Day 16 Fearless Predictions

Now the excitement begins with the knock-out stages as every team needs to play an entire 90 minutes in order to advance to the next round. Unfortunately due to the G20 conference in Toronto, things have been a little nutty so excuse the delay in posting my fearless predictions. Here we go!

Day 16

Uruguay - South Korea

Uruguay have impressed so far in their World Cup adventure and will be battling a determined South Korean side to advance to the quarter-finals. Both teams have been placed in a favorable quadrant of the bracket with the United States and Ghana. I expect Uruguay to attack using their 'Big Three' of Forlan, Suarez and Cavani while South Korea will probably flood the midfield and only attack using one true striker. The key to the match is more or less the pitch at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, which has been in awful shape and with rain showers in the forecast the pitch could become a quagmire. Regardless, the early goal will determine this match because I do not believe South Korea can chase the game if they concede the early goal.

Uruguay - South Korea (2-0)

United States - Ghana

The United States have never won two consecutive games at the World Cup and have only led at this World Cup for two minutes, so in my opinion the United States relishes the underdog role. Whatever you may think of the United States and their bravado, you must acknowledge that this team or any US team will never give up and never quit, something that many European teams can learn from. As for Ghana, they are missing their best player in Michael Essien, and are not even playing their second best player, Sulley Muntari. Ghana have also only scored their goals from the spotkick as a result of fouls in the box. Ghana can win this game if they attack and use their speed on the flanks and take advantage of the US's defensive deficiencies. However, at the end of the day the attitude of the Americans will be too much for Ghana and I expect a close match that could go to penalties.

United States - Ghana (2-1)

OVERALL RECORD

24-24

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 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