Nonsensicles

Italy won the last World Cup. They will be a contender in this one, too.

Slovakia is another eastern European team. I’m telling you, they can sneak up on you.

Paraguay had an excellent qualifying campaign, finishing only a point behind Brazil in South America.

New Zealand gets to play in a World Cup. Go Kiwis!

Here’s how they’ll finish:

1. Italy

2. Paraguay

3. Slovakia

4. New Zealand

Here’s how Abigail calls it:

1. Italy

2. Paraguay

3. Slovakia

4. New Zealand

Apparently this group is pretty obvious.

As usual, the Netherlands is a team packed with talent, but they can never seem to keep everyone cohesive.

Japan is another Asian team that always qualifies for the cup, but again, qualifying in Asia isn’t as tough.

Denmark could make their “mark” on this World Cup. Get it? Because “mark” is … never mind.

Cameroon could sneak through in this group, but isn’t the strongest African team.

Here’s how they’ll finish:

1. Netherlands

2. Denmark

3. Cameroon

4. Japan

Here’s how Abigail calls it:

1. Netherlands

2. Japan

3. Cameroon

4. Denmark

That cinches it. The number 1 and number 3 spots are sown up in this group. Actually, you could put them in almost any order, so long as the Netherlands was at the top, and I’d buy it.

Germany is always a favorite, even if they aren’t as strong as they’ve been.

Australia looked pretty weak in the run-up to the cup.

Ghana has injury problems, but is probably going to benefit from pro-African crowds.

Serbia is probably pretty good. I mean, they sound like a country that would be good.

Here’s how they’ll finish:

1. Germany

2. Ghana

3. Serbia

4. Australia

Here’s how Abigail calls it:

1. Serbia

2. Australia

3. Germany

4. Ghana

As you can see, she’s going out on a limb here.

England is the favorite, but they have some confidence problems. Some overconfidence problems.

The US is stronger than ever and looks ready for a surprise run.

Algeria barely qualified and have looked shaky in the run-up.

Slovenia is in eastern Europe. For whatever reason, I always worry when we play teams from eastern Europe.

Here’s how they’ll finish:

1. England

2. USA

3. Slovenia

4. Algeria

Here’s how Abigail calls it:

1. USA

2. Algeria

3. England

4. Slovenia

Obviously she has a few unorthodox picks. It should be noted that she expressed frustration with this group due to the lack of “stripey” jerseys.

Argentina is awesome. They have Messi, the best player in the World.

Nigeria used to be a power in Africa, but have faded a bit.

Greece are substantially stronger on the soccer field than in the financial market.

South Korea are a perennial qualifier, but Asia isn’t that strong a region.

Here’s how they’ll finish:

1. Argentina

2. Nigeria

3. South Korea

4. Greece

Here’s how Abigail calls it:

1. Argentina

2. Greece

3. Nigeria

4. South Korea

France is old.

Mexico is talented, but inexperienced and jumpy.

South Africa is the host, which can make up for a lot of lack of talent.

Uruguay is the other team in the group.

Here’s how they’ll finish:

1. Mexico

2. South Africa

3. France

4. Uruguay

Here’s how Abigail calls it:

1. Mexico

2. South Africa

3. France

4. Uruguay

Hmm. Exactly the same. I’m guessing that will be more the exception that the rule.