WORLD CUP
Here is what I have so far as my other posts are pushed back in this thread. Take it with a grain of salt. I am for the most part a Totals guy, and while I play the big tournaments, I leave much of the international capping to Kid and Bason. I plan to pick my spots with some Overs, and will see how some of these futures play out.
TO WIN THE WORLD CUP
- posted these a few weeks ago
ARGENTINA +700
BRAZIL +400 - its short I know, but I am counting on them going to at least the Quarters or Semi and this will hopefully prove to be a wise decision.
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP STAGES
DENMARK + URUGUAY (2 gamer) - YES To qualify
SERBIA + 110 - Yes to Qualify
SERBIA - I looked at all these teams, I did an examination of the brackets and potential matchups. I honestly think Serbia can do some damage in this tournament. These guys are LOADED in attack. Their midfield and forwards boasts the likes of Vlahovic, Mitrovic, Tadic, Kostic, Illic, Jovic, Milenkovic-Savic. They had a strong qualifying campaign, and have proven to be a tough out. I would put their mids and forwards up against any other world class club, I truly believe they can do some serious damage. They play fast, attacking football, and can be punishing up top. Personally, I rank them higher than Switzerland. The Swiss/Serbia game is going to be huge, and there is a lot of bad blood between the Serbian team and Shaqiri and Xhaxa, THEY HATE EACH OTHER. If this game was played in Europe they would probably need some serious security for this match lol. Now the only thing holding them back is injuries. MItrovic is their all time leading scorer and he has sat the last 10 days or so with supposed foot injury. They don't play for another 10 days so I am hoping by the time the Swiss game rolls around he is a go. Another issue is that Vlahovic hasn't played in ages, even if he can go how match fit is this guy going to be. I don't know how deep this team can go with their top strikers out, but I think they have enough flare up top to get out of the group. If they play Portugal in the Round of 16 they will be super confident as they played the Portugese 4 times in qualifying and only lost once. I am still considering them at +500 to make it to the Quarters, if they were healthy this would be a no brainer for me, but I will sit on it for a few days.
DARK HORSES
-While some huge underdogs have won the Euros, the World Cup is a different animal, and I believe to date the longest odds for a champion was +700, correct me if I am wrong. This World Cup in the middle of the winter, in Qatar of all places will be unique. I think if we are ever to see a whacky tournament this is it. There is no continental advantage, the weather will be hot as hell, and a lot of teams are banged up. Playing the super long shots still makes things fun and can make the later stages that much more exciting if one of your horses goes on a run.
Now, do I think these 2 teams can win it, probably not. But, I think they have the capability to make a deep run.
i) DENMARK +28-1 - these guys might not be the most talented from front to back, but everyone buys into the system, and they will be a super tough out for the best of the clubs in the world. Denmark proved not too long ago in Euros that they have the fortitude, and system to go deep in International Tournys. They had a super strong qualifying campaign. The key for Denmark to make a run is for them to win their Group. IF and that is a big IF, they can win the group I think the table is set for them to go to the Quarters or Semis. They will not be afraid of France, they already took down France multiple times, including a fully healthy french squad about 60 days ago. If however they do not win the group they are probably going to face Argentina in the Round of 16 which would lead to an early exit.
ii) URUGUAY 50-1 - I love the blend of youth and experience here. Uruguay should be a tough out for anyone. They got one of the most productive, talented players in the world right now with Velvedre, who is complemented with Bentancour another great MF. The attack lead by Nunez up top should strike fear into opponents. Uruguay is known for making runs in the World Cup. Again, they need to win the Group. If they can win their Group I think they have a realistic path to go on a run in this tournament. Finishing 2nd in the group is likely going to pit them in a match vs Brazil in the Round of 16.
The Dutch at 12-1 look interesting because they have a pretty good path to go deep given where they land in the brackets. Their defense is super elite, but I don't know about their attacking up top, I think they may be 1 tourny away from being considered a real bonafide contender.
opcorn2
