Round of 16
These matchups are based on my group predictions
A1 VS B2: Brazil vs. Chile: With Brazil expected to sweep group A I have them matched up against South American counterparts Chile. People might be surprised that I elected to take Chile in 2nd place in Group B over the likes of the Netherlands. For me picking Chile in 2nd in Group B was actually not that hard of a choice. They have a lot of attacking threats, a stronger and more physical midfield than Netherlands and a stronger defense. When Chile is flying on all cylinders they can give the likes of Germany serious problems which we saw in their March friendly. With better finishing in that game Chile could have won by a hefty margin. Brazil vs. Chile should be a very intriguing matchup. Although Chile does have a tricky and very pacey attack; Brazil possesses in my opinion the strongest defense in the world. The likes of Thiago Silva, Dante, Marcelo, should be able to handle the Chilean striking force of Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas. Although Chile will be looking to make the midfield compact and make it uncomfortable for Brazil to connect passes, Brazil should have the upper hand in the midfield as well. Oscar, Paulinho and Fernandinho are not really a possession midfield. They will be looking to connect to with the likes of Neymar and Hulk rather than keep the ball in the center of midfield for long periods of time. This is why they should have success against the high pressing Chilean midfield. Although Chile contain a physical, aggressive and organized defense with the likes of Medel and Isla they tend to leave the back vulnerable to often attacking with players than they probably should. Brazil will no doubt be able to capitalize on this. Brazil and Chile did recently meet in an International Friendly in November 2013 where Brazil won 2-1. Overall the Brazilian team is far too good for Chile. Combine that with the home support of the Brazilian nation and I can see nothing but a Brazil win from this game.
Prediction: Brazil 3- 0 Chile
B1 VS A2 : Spain Vs Croatia: The first matchup we will see from the right side of the bracket I have gone with two European teams clashing together. Both teams thrive on their technical players coming from midfield and playing through the team’s defense. Croatia will need to be able to prove that their midfield can defend. Not only just close down but defend and switch from sides to sides for long periods of time while Spain take control of possession. The center midfielders of Croatia are full of smaller sized players that have great skill and passing ability. Their defense duties will have to be fulfilled if they have any chance of getting past Spain. Spain undoubltey have the deepest and best midfield players in the world. The veterans of the 2010 World Cup winning team will need to step up. I will be expecting Croatia to play counter attacking style this game. They don’t have the midfield players necessary to high press the Spanish. On the break they will be looking for either Modric or Rakitic who can find Bayern Munich target Mario Mandzukic. Set pieces will be an area where Croatia need to capitalize. They have aerial threats such as Mandzukic, Lovern, and Srna. If Croatia have good defensive work from their 3 center mids and can counter effectively and use set pieces to their advantage then an upset is not off the cards. I do still expect Spain to go through. With the addition of in fro Atletico Madrid stiker Diego Costa they finally have a true world class #9. This addition finally makes them to what many people would say is the most complete team in the tournament.
Prediction: Spain 2-0 Croatia
C1 VS D2: Colombia VS Italy: For the first but definitely not the last time a European team will be up against a South American team. Colombia will be looking to use the forward partnership of Falcao and Jackson Martinez. If they can give these two the chances needed they will without a doubt finish them. The defensive pride that Italian sides have always had in their teams have in some ways gotten away from them. The partnership of Juventus center back pairing Barzagli and Chiellini will be huge in order to the Italians to a strong run. That along with the form and attitude of bad boy Mario Balotelli up front will determine how far the Italians can make it. The Italian midfield will be the vocal point in the squad. With Pirlo sitting back in behind Marchiso and De Rossi doing the dirty work. Pirlo will be looking to orchestrate the Italian attacks and keep them calm. He will also be looking to find balls over the top to Mario Balotelli much like he did in Euro 2012. Look for the Italians to be dangerous of set pieces with Pirlo looking to strike from shooting distance. In order for Colombia to come out on top there defense will have to prove that they can handle a top quality attack. I expect the Italians to have most of the possession while Colombia trying to break down the wings with James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado finding Falcao and Martinez. Italy would of also faced harder opponents in Group D so they will be ready for a challenge, while on the other hand this will be Colombia's hardest opponent yet. It will be a hard game to call but I see Italy scraping through a hard fought game.
Prediction: Italy 3-2 Colombia
D1 VS C2: Uruguay vs. Ivory Coast: Ivory Coast will be looking to represent Africa well in the round of 16 going up against a very talented and organized Uruguay team. The partnership of Luis Suarez and Edision Cavani could prove to be too much for Kolo Toure and the inexperienced Ivory Coast defense. The midfield powerhouse of Yaya Toure will be slowed down by Uruguay’s tight and compact midfield where they high press opponents and disrupt any kind of rhythm. Drogba and Bony may cause some kind of trouble to the defense of Uruguay but they are one of the strongest defensive teams in the tournament and I don’t see them conceding more than 1 goal against the Ivoirians.
Prediction: Uruguay 3-1 Ivory Coast
E1 VS F2: France VS Bosnia: I have the French going up against the underdogs Bosnia. The French are pretty much a complete team that just needs to fine the right starting 11 to really be a force again. Edin Dzeko might be able to unsettle the Koscienly and Varane but Ribery, Benzema and Grizeman will prove to be far too much firepower for the weak Bosnian defense to handle.
Prediction: France 4- 1 Bosnia
F1 VS E2: Argentina VS Switzerland: This matchup will be an extremely close game. Argentina holds the deadliest attack in the world, while on the other hand Switzerland has one most well coached defense's. Switzerland will approach the game looking to sit back and counter attack and look to close passing gaps and surrond the likes of Messi, Di Maria, and Aguero. Switzerland has a young talented team. Shaqiri will have to be running the show and be looking to cause the fragile Argentina defense trouble. The midfield battle of Berhami and Inler VS Di maria and Mascherano will be key and I give the upper hand to Argentina. They are stronger overall in every area of the pitch so Argentina should be able to advance. Although this will be a very close game.
Prediction: Argentina 0-0 Switzerland (4-2) Pens to Argentina
G1 VS H2: Germany vs. Russia: Expect Germany to shred through both the Russian defense and midfield. While they keep the dull and old Russian strikers quiet.
Prediction: Germany 3-0 Russia
H1 vs. G2: Belgium vs. Portugal: This matchup is probably going to be the best in terms of two top quality sides with even ability going up against each other. Cristiano Ronaldo will be leading his Portuguese troops out against a very talented and inexperienced squad when it comes down to playing in these type of tournaments. Although an extremely inexperienced team, the Belgium World Cup team has immense core of young talented players. The Premier League front 3 of: Hazard, Lukaku, and Mirallas will have a great understanding between them and will cause the Portuguese defense problems. The Belguim defense itself will have to be able to stop Cristiano Ronaldo which is never easy. He should be able to have success against Alderweireld who lacks the speed necessary to contain Ronaldo. Kompany will have to be able to shift over and quickly double team and provide support for the Belgium defense to have a chance in the game. The connection and understanding between Monaco midfielder Joao Mountiho and Cristiano will be the key to the Portuguese. Moutinho has already shown that he understands when Ronaldo will make runs and where and when he likes the ball to be played which was demonstrated against their playoff vs. Sweden. The X factor in my opinion could be young Atletico Madrid goalie Thibaut Courtois. He has proven this year that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. If he is in form during the tournament don’t expect many goals to get by him. Although I think the Belgium’s contain a much better overall team, this Portugese side has been here before and in big tournament usually raises their game. You can essentially flip a coin to decide who wins this game. I'm going with Portugal due to big tournament experience along with strong showing during those appearances.
Prediction: Portugal 2-2 Belgium ( 4-2 Penalties) Portugal wins
Quarter Finals
Brazil VS Italy: With Brazil and Italy having played in last years Confederations Cup, I expect the game to go pretty similar to the match we saw Brazil win 4-2. The golden generation of Italian players are aging and the Brazilian’s have finally found their best side in the last 10 years. The midfield battle will be close but Brazil will outmatch them physically. The Brazil attack will have the Italians sitting back and will be hesitant to have their outside back's join the attack; which will limit their attacking threat. With not a very athletic Italian midfield don't expect to see them high press the Brazilians and expect the Brazilians to have comfortable possession in the midfield. Cesare Prandelli would have learned a lot in that defeat and will definitely approach the game differently. Mario Balotelli will remain Italy's biggest weapon and will need him to be firing on all cylinders if they expect to score on Brazil's reliable back line. I expect the Brazilians prove to be too much for Pirlo and company to handle.
Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Italy
Spain VS Uruguay: This matchup will prove to be the hardest one to call in the quarter-finals. Spain although the golden generation is not at it's same heights as the 2010 team will be a hard team to beat. Their 5 man midfield will be the vocal point of their play. Busquets will play as the holding midfielder, connecting the simple passes and stop the opposition’s attack. While Xavi and Inestia will play in front of him, with Pedro and David Silva on the flanks. Look for David Silva to cut in from the right hand side and play more centrally. Diego Costa should prove to be Spain's stiker that they have been wanting. Although he didn't look particularly great in their last friendly match vs. Italy I expect him to become more familiar with the Spanish style of play and his new teammates. Diego Godin will be the strongest defender for Uruguay and will be extremely familiar with Costa's talents as they play together at Atletico Madrid. Diego Godin has been one of the two starting center backs for the best defense in Europe with Atletico Madrid and Diego Simione. For this matchup I will be expecting Óscar Tabárez to play a 3-5-2 to make the midfield very condense. They will want to pressure the midfield trio of Busquets, Xavi, and Inestia. The 3-5-2 formtion allows you have take control of the midfield. It also is effective to disrupt the opposition and frustrate them. In this case giving the midfielders of Spain no time on the ball. For the first 20 minutes or so you win see Uruguay high press the midfield of Spain, and after that you can expect them to sit back. Either way they are extremely hard to break down as they have one of the most well coached defensive teams in the world. With this game being played in Salvador it will most likely be in the mid 80s Celsius with humidity in between 70% to 95%. I expect the Spanish to struggle in the weather where as the South American's will be used to the climate. The weather won't decide the game but it's a good point to state. This game is really virtually uncallable. Both teams will be extremely well prepared and have willingness to leave it all on the pitch. Definitely will be one of the most watch games of the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Uruguay 2-1 Spain
France VS Germany: France vs. Germany is the third quarter-final I have gone with. Although the French had an impressive result in March against the Netherlands where they won 2-0 I am still not convinced this group of players can make a serious run at the World Cup. They barley qualified with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Ukarine. Besides that result they have not had an impressive victory in last year and a half. Signs will show improvement for the French. They have a great supply of young players and they should be a serious force in both 2016 and 2018. Germany will be to much for their fragile defense. Germany will also have the upper hand in the center midfield where they should have most of the possession.
Prediction: Germany 3-1 France
Portugal VS Argentina: In the last quarter-finals I’ve got matched Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal vs. Lionel Messi and Argentina. Both FIFA Ballon d'Or winners will be wanting to win their first World Cup's and adding to their legacies. The match will probably not be decided by the individual’s themselves but rather the surrounding cast's each other have. For Cristiano and Portugal this is without a doubt the hardest attack they would have ever faced. Although Pepe is a great defender he is often a liability. I seriously doubt him and the ever aging Bruno Alves will be able to stop a front three of: Messi, Aguero, Higuain. Also with the likes of Tevez coming off the bench. Di Maria and Lavezzi will be looking to give Fabio Contreao and Joao Pereira trouble. The center of the park Portugal might be able to have some control, but still Argentina will be too much for Portugal to handle.
Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Portugal. You can also expect to see a Pepe red card along the way.
Semi Finals
Brazil VS Germany: This probably the first semi-finals that most people have gone with and why not? On paper they have the two most complete teams. The Germans haven't been playing well that last few times that the national team has met up. A worrying 1-0 win against a Chile side that dominated the game and had the Germans booed by their own fans is a prime example. Even with these poor performances the Germans will still be confident going into the game vs. Brazil. Brazil who is really the opposite of the Germans right now, been playing the best football we've seen a Brazilian national team play in a while. Ever since their Confederations Cup victory this past summer the Brazilians have solidified themselves into serious contenders. The German midfield will be looking to control the game given that is the type of midfielders they possess. On the other hand, Brazil will high press them and give them no time on the ball, much like they did against Spain in the Confederations Cup. The German backline might not be as strong as people are expecting them to be. Lahm and Hummels should be the leaders from the back. Brazil will look to play Neymar and Hulk into the space and expose the slugish like Per, Mertasacker. Germany could have advantages attacking the wings of Brazil. Hulk and Neymar will rarely track back. Marco Reus and Thomas Muller should be looking to attack the outside backs of Brazil who are not strong defensively. If Marcelo and Dani Alves take to many risks in joining the attack and get caught out of position, look for the Germans to find success down the wings. Other than that, Germany won't be to threating to Brazil and their defense. The midfield pairing of Paulinho and Fernandinho who are hard working and defensively solid won't have trouble stopping Ozil who will be most likely suffering due to the climate. Ozil has proven this Season with Arsenal that his fitness is a serious issue and expect it to hurt the German's if his fitness starts to become an issue. Don't expect to see Mario Gomez or Klose to give the Brazilian defense any sort of problems except possibly off of set pieces.
Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Germany
Uruguay vs. Argentina: Most people probably don’t have this as their semifinal but I’m pretty confident that Uruguay will beat Spain in the quarterfinals. Expect to see a once again extremely solid performance from the Uruguay defense. Their defense will drive their performances against the top quality sides in the knock out stages. Expect Messi to really turn it up here and start to give it his absolute all to reach the finals. Both teams will match up pretty similar in terms of formation. Argentina will either field a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2. While on the other hand I expect Uruguay to stick to the 3-5-2. Argentina could be outworked in the center of midfield but expect Argentina to dominate wing play with Lavezzi and Di Maria on either side. I give Uruguay the advantage in terms of defense. Even so the front 3 attackers of Argentina will be to much for Uruguay. The space that will be created from Lavezzi and Di Maria will cause the defensive mids of Uruguay to make tough decisions. Argentina contain too many players that can win games in a simple moment of magic which is why I expect Messi and company to find themselves in the final after hard fought victory.
Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Uruguay.
Final
Brazil vs. Argentina: The two South American rivals.. Is this the moment Messi has been waiting for? Or will the Brazilians bring the trophy home to the Brazilian people and nation. Now to what the key matchups will look like on the field. Argentina will again like the semifinal either field a 4-3-3 formation or 3-52. Brazil on the other will stick to the reliable 4-2-3-1. In my opinion Brazil should dominate the middle of the field. Oscar, Paulinho, and Fernandinho should be able to handle, the unreliable Mascherano with Messi rooming as a classic number 10, he won’t look to provide any sort of defensive cover leaving the back line of Argentina extremely vulnerable. Look again for the outside backs of Brazil to be the key if the Brazilians want to contain the deadly attack of the Argentineans. Whoever makes the most of the wing play can add an extra advantage to the game. Both pair of wingers are extremely gifted attackers but can leave their outside backs exposed and provide little to no cover. If the outside back pairing of Marcelo and Dani Alves for Brazil can keep the wing play creativity down for Argentina, Brazil will have the upper hand in the game. In a nutshell this game should look to be a classic. The game will be thriving off some of the best attackers that play the game. Creativity, skill, flair, this final will have everything a football fan wants. If they are to bring their attacking talent into the game, Argentina must have sustained periods of controlled possession. Without it, the defense could let them down. With it, they can win it all. If so, they will surely arrive fresher than Brazil. The hosts, though, can count on a better balance between attack and defense. In my mind, the whole of Brazil will support their national side with an incredible amount of support and patriosm. The players of Brazil have heard stories of some of the famous Selecao sides that have come home as world champions. In the summer of 2014, the current members of this Selecao side will have the opportunity to make their dreams as kids growing up a reality. They will understand what this possible record sixth title means to the nation and how it can impact the lives of the people. In Brazil football is more than just a game it is a national past time. In Brazil the sport would be considered by most, to be a part of their heritage. In Brazil, kids grow up on football, and if they're too poor they wrap up rags and play with those. Their facilities and resources to play the game give them every reason to quit. But they don't... Brazil has without a doubt produced the most talented players to grace this beautiful game, and it will be even more beautiful for the game of football to see Brazil win the World Cup this summer in front of their country.
Prediction: Brazil 3-2 Argentina.
Champions : Brazil
