With the top 16 settled, here are my predictions for the teams making the final four.
Ghana to beat South Korea to reach top 4.
England defeats Germany and Argentina to reach s-finals.
Brazil edges Netherlands in q-finals.
Spain smoothly through to s-finals.
The 2nd prediction is very close, and I am choosing England like in a 51-49 tilt over Argentina. And 55-45 over Germany.
Spain and Brazil are both starting not very strong, but this could be favourable for them to peak at the right time. But in fact, none of the teams except Argentina can be said to be peaking. But the arduous path means that England, Germany and Argentina will have to fight hard to get to the s-finals.
And as much as I like the Netherlands team lineup, I have more confidence and faith in Brazil to pull it off, with their newly developed defensive strength useful against the hot Dutch attack.
England will need to improve tremendously, and the only way they can match my prediction is to possess a very strong defence and be clinical in finishing. The defence is especially needed against quality opposition from the industrious and united Germans to the Messi-led Argentine scintillating attack. Argentina have the odds in their favour, and I won't be surprised if they are the ones into the s-finals.
Let's see how it goes. Argentina seems very strong, and if they are clinical and didn't pick too early (we shall observe), then they should get to the final.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Shocks galore
Brazil struggled to a 2-1 win over North Korea (credit to latter).
Netherlands were unconvincing against defensive Denmark.
Spain crashed to an opening defeat to the Swiss.
France crashed to Mexico and no longer have their fate in their hands.
Germany, after a 4-0 win, lost their next match.
England held to a 2nd consecutive draw, against Algeria this time.
To now, only Argentina has truly made a good impression. Which means there might still be a chance we can see a World Cup 2010 final between North Korea and Algeria.
Woah.
France can only blame themselves. Most of the players didn't play with their hearts united. Under an eccentric coach will inexplicable tactics, most notably leaving Thierry Henry on the bench and Govou and Anelka on the field. The only way to salvage some pride is for them to set the foundations for Blanc's incoming reign, by performing convincingly against the hosts, regardless of whether they can proceed to the next round.
Pride can be better salvaged with a great performance but elimination, rather than an unconvincing performance but luck to proceed. Of course I do hope a miracle can happen, but the foundations can only be laid if Domenech starts listening to the whole world, and bring Henry into the team. That's a first step. There are many things to correct Some, like the team spirit, can only be rebuilt under Laurent Blanc, but for now, focus all efforts on the final group game. Don' crash out humiliatingly without scoring a single goal and with a single point like in 2002, when they were defending champions.
Greece surprised me with their win over Nigeria, though Nigeria was a man down for long periods of the game. It would take a lot for Nigeria to proceed, like France. But Argentina is doing well despite a seemingly inadequate coach in Maradona, unlike France. Unlike Domenech, Maradona remains sort of a hero thanks to his achievements as a player himself.
England is astounding. In one of the easiest groups, they are struggling for goals and could not beat arguably the weakest team in the competition. It's unbelievable to see Slovenia top of the group with 4 points, but England of course can still right the wrongs by winning against the group leaders to progress. Unlike France, they still have their fate in their own hands.
Let's wait to see how pre-tournament joint favourites Spain and Brazil, as well as dark horses Netherlands, fare in their upcoming matches.
Netherlands were unconvincing against defensive Denmark.
Spain crashed to an opening defeat to the Swiss.
France crashed to Mexico and no longer have their fate in their hands.
Germany, after a 4-0 win, lost their next match.
England held to a 2nd consecutive draw, against Algeria this time.
To now, only Argentina has truly made a good impression. Which means there might still be a chance we can see a World Cup 2010 final between North Korea and Algeria.
Woah.
France can only blame themselves. Most of the players didn't play with their hearts united. Under an eccentric coach will inexplicable tactics, most notably leaving Thierry Henry on the bench and Govou and Anelka on the field. The only way to salvage some pride is for them to set the foundations for Blanc's incoming reign, by performing convincingly against the hosts, regardless of whether they can proceed to the next round.
Pride can be better salvaged with a great performance but elimination, rather than an unconvincing performance but luck to proceed. Of course I do hope a miracle can happen, but the foundations can only be laid if Domenech starts listening to the whole world, and bring Henry into the team. That's a first step. There are many things to correct Some, like the team spirit, can only be rebuilt under Laurent Blanc, but for now, focus all efforts on the final group game. Don' crash out humiliatingly without scoring a single goal and with a single point like in 2002, when they were defending champions.
Greece surprised me with their win over Nigeria, though Nigeria was a man down for long periods of the game. It would take a lot for Nigeria to proceed, like France. But Argentina is doing well despite a seemingly inadequate coach in Maradona, unlike France. Unlike Domenech, Maradona remains sort of a hero thanks to his achievements as a player himself.
England is astounding. In one of the easiest groups, they are struggling for goals and could not beat arguably the weakest team in the competition. It's unbelievable to see Slovenia top of the group with 4 points, but England of course can still right the wrongs by winning against the group leaders to progress. Unlike France, they still have their fate in their own hands.
Let's wait to see how pre-tournament joint favourites Spain and Brazil, as well as dark horses Netherlands, fare in their upcoming matches.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Asian hopes
It seems to be coming.
South Korea won against Greece 2-0.
Even Japan defeated Cameroon, my tip for best African performance, 1-0.
Can North Korea do it against Brazil? Highly unlikely though. Brazil is several notches higher than Greece and Cameroon, and North Korea doesn't seem to be as good as South Korea.
The biggest hope is without doubt South Korea, but following Japan's surprise win, there is now a good chance for them to progress to the next round.
Australia crashed to the biggest defeat of the tournament thus far, to Germany 0-4, but there are some who says Germany is benefiting because they are accustomed to playing with the ball in the Bundesliga having been introduced by sponsors, so on... we will see if the supposed advantage can lead them far, and there's a good chance we might even see Germany vs England right in the next round.
For now, the African teams are not really doing well despite huge fan support. They have to buck up in the next 2 group matches.
And what's an exciting match today?
GMT+8 Singapore 10pm Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) vs Portugal
South Korea won against Greece 2-0.
Even Japan defeated Cameroon, my tip for best African performance, 1-0.
Can North Korea do it against Brazil? Highly unlikely though. Brazil is several notches higher than Greece and Cameroon, and North Korea doesn't seem to be as good as South Korea.
The biggest hope is without doubt South Korea, but following Japan's surprise win, there is now a good chance for them to progress to the next round.
Australia crashed to the biggest defeat of the tournament thus far, to Germany 0-4, but there are some who says Germany is benefiting because they are accustomed to playing with the ball in the Bundesliga having been introduced by sponsors, so on... we will see if the supposed advantage can lead them far, and there's a good chance we might even see Germany vs England right in the next round.
For now, the African teams are not really doing well despite huge fan support. They have to buck up in the next 2 group matches.
And what's an exciting match today?
GMT+8 Singapore 10pm Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) vs Portugal
Sunday, June 13, 2010
After 2 days
5 matches played. Goals scored in each match: 2,0,2,1,2.
More goals are needed! Come On!
I have watched 3 of the 5 matches to date, and my favourite is actually the Uruguay vs France goalless draw. Many commentators have derided the match and the French team; no flair, no finishing, no creativity, no entertainment, etc.
But I actually felt France did pretty well. They pass the ball around fluently, they are faster than in the past attacking. They are lacking the creativity to create clear chances and they are lacking the finishing. A true playmaker that can deliver pinpoint balls and through balls or produce intelligent play, coupled with a clinical finisher will do the job for France, provided they can stabilise the defence.
Many times against Uruguay they have danger faced... but the pace of Evra and Sagna, and Gallas even, are encouraging. Gourcuff was however showing his lack of experience, and the team is probably right for lambasting Domenech. Diaby is a really strong option, I think he did best in the midfield. Toulalan doesn't bring anything to the attack, so I would expect him to shield the defence better.
As for the starting attacking trio, I am very disappointed. Ribery, for the whole match, was misfiring and terribly off-form it could have been awkward for him. Govou probably didn't contribute anything, while Anelka was only slightly better, but he can't just wait for the ball so much, especially when the killer supplies do not come.
Henry should start ahead of Anelka... although he hasn't been starting much for Barca and is not on top form, he is still the best attacking option nonetheless. In the 20 minutes he was on, he did more than Anelka or Govou or Ribery did. He, however, needs to go for the ball more because of, as I said, the midfield's inadequate supply.
From the next match onwards, I do hope Domenech listen to the players' words. Start with a midfield of Malouda-Toulalan-Diaby and an attack of Ribery-Henry-Gignac. If Ribery is still so off-form, move Malouda into his position and Gourcuff can fill the midfield gap, on the right, with Diaby shifting to the left.
I am finding African keepers rather good... first it was South Africa's, then Nigeria's Enyeama. Good performances from both. Messi is performing like on a Barca side, dominating the opportunities, being a little selfish. A bit wasteful sometimes, and well-saved sometimes.
I am now switching support from Nigeria to South Korea. South Korea has caught my attention of late with their good warm up performances, and they look a better bet to progress now. But it's still 50-50 in my opinion. Greece can say goodbye soon.
I didn't catch England's match, and have yet to see the highlights, but I think the draw justifies the inadequacies of the squad. They need Barry to hold the defensive midfield role, not Gerrard. Gerrard's more defensive role results in less attacking prowess. There isn't a very strong attacking threat apart from Rooney, unlike many other teams. Argentina has many to choose from. Netherlands has many too. Even Uruguay has Forlan and Suarez. And attack is made more important following the loss of Rio Ferdinand.
I can take a break for today's matches, because they aren't really exciting matches.
Update next time (:
More goals are needed! Come On!
I have watched 3 of the 5 matches to date, and my favourite is actually the Uruguay vs France goalless draw. Many commentators have derided the match and the French team; no flair, no finishing, no creativity, no entertainment, etc.
But I actually felt France did pretty well. They pass the ball around fluently, they are faster than in the past attacking. They are lacking the creativity to create clear chances and they are lacking the finishing. A true playmaker that can deliver pinpoint balls and through balls or produce intelligent play, coupled with a clinical finisher will do the job for France, provided they can stabilise the defence.
Many times against Uruguay they have danger faced... but the pace of Evra and Sagna, and Gallas even, are encouraging. Gourcuff was however showing his lack of experience, and the team is probably right for lambasting Domenech. Diaby is a really strong option, I think he did best in the midfield. Toulalan doesn't bring anything to the attack, so I would expect him to shield the defence better.
As for the starting attacking trio, I am very disappointed. Ribery, for the whole match, was misfiring and terribly off-form it could have been awkward for him. Govou probably didn't contribute anything, while Anelka was only slightly better, but he can't just wait for the ball so much, especially when the killer supplies do not come.
Henry should start ahead of Anelka... although he hasn't been starting much for Barca and is not on top form, he is still the best attacking option nonetheless. In the 20 minutes he was on, he did more than Anelka or Govou or Ribery did. He, however, needs to go for the ball more because of, as I said, the midfield's inadequate supply.
From the next match onwards, I do hope Domenech listen to the players' words. Start with a midfield of Malouda-Toulalan-Diaby and an attack of Ribery-Henry-Gignac. If Ribery is still so off-form, move Malouda into his position and Gourcuff can fill the midfield gap, on the right, with Diaby shifting to the left.
I am finding African keepers rather good... first it was South Africa's, then Nigeria's Enyeama. Good performances from both. Messi is performing like on a Barca side, dominating the opportunities, being a little selfish. A bit wasteful sometimes, and well-saved sometimes.
I am now switching support from Nigeria to South Korea. South Korea has caught my attention of late with their good warm up performances, and they look a better bet to progress now. But it's still 50-50 in my opinion. Greece can say goodbye soon.
I didn't catch England's match, and have yet to see the highlights, but I think the draw justifies the inadequacies of the squad. They need Barry to hold the defensive midfield role, not Gerrard. Gerrard's more defensive role results in less attacking prowess. There isn't a very strong attacking threat apart from Rooney, unlike many other teams. Argentina has many to choose from. Netherlands has many too. Even Uruguay has Forlan and Suarez. And attack is made more important following the loss of Rio Ferdinand.
I can take a break for today's matches, because they aren't really exciting matches.
Update next time (:
Monday, June 07, 2010
Brief Overview of WC chances
This World Cup is being talked up as one that could potentially be the most competitive one, and could also spring some surprises.
Spain and Brazil and clearly joint favourites of the tournament, while England is always talked up by the media. A very talented Argentina attack places them in the front as well, while it's never wise to rule out Germany, who, for the record, finished 2nd at the 2002 World Cup to Brazil, 3rd at the 2006 World Cup (Extra time loss to Italy) and 2nd at the Euro 2008 to Spain.
On the other hand, it's not very possible to find out who will be surprises; you won't call it a surprise if you expected it all along. But let me try to identify the potential surprises and shocks, and the potential winners.
This is the first time the World Cup lands on African soil, and it's good to start by looking at the African chances. But if you have noticed, I have already done that in my previous post. And my tip is Cameroon to go furthest, at the expense of Italy probably.
Though Italy can probably be regarded in a similar breath to Germany, it's hard to back them this time round despite their surprising run to the title last time round. Their buildup has been really unconvincing, and more importantly, despite their coach Marcello Lippi, the team is way too old. They cannot last through the whole length of the tournament, and their defence, as strong as a giant rock the last time, can be really rocky with the lack of pace.
Another country with a really poor buildup is, ironically, fellow 2006 World Cup finalists France. Unlike Italy, they are clearly not blessed with a really good coach. Domenech's decisions have been astounding to pros and public alike. He left Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema off the squad, and despite the clear scoring troubles in all 3 warmup matches, stuck with the same attack, without Thierry Henry.
However, passing the captaincy to Patrice Evra from Henry is a good decision. Henry doesn't thrive on the captaincy, as shown in his final season with Arsenal before moving to the Nou Camp. And the decision to shift to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation can be duly rewarded, provided Les Bleus can take control of it. They have the talents for it.
The frontline of Ribery-Henry-Gignac can prove to be exciting. Anelka and Cisse should be backup to Henry and Gignac. In midfield, Malouda-Toulalan-Gourcuff, with Alou Diarra backup to Toulalan and Diaby an alternate choice to Malouda or Gourcuff, France do have sufficient choices. And with the squad, it's not easy for 4 midfielders to play, as backup will be thin.
But then again, if France indeed proceeds to the semi-finals and beyond, it will be a huge surprise. But not impossible, provided the defence holds strong (Lloris is pretty reliable to date), and the attack gets clinical. There is still time, but I don't fancy Les Bleus' chances without Henry spearheading the attack. Domenech needs to make it right, real soon.
France is in a very group with no clear favourites. South Africa are on a hot run and have a much better chance of progressing than at 6 months ago. Thanks to Carlos Alberto Parreira, the former Brazil coach at the last World Cup. I have a feeling, given France's current woes, that South Africa will get the top spot in the group, while France finishes second. That is a possibility especially if France does not win their first game. I expect South Africa to win the opening game against Mexico in front of home support. But never discount Mexico or Uruguay. Nevertheless, I hope France makes it past the group stage and pick up their form.
England's chances may be badly hampered by Rio's loss to injury. Without Rio, there isn't an established 1st team central defender for the national team. Testing around needs to be done fast, within the group stage, which should be fairly easy. I have a feeling that the recalled Dawson, if given the chance, may perform well. But it will be a risk in big matches due to his inexperience. In those cases, Carragher should stand a better chance. And Rooney needs to stay fit throughout the tournament.
Germany, without Ballack, is similarly hampered like England. But the German team is traditionally a cohesive unit, a team with strong mental strength, and they will need strong opposition to be denied a long run again this time. But the title? Unlikely.
Spain is actually having an unconvincing buildup again, and despite their Euro 08 success, I am beginning to have doubts over whether they can build a brand like Brazil's. Could Euro 08 just be a one-off? It's likely that they are not going to win, for me, despite having one of the most talented lineups from defence to attack. They should proceed to the quarter-finals at least, but from there, depending on the opposition, I am not backing Spain to reach the final.
Brazil, however, is a really hot favourite this time because of Dunga. He has brought to the Brazilians the importance of defence, and with a fit Julio Cesar, and new faces in attack, though not so attention grabbing like Ronaldinho or Ronaldo or Robinho or Adriano, such as Luis Fabiano. And Kaka could be pivotal to their chances. I tip them to make it to the final.
And Netherlands. They are having a very hot buildup, and they have scintillating attacking talents on their team. But they could face one big problem. Teams which do extremely well in the warmup matches may have peaked too early. Just look at Argentina in the last World Cup. Their group matches were so brilliant, they were delivering fancy dream goals like the 24-pass one scored by Cambiasso, or Maxi's brilliant curling goal. But? They got stopped at the quarter finals.
Portugal are in the Group of Death, but in a change of mind, I think they will make it past the group stage nonetheless. They have been unconvincing through qualifying and warmup, but Ivory Coast are known as chokers despite having arguably the strongest African team. With Drogba doubtful, they might not progress.
There are some easy groups out there, and I can actually see New Zealand springing a surprise. There is even a small chance that 2 from NZ, Slovakia and Paraguay can progress, given Italy's woes. I just have no belief in this Italian team. They will have to stop Netherlands, though.
I know this is a very sketchy post, but I hope the summary will be better.
Brazil to make final
France to make at least semi-final
England/Germany to make semi-final
Spain to make quarter-final
Netherlands no further than quarter-final
Italy no further than Top 16
Portgual no further than Top 16
South Africa to make Top 16
Spain and Brazil and clearly joint favourites of the tournament, while England is always talked up by the media. A very talented Argentina attack places them in the front as well, while it's never wise to rule out Germany, who, for the record, finished 2nd at the 2002 World Cup to Brazil, 3rd at the 2006 World Cup (Extra time loss to Italy) and 2nd at the Euro 2008 to Spain.
On the other hand, it's not very possible to find out who will be surprises; you won't call it a surprise if you expected it all along. But let me try to identify the potential surprises and shocks, and the potential winners.
This is the first time the World Cup lands on African soil, and it's good to start by looking at the African chances. But if you have noticed, I have already done that in my previous post. And my tip is Cameroon to go furthest, at the expense of Italy probably.
Though Italy can probably be regarded in a similar breath to Germany, it's hard to back them this time round despite their surprising run to the title last time round. Their buildup has been really unconvincing, and more importantly, despite their coach Marcello Lippi, the team is way too old. They cannot last through the whole length of the tournament, and their defence, as strong as a giant rock the last time, can be really rocky with the lack of pace.
Another country with a really poor buildup is, ironically, fellow 2006 World Cup finalists France. Unlike Italy, they are clearly not blessed with a really good coach. Domenech's decisions have been astounding to pros and public alike. He left Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema off the squad, and despite the clear scoring troubles in all 3 warmup matches, stuck with the same attack, without Thierry Henry.
However, passing the captaincy to Patrice Evra from Henry is a good decision. Henry doesn't thrive on the captaincy, as shown in his final season with Arsenal before moving to the Nou Camp. And the decision to shift to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation can be duly rewarded, provided Les Bleus can take control of it. They have the talents for it.
The frontline of Ribery-Henry-Gignac can prove to be exciting. Anelka and Cisse should be backup to Henry and Gignac. In midfield, Malouda-Toulalan-Gourcuff, with Alou Diarra backup to Toulalan and Diaby an alternate choice to Malouda or Gourcuff, France do have sufficient choices. And with the squad, it's not easy for 4 midfielders to play, as backup will be thin.
But then again, if France indeed proceeds to the semi-finals and beyond, it will be a huge surprise. But not impossible, provided the defence holds strong (Lloris is pretty reliable to date), and the attack gets clinical. There is still time, but I don't fancy Les Bleus' chances without Henry spearheading the attack. Domenech needs to make it right, real soon.
France is in a very group with no clear favourites. South Africa are on a hot run and have a much better chance of progressing than at 6 months ago. Thanks to Carlos Alberto Parreira, the former Brazil coach at the last World Cup. I have a feeling, given France's current woes, that South Africa will get the top spot in the group, while France finishes second. That is a possibility especially if France does not win their first game. I expect South Africa to win the opening game against Mexico in front of home support. But never discount Mexico or Uruguay. Nevertheless, I hope France makes it past the group stage and pick up their form.
England's chances may be badly hampered by Rio's loss to injury. Without Rio, there isn't an established 1st team central defender for the national team. Testing around needs to be done fast, within the group stage, which should be fairly easy. I have a feeling that the recalled Dawson, if given the chance, may perform well. But it will be a risk in big matches due to his inexperience. In those cases, Carragher should stand a better chance. And Rooney needs to stay fit throughout the tournament.
Germany, without Ballack, is similarly hampered like England. But the German team is traditionally a cohesive unit, a team with strong mental strength, and they will need strong opposition to be denied a long run again this time. But the title? Unlikely.
Spain is actually having an unconvincing buildup again, and despite their Euro 08 success, I am beginning to have doubts over whether they can build a brand like Brazil's. Could Euro 08 just be a one-off? It's likely that they are not going to win, for me, despite having one of the most talented lineups from defence to attack. They should proceed to the quarter-finals at least, but from there, depending on the opposition, I am not backing Spain to reach the final.
Brazil, however, is a really hot favourite this time because of Dunga. He has brought to the Brazilians the importance of defence, and with a fit Julio Cesar, and new faces in attack, though not so attention grabbing like Ronaldinho or Ronaldo or Robinho or Adriano, such as Luis Fabiano. And Kaka could be pivotal to their chances. I tip them to make it to the final.
And Netherlands. They are having a very hot buildup, and they have scintillating attacking talents on their team. But they could face one big problem. Teams which do extremely well in the warmup matches may have peaked too early. Just look at Argentina in the last World Cup. Their group matches were so brilliant, they were delivering fancy dream goals like the 24-pass one scored by Cambiasso, or Maxi's brilliant curling goal. But? They got stopped at the quarter finals.
Portugal are in the Group of Death, but in a change of mind, I think they will make it past the group stage nonetheless. They have been unconvincing through qualifying and warmup, but Ivory Coast are known as chokers despite having arguably the strongest African team. With Drogba doubtful, they might not progress.
There are some easy groups out there, and I can actually see New Zealand springing a surprise. There is even a small chance that 2 from NZ, Slovakia and Paraguay can progress, given Italy's woes. I just have no belief in this Italian team. They will have to stop Netherlands, though.
I know this is a very sketchy post, but I hope the summary will be better.
Brazil to make final
France to make at least semi-final
England/Germany to make semi-final
Spain to make quarter-final
Netherlands no further than quarter-final
Italy no further than Top 16
Portgual no further than Top 16
South Africa to make Top 16
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