are. The dutch have are trialling a new system and have a weak defense, also they will likely verse Brazil in the round of 16.....
My pick is Argentina.
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