- Aug 31, 2012
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Finally the Group stages are over and the business end of the tournament begins now.
There have been quite a few surprises/shocks in group stage.
Some of the tournament favorites like Brazil, Argentina, Germany- have shown their vulnerability. While they have got through to the knock out stages - each team is vulnerable.
Germans have a imbalanced XI, playing without out & out full backs & a striker. Brazil is still trying to get their attacking game going. On other hand, Argentina looks vulnerable defensively.
IMO, only Columbia & the Nederlands have imposed their game on opposition and played to their strengths.
Usually, the team that wins the cup, is the one which grows as the tournament goes by. So, there's still time for teams to get their game going.
Round of 16 looks like
Looking at this, you would have to think that Brazil have got the toughest path to the finals and possibly Germany & Argentina have less tougher path. If Dutch can keep out Mexicans, they are sure bet for a semi spot.
My prediction :
BRA V CHI
I am going for a shock result here. Brazil's lackluster tournament to stop with a grinding halt. I am going for 2-1 CHL
COL V URU
A young attacking inform side against a ageing squad, with no Suarez.
I am going for a Columbia thumping win over Uruguay 3-0 Columbia
FRA V NIG
Nigeria is possibly best African team with tactical prowess. They can resist this French revolution. But I think in the end France would be too good. 1-1 (FT) 2-1 France (ET)
GER V ALG
Germany should win this 2-0 GER
NED V MEX
A very touch game to call. Mexico had one of the best defensive records over he group stages. They have a really good keeper and their CM & defense look really solid. Dutch on other hand, have been most evolving & entertaining side - I am calling this 1-1 (ET) and MEX on penalties
CRC V GRE
No one would have called the possibility of this game start of the world cup.
My prediction- Greece to play out yet another 0-0 draw and win on penalties 0-0 (ET) and GRE on penalties
ARG V SUI
Swiss side could give Argentina, run for their money. But I think class will prevail. 2-0 ARG
BEL V USA
I believe USA have run their race; It's time for real Belgium to show up. 3-1 BEL
There have been quite a few surprises/shocks in group stage.
- Costa Rica as group toppers
- Defending champions Spain out in groups
- USA getting out of the group
- Columbia, Chile & Dutch have been real surprises of the tournament
Some of the tournament favorites like Brazil, Argentina, Germany- have shown their vulnerability. While they have got through to the knock out stages - each team is vulnerable.
Germans have a imbalanced XI, playing without out & out full backs & a striker. Brazil is still trying to get their attacking game going. On other hand, Argentina looks vulnerable defensively.
IMO, only Columbia & the Nederlands have imposed their game on opposition and played to their strengths.
Usually, the team that wins the cup, is the one which grows as the tournament goes by. So, there's still time for teams to get their game going.
Round of 16 looks like
Looking at this, you would have to think that Brazil have got the toughest path to the finals and possibly Germany & Argentina have less tougher path. If Dutch can keep out Mexicans, they are sure bet for a semi spot.
My prediction :
BRA V CHI
I am going for a shock result here. Brazil's lackluster tournament to stop with a grinding halt. I am going for 2-1 CHL
COL V URU
A young attacking inform side against a ageing squad, with no Suarez.
I am going for a Columbia thumping win over Uruguay 3-0 Columbia
FRA V NIG
Nigeria is possibly best African team with tactical prowess. They can resist this French revolution. But I think in the end France would be too good. 1-1 (FT) 2-1 France (ET)
GER V ALG
Germany should win this 2-0 GER
NED V MEX
A very touch game to call. Mexico had one of the best defensive records over he group stages. They have a really good keeper and their CM & defense look really solid. Dutch on other hand, have been most evolving & entertaining side - I am calling this 1-1 (ET) and MEX on penalties
CRC V GRE
No one would have called the possibility of this game start of the world cup.
My prediction- Greece to play out yet another 0-0 draw and win on penalties 0-0 (ET) and GRE on penalties
ARG V SUI
Swiss side could give Argentina, run for their money. But I think class will prevail. 2-0 ARG
BEL V USA
I believe USA have run their race; It's time for real Belgium to show up. 3-1 BEL