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 15

Semifinal Tuesday and Wednesday does not quite have the same ring to it as semifinal Saturday, but here we are with four of the most unlikely semifinalists at the Copa America. Let's take a look at the first semifinal between Uruguay and Peru.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 13

The quarterfinals are set at the Copa America and now we can finally have some fun. Both Brazil and Argentina have been paired on opposite sides of the bracket, so even though they have had their difficulties in the group stage, the dream final is still a possibility. So, let's get to today's quarterfinals.

(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 11

Two in a row . . . watch out kids, we are on a roll right now. Finally Argentina were able to score a couple goals in a complete anihilation of Costa Rica. Lionel Messi played his most complete game of the tournament and when he plays well, well Argentina will play well. So how is today shaping up at the Copa America, here are today's fearless predictions.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 7

In the tournament of randomness known as the Copa America, favorites become underachievers and underdogs become world-class footballing nations. To be honest, I am way too confused to even offer any form of a decent analysis of what has been the first six days of the tournament. At this point we are rolling the proverbial dice and banking on some good fortune to come our way.

Fearless Predictions - Copa America - Day 4

Time for some more Copa America fearless predictions. As promised there will be more detail once I return home from vacation.

Third-Place Game - Uruguay v. Germany

Sorry kids for the last minute post, but I am moving, and hopefully will be back online for the final with a full in-depth preview.

Uruguay v. Germany

Will Klose score and tie Ronaldo for the most goal ever at the World Cup? Will Luis Suarez after his 'Hand of God' come back with a vengeance? These games are always filled with goals, should be fun! Enjoy!

Uruguay - Germany (1-3)

OVERALL RECORD

34-28

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

Day 20 Fearless Predictions - Uruguay v. Ghana

After enjoying the morning with a group of rowdy Dutch fans and the sole Brazilian who left as soon as the whistle blew, we are ready for game #2, between Uruguay and Ghana.

Day 20

Uruguay - Ghana

Both teams will begin the game cautiously, as a place in the semi-finals is at stake. Uruguay have the greater attacking threat with Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Roberto Cavani manning the charge, while Ghana will rely on Asamoah Gyan to score the goals for the Ghanaians. Uruguay, if they score early, must not let up on the lead and relax and soak the pressure as they did against South Korea, because Ghana is a stronger side than South Korea. South Africa have embraced Ghana as their own by leading the Go Baghana cheers! Ghana are missing several key played in the midfield and will bring Sulley Muntari into the starting eleven. Muntari has been on the periphery of the squad but should play an integral role in this match. For Uruguay everything revolves around Diego Forlan and so far he has been one of the most outstanding players in the World Cup. Forlan creates and scores goals for Uruguay and he will be entrusted to lead the charge. Uruguay's captain Lugano will be assigned the task of keeping in front of Gyan, who penalized the US in extra time with his vicious strike to win the game. This game will not have the same fire power as the Netherlands - Brazil match, but it should be exciting and I see Ghana edging Uruguay for the victory.

Uruguay - Ghana (1-2)

OVERALL RECORD

31-26

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 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 6 Fearless Predictions

Day 6 sees Group H finally take the field for their first games at the World Cup. Furthermore, the Bafana Bafana are back in action against Uruguay. After Day 6, every team will have at least played one game, so be sure to expect an updated Panos Rankings coupled with a State of Play piece on the quality scene on the pitch at the World. Onto the games!

Day 6

Honduras - Chile

Everything about this game screams wide open attacking football. Both teams love to attack and all we can hope for is our first wide open game at the World Cup. But for some reason nothing is going according to plan, so with absolutely no logic I see Chile scoring twice and beating Honduras in the early match.

Honduras - Chile (0-2)

Spain - Switzerland

Brazil was not quite Brazil against a determined North Korean squad, so here is hoping that Spain can re-affirm its favorite status with an exquisite performance of attacking flair. The Swiss are missing several key players in Frei and Behrami and will find it tough against a Spanish side that is also missing Iniesta and Torres.

Spain - Switzerland (2-0)

South Africa - Uruguay

The Bafana Bafana are still undefeated in 16 games now after their opening round match against Mexico. Buoyed by the vuvuzelas and the rowdy crowd I expect South Africa to score an early goal and hold for the victory. Uruguay are currently lacking creativity in the midfield and with the red card to Nicolas Lodeiro their options are limited.

South Africa - Uruguay (1-0)

OVERALL

7-7

Day 1 Fearless Predictions

How can I consider myself a World Cup 'expert' without making some sort of ridiculous predictions, so before each day I will predict the score for each game the night before. Let's start with Day 1:

Day 1

South Africa - Mexico

South Africa will be boosted by the raucous crowd and the appearance of 91 year-old Nelson Mandela in the crowd. Expect the Bafana Bafana to score two first half goals before Mexico pots a consolation goal making the final minutes of the game a nervy affair.

South Africa - Mexico (2-1)

Uruguay - France

Both teams will not be able to live up to the pageantry of the first game, and I anticipate a dull draw. The French are in tatters with whispers of turmoil affecting the team and ex-captain Thierry Henry, but I still see them holding Diego Forlan to one goal while Nicholas Anelka pops one in for Les Blues.

Uruguay - France (1-1)

Group A Preview

Let's get something straight, over the course of the next couple of days, so-called soccer 'experts' will try to provide previews and predictions on what they think is going to happen at the World Cup. Here is the truth, no one is an expert, a lot of different soccer correspondents and footie fanatics might know a little bit more than you, but really no one is an expert. Case in point, try to find someone who had a World Cup final of Italy - France four years ago. So in reality, all that you are left to do is to try to accumulate as much information as you can, learn about certain players, find out who is and is not injured and at the end of the day enjoy the games.

So, ignoring what is said above, I will try to provide my own 'expert' analysis via a group by group preview of the World Cup. Let's begin with the first group, Group A:

Overview:

Group A is probably the hardest group to predict because of the relative similarities between all four teams and how even all teams appear to be before the start of the tournament. The South Africans will rely on their home field advantage and will be backed by the support of 90,000+ screaming fans coupled with their beloved vuvuzelas. The Mexicans have managed to blend youth and experience in a squad that are performing extremely well in the pre-World Cup friendlies. The French are an interesting case, some of their players including William Gallas are boycotting the media and their coach, Raymond Domenech, because Domenech chose Patrice Evra for the captaincy, after Thierry Henry was regulated to the bench, instead of Gallas. With the French, there is always drama, but least we forget, that Domenech was the same coach who led Les Blues to the World Cup final in 2006. Finally, we are left with Uruguay. The former two-time champion have actually brought 150 pounds of yerba mate, the hot herbal beverage that is viewed as the country's national drink, to South Africa. Perhaps this Uruguayan form of Gatorade may inspire the likes of Diego Forlan to score goals.

Players To Watch:

France - Hugo Lloris - Lloris is actually one of the only French players who might actually be entering the World Cup after a successful domestic season. This 23 year-old Lyon shot-stopper was the primary reason why Lyon was able to make the semi-finals of the Champions League and his play will be integral in France's run throughout the tourney.

Uruguay - Luis Suarez - Suarez, another 23 year-old, should line-up opposite Diego Forlan in Uruguay's attack. His primary strengths lie as a supporting striker in a two-striker set, and at his club Ajax Amsterdam he has served as a supporting striker to such players such as Klaas-Jan Hunterlaar and later Marko Pantelic. Currently, he serves as the captain of Ajax but with a successful World Cup he could see his services acquired by a bigger club.

Mexico - Giovanni dos Santos - This former Barcelona cantina product currently plies his trade in England with Steve Nash's favorite team, Tottenham Hotspur. The 21 year-old winger will be undeniably the main fulcrum in Mexico's attack and will be responsible for creating the goal-scoring chances for the Azteca.

South Africa - Steven Pienaar - Pienaar is a 28 year-old who plays on both wings and will be the central figure in the Bafana Bafana's attack. Pienaar currently plays for Everton, but his performances at this World Cup will determine whether interested clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City or Tottenham make a move for his services.

Projected Order Of Finish:

Mexico

South Africa

France

Uruguay