Euro 2012 - Quarterfinal #4 (England v. Italy)

Barely recovering from last night's birthday festivities and we manage to squeeze in a fearless prediction for today's quarterfinal between England and Italy.

Euro 2012 Fearless Predictions - Day 12

After almost two weeks of Euro 2012 excitement we have reached the final round of games in the group stage. Group D takes center stage as France, England and Ukraine battle for the final two remaining spots in the knock-out round. Sweden, by virtue of their two defeats, have already been eliminated. Well let's get to it with our fearless predictions.

Euro 2012 Fearless Predictions - Days 6-8

You could argue I have been lazy, but I would rather say I have been pre-occupied. See, I have traveled down south to the coast of Maryland for the lovely wedding of two good friends from business school. Unable to post any fearless predictions, has clearly left my readers in a loop, but here is recap of what I would have predicted.

Euro 2012 Fearless Predictions - Day 4

Mondays are typically bad and when you compound them with being at the office while the Euro is ongoing, it really does not make for a fun start to the week. Regardless, this is my situation, what is yours? Skipping work, taking a 'sick' day or enjoying the life of being a graduate student and waking up just in time for kick-off? Anyways, here are today's fearless predictions.

Euro 2012 - Group D Preview

Before I jump into the Posts By Panos preview on Group D at Euro 2012, we should all take a step back and respect the spectacle for what it is, the best 16 teams in Europe battling for a continental championship. See in four years in France for Euro 2016, the tournament expands to 24 teams thus diluting the product and ruining what is probably the best month in sports. Regardless, let's get into Group D.

The Manchester City Reaction

Honestly, I didn't think I had a chance in hell of watching Manchester City - QPR. See, I was en route to Orlando for work and with a 10:30 am departure time, yes it was poorly planned, there was no hope for me. But, thanks to the good people at WestJet and their live television feature on all their flights I was in luck and manged to catch what will probably go down as one of the most climatic days in EPL history.

EPL Round #30 Fearless Predictions

After a slew of midweek matches during Round #29 of the EPL, we are back on a regular schedule with a full slate of games for this weekend.

The Worst Job In Football

The formative years of my footballing education began in a living room in a house that was indistinguishable than any other house on my street. Living in your prototypical compound in Saudi Arabia, if anything involving living on compound in Saudi Arabia is prototypical, my footballing education was due in large parts to my relationship with a television, an antenna and my father.

A Way Too Early Look At Euro 2012

Congratulations we have all survived another two year qualifying cycle for a major footballing tournament. This time we have managed to whittle down 53 of Europe's footballing nations to the 16 that will compete in Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. So that only means that Posts By Panos has to give you a way to early look at the tournament.

The New CEO At Mansfield Town

Sometimes, perhaps once or twice a month, you read something on the internet that makes you go . . . . seriously, I could do that. Well here is one of those situations.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 11

Eight teams are left at the Women's World Cup and this is where the tournament truly gets going. Let's take a look at the first two quarterfinal match-ups and pick our winners in this edition of fearless predictions.

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 9

It appears as if my Fearless Predictions for Day of the Women's World Cup did not post before my flight home from New York City. Regardless, here they are.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 6

Live from New York . . . . it's your fearless predictions. Yes, it's true I have embarked on a little holiday, leaving Toronto and Canada in the good hands of Prince William and Pippa's sister Kate Middleton. Regardless, do not expect the same tenacity with the fearless predictions but here they are regardless.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 2

After achieving perfection on the first day of the Women's World Cup, there is only way to go from here . . . . and unfortunately that is down. I must say the view from the top was rather lovely. Onto the predictions.

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 B

Group B, at first glance, looks relatively straight forward as both Japan and England are favored to advance to the knock-out stage. However, Mexico should not be discounted as they recently beat the United States in the Concacaf qualifying tournament while New Zealand could always be a darkhorse.

Thoughts From Roy Keane

Fantastic television, Roy Keane, current manager of Ipswich Town and former player Manchester United captain shares his thoughts on England's dismissal from the World Cup.

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?