Euro 2012 Fearless Predictions - Day 10

After one of the most dramatic days in the tournament, we turn our attention to Group B where every team has a chance to advance to the knock-out stage. Since I am on my way to Toronto after a fantastic wedding weekend on the eastern shore of Maryland, the fearless predictions will unfortunately be short yet again.

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 2

Whoa, I think I barely survived Day 1 at the Euro. This is the beauty of this tournament, you honestly have no idea what to expect. So let's just jump right into Day 2.

Euro 2012 - Group B Preview

Group B at Euro 2012 is truly a 'Group of Death.' Two of the proverbial favorites for the title, Germany and the Netherlands, along with talent-filled Portugal and the always dangerous Denmark comprise Group B. All six matches between the teams will be fascinating encounters that should produce some of the best football at the tournament.

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.

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

Our Crazy Announcer Is Back

Camacho is back and in fine form after Andres Iniesta's winning goal against the Netherlands. Enjoy!

Final - Fearless Prediction

Without internet typing on my blackberry!

Netherlands - Spain (2-1)

OVERALL RECORD
35-28

Live Commentary - Uruguay v. Netherlands

Semifinals #1 - Uruguay v. Netherlands - Preview

Welcome to the semifinals, as the final four teams, Uruguay, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain are left standing after their quarterfinal games. Let's look at each match-up in more detail and analyze some of the keys to the game:

Uruguay

Defensive Organization

Forlan's Freekicks

Discipline & Patience

Netherlands

Control Tempo & Possession

Limit Opposing Freekicks

Mentally Strong

The Dutch are the favorites for this match-up and need to ensure that after their stunning victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals that they maintain their mental focus against Uruguay. This is a big opportunity for the Dutch to reach the final of the World Cup since 1978, while Uruguay, although having won the first two World Cups, are in unfamiliar territory as well, having last tasted any sort of success at a World Cup in 1970 when they reached the semifinal.

Key Match-Ups

Diego Forlan - John Heitinga

Diego Forlan has had an excellent World Cup so far, and excelled against Ghana in the quarterfinal scoring a wonderful freekick to tie the game and also converting his penalty kick. With the absence of Luis Suarez and the new 'Hand of God,' Forlan will be the key fulcrum in the Uruguay attack. Forlan can attack either through the middle or out wide. With Suarez suspended I would expect to see Forlan attack through the middle using Cavani as his primary attacking winger. John Heitinga, from Everton, is having an outstanding tournament for the Oranje, and after shackling Luis Fabiano, will look to contain Diego Forlan as well. With the injury doubt to his central partner Mathijsen, Heitinga will be asked to carry the burden of dealing with Uruguay's attacking players.

Diego Perez - Mark van Bommel

Diego Perez and Mark van Bommel are both the key defensive midfielders for their respective sides. With Nigel de Jong suspended, the defensive challenge will rest on the shoulders of Bayern Munich player van Bommel. With de Jong's absence there is a chance that Perez, from the French club Monaco, will be able to control the center of the park. Van Bommel, on the other hand, will try to win possession for the Dutch and feed Sneijder and Robben on the wings. This is a key match-up for the game, because whoever can control the middle of the park will be able to claim the victory.

Uruguay LB - Arjen Robben

With Jorge Fucile suspended, Uruguay will find it very difficult to control Arjen Robben on the wing. Fucile has played ever minute of the World Cup, and I am still unsure who will cover for him in this game. There is talk that youngster and Juventus player Martin Caceres might deputize, however Caceres is an attacking fullback and has yet to master the defensive aspects of playing the fullback position. Robben will need to take advantage of this situation and not waste scoring opportunities as he did against Brazil. However, in the second half of that game Robben was a key figure, winning freekicks which eventually led to the dismissal of Felipe Melo.

Fearless Prediction

At the end of the day I believe that the Dutch are too strong for Uruguay who are missing arguably their best defender in Fucile and a key goalscorer in Suarez. Regardless Uruguay will defend admirably, yet I expect the Dutch to score two goals, one in each half to reach their first World Cup final since 1978.

Uruguay - Netherlands (0-2)

OVERALL RECORD

33-27

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?

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