World Cup predictions - Argentina vs Germany in the final?

The World Cup starts tonight and ahead of the tournament taking place, I asked Betegy to give me their world cup predictions for the outcome and for the teams featuring Chelsea players. 

"Twelve current Chelsea players and plenty of loanees are on their national duty in Brazil and some of them are among the favourites to lift the cup at the end of the tournament.

Favourites

Germans have always been connected with efficiently winning major tournaments but since 2002 they featured in two finals and lots of semifinals and blew their chances. Now, according to BETEGY, it is their time. They have an 18% chance of winning the World Cup. They are stronger than any team on their way to the final. 81% chance of qualifying to the knockout stages and then these opponents: Russia, France and Brazil.

That game against the hosts has a potential to be a World Cup classic. Germany will most likely win which means this will be a close encounter. Andre Schurrle might not get enough playing time with the likes of Marco Reus, Thomas Muller or Mesut Ozil taking over three positions behind the striker. But he may also be the striker himself, if Joachim Loew does not pick Miroslav Klose.

None of Chelsea players plays for Argentina who has a 17% chance of winning the tournament, but is likely to lose in the final to Germany.

Third place is the most likely for Brazil. They have a 16% chance of winning the World Cup, but as above, they’ll lose to Germans in the semis and then play in a third-place play-off against Netherlands. They should win comfortably. Maybe one of these goals will be scored by Oscar, Willian or Ramires? There are also rumours of Spurs’ midfielder Paulinho joining Chelsea to accompany Nemanja Matic in midfield. He has a place in Brazil’s lineup.

Group stage superpowers

The Germans look favourite of the World Cup, but it’s Brazil that has the biggest chance of qualifying to the knockout stages (99%). The second best team, in terms of probability of advancing from the group, is France (93%). 

Surprise, surprise

Almost all Chelsea players’ national teams will advance to the knockout stages. Almost, because there are two exceptions - England, who will be one of the surprises in this tournament. Gary Cahill will not save his team from losing to Uruguay and drawing with Italy - those results make England’s chances very slim.

John Obi Mikel’s Nigeria will also find themselves eliminated after three games - Argentina and Bosnia are too strong.

One of the dark horses of this tournament - Belgium will qualify from the group stage, but will most likely lose to Portugal in Round of 16. Belgium features one Chelsea starting eleven player - Eden Hazard and also two loanees - Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku.

Fernando Torres’ and Cesar Azpilicueta’s Spain will advance but most likely from the second place in Group B which leaves them with a game against Brazil in Round of 16. The hosts should win that game.

Top scorer

Neymar should count on Oscar’s and Willian’s assists if he wants to be a top scorer during this World Cup, but he has a strong competition with Lionel Messi being the favourite, according to BETEGY. Formerly, it was Luis Suarez who was the most likely Golden Boot winner, but he had an operation recently and his appearance is very much in doubt."

Infographic provided by Betegy

What do you think of the predictions made by Betegy? Do you agree?