This World Cup is proving that anybody can beat anybody.
We all came into the tournament talking about the favorites in Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Spain, etc, but we have already seen what happened to Germany, and the strengths and weaknesses in other teams.
The V.A.R technology has reduced referee’s errors and amplified game results. Players and teams are more scared than ever before, to put a leg wrong – bringing the game ‘down’ to what it is designed for – to play the ball with the foot alone.
With microscopic scans -- enlarged to the world in slow-motion, even a non-playing viewer thinks football can now be judged even by the half-blind.
The game has turned robotic, and is in danger of losing it’s ‘hot’ and debatable essence which the world, news media and friends used to have after every match.
It is now all VAR which leaves no tit-bits for discussions. After goal line technology, and VAR’s, we might have robots and line-cameras to replace the refs and linesmen in the near future.
ROUND OF 16
There will be no second chances from the knockout round from the first game with first France taking on Argentina and then Uruguay facing Portugal. The winners of these two games will face each other in the quarter finals, on the ‘death’ side of the draw.
Again Mexico play Brazil on Monday as do Belgium and Japan.
Spain, who finished first in their group thanks to V.A.R, and missed the most dangerous side of the draw. They do not meet a former World Cup winner in England, until the semi final stage.
Spain will play host Russia and if they get through they will face the winner of Croatia and Denmark.
Finally, Sweden face Switzerland and Colombia are up against England.
WHO WILL WIN THE WORLD CUP?
Who are favorites to lift the trophy on July 15th?
If you want to win any game, you must have the confidence that you can beat any team in your path. I like the confidence of Belgium.
My own PREDICTIONS in the first round were not bad, predicting 14 of the 16 teams that reached the knockout stage.
The 2 teams I missed on were Germany (Sweden made it to the Round of 16) and Senegal (Japan made it)—and both were alive to advance until the final minutes of their groups.
But my pick to win the tournament, Portugal, are still alive.
However, Spain seems to be a team that looks far impressive and also happens to be on the weaker side of the knockout bracket. We’re in for some more surprises no doubt, but lot of football fans can bet their coins on the Spaniards – who are a combination of Real Madrid & Barcelona.
After watching the First Round matches, am sure everyone will have their own assessment and opinion; I was glad to present my own!
Let us wait and watch and enjoy... After all World Cup comes once in 4 years.
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