Check out our predictions for World Cup matches
At Rover.com, we’re ready to root on our favorite soccer teams during the World Cup–or, the World Pup, as we like to call it. Here are our Rover’s SUPER-scientific predictions about who we think will win some of the top World Cup match-ups, based on the personalities and physical skills of the breeds native to each country.
Netherlands vs. Spain
(a.k.a. Bouvier des Flandres vs. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs)
Friday, June 13
9 a.m. Eastern/Noon Pacific
Dutch dog breeds like Bouvier des Flandres and Wirehaired Pointing Griffons–as seen below–aren’t exactly known for being rough and tough.
And those Kooikerhondje and Dutch Shepherd dogs…sure, they’re super playful, but we’re not confident their footwork is fancy enough. They’re just not much of a match for the Great Pyrenees. We’re predicting that Spain has this one in the can.
UPDATE: So, we were way off with this one. Spain lost, 5-1. We still like Netherlands’ moves!
England vs. Italy
(a.k.a. English Bulldogs vs. Italian Greyhounds)
Saturday, June 14
Noon Eastern/3 p.m. Pacific
We’re basing our call on this World Cup matchup largely on what we know about Bobby, an Italian Greyhound who frequents Rover HQ. He’s mellow, though quick on his feet–great qualities to have when the world is watching. Plus, those English Bulldogs? They’re adorable, but so awfully slow. Sorry, England!
UPDATE: Woo, we called this one! England lost, 1-2.
Brazil vs. Mexico
(a.k.a. Brazilian Mastiffs vs. Chihuahuas)
Tuesday, June 17
9 a.m. Eastern/Noon Pacific
We know Brazilian Mastiffs–or Fila Brasileiro–are expert herders famous for being able to take down large prey. Need we say more? Mexico is going down in this match, for sure. (Sorry Chihuahuas!)
Switzerland vs. France
(a.k.a. Bernese Mountain Dogs vs. French Bulldogs)
Friday, June 20
9 a.m. Eastern/Noon Pacific
Mon dieu! The sheer number of dogs that are native to France made calling this matchup tres facile. The Papillon notwithstanding, badass French breeds like the Brittany, Bloodhound, French Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees make us confident that Switzerland and its Bernese Mountain Dogs will be hurting after this game.
Germany vs. USA
(a.k.a. Schnauzers vs. Boston Terriers)
Thursday, June 26
Noon Eastern/9 a.m. Pacific
What can we say? We root for the home country. This is especially true when it’s home to breeds including the Pit Bull, Alaskan Malamute, Bluetick Coonhound, Virginia Foxhound, and Boston Terrier. Sure, Schnauzers are smart, but we’re thinking Team USA definitely has the edge here.
Show us your World Cup (and Rover!) spirit. (We promise, this is no joke!) Post a photo of yourself or a friend cheering on a World Cup match, along with your favorite dog, to our @RoverDotCom Twitter feed. We’ll be sending Rover t-shirts to 5 lucky winners!
Check back over the coming days for updates on how well our predictions stood up!