Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson saving a penalty kick from Argentina's Lionel Messi Photo credit: Marca |
I come from a state in India, Kerala, where people are so crazy about football. All are united as one, when it comes to interest in the game, and no conversation is complete without some reference to the ongoing World Cup matches.
Eleven matches were complete till yesterday; and if there is one theme running across all of them, it is how it has been hard time for the favourites.
On June 15, Portugal, in spite of having Cristiano Ronaldo, were held to a 3-3 tie by Spain.
On June 16, Argentina, in spite of having Messi, were held to a 1-1 draw by, of all teams, Iceland.
On June 17, Germany suffered a shock defeat by Mexico 0-1, and Brazil were held 1-1 by Switzerland.
Of course, in every tournament, there are surprises. It's good they are there, so that we don't have predictable, and therefore boring, matches.
Today evening, England will face Tunisia. And, I am wondering how that will go. The tournament is wide open.
YOUR PREDICTIONS?
Which four team you think have the highest chances of winning the cup?
I am placing my bet on Brazil. The other three in the order of probability are: Germany, Argentina and France.
If I can add two more, I won't be surprised if Spain and even England make it to the top four.