2014 World Cup

[alfred russel]

Red cards can be harsh and certainly can change the dynamics of games but they're usually handed out for pretty clear offenses and it's not like there are two red cards handed out a game or something. It's just something you live with and IMO makes the narrative of the game a lot more interesting than if you could simply sub on another player.

A team holding onto dear life for the draw after their player gets sent off and desperately needing the points is incredibly dramatic and contributes to the allure of the game.

It makes the narrative of the game more interesting in the same way the BCS made the narrative of the college football season more interesting.

Take the Italy and Uruguay game. A critical game for both countries. What determines it? In part that Italy got a guy sent off and Uruguay didn't. Yeah a team can overcome that, but I'd rather see the teams compete at top quality and the more skillful team move on.

[DGuller]

I think that a penalty is a much severe punishment than a red card.  And unlike red cards, they are often wrongly given.

[Monoriu]

Prediction:

Brazil vs Chile.  Brazil wins.
Columbia vs Uruguay.  Uruguay wins.
Netherlands vs Mexico.  Netherlands wins.
Costa Rica vs Greece.  Greece wins.
France vs Nigeria.  France wins.
Germany vs Algeria.  Germany wins.
Argentina vs Switzerland.  Argentina wins.
Belgium vs the US.  Belgium wins.

Argentina is actually the most important one.  They are the only previous WC winner guarding the "southern" route.  If Argentina loses, at least one team in the final won't be a previous WC winner. 

[jimmy olsen]

After their respective performances I have to think that Costa Rica is a heavy favorite over Greece.

I understand that's not what you want to happen, but you should at least be realistic.

[Monoriu]

After their respective performances I have to think that Costa Rica is a heavy favorite over Greece.

I understand that's not what you want to happen, but you should at least be realistic.

Upsets happen all the time in football

[Josephus]

Prediction:

Brazil vs Chile.  Brazil wins.
Columbia vs Uruguay.  Uruguay wins.
Netherlands vs Mexico.  Netherlands wins.
Costa Rica vs Greece.  Greece wins.
France vs Nigeria.  France wins.
Germany vs Algeria.  Germany wins.
Argentina vs Switzerland.  Argentina wins.
Belgium vs the US.  Belgium wins.

Argentina is actually the most important one.  They are the only previous WC winner guarding the "southern" route.  If Argentina loses, at least one team in the final won't be a previous WC winner.

Fair enough..all the favourites...the only one I'd disagree with is Costa Rica v. Greece...I think Costa Rica's flying style will expose Greece's sit back and drink ouzo style.

[alfred russel]

For who I want to win, among the realistic candidates, I'd like to see the Netherlands. They are an exciting side from a country with a history as a strong side but have never won the world cup. Also, the play mexico in the first game, and I'd like to see them slaughtered.

After that, maybe Argentina (I like Messi) or a non Brazil south american side. Brazil would be okay too--this isn't the most interesting team they have ever had, but to win a home world cup would have to be a thrill. Germany would be okay too if they score lots of goals.

[Syt]

4th in the 1st stage. Acceptable.

Code Select Expand

1 frunk          28 28 20 58.33% 8
2 Maladict 27 27 21 56.25% 35
3 Dorsey4Heisman 26 26 22 54.17% 14
4 Liep         26 26 22 54.17% 48
5 Viking      26 26 22 54.17% 52
6 Duque de Bra 26 26 22 54.17% 136
7 Norgy      25 25 23 52.08% 105
8 Josephus 24 24 24 50.00% 20
9 dps          23 23 25 47.92% 37
10 funkmonk 23 23 25 47.92% 91
11 Pedrito    23 23 25 47.92% 136
12 Tamas      23 23 25 47.92% 136
13 Agelastus 21 21 27 43.75% 20
14 josquius 21 21 27 43.75% 92
15 Syt          20 20 28 41.67% 84
16 celedhring 0 0 48 0.00% 136

Grats to the clear winner, frunk. Even best at the tie breaker.

Damn, I suck.

[Gups]

Rugby doesn't replace ejected players.

I didn't know that.

A sending off in rugby is pretty rare. More often a miscreant will be sin binned - ordered to leave the field for 10 minutes (no replacement). I'd like a similar rule in football (an orange card) - a yellow is ofren too weak and a red too strong.

[Maladict]

Damn, I suck.

I wanted to say the differences aren't that big, but then I noticed you finished below Tamas. 

[Pedrito]

Prediction:

Brazil vs Chile.  Brazil wins.
Columbia vs Uruguay.  Uruguay wins.
Netherlands vs Mexico.  Netherlands wins.
Costa Rica vs Greece.  Greece wins.
France vs Nigeria.  France wins.
Germany vs Algeria.  Germany wins.
Argentina vs Switzerland.  Argentina wins.
Belgium vs the US.  Belgium wins.

Argentina is actually the most important one.  They are the only previous WC winner guarding the "southern" route.  If Argentina loses, at least one team in the final won't be a previous WC winner.

I think Colombia will win against a shaken Uruguay.   HAAAAMES RODRIGUEEEEZ!

L.

[Maladict]

Upsets happen all the time in football

That's probably why you shouldn't be watching it in the first place.

[Syt]

America getting into the spirit? 

[Liep]

Take the Italy and Uruguay game. A critical game for both countries. What determines it? In part that Italy got a guy sent off and Uruguay didn't. Yeah a team can overcome that, but I'd rather see the teams compete at top quality and the more skillful team move on.

The most skillful team doesn't get a player sent off, besides Italy had been playing for a draw even before the red card so it didn't chance much.

[Tamas]

bandwagoners  And USAians discussing the merits of red cards and penalties is cute.


As for the weekend:
I am expecting Brazil to advance, really, but my money is on Chile, because Brazil odds are boring. But Neymar will score.
I don't think there is any bite left in Urugay, so go Colombia!
Holland will advance, Robben will score. This should be the best game this weekend BTW
Costa Rica will win at full time.