Spain vs Australia
Predicted result: 4-0
Actual result: 3-0
Holland vs Chile
Predicted result: 1-2
Actual result: 2-0
Brazil vs Cameroon
Predicted result: 4-0
Actual result: 4-1
Croatia vs Mexico
Predicted result: 1-0
Actual result: 1-3
So overall not too bad - I was hoping for a Chilean surprise, and thought Croatia would be Mexico but ultimately they were outplayed. I predicted the other two games pretty accurately. This all means that Brazil will play Chile in the next round, and Holland get to play Mexico. Cameroon, Spain and Australia had already packed their bags and Croatia will be joining them on the plane home.
Today sees England back in action, this time against the surprise package of the tournament - Costa Rica. Uruguay face Italy in the other Group D clash, a game in which the winner will progress. In Group C, Colombia have already qualified and face a Japan team who must win, and hope that Greece beat Ivory Coast in the other clash. Ivory Coast will qualify with a victory, and will also qualify with a draw provided Japan don't win by more than one goal. Greece can still qualify, but must beat Ivory Coast and hope that Japan don't beat Colombia. Cor!
On with the predictions!
England vs Costa Rica
Woy is making 9 changes to his starting lineup, keeping only Sturridge and Cahill in place from the last game. I think in general this is a good idea, as it'll give the likes of Barkley and Shaw a chance to impress - though Foster in goal is always shaky, and could prove to be the weak link against a Costa Rica team who appear fearless. Costa Rica will damage England if Joel Campbell plays in 'Beast Mode', though they aren't desperate for the win so may elect to rest some players for the next round.
Prediction: England 3-2 Costa Rica
Italy vs Uruguay
Uruguay simply must win this one, with a draw favouring the Italians. I simply don't think they will though - Italy looked decent against England, but pedestrian against Costa Rica. Both teams will need to step up their game to have any hope of doing well in the tournament, and I think Italy will do just that.
Prediction: Italy 2-0 Uruguay
Colombia vs Japan
The Japanese team have not done much thus far, and I don't think they'll do much here. They have slim hopes of qualification, and must win in order to have a chance. Colombia have already qualified and may rest the likes of Cuadrado and Rodriguez in this game, but should still be a tough team to beat. Colombia lack quality in the fullback positions, and should Japan exploit that they could be in trouble - but they won't. Colombia should still win this.
Prediction: Colombia 2-0 Japan
Ivory Coast vs Greece
I've been disappointed with the Greek team in this tournament. I never expected them to set the World alight, but I thought they'd put up a fight. Two games in, and 0 goals scores doesn't bode well - though they do still have a chance of qualification. Ivory Coast are a strong team, the best of the African teams, but have had some difficulties to overcome - most notably the brother of Kolo and Yaya Toure passing away. Bony and Drogba are a very strong attacking threat, and I just don't think Greece will cope with them.
Prediction: Ivory Coast 3-0 Greece
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