2014 World Cup Predictions: Last Minute Tips

Brazil not so strong favourites

According to Betegy, Germany have got the biggest chances of winning the World Cup rated at 18%. Rightly so, they can boast of plenty of world-class players, such as: Bastian Schweinstaiger, Philip Lahm or Mesut Oezil, some in their prime, and some explosive youngsters.

However, Argentina are also strong title contenders, with their chances rated just one point lower than Germany’s at 17%. Given they’ve found some much-needed stability under their new coach Alejandro Sabella they also are strong title contenders.

With Messi saving the best of himself for the tournament and some other great attacking talents such as Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain both coming after very good seasons, Argentina is predicted to go all the way to the final, where they are supposed to be defeated by Germany in a potential rematch of 1990 final.

Brazil’s chances to win the cup are rated just slightly lower at 16%. They will be keen to avenge the shortcomings of 1950 edition, when they lost the final thanks to a late goal from Uruguayan Ghigghia. Driven by Neymar, Brazil are predicted to reach the semifinals before thrashing the Netherlands 4-1 to win the bronze medal. Meanwhile, Neymar is tipped to be second-highest goal scorer in the tournament just behind Lionel Messi, with 4 goals to his name.

Brazil have actually the highest chances of progressing past group stages, rated at 99%. Rightly so, given their strong squad, home advantage and the fact that they have a relatively easy group.

The same applies to France who have second-highest 93% chances of reaching round of 16, but even the Netherlands and Spain, whose chances of doing that stand at 73% and 72%, respectively, are both very likely to progress past group stages, though they will have to deal with strong competition from Chile who are an excellent pressing side and, at 49% chances to advance, they will certainly pose some threat to the favourites.

Early upsets

That’s not the case with England, who even though have 64% chances of progressing past group stages, are tipped to be the upset of the World Cup. Betegy reckons England will end their cup just as early as group stages and considering the fact they have a strong competition of Uruguay and Italy, who are both given higher chances to advance at 67% and 66%, respectively, it’s very likely.

Costa Rica, who complete the group rated as “the group of death” have actually a joint-lowest 3% chances of progressing along with Iran who are placed in group F with Argentina and Bosnia.

The team from the Balcans are tipped to be the dark horses of the tournament. They have some excellent attacking talent in the roster in the names of Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic and have a high chance of 65% to qualify for the last 16, where they are tipped to be edged out 1-2 by France. That’s also the case with the other surprise package, Russia, who are believed to be defeated by Germany, before die Mannschaft meet France in a potential classic in quarter finals.

Action-packed knockouts

Betegy predicts there will be plenty of action in knockout stages. In other likely classics, Italy is predicted to be defeated by Brazil in other quarter final, before Canarinhos lose to Germany, while on the other side of the draw there’s a chance of last time semifinal rematch between the Netherlands and Uruguay, with Oranje tipped to be the better side once again.

Classics await also further in the draw, given that the Nethalands are predicted to face Argentina in the semifinals, before going to third-place face-off with hosts Brazil.