¤¤ WORLD CUP 2022: The prediction challenge ¤¤

Warrior wrote:~~ Standings after day 21 ~~

1. NEURO: 161 pts /+3
2. PEDRAM: 131 pts /+6
3. RINCON: 108 pts /+0
4. WARRIOR: 115 pts /+5
5. S: 114 pts /+6
6. LORD SPENCER: 6 pts /+0


Semi finals

Argentina 1-0 Croatia
France 3-1 Morocco

Mbappé, Di Maria

futbol_bill wrote:

Warrior wrote:~~ Standings after day 21 ~~

1. NEURO: 161 pts /+3
2. PEDRAM: 131 pts /+6
3. RINCON: 108 pts /+0
4. WARRIOR: 115 pts /+5
5. S: 114 pts /+6
6. LORD SPENCER: 6 pts /+0


Semi finals

Argentina 1-0 Croatia
France 3-1 Morocco

Mbappé, Di Maria

How come Firenze and DoC don’t have points? I see they haven’t participated in daily picks, but now that group play, round of 16 and qtrs are finished, shouldn’t they have points from their original predictions submission?

Warrior wrote:Thanks to the exceptional guys who participated to this game daily. This competition was full of surprises and Neuro, Pedram, Juve brothers S and Rincon, i think we spent a good world cup together on the internet


~~ Day to day final standings ~~

1. NEURO: 179 pts /+9
2. PEDRAM: 149 pts /+7
3. WARRIOR: 134 pts /+13
4. S: 117 pts /+3
5. RINCON: 108 pts /+0
6. LORD SPENCER: 6 pts /+0


CONGRATS TO NEURO WHO TAKES THE TROPHY HOME
AMAZING DOMINATION
GREAT GUY
>>> VAMOS ARGENTINA VAMOS MESSI <<<

Casciavit wrote:

neuro11 wrote:Its really interesting that so far everyone predicted Argentina as a champion. That (Messis's legacy) emotion affects everyone. was it backed up by the 36-winning streak? I for one want it by heart but feel like they will be under tremendous pressure from Quarterfinal and on. And might not perform as expected. Also, their way to the final is the most difficult one. God knows what drama is awaiting.

Casciavit wrote:Argentina are easily my favorites. There are some certain ingredients to World Cup winning teams and Argentina shares a lot of those.

- Newfound confidence after winning Copa America and La Finalissima. They used to play with 200KG on their backs. Winning their first international trophies since the 90s has given them a freedom to their play.

- They've been playing with the same spine since Scaloni joined. You don't get a lot of time to train automatisms in international football due to a lack of training, but they have pretty much had the same starting lineup since 2019 Copa America. Familiarity goes a long way. Compare it to the European teams who have a different lineup every match.

- The team's energy seems really positive. I don't think there's a more united-looking dressing room. Messi said it's the best team atmosphere he's ever been part of. You can really see the camaraderie among them.

- They know how to suffer. They are very organized defensively and are willing to put in those extra KM. Not only are they comfortable sitting deep, but they genuinely fight for each other. Look at how they react when Messi gets tackled its a sight to see.

- They have a reliable spine and a lot of fire in the team. Martinez is a good shot stopper and can save penalties. Romero is one of the best CB in the world. Paredes, De Paul, and Lo Celso have the technical security to hold on to the ball, so I don't expect brainfarts from them. Di Maria, Messi, and Lautaro shouldn't be missing sitters.

- Decent bench depth. If they need a better passer in the back they can play Lisandro Martinez ahead of Otamendi. If they need another technician in midfield they can bring on Enzo Fernandez. If they need another threat between the lines they can bring on Papau Gomez or Dybala. If they need another #9 they can bring on Alvarez.

- Messi's last dance. He's looked good this season, and has been great in his recent performances for Argentina. His teammates are willing to die for him. He's especially motivated since it will be his last World Cup.

I don't think there's another team who has as much going for them. Maybe Brazil? No European team seems to have as much going for them.

I was told Argentina's fullbacks might be an issue although Moniel and Tagliafico aren't that bad. They're average. Germany and France played CB's as their Fullbacks, so it's not the end of the world.

Argentina needs their stars to stay fit. Messi and Di Maria are the only guys who can create something out of nothing consistently. Dybala has that talent, but he doesn't really change the outcome of games when he comes on.

If Di Maria and the rest of their spine can stay fit, they're my favorites.

This was my post from another thread a few months ago. They have a lot going for them, but you're right. They do have the most difficult path, and they'll need a lot of luck to go their way.