Final

So the final is today and I am a little unhappy that Germany lost to ruin my final prediction but I still have one team so here is the prediction.

-Spain vs. Netherlands- 2-1 Netherlands

Day 21, 22, 23

I am a little behind so this is that happens

61. Netherlands vs. Uruguay- 3-2 Netherlands

62. Spain vs. Germany- 1-0 Spain

63. Germany vs. Uruguay- 3-2 Germany

Semi Finals

Some predictions

- Netherlands vs. Uruguay- 2-1 Netherlands
- Spain vs. Germany- 3-1 Germany

Setting up the final I predicted before the tournament started.

Day 20

59. Germany vs. Argentina- 4-0 Germany

This game did not go as I expected I thought it was going to be close, but it was not at all. Germany had superb spacing, passing and finishing. While Argentina only had super arguing skills. The German attack was fluid and deadly, while their defense was up to the task as well hardly allowing a shot on goal early.

60. Spain vs. Paraguay- 1-0 Spain

One of the weirdest things happened in this game, there were two missed penalty kicks, one by each team. It was crazy to see them, they were even almost back to back. Paraguay had the first chance, and if he had hit a decent penalty they probably would have advance, but he missed then Spain proceeded to get a penalty kick as well and score, but due to players running into the box before it was taken they had to take it again and miss. Spain did finally get their late goal and will advance but has not impressed me much.

Day 19

57. Brazil vs. Netherlands- 2-1 Netherlands

This game was a pretty good and feisty one, most of that was from players yelling at each other after getting fouled. As I predicted though the Netherlands had the quality and smarts to take out Brazil. It didn't look good early when Robinho slide in between the Netherlands defense and slotted the early goal for Brazil. Before this game Brazil had never lost when leading in the World Cup, meaning you would think it was all over. The Netherlands did fight back though and in the second half got a little bit of luck when Brazil headed home an own goal. After that it was the Netherlands taking control and Brazil losing their cool. On a corner Netherlands got their second and the Brazil unraveled. A red card for stomping on Robben for Felipe Melo, and after that Brazil just began to yell at any player who fell. It was a lot of frustration, and who cares go Netherlands.

58. Ghana vs. Uruguay- 1-1 Uruguay wins on PKS

One of the craziest endings of a game you will ever see. Lets just skip to it when it is tied 1-1 in extra time and in the very last minute before PKS, and a scramble in the box. A save off the line by a Uruguay forward gives him a red card and Ghana a penalty to win the game. All Gyan had to do was make his third penalty of the tournament and save his team and country from going into PKS. But clanking it off the crossbar it was just to much and you had to figure Ghana was done. And they were a few bad penalties by Ghana gave Uruguay the win and a berth in the semi finals. If only Ghana had made some penalties they would have made my prediction correct, but what can you do my winner is still alive.

Quarterfinals

The quarterfinals start tomorrow, Friday, and I am going to be bold and predicte the games.

Brazil vs. Netherlands- 3-2 Netherlands wins in extra time
Uruguay vs. Ghana- 1-1 Ghana wins on PKS
Germany vs. Argentina- 3-2 Germany
Paraguay vs. Spain- 2-0 Spain

SPORTS

Day 18

56. Paraguay vs. Japan- 0-0 Paraguay wins penalty shootout 5-3

My only wrong prediction I missed a day so I am keeping it short this was a snoozefest.

57. Portugal vs. Spain- 1-0 Spain

Portugal sat back and hoped to hold Spain and hit them on the counter attack, but Spain broke through and in turn won the game. Pretty not exciting as well.

Day 17

54. Netherlands vs. Slovakia- 2-1 Netherlands

This game wasn't as close as the score says, the last minute penalty by Slovakia made it respectable. The game and all of the games so far haven't gone as many have expected for the Netherlands. Many expect the Netherlands to blow everyone away with their flashy play, but they have been more economical this World Cup. They have the flashes of attacking prowess, but not as they have in the past. Now that they have won each game and advanced they will meet their first big test of the tournament.

55. Brazil vs. Chile- 3-0 Brazil

I missed this game, so I won't talk too much about it other than Chile's offensive attack wouldn't do without defending. Which they didn't do much of. Brazil will now move on to face the Netherlands, the most interesting game so far. It will pit two of the top teams in the tournament against each other and give the winner a clearer patch to the final. Should be a good one, and 6 for 6 so far.

Day 16

52. Germany vs. England- 4-1 Germany

I have been high on Germany before it started and even I didn't see this one coming. The first goal was due to some shaky defending by England and some determination by Klose, after that it got weird. Another German goal put them up 2-0 but England would come back putting one in the back of the net off a set piece and thought they had another. Frank Lampard put one of the cross bar and it went in then out, the assistant referee didn't have a good angle and didn't give a goal. After that it was over. England had some chances, but got hit on the break twice by some great passing on the counter attack by Germany. It ends a poor World Cup for the Brits and they will hear about it back home.

53. Argentina vs. Mexico- 3-1 Argentina

As for the picks go I am 4 for 4, and so far I have correctly picked two of the scorelines, I am pretty proud of that thank you. As for the game Argentina should thank their lucky stars because their first two goals were gifts. The first by the referees who gave the goal after a blatant offsides, and the second thanks to some poor passing in defense by Mexico. They went into half with the two goal advantaged and took a third after a wonderful strike by Carlos Tevez sending them to a 3-0 lead. After that Mexico took control but it was too late. They did create some chances, but after putting on in the back of the net they had a few denied bysome good defending at the goal line. As for Argentina they will meet Germany, and if they want to advance their goalie needs wake up it seemed like he was slow on everything and could have let in a few more goals it was surprising.

Day 15

49. South Korea vs. Uruguay- 2-1 Uruguay- as predicted by me thank you

The game started will for Uruguay and they were rewarded with an early goal after a Forlan cross that I though should have been saved by the keeper. After that South Korea seemed to dominate with quick passing and holding the possession. They couldn't find the back of the net though until the second half when a free kick was headed home and tied the game at 1. From there it still looked like South Korea would go on to win, but Uruguay's attack was too potent and they scored on a beaut of a goal from Suarez his second of the game. Uruguay would hold on for the win and move on to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1970.

50. Ghana vs. USA- 2-1 Ghana in extra time

I also predicted the winner of this one too a 2-0 record so far thank you again. As I thought Ghana proved to be too strong and their first goal showed it as Clark was dispossed and Ghana put away the first goal. The US as they have played from behind and made it close tying it with a penalty kick in the second half. Neither team could score again and it headed to extra time. And again Ghana scored quick with a nice goal Gyan, and the US's defense let them down again. After that the US really didn't have any more clear cut chances and were sent packing by the Black Stars. Ghana will now face Uruguay in the quarterfinals Friday

Last 16 Ranked

My rankings of the final 16 teams.

16. South Korea
15. Slovakia
14. Paraguay
13. Mexico
12. Japan
11. England
10. USA
9. Ghana
8. Uruguay
7. Chile
6. Portugal
5. Germany
4. Spain
3. Brazil
2. Netherlands
1. Argentina

Knockout Stage PT.2

Yes the picture is hard to see click on it and it gets bigger so yeah. Here are the games and my predictions.

-Uruguay vs. South Korea- 2-1 Uruguay
-USA vs. Ghana- 1-1 Ghana win on PKS
-Netherlands vs. Slovakia- 3-1 Netherlands
-Brazil vs. Chile- 3-2 Brazil

Other side of the bracket

-Germany vs. England- 1-0 Germany
-Argentina vs. Mexico- 3-1 Argentina
-Paraguay vs. Japan- 1-1 Japan wins on PKS
-Spain vs. Portugal- 3-2 Spain in Extra Time

Knockout Stage

Day 15- Last Day of Group Stage

45. North Korea vs. Ivory Coast- 3-0 Ivory Coast

This game gave the Ivory Coast some hope to make it out of the group, but they needed 9 goals and a Portugal loss. They started off quick getting 2 goals within the first 20 minutes, and it looked like there was a chance they could pull it off. But not really they had good attacks, but their finishing let them down as they squandered chances and only got their third goal way to late in the game. Both teams were eliminated and the Ivory Coast can only hope to have this good of a team next World Cup and probably an easier group.

46. Portugal vs. Brazil- 0-0

This game looked like one of the best of the group stages, but didn't really live up to the hype. Both teams didn't look too much of a threat going forward and seemed happy to finish with a draw. Portugal knew a draw would get them through so I can see them playing for it. The game ended and both teams will be moving on from the group of death and waited to see the results of the later games to know who thay would be playing.

47. Chile vs. Spain- 2-1 Spain

This game pitted two of the more attacking sides of the tournament. the game was controlled more by Chile early, but as the goal keeper came out to clear he didn't get enough on the clearance and David Villa pounced on it and fired a shot from 45 yards that went in. After that Spain settled down and got another goal late in the first half. A red card to Chile forced them to play with 10 men for the second half, but they got a deflected shot to go in. They couldn't get their second, and would have to wait to see the result of the other game to know if they would be through.

48. Switzerland vs. Honduras- 0-0

Switzerland would need a won and a Chile loss to advance, but they couldn't find their scoring touch. Their defense was great again, but that can't always get you what you need. The goalless draw eliminated both teams and send Chile through in second place. The group stage is now over and the knockout round begins tomorrow.

Game of the Day

Game of the Day for June 25th,

- Chile vs. Spain- 2:30 pm

Yes I have missed the game of the day for a few days but I'm back and it's a good one. Spain will need a win or draw against Chile to advance, and Chile has won their first two games. Chile loves to attack, and I'm not sure their defense can hold my prediction 3-1 Spain.

Day 14

41. Slovakia vs. Italy- 3-2 Slovakia

Italy needed at least a draw to advance as long as New Zealand didn't win, which they didn't. So really the defending champions should be able to at least tie Slovakia, but Slovakia had other ideas. An early goal put Slovakia ahead and Italy didn't have an answer, and actually went down 2-0 late in the game. When they finally made a break through they were still down 2-1 and gave up a quick goal after. Up 3-1 Slovakia would give up a late goal but it didn't matter as they would be advancing anyway.

42. Paraguay vs. New Zealand- 0-0

This game doesn't have much to talk about as their were no goals, and New Zealand actually had 0 shots on goal. More like Borephyll is right, but it has to be said a more than impressive showing by the all whites of New Zealand. Going into the tournament they were expected to lose all three matches and by a lot, but they battled tough and even earned a hard fought draw against the defending champs. Paraguay wins the group with the tie and Slovakia are the runners up.

43. Cameroon vs. Netherlands- 2-1 Netherlands

Netherlands had already advanced and Cameroon had already been eliminated when the game started so yeah. The Netherlands looked sharp and flashy with a great end to end goal by Arsenal man Robin Van Persie. But Cameroon wasn't done, and would tie the game with a Samuel Eto'o penalty kick. The Netherlands were not happy with the draw though and after a shot off the post the mess was cleaned up by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and the three points for the Netherlands.

44. Denmark vs. Japan- 3-1 Japan

This game started the knockout stage for both these teams because the winner would be the one advancing to the next round. Japan took advantage of two first half free kicks and put them both in the back of the net going up 2-0 and never looking back. Denmark would respond with one goal late in the game, but soon afte scoring they let in another and their tournament ended. Japan placed second in the group and will face Paraguay and The Netherlands wins the group and will play Slovakia.

Day 13

37. Slovenia vs. England- 1-0 England

England finally gets their win, and luckily for them advances. Fabio Capello made a decision to substitute Jermain Defoe in at striker for Heskey, and the decision paid off as Defoe slotted home a cross early in the game and England never looked back. England secured their win and Slovenia had to think they were also headed to the next round, but the US had other ideas.

38. Algeria vs. USA- 1-0 USA

The US knew what they needed out of the game to advance and it was simple win and you advance. The game was pretty back and forth, but it seemed Algeria were content to sit back some and play for the draw which would do neither team any good. The US had their chances and probably should have scored a few goals, but some misses proved otherwise. As the game was coming to a close the US got frantic in attack and finally after a nice piece of distribution by Tim Howard Landon Donovan banged home a lose ball after a save, and the rest is history.

39. Australia vs. Serbia- 2-1 Australia

This game in the end didn't mean much because neither team will go on to advance so pretty much not important. But the game was a pretty good one with chances, and some goals. Australia took the lead with a Tim Cahill goal and another goal putting them up 2-0. Serbia was able to pull one goal back, but it ended up not mattering because it was too little too late.

40. Germany vs. Ghana- 1-0 Germany

Going into this game Ghana was leading the group ahead of Germany, but that would change after. The game had some chances the best ones by Germany, but they scored on one that wasn't even a clear cut chance. Mesut Ozil, my favorite player of the tournament so far, scored from outside the box with a left footed strike. The goal gave them the three points and the win. Germany advances and will play England Sunday, and Ghana will play the US Saturday.

Day 12

33. Mexico vs. Uruguay- 1-0 Uruguay

Going into this game both Mexico and Uruguay would advance being first and second in the group. And the game ended with the same result, both teams advance. Uruguay won group A with the win, and Mexico placed second beating South Africa on goal difference. The game was mainly Mexico's as they controlled possession and had many chances, but it only took one for Uruguay who scored on a late first half header and help their defense strong. Pretty much this game was whoever wins doesn't have to play Argentina and Uruguay made it through.

34. South Africa vs. France- 2-1 South Africa

Finally the tournament is over for France, being a French fan I can just say I'm glad it is over. I will talk about the whole France debacle later in a post, but still in this game they had the quality to win. The game turned when the referee gave a red card to France for what I thought was maybe a yellow card. After that South Africa brought men forward and took a 2-0 lead. When France finally made some good substitutions they looked more promising and got their first goal of the tournament and luckily will be going home.

35. Greece vs. Argentina- 2-0 Argentina

Maybe Argentina were trying to get Greece through to the next round because they replaced seven of their starters. But still they won. Argentina still had the quality to win and controlled the game having many more chances, and finally capitalized late in the game knocking home a lose corner, then again scoring a late goal. Argentina has won all three of their games and moves into the next round with mounds of momentum and will face Mexico in the knockout stages.

36. South Korea vs. Nigeria- 2-2

This game was pretty exciting, and could have ended much differently. To start the game all Nigeria needed was to win and have Argentina win to make it to the knockout stages. It started nicely for them as they scored an early goal, but a little shaky defending allowed South Korea to tie the game. Then into the second half South Korea scored again looking like it would end Nigeria's tournament. But Nigeria weren't done, and had one of the easiest tap ins to tie the game and some how it was put wide, but a few minutes later they were given a penalty and tied the game. They wouldn't get any more chances and were left to wonder what could have been as South Korea advances and will play Uruguay in the round of 16.

Updated Rankings

Now each team has played two games and more rankings time.

32. North Korea (27)
31. Honduras (32)
30. South Africa (26)
29. South Korea (24)
28. New Zealand (29)
27. Slovakia (28)
26. Greece (31)
25. Cameroon (22)
24. Algeria (30)
23. Australia (25)
22. Nigeria (19)
21. Japan (16)
20. Serbia (21)
19. Italy (13)
18. Denmark (23)
17. France (12)
16. Slovenia (15)
15. Mexico (17)
14. USA (9)
13. Switzerland (5)
12. England (7)
11. Uruguay (18)
10. Ivory Coast (8)
9. Paraguay (20)
8. Ghana (14)
7. Chile (10)
6. Portugal (11)
5. Germany (1)
4. Spain (6)
3. Netherlands (2)
2. Brazil (3)
1. Argentina (4)

Biggest Jump- Paraguay- 11
Biggest Drop- Switzerland 8

Game of the Day

Game of the day for June 22nd

- Nigeria vs South Korea- 2:30 pm

Nigeria has lost both games, but still will advance with a win and an Argentina win against Greece, both are very likely. But you never know it can get crazy.