JJ3 .v. M_Vaughan's World Cup Predictions

[JamesyJames3]

I am currently at: Correct 8-7 Incorrect

I will also not be online after the game so will do mine now

Togo .v. Switzerland

I expect this to be a suprisingly close game. I was impressed with Togo's work ethic, and upfront they looked to be quite sharp. They will be more than capable of piercing the Switzerland defence. However, their defence is what I worry about, and with a goal getter like Alexander Frei in their team, Switzerland always stand a chance for goals.

JJ3's Prediction: Togo 1-2 Switzerland

Ukraine .v. Saudi Arabia

Despite their first game scoreline, Ukraine should win this one comfortably. They were incredibly hard done by in what wasn't an even battle against Spain. Shevchenko should get chances against the Saudi's and that's why I expect goals. A comfortable win for me.

JJ3's Prediction: Ukraine 3-0 Saudi Arabia

Spain .v. Tunisia

Spain have a lot to offer, but after watching the first game, it was clear Tunisia aren't herer just to make up the numbers, they will run them hard. In affect I see this game as flair against strength, which will come out on top? I say flair, just!

JJ3's Prediction: Spain 3-2 Tunisia

JJ3's scoreline: Correct 8-8 Incorrect

 

[m_vaughan]

It seems I am destined to get one right and two wrong in each matchday. South Korea's 1-1 draw with France sees my ratio drop back down 4/12 with a success rate of 33.33%.

 

[m_vaughan]

Ah, two firsts today. First game which Ive not seen a single minute of, and a first perfect score!!

Actually this is a second perfect score since I got the Portugal 2-0 Iran scoreline also spot on!!

Anyways ratio stands at 5/13 with a success rate of 38.46%.

 

[JamesyJames3]

Summary:

Togo 0-2 Switzerland

Togo threatened early on, but once Switzerland got that first goal, I couldn't see the African side coming back. Although Switzerland didn't play great for the remainder of the game, they were able to get that all important second goal and probably did deserve the victory looking at the game as a whole.

Ukraine 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Well I got exactly what I expected from this one. A comfortable win for a hugely underrated Ukraine side. They have quality players. Virtually every member of the starting eleven has played Champions League football recently and although on odd occasions Saudi Arabia played decent football, they were never really in with a chance.

JJ3's Scoreline: Correct 10-8 Incorrect

 

[JamesyJames3]

Summary:

Spain 3-1 Tunisia

Pretty much what I expected in this one. A closely faught game with flair coming out on top. Tunisia just didn't seem to have the legs in the end.

Tomorrow:

Germany .v. Ecuador

The decider of the two qualyfying places. I expect this to be a pretty even game. However, the home support will give Germany that extra bit of cutting edge and should benefit them in this one.

JJ3's Prediction: Germany 2-1 Ecuador

Poland .v. Costa Rica

Poland have underperformed big style for me. I expected them to do a lot better. Costa Rica on the other hand played well in the first game, but in the second lacked the quality as Ecuador completely dominated. It'll be a close one again, thats why I am opting to sit on the fence in this one!

JJ3's Prediction: Poland 1-1 Costa Rica

England .v. Sweden

Much like the Germany Ecuador game, this should decide the positions as to which each team finishes. Sweden are without Ibrahimovic and England have Rooney back. I reckon these two things will benefit England and they should be able to return to form in this game. It'll be a tight game, but I expect England to dominate as the game goes on.

JJ3's Prediction: England 2-0 Sweden

Paraguay .v. Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad have done wonders in the two games so far, and couldn't quite keep the gates shut against England cconceeding two late goals. However, Paraguay will have that usual South American attitude to games and will hit them with pace and flair. I expect a comfortable win for the South Americans in this one.

JJ3's Prediction: Paraguay 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago

JJ3's Current Scoreline:

Correct 11-8 Incorrect

 

[m_vaughan]

Got all three results right today. Switzerland doing a professional job against Togo to put them in a comfortable position ahead of the crunch game against the Koreans. Ukraine showing their true colours against Saudi Arabia, and a great comeback after being thrashed by Spain.

And Spain played beautifully to come back from 1-0 down to win 3-1 against Tunisia. Excellent game and a well deserved victory for the Men in Red.

My prediction ratio now stands at 7/15 with a success ratio of 46.67%.

Tomorrow's Games:

Ecuador 1-2 Germany: Ecuador have shown that they are capable of scoring, while Germany's defence at times hasnt looked very good. However Germany's quality midfield and attacking options should be enough to beat the South Americans.

Costa Rica 0-3 Poland: Playing for pride just as they did in the 2002 World Cup, I expect Poland to demolish Costa Rica in this game, and end their disappointing world cup campaign on a high.

Paraguay 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago: TnT are still in with chance of qualifying but they are yet to score a goal I think in the tournament. Same is the case with Paraguay, although I fancy the South American side to win this game pretty comfortably, and like Poland, leave Germany on a winning note.

England 0-0 Sweden: Expecting a boring game. Neither team has really impressed me so far. I dont think I'll be even bothered to watch this game (or any of the other ones actually).

 

[JamesyJames3]

Summary: 2 correct, 2 incorrect today. We just cant beat Sweden! Bloody hell.

Tomorrow:

Netherlands .v. Argentina

Going to be a top quality match this one. Very much looking forward to it. I think Argentina should win the match, I am basing this on how well they have played so far and the inexperience of the dutch team. However, the dutch team will show the naivity of a young team and hopefully come out confident and not afraid to express themselves. Still expect a win for Argentina.

JJ3's Prediction: Netherlands 1-2 Argentina

Ivory Coast .v. Serbia and Montenegro

I predict the Serbians will see this as a nothing match, but the Ivory Coast will think nothing of the sorts. They will hit the Serbians with strength and pace, and although Serbia are the higher ranked team, I am going for the Ivory Coast in this one as they will see it as a chance to shine.

JJ3's Prediction: Ivory Coast 2-0 Serbia and Montenegro

Portugal .v. Mexico

A tight game this one will be. However, the Mexicans were poor against Angola and although they will still go through, I expect a comfortable win for the Portugese. Watch out for Ronaldo, as he seems a man in form and up for the big games.

JJ3's Prediction: Portugal 2-0 Mexico


Iran .v. Angola

Both teams will be up for putting on a performance in their final game of the tournament. Iran are the stronger team, but Angola showed against Mexico they are no push overs.

JJ3's Prediction: Iran 1-0 Angola

JJ3's Current Scoreline:

Correct 13-10 Incorrect

 

[m_vaughan]

Got all four results correct. Poland and Paraguay as I had predicted, ending their World Cup campaigns with wins. England were disappointing again, although I thought in the fast half they played a whole lot better. Germany on the other hand put in a sparkling performance, which was great to watch after a somewhat disappointing show in the Poland game. The Germans definately look more likely to win the World Cup than England, thats for sure.

Anyways my prediction ratio now stands at 11/19 with a success ratio of 57.89%.

Tomorrow's games:

Netherlands 1-2 Argentina: Most awaited game of the group stages for sure. Both teams have already qualified to the round of 16, but the top spot in the group is still up for grabs. Argentina have been more impressive than the Netherlands in the two games played till now, but the Dutch have got the points in the end, which is what matters. Expect the high flying Argentines to win it though.

Ivory Coast 0-1 Serbia and Montenegro: Well after the 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Argentina, the Serbians will be playing for pride in this game. And I actually back them to win here.

Portugal 4-0 Mexico: Portugal are really looking good under Scolari, while Mexico were disappointing against Angola. Their finishing was extremely poor, and I reckon they are gonna be whipped tomorrow.

Iran 1-0 Angola: Angola are yet to score a goal in the World Cup. Till now their strategy has been to prevent other teams from scoring, but now they have to push for a win. As a result they will have to open up, something Iran will be able to exploit. Expect the Asian side to win.

 

[JamesyJames3]

Quick summary:

2 right 2 wrong, meaning I now have:

Correct 15-12 Incorrect

Tomorrow:

Czech Republic .v. Italy

The crucial thing in this one is that the Czechs currently are missing their 2 main strikers they rely on so much. The Italians are a good side, and I expect them to take the three points.

JJ3's Prediction: Czech Republic 0-2 Italy

Ghana .v. USA

Another tough match in the group of death. Ghana impressed during their last game and will fancy their chances of getting to the next phase. The USA need the 3 points and will be going for the win. This sets up a fantastic match.

JJ3's Prediction: Ghana 1-1 USA

Japan .v. Brazil

Brazil are already through but will definately put on a performance for the locals. Although they haven't been at their best, they should overcome a bustling Japan side and pick up all 3 points to finish with 9 points out of 9.

JJ3's Prediction: Japan 0-3 Brazil

Australia .v. Croatia

This is also going to be a fantastic match as it will decide the fate of the two sides. One of them is going through, it's just a question of who. Australia showed me in the last game they are up for this tournament, and although Croatia will be a strong force. I am going for Australia to steal one.

JJ3's Prediction: Australia 2-1 Croatia

 

[m_vaughan]

Well 3 of my 4 predictions went wrong for yesterday's games which takes my total prediction ratio to 12/23, i.e a success rate of 52.17%.

Today's Games:

Czech Republic 0-1 Italy: The Italians are kings of getting 1-0 results, and even though a draw is good enough for them, I think they will want to end top of the group so as to avoid facing Brazil in the Round of 16.

USA 2-1 Ghana: Now this might be a surprise to some of you guys. But I reckon the Americans, who were pretty much ruled out after that opening day's 3-0 thrashing at the hands of the Czech Republic will stage a brilliant comeback by beating the African side in this crunch game. They are capable of doing it, and even though I was critical of this US team, I must agree I was impressed with the performance they put against the mightly Azzuri.

Brazil 2-0 Japan: They might have not been very convincing so far, but Brazil still have won both their games. And as Mr. Sureshot says, in the end its results that win you tournaments and not performances. I do reckon this performance will be a lot better than the previous two, now that they have already qualified for the next stage. Feel sorry for Japan, but they were unlucky to have been put in a very tough group.

Australia 0-2 Croatia: Australia have done well so far, but I doubt they can go on putting in such performances with the team that they have. I know you Aussie fans will want to murder me for saying this, but the fact is Croatia are definately more talented and experienced, and I am backing them to win this game fairly comfortably.

 

[m_vaughan]

2 correct, 2 incorrect once again.

Prediction Ratio: 14/27
Success Rate: 51.85%

Today's Matches:

France 3-1 Togo: Expect the French to finally show some form here and make it the Round of 16. Watch out for David Trezeguet, as I am sure he'll play a major role today.

South Korea 2-1 Switzerland: Expect a hard fought game between these two sides. The Koreans I thought did particularly well in the game against France to come back with a point. And I expect them to win this one against Switzerland with another good performance from Park.

Spain 3-0 Saudi Arabia: Spain have been very impressive in the tournament so far, scoring 7 goals in two matches and conceding just one. And this I reckon is the easiest game for them, and expect a comprehensive victory, even though Luis Aragones might rest some of his first team players. However there is depth in the squad, and the players on the bench are world class themselves.

Tunisia 1-1 Ukraine: Tunisia showed a much improved display in their second game against Spain, and same can be said for Ukraine in their second game against Saudi Arabia. I hence expect a tight game this, and am unable to pick a clear winner. I go for a draw in this one.

As per my predictions,

Round of 16

Spain v France
South Korea v Ukraine

 

[JamesyJames3]

JJ3's Scoreline:

Correct 17-14 Incorrect

Todays games:

France .v. Togo

Togo have been the most dissapointing of the African teams. However, they still hold something upfront and could cause France the odd problem. But, this is the perfect game for France to get back into form. Zidane and Henry could be crucial in this one

JJ3's Prediction: France 3-0 Togo

South Korea .v. Switzerland

This is a very very tough game to call. The South Korean's have been superb and thoroughly deserve to be in with a chance of qualyfying. The Swiss also have a great chance, and both sides will know a win will guarantee them qualification. However, the draw could see one of them slip out of the top 2.

JJ3's Prediction: South Korea 2-2 Switzerland

Spain .v. Saudi Arabia

This is a pretty straight forward one to predict for me. The Saudi's look very weak and not too threatening upfront. Spain have looked good and I expect them to bag a few more goals today.

JJ3's Prediction: Spain 5-0 Saudi Arabia

Tunisia .v. Ukraine

This is lined up to be a cracking game. Both teams still in with a chance. Tunisia need a win so will go for it from the off. Ukraine no they only need a point but I don't think this will hold them back from going forward.

JJ3's Prediction: Tunisia 2-3 Ukraine

 

[m_vaughan]

2 correct and 2 incorrect yesterday.

Prediction Ratio: 16/31

Success Rate: 51.61%.

Today's Matches:

Germany 2-0 Sweden. Germany have been good in this world cup, while Sweden have been edgy. Offensively the Germans are brilliant, and that should be enough for them to overcome the Swedes.

Argentina 1-0 Mexico. Mexico usually do well against South American opposition and I hence expect them to make life very difficult for Argentina. However, the Argentines have too much class and will win

 

[usy]

JJ3 and MV, Good work both yous, keep Predicting till the final.

 

[m_vaughan]

Got both right this time. Germany were simply awesome in their demolition of Sweden. And it was indeed the class of Argentina, in the form of a wonder goal by Maxi Rodriguez, that made the difference in the other match against Mexico.


Prediction Ratio: 18/33
Success Rate: 54.55%

Tomorrow's Games:

England 2-1 Ecuador: Despite being without Michael Owen, I expect England to win this one.

Portugal 1-1 Netherlands (Portugal to win on penalties): Very tough to choose as both teams are so even. Have a feeling it will be decided on penalties, and my money is on big Phil's Portugal.