Spectacular Brazilian Goal

Just a short little write-up, but here is one of the most fantastic goals I have ever seen. The goal is courtesy of non other than Mr. Neymar. Just enjoy after the jump.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 14

The two favorites fell on Saturday, will the favorites fall on Sunday in the second day of quarterfinals at the Copa America? Brazil take on Paraguay while Chile play surprise package Venezuela. Let's take a look at these match-ups in greater detail with another edition of fearless predictions.

(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 12

Both Uruguay and Chile snatched winning goals to secure their spot in the quarterfinals at the Copa America. Peru joins them in the knockout stage while Mexico exits securing only a draw against Chile. So while the big guns in South America are all beginning to flex their muscles, we will wait with anticipation to see if Brazil can wake up from their slumber. It looks like it is time for another set of fearless predictions.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 12

After the shocking elimination of Germany yesterday at the World Cup, honestly, anything can happen during the knockout stage. France bounced back from a goal down to beat England in penalties to win the earlier quarterfinal match. So what will happen today?

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 8

The toss-up continues at the Copa America as I continue to misfire with my fearless predictions. Honestly, I have a better shot at predicting when Greece will default on their debt rather than who will win the group matches at the Copa America.

Women's World Cup Panos Power Rankings - Edition #2

With the group stages completed at the Women's World Cup, I must say I have been captivated by the tournament. The level of play has surprised me and the lack of the theatrics that mar that men's game are not on display. The three big favorites still remain in Germany, the United States and Brazil with the only surprise, if you can even call it that, is that Canada were sent home early. Of course with the conclusion of the group stage, there is only one thing left to do . . . here are the PBP Power Rankings, Edition #2.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 10

First of all I would like to extend my apologies to the loyal followers of Posts By Panos, because as I assumed the Day 9 fearless predictions did not post. Of course, any betting losses that have been incurred, just be sure to put it on my tab. But if you are betting on the Women's World Cup and relying on me for your advice well you have bigger problems than a couple lost dollars.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 3

Keeping with the theme of short and sweet, here are the Day 3 fearless predictions for the Copa America.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 8

Exhausted, so this is a short fearless predictions for Day 8 at the Women's World Cup.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 4

Day 3 at the Women's World Cup continued with Marky Mark's good vibrations for our fearless predictions as both Sweden and the United States won their respective matches. Day 4 sees Group D take center stage and all the focus will be on Brazil and the attacking threat of their superstar Marta.

Women's World Cup Panos Power Rankings - Edition #1

With a couple days to go before the start of the Women's World Cup it is time for a Posts By Panos tradition as we present the first edition of the Women's World Cup Power Rankings. Enjoy!

Sidenote: Odds are given as a multiplier and were taken from www.betbrain.com

Women's World Cup Preview - Group D

Welcome to the final World Cup group preview featuring Brazil, Norway, Australia and Equatorial Guinea. This group will likely come down to the Brazil-Norway match to determine who finishes first and second. Norway has been one of women's soccer greatest powers while Brazil have dominated South America due to the all-world talents of Marta. The key is if they can avoid a slip against Asian champion Australia or newcomer Equatorial Guinea.

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 - 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 B 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. It's time for Group B! Enjoy!

Brazil's Blues

Sneijder Gives Brazil The Blues

From an early age I learned that no team really beats Brazil, but rather Brazil beats itself. Similar to the Canadian men's hockey team, the talent in Brazil can easily field three to four World Cup teams that are capable of contending for the title. However, this version of the Selecao did not play football in the manner of previous versions. Dunga focused on defensive responsibilities and counterattacking football in what some in the media dubbed as pragmatic football. Dunga silenced his critics by winning the Confederations Cup in 2009 and with some scintillating performances in the lead-up to the World Cup. However, the knives were out after a lackluster showing against North Korea and a scoreless draw versus Portugal. Furthermore, in contrast to the media-friendly Brazilians of the past, this version of the squad was closed off to the media and most press conferences were only attended by Dunga. Also, curfews and strict team meetings were on the agenda.

Brazil entered their match against the Netherlands as the favorite, however, not the overwhelming favorite that some made them out to be. For the Dutch, their match-up against Brazil was their biggest test at the World Cup after enjoying a 4 out 4 start to their campaign. The Dutch plan revolved around controlling possession, avoiding the early goal and try to sneak a winner in at the end, while Brazil would keep their shape defensively, counterattack and win the game comfortably.

And the game could not have started more brightly for the Brazilians as they dominated the early exchanges abusing Holland's wing backs with the darting runs of Robinho and Kaka, and were unlucky not to find themselves ahead by more than one goal. The goal was created by a brilliant through ball from Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo who spotted Robinho making a darting run to the box, and Robinho coolly took his chance and buried the ball into the net. Brazil was flying and then came the halftime whistle.

For the first 10 minutes of the second half, the Dutch could not muster much offensive firepower as the Brazilian defensive plan was working to perfection. And then, a mistake happened amongst Julio Cesar and Felipe Melo as Wesley Sneijder's cross was delivered into the box. Both Cesar and Melo went for the ball and either due a lack of communication or just a simple goalkeeping error, Melo headed the ball into the back of the next, and all of a sudden the Dutch were back in the game. This was the turning point of the game in my opinion.

After the tying goal, the Dutch began to impose their will on the game and Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommell were controlling the center of the park. Furthermore, Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano disappeared from the match either falling victim to the over confidence of the early goal or the plain shock as a result of the Dutch equalizer. Keep in mind that Melo's own goal was the first own goal the Brazilians conceded ever in the World Cup, that is approximately 96 games, absolutely stunning.

In the 68th minute the Dutch won a corner which was taken by Arjen Robben and flicked on at the near post by Dirk Kyut finally reaching the bald head of Sneijder, who buried the ball into the top left corner. Sneijder was shocked at the goal and so was I, as Sneijder is one of the smallest players on the park and should of never had a free header in the box. Brazil had lost their confidence and it was evident as both center backs Juan and Lucio were pylons.

Then, our main man, Felipe Melo committed the ultimate bone-headed play of the game. Granted Arjen Robben was falling to the ground rather easily when he felt any type of Brazilian pressure, but to see Felipe Melo blatantly step on Robben, in any book, is a direct red card, no questions asked. Melo who an hour earlier delivered the most perfect of through balls to set up Robinho's opening goal was now taking an early shower and more or less responsible for sending the Brazilians home.

As mentioned above, Brazil don't lose to other teams, they actually beat themselves. Did the early goal for Brazil lead to complacency, not an uncommon state of mind for many Brazilian squads of the past? With so much talent at your disposal, when the game starts that simply for you and you take the early lead, it is only natural that you let up a little, and that is exactly what Brazil did. 

Furthermore, there was no leadership on the park for this version of the Brazilian team. Lucio, for all of his defensive strengths, makes too many stupid and reckless plays, to be considered as a captain or a leader. Granted he has had his success with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, but he never was elected vice-captain or captain during his tenure with those clubs. Lucio is a fantastic player but not a motivator, someone that could of challenged the Brazilian team when they fell behind to the Dutch in the 68th minute.

Where was the bench for the Brazilians? Dunga was forced to substitute Michel Bastos for Gilberto early in the second half to avoid a second yellow card, but looking at the roster and the available substitutes there was no firepower in reserves for Brazil when they went behind by a goal. Kaka was clearly not 100%, Luis Fabiano failed to show up and Robinho was the only player of class for the Brazilian team. Two defensive midfielders in the form of Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo is not how Brazil play, and with the absence of Elano due to injury, playing Daniel Alves out of position is not an answer. Some of the fault has to lie on Dunga.

At the end of the day, the Brazilians played approximately 55 minutes of football and then just did not show up for the rest of the match. Granted, the Dutch might have fallen to the ground a tad easier than expected, but all of their goals were a result of miscommunication, goalkeeping errors and poor set-piece marking. The Dutch took the game to Brazil and honestly, deserved their victory.

Day 20 Fearless Predictions - Netherlands v. Brazil

So we have taken this show on the road as we are at The Queen and Beaver at 33 Elm Street, so if you are in the Toronto area, be sure to stop by and visit the Posts By Panos Crew, of three. Quarterfinal Friday and Saturday is upon us and I am experiencing two distinct emotions, sadness and excitement. Sadness because this magical month of World Cup football is almost over but excitement because Holland and Brazil are the first game. Let's get to the picks!

Day 20

Netherlands - Brazil

This game really is worthy of a final as the Dutch and the Brazilians will do battle in the quarterfinals. The Dutch will line-up in their customary 4-2-3-1 formation with Robin van Persie playing as the lone striker. The Brazilians will be approaching this match with an intent to strike the Dutch via the counterattack. The concern for the Brazilians is that they will be wearing their blue jerseys because they have been deemed to be the away team, and they have been very unlucky wearing the blue jersey. This game will hinge on the ability of the Dutch attacking quartet of Sneijder, van Persie, Robben and Kuyt to penetrate the Brazilian back line led by Lucio and Juan. Julio Cesar is a phenomenal goalkeeper who should be tested in this match, unlike prior games where he rarely saw the ball. When Brazil attacks they will rely on the wizardry of Kaka and the attacking prowess of Luis Fabiano and Robinho. The Dutch will probably have the advantage in possession while Brazil will, as mentioned earlier, rely on the counterattack. I see Brazil scoring the first goal, with the Dutch scoring two goals in the second half to secure the victory.

Netherlands - Brazil (2-1)

OVERALL RECORD

30-26

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 18 Fearless Predictions

Technology, instant replay and dominant football were the major themes from Day 17 at the World Cup. I will try to attempt to touch on the use of technology and instant replay in a later post that should go up this afternoon. Day 18 at the World Cup sees the Netherlands and Brazil assume their favorites label against Slovakia and Chile respectively. So, onto the picks!

Day 18

Netherlands - Slovakia

The Dutch should welcome Arjen Robben to the starting eleven, while dropping van der Vaart to the bench due to a calf injury. So far the team that has scored the first goal in the Round of 16 matches as gone on to win the match. I expect the Dutch to strike first before halftime and then cruise to victories with two goals in the final 20 minutes of the match. The Slovakians will play with nothing to lose and will attack right from the start, so we should see an entertaining match, but at the end of the day the Dutch will be too strong.

Netherlands - Slovakia (3-0)

Brazil - Chile

Chile will attack and attack, while the Brazilians will be patient and organized and try to use the counter attack to score their goals. Is today opposite day? What happened to the Brazil that attacked and attacked, ahhh thank you Dunga for your pragmatist approach to football. Regardless Brazil will do just fine in this game, and with Kaka back in the line-up they should do very well against a Chilean squad that is missing several key players due to yellow cards and are therefore suspended. Chile will attack through Alexis Sanchez and just maybe, if they score the early goal they could have a chance.

Brazil - Chile (3-1)

OVERALL

27-25

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?