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.

FIBA World Basketball Championships - Sweet Sixteen Preview

After a week and a half of round robin basketball action, we have finally entered the knock-out single elimination stage of the FIBA World Basketball Championships. We have had our fair share of disappointments, thank you Canada and surprises, way to go New Zealand. So let's get our perspective on the upcoming matches with some fearless predictions.

FIBA World Basketball Championships - Group D Preview

After a couple days off enjoying the Toronto summertime weather, I am ready to dive back into the FIBA World Basketball Championships with the final group preview. So onto Group D, enjoy!

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 10 Fearless Predictions

The Dutch are in the Round of 16, and we have 15 more cards to punch to the Big Dance, while Cameroon became the first team to be eliminated from the World Cup. That is the Cliff's Notes version of what happened on Day 9 of the World Cup. Day 10 sees the last two world champions in action as Italy and Brazil take to the field in the later games. Onto the action.

Day 10

Slovakia - Paraguay

Slovakia's Robert Vittek is two goals away from becoming Slovakia's all-time leading goal scorer. I am willing to put a wager that he is not going to accomplish the task in this game against a stout and defensive Paraguayan side. Paraguay looked better than Italy in their first match of the tourney and I expect them to squeeze a victory out of the affair with Slovakia.

Slovakia - Paraguay (0-1)

Italy - New Zealand

The Italians looked past their best in their match against Paraguay and for the majority of the game were outplayed by the South Americans. New Zealand, on the other hand, battled till the very end and grabbed a valuable point against Slovakia that was one of the most exciting moments of the tournament. The Italians should beat the Kiwis, but this World Cup has been so difficult to predict. However, with everything said, Italy should win.

Italy - New Zealand (2-0)

Brazil - Ivory Coast

Brazil is in action against the Ivory Coast for the late game of the day. Brazil struggled to break down the North Korean defense but eventually Maicon struck for the breakthrough and Brazil coasted till the end. Ivory Coast should expect Didier Drogba to resume his spot in the starting line-up but African teams at this World Cup have only won one game out of 11. This should be a fun game, and I see Brazil edging for victory.

Brazil - Ivory Coast (2-1)

OVERALL

12-14

Day 5 Fearless Predictions

I am going to congratulate myself for climbing above .500. Now, if only I could make some money on my selections. Day 5 sees favorites Brazil in action and lightweights New Zealand and North Korea take to the field.  Hopefully the North Koreans back in Pyongyang will be able to watch the game.

Day 5

New Zealand - Slovakia

The Kiwis are in action for the first time in a World Cup since 1982 and will be battling Slovakia for a chance to top Group F after Italy and Paraguay battled to a 1-1 draw. I see the Slovaks easing to victory with a goal and assist from Napoli star Marek Hamsik.

New Zealand - Slovakia (0-2)

Ivory Coast - Portugal

Hands down the game of the day and probably the most important game for both teams at the World Cup. Victory for either the Ivory Coast or Portugal will put that team in pole position for second place in Group G behind Brazil. I believe that Sven's team will be able to put away the Portuguese and walk away with a 2-1 victory with Captain Courageous Drogba on song.

Ivory Coast - Portugal (2-1)

Brazil - North Korea

The samba boys are in action for the first time and will be facing the North Koreans and the 'People's Rooney' in Jong Tae-Se. Brazil will have difficulty breaking down the North Koreans, only in the first half. Expect the floodgates to open in the second as Brazil should win comfortably.

Brazil - North Korea (3-0)

OVERALL RECORD

6-5

Group F Preview

Overview:

Group F appears to be rather straightforward with Italy expected to top the group leaving Paraguay and Slovakia battling for the second spot while New Zealand in all probability will bring up the rear. The Italians are the defending World Cup champions but many of the pundits probably do not see the Italians repeating their fine form of 2006. Marcelo Lippi recently changed Italy's formation from a 4-3-3 to a 4-3-1-2 to favor the skills of Andre Pirlo. The problem is that Pirlo is currently injured and will not feature at the World Cup till the final group stage game. Furthermore, Italy appear to be lacking a creative replacement for Pirlo as Lippi has failed to recall Totti or Cassano for the Italian squad. Paraguay qualified for the World Cup with the second best defensive record in the South American region. Unfortunately a hideous crime has robbed the World Cup of one of Paraguay's best offensive talents in Salvador Cabanas. Cabanas was shot in the head outside a bar/nightclub in Mexico. Even with the loss of Cabanas, Paraguay still possess a formidable strike force in the form of Nelson Haedo Valdez and Oscar Cardozo. However, Paraguay still lacks a creative midfielder to pull the strings. Slovakia have been touted in the press as a potential dark horse for the World Cup. Slovakia plays a neat intricate passing attacking form of football that will focus on the strength of the team, the midfield. Marek Hamsik is an absolute stud in the middle of the park and a host of the big clubs will be looking for his services if he performs at this upcoming World Cup. Just a quick history lesson but the 1976 Euro Cup Winners Czechoslovakia had a majority of their players from Slovakia, maybe lightning can strike twice. New Zealand are one of the weakest teams at the tournament and although they did well to qualify for South Africa courtesy of a play-off against Bahrain. New Zealand will struggle in this group and realistically all they can hope for is a point.

Players To Watch:

Italy - Fabio Cannavaro - In my opinion Italy will be at its best if Mr. Fabio is at his best. After a sub-par season with Juventus, the Italians are looking for major improvements in the play of Cannavaro. Keep in mind that in their 2006 triumph Cannavaro was voted Player of the Tournament.

Paraguay - Oscar Cardozo - Nicknamed the Bamboo Tree because of his 6 foot 4 inch frame, Cardozo offers a target for the midfielders of Paraguay. He just came off a successful season with Benfica and perhaps will be snatched up by one of the EPL teams that prefer the use of a target man.

Slovakia - Marek Hamsik - Perhaps the heir apparent to Kaka's vacant throne as the best creative midfielder in the Serie A, Marek Hamsik is the key player for the Slovakian national team. Already being courted by the big boys of Europe and as stated earlier a big World Cup will lead to a big pay day.

New Zealand - Ryan Nielson - Nielson is the only member of the Kiwis who plays their football in a major league, as he is currently with Blackburn Rovers in the EPL. Nielson is also a former member of D.C. United and the MLS.

Projected Order Of Finish:

Italy

Paraguay

Slovakia

New Zealand