On who might make some noise(win group or QF for 16 or go to 8),that after reading this site and others and seeing pundits picks that no one in their right mind would pick,becasue in 3 weeks were going to say "How in the Hell" did that team qualify or get that far...
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ChileComment -
ParaguayComment -
Chile's attack makes them a pretty trendy sleeper pick.Comment -
Other than the top 4 (Brazil, England, Spain, Argentina) who are most likely to win the WC, these are the teams that have the best chance of causing 1 or more of the upsets IMO.
Chile
Finished 2nd behind Brazil in SA qualifying within 1 point. They are almost for sure facing Brazil in the knockout stages (if Brazil win group, and Chile 2nd behind Spain). This is a team that can have a goal fest with Brazil, if Brazil make a couple mistakes Chile could make one of the greatest upsets in WC history and after a win like that they'll go far.
Mexico
They could qualify or even win their group vs 3 of the most overrated teams IMO. There's a bias surrounding them because they aren't European or South American, but they are a very talented and solid squad that's already proven to dominate the best teams, now they just have to prove it on the world stage where it matters.
Ivory Coast
They have a great chance of beating Portugal to 2nd place and qualify with Brazil. But Drogba's injury is a big hit to them, let's see what happens. If they finish 2nd, they face Spain most likely in the knockout round, if they pull an epic upset vs Spain they should be favorites to win the whole thing.Comment -
Australia and HondurasComment -
Agree with the review of Mexico.Comment -
South Africa.
Right now we're skeptical, "we know host country have advanced to the next round in the last blah blah blah" but still convinced the South Africa will break the pattern.
In a few weeks time we probably will be doing this: duhComment
