Fearless Predictions - Copa America - The Final

Uruguay versus Paraguay is the dream final that has everyone salivating over at the Copa America. Two South American powerhouses battling for a continental title. Alright, who am I trying to kid? Seriously anyone who had this game as the final, should go buy a lottery ticket.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 16

Uruguay managed to outlast Peru in the first semifinal at the Copa America and now we are left with Venezuela and Paraguay to battle it out for the final spot in the final. The excitement is reaching a fever pitch.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 14

The two favorites fell on Saturday, will the favorites fall on Sunday in the second day of quarterfinals at the Copa America? Brazil take on Paraguay while Chile play surprise package Venezuela. Let's take a look at these match-ups in greater detail with another edition of fearless predictions.

(The video previews are courtesy of The Score, a Canadian sports channel and they might not work outside of Canada)

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 12

Both Uruguay and Chile snatched winning goals to secure their spot in the quarterfinals at the Copa America. Peru joins them in the knockout stage while Mexico exits securing only a draw against Chile. So while the big guns in South America are all beginning to flex their muscles, we will wait with anticipation to see if Brazil can wake up from their slumber. It looks like it is time for another set of fearless predictions.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 8

The toss-up continues at the Copa America as I continue to misfire with my fearless predictions. Honestly, I have a better shot at predicting when Greece will default on their debt rather than who will win the group matches at the Copa America.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 3

Keeping with the theme of short and sweet, here are the Day 3 fearless predictions for the Copa America.

Day 21 Fearless Predictions - Paraguay v. Spain

Wow, Germany took the sword to Argentina, and completely took then out of their game plan and outclassed them 4-0, very shocking result in my opinion. I was aware of Argentina's defensive failings but never to this degree. Furthermore, Lionel Messi was completely taken out of the game via the man-marking from Khedira. Great result for the Germans, and another South American team falls at the quarter-final stage.

Day 21

Paraguay - Spain

Paraguay were not expected to the make the quarter-finals, but here they are ready to show the world that they deserve to be here and are facing a tough task against the Spanish. Spain, on the other hand, have yet to reach the full potential and have been slowly building towards top gear. The Paraguayans will create a defensive shell infront of their back four and try to limit the scoring opportunities for the Spanish. Spain will have to rely on the creativity of Xavi, Iniesta and Xabi Alonso in order to score the goals. The key to this match is whether Paraguay can limit Spain to few offensive opportunities and keep the match scoreless at the half. After that then the game is in the balance for Paraguay. Spain are the overwhelming favorites and have the talent to take the game to Paraguay. I am looking for Torres to open his account for the Spanish with Villa grabbing the second.

Paraguay - Spain (0-2)

OVERALL RECORD

32-27

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 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 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 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 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