Nice DJVRM. Always leave it to the Brazilians to talk football
Very hungover today. No France-Uruguay report, but it finished 0-0. France are such a disappointment.
12th June
TODAY'S MATCHES
Greece vs. South Korea
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Despite their unlikely Euro 2004 triumph, Greece are one of the weaker teams in the tournament and will be lucky to advance from the group stages if they cannot pick up any points in today's clash with South Korea, themselves shock semi-finalists in the last World Cup. With group rivals Argentina and Nigeria looking stronger on paper, a win is crucial for both sides today if they are to retain any hope of reaching the knockout stages.
Both teams are well organised and hard working, with the superior strength and height of the Greek team likely to cause South Korea problems at set-pieces. However, South Korea probably have the edge in open play. Hard to call and I can't see it being a high scoring game.
Judy's Prediction - 2-1
Players to watch: Sotiris Ninis, attacking midfielder (GRE), Ji-Sung Park, attacking midfielder (SK), Karagounis, midfielder (GRE)
Argentina vs. Nigeria
Venue:
Despite the madness of Diego Maradona, Argentina are genuine contenders for the World Cup and will be looking to make a statement of intent against a none-too-shabby Nigeria side. With arguably the most exciting collection of strikers and attacking midfielders in the world, Argentina should make great viewing this tournament, and defensive solidity is finally being approximated with a fairly settled back four. Best player in the world Lionel Messi will be looking to finally unleash his superb talent on the international stage, where he has disappointed somewhat in the past.
Nigeria also boast some top attacking talent, with Yakubu being the perfect battering ram to complement the flair and pace of Obinna, Odemwingie and Obasi. A lack of creativity in midfield may be their undoing however, with the mercurial Jay-Jay Okocha still sorely missed after his retirement.
Judy's Prediction - 2-0
Players to watch: Lionel Messi, attacking midfielder/playmaker (ARG), Vincent Enyeama, goalkeeper (NIG), Gonzalo Higuain, striker (ARG), Javier Mascherano, defensive midfielder (ARG)
England vs. USA
Venue: Rustenburg
The first match of Group C pits the might of England against their puny colonial und(enough of this Judy - mod)
England go into this World Cup 3rd favourites, and will have to prove they deserve the tag against the USA today. By no means an easy match, with the Americans hoping for a repeat of the 'Miracle On Grass'. They will be buoyed by a good showing in the Confederations Cup, where they knocked out current tournament favourites Spain, and are certainly capable of beating anyone on their day, allying creativity in Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey with determination, displaying a professional and hard working ethic throughout the team.
England's major worry is the lack of a defensive midfielder, with Michael Carrick set to start there despite his woeful form this season. However, Rooney remains one of the most effective players in the world and the pace of Lennon on the right should cause no end of problems for the slightly one-paced US defence.
Judy's Prediction - 2-0
Players to watch: Steven Gerrard, midfielder (ENG), Tim Howard, goalkeeper (USA), Wayne Rooney, striker (ENG), Landon Donovan, attacking midfielder/winger (USA)
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Topic: The World Cup 2010 Thread (Read 36285 times)