Big Question: Who’s the Favorite to win the World Cup Now?

France. France will beat Brazil as they did last time. Brazilian players play like superstars when they get the ball but too selfishly and poorly as a team. This was good enough to beat Ghana but France has good players and outstanding team spirit. Surely France will win.

I picked Brazil at the start and I’m still sticking with them. But I think the tourney is wide open. I could see 7 of the 8 (Ukraine not included) having a legitimate chance to win it all.

The favourites have changed only a bit from start. Obviously Germany and Argentina have really shown they are playing well. It’s very close now, but Brazil is still favourite.

I hope Portugal can do it, they are capable, but in no way can they be favourites.

FORCA Portugal

Germany = clear favourites- The spirit of the land is with them and that counts for an extra player.

Brazil vs. France will be an early final. You can’t base a judgment on a team by looking at how they perform in their first 3 matches. France in Euro 2000 & 2004 were by far the most talented team (with an unlucky loss to Greece). Any team that plays France without a passive defensive style usually loses. This is why they tend to blow out strong teams. France has the fittest and strongest players and at the same time a playing style “similar” to Brazil. Thats why I think these two are the only real contendors.

I am a fan of Italy but I’m not sure whether Italy can make it to final if they keep palying defense n bad finishing(just my personal opinion).
My bet would be Argentina vs Brazil.

Based on footballing reasons, i think any of the eight teams left are capable of raising their games to win the three matches needed to lift the coupe du monde….. The most deserving teams to me are the ones who have been trying to play football in the right way, ie, entertaining, fair, lots of goals, positive etc. In this i would say Argentina & Brazil will make worthy winners… Germany, Italy, Portugal, France show all the traditional european strengths that make them more than capable… England & Ukraine have been pretty woeful to date but are capable of raising their game to win 3 matches for sure….

Fence sitter you may think I am but actually I can pick one winner of the tournament…. The referee!!!

No football team is capable of overcoming the ridiculous refereeing to date….. if a ref is determined to call all your attacks offside when replays clearly show otherwise (Arg vs S&M and countless other times); determined to call your opponents attacks onside when clearly off (Brazil vs Ghana); send off your best players for vague reasons (Deco); award imaginary penalties 4 seconds from the end of the match (Italy vs Aus); not award clear penalties when your striker is hacked down in the box and book the striker instead(Adriano vs Ghana); choose not to award goals that you score (fra vs Korea)…… it makes the tournament not about sport, skill or even luck anymore.

So FIFA, who have you decided is going to win the world cup this year???

I think you have to say that Germany and Brazil are co-favorites. The nod goes to Brazil on paper, but being the home country is a huge advantage (ask the French in 1998).

I’m looking forward to all the quarterfinal matches, and I expect Brazil to beat Germany in extra time for the Cup.

I believe the winner of the Germany-Argentina match will also win the Cup. My heart hopes it will be Argentina, but my head fears Germany is more likely.

France.

They were my dark horse pick at the beginning of the tournament and I am sticking to it. They are peaking at just the right time and Ribery could be the key. Although I think Argentina are better than Germany, they almost lost to Mexico, so clearly anyone can beat them. Germany I am even more scared of even though I do not think they have great talent, but I do think they will get ALL the calls (might be enough to beat ARG). And Brazil is a toss-up. I’m sure almost everyone will pick Brazil in that game but they have not played a decent side yet and I’m sure the last thing they want to see is an in-form Zizou. Of course Brazil have better talent, but that was the case in ‘98 as well, and sometimes (most of the time actually) it is about more than that.

Allez les bleus!

I agree with Alejandro, the winner of Germany-Argentina will likely win it all. I perfer Argentina, and I predict the Portuguese to give it everything they got and make it to the final.

Final: Argentina-Portugal
Winner: Argentina

Germany: They are playing like Germans! Methodical in attacking and won’t beat themselves. Plus playing at home.

IMO: Argentina, Brazil, Germany. Others (excluding Ukraine) still have a chance to win IMO, but I’d say these are the three strongest contenders. Germany being the strongest I think.

Italy for me, as I have seen so far, their defence is stronger than any offense…they will stop germany and move on to the final to meet Brazil…94 all over again…there anything could happen and this time it is Italia’s turn! Good luck to the Azzuri

The Brazilian defense is so full of holes that it is hard to believe they can still be considered the prohibitive favorites, but taking into account that if you give half a chance to Ronaldo he will make you pay dearly, and that Ronaldinho hasn’t had a break out performance yet, I wouldn’t want to face them.
Just keep in mind that the only time a team dared score a goal against them, they immediately answered with 4.

WC 2006 Champion will be Germany!

Now please take my prediction with a grain of salt as I had predicted a Germany vs Spain final.

This WC is wide open in my mind. It all depends which team shows up to play on the day. Look how Spain played in the group stage compared to France and see todays result.

Argentina was excellent in group play but struggled against Mexico. Brasil has really not been challenged so far as they have not had to play a tough game yet with an experienced team. Even though they have won their defense is weak and the players are selfish in front of the goal. England is in the same situation not had to play a serious team yet but managed to win even while not playing that great as a team. Portugal has shown spark but they will have to play without Deco in their game against England. Germany is the only team that has consistently played in a very organized manner in every game. And they will have the home team advantage. So they should be favorites now to win. Only Argentina and then likely Italy are in their way.

I am still hoping for an all South American final between Argentina and Brasil but now I think it will be a European final between Germany and England.

I now predict the winner of Brazil-France will go on to win the cup.

No one has had the courage to mention England, technically an excellent team that does just enough to win. However how these games have been officiating leaves alot to be desired. Germany and England in final, with the English taking the cup.

Isn’t it brilliant that six of the quarter finalists represent all (but one) of the past world champions? How cool is that? As the rank outsiders, Portugal and Ukraine gain my support as the cup needs to make itself at home in a new nation.

I am concerned about Argentina’s game on Friday. In my view Argentina is in a bit of trouble with Germany’s size of players, not to mention the home field advantage.

Argentina and Brazil very possible for a final

yes, ab initio
SPAIN!!! hahahaha
Sorry for my spaniards friends but I’m happy the spanish lie is finally over!

Sorry, but I also think that the winner of argentina-germnay match will also be the world cup champion.

VAMOS ARGENTINA!

Opting for Brazil, but then again
they haven’t played any real strong
opponents so far in their campaign
so it’s hard to make a fair
assessment of their performance.
France will be a good test for
them though as they may have the
psychological disadvantage from
98WC.

This has to be one of the most interesting final eights in recent cups. England (or France) v. Germany in the final. Here’s why.
1.Brasil is weak in the back. If Ghana had Argentina’s finishers they could have had 4 goals. France will not be foolish with their defence and Lucio will be exposed. France over Brasil as Henry emerges.
2.England is a stumbling giant. Lampard and Gerrard are unfortunate clones–if only Deco could convert his citizenship to England and lose his red card they would finally have a playmaker…or if Gretzky played soccer. But Deco’s gone unfairly and England will win this one. England will beat France (I think) with an awakening from Lampard, and Lennon wreaking havoc late in the game although I think Ribery has been the best player in the Cup and may win this one (and the Cup for France) with his resurrection of Zidane’s elan.
3.Germany beats Argentina as Argentina continue their fade from the Serbia and Montenegro poacher-fest. Argentina will lament not playing Messi and “the Bull” earlier.
4.Italy beats Ukraine cynically 1-0 and loses to Germany by 2.
5.Germany and England battle, but Rooney is the difference…and finally the ‘66 is not alone in hallowed memories.

OR AM I A TOTAL FOOL AND IT’S BRASIL-ARGENTINA?

Cheers and enjoy your football,
Ian

Brazil will win the whole entire thing!

I like Ian’s take. Ghana had two things going against it against Brazil – in a match Ghana dominated in many ways: 1. a really poorly executed offsides trap (that led to two of Brazil’s goals); and 2. lack of a finisher. But Ghana is also very quick and they took the ball away from the likes of Ronaldinho time after time.

Against France, Brazil won’t get these gifts. They’ll either have to show they have reserves they haven’t tapped yet or they’re out. France is on a high right now. I’m a believer. They looked today like the France of ‘98 and ‘00. And the old-age theme is overplayed. Sagnol and Ribery are as fast as anyone in the tournament. And Zidane scored his goal today by outsprinting four Spanish defenders at the end of 90 minutes.

Germany and Argentina have looked best. But Mexico could easily have beaten Argentina with an extra touch here or a call there. That match was close. Mexico is good, but they’re not championship material. I can’t see Argentina getting past Germany, who has simply looked the strongest of anyone in the tournament.

Portugal won’t make it past England. England has more talent and a stronger team unity. They haven’t played great. But you know the greatness is there. Without Deco, I can’t see Portugal winning.

Italy will squeak by Ukraine. The Ukraine have looked awful. But so has Italy. This is the final win for Italy. Good riddance, I say.

As for the heart… it’s with France. And I truly think they can beat Brazil. Don’t look to Henry or Zidane for the reason why. Look to that excellent defense. They’re not going to allow Ronaldo to poach.

You guys got it all wrong, Italia is now a team of destiny. We scored for the USA and they couldn’t beat us, we played the entire second half with ten men and Austrailia couldn’t beat us.(Bad red card call). I feel Germany would be next, they haven’t beat us in the world cup in 50 years (remember the 82′ final). In the finals it doesn’t matter ,it’s our time.All the bad calls, all the bad luck, all the bull**** PK loses will be avenged. Forza Italia!!!!!!!!!

I think its really wide open right now and the team that wants it the most will get it. I think Argentina and Germany have shown the most hunger for the WC this time, but i suspect that the home advantage that Germany has will propel them through to the final. I dont think Germany are the best team at all, but i think its the home advantage that has really given them the motivation and drive that they’ve displayed since the beginning. As badly, as i want to see a Brazil vs Argentina final (w/ the Argies winning of-course), i dont think that’s going to be possible. But who knows, football is so unpredicatable, for all we know it’ll be the 2 most boring teams on the face of the planet, i.e. Ukraine vs. England, lol.

Luciano… your Italian team should even be there…. its bad reffing that got yyou there.. I hope the Ukrane beat the (*&(*^ (*& out of them… but i’m sure FIFA will have the refs give some sort of penalty kick to italy to put them into the semis……

it is Italy, mark my word!

Rew is a charming cynic eh? I am not convinced that Lippi has used the right forwards? Toni and Del Piero have done 0. I would have Totti, Gilardino, and Inzaghi attack nonstop like they were possessed! Shep Messing was right, no team can defend better than the Italians once they have taken the lead. Remember, every 12 years Italy makes it to the final. This time they are due to win!

Germany

I think England v Germany in the finals. The German’s certainly look on fire on the field, but England want’s this more.

The favorite is Germany or Argentina. Brazil will keep doing what it has been done over the last 3 World Cups, reaching the final. I would not mind having a sixth star added to my shirt. :)

I was going to be boring and take France and Zidane!, but now i’m going to switch and agree with Premos: The referees win by a red card, and tournament MVP goes to Jorge Larrionda.

!!!!! Argentina all the way !!!!

No other teams have world class strikers like Tevez, Crespo, Rodriguez, Savi and Messi.

I’ve never seen anyone run with a ball faster than Messi. Who needs all the tricky tackling and fancy foot work when you can just kick the ball where you want and run to it faster than anyone else can.

For sure Argentina will lift the cup this time. nobody can beat them.

The favourites are obviously Brazil, reigning champions and record holders, took it 5 times AND Germany, playing home, 3 times victors, trying to get a grip on Brazil on the WC count, before it gets too late… ;-)

It’d be an enormous victory for whoever team is responsible, if these 2 don’t meet in the final.

PORTUGAL ALL THE WAY!!! FORCA – there are better teams than ours but the will to win is strong in our hearts!

@Helmut: Sorry, dude, must disagree. Even if ENG beats POR, your arguments would be exactly mine, on why POR would win. POR has currently, BY FAR, more talent in all the 23 guys together, and a team spirit only matched by GER, BRA and ITA, so far. Doesn’t mean ENG’s bad. No. They must be respected. But they must also be observed and what you say, simply doesn’t fit what they’ve shown us so far.

I agree with those above who see the Germany-Argentina game as crucial.

I hope Argentina win it. It would be wonderful to see the Final decided by a goal of the quality of Cambiasso’s vs S&M, or Rodriguez’s vs Mexico.

If England weren’t playing such dire football I’d want to see them represent the other half of the draw.

Brazil never do any more than they have to to win. Great finishers, but apart from the Croatia game all their scorelines have flattered them.

arg may have peaked
ger on a roll, literally numerous times under a challenge to gain freekicks/ get players sent off (see sweeden game)
brazil not played anybody decent yet
eng played shite so far
ukr no
italy no. the french are just starting to click.

The final will be between Brazil and Protugal.

germany and argentina are the best so far. one of them will make it. klinsmann and pekerman are top.

Not wanting to be academic or anything of that sort, there there is a 12.5% chance that any one of the remaining teams will go all the way to win the championship. This is basically an on paper analysis. However, if I have to be realistic, without doubt, I will put my money on Brazil for one simple reason. They are the only team that can raise its game to match and then surpass the demands of opposition. Make no mistake, France as much as they have a good side, they are not going to find the going as easy as they did in ‘98 finals. This Brazil team is out to settle the score and they will.

Let me do this through the process of elimination.
Ukraine clearly doesn’t belong to this group.
Portugal was impressive in the group, but will not have the services of key players following their dreadful match against Netherlands.
Italy and France are lucky to be already here and cannpt expect their superior acting talents to go unnoticed by the referees.
Of the remaining four, England is the most hyped team and only Englishmen would give them any chances.
Having separated chalk from the cheese, we now have three teams – Argentina, Brazil and Germany – with the most realistic chances of lifting the cup. Brazil plays attractive football, but their defence is porous (Look how a team as weak as Japan could score aganst them).
Argentina plays as attractively as Brazil, but has a solid defence too.
German game is not attractive, but works like a well-oiled machine. And they are playing on their home turf, which is a huge plus factor.
So it all hinges on the first quarter final. The winner of this match will win the Word Cup!
And my heart says Argentina, but my head says Germany.

100 % sure it will come out from friday´s game.

Vamos Argentina.

If they beat Germany they are gonna be to hard to beat….ARGENTINA

Italia vs. Brazil… this time the AZZURRI take the cuip and put that fourth star on their jersey. easy win against Ukraine, and the upset against Germany puts them right against Brazil…except this time they win it in the 1st half by taking the lead and playing that world class Italia defense.

People! it will be germany vs. brazil!

do not doubt the germans…they are beasts on the field

rawr.

Brazil will beat France.
Germany will beat Italy and win it all because of BAD officiating, we’ve seen it before (Qter finals: Germany-Argentina) and we’ll see it again. It’s gambling and political related, that’s the BS of FIFA today.

FINAL=GERMANY&PORTUGAL
WINNER=PORTUGAL

my bet is Germany vs. France at the end for sure!!!

A win for Germany means more to them than any other team in this world cup. They are playing at home and since we all know of the German pride, I think that there is no way they will allow a loss…I think germany has it more in them to win than the rest. They want it more. They have shown that so far.

i believe france will beat germany in the final.

Germany will beat France in the final

I stick by my earlier predictions (France substituted for England because of an injustice).

Conclusions so far from this Cup:
1.Portugal are bastarding the sport with their play acting–what a bunch of pussies. Their country should be ashamed of boy band puffs like Ronaldo (please comment anyone from Portugal, a country I visited and very much enjoyed prior to this Cup).

2.Henry has turned into a diver on the big stage–what a tragedy for such a great player to bring shame to the game and his team. He should watch Ribery when he gets tackled–up immediately.

3.The sport has to police itself the way hockey does–if a player on your OWN team dives in hockey you criticize him and don’t respect him. Please note Portugal and Henry.

4.I will have a tough time watching Portugal. I hope France dismisses them. I think it will be France over Germany in the final but much has been lost by all the divas diving all over the pitch. FIFA needs to institute fines after the game for diving as the ref can never follow everything at the pace at which the game is played.

Here’s to no play acting in the matches that remain,

Cheers,
Ian

As the world cup narrows down to only four countries for the semi final, I would think that France who had developed little wings in the beginning and flying so high might end up in clinching the world cup. Again there is no room for rubber-stamping, any of the four who has bigger muscles can flex it.

Final: Germany Vs. France – On 9th July Ballack’s men will take on Zidane’s inspired team – Heart is with France, tribute to one of the greatest players of 90s – Zizou! However, logic says Germans will prevail over Les Bleus

I agree with IAN that Portugal is acting like a bunch of pussies. In a way they have acted and fouled their way to the semis. They don’t deserve to win. Figo used to one of my favorite players…no more. He’d do better in Hollywood than on the soccer field.

Am not one of the skeptics but let me tell you sth you’ll be very fascinated to read.

What World Cup and history have proved:

* The WC has since 1960 alternated between Europe and South America all the time and it proved right. A European team will win it this time.

* Spain still cannot beat France; I told my friends repeatedly Spain is a good side but can’t muster any chance of winning

* England still cannot beat Sweden. A few seconds left, it had to end all square and it did.

* France made it 3 consecutive wins over Brazil. 1986 QF, 1998 F and 2006 QF and France has never lost a World Cup QF. Proved right!

* Once again for the 3rd running WC, a Manchester United Player is responsible for England going out: Beckham in 1998, Paul Scholes giving away a free kick in 2002…Ronaldinho wonder goal and this time, Shrek has done with a well deserved red card. BTW, did I not mention Philip Neville giving away a last gasp penalty in Euro2000 vs Romania.

*Germany have never beaten Italy in the World Cup or in any competitive game. WC Record for Germany vs Italy : 2 draws, 2 defeats last time in the 1982 Final when Italy won 3-1.

Here’s a very interesting fact…sure many skeptics have found it out:

1970: Italy lose 4-1 to brazil in WC Final. (L)

12 yrs later… 1982 and Italy win 3-1 over Germany (W)

12 yrs later…. 1994 and Italy lose to Brazil in the final (L)

12 yrs later… u well calculated it, it’s 1994 + 12 = 2006 and Italy logically should reach the final and WIN!!!

* Germany has by the way a miserable record against both Italy and France. Why should they win it? The facts are here.

Interesting…

Let that be proved correct Today and on Sunday :D

Germany will win it because that’s what is everyone wants, otherwise they would (and should) have lost against Argentina who deserved the win by far.

italy will win world cup not only they have best deffence and goalie defence always wins u championship , brazil fans lol to bad there to much cocky team and look what happened boohoo

To bad all u people dont no what awsome soccer team italy has , and yes they will win it all

FORZA ITALIA.. ITALY IS GONNA WIN IT ALL. why does everybody go against italy even though there a really good team?

PORTUGAL IS THE BEST & ALWAIS WILL BE.. WE GOT ROBBED IN THE GAME PORTUGAAL VS FRANCE..

SIGNED.. PORTUGAL FAN

france will WIN WIN ND WIN!!!

I guess that italy will play against france in the finals … and i wish that france wins b/c i hate the italians 4 wat they did 4 germany (they let us down)
i wish that france wins !!!!

The Italians have taught the French everything from cooking to music to fashion, and on Sunday we will teach them how football should be played. Italy 2-0 France.

I dont care if france beat brazil…who cares…the italians play aggressively chasing balls and scoring goals….i vote italy

who cares as long as no one gets killed about it.

at the end it all comes down to whos the crook with all the money to buy the game. all that said, go france!!

ITALIA CAMPIONE!!!
Won it fair and square, overcame that French baraka.