Science And The World Cup

[Deboer13]

I saw recently that Stephen Hawking came up with his World Cup predictions using a fairly complicated formula. There's also been a number of studies showing teams that wear red have more success than others. With the World Cup coming up can science predict the winners?

[Eclogite]

Correlation is not causation.

 

If we can simulate a nuclear explosion we can simulate a World Cup competition. However a less expensive means of determining the result is to have the competition.

[Buffy]

You don't have to be Stephen Hawking to predict the World Cup, just an octopus.

 

 

Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future, :phones:

Buffy

[PiSquare]

I wonder if Stephen Hawkins made provision for possible (or probable?) match fixing in his complex World Cup predictions? Not that I imply for one moment that match fixing will happen, but if it does, it might actually turn out to be more expensive than simulation.

[Deboer13]

Match fix is actually a very serious issue not just with the World Cup but professional soccer as well. Journalist Declan Hill and others have done some great investigative work on this issue. All I can say is Go Holland!