World Cup predictions from the knockout round to Finals
June 24, 2006 | By Drew Wilson | 
Discuss
Ok, before I get to my predictions, let us delve into the train wreck that was the USA’s World Cup. First of all, you have seen the last USA World Cup game with Bruce Arena on the sidelines. He is absolutely Ghana-di. Wow, yes that was corny. Anyway, Coach Arena seems to think so too. With this news, I am now debating if losing to Ghana was a bad…or rather good day for American soccer. Do not get me wrong, Arena did a great job progressing American soccer, but somebody else will take us to the next level. We will not miss the coach with the clip board. Arena strategized all day long, but in game coaching and motivation of players is not his forte. The new coach will have to do without four top US players as Keller, Reyna, McBride and Pope will likely call it quits for their international careers-errr-Reyna has already done so after finishing off his career by giving up a goal to Ghana in the defeat that sent American packing. I could go on and on about how terrible our game plan was; how the majority of our players looked less than sub-par; and how the soccer team followed in the footsteps of the disappointing US basketball and hockey teams as well. However, that would not do justice to a great sporting event. The World Cup is still being played…yes; the world does not stop without the US. We have reached the “knockout” phase of the tournament. For those World Cup amateurs, that means the top two teams from each group have been determined and moved on into a 16 team bracket---surely the average American can understand a bracket.
Now, if you read my previous article and were a betting man…well then
you would be a rich betting man. Not saying I condone gambling, but you
could not beat my projections of the final 16 teams. I did not project Group
E because I left that up to the American’s to surprise me, which obviously
did not work out as planned. No, I would not have taken Ghana, but let’s
focus on my successes – as I like to do. Of the 14 teams, I predicted
13 correctly. My lone miss was Australia (I had Croatia) in Group Brazil
(F). I did not foresee Croatia drawing with Japan which ruined perfection.
Even further, I correctly predicted five of the seven groups first and second
place correctly. I had France #1 and the Swiss #2 in Group G, and then having
Croatia as my #2 in Group F again bit me. However, overall you had no chance
of matching that success. So with the bragging out of the way – for
now – I will move on to my predictions for Knockout Phase of the World
Cup. Disclaimer: while I got the correct goals scored a few times in my
last article, they are not iron clad by any means but merely guesses…unlike
my picks!
Top Half of the Bracket:
#1 Group A Germany vs. #2 Group B Sweden
Germany, the host, looked solid enough to win Group A, although vulnerable
on defense. They got better as the group played on, culminating in a great
performance, a 3-nil victory over Ecuador, although both teams rested quite
a few players. Likewise, Sweden got better as the games went on as well.
Their offense looked stagnant in their first two games against Trinidad
& Tobago and Paraguay. Their third game was better and ended with a
late goal vs. England and a 2-2 draw; however, the Swedes had history on
their side as England has not beaten Sweden in years. Here I think the host
comes out very strong in this one behind Ballack and Klose. I like Germany
here 2-1 and possibly pulling out a two goal victory.
#1C Argentina vs. #2B Mexico
Ok, I will tell you flat out that I really like Argentina. Watching Riquelme
so far in this tournament has been something any soccer fan should witness.
Crespo is a very talented forward, one of many on the Argentina side. I
do not think this will be a very good match in comparison to some of the
other first round match ups. This is my lock of the first round. No upset
here. Argentina 2 or 3-nil.
#1E Italy vs. #2F Australia
Ok, I know Italy did not look that impressive against the US, which is how
the majority of readers will pass judgment on Italy. Well that is not the
real Italy. They have talents like Totti, Pirlo, and de Rossi. It is a side
that can make a run deep into this tournament with some strong play. That
said, Australia surprised me against Croatia. They completely outplayed
and outclassed their opponent to a scandal of a two-two draw. On paper over
World Cup history this looks like a slaughter. I do not think it will be
that bad, but Italy gets the definite edge in a 2-nil victory. The match
will be closer than the score indicated. The Aussies may pull out a goal,
but will not advance.
#1G Switzerland vs. #2H Ukraine
This match up is less than intriguing to me. Everybody says Ukraine has
some top talent, but I have yet to see it perform. The Swiss however have
yet to allow a goal, albeit in a weaker group. They have speed, talent and
great short passing skills. Look for the Swiss to advance 2-nil.
Bottom Half of the Bracket:
#1B England vs. #2A Ecuador
I heard rumblings that Ecuador wanted to play England rather than Sweden.
Well they got their wish losing 3-nil to Germany. They did not even look
comparable to the team that upset Poland and beat Costa Rica. However, they
did rest a lot of players to prevent yellow card accumulations. This team
is one of the surprise teams of the World Cup and drew a team that they
could realistically upset. England did not look terribly sharp in group
play. The team also suffered a devastating loss of Michael Owen, as Rooney
is still trying to get back to game fitness. I am very close to making this
an upset special; however, I will give England the benefit of the doubt.
Not sure why…but Beckham bends it to Rooney 1-nil over Ecuador. This
game will go down to the wire and should be pretty intense. For some reason
I feel like I will regret staying on the safe side…
#1D Portugal vs. #2C Netherlands
Ok. Maybe I am just down on Group D. I am not a fan of Mexico and now I
am looking at Netherlands very seriously. Portugal is a quality side with
talent; but I love this Dutch team. Maybe I stuck with England because I
knew the Netherlands was going to be my upset special just one game lower.
This may not sound like I am shorting Portugal, which is not the case. Portugal
should make this a solid game, but I have them coming up just short- maybe
even in an extra period. Anyway, give it a 2-1 count in the Dutch favor.
#1F Brazil vs. #2E Ghana
If you are not in America, Ghana is the story of the World Cup. Brazil was
and is the odds on favorite to win the entire World Cup. Not exactly a match
made in heaven for the Cinderella story. Furthermore, one of their top players,
Essien will have to miss the match due to a questionable yellow in the US
game. TANGENT – there have been way too many yellows in this World
Cup. It is really hurting some of the game play – END TANGENT. Believe
it or not Ghana has a poor defense. Their keeper, Kingson is mediocre at
best. I have seen him get himself into horrible situations, but neither
the Czechs nor Americans could capitalize. Brazil will. They will show the
difference in a world class team and….us. Brazil wins in a landslide
3-nil as the clock strikes twelve. It’s a great story with Ghana advancing
though. They are talented and the youngest team in the 2006 Cup. I hope
to see them in 2010, just not in USA’s group.
#1H Spain vs. #2G France
These are two teams going in opposite directions. France’s offense
looks non-existent, while Spain is looking like they are ready to break
through on the World Cup stage. World Cup analyst Eric Wynalda called Spain,
“the Cubs of the World Cup”. Well, do not expect a title this
year, but do expect them to advance. Spain wins 2-nil, unless France Coach
Domenech starts Trezequet up top with Henry and they will still lose 2-1.
2nd Round:
Germany vs. Argentina
Wow. What a second round match up FIFA has blessed us with. I think Germany
is just hitting their stride and are a very dangerous side, especially with
the home field advantage which can prove more important than you realize.
Meanwhile, Argentina has looked like the best squad in the entire World
Cup thus far. This will be must see TV. A very close game, hotly contested
and hopefully with extra periods and maybe even PKs. I am not sure which
team would be considered the favorite here. The host Germany or Argentina.
Either way, I have Argentina advancing 2-1 over Germany. DON’T MISS
THIS GAME! Should be a great one to watch…
Italy vs. Switzerland
Ok, maybe it is not just Germany and Argentina…maybe it is the entire
second round. This is another fabulous match up. The Swiss have impressed
me almost as much as any team in the tournament. However, the Italian side
is very talented. I am going with my gut here though and taking the upset
special again in the 2nd round. Swiss 2-1 over Italy. Note: It is clear
that whenever I think a game will be close I just pick 2-1 and hope to be
correct. Thus, I advise you to check out my disclaimer again. Anyway, the
reason I take the risk of taking the Swiss over Italy is because it does
not matter which team advances…See why soon.
England vs. Netherlands
Uh oh. Picking the Netherlands in the first round over Portugal could come
back to haunt me. Why? Well because I am taking them again! This is another
team that has impressed me, coupled with the England injuries and other
factors. I like the Netherlands to move on to the semifinals here 2-1. Why
2-1…well it should be close…
Brazil vs. Spain
Ok, I realized why they call this the World Cup quarterfinals. These match
ups this round are all supreme. If you do not watch these games, well then
frankly I feel sorry for you. All four match ups are great. Spain is the
team people are talking about being a dark horse, especially after their
4-0 drubbing of Ukraine. However, picking against Brazil would be stupid…I
can not be stupid this early in the bracket. Brazil 2-nil over Spain.
Semifinals:
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Ok. I do not really want to see either team lose in this situation. Both
are extremely talented and can hurt you in a number of ways. However, watching
Riquelme and Argentina is magnificent. It literally forces me to hold my
breath at some points. The Swiss have a great defense but will fall short
here in their bid to make the World Cup finals. Argentina wins 2-nil. If
I am wrong and Argentina plays Italy -they still win 2-nil. Argentina is
going to the finals and they are going to face…
Brazil vs. Netherlands
This is similar in the fact I do not want either team to lose. Not because
I like both teams, but because I want to see Brazil vs. Argentina. That
should be one of the most hyped match ups in awhile. Netherlands bid at
Cinderella stops here as well. Brazil wins 2-nil.
World Cup Finals:
Argentina vs. Brazil
Ok, no matter if I am right or wrong about any of the other games. This
one is the one I want to see. It would be a great match up. If these teams
split and formed B teams, both B teams would have made the final 16 teams.
That is how much talent both sides have. Brazil is the favorite from day
1 and have the best player in the world in Ronaldinho and soon to be all-time
World Cup goal leader in Ronaldo. Argentina has Riquelme, Crespo, the 19-yr
old phenom Messi, and many others as well. It is all about gut here. I have
loved watching Argentina thus far. They have looked great and I like them
to “upset” Brazil in the final 1-nil…hopefully in extra
time if we are lucky.
No matter who wins or loses in the Knockout phase of the World Cup. You
better be ready and watching the 15 great games that will be televised on
ESPN and ABC. It will be something special. Take advantage of the opportunity
given to you with the great coverage by these networks and tune in! Hell,
form your own opinions, predictions and let me hear about it!
Contact Drew Wilson at dwilson@phillypurge.com
See more of Drew's articles on his blog at www.dw12.blogspot.com
