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 11

Two in a row . . . watch out kids, we are on a roll right now. Finally Argentina were able to score a couple goals in a complete anihilation of Costa Rica. Lionel Messi played his most complete game of the tournament and when he plays well, well Argentina will play well. So how is today shaping up at the Copa America, here are today's fearless predictions.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 7

In the tournament of randomness known as the Copa America, favorites become underachievers and underdogs become world-class footballing nations. To be honest, I am way too confused to even offer any form of a decent analysis of what has been the first six days of the tournament. At this point we are rolling the proverbial dice and banking on some good fortune to come our way.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 4

Time for some more Copa America fearless predictions. As promised there will be more detail once I return home from vacation.

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?

Day 15 Fearless Predictions

Day 14 saw the defending champions Italy finish behind New Zealand in Group F, think about that for a second. New Zealand have three players who currently don't have professional contracts while the Italians are well the Italians, amazing. So here we go with the final round of group games as Groups G & H come to their conclusion. Three spots are up for grabs with the Brazilians having already punched their ticket for the next round.

Day 15

Portugal - Brazil

The Brazilians have already secured passage to the Round of 16, and may rest some of their players in this match-up against Portugal. However, Brazil's second team still could challenge for a World Cup, especially when it is held outside of Europe. The Portuguese are virtually assured of qualifying for the next round due to their romp over North Korea. This game, I am hoping, will be entertaining and filled with attacking skill and flair.

Portugal - Brazil (0-2)

North Korea - Ivory Coast

Can the Elephants upstage the Portuguese and beat North Korea by a score greater than 7 and make it into the second round? Highly doubtful, but the Ivorians should dominate the North Koreans. My concern is for the safety of the North Korean players especially after their poor showing in the Portugal match.

North Korea - Ivory Coast (0-3)

Switzerland - Honduras

The Swiss will be looking for a win in their match-up against Honduras and hope for a Chilean victory over the Spanish to give them a chance for the Round of 16. Even with a tie and a Spanish loss the Swiss will still make the next round of play. Honduras are virtually all but eliminated from the World Cup and might look to squeeze a result to satisfy their fans.

Switzerland - Honduras (1-0)

Chile - Spain

The Chileans with a victory or draw will make it 5 for 5 for South American teams advancing to the Round of 16. Meanwhile, the Spanish will look to beat the Chileans to avoid playing Brazil in the next round. This will be an attacking game that could see goals and excitement throughout the park. A perfect game to end the group stage.

Chile - Spain (2-3)

OVERALL RECORD

22-22

Day 11 Fearless Predictions

Italy ties New Zealand and with that we have officially welcomed you to the World Cup of randomness. I am not sure what to make of all these supposedly football powerhouses playing so poorly, maybe they are just not very good. Regardless, the Brazilians looked great in their victory over the Ivory Coast and Paraguay continued South America's fantastic form with a deserved victory over Slovakia. Day 11 sees the Iberian peninsula in action while Chile & Switzerland will look to seize control in Group H. Onto the picks!

Day 11

Portugal - North Korea

With Brazil's victory over the Ivory Coast, the Portuguese need to win this game and win the game convincingly in order to secure second place in the group and a potential first round match-up against the winner of the Chile & Switzerland match-up later in the afternoon. I expect Portugal to overcome North Korea with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first goal for Portugal in 18 months.

Portugal - North Korea (2-0)

Chile - Switzerland

The winner of this game will be in pole position to finish in first place in Group H. Chile play a very attacking possession style of football. The spine of the team is the same as the 3rd place team from the 2007 U20 World Cup in Toronto, and the majority of those players are playing in Europe's top leagues. The Swiss will keep their defensive structure and try to hit Chile on the counterattack or via the set-piece. Keep in mind that the Swiss have not conceded a goal in their previous 5 World Cup matches, phenomenal.

Chile - Switzerland (1-0)

Spain - Honduras

Perhaps everyone has overrated Spain, but this is still an immensely talented team that won the Euro in 2008. However, could they be tired? The majority of their players play in La Liga and the Champions League, and participation in both competitions is strenuous and energy sapping. Regardless Spain should and must win against Honduras. I expect the Spanish to play a little more direct, not always looking for the perfect goal, and eventually dominate Honduras.

Spain - Honduras (3-0)

OVERALL RECORD

14-15

Day 6 Fearless Predictions

Day 6 sees Group H finally take the field for their first games at the World Cup. Furthermore, the Bafana Bafana are back in action against Uruguay. After Day 6, every team will have at least played one game, so be sure to expect an updated Panos Rankings coupled with a State of Play piece on the quality scene on the pitch at the World. Onto the games!

Day 6

Honduras - Chile

Everything about this game screams wide open attacking football. Both teams love to attack and all we can hope for is our first wide open game at the World Cup. But for some reason nothing is going according to plan, so with absolutely no logic I see Chile scoring twice and beating Honduras in the early match.

Honduras - Chile (0-2)

Spain - Switzerland

Brazil was not quite Brazil against a determined North Korean squad, so here is hoping that Spain can re-affirm its favorite status with an exquisite performance of attacking flair. The Swiss are missing several key players in Frei and Behrami and will find it tough against a Spanish side that is also missing Iniesta and Torres.

Spain - Switzerland (2-0)

South Africa - Uruguay

The Bafana Bafana are still undefeated in 16 games now after their opening round match against Mexico. Buoyed by the vuvuzelas and the rowdy crowd I expect South Africa to score an early goal and hold for the victory. Uruguay are currently lacking creativity in the midfield and with the red card to Nicolas Lodeiro their options are limited.

South Africa - Uruguay (1-0)

OVERALL

7-7

Group H Preview

Overview:

Here we are with the final group left to be previewed with Group H. Group H contains one of this year's World Cup favorites, Spain. La Furia Rioja will be a treat to watch in South Africa especially considering the offensive firepower that is at their disposal. Led by their midfield, Spain will rely on Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas to pull the strings in the middle with David Villa and Fernando Torres asked to score the goals. Spain is led by their captain Iker Casillas who has constantly been rated as one of the top keepers in the world. Switzerland, Chile and Honduras will be expected to battle for the second spot behind Spain. The Swiss are led by the former FC Bayern gaffer Omar Hitzfield. Hitzfield has instilled a sense of discipline within the squad yet with such a young squad perhaps the time for the Swiss success will come in four years. The Chileans are an interesting story. Their coach is ex-Argentina supremo Marcelo Bielsa and he has led the team to second place in COMMEBOL qualifying. However, the Chileans have yet to remedy a leaky defense and this could potentially lead to their downfall. Chile will also look to Humberto Suazo for the goals and I fully expect a strong tournament from this forward. Honduras have qualified for the World Cup only once before in 1982 and thanks to a 92nd minute goal from the US against Costa Rica they were able to punch their ticket to South Africa. Honduras are led by Wilson Palacios, Amado Guevara and Maynor Figueroa. Guevara is an ex-TFC player who asked for his release from the MLS club in order to prepare for the World Cup and this would undoubtedly be his greatest highlight in professional football.

Players To Watch:

Spain - Xavi - Quite simply the best creative midfielder in the world, Xavi will be responsible for pulling the strings for the Spanish. The Barcelona star will have free reign from the coaches of Spain and much is expected from his at this tournament.

Switzerland - Gokhan Inler - Inler currently plays for Udinese in the Italian Serie A and with a strong World Cup he will not be playing their anymore as one of the big teams will surely snatch him up. Inler is of Turkish decent and is a creative playmaker who is not hesitant to get stuck in with a hard tackle.

Chile - Humberto Suazo - Suazo is a striker who plays in Spain with Real Zaragoza.  This 29 year-old is the key front man for the Chileans and although he is carrying a knock into the tournament he should be ready to go for the first game against Honduras.

Honduras - Wilson Palacios - Palacios might be more well known for his personal life and the numerous kidnappings that have occurred to his family. Palacios plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the EPL and this creative winger represents one of Honduras' greatest talents.

Projected Order Of Finish:

Spain

Chile

Switzerland

Honduras