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.

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 - 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.

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.

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?

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 1 Fearless Predictions

How can I consider myself a World Cup 'expert' without making some sort of ridiculous predictions, so before each day I will predict the score for each game the night before. Let's start with Day 1:

Day 1

South Africa - Mexico

South Africa will be boosted by the raucous crowd and the appearance of 91 year-old Nelson Mandela in the crowd. Expect the Bafana Bafana to score two first half goals before Mexico pots a consolation goal making the final minutes of the game a nervy affair.

South Africa - Mexico (2-1)

Uruguay - France

Both teams will not be able to live up to the pageantry of the first game, and I anticipate a dull draw. The French are in tatters with whispers of turmoil affecting the team and ex-captain Thierry Henry, but I still see them holding Diego Forlan to one goal while Nicholas Anelka pops one in for Les Blues.

Uruguay - France (1-1)

Group A Preview

Let's get something straight, over the course of the next couple of days, so-called soccer 'experts' will try to provide previews and predictions on what they think is going to happen at the World Cup. Here is the truth, no one is an expert, a lot of different soccer correspondents and footie fanatics might know a little bit more than you, but really no one is an expert. Case in point, try to find someone who had a World Cup final of Italy - France four years ago. So in reality, all that you are left to do is to try to accumulate as much information as you can, learn about certain players, find out who is and is not injured and at the end of the day enjoy the games.

So, ignoring what is said above, I will try to provide my own 'expert' analysis via a group by group preview of the World Cup. Let's begin with the first group, Group A:

Overview:

Group A is probably the hardest group to predict because of the relative similarities between all four teams and how even all teams appear to be before the start of the tournament. The South Africans will rely on their home field advantage and will be backed by the support of 90,000+ screaming fans coupled with their beloved vuvuzelas. The Mexicans have managed to blend youth and experience in a squad that are performing extremely well in the pre-World Cup friendlies. The French are an interesting case, some of their players including William Gallas are boycotting the media and their coach, Raymond Domenech, because Domenech chose Patrice Evra for the captaincy, after Thierry Henry was regulated to the bench, instead of Gallas. With the French, there is always drama, but least we forget, that Domenech was the same coach who led Les Blues to the World Cup final in 2006. Finally, we are left with Uruguay. The former two-time champion have actually brought 150 pounds of yerba mate, the hot herbal beverage that is viewed as the country's national drink, to South Africa. Perhaps this Uruguayan form of Gatorade may inspire the likes of Diego Forlan to score goals.

Players To Watch:

France - Hugo Lloris - Lloris is actually one of the only French players who might actually be entering the World Cup after a successful domestic season. This 23 year-old Lyon shot-stopper was the primary reason why Lyon was able to make the semi-finals of the Champions League and his play will be integral in France's run throughout the tourney.

Uruguay - Luis Suarez - Suarez, another 23 year-old, should line-up opposite Diego Forlan in Uruguay's attack. His primary strengths lie as a supporting striker in a two-striker set, and at his club Ajax Amsterdam he has served as a supporting striker to such players such as Klaas-Jan Hunterlaar and later Marko Pantelic. Currently, he serves as the captain of Ajax but with a successful World Cup he could see his services acquired by a bigger club.

Mexico - Giovanni dos Santos - This former Barcelona cantina product currently plies his trade in England with Steve Nash's favorite team, Tottenham Hotspur. The 21 year-old winger will be undeniably the main fulcrum in Mexico's attack and will be responsible for creating the goal-scoring chances for the Azteca.

South Africa - Steven Pienaar - Pienaar is a 28 year-old who plays on both wings and will be the central figure in the Bafana Bafana's attack. Pienaar currently plays for Everton, but his performances at this World Cup will determine whether interested clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City or Tottenham make a move for his services.

Projected Order Of Finish:

Mexico

South Africa

France

Uruguay