FIFA World Cup 2010 : My Prediction for the Final

Netherlands vs Spain

After 6 weeks of brutal matches (some what brutal to the viewers as some matches were a torture to go thrugh), we have finally reached the last game of the Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

The finalists here are Netherlands and Spain. Do they deserve to be here? Yes. Have they played the best football to reach the final? No. But they have played better than each of the team they have played against. They have deserved their victories in every game thus far.

Both these teams have the potential to play really good attacking football. But it seems their coaches has made it a point to the players that defensive suties are not to be ignored. Both played well in bits and changed to a higher gear when they needed the win. But they are capable of slowing down the game and frustrating the opponents as well.

The wealth of attacking talent on show tonight is immense. Villa, Torres, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Van Persie, Kuyt, Robben, Sneijder are all great attacking talents who deserve to be playing on the biggest stage of world football.

In terms of the offensive side, I think Both are almost equal. On the defnesive side however, Spain has not been really tested. Despite beating Germany and Portugal, both these teams did not play their usual brand of attacking football. They hardly troubled the Spanish defence. The Dutch however, have shown defensive strength, winnign all their qualifying games as well as all World Cup matches till tonight's final.

For midfield strength, I think Spain slightly shades this. Alonso, Xavi and Iniesta. Getting the ball from this trifecta is not going to be easy. For the Dutch to win this game, they MUST stop these 3 players from controlling the game. Pressing them and putting them under pressure so they will lose possession. The Dutch will not be able to beat the Spanish if they cannot get the ball. And this is what happened to Germany and Portugal. 2 attacking teams couldn't play their usual game simply because they were not able to get the ball.

If the Dutch can unsettle these trio, then they have a great chance of winning the game.

For me, I tip Spain to do just enough to beat the Dutch, just like they have done just enough to beat every other team.

Spain to win this 1-0 or 2-1, before penalties.

Although this game will be a battle of the midfield, I'm still crossing my fingers for some end to end football =)

Boodyboy, out!!!

FIFA World Cup 2010 : My Prediction Semi Finals #1

There is only a single game tonight and I think its gonna be a good match.

Uruguay vs Netherlands

Uruguay and Netherlands both have not conceded many goals in this tournament so far. And both teams have been pretty impressive.

Well by impressive i mean the Dutch have played well enough to beat whatever team that they faced so far in the competition. I do feel that the Dutch can play really really good football and overpower their opponents if they actually played to their true strengths. I'm not the only person who thinks so. I think they are an awesome attacking side. However, they seem to be putting focus on keeping their defence tidy at the same time. Maybe a little too much defensively. But hey, they've won every game so far, so Bert van Marwick has no reason to change his style. I'm looking forward to seeing Robben and Van Persie in full flight tonight.

Uruguay should have won the Ghana game easily but they made it difficult for themselves and almost lost the game if not for Suarez's heroics on the goal line. However, Suarez will be suspended for tonight's game and I don't really think his replacement will be as effective as he was. Diego Forlan will have to shoulder the huge burden and try to get something going for this Uruguayan team.

Looking at the overall team strength, I think the Dutch have a stronger squad. I would think that the Dutch will as usual, do just enough to win this game and not more. Win by a single goal margin. Netherlands to win this 1-0 or 2-1.


Boodyboy, out!!!

FIFA World Cup 2010 : My Prediction Quarter Finals

Its gonna be short and sweet. Dont have too much time before i head out to gym and catch the game thereafter.

Netherlands vs Brazil

Both sides with tonnes of attacking qualities but have so far held back as they were very disciplined in defence. I wont expect many goals out of this match but I feel BRazil are a better team all round compared to the Dutch.

Brazil to win this by the odd goal. 1-0 or 2-1 to BRazil. There might even be a chance for this game to go into extra time.


Uruguay vs Ghana

This game looks pretty straight forward to me. Although the rest of Africa will have thier hopes on Ghana, I feel that this is as good as they can get. They didn't really play much good football. Just barely enough to qualify. Whereas Uruguay are in red hot form. Scored plenty of goals with Forlan and Suarez chipping in and have conceded few goals.

Uruguay to win this by 2 goals. 2-0 or 3-1





Lets hope for a night of great football!!








Boodyboy, out!!!!

FIFA World Cup 2010 : My Prediction for Day 4

Again, since the matches are due to being in less than an hours time, its gonna be a quick and short prediction for tonight.


Group E: Netherlands vs Denmark

2 relatively strong countries from the European continent face off. The Dutch team are one of my tips for the title, but unfortunately they are in the same half as Brazil and Spain. In this group however, I think its pretty straight forward. Netherland looks like they have the best team in the group on paper. And based on the results of thier previous friendlies, I think the Dutch are capable of winning by 2 or 3 goals tonight.


Group E: Japan vs Cameroon

Cameroon is also another strong African team, led by Samuel Eto'o. The Japanese team, however hardworking they maybe have not fared well in recent friendlies. They have also never won a World Cup game away from home.

Cameroon to win by 1 or 2 goals.


Group F: Italy vs Paraguay

The Italians are my favourite team in the tournament. Paraguayans are playing very attractive football with the right results at the moment while the Italins have stuttered and stumbled. However, I think italy's squad may still have the advantage, despite having a lot of old player from the previous World Cup. Its either a 1-1 draw or a narrow victory for the Italians.


So far based on 2 days of predictions I've gotten 2/3 right (may not be the score but the winning team). I think thats still not too bad, after all, group stages are easy to predict.


Boodyboy, out!!!