They would've flopped and ended up in 4th in their groups any ways as is tradition, but some of those African teams seemed to be victims of their groups. Ivory Coast is probably better than Tunisia, and I think Ghana and even Algeria have an argument as well. There may have been a couple other European teams that got tough groups like Wales or Bosnia?
That said there is still a lot of talent. Russia is one of the worst teams by ELO and they have the advantage of hosting (and just had a couple of good looking friendlies). There will be plenty of good teams to go around
Just did a simulated draw:
One group I got was Brazil, Spain, Iran and Nigeria. Each team arguably the best team in its confederation. Also got Germany, England, Costa Rica and South Korea.
When is the actual draw?
There's not going to be many interesting groups this time around. I'm finding it hard to find many teams in pot 3 or 4 that I would expect to make it out of the group phase. Maybe Sweden, Denmark, or Iceland? Pot 4 is hot garbage.
Most of Pot 4 could have a chance, depending on the draw of course. Those teams have some talent (aside from the Saudis, lol). I get the feeling that Iceland are going to disappoint and people will forget how crazy it is for a country of that size to even be there.
Nah, try putting together a draw where you really think one of the pot 4 teams would advance. Even with Poland or Russia from pot 1, I don't think there's any pot 4 team that would advance. I got a draw with Russia, Peru, Iran, Nigeria, which is probably the closest you'd get, but I'd sill expect Russia and Peru to get out of that group.
When is the actual draw?
There's not going to be many interesting groups this time around. I'm finding it hard to find many teams in pot 3 or 4 that I would expect to make it out of the group phase. Maybe Sweden, Denmark, or Iceland? Pot 4 is hot garbage.
what group are we in
what group are we in
That Group F only got worse. At least all those games should be good.
Don't sleep on Oil ClassicoGroup B is the toughest followed by Group H. Group A and H are atrocious. Has there been an opening game as uninteresting as Russia v Saudi Arabia?
Don't sleep on Oil Classico
Most people sleeping on Group B, don't think many people realize how good Iran and Morocco are