A World Cup Guide for Dummies; Where to Watch in Barrie
The players, the pubs and everything you need to know before heading out
THE FAVORITES
Brazil and Germany are tournament favorites, with France, Belgium, Portugal and Argentina expected to challenge in later rounds. Don’t be surprised to see England, Uruguay, Croatia or Peru pull off some upsets as well.
FRANCE WINS IN ‘FIFA 18’ SIMULATION
The new “FIFA 18” World Cup simulation also shines a light on possible results in Russia.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The Egyptian Messi No other player meant so much for his club and country this year than Mohammed Salah did. He finished his club season with 44 goals in 52 appearances and was instrumental in getting Egypt to the World Cup. Salah’s efforts gave the Egyptian national team a place in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and earned Salah the title of ‘Egyptian Messi.’ There are still questions surrounding the Egyptian pharaoh’s fitness after his heartbreak injury in the Champions League final against Christiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid.
Harry Kane Another candidate for top scorer has to be Harry Kane of England. The English may have big names but they have to be considered underdogs. If they make any noise this time around it will be because 24-year-old Harry Kane does what he does…score goals. The Three Lions captain is one of the best goalscorers right now on the planet.
Brazil’s Neymar Chances are you have heard that Brazil is a pretty decent squad. Rewind to four years ago and Neymar was stretchered off the field in the quarterfinals against Colombia, ending his first World Cup campaign. Neymar finished with 28 goals in 30 club appearances for Parisian club PSG. The young star is already fourth in goal scoring (54 goals in 84 appearances) for Brazil – who are one of the tournament favorites.
The Prince, Kevin De Bruyne Belgium were dubbed the ‘breakout team’ last time around but have never lived up to that billing despite insane talent. Eden Hazard of Chelsea is the face of the Belgium National team but their main man is Kevin De Bruyne who helped bring the English title home to Manchester City this season. De Bruyne finished Brazil 2014 with one goal and two assists.
Antoine Griezmann On paper you may not find a more talented team than France. The likes of Paul Pogba of Manchester United, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. Griezmann could easily become the tournaments top scorer.
What is the World Cup?
With 32 countries, it’s the biggest global sporting event. The Word Cup only comes around every four years.
How does the tournament work?
There are eight groups, made up of four teams and the top two teams from each group move on to the knockout stage. The knockout stage is a 16-team, single-elimination tournament.
WHERE TO WATCH IN BARRIE
There are a number of great pubs and eatery’s to take in the World Cup in Barrie.
Bull & Barrel Pub
901-75 Cedar Pointe Dr, L4N 5R7, Barrie, Ontario
Hooligans Restaurant
66 Dunlop St E, L4M 1A4 Barrie, Ontario
Wickie’s Pub
274 Burton Ave. Barrie ON L4N 5W4
British Arms
29 Dunlop St. East, Barrie ON L4M 1A2
The Lockeroom
201 Cundles Rd E Barrie, Ontario
Donaleighs Irish Pub
28 Dunlop St East Barrie, Ontario
The Penalty Box
220 Bayview Drive
Barrie, Ontario L4N 2Z4
McReilly’s Pub
82 Dunlop Street East
Barrie, Ontario L4M 1A4
Wild Wing South Barrie
237 Mapleview Dr. E.
Barrie, Ontario L4N 0W5
