The Clash of Champions!

This World Cup, fortunately, has not seen many upsets, thus setting the up clashes of high intensity between a number of former champions in the quarterfinals. Of the teams remaining in the QFs, only Portugal and Ukraine have never won the World Cup. The other teams include former champions such as Argentina, Germany, France, England, Italy, and reigning champions
Brazil.

QF 1 - Argentina vs Germany

Germany has been playing awesome this World Cup, but only next to Argentina. The winner of this match will however be determined by how good the defence is. I feel Argentina has a much better team than Germany but then the host nation can spring a surprise if they take an early lead and pressurize their opponents by giving them much less time on the ball. Not many goals are expected but certainly will be the most exciting QF clash.

Prediction: Argentina 1 Germany 0

QF 2 - Italy vs Ukraine

Italy, many point out, are lucky to make it to the quarters...however, they do deserve their luck after so many injuries and the trouble back home due to the match-fixing scandal. Italy played well and attacked against Ghana but then had to resort to their mean defensive tactics after going a man down against USA and Australia. Ukraine have already achieved everything in their debut World Cup and anything more will be just an icing on the cake. More pressure on Italy, none whatsoever on Ukraine, but Italy should prevail.

Prediction: Italy 2 Ukraine 0

QF 3 - England vs Portugal

England as always, hyped up and flattering to deceive, have not played attractive football but then Sven has said he just wants his team to win, and they are doing that. But their toughest test yet will be against Big Phil's Portugal who will be without their most important player Deco who is suspended. Portugal players will be tired after their high-intensity clash with Holland and will try to keep their rough tackling to a minimum as most players are on a yellow card, which will work out in England's favor. A penalty shoot-out is quite a possibility.

Prediction: England 1 Portugal 0

QF 4 - Brazil vs France

France is yet another team peaking at the right time. A confidence-boosting victory over Spain will have rejuvenated their title hopes. Although Brazil still doesn't seem to play exhilarating football as expected, they have finished off opponents with ease. A France win is quite a possibility although Brazilian players seem fresher than their rivals.

Prediction: Brazil 2 France 1

Raining Goals and Cards

This World Cup has seen some terrific action with a lot of amazing goals, wonder saves, and great attacking display but these have been soured by some dubious refereeing and a lot of avoidable yellow and red cards.

With the 2nd round almost over, we have not really seen any major upsets. Czech Republic crashing out in the group stage has been the only real upset. Australia progressing to the 2nd round was no real surprise considering the fact that Guus Hiddink was coaching the Socceroos.

The 2nd round started with a bang with hosts Germany beating Sweden with ease and Argentina beating Mexico with a Rodriguez wonder goal. England then struggled to beat Ecuador 1-0, thanks to a trademark freekick. Portugal overcame Holland 2-1 in a match that saw 4 red cards and equalled the world cup record of 16 yellow cards. I feel Holland could have done much better although it seems some sort of infighting still exists within the team.

Totti saves the day

10-men Italy should thank their lucky stars for their 95th minute winner from a dubious penalty scored by Totti. The referee made some glaring mistakes yet again as Matterazzi was harshly given a red card for a foul that warranted just a yellow.

The refereeing has been nothing short of woeful this World Cup with the referees dishing out cards like crazy. There is a danger of important players missing out on crucial matches. Deco is out of Portugal's clash against England and this may just tilt the balance in England's favor.

Deco sees Red

Some real funnies (Courtesy BBC):
Spanish newspapers are claiming soothsayer Nostradamus predicted Spain will win the 2006 World Cup.
Meanwhile, an Israeli biblical scholar claims that the Book of Numbers says that Argentina will win the World Cup 3-0.

Beauty and the Beasts

Ghana Impress

More than a week since the World Cup began and we have seen the first big upset - debutants Ghana beating the Czech Republic in a great game of attacking football. I feel sorry for the Czechs for they have lost Baros and Koller - their best strikers up front in attack. But we have to give credit to Ghana who played excellent attacking football...one of the best we have seen till now.

But the team that has impressed me the most is Argentina. I doubted their abilities in previous posts but they have jelled very well as a team and with Riquelme in inspiring form. They thrashed Serbia & Montenegro 6-0, in a match that will be most remembered for the best ever team goals ever scored. After about 24 passes, Cambiasso gave a fitting tribute by finishing it off with a goal. If this isn't the beautiful game, what is?

See the beautiful passes and the goal here...



Ivory Coast, the most impressive African team, was unlucky to bow out of the World Cup after losing to Argentina and Holland, but not without a good fight in the 'group of death'. However, Poland, Costa Rica, and Paraguay have crashed out with a whimper.

Group E seems to be the real group of death and no other group seems as evenly poised as this one. Ghana beat the Czechs and USA held Italy to a 1-1 draw in a ill-tempered match which saw the red cards tally double as 3 players were sent off.

Red for Rossi

De Rossi was an embarassment to the Italian team as he was rightly sent off for elbowing USA's McBride. Before halftime, USA too were reduced to 10 men as Mastroeni was sent off for a 2-footed lunge on Pirlo, although it looked a bit harsh. Soon after halftime, USA were reduced to 9 men as defender Eddie Pope received is marching orders for a 2nd yellow card. However, they played the better attacking football as the teams soon tired out and held on to gain a point each.

Will Rossi's moment of madness hurt the Italians who were going great guns before his red card? Italy against the Czech has become a must-win game for both teams and it looks more likely now that only one among the 2 initial favorites will qualify from the group to the next round.

Teams Qualified
Germany
Ecuador
England
Argentina
Holland
Portugal
Brazil

Teams Out
Costa Rica
Paraguay
Iran
Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro

After One Match...

All 32 teams have played one match. There have been some great goals, great saves, and as always some contentious decisions by the referee. There have been no major upsets and the usual suspects have all won their games, except Sweden, whose opening game voodoo continues. They still haven't won their opening game at the World Cup since 1958.

'Saint Guus'

The Expected...

Maradona's last minute flip-flop about attending the opening ceremony. (I do support him in this because he is no less legendary than Pele. It would have been fitting if both these legends had brought the World Cup trophy instead of Pele accompanied by Claudia Schiffer)

Germany once again showing their credentials by a big opening game win over Costa Rica.

Over-hyped England struggling in the heat to prove they are among the favorites and scraping a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

Riquelme showing his class by setting up 2 goals for Argentina.

France still struggling to find the back of the net. Zidane looking aged and weary, and Henry blaming the pitch for not scoring.

Guus Hiddink, the master tactician, proves why he is among the best coaches around as his substitutions win the game for Australia, their first ever victory in a World Cup Finals. Sven can learn a thing or two from 'Saint Guus'. I still can't believe the English FA messed up by not roping in the brilliant Dutchman.

The Unexpected...

Sweden gets embarassed by tiny Trinidad who hold them to a 0-0 draw with just 10 men for nearly 45 minutes.

Portugal coming after a fine qualifying campaign, but struggling to beat Angola. The supporters jeering them as they scrape to a 1-0 victory.

Signs of in-fighting in the Dutch squad as Van Persie accuses Robben of being greedy - this after Robben inspires Holland to victory through an impressive performance and a goal.

The Czechs and the Spaniards' morale boosting 3-0 and 4-0 victory over USA and Ukraine respectively.

Brazil not asserting their superiority over Croatia and just managing to grind out a 1-0 victory.

Ronaldo running faster when he was substituted than he did when he was on the field playing.

The Heroes...

Miroslav Klose, Shaka Hislop, Tim Cahill, Thomas Rosicky, Bravo, David Villa, Juan Roman Riquelme, Kaka, Arjen Robben, Pauletta, Guus Hiddink.

Please cast your vote in the new poll!

The World Is Watching

The 18th FIFA World Cup got underway in Munich, Germany as more than 150 World Cup winners from past World Cups put on a spectacular show.

Claudia takes the coveted WC trophy

Germany - Costa Rica

Germany got off to a winning start as they beat a highly motivated Costa Rican team 4-2 thanks to 2 goals from Klose and spectacular strikes from Lahm and Frings. Costa Rica fought back with goals from Paolo Wanchope but couldn't beat the hosts, and they were unlucky to lose the game. Germany needs to set its leaky defence right if they have to win the World Cup.

Spectacular Strikes

Ecuador pulled off the first upset when they beat Poland 2-0. Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado scored the goals for the South Americans.


Looking at Poland's form from the pre-WC friendlies and their first match, I guess they will be among the countries who will return home early. Ecuador looks likely to finish second.

Last-Minute Predictions

Group A: Germany & Ecuador
Dark Horse: Costa Rica

Group B: England & Sweden

Group C: Argentina & Holland
Dark Horse: Ivory Coast

Group D: Portugal & Mexico
Dark Horse: Iran

Group E: Italy & Czech Republic
Dark Horse: Ghana

Group F: Brazil & Australia

Group G: France & Switzerland

Group H: Ukraine & Spain

Poll Results!
Who else but Ronaldinho tops the list.