Monday 23 June 2014

Roundup and Predictions for Groups A & B

It seems as though this World Cup is determined to make me look foolish. Not only have the games been ridiculously entertaining, they have also been completely random. Costa Rica beating both Uruguay and Italy?! Dezko failing miserably, putting my "watertight predictions" post to rest, Iran almost pulling off an incredible draw against Argentina, Spain out, and France spanking Switzerland. What a tournament!

FIFA World Cup 2014 Trophy 13

I haven't posted for a few days. For what it's worth, the predictions I had in my head were all wrong (I had put a sneaky £1 on a 6-0 Argentina win) - so without further ado, here's what is blatantly not going to happen in the games today!

We see the final group games this week, and today we have four games - deciding the fate of those countries who are yet to know whether they'll soon be going home;
Group A
Brazil vs Cameroon
Croatia vs Mexico

Group B
Spain vs Australia
Chile vs Holland

Let's look at Group B first, as they are the 5 o'clock kick offs:

Spain vs Australia
This game is a dead rubber, and therefore entirely unpredictable. Australia are without the iconic Tim Cahill, and Spain are miserable and would probably much rather just disappear into the Brazilian abyss.. That said, I still can't rule out the Spanish as the quality in their squad is incredible. Perhaps if they decide against starting with Diego Costa, and give some of their younger players a chance they may well have a nice, fresh finish to their tournament.
Prediction: Spain 4-0 Australia

Chile vs Holland
The winner of this game will most likely avoid Brazil in the next round, so it is a game that both teams will want to win. A draw would see Holland top the group, and so Chile have to go for the win - though their performances so far have been impressive, and a match against Brazil wouldn't be too daunting. With neither team wanting to risk any potential injuries, I think this may be a tentative affair - and with the tournament being random so far, I'm gonna punt for Chile to nick the win.
Prediction: Chile 2-1 Holland

In Group A, the only team with nothing but pride to play for is Cameroon who face Brazil. A Cameroon win in that game opens the door for both Mexico and Croatia. Brazil will only go out if Cameroon beat them more heavily than Croatia beat Mexico. A draw in the Croatia vs Mexico game could also see Brazil out of the competition, provided Cameroon win by 2 or more goals.

Cameroon vs Brazil
Let's face it, it could happen. Brazil haven't looked great and the African teams have been impressive.. That said, Cameroon have not yet scored in this tournament so realistically it doesn't look great for them. If the useless Fred is left out of the Brazil lineup, they should do well. If he plays, then I imagine we'll have a frustrating game on our hands.
Prediction: Cameroon 0-3 Brazil

Croatia vs Mexico
Huge game here, and basically the loser goes out of the competition. Mexico got a decent draw against Brazil, and Croatia were unfortunate to lose in the opening game. Croatia need a result, and I think they'll get it. They have looked a solid outfit and I think they will be a bit too organised for Mexico, who have so far impressed against teams who are not known for their defensive discipline.
Prediction: Croatia 1-0 Mexico

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