Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - The Final

The final step in a month long football marathon is upon us as the Women's World Cup is set to be decided by the United States and Japan. Both teams have had their share of ups and downs during the tournament but now they are a mere ninety minutes from the title.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 13

Semifinal Wednesday does not quite have a ring to it, does it? Well, it doesn't matter because the semifinals for the Women's World Cup take place tomorrow afternoon and we will be a step closer to crowning a new queen in woman's football. So who do we think is going to win, well here are our fearless predictions.

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.

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

Day 19 Fearless Predictions

Kids, here we are with the final Round of 16 matches as Paraguay battles Japan, and then Spain will take on Portugal in the late match. I will be providing a live commentary of that match, so be sure to come back at 2:00 p.m. EST. It should be a fascinating round of games. Onto the picks!

Day 19

Paraguay - Japan

Keisuke Honda has carried Japan thus far and will be expected to shoulder the load for Japan in their match-up against Paraguay. Both teams have exceeded expectations and with the opportunity to go to the quarter-finals I assume both teams will be nervous and defensive to start the match. Paraguay will line-up in a 4-3-3 while attacking from the flanks and using a holding midfielder for defensive purposes. Roque Santa Cruz has yet to score for Paraguay and it will either be hit or miss for him and the squad. If he manages to score, I expect Paraguay to advance, however, Takeshi Okada has fooled me once, and I am sticking with this fearless manager.

Paraguay - Japan (0-1)

Spain - Portugal

Here we go with the best game of the Round of 16 on tap for this afternoon. Spain, after their initial scare from Switzerland, managed to finish top of their group and avoid Brazil until the final. Xabi Alonso is the major injury doubt for Spain and Javi Martinez has been tipped to start in his place. However, I would start Cesc Fabregas for a more attacking line-up against Portugal. Portugal have played very well in the tournament so far, not allowing a single goal but also only scoring in one of their games, as they have played two dour 0-0 draws. For Portugal to succeed, they need to have Cristiano in the mood along with support from either Danny, Tiago or Simao. This game has the potential to be wide-open, but I see a defensive game that will be tense and tight.

Spain - Portugal (2-0)

OVERALL RECORD

29-25

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 14 Fearless Predictions

Wow, what drama as the United States scored a late goal to secure their passage to the Round of 16 while elminating the Slovenians who lost to England, 1-0. The Americans victory sees them leap frog England into first place in Group C and into a quadrant of South Korea, Uruguay and Ghana for a place in the Final 4. Not many would of had that before the tourney. As you can see, when I choose the games with my head rather than my heart, thank you Greece, I actually can pick one or two. Day 14 sees Group E & F up for grabs with only the Netherlands having secured a spot into the last round. All the pressure will be on the Italians in their match against Slovakia. Onto the picks!

Day 14

Paraguay - New Zealand

You have to be impressed with the All-Whites who have secured two points from their first two matches and find themselves with a fighting chance to qualify for the Round of 16 if they can secure victory against Paraguay. Paraguay can secure first place in the group with a victory and will look to do so to avoid the Dutch in the next round. The dream dies for the Kiwis, but what a ride it was.

Paraguay - New Zealand (2-0)

Slovakia - Italy

Slovakia can secure their passage into the Round of 16 if they beat Italy and New Zealand fails to beat Paraguay. The key during this match revolves around who will control the midfield battle between both sides and if Andrea Pirlo will be fit for the Italians. Usually the Italians excel in the third group game and I assume that they will be able to do the job against Slovakia and set up a match-up versus the Dutch.

Slovakia - Italy (1-2)

Cameroon - Netherlands

Cameroon have already been assured of an early flight home, while the Dutch, with a point, will secure first place in the Group. I do not expect many of the Dutch veterans to be in the squad and I expect to see a youthful squad led by Hunterlaar, Babel and Elia. Furthermore, this is Cameroon's final attempt to salvage some pride for their nation after a horrendous showing at the World Cup. Regardless I see the Dutch playing well and cruising into the last 16.

Cameroon - Netherlands (0-2)

Denmark - Japan

It comes down to this, winner takes all for a place in the Round of 16. The Danes played extremely well in their match against Cameroon and I expect them to take the game to the Japanese. Japan have been resilient themselves but hardly have they attacked with any flair or conviction. They can still hold out but they know they need a victory to get to the knock-out stage.

Denmark - Japan (1-0)

OVERALL RECORD

21-19

Day 9 Fearless Predictions

Day 8 brought more surprises than anyone could imagine, from Serbia's victory over Germany, to the US's comeback against the Slovenians to finally England's abysmal performance against Algeria. However, most of these games were affected by poor refereeing decisions. I will touch on the poor refereeing in an upcoming 'State of Play' piece and offer my suggestions to FIFA to help solve this problem. But that is for a different day. It's the weekend, so enjoy the games where ever you may be watching and onto to the picks.

Day 9

Netherlands - Japan

The Dutch were victorious in their prior match against the Danes, while the Japanese shocked Cameroon 1-0. The Oranje are expecting Arjen Robben back for this game, and he could provide a difference on the wings and relegate Rafael van der Vaart to the bench. I was thoroughly impressed Eljero Elia in his cameo appearance and he was unlucky not to grab a goal. The Japanese will remain compact and organized and look to nip a goal from a set piece or via the counter attack.

Netherlands - Japan (2-0)

Ghana - Australia

Ghana are in prime position to put a stranglehold on Group D especially with Serbia's victory over Germany the day before. Ghana did not offer much going forward against Serbia but they are still extremely organized and structured and Australia will find them difficult to breakdown. The Aussies are missing their best player Tim Cahill due to suspension and will find it difficult to score.

Ghana - Australia (1-0)

Cameroon - Denmark

The best game of a rather boring group of games sees Cameroon and Denmark embark on a must-win scenario. Both teams lost their previous match and will be going for the three points. I see a determined Cameroon using Samuel E'too as an out and out striker and eventually outscoring the Danes in what might be the match of the tournament. I hope!

Cameroon - Denmark (3-2)

OVERALL

11-12

Day 4 Fearless Predictions

Finally, our first dominant World Cup performance. Thank you Germany. Let's move ahead with Day 4, where we will see the defending champions Italy in action coupled with the Dutch, Danes, Japanese, Paraguayans and Cameroonians. And now unto the picks.

Day 4

Netherlands - Denmark

Without Arjen Robben the Dutch could struggle against their sternest test in the group stage. I expect Sneijder and van Persie to pick up the slack for the Oranje and see them walking away with a 3-1 victory against the Danes who might be missing Nicolas Bendtner.

Netherlands - Denmark (3-1)

Japan - Cameroon

So far African teams in the tournament have one win, two losses and one tie. Let's even things out and give the Lions the victory over the Japanese. I see E'too snatching two goals in a key victory for Cameroon before their big matches against the Dutch and Danes.

Japan - Cameroon (0-2)

Italy - Paraguay

Italy will be missing Andrea Pirlo and I feel that the squads creativity will be lacking with his absence. This match has the potential to be an absolute dogfight between two defensive organized squads. Therefore, I see this match ending in a draw. Both teams cancel each other out.

Italy - Paraguay (1-1)

OVERALL RECORD

4-4

Group E Preview

Overview:

Group E sees the Netherlands, Denmark, Cameroon and Japan do battle for the coveted top two spots and berths into the Round of 16. The Dutch are led by a quartet of attackers in the form of Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Rafael van der Vaart. Sneijder and Robben have both been in impeccable form during their respective domestic campaigns leading Inter Milan and Bayern Munich to the Champions League final. The Dutch have also been extremely impressive in their pre-World Cup friendlies but like anything with the Oranje you would not exactly bet on them to perform when the pressure is on. Denmark has been a very interesting team during this World Cup qualifying season as they have been blending their youth into Morten Olsen's squad while fading out the old and experienced. Denmark progressed to the World Cup by finishing first in a group that included Sweden and Portugal. The Danes will heavily rely on the attacking pedigree of Nicolas Bendtner, who if continues his form with Arsenal will need at least 5 chances before he hits the back of the net. Cameroon is probably the African team with the greatest tradition and pedigree at the World Cup. Who can forget Roger Milla's goal in 1994 when Cameroon shocked Argentina 1-0? Regardless this edition of the Lions is led by ego-driven striker Samuel E'too. E'too is a fantastic striker only if he wants to be but his recent fued with the head coach might spell trouble for this African footballing nation. Japan have never won a World Cup match outside of their homeland. That being said they must have the most arrogant coach of all time, Takeshi Okado, who realistically believes that Japan can make the semi-finals. Well, Mr. Okado needs to remind his players which goal to shoot at because in their past two friendlies before the World Cup they have allowed three own goals.

Players To Watch:

Netherlands - Wesley Sneijder - Sneijder recently led Inter Milan to Champions League glory and he will be asked to lead the Clockwork Orange towards their first World Cup triumph. Wesley will play in the center of the park for the Dutch and will be asked to pull the strings for the squad while setting up goals for front men Robin van Persie, Dirk Kuyt and Arjen Robben.

Denmark - Christian Poulsen - Yes attackers make all the money and get the supermodels, but it is the holding midfielders like Denmark's Christian Poulsen that win championships. Poulsen, while at Sevilla, was responsible for the defensive responsibilities while Dani Alves made his darting runs from his right-back position. This led to his multi-million Euro move to The Old Lady, Juventus.

Cameroon - Samuel E'too - E'too is not only Cameroon's best and most talented player but he is also their most volatile player. Cameroon will only advance if E'too is on his best form and best behavior. But let's be honest, E'too is on winning teams, case in point his back to back Champions League winners medals.

Japan - Shunsuke Nakamura - Lately, Japan have been scoring more goals on their own net than the oppositions. The onus to score falls on the shoulders of Nakamura who is expected to deliver killer set pieces to Japan's target men. Nakamura has the pedigree from his time with Celtic in the SPL.

Projected Order Of Finish:

Netherlands

Cameroon

Denmark

Japan