Avoiding Germany is crucial

You need a good draw to win World Cups and no team (with the possible exception of Italy in 1982) has had the steam to get past three or four top teams.

Winners' knockout routes to final since inception of last 16:

Brazil 02
Belgium
England
Turkey

France 98
Paraguay
Italy
Croatia

Brazil 94
USA
Holland
Sweden

Germany 90
Holland
Czechoslovakia
England

Argentina 86
Uruguay
England
Belgium

Funny isn't it? Look how often the winners have had a piss-easy semi-final? (With one honourable exception...)

Posted By: The Judge, Jun 21, 13:31:37