Northern Ireland27188 Posts
On July 09 2026 02:30 gTank wrote:
Dont do that WombaT, tell us your predictions! Curious what you think about the pairings.
I just can’t stand a certain kind of conspiratorial discourse, like when people call Barca ‘UEFAlona’ I immediately pass out in fury.
I think plenty of the actual corruption is out there to observe and comment on, as well as mistakes. And I don’t even think the calls in the Egypt match were that bad. Both of the big ones were the kind of call where it’s not really a problem for me if they were given, or not given.
Messi should have been sent off earlier this tournament, equally I’d attribute that to either human error, or the officiating team themselves bottling it, not something they’re being directed to do. Obviously it’s not great if hypothetically the balls to send Messi off in his World Cup swansong were lacking.
Anyway as requested, hopefully my latest bout of headbanging has increased my nascent precognitive abilities!
I’m not privy to all the info in terms of climatic conditions and how much different teams have had to travel, which could be a factor. It was something I was worried about with England in Mexico but they came through it.
It’s a bit boring but I think all the favourites are well, favourites this round. Equally I think one of the teams I considered ‘genuine’ favourites (Spain, England, France, Argentina) is due a loss. I never considered the likes of Brazil (lopsided squad, lacking in certain areas), Germany (never really got going under Nagelsman), Portugal (hamstrung by Ronaldo) in my suite of potential winners
So I think one of them will lose, I’m just unsure how! Argentina have been underwhelming thus far, but I dunno if the Swiss have the weapons to hurt them, and Argentina might step up their level, which they capable of. England I think if they play well, will win, but that’s not guaranteed. And their defence has looked ropey at times, and well Haaland is Haaland. It may come down to having to outscore Norway in a slugfest rather than relying on keeping him quiet
Spain are just a better side than Belgium, I think that’s the biggest lock this round. France have a terrifying degree of talent, especially in attack, but Morocco are a very good, very resilient side, and have some dangerous attacking weapons. I could see Morocco doing it but they’ll have to play out of their skins.
Going through to the next round and assuming things go as I think, Spain versus France should be a blockbuster, and probably should be the final. Interesting clash of styles too! I’d say Spain feel a bit more cohesive overall, but France have more players who can just produce some individual brilliance and grab a goal from nowhere. I’d have that one as a 50/50
In the other side I think it’s Argentina versus either England or Norway, and I think they lose to both those sides. Just a feeling but I think both Norway or England will have huge morale and momentum if they make it through, and Argentina have been stuttering. Also Argentina have won it recently, England will be looking to slay the beast of 66, and two recent silvers in the Euros, and Norway are writing new history each round they make it past and seemingly playing without pressure. I just think they’ll be more pumped than a squad that’s largely the same as one that’s already climbed Mount Everest, and also a squad not without holes.
I think France or Spain win a final if they get there, so the other side of the draw are probably hoping for a Moroccan Miracle, or a Belgian Bonanza this round!
|
EPT
