Group E - I guess Holland was always going to make it. The surprise package though was Japan and if Mr Wenger is Japan's Prime Minister he should be building a statue for the Japanese coach in the middle of Tokyo since no one actually gave them a chance! Keisuke Honda is such a star!
Group F - Paraguay finished top and Italy didn't make it! The surprise was how well the Kiwis did although they were slightly arrogant in their press conference after the Italy game.
Group G - Spot on here but not hard to guess really. The Brazil vs Portugal game turned out to be so damn boring!
Group H - I am a genius... although I didn't expect Switzerland to do so well.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Group A to D Review
Well lets see how right or wrong I was...
Group A - Uruguay and Mexico qualified while France did not even get a point. I have been surprised at how well Uruguay has been playing and they could be one of the teams I will be watching at the QF.
Group B - Spot on with this group. Argentina qualified top easily and South Korea looked like they were sleeping against Nigeria. Hopefully they can beat Uruguay and I get to watch them in the QF!
Group C - Ah England, so lucky to qualify. I actually tipped USA in my other prediction comp and so I am quite happy that they actually qualified. However I didn't expect them to top the group though. The USA could well be one of the teams I am watching!
Group D - Germany as expected but Ghana was one that I didn't pick. Imagine if they have Michael Essien as well in the team. Australia though had a slight chance in the last 15 minutes but it wasn't to be. The lost against Germany was too much to recover from. At least it wasn't 7-0.
Group A - Uruguay and Mexico qualified while France did not even get a point. I have been surprised at how well Uruguay has been playing and they could be one of the teams I will be watching at the QF.
Group B - Spot on with this group. Argentina qualified top easily and South Korea looked like they were sleeping against Nigeria. Hopefully they can beat Uruguay and I get to watch them in the QF!
Group C - Ah England, so lucky to qualify. I actually tipped USA in my other prediction comp and so I am quite happy that they actually qualified. However I didn't expect them to top the group though. The USA could well be one of the teams I am watching!
Group D - Germany as expected but Ghana was one that I didn't pick. Imagine if they have Michael Essien as well in the team. Australia though had a slight chance in the last 15 minutes but it wasn't to be. The lost against Germany was too much to recover from. At least it wasn't 7-0.
Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup South Africa 2010 - Group H
Spain
My tip for the tournament. Simply has too much class and if they fail to win it would be entirely their fault.
Player to watch: Cesc Fabregas
Switzerland
Quite efficient team so don't expect high scoring games with these guys. Don't know a lot about their players though.
Player to watch: Blaise N'Kufo
Honduras
I was surprised by how good they were the last time I watched them play but I think this time everybody will be prepared for them. Don't see them getting through.
Player to watch: David Sauzo
Chile
Don't really know much about this team nowadays but they did finish second behind Brazil in South America qualifiers. They will probably take second spot in the group but apart from Spain the fight for second spot will be very tight.
Player to watch: Humberto Suazo
Final Standing
Spain
Chile
Honduras
Switzerland
My tip for the tournament. Simply has too much class and if they fail to win it would be entirely their fault.
Player to watch: Cesc Fabregas
Switzerland
Quite efficient team so don't expect high scoring games with these guys. Don't know a lot about their players though.
Player to watch: Blaise N'Kufo
Honduras
I was surprised by how good they were the last time I watched them play but I think this time everybody will be prepared for them. Don't see them getting through.
Player to watch: David Sauzo
Chile
Don't really know much about this team nowadays but they did finish second behind Brazil in South America qualifiers. They will probably take second spot in the group but apart from Spain the fight for second spot will be very tight.
Player to watch: Humberto Suazo
Final Standing
Spain
Chile
Honduras
Switzerland
World Cup South Africa 2010 - Group G
Brazil
Always everybody's favourite. Simply have too many stars in the country to fill one team. WIll easily top the group and even go all the way to the final.
Player to watch: Julio Cesar
North Korea
Unknown like everything North Korean. Could surprise since no one knows anything about them.
Player to watch: Kim Jong Il? Derka derka
Ivory Coast
Chelsea duo of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou and the Toure brothers could help guide the Ivory Coast to the next stage. However, with Drogba injured Brazil and Portugal could be too strong for the Africans.
Player to watch: Didier Drogba
Portugal
I got these guys for my work sweep stake. Hopefully they can win me £100 but I doubt it. They have good players but I don't see them winning especially since they had a much better team in the past but still didn't achieve anything.
Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
Final Standing
Brazil
Portugal
Ivory Coast
North Korea
Always everybody's favourite. Simply have too many stars in the country to fill one team. WIll easily top the group and even go all the way to the final.
Player to watch: Julio Cesar
North Korea
Unknown like everything North Korean. Could surprise since no one knows anything about them.
Player to watch: Kim Jong Il? Derka derka
Ivory Coast
Chelsea duo of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou and the Toure brothers could help guide the Ivory Coast to the next stage. However, with Drogba injured Brazil and Portugal could be too strong for the Africans.
Player to watch: Didier Drogba
Portugal
I got these guys for my work sweep stake. Hopefully they can win me £100 but I doubt it. They have good players but I don't see them winning especially since they had a much better team in the past but still didn't achieve anything.
Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
Final Standing
Brazil
Portugal
Ivory Coast
North Korea
World Cup South Africa 2010 - Group F
Italy
Italians are boring to watch but they are a consistent performer. Would love to see them not get through the group stage but I don't fancy the other teams stopping them.
Player to watch: Gianluigi Buffon
Paraguay
Don't know much about this team to be honest.
Player to watch: Roque Santa Cruz (the only player I know)
New Zealand
Don't waste my time.
Player to watch: Who?
Slovakia
Have some decent players and along with Paraguay hopefully they will knock the Italians out.
Player to watch: Marek Hamsik
Final Standing
Slovakia
Paraguay
Italy
New Zealand
Italians are boring to watch but they are a consistent performer. Would love to see them not get through the group stage but I don't fancy the other teams stopping them.
Player to watch: Gianluigi Buffon
Paraguay
Don't know much about this team to be honest.
Player to watch: Roque Santa Cruz (the only player I know)
New Zealand
Don't waste my time.
Player to watch: Who?
Slovakia
Have some decent players and along with Paraguay hopefully they will knock the Italians out.
Player to watch: Marek Hamsik
Final Standing
Slovakia
Paraguay
Italy
New Zealand
World Cup South Africa 2010 - Group E
Better finish this before the tournament starts.
Netherlands
I always fancy the Netherlands. Maybe it's their total football philosophy. I think they will go far this tournament and could have a chance of evening winning it. RVP being injured all season could go in their favour since he will be fresh and hungry to have a go.
Player to watch: Robin Van Persie
Denmark
Denmark can sometimes be a surprise package. They always do well enough but not quite good enough to go all the way. Nicklas Bentner probably thinks he is the best striker in the world but he really needs a reality check.
Player to watch: Nicklas Bentner (unfortunately)
Japan
While I love Japanese food I really don't see them getting through the group stage. Their coach is pretty useless and they don't really have the stars to lift them through.
Player to watch: Keisuke Honda
Cameroon
Have a core group of quality players lead by Samuel Etoo. If they perform consistantly they could go beyond the group stage.
Player to watch: Samuel Etoo
Final Standing
Netherands
Denmark
Cameroon
Japan
Netherlands
I always fancy the Netherlands. Maybe it's their total football philosophy. I think they will go far this tournament and could have a chance of evening winning it. RVP being injured all season could go in their favour since he will be fresh and hungry to have a go.
Player to watch: Robin Van Persie
Denmark
Denmark can sometimes be a surprise package. They always do well enough but not quite good enough to go all the way. Nicklas Bentner probably thinks he is the best striker in the world but he really needs a reality check.
Player to watch: Nicklas Bentner (unfortunately)
Japan
While I love Japanese food I really don't see them getting through the group stage. Their coach is pretty useless and they don't really have the stars to lift them through.
Player to watch: Keisuke Honda
Cameroon
Have a core group of quality players lead by Samuel Etoo. If they perform consistantly they could go beyond the group stage.
Player to watch: Samuel Etoo
Final Standing
Netherands
Denmark
Cameroon
Japan
Monday, June 7, 2010
World Cup South Africa 2010 - Group D
The last of the group I am specially interested in because I will be watching the Quarter Final coming out of Groups A - D.
Germany
With out their captain Michael Ballack, the Germans are still a very strong team. With the talent they have they should easily top the group here.
Player to watch: Bastian Schweinsteiger
Australia
Another team that looks the same as the last World Cup. I'm not sure how far they can go... Serbia and Germany are probably too strong for the Socceroos.
Player to watch: Tim Cahill
Serbia
With big name players in the starting 11 they will be a tough nut to crack. I think they will finish second.
Player to watch: Milan Jovanovic
Ghana
Without Michael Essien I think it will be tough for Ghana to get through. They will probably fight out the bottom spot with Australia.
Player to watch: Don't know
Final Standing
Germany
Serbia
Australia
Ghana
Germany
With out their captain Michael Ballack, the Germans are still a very strong team. With the talent they have they should easily top the group here.
Player to watch: Bastian Schweinsteiger
Australia
Another team that looks the same as the last World Cup. I'm not sure how far they can go... Serbia and Germany are probably too strong for the Socceroos.
Player to watch: Tim Cahill
Serbia
With big name players in the starting 11 they will be a tough nut to crack. I think they will finish second.
Player to watch: Milan Jovanovic
Ghana
Without Michael Essien I think it will be tough for Ghana to get through. They will probably fight out the bottom spot with Australia.
Player to watch: Don't know
Final Standing
Germany
Serbia
Australia
Ghana
World Cup South Africa 2010 - Group C
England
The England team looks the same as the previous World Cup. Can they realistically think David James can help them keep the ball out of the net? Why is Heskey in the team? Lots of question only Mr Capello has the answer for.
Player to watch: Wayne Rooney
USA
Soccer has developed a lot in this country and in recent times have produced some decent players. Will be tough to fight for second spot with Slovenia but who knows, they can surprise us.
Player to watch: Clint Dempsey
Algeria
Can't really comment because I know nothing about this team. I am thinking bottom of the group
Player to watch: No comment
Slovenia
Another one I can't comment on but beating Russia to qualify can't be too bad. They will have to fight it out with the US in order to qualify.
Player to watch: No comment
Final Standing
England
Slovenia
USA
Algeria
The England team looks the same as the previous World Cup. Can they realistically think David James can help them keep the ball out of the net? Why is Heskey in the team? Lots of question only Mr Capello has the answer for.
Player to watch: Wayne Rooney
USA
Soccer has developed a lot in this country and in recent times have produced some decent players. Will be tough to fight for second spot with Slovenia but who knows, they can surprise us.
Player to watch: Clint Dempsey
Algeria
Can't really comment because I know nothing about this team. I am thinking bottom of the group
Player to watch: No comment
Slovenia
Another one I can't comment on but beating Russia to qualify can't be too bad. They will have to fight it out with the US in order to qualify.
Player to watch: No comment
Final Standing
England
Slovenia
USA
Algeria
Sunday, June 6, 2010
World Cup South Africa 2010 - Group B
This group I believe is relatively straight forward.
Argentina
Too much talent and class but their downfall could be their coach, Mr Maradona himself. Easily top of the group, no need for further explanation.
Player to watch: Who else? Messi of course!
Nigeria
I don't have much hope for the Super Eagles. If they are lucky they might finish 3rd but it all depends on their match with Greece.
Player to watch: Obafemi Martins
South Korea
I think despite having to group with Argentina, South Korea can finish the group in second place. They are a good team and they could have too much pace and stamina (thanks to ginseng chicken) for the aging forces of Nigeria and Greece.
Player to watch: Lee Chung Yong
Greece
Is it me or are some of these players from Euro 2004? I don't think they can quality beyond group stage.
Player to watch: Theofanis Gekas
Final Standing
Argentina
South Korea
Nigeria
Greece
Argentina
Too much talent and class but their downfall could be their coach, Mr Maradona himself. Easily top of the group, no need for further explanation.
Player to watch: Who else? Messi of course!
Nigeria
I don't have much hope for the Super Eagles. If they are lucky they might finish 3rd but it all depends on their match with Greece.
Player to watch: Obafemi Martins
South Korea
I think despite having to group with Argentina, South Korea can finish the group in second place. They are a good team and they could have too much pace and stamina (thanks to ginseng chicken) for the aging forces of Nigeria and Greece.
Player to watch: Lee Chung Yong
Greece
Is it me or are some of these players from Euro 2004? I don't think they can quality beyond group stage.
Player to watch: Theofanis Gekas
Final Standing
Argentina
South Korea
Nigeria
Greece
World Cup South Africa 2010 - Group A
Group A consist of host South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, and France. This is a pretty tough group for everyone.
South Africa
South Africa as the host should get plenty of support from the crowd and traditionally host countries tend to do quite well. To be honest apart from the ones in the Premier League I don't really know their players. They are a decent team and with the crowd behind them they could finish second in the group and get through to the next stage.
Player to watch: Steven Pienaar
Mexico
Saw them play again England and to be honest not quite convinced with their display. Since then though they have most recently beat Italy in a warm up match and the team is a lot more up beat about their chances. Their goal keeper though is a bit short so that could be their weakness but they have world class players on the field. If they can all stay fit they could take out the group (but I say second is more realistic).
Player to watch: Javier Hernandez
Uruguay
Another team I don't really know much about... but they are South American and they are usually a decent team. Unfortunately I cannot see them getting beyond the group stage and if lucky they may finish 3rd.
Player to watch: Luis Suarez
France
Ah France... Has to be a favourite to take the group right? They were lucky to qualify and having lost to China in the most recent game a lot of people might be writing them off. I however think they are going to come through with the goods and while it will be tough they could finish top with wins against South Africa and one of Mexico or Uruguay.
Player to watch: Yoann Gourcuff
Final Standing
France
Mexico
South Africa
Uruguay
South Africa
South Africa as the host should get plenty of support from the crowd and traditionally host countries tend to do quite well. To be honest apart from the ones in the Premier League I don't really know their players. They are a decent team and with the crowd behind them they could finish second in the group and get through to the next stage.
Player to watch: Steven Pienaar
Mexico
Saw them play again England and to be honest not quite convinced with their display. Since then though they have most recently beat Italy in a warm up match and the team is a lot more up beat about their chances. Their goal keeper though is a bit short so that could be their weakness but they have world class players on the field. If they can all stay fit they could take out the group (but I say second is more realistic).
Player to watch: Javier Hernandez
Uruguay
Another team I don't really know much about... but they are South American and they are usually a decent team. Unfortunately I cannot see them getting beyond the group stage and if lucky they may finish 3rd.
Player to watch: Luis Suarez
France
Ah France... Has to be a favourite to take the group right? They were lucky to qualify and having lost to China in the most recent game a lot of people might be writing them off. I however think they are going to come through with the goods and while it will be tough they could finish top with wins against South Africa and one of Mexico or Uruguay.
Player to watch: Yoann Gourcuff
Final Standing
France
Mexico
South Africa
Uruguay
Hay Fever 2 - KH 0
Yesterday at Hampton Court Palace and today after running... my eyes... It burns! It burns us!
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