This is an interesting group. Other than Spain, which I don't think should have any problem beating any of the teams and should finish the group stage with all 9 points, the other three teams will have to battle it out for second place and the chance to join Spain in the elimination stage of the tournament. Honduras may struggle since they seem to be the weakest team of the group.
I haven't watched any of these teams play a lot other than Spain. Switzerland I would see play during major tournament. Therefore, I don't have much to say in regards to analysis. I based my predictions on friendlies, past results, and users comments online. However, I really don't think Spain should have much a problem.
Hunduras vs Chile 0-1
Spain vs Switzerland 2-1
Chile vs Switzerland 1-0
Spain vs Honduras 3-1
Chile vs Spain 0-1
Honduras vs Switzerland 0-0
Standings based above predictions:
1. Spain 3-0-0 9 pts 6-2 +4
2. Chile 2-1-0 6 pts 2-1 +1
3. Switzerland 0-2-1 1 pt 1-3 -2
4. Honduras 0-2-1 1 pt 1-4 -3
This would put Spain and Chile into the next round while Switzerland and Honduras will be eliminated.
Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup 2010 Group G Predictions
North Korea is definitely the worst team in this group bit U think that they can be a spoiler. A friend told me that the only reason why North Korea qualified in the first place is because they kept matches close. They finished several matches in the qualifying stage with scoreless draws, 1-1 ties, 1-0 wins, and 1-0 losses. This kept their goal difference close and may have even helped them. In many cases, they were to qualify, but some teams may underestimate them.
Ivory Coast vs Portugal: 1-0 win for Portugal. Both teams have injuries, but I think Portugal will pull through with the win. Ivory Coast will have some chances but will not score.
Brazil vs North Korea: 3-0 win for Brazil.
Brazil vs Ivory Coast: 1-0 win for Brazil: My sister-in-law is Brazilian and a few of her friends were telling me last month at my niece's birthday part that they don't believe that Brazil is the same any more. I think it will show in this match. Drogba is injured and with him I think Brazil would end up tied with Ivory Coast. Brazil will be able to take advantage of this and take 3 points with a 1-0 win. If Brazil was at their best, I would probably say 2-0 or 3-0, maybe 2-1 with Drogba was in, but right now, I don't see Brazil playing the way they usually do. Kaka will score the lone goal of the match.
Portugal vs North Korea: 1-0 win for Portugal.: Perfect example of a good team underestimating North Korea. Portugal will win, but North Korea will keep it close and have some chances.
Portugal vs Brazil: 2-2 tie.
North Korea vs Ivory Coast 0-0: another fairly good team will lose a chance to take 3 points because of North Korea.
Standings based on my predictions:
1. Brazil 2-0-1 7 pts 6-2 +4
2. Portugal 2-0-1 7 pts 4-2 +2
3. Ivory Coast 0-2-1 1 pt 0-2 -2
4. North KOrea 0-2-1 1 pt 0-4 -4
As expected, Brazil will qualify on top for the next round, but with a perfect 9 points. Portugal will advance in second place. Ivory Coast and North Korea will be eliminated.
Ivory Coast vs Portugal: 1-0 win for Portugal. Both teams have injuries, but I think Portugal will pull through with the win. Ivory Coast will have some chances but will not score.
Brazil vs North Korea: 3-0 win for Brazil.
Brazil vs Ivory Coast: 1-0 win for Brazil: My sister-in-law is Brazilian and a few of her friends were telling me last month at my niece's birthday part that they don't believe that Brazil is the same any more. I think it will show in this match. Drogba is injured and with him I think Brazil would end up tied with Ivory Coast. Brazil will be able to take advantage of this and take 3 points with a 1-0 win. If Brazil was at their best, I would probably say 2-0 or 3-0, maybe 2-1 with Drogba was in, but right now, I don't see Brazil playing the way they usually do. Kaka will score the lone goal of the match.
Portugal vs North Korea: 1-0 win for Portugal.: Perfect example of a good team underestimating North Korea. Portugal will win, but North Korea will keep it close and have some chances.
Portugal vs Brazil: 2-2 tie.
North Korea vs Ivory Coast 0-0: another fairly good team will lose a chance to take 3 points because of North Korea.
Standings based on my predictions:
1. Brazil 2-0-1 7 pts 6-2 +4
2. Portugal 2-0-1 7 pts 4-2 +2
3. Ivory Coast 0-2-1 1 pt 0-2 -2
4. North KOrea 0-2-1 1 pt 0-4 -4
As expected, Brazil will qualify on top for the next round, but with a perfect 9 points. Portugal will advance in second place. Ivory Coast and North Korea will be eliminated.
World Cup 2010 Group F Predictions
Group F is going to be an interesting set of matches. While I don't think New Zealand will actually make it to the next round like Australia did in 2006, I do see some of the teams underestimating the Kiwis and them upsetting some teams that will end up taking away only a point rather than what they would expect to be an easy 3 points.
Here are my predictions:
Italy vs Paraguay 1-1
Slovakia vs New Zealand 1-1
Slovakia vs Paraguay 2-2
Italy vs New Zealand. Italy wins 1-0. Many would probably expect a high scoring ass--whooping of New Zealand in this one, but I think Italy is going to underestimate New Zealand like the other teams will. Italy will be able to get out of it with all 3 points but they may struggle against New Zealand a little bit.
Slovakia vs Italy 0-0
Paraguay vs New Zealand 1-1
Standings based on above rankings:
1. Italy 1-0-2 5 pts 2-1 +1
2. Paraguay 0-0-3 3 pts 4-4 0
3. Slovakia 0-0-3 3 pts 3-3 0
4. New Zealand 0-1-2 2 pts 2-3 -1
This would put Italy and Paraguay into the next round. Slovakia and New Zealand will go home.
Here are my predictions:
Italy vs Paraguay 1-1
Slovakia vs New Zealand 1-1
Slovakia vs Paraguay 2-2
Italy vs New Zealand. Italy wins 1-0. Many would probably expect a high scoring ass--whooping of New Zealand in this one, but I think Italy is going to underestimate New Zealand like the other teams will. Italy will be able to get out of it with all 3 points but they may struggle against New Zealand a little bit.
Slovakia vs Italy 0-0
Paraguay vs New Zealand 1-1
Standings based on above rankings:
1. Italy 1-0-2 5 pts 2-1 +1
2. Paraguay 0-0-3 3 pts 4-4 0
3. Slovakia 0-0-3 3 pts 3-3 0
4. New Zealand 0-1-2 2 pts 2-3 -1
This would put Italy and Paraguay into the next round. Slovakia and New Zealand will go home.
World Cup 2010 Group E Predictions
Here are my Group E predictions.
Before I start, I want to say that the Netherlands is probably one of the most underrated teams in Europe. Nobody talks about them when it comes to who will win it all, but I think they are capable of making it to the final.
So lets get right back to it....
Netherlands vs Denmark: While I don't see Denmark going in to the round of 16, I do think they can be a spoiler in the group. Netherlands will win this group but I think Denmark will be the one that will kill any chance of a perfect record. I predict a scoreless draw.
Japan vs Cameroon: 1-0 Cameroon win. Japan has had terrible results in their last few friendlies and I don't think they are ready to compete in the World Cup.
Netherlands vs Japan: 3-0 for Netherlands
Cameroon vs Denmark: 1-0 for Cameroon
Denmark vs Japan: 0-0
Cameroon vs Netherlands 3-0.
Standings based on predictions:
1. Netherlands 2-0-1 7 pts 6-0 +6
2. Cameroon 2-1-0 6 pts 2-3 -1
3. Denmark 0-1-2 2 pts 0-1 -1
4. Japan 0-2-1 1 pt 0-4 -4
Netherlands and Cameroon go to the next round while Denmark and Japan are eliminated.
Before I start, I want to say that the Netherlands is probably one of the most underrated teams in Europe. Nobody talks about them when it comes to who will win it all, but I think they are capable of making it to the final.
So lets get right back to it....
Netherlands vs Denmark: While I don't see Denmark going in to the round of 16, I do think they can be a spoiler in the group. Netherlands will win this group but I think Denmark will be the one that will kill any chance of a perfect record. I predict a scoreless draw.
Japan vs Cameroon: 1-0 Cameroon win. Japan has had terrible results in their last few friendlies and I don't think they are ready to compete in the World Cup.
Netherlands vs Japan: 3-0 for Netherlands
Cameroon vs Denmark: 1-0 for Cameroon
Denmark vs Japan: 0-0
Cameroon vs Netherlands 3-0.
Standings based on predictions:
1. Netherlands 2-0-1 7 pts 6-0 +6
2. Cameroon 2-1-0 6 pts 2-3 -1
3. Denmark 0-1-2 2 pts 0-1 -1
4. Japan 0-2-1 1 pt 0-4 -4
Netherlands and Cameroon go to the next round while Denmark and Japan are eliminated.
Group D Predictions
It is now almost 4:15 am in New York and I'm too excited to sleep because the World Cup is less than 6 hours away!
I also realize that I forgot to finish the rest of my predictions. I am going to finish these quickly so I can send in my ESPN bracket before 10 am.
I'm going to skip on the analysis on some of the matches from now on unless their is something that I really want to discuss. If there is, I will keep it short.
This seems like a pretty tough group to predict. Germany plays well but I can never predict how they will play in major tournaments. I had hem winning the group in Euro 2008 and then Croatia beat them. I celebrated this, of course, but did not expect it. No team should count out Australia, and Serbia and Ghana can also play very well.
Germany vs Australia
Normally I would say that Germany would win this one, but I think that the socceroos can take advantage of Ballack's injury. I think this one will end in a 1-1 draw.
Serbia vs Ghana 0-0. If the World Cup wasn't in Africa, I would say that Serbia would win this match, but I think Ghana will keep the score close or scoreless. However, I haven't seen anything impressive coming from Ghana the last few years-- a team that I used to admire as one of Africa's best. Now, I think they will be lucky if they make it out of this group.
Germany vs Serbia: 1-2 Serbia wins. I actually think Serbia can win this one. That and the commentators on ESPN (both English and American) are already counting Germany out for the top spot and putting Serbia against the United States in the Round of 16. This can't happen unless Serbia takes the top spot because I can't see the Americans take the top away from England. Also, many of my Croatian friends attack me for actually talking positively about Serbia but I always try my best to keep politics separate from sports. HOwever, I don't think that Serbia will beat Germany in any way near the type of upset Croatia does, but I think they can keep the score close.
Ghana vs Australia: 1-1
Ghana vs Germany: 2-1 Germany win.
Australia vs Serbia: 2-1 Serbia win.
Standings based on my predictions:
1. Serbia 2-0-1 7 pts 4-2 +2
2. Germany 1-1-1 4 pts 4-4 0
3. Australia 0-1-2 2 pts 3-4 -1
4. Ghana 0-1-2 2 pts 2-3 -1
This would advance Serbia and Germany into the next round while Australia and Ghana would be eliminated.
I also realize that I forgot to finish the rest of my predictions. I am going to finish these quickly so I can send in my ESPN bracket before 10 am.
I'm going to skip on the analysis on some of the matches from now on unless their is something that I really want to discuss. If there is, I will keep it short.
This seems like a pretty tough group to predict. Germany plays well but I can never predict how they will play in major tournaments. I had hem winning the group in Euro 2008 and then Croatia beat them. I celebrated this, of course, but did not expect it. No team should count out Australia, and Serbia and Ghana can also play very well.
Germany vs Australia
Normally I would say that Germany would win this one, but I think that the socceroos can take advantage of Ballack's injury. I think this one will end in a 1-1 draw.
Serbia vs Ghana 0-0. If the World Cup wasn't in Africa, I would say that Serbia would win this match, but I think Ghana will keep the score close or scoreless. However, I haven't seen anything impressive coming from Ghana the last few years-- a team that I used to admire as one of Africa's best. Now, I think they will be lucky if they make it out of this group.
Germany vs Serbia: 1-2 Serbia wins. I actually think Serbia can win this one. That and the commentators on ESPN (both English and American) are already counting Germany out for the top spot and putting Serbia against the United States in the Round of 16. This can't happen unless Serbia takes the top spot because I can't see the Americans take the top away from England. Also, many of my Croatian friends attack me for actually talking positively about Serbia but I always try my best to keep politics separate from sports. HOwever, I don't think that Serbia will beat Germany in any way near the type of upset Croatia does, but I think they can keep the score close.
Ghana vs Australia: 1-1
Ghana vs Germany: 2-1 Germany win.
Australia vs Serbia: 2-1 Serbia win.
Standings based on my predictions:
1. Serbia 2-0-1 7 pts 4-2 +2
2. Germany 1-1-1 4 pts 4-4 0
3. Australia 0-1-2 2 pts 3-4 -1
4. Ghana 0-1-2 2 pts 2-3 -1
This would advance Serbia and Germany into the next round while Australia and Ghana would be eliminated.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Group C Predictions
With Croatia's failure to qualify, I am now rooting for the Americans at this World Cup. Of course, I don't expect them to win it, but I think they should go far.
Since I have to do all of the predictions tonight so I can complete my ESPN bracket by kick off of the South Africa vs Mexico match, I am going to get right into it.
England vs USA: This is the match I am looking the most forward to at the World Cup. My friend and I will either watch the match at my house or go to Nevada Smith's-- the place where soccer/football fans in America go to watch the game that is almost forgotten in the US of A-- the only place in New York City "where Football is Religion!" . I have never been here so it would be awesome to go.
My prediction: 2-2. I know this is a pretty bold prediction but I am actually excited about this American team. It would be great if team USA could win but I will settle for a tie.
Algeria vs Slovenia 0-1: I predict a win for Slovenia in this match. Slovenia qualified in 2002 but failed to win a single point but I think this year will be different. I don't think they will make it out of the group but I think they will play much better than they did eight years ago.
Slovenia vs USA 0-1: I think the United States has learned their lesson from the last World Cup in that horrible loss to the Czech Republic and actually show up this time. Slovenia is similar to the Czechs, but I think the United States can beat them and I don't think they are going to need more than 1 goal to do it. Slovenia is still a fairly weak team so I don't think the game is going to be a high scoring one.
England vs Algeria 3-1: england will dominate this one for sure. However, I think Algeria will score one, maybe through a penalty or free kick. England shouldn't have to struggle to grab 3 points out of this one.
Slovenia vs England 1-2: same thing as against Algeria. Slovenia shouldn't be any problem. I know England will win. I just grabbed this score out of the air, but it will for sure be another 3 points for the English.
USA vs Algeria 2-1: I think the Americans can win this one. They might struggle a little bit. The score will be tied by the end of the first half but the Americans will score in the second to win it 2-1 and qualify for a spot to the next round.
Standings based on my predictions:
1. England 2-0-1 7 pts 7-4 +3
2. USA 2-0-1 7 pts 5-3 +2
3. Slovenia 2-0-1 3 pts 2-3 -1
4. Algeria 0-3-0 0 pts 2-6 -4
This would put england at the top and the United States second. Slovenia and Algeria would be eliminated.
Since I have to do all of the predictions tonight so I can complete my ESPN bracket by kick off of the South Africa vs Mexico match, I am going to get right into it.
England vs USA: This is the match I am looking the most forward to at the World Cup. My friend and I will either watch the match at my house or go to Nevada Smith's-- the place where soccer/football fans in America go to watch the game that is almost forgotten in the US of A-- the only place in New York City "where Football is Religion!" . I have never been here so it would be awesome to go.
My prediction: 2-2. I know this is a pretty bold prediction but I am actually excited about this American team. It would be great if team USA could win but I will settle for a tie.
Algeria vs Slovenia 0-1: I predict a win for Slovenia in this match. Slovenia qualified in 2002 but failed to win a single point but I think this year will be different. I don't think they will make it out of the group but I think they will play much better than they did eight years ago.
Slovenia vs USA 0-1: I think the United States has learned their lesson from the last World Cup in that horrible loss to the Czech Republic and actually show up this time. Slovenia is similar to the Czechs, but I think the United States can beat them and I don't think they are going to need more than 1 goal to do it. Slovenia is still a fairly weak team so I don't think the game is going to be a high scoring one.
England vs Algeria 3-1: england will dominate this one for sure. However, I think Algeria will score one, maybe through a penalty or free kick. England shouldn't have to struggle to grab 3 points out of this one.
Slovenia vs England 1-2: same thing as against Algeria. Slovenia shouldn't be any problem. I know England will win. I just grabbed this score out of the air, but it will for sure be another 3 points for the English.
USA vs Algeria 2-1: I think the Americans can win this one. They might struggle a little bit. The score will be tied by the end of the first half but the Americans will score in the second to win it 2-1 and qualify for a spot to the next round.
Standings based on my predictions:
1. England 2-0-1 7 pts 7-4 +3
2. USA 2-0-1 7 pts 5-3 +2
3. Slovenia 2-0-1 3 pts 2-3 -1
4. Algeria 0-3-0 0 pts 2-6 -4
This would put england at the top and the United States second. Slovenia and Algeria would be eliminated.
Changes in my Group B predictions: Greece will disappoint, Nigeria will shine
As a looked at some of the last few friendlies, I think Nigeria and some of the other African nations will do much better than many of us will predict.
I don't expect good results for Greece and South Korea though.
Here are the changes for my Group B predictions (check out old predictions here):
Greece vs Nigeria 1-3: : I originally had a 1-1 tie for these two teans but after looking at friendly results, I think Nigeria will dominate most of this match. Greece will score at least 1 goal and have some good chances.
Nigeria vs South Korea 2-0: : I don't see South Korea doing very well at all this World Cup. I'm looking more towards Japan or Australia to be the ones to keep Asia in the Round of 16.
Updated standings based on new predictions:
1. Argentina 2-0-1 7 pts 6-2 +4
2. Nigeria 2-0-1 7 pts 6-2 +4
3. Greece 0-2-1 1 pt 2-5 -3
4. South Korea 0-2-1 1 pt 0-5 -5
The only big difference is my view of Greece and South Korea in their match against Nigeria. I think Nigeria, like other African teams, will dominate because of the simple fact that they will be playing on their home continent for the first time for the World Cup.
Argentina and Nigeria would be tied for first place even after all tie breakers so drawing of lots will have be used. Since this is all luck at this point, I put Argentina on top simply because they have a higher rank in the world rankings.
I don't expect good results for Greece and South Korea though.
Here are the changes for my Group B predictions (check out old predictions here):
Greece vs Nigeria 1-3: : I originally had a 1-1 tie for these two teans but after looking at friendly results, I think Nigeria will dominate most of this match. Greece will score at least 1 goal and have some good chances.
Nigeria vs South Korea 2-0: : I don't see South Korea doing very well at all this World Cup. I'm looking more towards Japan or Australia to be the ones to keep Asia in the Round of 16.
Updated standings based on new predictions:
1. Argentina 2-0-1 7 pts 6-2 +4
2. Nigeria 2-0-1 7 pts 6-2 +4
3. Greece 0-2-1 1 pt 2-5 -3
4. South Korea 0-2-1 1 pt 0-5 -5
The only big difference is my view of Greece and South Korea in their match against Nigeria. I think Nigeria, like other African teams, will dominate because of the simple fact that they will be playing on their home continent for the first time for the World Cup.
Argentina and Nigeria would be tied for first place even after all tie breakers so drawing of lots will have be used. Since this is all luck at this point, I put Argentina on top simply because they have a higher rank in the world rankings.
China humiliates France in 1-0 Friendly win a week before World Cup kick off
I know it's a week late.
I know it's only a 1-0 loss, and
I know it is just a friendly....
BUT
France should have blew China away in this match.
This is obviously not a good result for France.
Because of this result, I decided to look back at my Group A predictions and see if I should change any of the results.
My conclusion: France will not move to the round of 16. I admit that this is a little harsh but I was thinking that this would happen when I did my predictions the first time. The scores will be close though.
Only two of my predicted scores have changed (check out my original predictions at the link above):
France 1-1 Mexico (originally I had France beating Mexico 2-1): Mexico is definitely a tougher opponent than China so after a loss to China, I don't think France will beat Mexico. Both teams will play well but I think it will end in 1-1 draw.
France 0-1 South Africa (originally I had 2-1 for France): Now this is probably where the fans of France will start to hate me, but I don't care because it has already been proven that France in overrated. France's performance against China and South Africa's fairly impressive friendly warm ups leading up to the big event make me think that France's days are numbered. That's right, I think Bafana Bafana will not only win this one, but with this impressive victory over one of the best teams in the world, they will make it out of the group and France will be eliminated earlier than expected.
Updated standings:
1. Uruguay 1-0-2 5 pts 3-2 +1
2. South Africa 1-1-1 4 pts 2-2 0
3. Mexico 0-0-3 3 pts 4-4 0
4. France 0-1-2 2 pts 1-2 -1
With that said, I will continue with my predictions. Sorry for not posting earlier. I had some other stuff to do that was more important (yes more important than soccer/football!). Next, I am going to review the Group B predictions that I already did and then based on the now completed World Cup friendly warm ups, I will do some more fairer predictions.
I will try to do this before 9:30 tomorrow morning (New York time)-- the time coverage begins for the World Cup on ESPN and the time I have to have my bracket completed for the ESPN contest.
I know it's only a 1-0 loss, and
I know it is just a friendly....
BUT
France should have blew China away in this match.
This is obviously not a good result for France.
Because of this result, I decided to look back at my Group A predictions and see if I should change any of the results.
My conclusion: France will not move to the round of 16. I admit that this is a little harsh but I was thinking that this would happen when I did my predictions the first time. The scores will be close though.
Only two of my predicted scores have changed (check out my original predictions at the link above):
France 1-1 Mexico (originally I had France beating Mexico 2-1): Mexico is definitely a tougher opponent than China so after a loss to China, I don't think France will beat Mexico. Both teams will play well but I think it will end in 1-1 draw.
France 0-1 South Africa (originally I had 2-1 for France): Now this is probably where the fans of France will start to hate me, but I don't care because it has already been proven that France in overrated. France's performance against China and South Africa's fairly impressive friendly warm ups leading up to the big event make me think that France's days are numbered. That's right, I think Bafana Bafana will not only win this one, but with this impressive victory over one of the best teams in the world, they will make it out of the group and France will be eliminated earlier than expected.
Updated standings:
1. Uruguay 1-0-2 5 pts 3-2 +1
2. South Africa 1-1-1 4 pts 2-2 0
3. Mexico 0-0-3 3 pts 4-4 0
4. France 0-1-2 2 pts 1-2 -1
With that said, I will continue with my predictions. Sorry for not posting earlier. I had some other stuff to do that was more important (yes more important than soccer/football!). Next, I am going to review the Group B predictions that I already did and then based on the now completed World Cup friendly warm ups, I will do some more fairer predictions.
I will try to do this before 9:30 tomorrow morning (New York time)-- the time coverage begins for the World Cup on ESPN and the time I have to have my bracket completed for the ESPN contest.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
World Cup 2010 Group B Predictions
In this post, I will be continuing on to Group B in my World Cup predictions.
ESPN, here in the States, will be broadcasting every match so I will be watching (or at least try to watch at least a part of every match. The games that are in the afternoon and should be able to watch in their entirety, so I should be able to update this blog from time to time during the next month.
Group B consists of Argentina (7th in the world, 2nd in South America), Nigeria (21st in the world, 3rd in Africa), Greece (13th in the world, 10th in Europe), and South Korea (47th in the world, 3rd in Asia).
At first glance, Argentina seems to be the obvious favorite to come out of this group. They are after all the seeded team in the group. However, I do think that they will have to earn it and will not be easy. Nigeria could cause a few problems. Being from Africa, I think they will play as if they are playing at home. I expect 1 or 2 of the African teams to make it out to the top 16 (maybe Nigeria and Ghana or Ivory Coast). This should be an exciting World Cup as it is the first one on the continent and it is overdue.
Now to the rest of my predictions:
Argentina vs Nigeria 1-1: Argentina is another team that I think is somewhat overrated and I think Nigeria could cause some damage is this group and probably move on to the next round. I think Argentina will score early and it will remain 1-0 until the final few minutes of the match. Argentina will think that they have all 3 points and Nigeria will score around the 88th minute. It should be a really exciting match and Nigeria should do well in this one.
South Korea vs Greece (0-0)
I don't see anything spectacular coming from either team and I think that this match will disappointing. even though I think Greece is also an overrated and does not deserve the high rank they have in the world rankings, I think that they will dominate and create some chances but none of them will find the back of the net. This one is going to end in a scoreless tie.
Greece vs Nigeria (1-1): This will be another tie for Nigeria. I think Nigeria could dominate against Greece but Greece can be a tricky team no matter who they play against. Both teams should come out of this game with a point.
Argentina vs South Korea 3-0: Argentina shouldn't have any kind of a problem against South Korea. THey should dominate and score at least 2 or 3 goals.
Nigeria vs South Korea 1-1: Both teams will probably want to win this based on how the group would look according to my predictions. Nigeria could probably get through with a draw. However, the South Koreans will play tough and I think Nigeria will struggle. The first half will be scoreless. Nigeria will score at the beginning of the second half and the South Koreans will equalize later. Both teams will have chances to make a second goal but neither will find the back of the net. This draw should solidify Nigeria's place in the round of 16 because I don't se a victory for Greece against Argentina.
rGreece vs Argentina 1-2: Based on my predications, Greece will need a win in this match in order to go further. While I don't see that happening, I still think Greece will score at least one goal and have a few good chances. Argentina should win it with at least 2 goals, winning the group but not with a perfect record.
Based on my predictions, this is what the group should like at the end:
1. Argentina 2-0-1 (7 pts) 6-2 +4
2. Nigeria 0-0-3 (3 pts) 3-3 0
3. Greece 0-1-2 (2 pts) 2-3 -1
4. South Korea 0-1-2 (2 pts) 1-4 -3
This will put Argentina and Nigeria in the Round of 16 while Greece and South Korea will be eliminated in the group stage.
Stay tuned for my Group C predictions which will be posted a little later today.
ESPN, here in the States, will be broadcasting every match so I will be watching (or at least try to watch at least a part of every match. The games that are in the afternoon and should be able to watch in their entirety, so I should be able to update this blog from time to time during the next month.
Group B consists of Argentina (7th in the world, 2nd in South America), Nigeria (21st in the world, 3rd in Africa), Greece (13th in the world, 10th in Europe), and South Korea (47th in the world, 3rd in Asia).
At first glance, Argentina seems to be the obvious favorite to come out of this group. They are after all the seeded team in the group. However, I do think that they will have to earn it and will not be easy. Nigeria could cause a few problems. Being from Africa, I think they will play as if they are playing at home. I expect 1 or 2 of the African teams to make it out to the top 16 (maybe Nigeria and Ghana or Ivory Coast). This should be an exciting World Cup as it is the first one on the continent and it is overdue.
Now to the rest of my predictions:
Argentina vs Nigeria 1-1: Argentina is another team that I think is somewhat overrated and I think Nigeria could cause some damage is this group and probably move on to the next round. I think Argentina will score early and it will remain 1-0 until the final few minutes of the match. Argentina will think that they have all 3 points and Nigeria will score around the 88th minute. It should be a really exciting match and Nigeria should do well in this one.
South Korea vs Greece (0-0)
I don't see anything spectacular coming from either team and I think that this match will disappointing. even though I think Greece is also an overrated and does not deserve the high rank they have in the world rankings, I think that they will dominate and create some chances but none of them will find the back of the net. This one is going to end in a scoreless tie.
Greece vs Nigeria (1-1): This will be another tie for Nigeria. I think Nigeria could dominate against Greece but Greece can be a tricky team no matter who they play against. Both teams should come out of this game with a point.
Argentina vs South Korea 3-0: Argentina shouldn't have any kind of a problem against South Korea. THey should dominate and score at least 2 or 3 goals.
Nigeria vs South Korea 1-1: Both teams will probably want to win this based on how the group would look according to my predictions. Nigeria could probably get through with a draw. However, the South Koreans will play tough and I think Nigeria will struggle. The first half will be scoreless. Nigeria will score at the beginning of the second half and the South Koreans will equalize later. Both teams will have chances to make a second goal but neither will find the back of the net. This draw should solidify Nigeria's place in the round of 16 because I don't se a victory for Greece against Argentina.
rGreece vs Argentina 1-2: Based on my predications, Greece will need a win in this match in order to go further. While I don't see that happening, I still think Greece will score at least one goal and have a few good chances. Argentina should win it with at least 2 goals, winning the group but not with a perfect record.
Based on my predictions, this is what the group should like at the end:
1. Argentina 2-0-1 (7 pts) 6-2 +4
2. Nigeria 0-0-3 (3 pts) 3-3 0
3. Greece 0-1-2 (2 pts) 2-3 -1
4. South Korea 0-1-2 (2 pts) 1-4 -3
This will put Argentina and Nigeria in the Round of 16 while Greece and South Korea will be eliminated in the group stage.
Stay tuned for my Group C predictions which will be posted a little later today.
NBA Star Steve Nash to help with World Cup Coverage for CBS Sports
Steve Nash is probably my favorite basketball player after the Michael Jordan-era (aside from Toni Kukoc of course). Not only because he's probably the only NBA player that doesn't act like a princess or a wuss (something that turned me away from the NBA and more to College Basketball, but this is for an entirely different blog), but also because he's a soccer fan. I like it when pros from other more popular Americans sports try to make soccer more popular in the USA-- it will never be in the top 3 or even the top 5 for that matter, but more people are watching.
I discussed Nash's link to soccer in this post a while back when he was organizing a chairty game in New York.
Now, Nash is working with CBS Sports to cover the Worlds Cup, according to the NBA website.
Now that the Phoenix Suns have been eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, Steve Nash will travel to South Africa to be part of the CBS World Cup team for the CBS Sports website. According to the article, he will "file eight videos and have additional reports and photos posted to CBSSports.com's social media platforms under a deal with Meathawk, his production company."
Nash was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but is a Canadian citizen and grew up in Vancouver. The two-time NBA MVP is also a fan of English Premier League side, Tottenham (so am I!). He is also involved in the owenership group of the MLS club that will start play in America's top soccer league in 2011.
Stay tuned as I get back to my World Cup prediction.
Only a week left until the world's game's biggest event!
I discussed Nash's link to soccer in this post a while back when he was organizing a chairty game in New York.
Now, Nash is working with CBS Sports to cover the Worlds Cup, according to the NBA website.
Now that the Phoenix Suns have been eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, Steve Nash will travel to South Africa to be part of the CBS World Cup team for the CBS Sports website. According to the article, he will "file eight videos and have additional reports and photos posted to CBSSports.com's social media platforms under a deal with Meathawk, his production company."
Nash was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but is a Canadian citizen and grew up in Vancouver. The two-time NBA MVP is also a fan of English Premier League side, Tottenham (so am I!). He is also involved in the owenership group of the MLS club that will start play in America's top soccer league in 2011.
Stay tuned as I get back to my World Cup prediction.
Only a week left until the world's game's biggest event!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
World Cup 2010: Group A Predictions
I haven't blogged for almost a year now but I had some time so I just had to give my predictions for the upcoming World Cup which starts a week from Friday. My anger regarding Croatia's failure to qualify has ended a while ago and I can now think with a clear head. I will now have to settle with Team USA-- a team that I am somewhat excited about this year.
Well, anyway, in this post, I will give my Group A predictions. Group A includes Uruguay (ranked 16 in the world, 3rd in South America), France (9th in the world, 7th in Europe), Mexico (17th in the world, 2nd in CONCACAF), and hosts South Africa (83rd in the world, 17th in Africa).
Despite home field advantage, I don't expect South Africa to make it out of this group. I think France and Mexico are extremely overrated and will not impress at this World Cup, and Uruguay will surprise and maybe even top the group.
Here is my individual match predictions:
South Africa vs Mexico 1-1: While South Africa is definitely the weakest side in the group, I think that they do have enough in them to spoil it for some of the teams. They did have some impressive friendlies from what I have read and heard in the past few weeks. I believe that they will challenge the Mexicans. However, I don't think this will be a very exciting match. As I already said, the Mexicans are overrated and South Africa is one of the worst teams in this World Cup.
Uruguay vs France 0-0: In my opinion, France doesn't even deserve to be in this World Cup after that hand ball in their playoffs against Ireland. It would have been great to see Ireland in the World Cup. but FIFA is obviously extremely biased. while I do think France will advance to the next round, I think they will struggle a little bit against Uruguay and Mexico.
South Africa vs Uruguay 0-1 : Uruguay is the better team in this match and I think they will dominate for sure.
France vs Mexico 2-1: Both of these teams a probably expected to be favorites since tehy are both in the top 20. I think France does play better than Mexico. Thierry Henry will score at least once. They will end the first half tied 1-1 and France will score the game winning goal in the middle of the second half.
Mexico vs Uruguay 2-2: I have heard man people say Mexico can match any team they play. This is definitely true with their history on the pitch against South American teams. The last Copa America was proof of this when they finished third after beating Brazil comfortably in the Group Stage. This will be a good match and I think it will be pretty even. They are within 4 points of each in the world ranking too.
France vs South Africa 2-1: I don't see South Africa winning this one, but I do see a chance for South Africa to still be in it by the time this match comes with a few tiebreakers in play. However, I don't think this will happen. A tie will probably be enough for France. South Africa will score at least one goal but I think France will win 2-1 and eliminate South Africa.
Based on my predictions, here is how the standings will play out at the end of the group stage:
1. France 2-0-1 (7 pts) 4-2 +2
2. Uruguay 1-0-2 (5 pts) 3-2 +1
3. Mexico 0-1-2 (2 pts) 4-4 0
4. South Africa 0-2-1 (1 pt) 2-4 -2
This would put France and Uruguay into the Round of 16 and Mexico and Africa would be eliminated.
Next post, which I will try to do right now, will be my group B predictions.
Well, anyway, in this post, I will give my Group A predictions. Group A includes Uruguay (ranked 16 in the world, 3rd in South America), France (9th in the world, 7th in Europe), Mexico (17th in the world, 2nd in CONCACAF), and hosts South Africa (83rd in the world, 17th in Africa).
Despite home field advantage, I don't expect South Africa to make it out of this group. I think France and Mexico are extremely overrated and will not impress at this World Cup, and Uruguay will surprise and maybe even top the group.
Here is my individual match predictions:
South Africa vs Mexico 1-1: While South Africa is definitely the weakest side in the group, I think that they do have enough in them to spoil it for some of the teams. They did have some impressive friendlies from what I have read and heard in the past few weeks. I believe that they will challenge the Mexicans. However, I don't think this will be a very exciting match. As I already said, the Mexicans are overrated and South Africa is one of the worst teams in this World Cup.
Uruguay vs France 0-0: In my opinion, France doesn't even deserve to be in this World Cup after that hand ball in their playoffs against Ireland. It would have been great to see Ireland in the World Cup. but FIFA is obviously extremely biased. while I do think France will advance to the next round, I think they will struggle a little bit against Uruguay and Mexico.
South Africa vs Uruguay 0-1 : Uruguay is the better team in this match and I think they will dominate for sure.
France vs Mexico 2-1: Both of these teams a probably expected to be favorites since tehy are both in the top 20. I think France does play better than Mexico. Thierry Henry will score at least once. They will end the first half tied 1-1 and France will score the game winning goal in the middle of the second half.
Mexico vs Uruguay 2-2: I have heard man people say Mexico can match any team they play. This is definitely true with their history on the pitch against South American teams. The last Copa America was proof of this when they finished third after beating Brazil comfortably in the Group Stage. This will be a good match and I think it will be pretty even. They are within 4 points of each in the world ranking too.
France vs South Africa 2-1: I don't see South Africa winning this one, but I do see a chance for South Africa to still be in it by the time this match comes with a few tiebreakers in play. However, I don't think this will happen. A tie will probably be enough for France. South Africa will score at least one goal but I think France will win 2-1 and eliminate South Africa.
Based on my predictions, here is how the standings will play out at the end of the group stage:
1. France 2-0-1 (7 pts) 4-2 +2
2. Uruguay 1-0-2 (5 pts) 3-2 +1
3. Mexico 0-1-2 (2 pts) 4-4 0
4. South Africa 0-2-1 (1 pt) 2-4 -2
This would put France and Uruguay into the Round of 16 and Mexico and Africa would be eliminated.
Next post, which I will try to do right now, will be my group B predictions.
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