World Cup Group Stage Preview: Part 2
AccuScore’s computer simulated every match 10,000 times to calculate which teams were most likely to advance out of the group stages of the 2014 World Cup. In Part 2, we look at groups E, F, G and H.
Group E: France and Switzerland
In Group E, France is the computer’s pick, and starting both Giroud and Benzema in tandem should only further help Les Blues terrorize Group E. However, the computer only gives France a heavy favorite status against Honduras. Both Ecuador and Switzerland promise to be difficult foes in a group that the computer considers to be one of the toughest. France, Switzerland and Ecuador are all considered neck and neck. Ultimately, the computer likes France to finish top and Switzerland edges Ecuador by less than a tenth of percent in the average points gained over 10,000 simulations.
Group E may come down to a tiebreaker.
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Group F: Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina
In Group F, most everyone has Argentina bossing the likes of Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, the computer is not giving Argentina as much love as the general public. Although Argentina is the runaway favorite in the computer’s calculations, the crew from Bosnia-Herzegovina is stronger than most would have it. The computer gives the Bosnians better than 50 percent odds to win its two matches against Iran and Algeria.
Group G: Germany and Portugal
In Group G, commonly referred to as the “Group of Death,” the computer gives both Ghana and the United States a high probability of collecting points. The United States have average about 2 points in simulations, and Ghana finishes with three points.
Top of Group G is no surprise. The computer takes Germany, which is one of the favorites. Cristiano Ronaldo is rumored to healthy enough to go, so Portugal should be heavy favorites in both its matches against the United States and Ghana. Germany is favored over Portugal in the opener, so the computer has Germany finishing top and Portugal finishing second.
Group H: Belgium and Russia
Even without Russian captain Roman Shirokov, Russia is the computer’s pick to advance. The group winner, however, is easy to predict. No, it’s not South Korea or Algeria. Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois are major figures for Belgium, even if none of the three played together last season.
Belgium is a dark horse in the tournament, and the Belgians are favored in all three of their group stage encounters. Thus, Belgium should advance with Russia second.
Be sure to check out AccuScore’s star-rated match picks for the 2014 World Cup: World Cup Expert Picks
