Antonio Freeman's son plays on the USA soccer team.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

You’re completely ruling out Spain which is something I just couldn’t do!

Consider that:
1). Spain has only let in one goal the entire World Cup.
2). Research just how strong Spain’s mid-field is. Without a doubt they control the ball at the midfield better than any team in the world.
3). Last Euro Cup Spain defeated France 2-1 in the Semi-final July 9th, 2024.

Has Spain played any of the top teams in this Cup? I don’t know too much about “futbol.” Can’t tell Ronaldo from Messi.

Haaland, however, I know. Somehow he has been showing up on my YouTube feeds. Eats like an actual Viking. Plays defense like 77 of the Lakers. Cool guy all around.

Is France unbeatable?

[pbmax]

Spain's only problem this year is scoring goals. Their defense is lights out. Their best attacker/striker might be coming off the bench (Merino) if you go by goals scored. France is probably the best team overall but as Vince said Spain got them just last year.

Argentina might be the weakest as their form has been up and down like Messi.

England is strong but depends on whether you think Jude Bellingham is good enough to overcome a 60 year drought.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

Spain's only problem this year is scoring goals. Their defense is lights out. Their best attacker/striker might be coming off the bench (Merino) if you go by goals scored. France is probably the best team overall but as Vince said Spain got them just last year.

Argentina might be the weakest as their form has been up and down like Messi.

England is strong but depends on whether you think Jude Bellingham is good enough to overcome a 60 year drought.

Thanks for the info. My guts say go with France.

[Joemailman]

Argentina might have the least impressive TEAM remaining. But they have Messi, and Emiliano Martinez might be the world's best goaltender in big games. Don't count them out.

[pbmax]

Argentina might have the least impressive TEAM remaining. But they have Messi, and Emiliano Martinez might be the world's best goaltender in big games. Don't count them out.

There are some good goalies this go around. The Moroccan dude was impressive.

[ThunderDan]

Spain lays the pain on France.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

Spain lays the pain on France.

And me, a demoralized gambler.

[Joemailman]

Spain's defense is pretty much perfect.

[texaspackerbacker]

NBA summer league is more watchable than even the highest level of soccer.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

NBA summer league is more watchable than even the highest level of soccer.

I agree that soccer is boring. But compared to NHL, the FIFA World Cup is as entertaining as the Wu-Tang Clan in their prime.

Haaland is awesome.

[pbmax]

NBA summer league is more watchable than even the highest level of soccer.

Good to know. How about that Bucks versus the Heat game on the 10th? 119 - 86 is not encouraging for the youngsters.

[Vincenzo]

It’s odd that England are favoured over Argentina, just doesn’t feel right.
im told it’s because England has an overall better team top to bottom.
I don’t see it - at all.

[Joemailman]

It’s odd that England are favoured over Argentina, just doesn’t feel right.
im told it’s because England has an overall better team top to bottom.
I don’t see it - at all.

Never forget that England won the Falklands War even though Argentina struck first.

[Vincenzo]

1966 I was born in Ireland so please God in the highest Argentina wins.
My Fellow Irishmen have said we’re moving off the Planet if England win it all. My wife said, “Go England.”

[Vincenzo]

Never forget that England won the Falklands War even though Argentina struck first.

This is also rhetorical rather than a complete historical explanation.
Being attacked first does not determine who ultimately wins a war. Or perhaps it’s, “who attacks first doesn’t matter at the end of a war..