World Cup Predictions - Groups E & F

Let's have a look at how my predictions matched up yesterday

Colombia vs Greece

Predicted score: 1-0

Actual score: 3-0

Uruguay vs Costa Rica

Predicted score: 4-0

Actual score: 1-3

England vs Italy

Predicted score: 0-0

Actual score: 1-2

Ivory Coast vs Japan

Predicted score: 3-1

Actual score: 2-1

So overall, not great. Certainly didn't think Costa Rica would walk away with anything - but with great performances from Joel Campbell and their 'keeper, Keylor Navas, they ended up with a deserved 3 points.

Colombia and Greece played out a quite open match, which was very different to what I was expecting, though the win for Colombia was at least correct. England and Italy also played out a quite entertaining game, and I though I thought England should've come out with a draw, the Italians exploited the gaps in behind the fullbacks and scored a couple of decent goals.

I didn't stay up to watch the Ivory Coast game, though the report suggests that Ivory Coast dominated the game but just couldn't put the ball in the net - limiting them to a narrow victory rather than something more dominant... So overall, two correct results, no correct scorelines and a couple that were just simply wrong. Meh.

Today's games!

Switzerland vs Ecuador

I can't say that I'm particularly interested in this game - but with Switzerland sitting at 6th in the FIFA World Rankings, they should be taken quite seriously. They're ahead of countries such as England, France, Colombia, Italy, Holland and Belgium in the rankings. Ecuador on the other hand are sat alongside Scotland in 26th place, and so you'd assume it's a straightforward result.. But rankings can lie, and I actually think this will be quite tight. Ecuador have a couple of dangerous players, and will have a lot more support in the stands.

Prediction: Switzerland 1-1 Ecuador

France vs Honduras

The French have underachieved for a number of years now, but you can't deny that they have a very good team. They seem to be turning a corner now, and I think they might have a decent little tournament. Honduras, on the other hand, should not pose a threat. After watching them play England, it seems their only tactic involves hard tackling and dirty play, so I'd expect a few cards and a frustrating game. That said, I reckon France will get the ball in the back of the net more than once.

Prediction: France 3-0 Honduras

Argentina vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

There are many strong players in the Argentina squad, and they have been tipped by many to win this tournament. Lionel Messi has often not performed for his country but since being given the captain's armband, he has transformed into the player we see at Barcelona. Bosnia have some surprisingly good players too, though, and having scored 30 goals in 10 games of qualifying they know how to find the back of the net. I think Argentina will win this one, but not as comfortably as you might think.

Prediction: Argentina 3-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina