As I write this we're about 5 days away from the world gathering in Russia to determine which nation is best at kicking a ball around the pitch inside three pipes and no one except the goalie can use their hands.
Despite the United States Men's National Team not making the big show (there have been plenty of theories about that so I'll leave it be) the countries who are sending teams promise to put on a spectacular show of athleticism and drama. Most of the big players are there (hi Italy!) and there will be plenty of Star Power. There will also (sadly) be a ton of flops and bad calls, and boorish behavior. Football is a gentlemen's game played by hooligans so they say. You'll see that on display here. Sadly.
If you haven't seen this article comparing world cup teams to college football teams you should. It's eerily accurate.
As the game play goes, I have some thoughts, and some possible places to put your hard-earned money on the futures markets should you decide to play.
Odds to win the 2018 World CUP
Brazil 9/2 - Pass. Supremely talented, won't get over the hump here.
Germany 19/4 - Pass. Winning back to back almost never happens
Spain 6/1 - Too old, not enough young talent to compete with top teams.
France 13/2 - No way, did you see their friendly against the USMNT?
Argentina 19/2 - I like them here. Messi is worth it.
Belgium 12/1 - Another play I kind of like. Supremely talented.
England 18/1 - Nope. You'll just be disappointed. Trust me.
Uruguay 25/1 - I like the odds, I don't like their recent form
Portugal 28/1 - Wouldn't hurt to take a shot on Ronaldo alone.
Croatia 33/1 - Solid, should advance, struggles against top teams.
Colombia 40/1 - I can make a strong case here.
Russia 50/1 - Cute, but no.
Poland 80/1 - Might advance, lose in the quarters.
Denmark 100/1 - Won't happen. Too many injuries
Mexico 100/1 - My dark horse selection here.
Switzerland 100/1 - Fun story, won't win.
Sweden 150/1 - Fee above
Senegal 150/1 - One of the more exciting teams in terms of talent
Egypt 150/1 - Mo Salah. But that's it.
Iceland 200/1 - Overbet. Pass
Serbia 200/1 - Tough out for anyone. Not a championship contender
Japan 200/1 - Tough, disciplined, lacking enough talent to truly challenge.
Nigeria 200/1 - So much talent, so poorly coached.
Peru 200/1 - Happy to be here.
Costa Rica 300/1 - Has a history of advancing, then losing in quarters.
Australia 300/1 - The Socceroos fans are better than their team.
Iran 500/1 - About 3 notches below the best.
Morocco 500/1 - Might scare a country in the group play.
South Korea 500/1 - Happy to be here
Tunisia 500/1 - No way.
Panama 1000/1 - Uh uh.
Saudi Arabia 1000/1 - I'm not sure I'd like that for their chances to advance.
My money is going on Belgium and Mexico, although I could also make a strong case for Argentina, and Portugal IF their stars play up to the top of their form. I think there's enough talent on all teams that some of the favorites might get scares in group play, and there will always be the one team that enters with tital aspirations, then botches it and goes home early (England).
As I said earlier, I honestly think Mexico has a legitimate chance to win the whole thing and I wouldn't sleep on them. They face a TOUGH test to open in Germany however, so they'll have to keep their wits about them should they get beaten badly.
I also like Colombia.
In my heart I'm rooting for Spain. I ALWAYS root for Spain even if the US is there. Now I just don't have to pretend to be a USMNT fan this time around.
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