Now comes the fun part trying to guess who makes it out of each group, I will make my prediction of the top two teams from each group and every teams records. Yeah I'm crazy to even try to predict this but might as well try so here it goes.
Group A
1. France- 2-0-1 7 pts.
2. Mexico- 1-1-1 4 pts. Goal differential +1
3. Uruguay- 1-1-1 4 pts. G.D. -1
4. South Africa- 0-2-1 1 pt.
Group B
1. Argentina- 2-0-1 7 pts.
2. Nigeria- 1-0-2 5 pts.
3. South Korea- 0-1-2 2 pts.
4. Greece- 0-1-2 2 pts.
Group C
1. England- 2-0-1 7 pts.
2. USA- 1-0-2 5 pts.
3. Algeria- 1-2-0 3 pts.
4. Slovenia- 0-2-1 1 pt.
Group D
1. Germany- 2-0-1 7 pts.
2. Ghana- 1-1-1 4 pts. G.D. 0- Advance on head to head win against Australia
3. Australia- 1-1-1 4 pts. G.D. 0
4. Serbia- 0-2-1 1 pt.
Group E
1. Netherlands- 3-0-0 9 pts.
2. Cameroon- 1-1-1 4 pts. G.D. 0
3. Denmark- 1-1-1 4 pts. G.D. -1
4 Japan- 0-3-0 0 pts.
Group F
1. Italy- 2-0-1 7 pts.
2. Paraguay- 1-0-2 5 pts.
3. Slovakia- 1-1-1 4 pts.
4. New Zealand- 0-3-0 0 pts.
Group G
1. Brazil- 2-0-1 7 pts.
2. Ivory Coast- 1-0-2 5 pts.
3. Portugal- 1-1-1 4 pts.
4. North Korea- 0-3-0 0 pts.
Group H
1. Spain- 3-0-0 9 pts.
2. Chile- 2-1-0 6 pts.
3. Switzerland- 1-2-0 3 pts.
4. Honduras- 0-3-0 0 pts.
Well there they are I will post the knockout stage picks tomorrow I hope everyone has 7 points because I guess thats how most ended up oh well.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Group Rankings
I'm first going to rank the groups according the my team rankings and maybe make some adjustments where I see fit, then I'm going to pick the two teams I think will Advance out of each group leading up to my full tournament predictions tomorrow.
1. Group G- Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
2. Group D- Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
3. Group C- England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
4. Group H- Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
5. Group A- South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
6. Group E- Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
7. Group B- Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
8. Group F- Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
1. Group G- Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
2. Group D- Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
3. Group C- England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
4. Group H- Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
5. Group A- South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
6. Group E- Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
7. Group B- Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
8. Group F- Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
No. 1 Spain
FIFA Ranking- 2
Group H
And then there was one and to me it has to be Spain, they virtually have no weakness and as I see it the only one could be injuries. They have solid goal keeping, a good defense, a glut of star midfielders, and two of the best strikers in the World. After their performance winning Euro 2008 they will look to get even better on the biggest stage. Really there isn't much else to say they're real good.
Group H
And then there was one and to me it has to be Spain, they virtually have no weakness and as I see it the only one could be injuries. They have solid goal keeping, a good defense, a glut of star midfielders, and two of the best strikers in the World. After their performance winning Euro 2008 they will look to get even better on the biggest stage. Really there isn't much else to say they're real good.
No. 2 Netherlands
FIFA Ranking- 4
Group E
This one may come as a little bit of a surprise, but I think this may be the year for the Netherlands, who are sort of the lovable losers. They always come into big tournaments playing beautiful football and dazzle everyone, but end up losing when it comes to the knockout stage. During qualifying they went undefeated with an 8-0-0 record, and gave up the fewest goals of any European World Cup team. The knock on the Netherlands is their defense, which I will admit is not the most intimidating back line, but if they can continue to play smart and strong they will be the backbone for this team. Look for them to breeze through their group and look strong going into the knockout stages where they will be looking to win their first cup.
Group E
This one may come as a little bit of a surprise, but I think this may be the year for the Netherlands, who are sort of the lovable losers. They always come into big tournaments playing beautiful football and dazzle everyone, but end up losing when it comes to the knockout stage. During qualifying they went undefeated with an 8-0-0 record, and gave up the fewest goals of any European World Cup team. The knock on the Netherlands is their defense, which I will admit is not the most intimidating back line, but if they can continue to play smart and strong they will be the backbone for this team. Look for them to breeze through their group and look strong going into the knockout stages where they will be looking to win their first cup.
No. 3 Brazil
FIFA Ranking- 1
Group G
Yes Brazil is one of the favorites coming into the World Cup I believe they are considered co-favorites with Spain, but they find themselves at number three in my rankings for now. Yes they are Brazil and have stars all over the field, and their coach Dunga has preached defense and it has paid off. With a strong back line and goalie, goals against them are scarce. They also have attacking power with Kaka and Luis Fabiano, and as the U.S. found out last summer in the confederations cup no deficit is too big for them. They will have a tougher group to get out of, but they really should have no problem and will be looking for their sixth World Cup title, the most of any country.
Group G
Yes Brazil is one of the favorites coming into the World Cup I believe they are considered co-favorites with Spain, but they find themselves at number three in my rankings for now. Yes they are Brazil and have stars all over the field, and their coach Dunga has preached defense and it has paid off. With a strong back line and goalie, goals against them are scarce. They also have attacking power with Kaka and Luis Fabiano, and as the U.S. found out last summer in the confederations cup no deficit is too big for them. They will have a tougher group to get out of, but they really should have no problem and will be looking for their sixth World Cup title, the most of any country.
Monday, June 7, 2010
No. 4 Argentina
FIFA Ranking- 7
Group B
Argentina comes into the World Cup with legendary player Diego Maradona at the helm as their coach, hoping that he can provide inspiration to the team. While he may have not fared as well as the country may have liked during qualifying he has an array of talent to choose from. With Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez up front providing goals they will not be in any need of attacking power. They even have Sergio Augero and Gonzalo Higuain coming off the bench, meaning they will be relying heavily on their attack with question marks surrounding their defense. If the defense can pull it together and provide some support they will be able to advance deep into the tournament.
Group B
Argentina comes into the World Cup with legendary player Diego Maradona at the helm as their coach, hoping that he can provide inspiration to the team. While he may have not fared as well as the country may have liked during qualifying he has an array of talent to choose from. With Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez up front providing goals they will not be in any need of attacking power. They even have Sergio Augero and Gonzalo Higuain coming off the bench, meaning they will be relying heavily on their attack with question marks surrounding their defense. If the defense can pull it together and provide some support they will be able to advance deep into the tournament.
No. 5 Germany
FIFA Ranking- 6
Group D
Germany may be one of the teams no one is talking about this year, you hear all about England, Spain, Brazil, and Argentina but nothing about Germany. I think they are being overlooked and are poised to do very well this year. While they will be without captain Michael Ballack they have the quality to fill in, while it may not be in they way of big name stars there is something about them I can't put my finger on that makes me think they will once again do well. They went into Euro 2008 without much expectations and ended up losing in the final to Spain, and in 2006 at the World Cup, in Germany, they made it to the semis losing to eventual champions Italy. While they may not have the star power this year there is something about Germany in big tournaments.
Group D
Germany may be one of the teams no one is talking about this year, you hear all about England, Spain, Brazil, and Argentina but nothing about Germany. I think they are being overlooked and are poised to do very well this year. While they will be without captain Michael Ballack they have the quality to fill in, while it may not be in they way of big name stars there is something about them I can't put my finger on that makes me think they will once again do well. They went into Euro 2008 without much expectations and ended up losing in the final to Spain, and in 2006 at the World Cup, in Germany, they made it to the semis losing to eventual champions Italy. While they may not have the star power this year there is something about Germany in big tournaments.
No. 6 England
FIFA Ranking- 8
Group C
England comes into the World Cup with high expectations, well I think they always have high expectations and usually they disappoint, I'm just saying. They claim to be a new team destined for success under new coach Fabio Capello, and he led them through an easy qualifying. They didn't qualify for Euro 2008 and disappointed last World Cup, so who says they won't do it again. They have questions marks in defense with Rio Ferdinand injured and John Terry in decline. Realistically the team will depend on Wayne Rooney and how well he is playing, if he is scoring goals as he was during his season at Man U they could make a deep run, but if the long season wore on him they could just end up disappointing again.
Group C
England comes into the World Cup with high expectations, well I think they always have high expectations and usually they disappoint, I'm just saying. They claim to be a new team destined for success under new coach Fabio Capello, and he led them through an easy qualifying. They didn't qualify for Euro 2008 and disappointed last World Cup, so who says they won't do it again. They have questions marks in defense with Rio Ferdinand injured and John Terry in decline. Realistically the team will depend on Wayne Rooney and how well he is playing, if he is scoring goals as he was during his season at Man U they could make a deep run, but if the long season wore on him they could just end up disappointing again.
Friday, June 4, 2010
No. 7 Italy
FIFA Ranking- 5
Group F
Lately I have been re-thinking putting Italy this high, I think they are too old and slow to do much this year. Although you never know, last World Cup no one thought much of Italy and they ended up winning the whole thing, so I guess I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt only because they are the reigning champions. Another thing they have going for them is being in one of the easiest groups, barring disaster they will make it to the second round and make some magic. Leaving some of their more skilled players off the team I think will hurt them in the end and their age will show after the group stage leaving them to relinquish the trophy, maybe i should have ranked them lower, oh well.
Group F
Lately I have been re-thinking putting Italy this high, I think they are too old and slow to do much this year. Although you never know, last World Cup no one thought much of Italy and they ended up winning the whole thing, so I guess I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt only because they are the reigning champions. Another thing they have going for them is being in one of the easiest groups, barring disaster they will make it to the second round and make some magic. Leaving some of their more skilled players off the team I think will hurt them in the end and their age will show after the group stage leaving them to relinquish the trophy, maybe i should have ranked them lower, oh well.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
No. 8 France
FIFA Ranking- 10
Group A
Yes France was "handed" a spot in the World Cup by Thierry Henry, but hey if it's not called it's not cheating. Say what you want about France, but they are in and there isn't anything anyone can do about it. Now about the team, they are an enigma, they are immensely talented but sometimes barely produce on the field. Many people blame it on their coach Raymond Domenech, and it really might be, but with all their talent if they can find the switch and it all clicks they could make an improbable run deep in the tournament again this year. Les Bleus are my favorite team in the tournament along with the US, and I may be ranking them a little higher, but I believe they have the talent to overcome their coaching and turn some heads.
Group A
Yes France was "handed" a spot in the World Cup by Thierry Henry, but hey if it's not called it's not cheating. Say what you want about France, but they are in and there isn't anything anyone can do about it. Now about the team, they are an enigma, they are immensely talented but sometimes barely produce on the field. Many people blame it on their coach Raymond Domenech, and it really might be, but with all their talent if they can find the switch and it all clicks they could make an improbable run deep in the tournament again this year. Les Bleus are my favorite team in the tournament along with the US, and I may be ranking them a little higher, but I believe they have the talent to overcome their coaching and turn some heads.
No. 9 Portugal
FIFA Ranking- 3
Group G
Yes Portugal is ranked third by FIFA, but I think they have too many holes to be ranked that high on my list. Many people see the team and think that it is all Christiano Ronaldo, and while that might not be true it is still close to it. They have a solid defense and above average midfield with other scoring threats including Nani and Deco. This leaves their one glaring weakness, a lack of a top flight striker to get them goals. They only averaged 1.6 goals per game in qualifying a number that needs to be higher if they want to progress far in the tournament. If they can find a true scoring threat then they would be ranked higher, but until they prove it to me they will stay down here.
Group G
Yes Portugal is ranked third by FIFA, but I think they have too many holes to be ranked that high on my list. Many people see the team and think that it is all Christiano Ronaldo, and while that might not be true it is still close to it. They have a solid defense and above average midfield with other scoring threats including Nani and Deco. This leaves their one glaring weakness, a lack of a top flight striker to get them goals. They only averaged 1.6 goals per game in qualifying a number that needs to be higher if they want to progress far in the tournament. If they can find a true scoring threat then they would be ranked higher, but until they prove it to me they will stay down here.
No. 10 USA
FIFA Ranking- 14
Group C
It's time for the top 10 and starting it out is the US who enter this World Cup much like last, with high expectations. They have the make up of a squad who is primed for a breakout starting with solid goal keeping in Tim Howard. After a historic win over Spain in last years Confederations Cup the US is looking to build on that performance and they will have to do it without Charlie Davies a main piece in their Confederations Cup success. They bring a solid midfield made up of veterans Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey along with rising star Michael Bradley. With a recent injury to Jozy Altidore the attack may be lacking without his strength and goal scoring abilities. Still the team is poised to make it out of their group and live up to the expectations.
Group C
It's time for the top 10 and starting it out is the US who enter this World Cup much like last, with high expectations. They have the make up of a squad who is primed for a breakout starting with solid goal keeping in Tim Howard. After a historic win over Spain in last years Confederations Cup the US is looking to build on that performance and they will have to do it without Charlie Davies a main piece in their Confederations Cup success. They bring a solid midfield made up of veterans Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey along with rising star Michael Bradley. With a recent injury to Jozy Altidore the attack may be lacking without his strength and goal scoring abilities. Still the team is poised to make it out of their group and live up to the expectations.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
No. 11 Ivory Coast
FIFA Ranking- 27
Group G
Well the Elephants are ranked 27th by FIFA but they are too talented to be ranked that low by me. They have one of the best strikers in the world Didier Drogba, speedy attacker Salomon Kalou and that is just their attack. With the brother due of Kolo and Yaya Toure and other stars like Emanuel Eboue (a fine dancer if you were wondering) they will be looking to live up to their potential, which is immense. They disappointed in the African Cup of Nations this winter, but if they can put it all together they have a chance to be the first African winner, which would be a victory for the hosting continent.
Group G
Well the Elephants are ranked 27th by FIFA but they are too talented to be ranked that low by me. They have one of the best strikers in the world Didier Drogba, speedy attacker Salomon Kalou and that is just their attack. With the brother due of Kolo and Yaya Toure and other stars like Emanuel Eboue (a fine dancer if you were wondering) they will be looking to live up to their potential, which is immense. They disappointed in the African Cup of Nations this winter, but if they can put it all together they have a chance to be the first African winner, which would be a victory for the hosting continent.
No. 12 Mexico
FIFA Ranking- 17
Group A
Mexico is coming into the World Cup having struggled some during qualifying. They changed coaches and qualified second in Concacaf behind the U.S. And they find themselves in a favorable situation at the World Cup. They were drawn into one of the easier groups and have a good chance to make it our of their group. They will be relying on 36 year old Cuauhtemoc Blanco to provide much of their goal scoring, but have some youngsters who will be looking to live up to their potential. Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela (who has the same birthday as me, just saying) will be looking to fill their potential that they showed by performing well for Mexico at the U17 World Cup. The soccer crazed nation will be looking for for the team to live up to potential and succeed at the World Cup
Group A
Mexico is coming into the World Cup having struggled some during qualifying. They changed coaches and qualified second in Concacaf behind the U.S. And they find themselves in a favorable situation at the World Cup. They were drawn into one of the easier groups and have a good chance to make it our of their group. They will be relying on 36 year old Cuauhtemoc Blanco to provide much of their goal scoring, but have some youngsters who will be looking to live up to their potential. Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela (who has the same birthday as me, just saying) will be looking to fill their potential that they showed by performing well for Mexico at the U17 World Cup. The soccer crazed nation will be looking for for the team to live up to potential and succeed at the World Cup
No. 13 Chile
FIFA Ranking- 15
Group H
La Roja went through a transition period after the 2007 Copa America tournament, and the change that made the most impact was their new coach. Marcelo Bielsa is the new coach and surprisingly he is from Argentina which seems weird seeing that they are rivals, but his sucess so far he has produced results. He tried out new players and found the right mixture that fit his attacking style. They qualified second in the South American region, but they have a glaring weakness, their defense. They gave up 22 goals during qualifying and need to find a solution to that problem if they think they are going to advance far. They have flashy and effective attackers and a solid goal keeper making them a dangerous underdog for the big teams out there.
Group H
La Roja went through a transition period after the 2007 Copa America tournament, and the change that made the most impact was their new coach. Marcelo Bielsa is the new coach and surprisingly he is from Argentina which seems weird seeing that they are rivals, but his sucess so far he has produced results. He tried out new players and found the right mixture that fit his attacking style. They qualified second in the South American region, but they have a glaring weakness, their defense. They gave up 22 goals during qualifying and need to find a solution to that problem if they think they are going to advance far. They have flashy and effective attackers and a solid goal keeper making them a dangerous underdog for the big teams out there.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
No. 14 Cameroon
FIFA Ranking 19
Group E
The Indomitable Lions have had the most success of any African team qualifying for the World Cup making to to six of the past eight cups, but have not been able to muster up much else. They have only won one game since 1990, but this year may be different. They have always had a strong defense and a talented midfield, but they have had trouble scoring goals in the past. This year they feature Samuel Eto'o one of the best strikers around, but he has recently threatened to walk out on the team after receiving criticism from a former player. If Eto'o can get past the criticism and play like his normal self the Lions can make a run in the tournament, but that is a lot of ifs.
Group E
The Indomitable Lions have had the most success of any African team qualifying for the World Cup making to to six of the past eight cups, but have not been able to muster up much else. They have only won one game since 1990, but this year may be different. They have always had a strong defense and a talented midfield, but they have had trouble scoring goals in the past. This year they feature Samuel Eto'o one of the best strikers around, but he has recently threatened to walk out on the team after receiving criticism from a former player. If Eto'o can get past the criticism and play like his normal self the Lions can make a run in the tournament, but that is a lot of ifs.
No. 15 Serbia
FIFA Ranking 16
Group D
Serbia is entering their first World Cup on its own apart from that Montenegro, and who needs it because Serbia qualified without them. Last World Cup they competed as one even though they declared independence on the eve of the World Cup. They qualified first in their European qualifying group, one which include France. They are usually know for their rock solid defense, but a new coach as revitalized the attack while maintaining their defensive prowess. They were supposed to be the dark horse at the last World Cup but it seems like they are more likely to fit that bill this time with a good chance to make it out of their group.
Group D
Serbia is entering their first World Cup on its own apart from that Montenegro, and who needs it because Serbia qualified without them. Last World Cup they competed as one even though they declared independence on the eve of the World Cup. They qualified first in their European qualifying group, one which include France. They are usually know for their rock solid defense, but a new coach as revitalized the attack while maintaining their defensive prowess. They were supposed to be the dark horse at the last World Cup but it seems like they are more likely to fit that bill this time with a good chance to make it out of their group.
No. 16 Uruguay
FIFA Ranking- 18
Group A
Uruguay is heading to the World Cup with high expectations from their home country, this is because as many people may not know they have won the World Cup twice. They have won the World Cup but realistically they won those in 1930 and 1950, so really I don't see what they are all worked up about. They find themselves in one of the easier groups, but I still do not think they will be making it out of the group. To qualify for the World Cup they placed 5th in their region and that left them in a playoff situation squeaking out a victory against Costa Rica. Luckily for them the World Cup isn't at home because they could be in trouble from their home fans after this year.
Group A
Uruguay is heading to the World Cup with high expectations from their home country, this is because as many people may not know they have won the World Cup twice. They have won the World Cup but realistically they won those in 1930 and 1950, so really I don't see what they are all worked up about. They find themselves in one of the easier groups, but I still do not think they will be making it out of the group. To qualify for the World Cup they placed 5th in their region and that left them in a playoff situation squeaking out a victory against Costa Rica. Luckily for them the World Cup isn't at home because they could be in trouble from their home fans after this year.
No. 17 Australia
FIFA Ranking 20
Group D
Australia may be ranked 20th in the FIFA rankings, but I think that has more to do with the region they play in, they do not play as many quality teams on their way tp the World Cup. In 2006 The Socceroos advanced out of their group and played Italy in the second round. They only lost to the eventual champions when Italy was given a penalty, on what I consider a dive, in stoppage time. Now they return with more experience and are ready and battle tested. They have a solid goalie, and experienced defense and midfield, their biggest obstacle will be goal scoring, if they can find the scoring touch they could build on their last performance and make the Quarterfinals.
Group D
Australia may be ranked 20th in the FIFA rankings, but I think that has more to do with the region they play in, they do not play as many quality teams on their way tp the World Cup. In 2006 The Socceroos advanced out of their group and played Italy in the second round. They only lost to the eventual champions when Italy was given a penalty, on what I consider a dive, in stoppage time. Now they return with more experience and are ready and battle tested. They have a solid goalie, and experienced defense and midfield, their biggest obstacle will be goal scoring, if they can find the scoring touch they could build on their last performance and make the Quarterfinals.
No. 18 Greece
FIFA Ranking 12
Group B
Yeah Greece is ranked 12th in the FIFA rankings, but I'm not buying it from this team. This is their second appearance in the World Cup the other was in 1994 and they lost all three games, I will say I think they will fare better this World Cup, seeing as they have South Korea in their group. They made it to the World Cup by placing second in their qualifying group and then beating Ukraine in the playoff stage. They even had the top scorer in European qualifying, but all they still will not net them a trip out of the group, their style of play and quality of players will ultimately show them the door.
Group B
Yeah Greece is ranked 12th in the FIFA rankings, but I'm not buying it from this team. This is their second appearance in the World Cup the other was in 1994 and they lost all three games, I will say I think they will fare better this World Cup, seeing as they have South Korea in their group. They made it to the World Cup by placing second in their qualifying group and then beating Ukraine in the playoff stage. They even had the top scorer in European qualifying, but all they still will not net them a trip out of the group, their style of play and quality of players will ultimately show them the door.
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