Introduction—“Kremlinology on the Pitch”
(Russia, Egypt, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia)
This year’s WM seeding draw took place some six long months
ago. Upon learning that the low-ranked Ruskies would be square off against a
bunch of creampuffs, this oddsmaker assumed that the hosts would masticate
their opponents, taking them out like a freshly-baked Vatruska. It seemed
reasonable at the time. The Saudis, like most Bert van Marwijk teams, displayed
no consistency. Even though the Egyptians made it all the way to the 2017
African Cup of Nations final, they remained a deathly boring team capable of
little other than defensive suffocation. Oscar Tabarez’s Uruguay couldn’t make
it out of the Continental Group Stage in 2016 and looked languid throughout
CONMEBOL Qualifying.
Much has changed in the intervening six months, though
favorable scheduling should still enable the Russians to advance. Everything
really depends on the play of the Egyptians, presently surging under the
late-season form of lead striker Mohamed Salah. The Pharaohs stand capable of
throwing a wrench into what would otherwise be an orderly alignment. Hector
Cuper’s side has already proven that its stifling 4-5-1 can choke out most
attacks. Should any of the Pharaoh forwards—Salah, Said, Mohsen, Abdel-Moneim,
Mahgoub, Hassan, or Elnenny—awaken in time for the opening match against
Uruguay, we’re looking at a very dangerous team.
A “Group of Life”? We’ll know relatively early. Come
Matchday Two in Yekaterinburg, we’ll see whether or not the Pharaohs can
demonstrate enough attacking prowess to constitute a threat. We’ll also get a
good look at Louis Suarez. The Chicanerous Douche just racked up another
monster season at the Nu Camp, but one must remember that it’s far easier to
attain such stats in a less competitive league. Additionally, he might take
umbrage at this bookie’s use of the verb “masticate” in the opening paragraph.
If anyone is about to sink his chompers into something, shouldn’t it be “Chewy
Louis”?
The safe money remains on La Celeste topping the group.
Cavani, Suarez, and Stuani shouldn’t have trouble slicing through these
defensive units given that they have such great midfield support. The hosts
field a significantly more impressive side than the one we saw last Summer,
which itself overachieved considerably under the energy and exertion of the
home crowd.
As intriguing as the Egyptian squad may be, the order of match pairings implies that they’ll receive enough space to find their stride far too late. Juan Antonio Pizzi’s Green Falcons have zero incentive to serve as anything other than an experimental doormat. The Argentine Trainer’s real task pertains to sorting out his squad selection for the 2019 Asian Continental Championship in the U.A.E.
Russia—“The Golden Eagles”A snazzy new team deserves a snazzy new crest. How we liking it, brothers? Personally, I’m not entirely sure it has enough imperial motifs. It only features three crowns and one single solitary scepter for czar’s sake! Couldn’t the RFU allotted something just a bit more regal? Vova, his obsequious maidens, and the oligarchs clearly deserve better ; )
Last Summer’s roster unquestionably read like a putrid
attempt at a practical joke, but this year’s incarnation holds promise. Artem
Dzyuba and Alan Dzagoev return from injury to shore up the offensive third.
While both players have exhibited a significant drop in club form since their
talismanic days, they’ll add much needed experience up front.
The midfield looks more problematic. Kokorin will miss out
due to injury. Glushakov and Bukharov have been dropped. Cherchesov thus has
some holes to fill and plays his hand very close to the vest. Having toyed
around with multiple combinations, this bookie can’t quite figure out whether
he intends to insert Anton or Alexsei Miranchuk between Golovin and Yerokhin.
I’ll settle on Cheryshev for now, even though his natural position is on the
flanks. He could conceivably move Yerokhin in or Dzagoev back. It’s difficult
to say considering there haven’t been any pre-tournament friendlies yet, and
I’m still working with a 28-man preliminary squad.
The Russian trainer built a rather unorthodox defense last Summer, pushing Zhirkov and Samedov into the roving fullack roles, giving Kudryashov and Dzhikiya restricted license to move forward, and placing Victor Vasin directly in front of Akinfeev. In this way he compensated for a defensive corps loaded with right fullbacks, creating a sort of “Pocket Defense System” capable of generating a few useful upfield balls and closing ranks quickly. I’ll forecast a similar arrangement this go-around with a few modifications.
Smolnikov replaces Dzhikiya and drops back together with
Kudryashov. Sergei Ignashevish—yes HIM—replaces the hurt Vasin and serves as
the last line of defense. Yes…HIM! Moscow’s Granite Giant! Captain of the
stone-faced “Iron Curtain”. We get to see him again after Vasin and Kambolov
were ruled out! Sweet. Although he’s now 38-years of-age, he should easily be
able to fulfill the role of Akinfeev’s extended coverage. If that’s the plan,
one might even deem him an unexpected upgrade over Vasin.
In principle it should all work well enough to guarantee the
Knockouts. It’s as good a team as I’ve seen since 2008.
…
…
What?
Seriously. What?
Oh I get it. You guys desire a stronger political statement?
Sorry, brothers. I’ll give you a nibble below, but otherwise I’m all “Putin-ed
Out”.
We covered democratic deficiencies in 2008 and 2012. We covered Crimea and a “cheapened discourse” in 2014. We covered hooliganism/corruption in 2016 and practically dedicated the entire 2017 chapter to German and American grievances. Time to move on.
We covered democratic deficiencies in 2008 and 2012. We covered Crimea and a “cheapened discourse” in 2014. We covered hooliganism/corruption in 2016 and practically dedicated the entire 2017 chapter to German and American grievances. Time to move on.
Projecting the Ruskie Lineup (5-3-2)
Artem Dzyuba Fyodor Smolov
|
Alan Dzagoev
|
A. Golovin
D. Cheryshev A. Yerokhin
|
Yuri Zhirkov Alexsandr Samedov
|
F. Kudyashov S. Ingnashevich I. Smolnikov
|
Igor Akinfeev
|
The Talisman—The Miranchuk Twins
They’re like a Sbornaya version of the Bender Brothers! At
this juncture, I’m uncertain if both of them will make the squad. Alexsei is
the Sven to Anton’s Lars. Okay…no one got that reference. It doesn't matter. Either
way, look no further if you’re looking for the potential breakout stars of this
tournament. Anton netted fourteen goals this year for Lokomotiv while Alexsei
has already tallied four times in 16 Caps for country. Wouldn’t be surprised to
see either playing for a top flight Western European side soon. Explosive
potential from an evenly split embryo.
“A Syndicate Classic—Russian Academic
Espionage” Editor’s retroactive notes:
No, we’ve not been particularly
kind to the Russians at the Syndicate. We mocked them for still bringing Soviet
flags to the games, repeatedly referenced the time Yeltsin decided he wanted to
run out onto Pennsylvania Avenue at 3 a.m. in his tighty-whiteys looking for
pizza, made fun of the fact that they couldn’t figure out how to irrigate sod
on the Moscow Pitch, actually taken prop bets on which opponents they might
poison, repeatedly beseeched FIFA to consider an alternate site for this
tournament, openly decried their feeble attempts to….
Look. If I were to
meticulously catalogue every last snarky comment I’ve written about Russia over
the last sixteen years, we’ll be here all night.
Fair to say who’s
laughing now. Not this bookie. Not this country. America has a
commander-in-chief who looks like Silvio Berlusconi swallowed Boris Yeltsin and
your friendly bookie never acquired that all important piece of paper that
might have secured him a better job.
Once upon a time,
Russian Espionage revolved around infiltrating our more intelligent discursive
circles. Ironically enough, they discovered some years later that it would be much
easier and effective to infiltrate our dumber, baser, and shallower forums. Who
needs traditional spy-craft when one can just post a few targeted manipulative
memes on Facebook? Who knew it could be so easy?
Oh Christ I think I
just threw up in my mouth.
From
WM 2010—Quarterfinals
Of
course, my favorite story of the last two weeks deserves some sardonic chatter:
eleven Russian deep-cover NOCs were arrested last week after “trying to
infiltrate American Policy Circles”. Oh, I believe you know what’s coming.
Evidently,
the FSB decided some eleven years ago that it would assign its most
linguistically talented NOCS to discreetly study policy in various American
graduate school programs, attain membership in relevant academic societies, and
gain knowledge of the inner workings of Foreign Affairs think tanks and trade
journals. Excuse me while I piss myself with laughter.Bwaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. These poor Ruskies. I knew that the former paragon of Potemkin Villages was in dire straits, but this is really pathetic. I’d sure like to be a fly on the wall as those agents report back: “Da. We’ve learned how to do some shitty PowerPoints, write a few crap papers, and navigate a bureaucracy full of egocrats.”
Editor’s
retroactive notes:
Pure
spite. Tsk, Tsk Vicey. Bad Vicey! Way to be a part of the problem. Think I just
threw up in my mouth again. Never let bitterness or resentment guide you
brothers. It never works out in the end.
Egypt—“The Pharaohs”
I once bemoaned this team’s use of hokey nicknames for their
players as a cheap gimmick. Now that I’ve become familiar with them, I have to
say that it’s actually pretty cool that they’ve opted for this redefining
route. The great “Phara’ena Revival” continues under Argentine Journeyman Hector
Cuper. Following the Port Said Stadium Disaster, whatever the hell one wishes
to term the Bob Bradley Era, and the complete meltdown under Shawky Gareib, the
road back for this once proud African Powerhouse has been long and arduous.
Cuper simply had to build a conservative defensive team
first. Forty-six-year-old keeper Essam El-Hadary was the only holdover from the
glory days of three consecutive Continental Championships. He thus deployed a rigid
4-5-1 usually featuring either Abdullah Said or Ahmed Hassan up front. Al-Ahly
veterans kept things tight at the back, the only impetus forward being the use
of Fathy, Shafy, or Elmohamadi as patrolling sweepers ready to cherry-pick at a
moment’s notice.
We witnessed just how boring this could be during the 2017
African Cup of Nations. It carried over into the qualifying round, the Pharaohs
advancing through a series of tight contests often decided by counterattacking
goals. All of this happened before Mohammed Salah’s late season tear, however. The
25-year-old former Chelsea prospect has exploded onto the Merseyside Scene. He’s
stuck home 44 tallies for the Reds over the course of the season including an
unforgettable “Double Brace” against Watford. More impressively, he’s scored an
insane TEN goals against the World’s top clubs in the Champions League. Those
are Ronaldo numbers. Could be we’re witnessing the birth of a legend.
The supporting cast isn’t half-bad either. Turkish League
Forward Mahmoud Hassan (a.k.a “Trezeguet”) and Braga striker Ahmed Hassan
(a.k.a “Koka”) possess enough skills to light it up in front of goal. El-Nenny,
Said, and Hamed can also come forward if need be. They’ve also got this new kid
Mahmoud Moneim (a.k.a “Kahraba”) has spent most of his professional career
playing for obscure club teams, but seems to do well as a late “Super Sub”
As I noted in the introductory remarks, the play of the
Egyptians ultimately determines whether this group falls neatly or gets turned
on its head.
Can’t wait to see them play. Turn em loose, Hector! Let them
attack!
Projecting the Egyptian Lineup (4-5-1)
Mohamed Salah
|
Mahmoud Hassan Ahmed Hassan
|
M. El-Nenny A. Said Tarek Hamed
|
M.A. Shafy A. Fathy
|
Omar
Gaber Ahmed Hegazy
|
Essam El-Hadary
|
The Talisman—Mohamed Salah
Red hot and peaking. A new star is born. As of this writing,
this bookie eagerly anticipates what he has in store for us during tomorrow’s
Champions League Final. His recent form can only be described as immaculate.
Wonderful fitness, pace, and creativity. Extremely technical on the ball with,
he never fails to produce an inventive First touch. It’s not simply a matter of
him clicking well with his Liverpool teammates either. He meshes smoothly with
the national side too.
Irrespective of his performance in the tournament, Salah finds himself well on the way to “Drogba Status” in his home Country. He’ll surely give us something memorable here.
Irrespective of his performance in the tournament, Salah finds himself well on the way to “Drogba Status” in his home Country. He’ll surely give us something memorable here.
“A Syndicate Classic—The Least
Important Thing”
Editor’s
Retroactive Notes:
When writing about
African teams, one must keep in mind how much joy AND carnage the game brings
to its domestic populations. Your friendly bookie thoroughly enjoys covering
the African Cup of Nations for a variety of reasons, but the fact with how the
games always find a way to go on in spite of horrible human tragedies
fascinates and enthralls. Football incites riots, domestic terrorism, and
panic-induced crowd control disasters. Still the games go on. We all need
something camaraderie-related to get us through this sad veil of tears known as
life. Time is allotted for grief, but we still trudge on. We must trudge on.
Welcome back to the
Grand Stage Pharaohs! It’s been 28 long years since they qualified for the
World Cup; a full generation and change.
Welcome back, lads!
From
CAN 2017—Syndicate: Into Darkness
EgyptThe once-mighty Pharaohs return after winning three consecutive African Cup of Nations Titles, then failing to qualify for three consecutive African Cup of Nations tournaments. Yes, you read that correctly. Read it again: THREE consecutive titles (2006, 2008, 2010). THREE consecutive failures to qualify (2012, 2013, 2015). Gentlemen, I give you the most spectacular implosion in all of international footballing history. The revolutionary spirit of the Arab Spring quickly degenerated into the Port Said Stadium Massacre, dooming the national program to play their fixtures in empty stadiums. All hope of cultivating some semblance of spirit and morale was lost. Your friendly bookie had every intention of inserting a glib topical Bob Bradley Joke into this introductory paragraph when he began writing it, but now finds himself far too sullen to even make a feeble attempt ; (
So little has been accomplished by the populist revolt in early 2011. Some may legitimately argue that absolutely nothing was accomplished at a terrible cost. One strongman has been replaced by another. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost. A large population has now soured on the very idea of representative democracy for the foreseeable future. The whole damn vicious circle of a cycle makes one wonder whether or not it’s worth talking about football at all.
Syndicate
veterans know well enough that such musings are, of course, rhetorical ; )
Talking about football remains worth it in EVERY LAST instance. To
pilfer/plagiarize a phrase from a source I cannot recall at the moment,
football shall always remain the “Most Important/Least Important Thing in
the World”.
The
disgruntled and disenfranchised population of this North African Cradle of
Civilization deserve something to boost their spirits, and there’s every reason
to believe that this team will accomplish just that.
The
Pharaohs will top the Group…and contend for the title.
Uruguay—“La Celeste”
One of the more tactically savvy teams in this group may be
able to fell this regional giant. Oscar Tabarez continues to stick to the exact
same powerhouse 4-4-2 system he’s been rolling out since 2010. Not exactly a
complex code to crack. Moreover, the striking duo of Suarez and Cavani are
aging. Cristian Rodrigues no longer qualifies as a Spring Chicken either. Injuries
to Abel Hernandez and Diego Rolan will affect the ordinarily assertive midfield.
Dropping Alvaro Gonzalez and Egido Rios was probably the right move, but it
might adversely affect team chemistry.
Overall this bookie cannot prognosticate a major scalp claim
by any of the competitors in this group. The vigorous and indomitable 4-4-2 can
be analyzed, dissected, and parsed all one wishes. It still can’t be defeated
if it works. Suarez and Cavani are coming off fantastically prolific club
campaigns. The Big Target man and the creative short-striker make for a perfect
pair. Should one of them wilt, Stuani remains a great option off the bench.
The midfield isn’t as solid as it once was, but I’ve been
able to assemble something workable based on the 26-man provisional squad
selections. I’ll project Tabarez keeps young Maxi Gomez, but places him in a
support role behind Suarez. He also maintains young Phenom Federico Valverde,
slotting him in behind Rodriguez. Lodeiro pairs with him laterally just in
case.
The defensive corps, one of the best ever assembled, remains
the same. Godin and Pereira look to be in fine form. They’re solid. Tough as
nails. Caceres and Gimenez are miserly as ever too. Keeper Fernando Muslera,
soon to celebrate his 100th Cap, should ensure that the Sky Blue
remain impenetrable until the Knockouts.
Projecting the Uruguayan Lineup (4-4-2)
Edinson Cavani Luis Suarez
|
Cristian Rodriguez Maxi Gomez
|
Federico Valverde Nicolas
Lodeiro
|
Jose Gimenez Maxi Pereira
|
Diego Godin Martin Caceras
|
Fernando Muslera
|
The Talisman—Luis Suarez 
His transgressions are legion. The racist scuffle with
Patrice Evra. The flagrant handball and refusal to leave the pitch against
Ghana in 2010. The TWO incidents in which he was suspended for biting players
during league play. Note that the preceding sentence doesn’t even cover the
bizarre pitch incident with Chiellini in 2014. He’s taunted coaches, punched
other players in the face, dived, whined, and simulated again, again, and
again. What more could you ask for? The “International Asshole”.
Trouble is…he’s still a damn good footballer. He’s also
appeared to have calmed down a bit. No new major crimes to report from the
intervening four years, besides a bunch of cheap clogging fouls.
Suppose we should be glad he’s here.
“A Syndicate
Classic—Before Odebrecht”
Editor’s
Retroactive Notes:
Your friendly bookie
gets a lot wrong in the paragraph below. Perhaps that’s because he isn’t that
smart. Uruguay generated so much praise in Geo-political circles back in 2013
that I went way too far and extrapolated Jose Mujica’s austere and stoic example
to an entire continent. Oops.
Looks like corruption
and tyranny aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Oh well. I still studying up on
Mujica to anyone interested in politics. His story is nothing short of amazing.
From
WMQ 2013—Das Fröliche Syndikat:
Peru
vs. Uruguay
vs. 
It’s not looking like I’ll be able to write this section without mentioning Jose Mujica’s controversial experiment of Full Marijuana legalization. Look, people. I don’t have a dog in this fight. I haven’t toked up in years. The prospect of doing so again doesn’t even remotely interest me.
What
I do know is that Mujica is an impressive public servant. Yes, we’re going
there. Above you’ll find measured admiration for Pinera. Admiration for Mujica
isn’t anywhere close to measured. It’s unabashed. The man lives in a fucking
shack! He sits in his shack all day, thinking about ways to improve the lives
of his citizens.
Latin
Americans have a great deal to teach us…at this particular moment in history.
After the yoke of colonialism was discarded, faux constitutions, corruption and
ruthless dictators dominated for hundreds of years. It happens. They sheltered
Nazi War Criminals. That too happens. Following that, American interference
precluded the rise of a socially aware political class (Allende and Guevara).
Even after that, the initial uninterrupted rise of Socialist leaders was fairly
disappointing. (Chavez, Evo, Lula, Kirchners, etc) Now they’re working overtime
to catch up. Someone like Mujica inspires a great deal of hope.
We’ll
never see such a thoughtful leader in the American media landscape. Even if
their intentions are as pure as a teetotalling Virgin Princess, constant
scrutiny won’t allow them to implement any of it. A good leader flowers as
rarely as good grapes. The best wine comes from obscure forgotten corners of
the world. Why not the best leaders?
Latin
America’s rises with a message of humility and hard work. Even “Pope Frank”
continues to impress. Watch out world.
La
Celeste will win this one….but that doesn’t rescue their qualifying hopes.
Saudi Arabia—“The Green Falcons”
Saudi officials could likely care less about their team’s
performance in this particular tournament. At the moment they’re busy serving
as power brokers; a comfortable role for a princely privileged ruling class. Their
primary objective revolves around ensuring that FIFA expands to a 48-team-field
for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Should Infantino grant this, matches will be
held all over the Arabian Peninsula as the Qataris won’t have the capacity.
Guess who’ll get to decide where.
I’ve actually invested some time in studying the roster. Former
Chilean Manager Juan Antonio Pizzi has actually done a decent job of grooming
the three Saudi Nationals that play outside of the domestic league. He attempted
to reel in a few more, but none of them proved sustainable.
We’ll get an excellent preview of the squad expected to
compete in next year’s Asian Continental Championship. The core talent actually
displayed talent in the 2015 tournament before getting upset by the Uzbeks.
Obviously I’ll need to learn more about them, beginning with
their scheduled pre-tournament friendly against the Fatherland. The “Trappatoni
Tenet” still holds. This team comprised mostly of obscure domestic players isn’t
going anywhere.
Er…the back four should make for some interesting
play-by-play calls.
Hawasawi passes to Hawasawi. Out to Hawasawi. Back to
Hawasawi. Al-Habi…passes to Hawasawi. Give-and-go to Hawasawi. Switch to
Hawasawi. Hawasawi away. HAWASAWI!
Projecting the Saudi Lineup (4-5-1)
Mohammed Al-Sahlawi
|
Fahad Al-Muwallad Salem Al-Dawsari
|
Nawaf Al-Albed Salman Al-Faraj
|
Tasir Al-Jassim
|
M. Al-Harbi
O.S. Hawsawi O.M. Hawsawi M. Hawsawi
|
Yasser Al Mosailem
|
The Talisman—Mohammed Al-Sahlawi 
He scored thrice in the 2015 AFC Championship covered by
this Sportsbook, but I honestly don’t remember any of the goals. Apparently, he’s
scored a remarkable 16 goals during the 2018 Qualifying Cycle, but that’s less
remarkable when one considers how long and drawn out the AFC Qualifying Cycle
is. Hmmm….don’t know him. Pleased to meet him, but can’t say he’s been on my
radar at all. “A Syndicate Classic—An Allah less
Akbar”
Editor’s
Retroactive Notes:
Journey back with me
to very beginning of the Sportsbook. The 2002 WM. Man oh man did these guys
ever get mutilated. They exited the tournament in last place having been
outscored 12-0. An epic shellacking. 2002 Vicey being young, dumb, and full of…puns
had himself a spot of fun. His 2012 counterpart didn’t relent either.
From WM 2002—Round One:
Germany vs. Saudi
Arabia
vs. 
To quote Tellah from Final Fantasy VI, “WE SHALL AVENGE!” You don’t have to go to war with Iraq! We’ll get payback for all of your pain and suffering right here! I predict that Oliver Bierhof will score a Hat Trick and these Arabs will drop to their knees and beg for mercy. No one stops a German machine, as this late-night Autobahn wayfarer an attest. We’ll run over them at 200 km/hr and never give it a second thought. We shall cut off their Johnson, stomp on it, and squish it!
THE LINE: Germany
+3 Goals
Editor’s
retroactive notes:
RESULT: Germany 8,
Saudi Arabia 0. Christ, was this a raping. I do not purport to take perverse
pleasure in watching aggressive porn. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed
watching the Saudis take it straight up the ass. Bückt dich, bitches! As it
turned out, Bierhof didn’t even start. Instead a young Miroslav Klose
established himself as the new German striker for the new century, grabbing a
brace before the 26th minute was out and completing the Hat Trick
long after all eleven Saudis had been castrated. This was where it all started
for the shy Polish striker who didn’t even speak German very well. Another
fresh young face hitherto reserved and ineloquent emerged: The awesome Ossie
Michael Ballack, with a thunder strike in the 40th minute. A new
template of Mannschaft began to take shape. No longer would Deutschland be
represented by big hulking Aryan Westerners with typically guttural German
names like Matthäus, Müller, Breitner, Beckenbauer, and Klinsmann. In their
stead a new eclectic group of immigrant sons would take the pitch, forever
redefining what it means to German. They would soothe a beleaguered nation of
naval-gazing self-haters, restoring a populace’s faith in their own identity.
Yawn. Be forewarned, Iran. This is what we’re going to do to you once we meet
on the pitch
Three more quick
notes. First, it was not at all displeasing to read a sentence about Iraq in
the pre-emptive tense. Secondly, you’ve just witnessed the first of 312,023
Lebowski references to be used in my Sportsbook writing. Finally, to those of
you dumb enough to bet on the Saudis in the match, I squirm with delight
thinking of the morning you had. You know who you are.
From WM 2002—Round Four:
Saudi Arabia vs.
Ireland
vs. 
The Irish will go through! All they need is a win against these Sand Crabs coupled with a German victory! Okay…let me rephrase this: The Irish will NOT pull out in time!! Heh..heh..heh. So pleased with myself. J The Saudis have little left to hope for, other than holding hands with Bush. Kudos to the Land of Erin for a most splendid performance at this World Cup. See you guys next round….as I won’t be watching this game.
THE LINE: Ireland
+3 Goals
Editor’s
retroactive notes:
Result: Ireland 3,
Saudi Arabia 0. Oh..the sweet taste of victory. Didn’t catch a second of this
game and have nothing to report on it. The Germany match kicked off at the same
time and there was no such thing a TIVO, Youtube. or FIFA.com. Ponder that for
a moment. Pontificate on the past. Yeeeah. We’ve entered the Buddhist zone.
There was a time not too long ago when the digital age that we all presently
find ourselves immersed in did not exist. Appointment television was the norm.
A conflict of interest meant that you actually had to make a decision. T’was
less than ten years ago. Nothing was “On Demand”. We were less inclined to
believe that the world revolved around us….okay…maybe I was just as inclined,
but the development of command entertainment hasn’t helped any of you. L
Vicey’s
Fearless Group Prediction (2 to 1 Odds for Bookie)
1)
Uruguay 2)
Russia 4)
Saudi Arabia
Overall
Championship Odds
Uruguay (5 to 1) Russia (12 to 1) Egypt (20 to 1) Saudi Arabia (40 to 1)
Round
of 16 Odds
Uruguay (Straight Up) Russia (Straight Up) Egypt (Straight Up) Saudi Arabia (6 to 1)
Quarterfinal
Odds
Uruguay (Straight Up) Russia (3 to 1) Egypt (10 to 1) Saudi Arabia (20 to 1)
Semifinal
Odds
Uruguay (Straight Up) Russia (8 to 1) Egypt (15 to 1) Saudi Arabia (30 to 1)
