World Cup predictions

[tricky_colour]

FFS!! Didn't I know it!!

[tetsujin1979]

if there was any justice in this world, then Ghana would be in the semi finals of the World Cup, after losing out on a definite winner in injury time of extra time, instead of on the plane home after a penalty shoot out.

[Comic Book Guy]

Two strange games today, imo the losers of both games have only themselves to blame, Brazil were
coasting up to half time and never really recovered after Holland equalised.
As for Ghana, as much as I wanted them to win but you can't afford to miss a penalty with the last kick
of the game.
Overall I would hate to see the Dutch win it as Robben epitomises to me the diving cancer that has
afflicted the game, while I know most players do it he seems to take it to another level.
Even though I backed Spain from the start I hope Argentina win it as they have been the most enjoyable to watch.

[gilberto_eire]

Very harsh on Ghana, don't think you can say they are in the same boat as Brazil and that they cost themselves the win, bar a cynical handball they were 2-1 up with time elapsed.

Over the last 9 mths we have witnessed a lot of high profile mistakes that have(and could have) altered the direction of the tournament massively, starting with that night in Paris, followed by the American goal against Slovenia, the red card for the Chile player, Englands goal that never was, Argentinas first goal when Mexico were on top and now the goal line save tonight. Some more important then others, and most which could have been solved with a quick look back over the replays.

I think Ghana's is right up there with ours, and you'd have to feel aggrieved in their shoes to be denied by blatant cheating. A situation like that should warrant a penalty goal like in Rugby, if a team purposely stops a scoring opportunity the ref can allow it, i wouldn't use it in any other situation bar a goal line save from a defender though as a 1v1 could still be missed, not much chance of the ball changing direction and going wide from that position(i.e on the line) earlier though.

The only way they could implement that though would be with video technology, or else you'd risk a situation where a player is sent off and goal given for something that didnt even hit his arm.

So if you add a small bit of modern technology you could have had a VERY different world cup, we could have been there, the English might have continued their rally and beat the Germans and the Ghanaians WOULD have made the semi final, who knows even Mexico might have maintained control over the Argies....

[Stuttgart88]

Great last paragraph Gilberto. I think Harry Kewell would agree with you. Didn't the same thing happen in a recent Celtic v Rangers game, Celtic missing the resulting penalty?

Penalty goal for handball preventing a goal going in would be straightforward. Penalty goal for a foul would be a step too far though, in my opinion.

The Ghana incident was about as extreme as it can get as it would definitely have got them through - the ref would have blown for full time at the kick off.

CBG - I agree to a large extent. I'd love to see the Dutch win a WC as they have made a unique contribution to international football over the last 36 years, but the one thing that's holding me back from fully supporting them is Robben's antics. He plays the game in such a profoundly dishonest manner - it stinks.

[Stuttgart88]

20 mins of Ger v Arg gone. Germany playing brilliantly, which prompts this question in my mind: how many of this starting XI played together in the winning U21 side? I think it's at least 4.

The reason I ask is because the fluency of their play is surely an emphatic endorsement of harvesting successful underage teams - in contrast to Teflon Don's corrosive neglect of the U21s, and the FAI's "policy" of fielding teams too young for their age group at all underage levels. Surely it's far more productive to try and nurture whole teams, rather than individuals, so that at least parts of the team can be added seemlessly to the established senior team.

[tricky_colour]

3:0 The German war machine rolls on, heading towards Holland now....

( British expeditionary force on their way home - lol)

[Stuttgart88]

Watched it on BBC. Hansen is becoming a parody of himself with barely a positive word to say about Germany, all negative about Argentina. Severe criticism for allowing Germany to score from a yard out. OK, so the full back committed himself but the pass between keeper and defender was superb. Schweinsteiger's work for Friedrich's goal, and indeed throughout the game, was magnificent. Superbly accomplished football team. Heads up football. Great (simple) passing, great movement and very good collectively without the ball. What I call "speculative passing" (or low percentage) is almost totally absent from their game. If I had an ounce of charisma or footballing ability I'd be trying to drill that into young footballers!

[elroy]

Anyone else think Spain could be surprised tonight??? They look very lethargic again, have really failed to impress in this tournament and the way its going Im thinking Paraguay could nick this or bring it all the way to penos. Its such a shame the Spain of the last couple of years have failed to show up so far at the WC.

[culloty82]

Very nearly were, it's as if they can't be bothered to perform against the so-called lesser teams and only come out of their skill when it's do or die. I mean, when they've Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, they could set the tempo from kick-off, like the Germans and cruise through their games. The semi-final should be a classic, but I'll tip the Germans, their passing and movement has been the best all tornament.

[Stuttgart88]

Germany look more potent alright. Spain overdo the passing game at times, or at least pass it without enough tempo. That said, defending against Spain like Paraguay did takes a lot of stamina, so it's no spurprise that Spain have scored late(ish) in their last two wins.

[elroy]

Big question now is will Del Bosque make the blindingly obvious but difficult change and drop Torres for either Fabregas (as last night) or Pedro or Llorente. Any of the three would surely be a better option that the hopelessly unfit/out of form Torres?!?!? The decision could prove the difference between progress or not.

[OwlsFan]

Watched it on BBC. Hansen is becoming a parody of himself with barely a positive word to say about Germany, all negative about Argentina. Severe criticism for allowing Germany to score from a yard out. OK, so the full back committed himself but the pass between keeper and defender was superb. Schweinsteiger's work for Friedrich's goal, and indeed throughout the game, was magnificent. Superbly accomplished football team. Heads up football. Great (simple) passing, great movement and very good collectively without the ball. What I call "speculative passing" (or low percentage) is almost totally absent from their game. If I had an ounce of charisma or footballing ability I'd be trying to drill that into young footballers!

The defending was terrible though for the free kick. I liked Lawrenson's description of Maradona as a choice between "a fan in a suit or an extra on the Sopranos".

Schweinsteiger is class - reminds of the Saipan Keane at the top of his game. Player of the tournament.

Funny how all the complaints about how boring the tournament is have disappeared like they always do once we get in to the knock out stage. The drama in the last 20 minutes of the Spain/Paraguay game was in the words of Chris Kamara "Unbelievable Jeff".

[Stuttgart88]

The defending was terrible though for the free kick. Actually, the bulk of the criticism was directed at the defending for the second goal. I thought more credit was due to the attacking team. Agree that the set piece defending was awful.

[shakermaker1982]

Hansen had to negative & slate the Argentinian defence because he'd already called the Germans an average team a couple of hours earlier. Give the Germans some praise? Not likely.

I'm hoping for a Dutch/German final.

[OwlsFan]

Actually, the bulk of the criticism was directed at the defending for the second goal. I thought more credit was due to the attacking team. Agree that the set piece defending was awful.

You might like this attack on the BBC Panel. Hansen gets off quite likely as he writes for the Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/7871241/World-Cup-2010-Absence-of-Alan-Shearer-leaves-one-free-to-search-for-football-alchemy.html

[culloty82]

The octopus has spoken

BERLIN — Octopus oracle Paul is predicting Germany will be defeated by Spain at the World Cup semifinal.
Sea Life Aquarium's spokesman Daniel Fey said Tuesday that the famous mollusk from Oberhausen chose a mussel from a glass tank marked with a Spanish flag, while ignoring the tank marked with the German colors — indicating a Spanish victory in Wednesday's semifinal.
But there could be hope for the Germans.
The only time the usually-prescient Paul erred in the past was in picking a Germany-Spain matchup in the 2008 European Championship, when he picked Germany and Spain prevailed.
Otherwise, Paul correctly predicting Germany's wins over Argentina and England, and also foretold the victories over Australia and Ghana and the country's loss to Serbia.

[endabob1]

i say holland spain in the final

I hope you put money on it, 90 minutes from a staggeringly good prediction


In all probability it will be a Brazil v Holland Quarter Final which is a shame because that would be a cracking final, but I think whoever comes through that will win it.

Doh, money, mouth.....

[Den Perry]

I hope you put money on it, 90 minutes from a staggeringly good prediction



Doh, money, mouth.....

Can somebody please explain how Sneider is on five goals instead of four? Only found out last night that FIFA awarded him what was obviously Mello's own goal against Brazil. Have a fair few quid coming to me if Spain win and Villa is top scorer, and now I find out Sneider is on same goals. Disgraceful. I'd say the bookies are delighted with that decision

[jbyrne]

I'm hoping for a Dutch/German final.

was 50/1 before the world cup. know someone who took this bet

[tricky_colour]

Well Germany crushed Argentina.
What's to say they will not crush Spain?

Spain's record in the World Cup does not look great.

I can get 2-1 at Betfair, that looks like a good deal.

However I have lost all my world cup bets so far :D (IIRC).

Anyway I have my money on now so I wait yet another of my 'betting disasters'

All looks good on paper, England 4:1 Argentina 4:0, looks better
than Spain's 1:0 wins over Portugal and Paraguay.

I wonder how the reality will pan out?

[bennocelt]

Where the hell is Fabregas? What does he have to do to get on that team. Pedro? he was rubbish in the CL, a joke, I think the tall guy Spain brought on in one of their previous games was quite good.......................
Living in London now.................................man I miss RTE

[tricky_colour]

Never underestimate a team making up for two lost world wars ;)

All the BBC pundits say Spain, so they will all be eating humble pie I hope.

[superfrank]

Pedro? he was rubbish in the CL, a joke,
In their entirety, Barca were rather blunt in the CL this year. They never played as well as they did the year before. Pedro was one of many others who didn't play up to their standards.

Out of curiosity, how many times dud you see him play?

Pedro has had an amazing domestic season for Barca. He has great ability. He fully deserves to be in the Spanish side and he's still settling into it. AFAIK, he only made his debut in the warm-up games before the WC.

The reason Fabregas isn't starting is because he doesn't fit into del Bosque's favoured system. With Torres out, Villa will take his spot at the front and Pedro can fill Villa's regular role a lot better than Fabregas could.

[EAFC_rdfl]

i surely did. got it at 20/1 with paddypower, pity i only went a fiver! also backed holland at 9/1 each way to win it out.
and entered finn harps prediction game with spain to beat holland in the final, though had them beating argentina and england in the semis, still i think Im in with an outside shout of getting a prize in that competition as long as spain get through tonight

[tricky_colour]

Typical bang goes my money :(
17 minutes to get it back.

[superfrank]

After defending him, he goes and wastes a chance to seal it.

[John83]

After defending him, he goes and wastes a chance to seal it.
Yeah, he should have passed. If he hadn't tripped though... cracking little player; I don't understand the criticism of him above. If Fabregas is to get into that team, he'll have to beat Iniesta or Xavi (Hernandes, not Alonso).

[osarusan]

I thought Spain were tremendous tonight. I said earlier in this thread that they hadn't been consistent, but they were consistent over 90 minutes tonight.

Germany decided not to press the Spanish in their own half as the Paraguayans had done effectively, presumably as they wanted to keep as many players between the ball and the goal as possible when Spain had possession. They were willing to let Spain pass the ball into their half, but the problem with that was that it killed their usually effective counter attack. The one or two chances they had to counter they wasted with poor passes. And when Puyol got the goal, not much changed, as Spain kept the ball easily, and apart from that one Kroos chance, Germany created nothing.

[tricky_colour]

Yes problem for Germany is that Spain were not as disogansied in defense as England or Argentina and needed to get more
behind the ball to defend against Spain who were good with the ball.
Still had Germany been awarded a penalty it could have been so different.
I'm am pretty sure Germany would have won if I had backed Spain!!

SO I just have to decide which team to give the kiss of death to in the final now.

[John83]

I think you're being a little harsh on Germany, osarusan. I thought they looked dangerous at times, and while Spain were the better team, it wasn't as one-sided as you're making out.

[Stuttgart88]

I thought that was a brilliant and utterly compelling game of football. Germany did pretty well but when Spain went up through the gears they were in a different league. Still, Germany rode the storm & made a chance or two, and how frustrating it must be for Germany to concede from a corner. I thought Pique cleared Puyol's path very cleverly. Spain were deserving winners in the end. I'd be very surprised if Holland can beat them.

Spain won all 10 in qualifying and 5 out of 6 here. Holland won all 8 in qualifying and all 6 so far here. In 2008 Spain won the tournament and Holland had 3 wins out of 4 and all wins against top teams. What a run of form each is bringing into this final.

[bennocelt]

At least now I might have so chance to claw some money back with Spain in the final
To be fair Pedro did play well, but could you imagine the flack he would have got if the Germans had scored - (but Inter Milan had him in their pocket, no problems.)
Still think the game was dying for Fabregas to come on, Des Bosq is a stubborn old fella

[Closed Account 2]

There is a great chance for the Dutch now, who many seem to be labelling as rank underdogs, if you watch the BBC it seems there is no point in the Dutch turning up - absolute folly. I can see the physicality of the Dutch, esp at free kicks, causing the Spanish some problems. I saw the Dutch three times when I was out there (vs Japan, Slovakia and Brazil) and on each occasion their tricky play prized open stubbon opposition. The Dutchmen are yet to lose a game in the competition and I hope (and think) this will continue into the final, they have shown resiliance against the Brazilians in turning the game around.

Sneidjer, Robben, Van Bommell, Heitinga (and to a lesser extent others like Huntelaar - who I dont really rate as a player) have all spent time in La Liga and will be aware of the tricks they might pull. If there is a smidgen of justice in this world Capdevilla, Busquet and the other villians won't lift the trophy. For all the noshingoff about the "lovely passing game" the Spanish play they've yet to really dismantle a team (save Honduras) - eeking past a 10 man Chile, an ineffective Portugal and a sadly labouring German team by a single goal. Plucky Paraguay gave them a real test and the Spanish floundered but for the aid of a bizzare series of ricochets off the posts.

[elroy]

Did anyone else think that was not a peno for Germany?? Couldnt believe the whole panel thought it was. Decent game, Germany perhaps not as good as we hoped them to be. Best team performance by Spain so far, in no small part to the omission of the out of form Torres. Agree with above posters on Fabregas, there is no doubt the guy should be starting but with such a qualify midfield its hard to fit him in the XI.

Spain deserved their win, no question, must have had 60%+ possession, only real chance for Germany was Kloos chance which wasnt easy but perhaps was struck more or so at the keeper.

Final is equally intriguing, expect a similar game to tonight. Wont be an open attacking classic but I do think the Dutch in Robben in particular will offer more going forward than Germany did tonight.

[osarusan]

I didn't notice it at the time, but looking at the BBC report, it seems there wasn't even one yellow card in the game. Pretty impressive for a world cup semi-final.

[Schumi]

Did anyone else think that was not a peno for Germany?? Couldnt believe the whole panel thought it was.I thought it would have been very soft myself.

[Noelys Guitar]

What a great game of football. I thought Spain controlled the entire game. 1-2's.1-2-3's. Running off the ball. The wit and guile to change from short corners to hitting it toward the peno spot for Puyol. Dropping Torres. And all of this achieved on a playing surface that would not be tolerated in the United Churches Division 3. They made a good Germany side look tired and confused. I can't wait for the final.

[endabob1]

It was never a penalty, he'd lost control of the ball it would have been ridiculously harsh.

Spain were good, composed, patient and pretty clinical the chance at the end that Pedro should have played in Torres apart, I think they were comfortably the better side. As always you can't score without the ball, the Spanish possession game may not be everyone's cup of tea but it's damned effective.

[jbyrne]

Can somebody please explain how Sneider is on five goals instead of four? Only found out last night that FIFA awarded him what was obviously Mello's own goal against Brazil. Have a fair few quid coming to me if Spain win and Villa is top scorer, and now I find out Sneider is on same goals. Disgraceful. I'd say the bookies are delighted with that decision

have money on villa myself. that "sneider goal" v Brazil was 100% an own goal. mad decision!

[Stuttgart88]

I saw the Dutch three times when I was out there (vs Japan, Slovakia and Brazil) and on each occasion their tricky play prized open stubbon opposition.

For all the noshingoff about the "lovely passing game" the Spanish play they've yet to really dismantle a team (save Honduras) - eeking past a 10 man Chile, an ineffective Portugal and a sadly labouring German team by a single goal. Plucky Paraguay gave them a real test and the Spanish floundered but for the aid of a bizzare series of ricochets off the posts.Surely you can say exactly the same as what you said about the Dutch about Spain?

A sadly labouring Germany? An ineffective Portugal? Maybe Spain made them labouring and ineffective? Against Portugal and Paraguay, Spain's "tricky play prized open stubborn opposition". Both Holland and Spain beat a team with a goal rom a corner.

I think the Dutch also had their fair share of lucky breaks, probably more: OG to open the scoring against Denmark, goalie blunder v Japan, goalie blunder / OG / red card v Brazil, deflected goal v Uruguay. I doubt you'll ever find a team that reaches a WC Final that hasn't had a few breaks. In fact I thought Spain were unlucky against Switzerland.

Sounds like you were at some good games - very jealous!

[Stuttgart88]

It was never a penalty, he'd lost control of the ball it would have been ridiculously harsh.

Spain were good, composed, patient and pretty clinical the chance at the end that Pedro should have played in Torres apart, I think they were comfortably the better side. As always you can't score without the ball, the Spanish possession game may not be everyone's cup of tea but it's damned effective.I think it's no coincidence that Spain's goals in the KO rounds have all come after 70 minutes (I think). Teams get worn out chasing the ball & "that one chance" always seems to come. They seem to be able to increase the tempo when necessary and there was a 15-20 minute spell early in the second half last night where Germany couldn't contain them - though it could be said that most of thye chances they craeted were shots from 18 yards.

[pineapple stu]

Can't agree with previous posters that it was a brilliant game last night. Spain are a superb team, but they very rarely seem to bother playing. Yes, they controlled possession, yes they completely blunted a very decent German side, but 1 90-minute exercise in keep-ball doesn't make for entertaining football. Spain scored from a set-piece, wasted a couple of other decent chances by trying to walk the ball into the net and didn't in the end of the day create anywhere near as much as their possession and ability deserved. I thought it was a dull enough game to sum up a dull enough World Cup.

The only time Spain have really played, I thought, was when 1-0 down to Switzerland and they had to play; they played some lovely incisive stuff then and were unlucky not to score in that game. Last night was tedium by comparison.

[OwlsFan]

Did anyone else think that was not a peno for Germany?? Couldnt believe the whole panel thought it was.

The whole of the BBC Panel who showed that the clip on the back of the leg was outside the box (he fell inside). I found it amusing that Dunphy, who had a look at the incident at least 5 times, never noticed this castigated the referee (mind you he didn't give a free at all) and said that he hoped "some clown didn't spoil the Final". Aithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eile!!

I was surprised how dominant Spain was. I think Germany tried to do an Inter Milan. Allow possession to the other side and hit them on the break. If the German chance, when it was 0-0, had fallen to Klose, it might have been a different story. In the second half, when it was 0-0, all the Spanish chances were only half chances with shots from outside the box.

ANyone else notice that not one of the Spanish players sung the national anthem, not even the Real Madrid players. What was that all about?

[pineapple stu]

One other interesting thing I've noticed - taking off star players shortly before the end. Spain took off Villa with ten to go; if Germany had equalised, Spain would have been in extra time with no Villa (who'd scored all bar one of their goals prior to the semis I think?). Uruguay had a right go in injury time at bringing the game to extra time, but they'd have played it without Forlan, and Holland without Robben. Just a random observation.

[seand]

ANyone else notice that not one of the Spanish players sung the national anthem, not even the Real Madrid players. What was that all about?


Might be something to do with the Spanish national anthem having no lyrics. Obviously I'm just guessing here.

[Stuttgart88]

I was thinking the same re-late substitutions. Taking a leaf out of Stan's "how to protect a lead in Bratislava" book. At least the Dutch were 2 ahead I suppose, but they still had a major wobble.

Disagree on the quality of the game though. I thought it was gripping. Tight games of utmost importance don't need lots of goalmouth incident. I thought the skill level on display was very high.

[Den Perry]

One other interesting thing I've noticed - taking off star players shortly before the end. Spain took off Villa with ten to go; if Germany had equalised, Spain would have been in extra time with no Villa (who'd scored all bar one of their goals prior to the semis I think?). Uruguay had a right go in injury time at bringing the game to extra time, but they'd have played it without Forlan, and Holland without Robben. Just a random observation.

I find this trend quite staggering also. Its a gamble that could seriously backfire

[OwlsFan]

Might be something to do with the Spanish national anthem having no lyrics. Obviously I'm just guessing here.

Aah, although I heard the fans singing in the background. Must be unofficial lyrics.

FIFA/UEFA must do something some these substitutions in injury time. They totally break up the rhythm of the game near the end and the ref very seldom adds on the correct amount of time. I counted the time they took once and the ref was over 30 seconds short. Not sure what the solution is though. Can't add on extra time because the losing team would then start substituting. Perhaps no substitutions can be made in injury time. Hmmmm, not sure that would work.

[EAFC_rdfl]

any word on who is reffing the final?