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Who’s going to win the FIFA World Cup and why?
That was the question I posed to each and every Toronto FC player at TFC media day, except Michael Bradley and Gale Agbossoumonde.
Now, assuming Bradley and Agbossoumonde cheer for the United States, the country they represent at international level, and assuming Jermain Defoe cheers for England and Julio Cesar roots for Brazil, here’s how the numbers stand:
Brazil – 10
United States – 5
Germany – 3
Uruguay – 2
Spain – 2
England – 1
France – 1
Belgium – 1
Holland – 1
Argentina – 1
Colombia – 1
Nigeria – 1
Greece – 1
In the end, there was one clear pick – Brazil to win the World Cup, at home, this summer. In many ways, the Brazilian national team faces the highest expectations of any nation at the tournament. Luiz Felipe Scolari called up his final pre-World Cup roster, which featured a new face in Manchester City’s Fernandinho.
Scolari also joked that he would seek asylum in the Kuwait embassy, should he fail to win the FIFA World Cup.
The United States is the second favourite, tied with Germany if we exclude Bradley and Agbossoumonde. Some players, like Bright Dike, also sided with their national teams, and for good reason:
“He [Nigeria head coach Stephen Keshi] said the last camp went well for me and hopefully I keep getting called up and make the team for the World Cup,” said Dike. “All you can do is keep playing your best and make sure you’re getting better every day.”
Below are the reasons each player gave for their choice:
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#1 – Chris Konopka
“Well, I would have picked Poland but they’re not in it, so I’m actually going to go on a completely off chance to put a smile on my girlfriend’s face and say Greece!”
#2 – Justin Morrow
“I don’t have a prediction for the World Cup but I’m excited to watch the U.S.A.!”
#5 – Ashtone Morgan
“I’ve been a strong supporter of France, because of Zidane, so France.”
#7 – Bright Dike
“I’ve got to go with Nigeria, if I’m there!”
#8 – Kyle Bekker
“Holland man, got some Dutch roots so I’ve got to stay faithful!”
#12 – Joe Bendik
“I hope Brazil now… not really, but it would be awesome to have a World Cup winner, but we might have three of them – we have Defoe, Michael Bradley and Julio Cesar if he’s able to come to the club. My hope is that the U.S. wins but if I have to make a safe bet I’d say Brazil.”
#13 – Steven Caldwell
“Brazil are going to win the World Cup because they’re at home and home support is crucial in a World Cup!”
#14 – Dwayne De Rosario
“I’d like to see Brazil, because they’re at home.”
#15 – Doneil Henry
“My favourite defender plays for Spain, Sergio Ramos, but I’m going to go for Germany because they have a lot of players that can make an impact.”
#17 – Nick Hagglund
“It’s a tough question – I really think Uruguay’s going to win it. Luis Suarez is on fire right now and only South American teams have won. Uruguay has this edge about them.”
#19 – Reggie Lambe
“I think Germany’s going to win the World Cup because they have young players that play well together.”
#21 – Jonathan Osorio
“Colombia’s going to win, because that’s where my parents are from.”
#23 – Alvaro Rey
“In reality, this year there are a lot of good teams. Spain is one of the favourites because they’re the reigning champions of the last World Cup. Brazil, of course, is the home favourite. Argentina is also good, Germany is always a favourite, but if you ask me who I want to win, I will say Spain because it’s my country.”
#25 – Jeremy Hall
“Me being American, I want the U.S. to win. We have a tough group but I think we can get out. I’m going to go with Spain again, I know they’re a little older but they have the experience and I think they’ll come to form.”
#28 – Mark Bloom
“Is everyone saying Brazil? Brazil maybe has the edge because they’re at home but I like the German squad, they’re going to be contenders for sure!”
#33 – Ryan Richter
“The U.S., because I’ve seen what Mike can do, I haven’t seen what the rest of those guys can do, he’s a leader for us so I’ll pick them. And I’m American, so I’ll never pick against the U.S.”
#32 – Andrew Wiedeman
“I’ve got to give the leg up to Brazil, playing at home, they have the advantage.”
#34 – Manny Aparicio
“I hope Argentina does, in Brazil. It’s a big one. It’s down to Messi and the attack that Argentina has. At the same time, the defence is kind of weak so we’ll see.”
#39 – Emery Welshman
“Brazil because they’re the best country in the world!”
#40 – Quillan Roberts
“That’s a toughie. I’m going to say Brazil, since it’s in Brazil.”
Bradley Orr
“I’ve got a little sneaky feeling about Uruguay. I think they’ve got a good, strong unit and players who can produce moments of brilliance and win matches on their own. Climate wise they’ll be used to it and I have this sneaky feeling they can do well.”
Dan Lovitz
“I love Belgium, I love the dark horse mentality they have and I love playing with them in FIFA. This generation of players have established themselves in so many different leagues around the world.”
Kene Eze
“I’ll say the United States of America because it’s a great country!”
Jordan Hamilton
“I would support Netherlands but I think Brazil. They call it the country of football, you can’t see them not winning.”
Jackson
“Brazil, because we’re at home and it’s much easier for us.”
Gilberto
“I am Brazilian, I will like Brazil. If not Brazil, then Portugal.”
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So there you have it – Toronto FC players’ predictions for the FIFA World Cup. Now, to you, our readers, do you agree with Toronto FC? Disagree? Who do you think is going to win the FIFA World Cup and why? Leave a comment below!
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