Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 13

The quarterfinals are set at the Copa America and now we can finally have some fun. Both Brazil and Argentina have been paired on opposite sides of the bracket, so even though they have had their difficulties in the group stage, the dream final is still a possibility. So, let's get to today's quarterfinals.

(The video previews are courtesy of The Score, a Canadian sports channel and they might not work outside of Canada)

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 10

What do you know we managed to get one right . . . that's a first, unbelievable. It must be a change of scenery at Posts By Panos, or something new in my life. Who knows, we might never know. Anyways let's go to today's match between Argentina and Costa Rica.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 5

I have to admit it has been rather difficult trying to jump into the Copa America, especially with the Women's World Cup and MLS happening at the same time. Furthermore, it appears as if all the big teams, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay all struggled in their opening games and thus we have not had the typical South American flair that the Copa America is all about. Well let's get going with the second set of group games.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 1

I have been meaning to write a comprehensive preview on the Copa America kicking off tonight in Argentina. However due to my vacation I just have not had the time, but that doesn't mean we can't throw some fearless predictions out there, can we?

Just A Typical Argentine Football Fight

Argentines are passionate about football, no doubt about it. But during this mid-week pre-season friendly between Banfield and Estudiantes things get a little heated. By favorite is the goalkeeper who manages to pretend to be Muhammed Ali by floating like a butterfly backwards and refusing to sting like a bee. Like always, the video is after the jump.

2010 FIFA Puskas Award - Poll Question

After watching the nominees for the 2010 FIFA Puskas Award, which goal deserves your vote?

Here are the goals again - http://www.postsbypanos.com/2010/11/2010-fifa-puskas-award-goal-of-year.html

poll by twiigs.com

FIBA World Basketball Championships - Quarterfinal Preview

I am batting .750 going six for eight in picks for the first knockout round of the FIBA World Championships, but let's be honest the games were not that difficult to pick and if I used my head instead of my heart I would have been perfect. Regardless, we are at the quarterfinal stage of the competition, so onto the fearless predictions.

FIBA World Basketball Championships - Sweet Sixteen Preview

After a week and a half of round robin basketball action, we have finally entered the knock-out single elimination stage of the FIBA World Basketball Championships. We have had our fair share of disappointments, thank you Canada and surprises, way to go New Zealand. So let's get our perspective on the upcoming matches with some fearless predictions.

FIBA World Basketball Championships - Group A Preview

In less than a week the FIBA World Basketball Championships will tip-off in Turkey with the top 24 teams competing for the title of World Champion. The United States, Spain, Argentina and Greece are the four favorites for the semifinal spots, with a champion emerging from this group. Spain are the defending World Champions, beating Greece in Japan four years ago. The US have not won this competition since 1994 when the tourney was held in Canada. The competition divides the 24 teams into four groups of six, with the top four teams in each group advancing to the knock-out stages. Over the next couple of days PBP will look at each group and try to provide a concise preview. Let's begin with Group A! Enjoy!

Day 21 Fearless Predictions - Argentina v. Germany

Congratulations to the Netherlands and Uruguay for their victories in the quarterfinals and now we are on to Day 21, with Argentina taking on Germany and Spain battling Paraguay for a place in the semi-finals. Now, on to the picks!

Day 21

Argentina - Germany

Did you know that in eleven of the past thirteen World Cup finals, Germany or Brazil have been in the final? So with the unexpected loss of Brazil, the Germans should be favored against Argentina, just to keep the theme going. Regardless, this match will be very very rough as the Argentines and Germans have engaged in a lot of pre-match trash talking especially from head coach Maradona. Argentina have underachieved since 1994 at the World Cup with no semifinal appearances in both the World Cup and Copa America. This is Argentina's best chance at a title in a couple years considering the firepower of Higuain, Messi and Tevez upfront with reinforcements Aguero and Milito. However, the Argentines are still fragile at the back and goalkeeper Romero does not instill confidence at all. For the Germans, they have been led by Miroslav Klose and the kids, especially Muller and Ozul, who have taken this tournament by storm. The Germans will be organized and defensively sound, but they must score the early goal to rattle the Argentine confidence, because keep in mind that Argentina have yet to play from behind at this World Cup. This game will actually be won between the ears, as whoever emerges with the mental advantage, should win the game. I think the Germans are too mentally strong for Argentina, although Messi will score his first goal in the tournament this afternoon.

Argentina - Germany (2-1)

OVERALL RECORD

31-27

Quarterfinal Match-Ups Are Set

The match-ups are listed below for the quarterfinals. I am going to take the next day off and begin packing my apartment as I am moving, so excuse the silence, but feel free to e-mail, post and remember to vote on the poll to the right. Enjoy!

Quarterfinal Match-Ups:

Friday July 2, 2010

Netherlands - Brazil

Uruguay - Ghana

Saturday July 3, 2010

Argentina - Germany

Paraguay - Spain

Day 17 Fearless Predictions

Ghana upsets the United States while Uruguay outlasted South Korea in the downpour was the story from Day 16 at the World Cup. Day 17 sees two phenomenal match-ups that are all must watch television. Unfortunately, many people in Toronto are worried about the G20 and the protesters and the damage that is being caused in the downtown core. I am not going discuss my views on the matter, but really what is happening downtown is a shame. But forget that, unto the picks!

Day 17

Germany - England

This is going to be a fantastic match-up between two traditional footballing powers. England have struggled thus far at the World Cup while Germany have played one phenomenal game and two average games. The game will see Germany's dynamic yet young squad against England's experienced under-performing veterans. The game will be won and lost in the midfield, unlike many other World Cup matches. If Khedira, Ozul and Muller are able to penetrate the British back four I would expect a German victory. However, if Lampard and Gerrard would be able to finally put it together for England, than the British should be able to win the game. So there it is, whoever wins the middle of the park will win the match, really elementary stuff, don't you think.

Germany - England (2-1)

Argentina - Mexico

The Argentines have been playing the best football at the World Cup so far in dismantling their opposition in the form of Nigeria, South Korea and Greece. Lionel Messi, albeit with a lack of goals, has been the creative force for Diego's men. The Mexicans are an interesting team in that their creative players are all relatively young and inexperienced. This game will be a test of Mexican defensive organization and Argentina's patience, because the goals will not come quick and easy. Remember these two teams met in 2006 in Germany and Maxi Rodriguez's wonder goal in extra time won the match for Argentina. I expect another tight and nervy affair with Argentina to prevail.

Argentina - Mexico (2-0)

OVERALL RECORD

25-25

World Cup Panos Rankings - Edition #3

The group games have been completed and we are left with the final sixteen teams that will battle for the World Cup. All five South American teams have qualified for the next stage, while two of the three North American teams have also qualified coupled with one African and two Asian teams. That leaves only six European sides that have reached the knock out stage. The Americas have shined at this World Cup while Africa and Europe have faltered. So, for fun, let's rank the sixteen remaining teams in this edition's World Cup Panos Rankings. Enjoy!

1. Brazil (1) - Next Match v. Chile

The favorites coasted through their 'Group of Death' and are 90 minutes of football against probably the Dutch to advance to the final. Brazil gets to avoid England, Germany, Spain, Argentina and Portugal until the final, a very favorable draw for the Samba Boys.

2. Argentina (4) - Next Match v. Mexico

Argentina have played some beautiful football, and although Lionel Messi has yet to find the back of the net, you know the goals will soon begin to flow in. I still have my doubts about Diego the Coach, especially with all the touching, and kissing and rubbing. He does remind me of a drunk Danny DeVito with a mullet and a beard. Argentina, assuming they beat Mexico, will face England or Germany in the quarterfinals.

3. Netherlands (3) - Next Match v. Slovakia

As mentioned above, the Dutch are 90 minutes of football against Brazil away from the final. Arjen Robben made a cameo appearance in the final group match versus Cameroon and immediately his introduction led to the winning goal. The Dutch have dangerous attacking players, but are suspect at the back, and they also have the Dutch fragile psyche. This team for all its talents always finds a way to fail at the big hurdle.

4. Spain (10) - Next Match v. Portugal

The Spanish topped Group H even with the opening round loss to Switzerland. Andres Iniesta, in my opinion, is the key man for the Spanish because he takes some of the pressure away from Xavi and will occupy numerous defenders creating open space for his Barca teammate. It is clear that Fernando Torres is not 100% and is still rusty, but David Villa has been more than capable of shouldering the scoring load.

5. Germany (2) - Next Match v. England

The Germans are young and they are talented for sure, the key for the Germans is to make sure that they keep their shape defensively especially given the darting forward runs from Phillip Lahm. Furthermore, the Germans have a difficult road to navigate with a potential quarter-final match-up versus Argentina looming.

6. Portugal (13) - Next Match v. Spain

The Portuguese, other than a 7-0 victory against North Korea, have not scored a goal against better opposition in Brazil and the Ivory Coast. As much as Cristiano Ronaldo might rub people the wrong way with his playacting and diva antics, he is still one of the most talented players in the world and when he is on form he can carry a team.

7. Uruguay (21) - Next Match v. South Korea

Uruguay took advantage of France's demise and the inability of the hosts, South Africa, to defend to win Group A and advance into the easiest quadrant of the knock-out stage. Victories for Uruguay against South Korea and either Ghana or the United States, will see Uruguay make the semi-finals. Furthermore, Diego Forlan has had a splendid tournament leading his team thus far.

8. United States (17) - Next Match v. Ghana

The United States were probably one minute away from a disappointing victory but with Landon Donovan's winning goal the United States topped Group C and will take on Ghana in the Round of 16. The United States have never won back to back games at the World Cup but then again the US never won their third group match and we know how that ended. Also keep in mind that the United States have been in the lead for only 2 minutes during this entire tournament.

9. England (8) - Next Match v. Germany

England have disappointed so far in this World Cup and maybe it is because of the unrivaled pressure their fans and press put on the team. Wayne Rooney looks injured and Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard really doing play well together. Jermaine Defoe and James Milner provided a spark for Don Fabio, but the Three Lions will need someone to step up in order to defeat Germany.

10. Chile (5) - Next Match v. Brazil

The Chileans all out attacking style of play is a pleasure to watch but the Chileans have to thank Honduras for not conceding against Switzerland to punch their ticket to the Round of 16. The Chileans will attack, but the key for the team is if they can defend especially against the Brazilians.

11. Paraguay (19) - Next Match v. Japan

Finish top of your group and for your second round match you get to play Japan, that has to be the earliest Christmas gift the Paraguayans  have ever received. Paraguay are a very stout defensive team that do possess attacking flair and as evidenced by their results against Italy and Slovakia, they will be a difficult out.

12. Mexico (16) - Next Match v. Argentina

The scintillating Round of 16 match between Argentina and Mexico in 2006 was a fantastic game from a neutral's perspective and here is hoping that they duplicate that match when they meet on Sunday. The Mexicans possess and interesting mixture of young and talented (Dos Santos, Vela, Hernandez) with the old and slow (Blanco).

13. Ghana (6) - Next Match v. United States

Ghana are Africa's last hope in this World Cup, and although they are missing their best player, Michael Essien and not playing their second best player, Sulley Muntari, the Ghanaians are in the Round of 16. Victory over the United States will see Ghana with a great opportunity to advance to the semi-finals and we all know that all of Africa will be supporting them.

14. South Korea (11) - Next Match v. Uruguay

South Korea advanced from Group B to make the second round and into a match-up against Uruguay. The South Koreans will need to avoid the early goal because South Korea is lacking the firepower to come back in the match. Credit must be given to the Asian nations because they have defended admirably and attacking with purpose and conviction, unlike their European counterparts.

15. Slovakia (20) - Next Match v. Netherlands

Slovakia played very inspiring football to knock-out the Italians and grab a spot into the Round of 16. Although the Slovakians were ahead by two they still almost let the Italians tie the match so I would suspect that the nerves are frayed for the Slovaks. 

16. Japan (12) - Next Match v. Paraguay

Maybe Takeshi Okada, coach of Japan, was fooling all of us when he claimed that Japan was going to reach the semi-finals, but so far he has delivered and Japan are on course for the semis. But let's be realistic, can the magical run continue?

Live Commentary - Greece v. Argentina

Day 12 Fearless Predictions

The final group games start on Day 12, and two groups will be settled at the end of the day. Both Group A & Group B are in action and all the teams are theoretically alive for the knockout stage, so the games should be exciting and with the Greeks in action, I am sure that I will be fired up as well. Speaking to the Greece -Argentina match, I will be hosting a live chat at 2:00 p.m. EST during the match, so readers can interact with me during the match. There might be times where I will be incoherent and unable to type but for the most part it should be a good session. Onto the picks!

Day 12

France - South Africa

Wow, what a disaster the French team have been, considering the amount of talent that this team possess. Patrice Evra will be dropped from the team due to his altercation with the coach and I suspect several changes will be made to the starting line-up. For South Africa, they are in danger of becoming the first host team to not qualify for the knock-out stage. I think the French situation  is out of control and see South Africa playing worry-free football and winning the game for their people.

France - South Africa (0-2)

Mexico - Uruguay

Both teams need a draw to advance to the last 16, and somehow these things always work out. I am not suggesting collusion or anything along those lines, but these things always work out, that's all I am saying. Furthermore, both teams will be looking for a relaxing game before their Round of 16 matches. A bore draw is on the cards.

Mexico - Uruguay (1-1)

Nigeria - South Korea

The Nigerians need a victory against South Korea and must hope for Argentina to beat Greece, to have any chance to advance to the Round of 16. The Koreans are through to the next round with a draw or victory coupled with an Argentine victory. This match should be wide open and I expect Nigeria to win the match.

Nigeria - South Korea (2-1)

Greece - Argentina

Ahhhh, if only the gods could evoke the memories of 2004 then Greece perhaps will have a chance. I suspect that King Otto will play a defensive game looking to play for the draw and then hopefully use the counter-attack to grab a vital goal. Argentina on the other hand are practically through to the Round of 16 and I expect Diego Maradona to rest some of his veteran players.

Greece - Argentina (1-1)

OVERALL RECORD

17-15

Day 7 Fearless Predictions

Back to below .500, I really am an expert, aren't I? Day 6 saw Uruguay and the one-man show of Diego Forlan dominate South Africa, while the Swiss and Chileans recorded 1-0 wins over Spain and Honduras respectively. It was extremely disappointing to see another favorite under perform, but let's not talk about that, we are onto Day 7 and the picks are in.

Day 7

Argentina - South Korea

Both teams recorded victories in their first match at the World Cup. A victory for Argentina will see them climb to the top of Group B while the South Koreans can also climb the summit with a victory of their own. Maradona has taken the brunt of the pressure off the Argentines with his larger than life personality, while the Koreans exhibit a workmanlike attitude toward their football. In this match I see Lionel Messi pocketing his first goal with a second scored by substitute Diego Milito.

Argentina - South Korea (2-0)

Greece - Nigeria

Greece were extremely poor in their match against South Korea and will need a more determined effort against a Nigerian squad that played well against Argentina. I see Greece scoring a goal, their first in a World Cup, but allow two to the Nigerians and at the end of the day will be in last place in Group B. I expect Nigeria to use their speed along the flanks to expose the slower Greeks.

Greece - Nigeria (1-2)

France - Mexico

With Uruguay's dominant victory over South Africa, this match represents a must win for both teams if they are trying to finish first in the group. Mexico are the more cohesive team and I see them coming away with a 2-1 victory. The French are an absolute mess and if Gallas can't play in the back, I don't see any hope for Les Blues.

France - Mexico (1-2)

OVERALL

8-9

Day 2 Fearless Predictions

Let's keep the good times rolling, shall we?

Day 2

South Korea - Greece

Ahh, my beloved Greeks. Remember I am not impartial I am emotionally invested in the game, and I think two headed goals which would be Greece's first goals ever in the World Cup will lead 'The Pirate Ship' to the big win. However, I have been wrong before and will be wrong again, so don't bet on the game.

South Korea - Greece (1-2)

Argentina - Nigeria

This, in my humble opinion, is a walk in the park for the Argentines. Lionel Messi gets his first goal of the tournament and Maxi Rodriguez adds a second while the Nigerians will struggle to form any attempt of what might be considered as an attack on the Argentine net.

Argentina - Nigeria (2-0)

England - United States

Well, this is the big game of the day isn't it? This game will probably draw the largest TV audience ever for a football broadcast in the United States. However, with all the momentum that soccer is building stateside I think the Brits are just too damn talented for a plucky US squad. Should be a great game, but Rooney and Lampard do the honors for the Three Lions on this day.

England - United States (2-1)

OVERALL RECORD

1-1

Group B Preview

Overview:

Group B is definitely going to be a little more personal than the other groups with the inclusion of my beloved Greek national team. While, they may not be able to re-kindle the magic of 2004, trust me, when I tell you this I will be there watching every game, screaming at the top of my lungs, jumping up and down, and occasionally removing items of clothing as the clock ticks to 90, don't ask me to explain. So where to begin, let's just start at the top where Argentina should find themselves at the end of the group stage. Argentina has enough fire power with Messi, Aguero, Milito, Tevez and Di Maria to field two teams, however the problem with any Argentine team is discipline and defense, and I am not 100% sure Maradona will be able to control those emotions. As for the Nigerian Super Eagles, they recently placed Swedish manager Lars Lagerback in charge. Lagerback will organize the squad but this version of the Super Eagles is not as talented as previous editions and with the loss of John Obi Mikel through injury, things could get tough. South Korea does not have the star power of Argentina but do possess an organized team led by Park Ji-Sung, but it must be noted that they have yet to win a World Cup match outside of South Korea. The Greeks have been very disappointing in the near lead-up to the World Cup but with the doggedness of King Otto Rehhagel leading the charge perhaps another miracle is in order.

Players To Watch:

Argentina - Lionel Messi - Messi is arguably the best player in the world, and this is his opportunity to further illustrate that. Messi was phenomenal this last domestic campaign with Barcelona the only question is if he can replicate his form with Argentina. Maradona has built this version of the Argentine squad around Messi, so all the appropriate measures are in place for him to have a great tournament.

Nigeria - Peter Odemwingie - Born to a Russian mother and Nigeria father Odemwingie was probably the best player for Nigeria during the recent African Cup of Nations. Known as Osaze to the Nigerian faithful a strong World Cup will lead to a host of suitors for his services. Odemwingie has explosive pace and has a propensity to attack from the left.

Greece - Giorgos Karagounis - The current captain for the Greek national team supplies all the set pieces for 'The Pirate Ship.' He plays with unmatched tenacity and emotion, and should be the fulcrum for the Greek attacks. Karagounis also would not hesitate to get stuck into a tackle and could see his fare share of yellow cards.

South Korea - Park Ji-Sung - Park is the key member of the South Korean squad and he captains the national team. Although he is carrying an injury into the World Cup, Park will be looked as the key member for the squad. Furthermore, with a younger squad, the South Koreans will look to Park for leadership and his experiences in Europe with Manchester United.

Projected Order Of Finish:

Argentina

Greece

Nigeria

South Korea