I watched my first game last Saturday, 2 weeks into the tournament. Argentina vs Iran and was impressed by the efficiency of the Iranians. Pity that they had to eventually lose to a Messi super strike.
Which brings us to my traditional lunar calendar World Cup predictions. Year of the Horse analysis points to Argentina as the winner. Looking back at the Horse WCs, the following points emerged:
- Germany, in its different forms, have appeared in 4 WC finals and won 2. Sequence being W-L-W-L
- Argentina appeared in 3 WC finals and lost 2. Sequence = L-W-L. Therefore, should win their 4th appearance and complete the Yang of the German circle
- Only other Horse winners have been Uruguay & England
- All 4 were first time winners, so there is a chance for a first time winner. Who could that be? Holland? Portugal? Croatia?
- Other fact worth remembering, and which has nothing to do with lunar calendars, is that no non-South American country has won a WC in S America
- Therefore, the Yang theory and Argentina it is
My team of the tournament so far (and coincidentally my pre-tournament dark "Horse" pick), and has inspired me to go get their jersey, has been: Chile. They are looking so very solid that I am concerned that they will get unlucky and go out in an ugly penalty shoot out. Apart from the well known faces in Europe of Arturo Vidal, Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez, I know little of this team. Will be digging for more over the next few days.
My Arsenal led favourites (France in 2006, Holland in 2010) happen to be the other Horse WC strong men - Germany. Entirely because of the well-loved German contingent in North London these days. From our captain, Per Mertsersacker, to the soon-to-be-talisman of the club, Mesut Ozil and the hamster inspired left-wing striker, Lukas Podolski.
Chile vs Holland kicks off in about 30 minutes. Fortunately no lucky beers and shit. Lets hope the commentary is good.
