The only way the Argentina vs. the Netherlands game even compares to what we witnessed yesterday: Messi and Robben brawl it out, hockey-style. I got Messi as a favorite because Robben will probably dive the moment Messi swings at him. Anyway...
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
The 1978 final would've been a solid choice, but these two teams have met more recently than that. We go back to 1998, when Argentina and the Netherlands met in the Quarterfinals. The final score was 2-1 to the Dutch, and it gave us a sublime moment of skill.
Uniforms
Argentina's albiceleste vs. the Netherlands' oranje. This is as good as it gets when talking about soccer jerseys. The advantage goes to the Dutch, only because Adidas screwed up the shorts, going with white instead of the classic black. Else, it would've been a tie.
Three Burning Questions
1. Who replaces Angel di Maria's endless running?
Sadly, nobody. Di Maria was a unique player in this system, very similar to what Neymar gave Brazil. The difference here is that Argentina still has Messi and Higuain. Brazil had Fred and Hulk. Ugh.
2. Will Robben turn right?
No. He's the left-handed version of Derek Zoolander. Dude always cuts left. Always.
3. How many goals will the Dutch score in counterattacks after Argentina loses possession?
The over/under is 2.5, and I think it's over. I'm dead serious. Argentina is going to dominate possession, Dutch defenders are going to swarm Messi, and eventually they will win the ball back and boot it forward where Robben is going to outrace DeMichelis and Mascherano, a.k.a. Slow and Slower.
Argentina will win if...
... Messi scores a hattrick, because I don't think a brace is going to be enough.
The Netherlands will win if...
... they don't screw up. They are the clear favorites and Argentina's style suits them to perfection.
The Final Score
Argentina 1 - The Netherlands 3. I think this is another case of the South American team getting all emotional at the beginning, then getting hit with European indifference. The Netherlands score early, counterattack late, Messi gets a meaningless goal at the end, and a 1974 final rematch is setup.
Showing posts with label Brasil 2014. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brasil 2014. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Monday, July 7, 2014
World Cup 2014 - Semifinals Preview: Brazil vs. Germany
And we're down to our Final Four! All of them are heavyweights, and all of them have a legit change of winning.
Up first we have Brazil... the host, the penta-champion, the scratch, la canarinha, la verde-amarela... facing off against Germany, Die Mannschaft, DAS UBER FUßBALL MACHINEN. This is the Germans' 4th straight semifinals after finishing 2nd, 3rd, and 3rd in the last 3 World Cups. Unbelievable... and then you remember West Germany made 3 straight finals: '82, '86, and '90. Incredible. Tune in at 4 pm Eastern for this Goliath vs. Goliath match-up, live from Belo Horizonte (ESPN in the US).
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
Shockingly, Brazil and Germany have only played each other once at the World Cup. The scenario was the 2002 Final in Yokohama, and it doubled as the crowning moment for one Ronaldo Luíz Nazário de Lima. Enjoy!
Uniforms
I'd rather see the blue shorts or blue socks, instead of this year's all-white version. Germany's away jerseys are an atrocity. Decided advantage, verde-amarela.
Three Burning Questions
1. Neymar is out. Yeah. :( Who will step up and fill the massive hole?
The natural choice to replace injured star Neymar in the Starting XI is amazingly-named Chelsea winger Willian. However, the creative responsibility will fall squarely on the shoulders of another Chelsea player: Oscar. The task for Germany is pretty simple: cut-off Oscar from the run of play and watch as Hulk, Willian, and Fred run around like chickens with their heads cut-off. In Fred's case, I'm pretty sure he didn't have a head to begin with. He's awful.
2. Will Klose dare break Ronaldo's scoring record in Brazilian soil?
Sadly, I think the answer is no. The German attack did not play with the same coherence and intensity that characterizes them in the match against France. I expect Gotze to be back in the lineup, with Müller moving to the center-forward position. The rest of the line-up should remain unchanged from the team that professionally dispatched la France. Klose will only get his chance if Germany is down late and they decide to bomb the Brazilian penalty area with crosses. Schürrle is the preferred substitute option anyway.
3. What will be stronger? Brazilian emotion or Germany's apathetic approach?
Normally, I'd say that the key to beat Brazil is to prevent them from scoring in the first 20 minutes. They really feed off the emotion of the crowd. We saw what happened in the quarterfinals against Colombia. However, if there's a team that is equipped to survive an early Brazilian strike is this German team. They've seen it all. They will not panic and they will find a way.
Brazil will win if...
... Fred scores. Because if Fred scores, you know that things are DEFINITELY going Brazil's way.
Germany will win if...
... the match is played. After all, "Football is a simple game. 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win."
The Final Score
Brazil 1 (4) - Germany 1 (3). Because it couldn't be any other way. Not only do Brazil reach the final of their own tournament, but they do it while beating the Germans at what they do best, penalty kicks. By the way, I think Brazil scores early (that clown Fred will probably use his knee or something) and Germany ties it late.
Up first we have Brazil... the host, the penta-champion, the scratch, la canarinha, la verde-amarela... facing off against Germany, Die Mannschaft, DAS UBER FUßBALL MACHINEN. This is the Germans' 4th straight semifinals after finishing 2nd, 3rd, and 3rd in the last 3 World Cups. Unbelievable... and then you remember West Germany made 3 straight finals: '82, '86, and '90. Incredible. Tune in at 4 pm Eastern for this Goliath vs. Goliath match-up, live from Belo Horizonte (ESPN in the US).
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
Shockingly, Brazil and Germany have only played each other once at the World Cup. The scenario was the 2002 Final in Yokohama, and it doubled as the crowning moment for one Ronaldo Luíz Nazário de Lima. Enjoy!
Uniforms
I'd rather see the blue shorts or blue socks, instead of this year's all-white version. Germany's away jerseys are an atrocity. Decided advantage, verde-amarela.
Three Burning Questions
1. Neymar is out. Yeah. :( Who will step up and fill the massive hole?
The natural choice to replace injured star Neymar in the Starting XI is amazingly-named Chelsea winger Willian. However, the creative responsibility will fall squarely on the shoulders of another Chelsea player: Oscar. The task for Germany is pretty simple: cut-off Oscar from the run of play and watch as Hulk, Willian, and Fred run around like chickens with their heads cut-off. In Fred's case, I'm pretty sure he didn't have a head to begin with. He's awful.
2. Will Klose dare break Ronaldo's scoring record in Brazilian soil?
Sadly, I think the answer is no. The German attack did not play with the same coherence and intensity that characterizes them in the match against France. I expect Gotze to be back in the lineup, with Müller moving to the center-forward position. The rest of the line-up should remain unchanged from the team that professionally dispatched la France. Klose will only get his chance if Germany is down late and they decide to bomb the Brazilian penalty area with crosses. Schürrle is the preferred substitute option anyway.
3. What will be stronger? Brazilian emotion or Germany's apathetic approach?
Normally, I'd say that the key to beat Brazil is to prevent them from scoring in the first 20 minutes. They really feed off the emotion of the crowd. We saw what happened in the quarterfinals against Colombia. However, if there's a team that is equipped to survive an early Brazilian strike is this German team. They've seen it all. They will not panic and they will find a way.
Brazil will win if...
... Fred scores. Because if Fred scores, you know that things are DEFINITELY going Brazil's way.
Germany will win if...
... the match is played. After all, "Football is a simple game. 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win."
The Final Score
Brazil 1 (4) - Germany 1 (3). Because it couldn't be any other way. Not only do Brazil reach the final of their own tournament, but they do it while beating the Germans at what they do best, penalty kicks. By the way, I think Brazil scores early (that clown Fred will probably use his knee or something) and Germany ties it late.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
World Cup 2014 - Quarterfinals Preview: Argentina vs. Belgium
What was supposed to be a great display of attacking football turned out to be a great display of how to attack footballers. My bitterness with the Spanish ref will continue. Meanwhile, there's two more semifinal spots up for grabs. First up, it's Argentina and Belgium in Brasilia, at noon Eastern Time.
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
The last time Belgium made the Semifinals of the World Cup, they got Maradona'd. I'm sure they don't want to get Messi'd this time around.
Uniforms
Another of Adidas' ridiculousness. An Argentinian team in all white looks so unnatural. Belgium, on the other hand, look mighty sharp in their red uniforms. Advantage, Red Devils.
Three Burning Questions
1. Can Axel Witsel handle Lionel Messi?
This Belgium team is like an upgraded version of Switzerland. They are very physical, organized, and have an excellent GK and back four. The key matchup, though, will be Axel Witsel vs. Lionel Messi. Normally, it takes more than one player to control Messi. However, the Zenit St. Petersburg man might be tasked with stopping "the Flea" all on his own. At the very least, he already won the hair competition.
2. Will Lukaku make an impact in the game?
One of the main reasons why Belgium is in the quarterfinals is the inspired play of Romelu Lukaku, who came into the Round of 16 match against the USA at the beginning of extra-time . His powerful run created the first goal, while adding a 2nd a few minutes later. However, don't be surprised if Belgium manager Marc Wilmots elects to start teenager Origi again and let Lukaku run at tired defenders in the 2nd half. We will definitely see the Chelsea/Everton man at some point.
3. Will Gonzalo Higuain do something productive? Anything at all?
We know Messi can't do it all on it's own. Argentina knows it too. The loss of Sergio "Kun" Aguero was a devastating blow to a team that has not being able to jell up front. Argentina has scored 7 goals at this World Cup, split up like this: 4 by Messi, an own goal, a Marcos Rojo goal on a corner-kick, and di Maria's well taken shot at the end of the Switzerland match... after an amazing run by Messi. Higuain needs to show up. The Napoli striker has been MIA so far and Argentina needs him to score if they hope to make the Semis, much less win the whole thing.
Argentina will win if...
... they score first. Once they have a goal, Belgium will open up and the space will be there for Messi and Angel di Maria to make their trademark lightning runs. A quick 2nd goal would then follow.
Belgium will win if...
... the score is 0-0 after 60 minutes. Argentina will grow more and more desperate as their attacks get stuffed by a very good Belgian defense. This is the time when Hazard & Co. capitalize on a quick counter.
The Final Score
Argentina 0 - Belgium 1. This is the end of the road for Messi & Co. Switzerland was not able to capitalize on the weaknesses Argentina showed at the back, but Belgium definitely have the firepower to do so and will do so. Expect Axel Witsel to chase Messi around, not letting him breath. An Eden Hazard goal wins it for the Red Devils. Fellaini's afro lives to fight another day.
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
The last time Belgium made the Semifinals of the World Cup, they got Maradona'd. I'm sure they don't want to get Messi'd this time around.
Uniforms
Another of Adidas' ridiculousness. An Argentinian team in all white looks so unnatural. Belgium, on the other hand, look mighty sharp in their red uniforms. Advantage, Red Devils.
Three Burning Questions
1. Can Axel Witsel handle Lionel Messi?
This Belgium team is like an upgraded version of Switzerland. They are very physical, organized, and have an excellent GK and back four. The key matchup, though, will be Axel Witsel vs. Lionel Messi. Normally, it takes more than one player to control Messi. However, the Zenit St. Petersburg man might be tasked with stopping "the Flea" all on his own. At the very least, he already won the hair competition.
2. Will Lukaku make an impact in the game?
One of the main reasons why Belgium is in the quarterfinals is the inspired play of Romelu Lukaku, who came into the Round of 16 match against the USA at the beginning of extra-time . His powerful run created the first goal, while adding a 2nd a few minutes later. However, don't be surprised if Belgium manager Marc Wilmots elects to start teenager Origi again and let Lukaku run at tired defenders in the 2nd half. We will definitely see the Chelsea/Everton man at some point.
3. Will Gonzalo Higuain do something productive? Anything at all?
We know Messi can't do it all on it's own. Argentina knows it too. The loss of Sergio "Kun" Aguero was a devastating blow to a team that has not being able to jell up front. Argentina has scored 7 goals at this World Cup, split up like this: 4 by Messi, an own goal, a Marcos Rojo goal on a corner-kick, and di Maria's well taken shot at the end of the Switzerland match... after an amazing run by Messi. Higuain needs to show up. The Napoli striker has been MIA so far and Argentina needs him to score if they hope to make the Semis, much less win the whole thing.
Argentina will win if...
... they score first. Once they have a goal, Belgium will open up and the space will be there for Messi and Angel di Maria to make their trademark lightning runs. A quick 2nd goal would then follow.
Belgium will win if...
... the score is 0-0 after 60 minutes. Argentina will grow more and more desperate as their attacks get stuffed by a very good Belgian defense. This is the time when Hazard & Co. capitalize on a quick counter.
The Final Score
Argentina 0 - Belgium 1. This is the end of the road for Messi & Co. Switzerland was not able to capitalize on the weaknesses Argentina showed at the back, but Belgium definitely have the firepower to do so and will do so. Expect Axel Witsel to chase Messi around, not letting him breath. An Eden Hazard goal wins it for the Red Devils. Fellaini's afro lives to fight another day.
Friday, July 4, 2014
World Cup 2014 - Quarterfinals Preview: Brazil vs. Colombia
It's Samba vs. Cumbia. Friday, July 4th, in Fortaleza. 4 pm Eastern kickoff time.
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
Once upon a time, Brazil beat Colombia 9-0. That's the worst loss in Colombian history.
Uniforms
In this battle of Yellow vs. Yellow, Brazil gets the edge due to home-field advantage. The Colombian away red jerseys are nothing to write home about.
Three Burning Questions
1. When did Brazil turn into England?
If you watched any of the Brazil vs. Chile match, you must have noticed that, at some point during the course of the game, Brazil decided to just boot the ball up-field and pray for the best. Considering the quality of their strikers (more on that coming up), this is not a strategy that suits them very well. Brazil is at its best when Neymar and Oscar are dictating play, with overlapping runs by Marcelo and Dani Alves. They need to get back to the basics if they plan on reaching the Semifinals.
2. Jackson or Ibarbo for Colombia?
The only lineup decision that Colombian manager José Pekerman has to make is a tactical one. Does he choose Jackson Martinez and play a 4-4-2 with Teo Gutierrez in a shadow striker position? Or does he select Victor Ibarbo instead and play a 4-2-3-1, with Teo playing the sole striker role? As mentioned above, Colombia should find space behind Brazil's aggressive fullbacks and must be able to exploit it in order to win. If it were up to me, Ibarbo would be the choice.
3. Will fatigue play a role in the heat and humidity of Fortaleza?
Almost all of the Brazilian Starting XI has played 390 minutes: 4 full matches plus 30 minutes of extra time. Luiz Gustavo, Neymar, Oscar, Dani Alves, and Marcelo have all ran more than 40 kms already! On the other hand, none of the Colombian starters have played all 90 minutes in each of the 4 matches. James Rodriguez leads all Colombians with 36 km traveled, yet he didn't play the first half of the match against Japan and was subbed out at the end of the Round of 16 match against Uruguay.
It doesn't seem like it'll be a particularly hot day in Fortaleza (72F), but the humidity should be around 70%. If the match goes to extra time, Colombia should have fresher legs. If you consider Neymar's nagging calf injury, I would be willing to bet that Brazil goes all out to win in 90 minutes.
Brazil will win if...
... either of their completely inept strikers, Fred or Jo, scores. They are both so bad you wonder why they don't just grab somebody off the beach and give him the #9 jersey. I think the current version of Ronaldo, R9, would be an upgrade over Fred.
Colombia will win if...
... the match goes to extra time. As mentioned above, Brazilian players have had to play a lot more than their Colombian counterparts. Jose Pekerman has done an excellent job rotating the squad and all players are close to full fitness. They should be able to grab a late winner by outrunning a very tired Brazilian back four that might get caught in transition.
The Final Score
Brazil 2 - Colombia 1. Brazil wins it after Zapata or Yepes loses a ball trying to play out of the back and Neymar capitalizes. I've been picking against Colombia all tournament and I'm not going to change my strategy now.
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
Once upon a time, Brazil beat Colombia 9-0. That's the worst loss in Colombian history.
Uniforms
In this battle of Yellow vs. Yellow, Brazil gets the edge due to home-field advantage. The Colombian away red jerseys are nothing to write home about.
Three Burning Questions
1. When did Brazil turn into England?
If you watched any of the Brazil vs. Chile match, you must have noticed that, at some point during the course of the game, Brazil decided to just boot the ball up-field and pray for the best. Considering the quality of their strikers (more on that coming up), this is not a strategy that suits them very well. Brazil is at its best when Neymar and Oscar are dictating play, with overlapping runs by Marcelo and Dani Alves. They need to get back to the basics if they plan on reaching the Semifinals.
2. Jackson or Ibarbo for Colombia?
The only lineup decision that Colombian manager José Pekerman has to make is a tactical one. Does he choose Jackson Martinez and play a 4-4-2 with Teo Gutierrez in a shadow striker position? Or does he select Victor Ibarbo instead and play a 4-2-3-1, with Teo playing the sole striker role? As mentioned above, Colombia should find space behind Brazil's aggressive fullbacks and must be able to exploit it in order to win. If it were up to me, Ibarbo would be the choice.
3. Will fatigue play a role in the heat and humidity of Fortaleza?
Almost all of the Brazilian Starting XI has played 390 minutes: 4 full matches plus 30 minutes of extra time. Luiz Gustavo, Neymar, Oscar, Dani Alves, and Marcelo have all ran more than 40 kms already! On the other hand, none of the Colombian starters have played all 90 minutes in each of the 4 matches. James Rodriguez leads all Colombians with 36 km traveled, yet he didn't play the first half of the match against Japan and was subbed out at the end of the Round of 16 match against Uruguay.
It doesn't seem like it'll be a particularly hot day in Fortaleza (72F), but the humidity should be around 70%. If the match goes to extra time, Colombia should have fresher legs. If you consider Neymar's nagging calf injury, I would be willing to bet that Brazil goes all out to win in 90 minutes.
Brazil will win if...
... either of their completely inept strikers, Fred or Jo, scores. They are both so bad you wonder why they don't just grab somebody off the beach and give him the #9 jersey. I think the current version of Ronaldo, R9, would be an upgrade over Fred.
Colombia will win if...
... the match goes to extra time. As mentioned above, Brazilian players have had to play a lot more than their Colombian counterparts. Jose Pekerman has done an excellent job rotating the squad and all players are close to full fitness. They should be able to grab a late winner by outrunning a very tired Brazilian back four that might get caught in transition.
The Final Score
Brazil 2 - Colombia 1. Brazil wins it after Zapata or Yepes loses a ball trying to play out of the back and Neymar capitalizes. I've been picking against Colombia all tournament and I'm not going to change my strategy now.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
World Cup 2014 - Quarterfinals Preview: Germany vs. France
The World Cup Quarterfinals kick off with France vs. Germany this Friday at the Maracana in Rio. The match is scheduled for noon, Eastern Time.
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
That one time that German keeper sent that French striker to the hospital during a World Cup semifinal....
Uniforms
I give the advantage to France, only because a German uniform without the black shorts is a disgrace. Seriously, Adidas. You and I have issues that need to be worked out.
Three Burning Questions
1. Who will play Right Back for Die Mannschaft?
The injury to Mustafi will force German manager Joachim Low to make a lineup change: 1) he can move Höwedes to the right, Boateng to the left, and reinsert Mats Hummels into the lineup, or 2) he can move Phillip Lahm to his familiar right back position, and play Schweinsteiger/Khedira/Kroos in the middle, with Özil and Götze in more advanced positions behind Müller.
2. Will Griezmann be in the Starting XI for Les Bleus?
The Real Sociedad winger was key in opening up the Nigerian defense, winning the corner that led to Paul Pogba's goal and then provoking the own goal that sealed the match. Olivier Giroud got the start in the Round of 16 match but did not play well, and that's an understatement. Benzema is a better player when playing as a true #9, which he can do with Griezmann playing out wide.
3. Which goalkeeper will make the game-changing save?
Manuel Neuer is widely acclaimed as one of the world's best GKs, but this discussion is not as clear-cut as you might think. Hugo Lloris is really good, even if he has not been tested much in this tournament. Once you go deep into the knockout rounds, having a World Class goalkeeper can make all the difference. See: Howard, Tim. I think Lloris will come up big during the 2nd half.
Germany will win if...
...if Özil plays at a superstar level. The Arsenal midfielder was atrocious during most of the match against Algeria, even if he did score what turned out to be the game-winning goal at the end of extra time. If he can connect with the other midfielders and feed decent balls to Müller, Germany will advance.
France will win if...
... Benzema and/or Valbuena can get in one-on-one situations against another key Arsenal man, Per Mertesacker. Mertesacker has been under scrutiny due to his lack of speed, which GK/Libero Manuel Neuer has had to make up for with his daring play.
The Final Score
France 2 - Germany 1. Germany may have more individual talent but France has looked like the better team so far. A late Benzema strike off a quick counter sends the Mannschaft home.
Your Mandatory "No love lost between these two teams" Video
That one time that German keeper sent that French striker to the hospital during a World Cup semifinal....
Uniforms
I give the advantage to France, only because a German uniform without the black shorts is a disgrace. Seriously, Adidas. You and I have issues that need to be worked out.
Three Burning Questions
1. Who will play Right Back for Die Mannschaft?
The injury to Mustafi will force German manager Joachim Low to make a lineup change: 1) he can move Höwedes to the right, Boateng to the left, and reinsert Mats Hummels into the lineup, or 2) he can move Phillip Lahm to his familiar right back position, and play Schweinsteiger/Khedira/Kroos in the middle, with Özil and Götze in more advanced positions behind Müller.
2. Will Griezmann be in the Starting XI for Les Bleus?
The Real Sociedad winger was key in opening up the Nigerian defense, winning the corner that led to Paul Pogba's goal and then provoking the own goal that sealed the match. Olivier Giroud got the start in the Round of 16 match but did not play well, and that's an understatement. Benzema is a better player when playing as a true #9, which he can do with Griezmann playing out wide.
3. Which goalkeeper will make the game-changing save?
Manuel Neuer is widely acclaimed as one of the world's best GKs, but this discussion is not as clear-cut as you might think. Hugo Lloris is really good, even if he has not been tested much in this tournament. Once you go deep into the knockout rounds, having a World Class goalkeeper can make all the difference. See: Howard, Tim. I think Lloris will come up big during the 2nd half.
Germany will win if...
...if Özil plays at a superstar level. The Arsenal midfielder was atrocious during most of the match against Algeria, even if he did score what turned out to be the game-winning goal at the end of extra time. If he can connect with the other midfielders and feed decent balls to Müller, Germany will advance.
France will win if...
... Benzema and/or Valbuena can get in one-on-one situations against another key Arsenal man, Per Mertesacker. Mertesacker has been under scrutiny due to his lack of speed, which GK/Libero Manuel Neuer has had to make up for with his daring play.
The Final Score
France 2 - Germany 1. Germany may have more individual talent but France has looked like the better team so far. A late Benzema strike off a quick counter sends the Mannschaft home.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
World Cup 2014 - Round of 16, Day 4
We've had 6 really good matches so far in this Round of 16. The only match where it never felt like the result was in doubt was Colombia - Uruguay. Nigeria gave France a run for its money (as predicted here!) and Algeria hung around till the bitter end against Germany (definitely not as predicted here!). Germany missed too many chances and looked very... un-German-like. But let's move on to today's matches. Here are the predictions for today, July 1st, 2014.
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Is it possible to feel bad for who has been the Best Player in the World for the last 5 years? Messi just can't catch a break. The narrative coming into the tournament was that Messi just didn't play at the same level for his National Team as he did for his club, Barcelona. 1 World Cup goal in his first 8 matches, plus two quarterfinal exits, seemed to back that claim.
Fast forward back to the present: game-winner against Bosnia & Herzegovina, 91st minute winner against Iran, and a brace against Nigeria. But now the narrative has flipped. Argentina has won all those matches by one goal, and haven't played like the world-beaters we were expecting. The media now cries about the team suffering from "Messidependencia": the believe that the team plays worse because they are all looking for Messi at all times instead of focusing on building strong team play.
The Swiss, on the other hand, come into this match after beating Ecuador with a last-second goal, getting shellacked by the French, and destroying an overmatched Honduras. Very soft group, probably even softer than Argentina's. I think they will concede possession to Argentina and try to get them on the counter.
I see a tight game with a late Argentina winner. This trend developing during Argentina matches does not look promising, so a Swiss upset is not unthinkable. The loss of Kun Aguero and the very disappointing performances of Higuain are worrysome, but I think Angel di Maria shines in this one.
Prediction:
Argentina 2 - Switzerland 1
USA vs. Belgium
The Belgians are in a similar boat to Argentina. They topped their group while winning all 3 matches by one goal, coming from behind in a win against Algeria before edging past Russia and South Korea. A lot was and is still expected from this Belgium team. They are young and skillful, but the lack of experience has showed.
This United States team is the polar opposite, vastly outperforming expectations. Uncle Sam has played inspiredly, surviving the group of death with a win against Ghana, a draw against Portugal, and a narrow loss to Germany. The Americans get Jozy Altidore back for this match, which will allow Dempsey to drop back into his preferred attacking midfielder position. Jozy probably can't play all 90 minutes but his presence will be a definite boost.
As every other Round of 16 match in this World Cup so far, I expect a nailbiter that won't be decided until the very end. A potential penalty kick shoot-out featuring Thibault Courtois and Tim Howard is must-watch TV. That's right, I'm predicting a draw, and most importantly:
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!!
Prediction:
USA 1 (4) - Belgium 1 (3)
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Is it possible to feel bad for who has been the Best Player in the World for the last 5 years? Messi just can't catch a break. The narrative coming into the tournament was that Messi just didn't play at the same level for his National Team as he did for his club, Barcelona. 1 World Cup goal in his first 8 matches, plus two quarterfinal exits, seemed to back that claim.
Fast forward back to the present: game-winner against Bosnia & Herzegovina, 91st minute winner against Iran, and a brace against Nigeria. But now the narrative has flipped. Argentina has won all those matches by one goal, and haven't played like the world-beaters we were expecting. The media now cries about the team suffering from "Messidependencia": the believe that the team plays worse because they are all looking for Messi at all times instead of focusing on building strong team play.
The Swiss, on the other hand, come into this match after beating Ecuador with a last-second goal, getting shellacked by the French, and destroying an overmatched Honduras. Very soft group, probably even softer than Argentina's. I think they will concede possession to Argentina and try to get them on the counter.
I see a tight game with a late Argentina winner. This trend developing during Argentina matches does not look promising, so a Swiss upset is not unthinkable. The loss of Kun Aguero and the very disappointing performances of Higuain are worrysome, but I think Angel di Maria shines in this one.
Prediction:
Argentina 2 - Switzerland 1
USA vs. Belgium
The Belgians are in a similar boat to Argentina. They topped their group while winning all 3 matches by one goal, coming from behind in a win against Algeria before edging past Russia and South Korea. A lot was and is still expected from this Belgium team. They are young and skillful, but the lack of experience has showed.
This United States team is the polar opposite, vastly outperforming expectations. Uncle Sam has played inspiredly, surviving the group of death with a win against Ghana, a draw against Portugal, and a narrow loss to Germany. The Americans get Jozy Altidore back for this match, which will allow Dempsey to drop back into his preferred attacking midfielder position. Jozy probably can't play all 90 minutes but his presence will be a definite boost.
As every other Round of 16 match in this World Cup so far, I expect a nailbiter that won't be decided until the very end. A potential penalty kick shoot-out featuring Thibault Courtois and Tim Howard is must-watch TV. That's right, I'm predicting a draw, and most importantly:
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!!
Prediction:
USA 1 (4) - Belgium 1 (3)
Monday, June 30, 2014
World Cup Predictions - So far, so ehh
I had been posting all my predictions for the World Cup matches on Facebook. Here's a summary of those predictions, along with the actual score to those side. I'm counting them as a prognosticating WIN (W) if I got the result right (the team I picked won or if I picked a draw) and I got the spirit of the prediction right. For example, Brazil beat Cameroon 4-1. I had predicted a 3-0 Brazil win. Brazil won by 3 goals, easy. That counts as a prognosticating win for me. My game. My rules.
Spoiler Alert: I've gotten 4 results exactly right so far. I'm terrible at this.
Group Stage:
Brazil 3 - Croatia 0... 3-1 W
Mexico 2 - Cameroon 0... 1-0 W
Spain 1 - Netherlands 0... 1-5 L
Chile 4 - Australia 1... 3-2 L
Colombia 1 - Greece 0... 3-0 L
Uruguay 1 - Costa Rica 1.... 1-3 L
England 0 - Italy 1... 1-2 L
Japan 2 - Ivory Coast 1... 1-2 L
Ecuador 1 - Switzerland 1... 1-2 L
France 3 - Honduras 0... 3-0 W!!!
Argentina 4 - Bosnia 2... 2-1 L
Germany 2 - Portugal 1... 4-0 L
Iran 0 - Nigeria 0... 0-0 W!!!
USA 1 - Ghana 2... 2-1 L
Belgium 4 - Algeria 0... 2-1 L
Brasil 2 - Mexico 2... 0-0 L
Russia 2 - Korea 1... 1-1 L
Netherlands 3 - Australia 1... 3-2 W
Spain 2 - Chile 0.... 0-2 L
Croatia 2 - Cameroon 1... 4-0 L
Colombia 1 - Ivory Coast 1... 2-1 L
England 2 - Uruguay 0... 0-2 L
Greece 1 - Japan 2... 0-0 L
Italy 2 - Costa Rica 0... 0-1 L
France 2 - Switzerland 1... 5-2 L
Ecuador 2 - Honduras 0... 2-1 W
Argentina 3 - Iran 0... 1-0 L
Germany 2 - Ghana 1... 2-2 L
Nigeria 1 - Bosnia 2.... 1-0 L
Belgium 2 - Russia 1... 1-0 L
Korea 1 - Algeria 0... 2-4 L
USA 0 - Portugal 2... 2-2 L
Chile 1 - Netherlands 3... 0-2 W
Spain 4 - Australia 0... 3-0 W
Mexico 1 - Croatia 1... 3-1 L
Brazil 3 - Cameroon 0... 4-1 W
Uruguay 1 - Italy 1... 1-0 L
Costa Rica 0 - England 1... 0-0 L
Ivory Coast 2 - Greece 0... 1-2 L
Japan 2 - Colombia 1... 1-4 L
(No predictions for Groups E and F's last set of matches)
USA 1 - Germany 1... 0-1 L
Portugal 3 - Ghana 1... 2-1 W
Korea 1 - Belgium 3... 0-1 :L
Algeria 1 - Russia 0... 1-1 L
Round of 16:
No predictions for Brazil - Chile and Colombia - Uruguay. Too scared to type.
Mexico 1 - Netherlands 2... 1-2 W!!!
Costa Rica 1 - Greece 0... 1-1 L
Spoiler Alert: I've gotten 4 results exactly right so far. I'm terrible at this.
Group Stage:
Brazil 3 - Croatia 0... 3-1 W
Mexico 2 - Cameroon 0... 1-0 W
Spain 1 - Netherlands 0... 1-5 L
Chile 4 - Australia 1... 3-2 L
Colombia 1 - Greece 0... 3-0 L
Uruguay 1 - Costa Rica 1.... 1-3 L
England 0 - Italy 1... 1-2 L
Japan 2 - Ivory Coast 1... 1-2 L
Ecuador 1 - Switzerland 1... 1-2 L
France 3 - Honduras 0... 3-0 W!!!
Argentina 4 - Bosnia 2... 2-1 L
Germany 2 - Portugal 1... 4-0 L
Iran 0 - Nigeria 0... 0-0 W!!!
USA 1 - Ghana 2... 2-1 L
Belgium 4 - Algeria 0... 2-1 L
Brasil 2 - Mexico 2... 0-0 L
Russia 2 - Korea 1... 1-1 L
Netherlands 3 - Australia 1... 3-2 W
Spain 2 - Chile 0.... 0-2 L
Croatia 2 - Cameroon 1... 4-0 L
Colombia 1 - Ivory Coast 1... 2-1 L
England 2 - Uruguay 0... 0-2 L
Greece 1 - Japan 2... 0-0 L
Italy 2 - Costa Rica 0... 0-1 L
France 2 - Switzerland 1... 5-2 L
Ecuador 2 - Honduras 0... 2-1 W
Argentina 3 - Iran 0... 1-0 L
Germany 2 - Ghana 1... 2-2 L
Nigeria 1 - Bosnia 2.... 1-0 L
Belgium 2 - Russia 1... 1-0 L
Korea 1 - Algeria 0... 2-4 L
USA 0 - Portugal 2... 2-2 L
Chile 1 - Netherlands 3... 0-2 W
Spain 4 - Australia 0... 3-0 W
Mexico 1 - Croatia 1... 3-1 L
Brazil 3 - Cameroon 0... 4-1 W
Uruguay 1 - Italy 1... 1-0 L
Costa Rica 0 - England 1... 0-0 L
Ivory Coast 2 - Greece 0... 1-2 L
Japan 2 - Colombia 1... 1-4 L
(No predictions for Groups E and F's last set of matches)
USA 1 - Germany 1... 0-1 L
Portugal 3 - Ghana 1... 2-1 W
Korea 1 - Belgium 3... 0-1 :L
Algeria 1 - Russia 0... 1-1 L
Round of 16:
No predictions for Brazil - Chile and Colombia - Uruguay. Too scared to type.
Mexico 1 - Netherlands 2... 1-2 W!!!
Costa Rica 1 - Greece 0... 1-1 L
World Cup 2014 - Round of 16, Day 3
Here are your predictions for today, June 30th, 2014.
France vs. Nigeria
I don't think there's a more physically imposing squad than the Nigerians in this tournament. This is most exemplified by their striker, Emmanuel Emenike. The matchup between him and Mamadou Sakho will be one to watch. However, the draw did not do them any favors as they have to face a French team that put on the most impressive display of football in this World Cup, while racing to a 5-0 lead against the Swiss.
I think this will be a tight game where France prevails, but not without a few scares along the way. This is a Nigerian team that gave Argentina fits, overpowered the Bosnians, yet couldn't solve Iran. A late goal makes the scoreline look better for France, but Nigeria will definitely hang around.
Prediction:
France 3 - Nigeria 1
(UPDATE: Sakho is out with an injury. Real Madrid's Varane gets the start.)
Germany vs. Algeria
I just mentioned before that I didn't think there was a more physically imposing squad in the tournament than Nigeria. Well, if that's true, then Algeria is not a distant 2nd. We tend to stereotype African teams as fast and powerful. They will try to beat you with their God-given attributes, not with skill. This team plays right into that stereotype. They overpowered South Korea in their group match, gave Belgium all it could handle, and exerted its will against the Russians during the 2nd half of their match.
All of that said, you can't bet against DAS UBER FUßBALL MACHINEN. Too much skill, too much quality, and Germany NEVER loses before the Quarterfinals. They win comfortably, and look for Müller to score again, maybe even a brace. This would be the upset of the tournament if Algeria were to find a way to keep this close.
Prediction:
Germany 4 - Algeria 0
France vs. Nigeria
I don't think there's a more physically imposing squad than the Nigerians in this tournament. This is most exemplified by their striker, Emmanuel Emenike. The matchup between him and Mamadou Sakho will be one to watch. However, the draw did not do them any favors as they have to face a French team that put on the most impressive display of football in this World Cup, while racing to a 5-0 lead against the Swiss.
I think this will be a tight game where France prevails, but not without a few scares along the way. This is a Nigerian team that gave Argentina fits, overpowered the Bosnians, yet couldn't solve Iran. A late goal makes the scoreline look better for France, but Nigeria will definitely hang around.
Prediction:
France 3 - Nigeria 1
(UPDATE: Sakho is out with an injury. Real Madrid's Varane gets the start.)
Germany vs. Algeria
I just mentioned before that I didn't think there was a more physically imposing squad in the tournament than Nigeria. Well, if that's true, then Algeria is not a distant 2nd. We tend to stereotype African teams as fast and powerful. They will try to beat you with their God-given attributes, not with skill. This team plays right into that stereotype. They overpowered South Korea in their group match, gave Belgium all it could handle, and exerted its will against the Russians during the 2nd half of their match.
All of that said, you can't bet against DAS UBER FUßBALL MACHINEN. Too much skill, too much quality, and Germany NEVER loses before the Quarterfinals. They win comfortably, and look for Müller to score again, maybe even a brace. This would be the upset of the tournament if Algeria were to find a way to keep this close.
Prediction:
Germany 4 - Algeria 0
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