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With all the crazy events surrounding the Philadelphia Union happening in the past couple days, Union fans will be forgiven if they have let it slip past their mind for a second or two that a big soccer tournament known as the World Cup starts today.
To be honest, the World Cup has been on my mind for quite some time. Even though my personal life will be taking me away from soccer for two of the four and a half weeks of the World Cup, it is still something I have eagerly anticipated. It is the biggest sporting event in the world and it is taking place in a country with no issues in North American time differences. For the first time since 1994 and until things change otherwise the last time until at the earliest 2026, the time zone difference between the World Cup host nations and Eastern Daylights Savings Time is less than three. This is huge.
So with extra attention being paid to this year's World Cup, extra pressure has been placed on your favorite TBG writers to make accurate World Cup predictions. Who will win the 2014 World Cup and who will take home the Golden Boot for most goals scored? It's time to find out. Behold, the nifty chart with a scrollbar!
| Writer | Nick ("Nyoungstein") | Doug ("hunkleberryfinn") | Frank ("phillyhoosfan") | John ("RohnJossi") | Barry ("bluetooner") | Andrew Stoltzfus | Justin F. | Jared ("unionoscopy") | Eugene Rupinski | Heather Reppert | Eryin Wandel |
| Cup Winner | Argentina | Brazil | Brazil | Argentina | Germany | Germany | France | Brazil | Colombia | Germany | Germany |
| Golden Boot Winner | Lionel Messi | Luis Suarez | Fred | Luis Suarez | Sergio Aguero | Neymar | Cristiano Ronaldo | Miroslav Klose | Eden Hazard | Lionel Messi | Neymar |
That's four votes Germany, three votes Brazil, two votes Argentina, one vote France, and one vote Colombia. Meanwhile for the Golden Boot there are two votes Lionel Messi, two votes Neymar, two votes Luis Suarez, one vote Fred (the Fluminense one, not the Union one; at least we think), one vote Cristiano Ronaldo, one vote Eden Hazard, and one vote Clint Dempsey.
The Union may be in turmoil right now, but they are on break for three weeks and right now the only soccer now is some of the best you will ever see on the grandest stage imaginable. Whether you are just getting into soccer curious about what all the hype is about or are a long-time die-hard soccer fan, the World Cup is enjoyed by all. So sit back, relax, and enjoy. 'MERICA!