64 matches, 32 nations, 12 cities, 1 winner and eternal glory. One of the world’s most widely anticipated and viewed sporting events is finally upon us again. If you don’t already know, we’re talking about the FIFA World Cup 2014! Ain’t gonna miss that out, are we? 😉
With the group stage and half the matches from round of 16 having just concluded, the Venuerific team is going to jump the gun a little by making our very own predictions for the Top 4 spots. Of course, we’re going to do what we do best at and feature 4 venues that offer live screening of matches as well!
So without further ado, let’s kick things off!
Brazil
The Selecao are favourites to win their sixth title what with the added advantage of being on home ground resulting in a strong crowd support as well. Brazil has emerged top of their group and went on to defeat Chile in the round of 16 after a dramatic penalty shootout. They will face Colombia in the quarterfinals who will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with considering that midfielder, James Rodriguez, has racked up the most number of goals in the tournament so far.
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Rodriguez scoring a beautiful goal against Uruguay
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Neymar Jr
While Brazil has seem to rely solely on their star player, Neymar Jr, a little too much at times, our team believes that the Barcelona man will continue to rise up to the challenge of leading his country on home soil. Meanwhile, we’re keeping our fingers and toes crossed that Neymar will recover from his thigh injury fast.
Germany
Germany kicked off their World Cup campaign with a strong 4-0 win over Portugal in the group stage. Consisting of mainly Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund players, the squad has a star-studded mix of both experienced and young talents. Jérôme Boateng, Mario Götze, Mats Hummels, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Mesut Özil, Lukas Podolski, André Schürrle, Bastian Schweinsteiger and veteran Miroslav Klose are the host of big names many should be familiar with.
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GIF by: GiphyOne of Müller’s goals in his hat-trick against Portugal
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Schürrle’s extra time goal against Algeria
Maybe they were getting complacent or maybe they were suffering from fatigue thanks to the heat. It was undeniable that Germany was a little off-colour against Algeria in the round of 16. The match was forced into extra time before substitute Schürrle flicked the ball in delightfully from close range and Özil pouncing on the rebound to make it 2-0 at the 119th minute. Algeria scored a consolation goal shortly after but it’s Germany who will be facing France in the quarterfinals. It’s going to be a big match for sure and despite Germany losing to France in the semifinals in 2006, Germany has never failed to make it to at least third place since 2002. Our team is also hoping that Germany will shake off their semifinal curse once and for all to advance through the finals.
Netherlands
Who can forget how the Oranje humiliated La Furia Roja in the opening match of Group B? It was a repeat of the World Cup 2010 final match except this time round, Netherlands got sweet revenge by hammering 5 goals past the defending world champions (who were subsequently knocked out after being defeated by Chile as well). Let’s not forget about Robin van Persie’s fantastic dolphin/diving header which set the Internet ablaze with endless memes!
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van Persie (aka The Flying Dutchman)
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Sneijer’s late, late volley against Mexico
Against Mexico in the round of 16, the Oranje looked set to crash out of the tournament before Wesley Sneijder equalized at the 88th minute and a controversial stoppage time penalty from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar saw them through safely. Judging by the fact that this will be Costa Rica reaching the quarterfinals for the first time ever, our team believes that Netherlands will have the upper hand in terms of experience. Furthermore, being so close to the title in 2010 will definitely serve as a timely motivation for the Oranje to make it through.
Argentina/Belgium
We’re going to cheat a little here. Suppose both teams advance through their respective round of 16 clashes (which we’re pretty confident of), this is honestly going to be a close fight in our opinion. Argentina has Lionel Messi, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner. That man is simply magic. Combine that with Ángel di María who has been creating endless chances, you have a pretty intimidating striking partnership.
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Messi finally breaking the deadlock against a very resolute Iran with a gorgeous curling shot
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Hazard’s mad dribbling skills leaving Argentinian Manchester City player Pablo Zabaleta doing the splits
On the other hand, Belgium has been the dark horse in this tournament. They have a young squad full of promising stars on the rise. Shot stopper Thibaut Courtois has earned rave reviews and went on to win the La Liga last season with Atletico Madrid. Don’t forget Eden Hazard who is Chelsea’s Player of the Year 2014, Kevin de Bruyne, Adnan Januzaj and Romelu Lukaku. However, with defenders Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen doubtful for Belgium’s round of 16 clash against USA, Jan Vertonghen has to hold the fort without their presence.
So that’s our prediction for the Top 4 spots! As promised, here are the 4 featured venues offering live screening of matches as well!
Molly Roffey’s Irish Pub – Bras Basah
From excellent Irish food to pints of Guinness, Molly Roffrey’s offers the ultimate Irish Pub experience with its casual setting, traditional wooden interiors, stone fireplace and lively music. Catch the World Cup action here together with your friends and eat/drink to your hearts’ content!
Standing: 120, Sitting: 80
To book or for more information: https://www.venuerific.com/sg/venues/molly-roffey-s-irish-pub-bras-basah
O’ Leary Sports Bar
With a sporty dining atmosphere, you’re bound to get into the mood of cheering for the team you’re rooting for. The alfresco area overlooks the iconic Singapore Flyer, making it a unique venue to catch the World Cup as well. Planning for a sports-themed event? You’ve got your answer.
Sitting: 330
To book or for more information: https://www.venuerific.com/sg/venues/o-learys-sports-bar-and-grill
Paulaner Bräuhaus Singapore
Singapore’s only German microbrewery and restaurant, Paulaner Bräuhaus is located in a unique three-storey glass building at Millennia Walk. Serving authentic Bavarian fare and freshly brewed-on-the-premise German beers, all you Germany supporters out there know where to head to and soak up the atmosphere, don’t you?
Standing: 300 , Sitting: 150
To book or for more information: https://www.venuerific.com/sg/venues/paulaner-brauhaus-singapore
Tree Lizard Restaurant and Bar
Comfortably nestled across botanical gardens at Dempsey Hill, the Tree Lizard Restaurant and Bar transforms from a bistro bar in the day to a chill out sports bar in the night. With its perfect clubhouse atmosphere, swing by to unwind a little amidst the World Cup action. You can even have a quick game of pool with the Brunswick pool table at half time.
Standing: 250, Sitting: 150
To book or for more information: https://www.venuerific.com/sg/venues/tree-lizard-restaurant-and-bar
All in all, remember that the ball is round and anything can happen (as this World Cup has indeed proved so far)! Sit back, relax, enjoy the remaining matches and don’t bite anyone!
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(Sorry, we couldn’t resist!)
Cheers,
The Venuerific team
