The first round of fixtures for World Cup 2014 are in the books, with plenty more excitement ahead. Using FIFA 14's new World Cup mode, I've been simulating each match to see how EA's engine fares in determining the results.
How Accurate Has FIFA 14 Been In Predicting Results So Far?
Between Brazil's controversial opener, the collapse of world champions Spain, Costa Rica's surprising victory, and German dominance, the competition has so far offered plenty of entertainment, along with plenty of goals.
The Ivory Coast and Colombia are set for their second matches of the tournament today, and it should be a good contest. Based on the performances in the first round, Colombia should be seen as favorites following their 3-0 victory over Greece, while the African side just squeezed by Japan with two second half goals.
FIFA 14 Predicts Spain's Loss to Netherlands In Simulation
FIFA 14 doesn't see it this way, however, firmly believing Colombia will be on the losing end of this match. The South American side started the scoring 30 minutes in, Rodriguez feeding Aguilar a pass into the box that he tucked away with ease. Just nine minutes later, Ivory Coast equalized through a Bony header off Gervinho's cross from out wide.
A similar play by Serey Die led to another goal through Kalou at the 67th minute, and put Ivory Coast ahead for the rest of the game. I'm still inclined to disagree that this will be the result--but these are FIFA 14's simulations and not my predictions. I ran the match again to see if the game was inconsistent, and it again finished 2-1 to Ivory Coast. For better or worse, FIFA 14 thinks the African side will improve their play over the game against Japan and walk away victorious.
FIFA 14 got exactly half of the first eight matches I simulated correct, so it will be interesting to see if its accuracy can improve going forward. EA Sports' own simulation of the entire tournament predicted Germany will walk away with the World Cup trophy, which doesn't look like a bad guess at this stage.