Uruguay vs Korea Republic
Uruguay surprised me with their defense, they didn't concede a goal. The Koreans played better than I thought they would, but probably should have lost to Nigeria.
Prediction: Uruguay 2 Korea Republic 1
USA vs Ghana
Donovan's exploits were not unexpected given his drive and maturity, just a little late, just not too late. It's exciting to be in the US for this. Ghana barely scraped through, two gifts from Serbia in the form of a penalty and a loss, coupled with a 1-1 draw against 10 Aussies. Won't be a recap of 2006.
Prediction: USA 2 Ghana 0
Germany vs England
England seemed to control all three games in their group, but only managed to get their offensive act together for the last game. Germany struggled to score against Serbia. Wild card: Ozil
Prediction: England 1 Germany 0
Argentina vs Mexico
For all of La Celeste's firepower, they were vulnerable at the back, Nigeria and Korea Republic had the best of chances before succumbing. Mexico underperformed in my opinion, especially since they decided their 1-0 loss to Uruguay wasn't going to affect their chance of promotion.
Prediction: Argentina 2 Mexico 2
Argentina wins penalty shoot-out.
Netherlands vs Slovakia
Dutch got a little luck, assisted by the post, and then Robben came back. Slovakia hung their heads after NZ and Paraguay took chances, and then displayed some intuitive team-work, technical skill and some balls against Italy.
Prediction: Netherlands 2 Slovakia 1
Brazil vs Chile
The two best CONMEBOL teams with the most offense went into their third games almost assured of going through, Chile less so. The Chileans were undone by a red card, so we never got to see how they could have attacked the Spanish. Brazil were allowed to pass by Portugal, but struggled to find any rhythm in the second half. Dunga needs to sit Dani Alves down and explain the concept of striking the ball underneath at whilst taking corners, and not whilst taking shots.
Prediction: Brazil 2 Chile 2
Brazil wins penalty shootout.
Paraguay vs Japan
Japan were one of my favorite teams on the ball, literally, they seemed like they figured the Jabulani with a sweet cross assisting the goal against Nigeria, and two fine free kicks that beat Sorenson, a seasoned Premier League goalie. Paraguay beat the Slovaks, but didn't seem to do much of note.
Prediction Japan 1 Paraguay 0
Spain vs Portugal
Spain seems to be on the up after losing to Switzerland, Torres still has to find form given his recent injury, but you can't fault their passing and movement with Cesc and Xavi at the heart. Portugal has one big result and two no-score draws, and you can fault Ronaldo with his dirt-kissing and long range field goal attempts.
Prediction: Spain 1 Portugal 0
Quarter-Finals
USA 2 Uruguay 1
Brazil 2 Netherlands 1
England 1 Argentina 0
Spain 4 Japan 0
Semi-Finals
England 1 Spain 0
Brazil 2 USA 0
Final
England 2 Brazil 1
Now you know me, I can't be trusted to make predictions objectively.
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Nice article Sam - but you've spent too long in the states. 'Long range field goal attempts'? 'Defense'?? :(
ReplyDeleteI also disagree re Argentina and Brazil. They'll both win in normal time.
England game - they've conceded only one goal in 3 games, and that was a freak. They look VERY difficult to score against...
Actually, I normally type defence, but my American laptop leaves a red squiggly line under it, which gets on my nerves! I'd chance the spelling dictionary to UK, but then my wife wouldn't get anything right :-)
ReplyDeletePerhaps I should have said Ronaldo was going for rugby-style penalties and conversions?
Nice post. The jury is still out on Brazil's chances of beating Netherlands. I see that you ate being optimistic about the US. So am I. We will find out in a few hours.
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