Finals

After the group rounds, the second stage will be upon us. Starting with total points, then goals for, Ireland figures to lead the pack because of the easiness of their pool getting a high goal total. They should come out with 3 wins and a ton of goals. Second place is really up in the air. Norway has a fairly easy pool and should also have a high amount of goals. Group C will be more offensive than the other pools, and Jamaica and Portugal could also have a high total of goals. Canada, should they make it through, and the second place team in Group A, will come in around the middle. The teams from Group D look to struggle in order to get through, and they will come in around last. Most of what I just said was considering solely the goals. Have to keep in mind that points come first

So, if I follow through with my predictions on who will make it out of the group stage, the final 8 teams will be (in ranked order): 1. Ireland
2. Norway
3. Jamaica
4. Portugal
5. Canada
6. El Salvador
7. Austria
8. Germany


With 1 v 8, 2 v 7, and so on, the games will shape up like this(i can foresee these kinds of things):

Ireland vs. Germany- This will be a good test for Ireland after breezing through the group rounds, and they'll be hard-pressed to match Germany's firepower, but can also counter Germany with tough D and a good offence. Ireland win: 3-2

Norway vs. Austria- Norway will manhandle Austria. Norway wins: 5-0

Jamaica vs. El Salvador- a rematch of last year's bronze medal, this would be quite a game. El Salvador's heart was not in the bronze medal match last year, and they'd pick up their game for this one. Still, Jamaica should come out on top in a close one: 3-2

Portugal vs. Canada- Portugal should be quick enough to beat Canada. Though this is where Canada excels in locking down good-shooting teams, Portugal should win: 2-1



Semis

Ireland vs. Portugal
Ireland is much better than Portugal and should beat them handily:3-0

Jamaica vs. Norway
I really can't say who'd win this one. I'll go with Jamaica: 4-3

Final
Ireland vs. Jamaica
Jamaica wins! Ireland chokes! Ireland haters rejoice!




honestly if anyone is upset during the tournament, my money is on Ireland. Their team is good, but they aren't gods and they can be exploited. There will probably be more upsets than I predicted...........so we'll see.