I really think this years W/Cup can be won by a number of different countries. The gap between contenders and pretenders is narrowing each and every year. The Latin American and African contingents would fall under the category of pretenders imo ( Yes Brazil included ). Of the 24 teams present , I feel safe in saying the following 7 countries are here for some experience only :
Nigeria
Sth Africa
Jamaica
Argentina
Chile
Cameroon
Thailand
The next category I consider teams that will compete in the Group stage but ultimately fall short of advancing :
New Zealand
Scotland
Italy
Group A : France will win the Group , while the game between South Korea and Norway should decide 2nd place
Group B : Germany are a very young side , but they have the pace and depth to win over Spain and China , who should settle the 2nd place spot between them
Group C : Brazil or Australia will take 1st while the loser should grab 2nd place over Italy and new comer Jamaica
Group D : I see England as a real contender this year , so Japan will have to settle for a 2nd place finish
Group E : Its a Homer play but they are capable of advancing to the semi's with a good draw. So I will back the Canucks to win out over The Dutch and the ever improving New Zealand side
Group F : This should be cake for the US , with only Sweden offering any sort of competition for them
Record : 0 - 0
I will post all my plays throughout the tournament in this thread.
BOL to all
Nigeria
Sth Africa
Jamaica
Argentina
Chile
Cameroon
Thailand
The next category I consider teams that will compete in the Group stage but ultimately fall short of advancing :
New Zealand
Scotland
Italy
Group A : France will win the Group , while the game between South Korea and Norway should decide 2nd place
Group B : Germany are a very young side , but they have the pace and depth to win over Spain and China , who should settle the 2nd place spot between them
Group C : Brazil or Australia will take 1st while the loser should grab 2nd place over Italy and new comer Jamaica
Group D : I see England as a real contender this year , so Japan will have to settle for a 2nd place finish
Group E : Its a Homer play but they are capable of advancing to the semi's with a good draw. So I will back the Canucks to win out over The Dutch and the ever improving New Zealand side
Group F : This should be cake for the US , with only Sweden offering any sort of competition for them
Record : 0 - 0
I will post all my plays throughout the tournament in this thread.
BOL to all