FIFA World Cup 2010 - Predictions/Discussions/Updates

[roshiq]

No one! The magnificence of J-Horror is showing on their football now:D

The first 2 goals were brilliant and both came from 2 superb free kicks for the very first time in this World cup.

Kudos Japan!

[Angra]

Hahaha

J-horror for sure.

[hellfire1]

Originally Posted by Angra

On another note, CONGRATS to the US for winning their group in front of England. That's awsome. :cool:

YEAH BABY! You better recognize! :p


Seriously though, they've really stepped up their game. Their matches have been great to watch since the beginning... it's quite a shock.

[scouse mac]

Originally Posted by hellfire1

YEAH BABY! You better recognize! :p


Seriously though, they've really stepped up their game. Their matches have been great to watch since the beginning... it's quite a shock.

The US have landed themselves into a nice position. They definitely have enough about them to beat Ghana in the second round and it will be either Uruguay or South Korea in the quarter finals. Its more than possible they could make it to the semi-finals.

England, if they beat Germany on Sunday will probably face Argentina in the quarters. Thats a tough couple of games.

[Disease]

Originally Posted by hellfire1

YEAH BABY! You better recognize! :p


Seriously though, they've really stepped up their game. Their matches have been great to watch since the beginning... it's quite a shock.

I wouldn't be supporting France if I was you either. They were terrible. :p

[Bastet]

Originally Posted by hellfire1

YEAH BABY! You better recognize! :p


Seriously though, they've really stepped up their game. Their matches have been great to watch since the beginning... it's quite a shock.

Yes well done USA- sis is already picking her diamonds.
Bugger- we now have to play Germany, Argentina, Brazil and Spain:(

[_____V_____]

FULL TIME - Match #43 (GROUP E) -

DENMARK - 1
(Tomasson 81')


JAPAN - 3
(Honda 17')
(Endo 30')
(Okazaki 87')

FULL TIME - Match #44 (GROUP E) -

CAMEROON - 1
(Eto'O *PK* 65')


THE NETHERLANDS - 2
(Van Persie 36')
(Huntelaar 83')

Yes who would have believed?! I am pretty sure everyone's fancied team was Denmark in their match, but instead the Asian team packed enough punches to shut out the Danish. On the day that mattered, they were simply the better team. Denmark were outmanouvered, outclassed and completely dominated. The two free kicks which resulted in the first two goals were evidence of Japan's wonderful talent in swinging this ball past unexpecting goalkeepers - something other teams need to watch out from now on.

The Netherlands also completed their expected win over Cameroon to finish top of this Group. Arjen Robben returned into their ranks and they fielded a full-strength squad. It was a tight match till the 83rd minute when Robben's perfectly timed run and shot rebounded back to substitute Huntelaar who scored the 2nd goal, which proved to be the decider.

The Netherlands will take on Slovakia, while Japan will be one-on-one against Paraguay.

[_____V_____]

HALFTIME WHISTLE -


Portugal - 0

Brazil - 0




North Korea - 0

Ivory Coast - 2



Well, Brazil vs Portugal was always going to be a clash of egos and history, and it was plenty evident in the first 46 minutes. Ruthless tackles after tackles were resulting in at least 7-8 yellow cards and one very early substitution for Brazil (the player involved was in serious danger of getting red carded because he was losing his cool and composure fast).
The only chance came through Nilmar's shot which was marvelously saved by the Portuguese GK. But overall, plenty of rough football but not many chances at either goal.

The Ivory Coast - North Korea match was more fascinating to watch. As one would have guessed, the half belonged completely to Ivory Coast who dominated almost the entire duration of the first half. Two superb runs by Drogba saw Yaya Toure and Romaric at the perfect place (in front of goal) at the perfect timing, and both didn't miss on converting them. Ivory Coast has come into the match knowing they were pursuing that HUGE Goal Difference Portugal has created by winning 7 - 0 over North Korea. They need to top that with their win, and also need a favor from Brazil to win (and win big) in their match, to entertain any hopes of going through.
But, as talented a side as Ivory Coast is, I seriously doubt they can win this match with a huge scoreline.

The other one isn't looking likely to be a big scoring match either. Let's see what happens in the second half.

[_____V_____]

FULL TIME - Match #45 (GROUP G) -

BRAZIL - 0


PORTUGAL - 0

FULL TIME - Match #46 (GROUP G) -

NORTH KOREA - 0


IVORY COAST - 3
(Yaya Toure 14')
(Romaric 20')
(Kalou 82')

As mouthwatering a prospect as the first match was, it was the most boring 90-odd minutes of football you will ever get to see. As Angra would say - *YAWN*, with a capital Y. It was like both teams had mutually agreed on playing out a draw, with either team hardly making an effort to score a goal. Even with 5 extra minutes given, neither team wanted to score a goal. It all petered out to a dull, mindless draw. Except for one fantastic run by Christiano Ronaldo, there was nothing else to report from this match except for some of the loudest and most angry (and disappointed) vuvuzelas ever blown in a WC match so far.

The other match was surely pretty exciting. No efforts were spared by the wonderful Ivory Coast team to pull off a huge win over North Korea, but they missed and were denied plenty of half-chances to score some. They kept the pressure up till the final minutes of extra time, but except for one wonderful moment when substitute Kalou scored a superb goal, the others didn't materialise for them.

Another very entertaining African team bites the dust.

Brazil finish first, Portugal take second.

[_____V_____]

Originally Posted by _____V_____

Group H -

Spain vs Chile will be the decider in this one, I feel.
There could be a situation here where all 3 teams - Spain, Chile & Switzerland - could end up with 6 points each, and GD will play the pivotal role of choosing the final 2.
Switzerland would win against Honduras, so Spain goes into their final match with a must-win situation. Chile would be a real tough nut to crack. Interestingly poised, this group.

And so we kick off the final 2 matches of the First Round in about 8 minutes, folks. Yet another group where the final 2 matches hold the key to the selection of the last 2 teams for the Round of 16.

Spain needs to win, and win big.

Chile are no pushovers.

Switzerland would be licking their lips.