Group A
Germany
Ecuador
Poland
Costa Rica
Easily with Group D one of the two weakest groups in this world cup. Germany has a smooth ride into the second round with a group that does not include another power from anywhere in the world. Instead Germany has been placed with a low level European squad in Poland, and middle of the pack South American squad in Ecuador, and a low level North American squad in Costa Rica. Expect Ecuador to get by in this group as they showed flashes in their qualifying especially with a win over Brazil.
Group B
England
Sweden
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Even, without superstar Wayne Rooney the English have the firepower to advance far in this World Cup. With the recent success of many Premiership teams within the Champions League the English have shown that their brand of football is world class. Unfortunately for England they haven't beaten Sweden since well before I was born, expect them to draw with the Swedes pick up 7 points and move on. The Swedes will use their result against the English to seperate themselves from Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago to grab the 2nd spot in this group.
Group C
Argentina
Netherlands
Serbia & Montenegro
Ivory Coast
One of the so called groups of death. The battle to get out of this group will be fierce with two upper tier European squads in addition to the always dominant Argentina. Even the Ivory Coast with world class striker Didier Drogba will push these squads during their games. One has to believe that Argentina is going to advance to the second round with world class strikers the likes of Messi and Crespo. Messi, who hopefully will be at full strength during the first round after an injury in the Champions League, ran circles around English Powerhouse Chelsea, watch out for Messi he might be the star of this World Cup. I expect the Orange of the Netherlands to pull out a close matchup against Serbia & Montenegro to latch onto the second spot of the group.
Group D
Mexico
Portugal
Iran
Angola
One can argue that this is the weakest group within the world cup. Many believed that the United States and not Mexico were deserved of the single CONCACAF ranking in this Cup. However, in giving this status to Mexico they have been rewarded by being placed against an underachieving Portugal squad as well as two squads within the lower levels of their respective continents. Expect Mexico to capatalize on their placement as well as the Portuguese advancing to the second stage after their mighty disappointment in the last World Cup where they were brought down by the good ole US of A.
Group E
Italy
United States
Czech Republic
Ghana
The second group of death landed the US in one of their worst possible draws. The most important game of this group could easily be the first pitting the US against the 2nd ranked team in the world the Czech Republic. This is a homer pick but I don't see the US regressing from their Korean World Cup success and expect them to get out of the game with at minimum a draw and advance.to the 2nd round. The Italians who have fallen in the world rankings should never be underestimated and will win this hard fought group. I am biased however living in the US and having Italian Heritage so...
Group F
Brazil
Japan
Croatia
Australia
Picking Brazil to win in the World Cup is always a tough, but I believe there is a chance that they pull the miraculous upset and get out of this region. They just might be the Aussie's by ten goals. And the Japanese took advantage of their homefield in the last World Cup but I believe their success will carry over to this World Cup and will represent Asia in round 2.
Group G
France
South Korea
Switzerland
Togo
A particularly weak group, the French have landed the South Koreans and the Swiss. The French should bounce back from their immense disappointment in 2002 and take this group, while the South Koreans' similar to the Japanese will build on their success from 2002 and in defeating the Swiss advance to the 2nd round.
Group H
Spain
Saudi Arabia
Ukraine
Tunisia
A continuingly underachieving Spanish World Cup squad has found itself within a group that they should easily advance within. The question here lies with whether or not newly bought Chelsea Star Andreii Shevchenko, captain of the Ukranian squad, can complete outclass Saudi Arabia. I'm picking the upset, and believe that Shevchenko will be stifled in their matchup.
Round 2
1A Germany vs. 2B Sweden
The Germans continue with their nice draw as they draw Sweden a solid team but certainly no superpower. The Germans will score a goal or two early and sit on their lead to enjoy a comfortable trip to the Quarterfinals.
2A Ecuador vs. 1B England
Ecuador is here solely because of their groups ineptitude. England will demolish the inhabitants of the worlds best climate. This quite possibly could be the most lopsided game in Round 2.
1C Argentina vs. 2D Portugal
Now this will be a match to look forward to. Pitting to highly athletic highly talented squads against each other. Expect the quicker attackers of Argentina to overcome Portugals talented squad and take home the victory.
2C Netherlands vs. 1D Mexico
Another solid Quarterfinal matchup, have to love how the World Cup makes draws completely random leaving us with a few fantastic matches in Round 2 and several duds. I like Netherlands in this match though, the Oranje fans will pack in the stands vastly overpopulate the Mexican squad and it should feel like a home game and this advantage will push them in front.
1E Italy vs. 2F Japan
The much maligned Italian squad who has struggled recently even falling out of the top ten in the world will enjoy some vindication when they advance to the Quarters after taking apart a Japanese squad.
2E USA vs. 1F Brazil
This is certainly the matchup that any team and their fans want to see. In a World Cup preview show this weekend on ABC Landon Donovan said that "The US is now at the point where whenever they take the field, except for maybe against brazil, they should expect to win." Well, here it is Landon I would like the major upset to happen but it won't US falls short.
1G France vs. 2H Saudi Arabia
Another relative dud of a match, the older France squad will enjoy their draw much like the Germans and English and the smooth transition from Cup start to Quarterfinals.
2G South Korea vs. 1H Spain
After dissappointment hit Spain in South Korea they advance with ease against an overmatched Korean squad.
Quarterfinals
Germany vs. Argentina
This is a fantastic matchup. This will be a joy to watch as Germany takes the field in Berlin to face Argentina, you think there might be some crowd noise in Berlin. Too much love from the crowd for Argentina to overcome in a difficult game. There is a reason why World Cup hosts have a lot of success, and I'm not going against it.
Italy vs. France
A classic European dual. Both teams have had some question marks heading into this World Cup but expect this to be the final time you get to see the great Zidane.
Brazil vs. Spain
Brazil is just too talented too skilled. Spain easy draw ends when they run up against the best team in the world and get dumptrucked.
England vs. Netherlands
I'm going to really enjoy this matchup, a lot of people on both sides that I have enjoyed watching in the European Leagues these past few seasons. I just think this is England's year to make a push for the Cup and they get by a tough squad from the Netherlands.
Semifinals
Italy vs. Germany
Another classic European duel. Home pitch, don't underestimate the power of the host country Germany takes down my heritage.
Brazil vs. England
Well, I liked England to win up until the point they faced off against Brazil, so adios England
Third Place Playoff
Haven't we realized in society that playing for 3rd is not overly hetero, anyway England take the wonderful prize for 3rd.
Championship
Home pitch vs. The Best Team in the world. Obviously this has been one of the biggest chalk selections known to man but to bet against the best team and the host country is plane stupid and I'm in the business of getting predictions right not going all bold and saying the US is going to win. Well more chalk Brazil takes home a closely contested finals and takes home their second consecutive cup trophy becoming the first back to back winners since Brazil in 58 and 62.
GermanyEcuador
Poland
Costa Rica
Easily with Group D one of the two weakest groups in this world cup. Germany has a smooth ride into the second round with a group that does not include another power from anywhere in the world. Instead Germany has been placed with a low level European squad in Poland, and middle of the pack South American squad in Ecuador, and a low level North American squad in Costa Rica. Expect Ecuador to get by in this group as they showed flashes in their qualifying especially with a win over Brazil.
Group B
EnglandSweden
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Even, without superstar Wayne Rooney the English have the firepower to advance far in this World Cup. With the recent success of many Premiership teams within the Champions League the English have shown that their brand of football is world class. Unfortunately for England they haven't beaten Sweden since well before I was born, expect them to draw with the Swedes pick up 7 points and move on. The Swedes will use their result against the English to seperate themselves from Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago to grab the 2nd spot in this group.
Group C
ArgentinaNetherlands
Serbia & Montenegro
Ivory Coast
One of the so called groups of death. The battle to get out of this group will be fierce with two upper tier European squads in addition to the always dominant Argentina. Even the Ivory Coast with world class striker Didier Drogba will push these squads during their games. One has to believe that Argentina is going to advance to the second round with world class strikers the likes of Messi and Crespo. Messi, who hopefully will be at full strength during the first round after an injury in the Champions League, ran circles around English Powerhouse Chelsea, watch out for Messi he might be the star of this World Cup. I expect the Orange of the Netherlands to pull out a close matchup against Serbia & Montenegro to latch onto the second spot of the group.
Group D
MexicoPortugal
Iran
Angola
One can argue that this is the weakest group within the world cup. Many believed that the United States and not Mexico were deserved of the single CONCACAF ranking in this Cup. However, in giving this status to Mexico they have been rewarded by being placed against an underachieving Portugal squad as well as two squads within the lower levels of their respective continents. Expect Mexico to capatalize on their placement as well as the Portuguese advancing to the second stage after their mighty disappointment in the last World Cup where they were brought down by the good ole US of A.
Group E
ItalyUnited States
Czech Republic
Ghana
The second group of death landed the US in one of their worst possible draws. The most important game of this group could easily be the first pitting the US against the 2nd ranked team in the world the Czech Republic. This is a homer pick but I don't see the US regressing from their Korean World Cup success and expect them to get out of the game with at minimum a draw and advance.to the 2nd round. The Italians who have fallen in the world rankings should never be underestimated and will win this hard fought group. I am biased however living in the US and having Italian Heritage so...
Group F
BrazilJapan
Croatia
Australia
Picking Brazil to win in the World Cup is always a tough, but I believe there is a chance that they pull the miraculous upset and get out of this region. They just might be the Aussie's by ten goals. And the Japanese took advantage of their homefield in the last World Cup but I believe their success will carry over to this World Cup and will represent Asia in round 2.
Group G
FranceSouth Korea
Switzerland
Togo
A particularly weak group, the French have landed the South Koreans and the Swiss. The French should bounce back from their immense disappointment in 2002 and take this group, while the South Koreans' similar to the Japanese will build on their success from 2002 and in defeating the Swiss advance to the 2nd round.
Group H
SpainSaudi Arabia
Ukraine
Tunisia
A continuingly underachieving Spanish World Cup squad has found itself within a group that they should easily advance within. The question here lies with whether or not newly bought Chelsea Star Andreii Shevchenko, captain of the Ukranian squad, can complete outclass Saudi Arabia. I'm picking the upset, and believe that Shevchenko will be stifled in their matchup.
Round 2
1A Germany vs. 2B Sweden
The Germans continue with their nice draw as they draw Sweden a solid team but certainly no superpower. The Germans will score a goal or two early and sit on their lead to enjoy a comfortable trip to the Quarterfinals.
2A Ecuador vs. 1B England
Ecuador is here solely because of their groups ineptitude. England will demolish the inhabitants of the worlds best climate. This quite possibly could be the most lopsided game in Round 2.
1C Argentina vs. 2D Portugal
Now this will be a match to look forward to. Pitting to highly athletic highly talented squads against each other. Expect the quicker attackers of Argentina to overcome Portugals talented squad and take home the victory.
2C Netherlands vs. 1D Mexico
Another solid Quarterfinal matchup, have to love how the World Cup makes draws completely random leaving us with a few fantastic matches in Round 2 and several duds. I like Netherlands in this match though, the Oranje fans will pack in the stands vastly overpopulate the Mexican squad and it should feel like a home game and this advantage will push them in front.
1E Italy vs. 2F Japan
The much maligned Italian squad who has struggled recently even falling out of the top ten in the world will enjoy some vindication when they advance to the Quarters after taking apart a Japanese squad.
2E USA vs. 1F Brazil
This is certainly the matchup that any team and their fans want to see. In a World Cup preview show this weekend on ABC Landon Donovan said that "The US is now at the point where whenever they take the field, except for maybe against brazil, they should expect to win." Well, here it is Landon I would like the major upset to happen but it won't US falls short.
1G France vs. 2H Saudi Arabia
Another relative dud of a match, the older France squad will enjoy their draw much like the Germans and English and the smooth transition from Cup start to Quarterfinals.
2G South Korea vs. 1H Spain
After dissappointment hit Spain in South Korea they advance with ease against an overmatched Korean squad.
Quarterfinals
Germany vs. Argentina
This is a fantastic matchup. This will be a joy to watch as Germany takes the field in Berlin to face Argentina, you think there might be some crowd noise in Berlin. Too much love from the crowd for Argentina to overcome in a difficult game. There is a reason why World Cup hosts have a lot of success, and I'm not going against it.
Italy vs. France
A classic European dual. Both teams have had some question marks heading into this World Cup but expect this to be the final time you get to see the great Zidane.
Brazil vs. Spain
Brazil is just too talented too skilled. Spain easy draw ends when they run up against the best team in the world and get dumptrucked.
England vs. Netherlands
I'm going to really enjoy this matchup, a lot of people on both sides that I have enjoyed watching in the European Leagues these past few seasons. I just think this is England's year to make a push for the Cup and they get by a tough squad from the Netherlands.
Semifinals
Italy vs. Germany
Another classic European duel. Home pitch, don't underestimate the power of the host country Germany takes down my heritage.
Brazil vs. England
Well, I liked England to win up until the point they faced off against Brazil, so adios England
Third Place Playoff
Haven't we realized in society that playing for 3rd is not overly hetero, anyway England take the wonderful prize for 3rd.
Championship
Home pitch vs. The Best Team in the world. Obviously this has been one of the biggest chalk selections known to man but to bet against the best team and the host country is plane stupid and I'm in the business of getting predictions right not going all bold and saying the US is going to win. Well more chalk Brazil takes home a closely contested finals and takes home their second consecutive cup trophy becoming the first back to back winners since Brazil in 58 and 62.
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