Image via WikipediaAll the teams has heard the Vuvuzuelas in action, and taken to field once. There has been lots of predictions, but for fans, they don't care about that, they need their team to win. So predictions by fans was more based on heart rather than mind. Mine is rooting for Brazil. Malayalis support Argentina and Brazil in large numbers. A minority support Netherlands(some because of peculiar hatred towards brilliance of Brazil, and some for their past brilliance), Spain and Italy(because of the wonderful La Liga and Serie A respectively) and England(due to over hyped EPL).
While predictions are normally made before the matches/tournaments, this one is done after one leg of matches already being over. Now that is settled which all teams are better than the rest on papers, the match on stage is altogether different matter. You have these nerves getting better of even the great teams; Dutch stumbled twice, Spain have faltered to deceive over the years, Italy does it occasionally. Only Brazil and Argentina delivers scintillating stuff time and again. Now predictions says Spain, with their unbeaten run in the build up to big stage and Brazil, ranked no. 1, are favorites. Argentina has loads of talent. France and Italy are doubted even by their countrymen and fans. England is not to be said of until they do something.
So all said and done, to the main thing. I am going to predict group winners, quarterfinals and the main play offs. I am sure to be biased; then it is emotions that rule here. So here we go.
(To be read as Group winners and runner up, in the order)
Group A : Uruguay and Mexico
Group B: Argentina and South Korea
Group C: England and USA
Group D: Germany and Ghana
Group E: Netherlands and Japan
Group F: Italy and Paraguay
Group G: Brazil and Cote D'Ivoire
Group H: Spain and Chile
A very biased list but this might just happen. My reservation is only about Group C. Now to the play offs for quarter-finalists.
Uruguay V/s South Korea: Winner South Korea. South Korea has more probability, because of their better fitness and defense. Uruguay is better in center but think Korean defense can hold out.
England V/s Ghana: Winner Ghana. Ghana is more likely. England is superior team on paper, but the center forwards are woefully unimaginative. If Rooney can do some magic, and a run like Owen did in 98 world cup, may just see them through. Till then Ghana is better team.
Germany V/s USA: Winner Germany. Again this match will happen if USA takes second place. They may even take first place, not because of talent but because of their heart. Germany is a superb team. They can take on anyone from Group C and win easily. So that is not a problem for predicting the outcome of this match.
Argentina V/s Mexico: Winner Argentina. Out right winner, because of the need to see them meet my team sometime. They are better team than Mexico on any day. and the way french are playing leaves any one who has bet on them sweating.
Netherlands V/s Paraguay: Winner Netherlands. Netherlands has to pick up their stuff if they are to take on Paraguay. Paraguay has a good defense and goal keeper. Tough game but Dutch might pull it off. Arjen Robben should be fit by then. They will need him in semis.
Brazil V/s Chile: Winner Brazil. Nothing to discuss. We shall win.
Italy V/s Japan: Winner Japan. Japan is a good team. They have superb speed, fitness above any team, and a very ritualistic tradition. Only injury and yellow/red cards may prevent them from further glory.
Spain V/s Cote D'Ivoire: Winner Cote D'Ivoire. Spain with all their stars will find it tough to be able to get pass the defense of Tourre brothers and brilliance of Drogba. The only game in last 16 with high unpredictability. Still my bet is for Cote D'Ivoire.
Quarterfinals:
First Quarterfinal: Brazil V/s Netherlands. This will be a great match. If Arjen Robben is fit to play, and Van Persie and Van Bronkhorst shows their talents, Brazil will have tough time. Still winner: Brazil.
Second Quarterfinal: South Korea V/s Ghana. Who will win. Why should these teams be here in the first place. They have played and came better against equally good teams. Who will go through is even doubtful for me. I still believe in South Koreans. Tough bet. Still. One team has to be predicted to win.
Third Quarterfinal: Germany V/s Argentina. The second toughest match of the tournament(first one is yet to be played), yet Argentina will win. They will need all the luck, great ball play from Messi and everyone.
Fourth Quarterfinal: Japan V/s Cote D'Ivoire. Cote D'Ivoire. A game which should be in advantage for Ivory Coast. The team looks so good. Only worries are injuries, and bookings because of their tough playing style.
Semifinals:
First Semifinal: Brazil V/s Ghana. Winner - Brazil.
Second Semifinal: Argentina V/s Cote D'Ivoire. Winner - Argentina.
Finals:
Argentina V/s Brazil.
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