Monday 16 June 2014

World Cup Predictions - Groups F & G

Yesterday's games.

Switzerland vs Ecuador
Predicted score: 1-1
Actual score: 2-1

France vs Honduras
Predicted score: 3-0
Actual score: 3-0

Argentina vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Predicted score: 3-2
Actual score: 2-1


I did pretty well with yesterday's predictions. Got the France win spot on - and also suggested that Honduras would be a dirty team, proven by the red card issued to Palacios just before half time. Switzerland scored their winner in the 93rd minute, so that was pretty damn close too and Argentina only won by the 1 goal as I predicted, though I expected a slightly more open game. 

Today we have a few tricky ones to predict, so let's see how this goes.

Germany vs Portugal
Similar to Spain vs Holland, and England vs Italy, this game puts two strong European teams up against each other. Portugal have Cristiano Ronaldo and a few other, tricky, players but struggled slightly through qualifying and their main man isn't 100% fit. Germany had doubts over Lahm and Neuer, but both seem to have shaken off niggles for the opening match. In Joachim Low, Germany have a manager who has taken them to the Semi Finals of every competition they've entered since taking over in 2006 - and I think this tournament will be no different. I reckon they'll be too strong for Portugal, who rely too heavily on their main man.
Prediction: Germany 3-1 Portugal

Iran vs Nigeria
Not likely to be a classic, and not quite so highly anticipated as the first game today, Iran vs Nigeria is the kind of game that makes the World Cup what it is. I love seeing two teams with relatively unknown players pitting themselves against each other on the biggest stage. Both will need a win to stand any chance of sneaking through their tricky Group F, and I fear that means we'll end up with the first draw of the tournament. Iran have the highly experienced Carlos Quieroz as manager, and though their players are less familiar to most people, I think he'll find ways to frustrate Nigeria and grab the draw. Nigeria have some good individuals, but nothing World Class.
Prediction: Iran 1-1 Nigeria

USA vs Ghana
The last three times these teams have met, Ghana have won. I like Ghana, I think they have a decent team and could start their tournament off with a victor - they had some good results in their friendlies, and might just be able to carry that momentum into the tournament. USA too, have had a good build up and appear to be full of confidence, but I can imagine that bubble bursting in this must-win game. With Portugal and Germany left to play in the group, both teams need a win so we will hopefully get an open game.
Prediction: USA 2-3 Ghana

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