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 5

Every team has had their opportunity to strut their stuff at the Women's World Cup and at first glance Germany and the United States have been two of the more impressive sides, while Norway and Sweden, the Scandinavian beauties, have struggled against lower-ranked opponents. There is no need to panic, yet, as all teams still have a realistic shot to advance to the knock-out stage. Here are Day 5's fearless predictions.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 1

Regardless of gender there is nothing more exciting than the opening day of a World Cup. Months of preparation have been building for these moments, where players can become legends and teams can become champions. Wow, if this post could get any more cliche we might as well hire James Earl Jones to provide the voice over. So, why not have some time for our world famous fearless predictions. As always enjoy the matches and remember PBP are not responsible for your gambling wins and losses, although if you do win, we will gladly take a beverage or two. Henrick's gin is always a good start.

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 A

To be completely honest I was preparing to write an article or two on the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the past couple of days until I saw a few matches on television. The level of football played is pretty abysmal, first with the US losing to Panama and then with Canada barely squeezing by Guadeloupe. The only team that has accomplished anything of note is Mexico and five of their players have been kicked off the team due to a tainted blood sample because of some sketchy chicken . . . . . hmm, really who is sketchy here, the Mexicans or chicken? Couple that with the accusations of corruption due to ex-CONCACAF president Jack Warner and you really have the ugly stepchild of the FIFA family. So forget CONCACAF, it's garbage, and to be honest why not give some love to the ladies who play the beautiful game. With the Women's World Cup starting in 11 days, why not give you a special Posts By Panos preview. So let's get to it!

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 2 Fearless Predictions

Let's keep the good times rolling, shall we?

Day 2

South Korea - Greece

Ahh, my beloved Greeks. Remember I am not impartial I am emotionally invested in the game, and I think two headed goals which would be Greece's first goals ever in the World Cup will lead 'The Pirate Ship' to the big win. However, I have been wrong before and will be wrong again, so don't bet on the game.

South Korea - Greece (1-2)

Argentina - Nigeria

This, in my humble opinion, is a walk in the park for the Argentines. Lionel Messi gets his first goal of the tournament and Maxi Rodriguez adds a second while the Nigerians will struggle to form any attempt of what might be considered as an attack on the Argentine net.

Argentina - Nigeria (2-0)

England - United States

Well, this is the big game of the day isn't it? This game will probably draw the largest TV audience ever for a football broadcast in the United States. However, with all the momentum that soccer is building stateside I think the Brits are just too damn talented for a plucky US squad. Should be a great game, but Rooney and Lampard do the honors for the Three Lions on this day.

England - United States (2-1)

OVERALL RECORD

1-1

Group B Preview

Overview:

Group B is definitely going to be a little more personal than the other groups with the inclusion of my beloved Greek national team. While, they may not be able to re-kindle the magic of 2004, trust me, when I tell you this I will be there watching every game, screaming at the top of my lungs, jumping up and down, and occasionally removing items of clothing as the clock ticks to 90, don't ask me to explain. So where to begin, let's just start at the top where Argentina should find themselves at the end of the group stage. Argentina has enough fire power with Messi, Aguero, Milito, Tevez and Di Maria to field two teams, however the problem with any Argentine team is discipline and defense, and I am not 100% sure Maradona will be able to control those emotions. As for the Nigerian Super Eagles, they recently placed Swedish manager Lars Lagerback in charge. Lagerback will organize the squad but this version of the Super Eagles is not as talented as previous editions and with the loss of John Obi Mikel through injury, things could get tough. South Korea does not have the star power of Argentina but do possess an organized team led by Park Ji-Sung, but it must be noted that they have yet to win a World Cup match outside of South Korea. The Greeks have been very disappointing in the near lead-up to the World Cup but with the doggedness of King Otto Rehhagel leading the charge perhaps another miracle is in order.

Players To Watch:

Argentina - Lionel Messi - Messi is arguably the best player in the world, and this is his opportunity to further illustrate that. Messi was phenomenal this last domestic campaign with Barcelona the only question is if he can replicate his form with Argentina. Maradona has built this version of the Argentine squad around Messi, so all the appropriate measures are in place for him to have a great tournament.

Nigeria - Peter Odemwingie - Born to a Russian mother and Nigeria father Odemwingie was probably the best player for Nigeria during the recent African Cup of Nations. Known as Osaze to the Nigerian faithful a strong World Cup will lead to a host of suitors for his services. Odemwingie has explosive pace and has a propensity to attack from the left.

Greece - Giorgos Karagounis - The current captain for the Greek national team supplies all the set pieces for 'The Pirate Ship.' He plays with unmatched tenacity and emotion, and should be the fulcrum for the Greek attacks. Karagounis also would not hesitate to get stuck into a tackle and could see his fare share of yellow cards.

South Korea - Park Ji-Sung - Park is the key member of the South Korean squad and he captains the national team. Although he is carrying an injury into the World Cup, Park will be looked as the key member for the squad. Furthermore, with a younger squad, the South Koreans will look to Park for leadership and his experiences in Europe with Manchester United.

Projected Order Of Finish:

Argentina

Greece

Nigeria

South Korea