The first two days of 2014 World Cup matches 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.
Did My FIFA 14 Sim Correctly Predict The Netherlands Upset Over Spain?
I've moved on from the entertainment provided by yesterday's matches, and also wrote about the simulation of today's first game between Colombia and Greece. The biggest game of the day, however, is this evening's match between England and Italy. This is one of the toughest calls in the group stages, as the underwhelming but experienced Italian side and usually-average but arguably rejuvenated English team seem evenly matched.
FIFA 14 doesn't think it will be a close one, however, predicting a 2-0 English win. I'm not so convinced, but I'm also not going to argue with the game after its Spain vs. Netherlands result. The sim has Danny Welbeck tucking away a rebound 28 minutes in after a Chiellini goal-line clearance, with Daniel Sturridge doubling their lead just before halftime through a neat finish at the near post.
EA Sports Sim Says Germany Will Lift The Trophy
The Italians couldn't get on the score sheet (the main concern for the side, in fairness), but I do think this could go either way when the real match kicks off later today--tune in at 6 p.m. EST to find out if FIFA 14 got this one right.
As for the simulations of the previous matches so far, FIFA 14 predicted a Cameroon win over Mexico in yesterday's first match, as did I, but the African side simply did not look up for it. They lost 1-0, though Mexico deserved two more goals that were wrongly called offside.
Spain vs. Netherlands was undoubtedly the shock of the tournament so far with the reigning champions being dismantled 5-1 after taking an early lead, but my simulation predicted the correct winner. FIFA 14 also said Brazil would walk away with a victory over Croatia (dubious penalty aside), and simulated a comfortable Chile win.
My simulation featured two AI-controlled sides on Legendary difficulty facing off against one another, using the squads expected to start today's game. There may be one or two differences in the selections or the way the team lines up, but these were approximations that are as close to likely as possible.
EA's own simulation of the whole tournament using 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil predicted that Germany would lift the trophy in July, which would make them the first European side to win the World Cup in South America.
