Last week my erstwhile colleague gave you his predictions for the first weekend of games, with less than stellar success. To try and prove my superiority to Numbernine I thought I might try my hand at crystal ball gazing for the 2nd week of competition.
Belgium v Algeria
Group H’s first game sees the favourites for top place in Group H, Belgium, take on my favourites for last place in that group, Algeria. The most likely outcome for this match is currently a 2-0 Belgium win according to the TAB odds. The game isn’t being shown on free to air TV here in NZ, but if you can watch it, I think it will be a good game to watch some open attacking play, although there will be better games later in the week
Predicted Result: 2-0 Belgium
Brazil v Mexico
Before the tournament Numbernine and I were writing off the Mexicans, but they showed in their first game that they have some good attacking options, and that their stars are here to play. Brazil on the other hand looked shaky in defense and nerves were showing in their first match. It is hard to say how the mexican defense will deal with the attacking threat of Brazil, given that Cameroon hardly tested them in the first game. They will be tested in this game and I don’t think they will be up to the task. That said it may come down to which team can score the most, and in that regards I think the answer is obviously Brazil. This game is on free-to-air TV in NZ, but unfortunately I will now be flying to AUstralia whilst this game is being played so will not be able to watch it live.
Predicted Result: 4-2 Brazil
Russia v South Korea
The other Group H match is one that could potentially decide 2nd place in the group, although my prediction is on a draw and the placing being decided on goal difference. The TAB slightly agrees with me, the 1-1 draw and 0-0 paying some of the better odds, equal with a 1-0 or 2-1 win by Russia. South Korea has slightly worse odds to win, but not by much. Is also not a game on NZ free-to-air TV, and one I would only watch because I like the South Koreans.
Predicted Result: 1-1 Draw
Australia v The Netherlands
This may be an interesting game, as both teams have something to show to back up their performances in their first game. Australia played well in their 2-1 defeat by Chile, showing that their side did have enough quality to be counted in this group, however the Dutch are currently on a big high and will want to back up their thrashing of Spain with another comprehensive victory. This is definitely a game to try and watch if possible, though it will not be on free-to-air TV in NZ.
Predicted Result: 4-0 Netherlands
Spain v Chile
Another group B game that is worthwhile watching if you can, though once again it is not of free-to-air TV in NZ. Chile looked good in the opening part of their first game, but went off the boil after their second goal and let Australia back into the match. They still had enough class to hold them out and take the win, but that lack of finishing may haunt them come end of pool play. Spain looked good in the first half of their match with the dutch, but they had a horrid second half that they will just want to forget, especially Casillas. This match will be tough for both sides, and they will both have to overcome their demons from their first match. That said this may be Chile’s chance, and they will have slightly more confidence coming in, having the win under their belt.
Predicted Result: 2-1 Chile
Cameroon v Croatia
Two teams from Group A who had losses in the opening weekend, but who looked completely different doing so. Croatia had more goals scored against them, but looked a threat in attack, whilst what I saw of Cameroon was a team that was just ready to go home. If Cameroon want to do more than make up numbers this will be the game they need to do something about it, as their last game is against Brazil, and wanting anything more than a draw from that may be asking too much. Croatia looked good even though they lost 3-1 to Brazil, and looked like they should eb able to take something out of this group
Predicted Result: 3-0 Croatia
Colombia v Cote D’Ivoire
Possibly the game of Group C, and definitely a game to watch, though NZ free-to-air TV did not think it was and are not showing it live. Both teams looked good in their opening matches and will be keen to take maximum points from this game to give themselves the best chance of finishing top of the group. Both teams are very exciting and this could be a high scoring thriller, although it could end up a cagey affair as well. I am going to back my boy Drogba and see Cote D’Ivoire take this in a thriller
Predicted Result: 4-3 Cote D’Ivoire
Uruguay v England
This game is to be shown on free-to-air TV here in NZ and is now an interesting game, after Uruguay’s shock 3-1 defeat by Costa Rica, albeit without Suarez on the pitch. England did look good against Italy and will be looking forward to this match as something they can win. Suarez should be back however, which will give this Uruguayan team a bit of extra punch that may make the difference. England’s defense will have to make sure they deal with Suarez, as they have been all season in the EPL.
Predicted Result: 2-1 England
Japan v Greece
The game to decide group C’s wooden spoon. Greece looked dour in their heavy defeat by Columbia, whilst Japan looked much better in their loss to Cote D’Ivoire. In my opinion Japan is the better side, but I am still not 100% that they have the ability to break down this Greek defense. It is likely that this game will be decided on a single goal.
Predicted Result: 1-0 Japan
Italy v Costa Rica
The two top teams in Group D after the first set of games face off in this match, in what may well decide to place. Costa Rica took full advantage of Uruguay in the second half of their first match and are currently in great form. Italy looked the part in the heat of Manaus and once they went ahead they controlled the game wonderfully. Once more a game that isn’t being shown on free-to-air TV here in NZ, but one that should be watched if possible
Predicted Result: 2-1 Italy
Switzerland v France
Currently the top two teams in Group E, this game could define either sides world cup. France looked the part in their comprehensive win over Honduras, and it maybe that good France has shown up in Brazil. Switzerland played very well in their match, and showed great fighting spirit to get the winner in the dying minutes. This could be a classic, but I think the French will have too much for their Swiss neighbours.
Predicted Result: 3-1 France
Honduras v Ecuador
Ecuador were somewhat unlucky to lose to Switzerland and will want to keep themselves in the hunt for a spot in the second round with a win against Honduras. Honduras on the other hand will need to pick themselves up after their mauling by France, knowing that if they can get something from this game they then have everything to play for against Switzerland, whilst Ecuador must play France.
Predicted Result: 1-1 Draw
Argentina v Iran
Argentina looked the goods against a very strong Bosnian side, and came away with the win thanks to some Messi magic, even though they did let in a late consolation goal. I haven’t seen Iran play yet, though by all accounts they played very defensive and frustrated the Nigerians. However I think that Argentina will be too strong and too classy for them. Look out for more Messi greatness.
Predicted Result: 4-0 Argentina
Germany v Ghana
This game is going to be shown live on NZ free-to-air TV, and without seeing Ghana’s first game I think this may be one of the greatest games. I have just finished watching Germany demolish Portugal, albeit with the help of Pepe and his brain explosion. Ghana though are one of Africa’s finest teams to be at a world cup, and if they hadn’t been drawn in this group I would almost be backing them to make it to the quarter finals or maybe further. Now that Ronaldo has choked at another world cup I think that Ghana might have a good chance. With their loss to the USA today this game is even more important to win to give them a chance to make the next stage. I will be getting up to watch this game on Sunday morning and I hope that it will be as good as I think it will be, and I will be cheering for Ghana as I want to see them go far in this tournament.
Predicted Result: 3-2 Ghana
Nigeria v Bosnia and Herzegovina
A big game for both teams to secure 2nd spot in Group F behind Argentina and Messi. My odds are on Bosnia to have too much attacking threat to be contained by Nigeria, though it will be a tight game which possibly will be blown out by Nigeria chasing the game after Bosnia has taken an early lead, leading to Bosnia hitting them on the counter late in the game.
Predicted Result: 3-1 Bosnia
Belgium v Russia
Another big game that will decide the fate of the group (but aren’t all the games like that at a WC?) Belgium should be too good for Russia, but with neither team having taken the field yet this is hard to predict. That said I am predicting another big win by Belgium; their attacking talent is just too good, as is their defense.
Predicted Result: 4-0 Belgium
Korea v Algeria
The game Korea need to win well if they want to make it to the 2nd round of this world cup, and possibly will be setting the benchmark for Russia in the final game. It is vital they get enough goals to ensure they have a favourable goal difference, as I see 2nd place coming down to goal difference between South Korea and Russia. Korea have a good attacking side so I see this game being a good win to them
Predicted Result: 3-1 Korea
USA v Portugal
Portugal have suffered a horrible start to their campaign, mauled by Germany, one of their centre backs red carded for being a thick headed idiot and likely to miss the rest of the group games, which possibly may mean the rest of Portugal’s tournament. They need a good result from this to give them the best chance to keep their play-off hopes alive. USA will see their chance to get a result in this pool against a downtrodden Portugal and will attempt to put the pressure on Portugal. However I see Portugal as still being too strong for the USA, and leaving everything for the final game against Ghana.
Predicted Result: 4-0 Portugal
NineSixFourTwo 