Here are my very early thoughts on the FIFA World Cup Finals groups. I have put the teams that I think will advance in capital letters:
Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, SENEGAL, NETHERLANDS
I think the Netherlands will win all three games. This looks like one of the least competitive groups.
Group B: ENGLAND, Iran, USA, Scotland(or Wales, Ukraine)
This is a pretty dangerous group. England is the clear favorite. Iran could believably upset the higher-ranked United States as could any of the at-large teams.
Group C: ARGENTINA, Saudi Arabia, MEXICO, Poland.
This is a deceptively tough group. Saudi Arabia has played really well in qualifiers, and Poland has a lot of experience vs. very good teams. Mexico doesn’t seem to be playing as well as their ranking indicates, but I think they will band together when the stakes are higher.
Group D: FRANCE, Peru/Australia/UAE, DENMARK, Tunisia
I think Peru could advance if they make the tournament. For now, I will go with the safe bet.
Group E: SPAIN, Costa Rica/New Zealand, GERMANY, Japan
Of course, I want Japan to advance. I think they can only do it if Spain, Germany, and Japan all beat the fourth team and tie each other, and Japan rains goals on the fourth team - unlikely. I just don’t see Japan getting out of this group.
Group F: BELGIUM seems like a lock, Canada, MOROCCO, Croatia
This group is tough to call. Canada is the lowest-ranked team but seems to be on a real upwards trajectory. Morocco won big in qualifiers. I predict Morocco will which the round of 16 for the first time since 1986 with wins over Canada and Croatia.
Group G: BRAZIL, Serbia, SWITZERLAND, Cameroon
Brazil, Serbia, and Switzerland were all in the same group four years ago, too.
Group H: PORTUGAL, Ghana, Uruguay, SOUTH KOREA - This is my big upset prediction. Portugal and Uruguay Tie, South Korea will end up with two wins and a tie and takes the group.
Top ten teams who have never won the world cup: Belgium, Portugal, Netherlands, Mexico
Top ten teams who have won the world cup: Brazil, France, Argentina, England, Spain
Teams outside the top ten who have a chance: Denmark, Uruguay, Germany
Finals prediction: Belgium over Argentina
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