FIFA World Cup 2010 : My Prediction Quarter Finals #2

Yesterday, Brazil were shocked by the Dutch when they were defeated 2-1. Looking at Brazil's 1st half performance, you would have thought they would go on to win this game 2 or 3 nil. However, their inability to make full use of their dominance cost them the game. The Dutch came into the 2nd half and played more aggressively, giving the Brazillians no time on the ball. And when they got a player sent off, the writing was already on the wall for them. Fair play to Arjen Robben, he was so good and irritating that almost 50% of the Dutch's free kick were resulted from him being fouled.


Uruguay qualified for the next round as expected, but only by the skin of their teeth; on penalties. Luis Suarez, in my opinion, was Uruguay's hero. He showed that he's not only adept at scoring goals, but also stopping goals (His save on the line with his hands would have made his country proud!). No doubt he got a red card and will be suspended from the next game, but he was the reason to why the Uruguayan even survived to make the penalty shootout.


Okay, enough about last night's actions. here are my predictions for tonight:




Argentina vs Germany


Another mouth watering clash between 2 in-form teams. Both teams are extremely talented, and both were not given much hope of winning the tournament. But they have shown that they are a forced to be reckoned with and its unfortunate that one of them has to go home tonight.


The Germans have played attractive attacking football (surprisingly) and Argentina has managed to gel together after going thru a bad qualification round. I think both sides are evenly matched and its hard to seperate these 2. One thing for sure, this game won't end in a 0-0 draw after extra time. I expect goals and I think Argentina will have a little edge over the inexperienced Germans. Argentina to win this 2-1 or 3-1 in normal play. If it goes to penalties, i still think the Argentinians have more experience to see it thru.




Spain vs Paraguay


This game, in my opinion, as well as many others, is the easiest to predict among all 4 quarter final clashes. Spain are in form and they controlled the game very well against the Portuguese, despite winning only 1-0. David Villa is in goal scoring form, and I expect Torres to break the duck in this match. The Paraguayans do not have enough quality, man for man against the Spanish, unfortunately.


It is difficult to imagine the Spanish losing this game, and if it does, it will be as big of a shock as their defeat to Switzerland was 2 weeks back.


Spain to win this by at least 2 goals. 2-0 or 3-1






Boodyboy, out!!!

FIFA World Cup 2010 : My Prediction for Round of 16 #2

I was quite impressed by South Korea's determination last night. Of course, based on the game we saw, neither team deserved to lose, but thats how football works. the Koreans have nothing to be ashamed of, they played really well and if they continue to progress in terms of football development, it won't be a surprise if they go further in the next World Cup.

I expected an American victory last night, but it went in to extra time and the Americans lost concentration right after the kick off whistle. It's a shame but Ghana has worked hard and will now face the in form Uruguay in the quarter finals.

My predictions for tonight:

England vs Germany

A fierce rivalry in football that streteches back to at least half a century ago. I'm not sure if the football is going to be as good as the intense rivalry among supporter. Germany has had a start-stop campaign so far while England only managed to squeeze into the round of 16 by the skin of thier teeth.

Crashing out at this stage will be considered a failure for either team, so victory is a must. I do have a feeling that this game will go into extra time. England has great individual players while Germans have exceptional teamwork and work rate. If it oes to penalties I'd favour Germany as Englad still has a poor record at this stage.

England to win this 3-2, or 2-1. Penalties will be Germany.


Argentina vs Mexico

2 good attacking teams will play each other tonight. Both are in goalscoring form and at the same time, both are not known for their defensive abilities. I really hope that this game will be a high scoring game, for the sake of the viewers and me as well. This could be the match of the tournament so far if both throw caution to the wind. The edge of course lies with Argentina, who have a host of attacking talent. Any football club would dream of having their line up.

Argentina to win this by 2 goals. 3-1 or 4-2



Boodyboy, out!!!

FIFA World Cup 2010 : My Prediction for Day 7

Got 2 results right again last night,but the wrong scores.
I, together with most pundit would have gotten the Spain vs Switzerland game wrong. It was a great upset.

Tonight's predictions;


Group A: France vs Mexico

Now i term this match a do or die match. The team who loses this game would almost have an uphill task to qualify seeing that Uruguay destroyed South Africa last night. French are still out of form, while the Mexicans are still playing attractive, good football.

I'd love to see Mexico win this game but in all likelihood, I think this match would be a draw. 1-1 for me (but the hopeful side in me would like to see Mexico win this 3-2)


Group B: Argentina vs South Korea

Both teams won their 1st game of the tournament and a second victory would guarantee qualification. I think the Argentinians would be on fire after dominating their earlier game and would like to set the record straight by piling up the goals. I think there is too much quality in Argentina for South Korea to handle.

Argentina to win this by at least 2 goals. 2-0


Group B: Greece vs Nigeria

I think Greece would end up bottom of this group. Otto Rehaggel should have retired after leading the Greeks to European glory 6 years ago. Now it looks like he won't be leaving in glory. Greeks are a bit too poor compared to the Nigerians.

I tip the Nigerians to nick this by a single goal margin. 1-0


Boodyboy, out!!!

FIFA World Cup 2010 : My Prediction for Day 2

Though I'm not exactly a football pundit, and no1 will probably read any of this stuff, but I' dstill like to put up a few cents worth here. 3 matches on tonight. Malaysian / Singapore times : 7.30pm, 10pm and 2am.

Group B: South Korea vs Greece

South Korea and Greece both have a fully fit squad. In terms of rankings, it doesnt differ much either due to the fact that they dont have much international competitions to enter. However, I do have a feeling (yes its a gut feeling) that being Asia power houses, they are a team with more confidence than Greece. Greece didn't do well at all in the previous Euro Championships while South Korea usually dominate the Asian teams they play against. South Korea have also peformed better than the Greeks in previous friendly matches (I kinda base my predictions on their last few friendly matches)

All other things being equal, I would give the edge to Korea in this match. Narrow margin of victory maybe 1-0, 2-1 or a draw if the Greeks can hold off the Koreans.


Group B: Argentina vs Nigeria

On paper, this looks like an easy game for the Argies (one of the favourites for the title). I would agree, if Argentina play to their strength. No doubt that they have performed well in recent friendlies against weak opposition. Well Nigerians are strong as a collective unit, I think the Argies have too much in them and should be able to overpower their African opposition tonight.

My only reservation is with Argentina's coach, Maradona. While he maybe the 2nd most famous player in the world (behind Pele, some would disagree with me), I don't think he has enough experience to manage his country. Granted, if things do go well and he gets his tactics right; there is no doubt Argentina are strong favourites to reach the Final.

My prediction would be for Argentina to win by 2 goals. 3 goals, if Nigeria go all out attacking to try and salvage the game. With Messi, Milito and Tevez on form, there will definitely be goals in this team.


Group C: England vs United States

This should be a close match to follow as most of us Malaysians follow the Premier League closely. We know the England players very well and how they play. However, they have not done well in recent friendlies. United States are no better, but they have a very hardworking team. But still, man for man, the English should have enough advantage over the Americans.

But how well England play would depend on their formation. While Fabio Capello favours the 4-4-2 formation, I would love to see England play 4-5-1 if they truly want to make full use of Wayne Rooney. Wayne plays his best this year for Man Utd this year when they played 4-5-1.
With Gerrard in the support role (like how he plays with Torres in Liverpool), and Lampard in his usual attacking role for Chelsea (Chelsea plays in a 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 formation), I think England should do well.

England to win this game by 2 goals.


I will try to do this everyday, if possible and see if my predictions turn out right ;-p



Boodyboy, out!!