World Cup predictions from around RVA
Forget the pundits…what are Richmonders looking for? How do they think the US will do? And who do they think will win it all?
There’s no shortage of talking heads speaking their mind about what to expect at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
But we decided to check in with local soccer fans, players, and coaches to get their take on how the US can overcome the Group of Death, what they’re looking for, and which team they think will win it all.
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Thad Williamson
Professor at the University of Richmond; Director of the Office of Community Wealth Building for the City.
What’s it going to take for Team USA to get out of the Group of Death?
Realistically, it’s all about the Ghana match. A loss there and the US will be all but out. A win and the US could scrape through to qualifications with draws against Portugal and what might be a second-string (but still very good) German side in the last group match. A tie would mean the US would need to pull off the unlikely feat of beating either Germany or Portugal. So, it’s about the Ghana match.
The curse the US had in 2010 was conceding early goals and always playing from behind. I would expect the US to start with the same formation that defeated Nigeria this weekend, fielding three central midfielders (Jones, Beckerman, Bradley) with Bradley in an advanced creative position. That formation gives the US a solid defensive scaffolding to start the match. Then to win the game, you need to find a way to score at least that one goal. I would not expect this US side to be free-scoring, but any goals we do get are likely to be high quality products of a good team move that will be very satisfying to see.
Who/what are you watching for this World Cup?
The social situation and unrest in Brazil is obviously of great interest. How the Brazilian team handles the pressure of playing at home will also be of interest–they are certainly capable of winning the tournament, but may not be a dominant force early on. Brazil could play Uruguay in the quarterfinal–or the final itself–which would raise up all the ghosts of 1950 and be quite an event. Like everyone else I’m also very curious to see if Messi can seize the occasion and replicate his generally transcendent performances for Barcelona on the World Cup stage.
Which team do you think will win it all? Why?
Argentina over Brazil in the final. They have a stronger team than the hosts on balance and are the one team in the competition that won’t be bothered by the climate or awed by playing Brazil away.
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Sascha Görres
Richmond Kickers defender, born in Germany
What’s it going to take for Team USA to get out of the Group of Death?
They have to beat Portugal. That will be the most important game. If they can’t beat Portugal, then they need a result against Germany to have a chance. And all of this is under the assumption that they beat Ghana, which is not easy.
Who/what are you watching for this World Cup?
Belgium has a very strong team, player by player. It will be
interesting how they can play as a team. Also, 1978 was the last time a World Cup has been played in South America, so keep an eye on teams like Argentina, Equador, Columbia, Chile, Uruguay, and of course the host Brazil. Usually teams from the host continent, especially the host country, tend to do well in the tournament. I will be following the German team closest, of course.
Which team do you think will win it all? Why?
Germany. Every World Cup I think Germany will win it. I could never turn my back on my country and not pick them to win it. Last time I made the correct pick was 1990. There are plenty of teams that have chances to win the cup and Germany is one of them. I just hope that everything comes together at the right time and luck is on our side.
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Daryl Grove
Co-founder and co-host of WRIR’s The Total Soccer Show and editor of Paste Soccer, born in England
What’s it going to take for Team USA to get out of the Group of Death?
If the US plays like it did in the final warm-up game against Nigeria–really compact defensively but quick to expand into attack and lots of really quick ball movement, then it’s very realistic to hope to get points from the Ghana and Portugal games. And that’s what needs to happen. If we go into the final group game against Germany talking about progress being “mathematically possible,” then it’s too late. I want four points (one win, one draw, in any combination) from those first two games.
Who/what are you watching for this World Cup?
I’ll be supporting the US and England and watching those games closely (I’ll probably watch the U.S. games more than once, to discuss on the show). Outside of that, I’m excited for the young and lesser-known players who will make big names for themselves during the tournament. Going in, everyone’s talking about Neymar, Leo Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo–and rightly so–but coming out we could all be talking about Paul Pogba of France, Raheem Sterling of England, Romelu Lukaku of Belgium, or maybe someone who’s not on the radar at all right now. The World Cup always elevates at least one player from soccer-famous to celebrity-famous, and I’m excited to see who that is.
Which team do you think will win it all? Why?
I really have no idea. But when pushed (like now!) I’ve been saying Brazil. There’s always a sense of destiny with the home team, and this Brazilian team has a world-class defense (keep an eye out for Thiago Silva, the man is unbeatable), a midfield that’s not as spectacular as Brazil teams past but will further protect that defense, and an attack featuring Neymar, who embodies all the Brazilian soccer stereotypes in a really positive way: otherworldly ball control, tricks you want to watch over and over again, and a big grin while he’s doing it.
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Lindsey Vanderspiegel
VCU Women’s Soccer team head coach
What’s it going to take for Team USA to get out of the Group of Death?
It will take a total team performance from our Americans to make it out of the dreaded “Group of Death.” Our good players will need to be great, and our best players will need to have special performances. Dempsey and Howard will need to lead the way on and off the field for us to succeed.
Who/what are you watching for this World Cup?
Overall I just want to see good, competitive, fast-paced matches. Other than the US having a bit of success, I am not biased toward one team or another. I will just enjoy seeing soccer on the international stage once again this summer.
Which team do you think will win it all? Why?
You can’t bet against Brazil in Brazil. Germany and Spain are always strong, and the dark horse for me would be Belgium.
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David Giffard
VCU Men’s Soccer head coach
What’s it going to take for Team USA to get out of the Group of Death?
I think it will take four points. We’ll need to get a win vs either Ghana or Portugal and then find a draw in one of the other two games. Typically in groups like the one we are in, everyone beats up on everyone, so I think four points could take us through. Soccer is a funny game, the more talented team doesn’t always win. We have some key players in key spots right up the spine of the team, (i.e. Howard, Bradley and Dempsey). On a given day anyone can beat anyone, and it is important to remember that it’s not the better team that wins, but rather the team that plays better that day. We have enough pieces that we could get the results we need, but it won’t be easy.
Who/what are you watching for this World Cup?
I’m looking forward to watching Brazil at home and seeing how they perform. If last summer’s Confederations Cup was any indication of what will happen, they have to be the favorites. I hope we will see a lot of entertaining games.
Which team do you think will win it all? Why?
I’d love to see a rematch of last summer between Spain and Brazil in the final, but no matter what, it will be a fun month and my DVR will be filled with soccer games.
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David Garrett
Co-owner of The Cask Cafe
What’s it going to take for Team USA to get out of the Group of Death?
It is a bit of a shame to see US matched up against such a group, but considering Ghana and Portugal’s recent form I think there is room for hope. Germany is quite possibly going to win all of their games. They are easily a contender for the final. It looks like both Ghana and Portugal will be relying on players that were looking a bit old at the 2010 World Cup and who aren’t in the best of form. Apart from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Ronaldo, the teams are not what may be considered “Group of Death” material. That said I’d be surprised if the US make it out of the group.
Who/what are you watching for this World Cup?
Though I’ll miss rooting for my favorite under dogs, Czech Republic, I’m really looking forward to seeing how Bosnia-Herzegovina fair. Also gotta join the band wagon on everyone’s new favorite, Belgium.
Which team do you think will win it all? Why?
There is some interesting chatter, mainly from European managers, about how no European team has won in a South American World Cup. That stat may soon come to an end. Admittedly Brazil looks stacked, but maybe still a bit fragile in defense? And there’s always that dark horse that comes along knocking out your faves and destroying everyone’s predictions–Japan?
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Leigh Cowlishaw
Head coach of the Richmond Kickers, born and played professional soccer in England
What’s it going to take for Team USA to get out of the Group of Death?
A big win versus Ghana and a point versus Portugal sends Team USA to the knockout stage.
Who/what are you watching for this World Cup?
I’m watching to see if a young inexperienced England team can advance out of the group stage.
Which team do you think will win it all? Why?
Brazil. Only a fool would bet against the host team, especially since they have won the World Cup a record five times.
photo by Yolanda
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Nathan Cushing
Nathan Cushing is a writer, journalist, and RVANews Editor.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
There was so much belly-aching from Team GB about having to play in Manaus with its unspeakable heat and humidity that I went to weather.com and compared Manaus and Richmond. Sure enough, the 10-day forecast showed that Richmond is consistently ten degrees *hotter* than Manaus with comparable humidity. Now can someone explain that?
Kyle, I think the MLS players have an advantage playing in the summer in the US. Heat, humidity and travel are just part of the job not so much for the Europeans.