World Cup 2014

[chrisw91]

I know its a little early to be starting this thread just yet. But since Japan have just become the first team to qualify (other than the hosts Brazil) I thought it would be a good time to get everyone's predictions. Who do you think will win the World Cup? Who else will qualify, who wont make it, and do you have any dark horses that you believe could go a long way. I think it could be full of surprises, teams like Belgium and Japan could go long a way and upset some of the big teams. I think Brazil might just win with them being the hosts, though I think Germany will have the best team. It will be interesting if those two were to meet in the semi finals and give one of the smaller teams, such as Belgium, a chance to 'shock the world' and get to the final. I don't expect England to get very far (as much as it pains me to say it) maybe the quarter finals but no further than that.

[shorthop8]

Wow, I'm surprised there aren't any replies here! I honestly see a lot of potential for the United States to make a huge impact in the upcoming World Cup. I don't expect them to win but I feel more confident than ever that we can go a long way. I think Brazil has the best chance of winning with the likes of Neymar, Paulinho and Fred leading them in attack, plus their home fans will be a huge advantage. I think the only way Spain can recover and challenge Brazil is to throw out the tiki-taka and adopt a more direct and attacking approach. Anyways, that's just my thoughts on it haha

[boris]

indeed. very early to say something about that. let's see who will qualify...
and after the draw for the group matches we can make better predictions.

but nevertheless the cup will be won by one of the big names!

[stiloff]

Something tells me that Germany will win it. I'd like Brazil to win it at home though.

[iyoni]

I think it would be Germany, but I hope that it's either Brazil or one of the smaller non-favourites.

[stiloff]

It would be a dream to win at home, but the only reason I'd not want Brazil to win is people would forget all the problems and stop fighting for something better.

[iyoni]

It would be a dream to win at home, but the only reason I'd not want Brazil to win is people would forget all the problems and stop fighting for something better.

"win at home"? Are you originally Brazilian? Will you attend any matches?

[stiloff]

Yes. I don't know yet, I'm analyzing the costs (which are by my predictions around $5000). Brazil is playing in my hometown on the group stages though.

[Lemonfresh]

I would be happy if it would be Germany, but I would not put my money on this team.
I think it will be Spain again... 

[iyoni]

Yes. I don't know yet, I'm analyzing the costs (which are by my predictions around $5000). Brazil is playing in my hometown on the group stages though.

5000 USD?! WTF?! How come it's so expensive?!

[stiloff]

Well, while right now round trip tickets cost $900 a piece ($1800 total), doing a little research during June or July they jump to staggering $1800 a piece. Add a couple tickets for $150 a piece, food, etc... Ouch

[iyoni]

Well, while right now round trip tickets cost $900 a piece ($1800 total), doing a little research during June or July they jump to staggering $1800 a piece. Add a couple tickets for $150 a piece, food, etc... Ouch

How come the flight is so expensive?! A flight from Israel to Brazil costs around 1500-2000 USD round trip, so I've assumed a flight from the U.S. would be a lot cheaper.

[sevves]

check the prices of hotels and flights before and during world cup. they are much higher than last summer when "nothing big" happened. domestic flights are up to 10x more expensive than usually. hotels as well adjusted their prices. the ticket to the game is one of the cheapest thing when travelling from abroad....

[Jackthenudist]

Well, while right now round trip tickets cost $900 a piece ($1800 total), doing a little research during June or July they jump to staggering $1800 a piece. Add a couple tickets for $150 a piece, food, etc... Ouch

How come the flight is so expensive?! A flight from Israel to Brazil costs around 1500-2000 USD round trip, so I've assumed a flight from the U.S. would be a lot cheaper.

It's called "cashing in".

[iyoni]

check the prices of hotels and flights before and during world cup. they are much higher than last summer when "nothing big" happened. domestic flights are up to 10x more expensive than usually. hotels as well adjusted their prices. the ticket to the game is one of the cheapest thing when travelling from abroad....

I was referring to the price for a flight from Israel to Brazil on the relevant dates (11.06.14 - 25.06.14 for example) - it is about 1500 USD. That's why I'm so surprised a flight from USA to Brazil on about the same days would cost more...