My money is on Castilla-Leon, though the Roman (OOC: Byzantine) Empire is fielding a strong team this year. What do you guys think?
Totally disagree! I think the finals will come down to the Germanic Confederation and the Florentine Republic (yes, the past few years have been very Europa-centric in terms of talent), and I think I'm going to have to give the edge to the Florentines this year. The pro-circuit in the Cis-Alpine division has been just incredible, and since the Florentines trounced all comers there, I think they will take it all.
As for Castilla-Leon vs The Romans, they're both in Group Alpha, so we know only one is even going to make it through to the next round, and I agree that Castilla-Leon is the more likely (though an upset by the Romans wouldn't be a surprise) to advance. However, I think Castilla-Leon will crump by the semi-finals - they just don't have the endurance of some of the other teams playing. Yes, they've got some real stars, and we can expect some incredible plays out of them before elimination, but I don't think they have the endurance or consistency to make it (unlike the Germanic Confederation who are the most consistent and precision team in the World Cup this year).
Just my 2c. I wish I could say USMN will make it, but they're also in Group Alpha, and I think they're going to get curbstomped!
