It’s prediction time! In the week leading up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, whitecapsfc.com will publish the predictions of one Whitecaps FC player or coach every day up until the first match on June 12. We've already heard from Jay DeMerit, Marco Carducci, and Carl Robinson. Today, Kekuta Manneh chimes in.
Don't forget that you too can make your World Cup predictions for a chance to win a trip to Germany to visit the adidas headquarters and take in a Bundesliga match, care of adidas. Make your predictions for the first game now at //www.whitecapsfc.com/worldpup.
WORLD CUP CHAMPION: ENGLAND (OR IVORY COAST)
England has been my favourite country since I started watching soccer so I just like them and I think Ivory Coast has a really strong squad as well. Every team in the World Cup has a really good squad but I just have a feeling they’re going to do well. All their players are playing in the top leagues. Putting everyone together, I think they’ll do well.
DARKHORSE PICK: BELGIUM
I think they will come and make a lot of noise. When you look at the past few seasons, their players have done really well. They have a young squad too that is very dynamic and very talented. They’re one of the best teams in the world now. Having the likes of Kompany, Vertonghen, Hazard, Witsel, Fellaini, and Romelu Lukaku scored more than like 30 something goals before the age of 21. They have really good talent so it will be interesting to see how they do.
TOP TEAM THAT GETS UPSET: GERMANY
There are some underrated teams in that group like Ghana and the United States, who I think are going to surprise some people in the group stage too. A lot of people are saying Portugal and Germany are just going to go through easily. But I think it’s going to be really surprising. I don’t think Germany is going to make it out.
GOLDEN BOOT WINNER: ROMELU LUKAKU
Guys like Ronaldo and Messi always have a difficult time in bigger competitions like the World Cup because everyone has their eye on them so it’s difficult for them to play. They will do great but I’m going to go with Lukaku. I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people.
We also asked Manneh what he thought of Obi the puppy's prediction of Croatia over Brazil in Whitecaps FC's World Pup Predictor contest. Here's what he had to say:
<a href="//www.youtube.com/embed/P-6EFg6XlYM?rel=0"></a> |
<b><a href="http://www.worldpuppredictor.com/" target="_blank">Make your predictions</a> for a chance to win a trip to Germany</b> |
I think that’s a little crazy. The puppy might not be right with that one. The game is pretty funny though. I’m 100 per cent sure he won’t get them all right, but I’m sure he’ll get some. It’s a fun game.
It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including prorated season tickets ($220), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets, and a youth soccer half-season ticket. Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
