FIFA World Cup 2014

[LeTiss]

Seeing as it's the draw today, I thought we should start a new thread, as opposed to a continuation of the qualification thread

Anyway, keep the World Cup outright market open during the draw, as we'll see some good price movements today based on who's had a good or bad draw

[JollyGreen]

I wonder if the media edited Roy Hodgson's recent statement. He said "We don't fear anyone" and I think they missed the end of that statement which probably should read "we actually fear everyone!"

I would love England to win the World Cup but sadly I cannot see anything but disappointment.

[Euler]

Usually England are at 10's to win so the current price is big, if they get a favourable draw it could shorten a little. The fact everybody is so negative on England has just made me look at them a bit harder. I've happily laid them in the past but I don't think I can really do that if they are in the mid to late 20's

[Consty1]

Feel like there's a bit of room for Argentina to come in with the obvious Messi and Aguero factor.

[Euler]

World Cup 2014: Questions raised over new draw format

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25261078

[Euler]

Here is my view on a few things

England will stumble through the group stages but ultimately lose on penalties somewhere.

Italy will draw a lot or win by one goal and progress to the knock out phase.

Brazil will play nice footy, but get caught out by people hoofing the ball up the pitch or kicking their players.

Germany will play a well organised game.

Belgium will show much promise but may struggle in this format.

An outsider will cause an upset in the early games and get priced to qualify for the knock out stages.

Somebody will become very famous because they had a couple of good games and get signed up to a major European club for stupid sums of money.

[LeTiss]

I've always felt the World Cup draw would be much more exciting if there were no seedings at all, just seperate them by region. I read the technical reasons why Switzerland were seeded above Holland, and quite frankly it's a bloody nonsense

[JollyGreen]

Anything involving FIFA is nonsense.

[BJGardner]

Remember 4 years ago?

sunworldcupcover.jpg

Turned out not so easy, 2 draws against USA and Algeria and a 1-0 win against Slovenia saw England scrape through to knockout stages.

[JollyGreen]

I think this draw is almost as banal as the Eurovision Song Contest. Ideally we need the wit of Terry Wogan doing the commentary to make it bearable!

[Euler]

England out of the hat very late!

[JollyGreen]

Italy opening match

[JollyGreen]

Well 99% humidity and 3500 mile round trip for the opening game; the excuses are already tripping off the tongue!

I bet Woy is wowwied now!

[Euler]

I doubt I'll get up at 2am to watch that match.

[JollyGreen]

I doubt I'll get up at 2am to watch the that match.

Nor me...no way!