Well, after commenting on the early game of Australia-Japan, I didn't update again after watching the next two games.
First up was USA vs Czech. If you read my prediction, I predicted a comfortable 2-0 win, but even I didn't expect them to stroll to a 3-0 victory. The Americans were by no means pushovers, but the Czechs just showed that class that brought them the biggesting victory in the tournament thus far. I was very impressed by the Czechs razor-sharp passing, incisive running and deadly.. oh deadly, finishing. If Jan Koller's goal showed they can do the easy things clinically, then Tomas Rosicky's goals showed they can do things with the utmost class. Rosicky could have had a hat-trick had one shot not hit the crossbar with the keeper well-beatened. If the commentator a few days ago thought Argentina was sending a message out to the rest of the competition, well, watch out, because Czech Republic just did that with bigger sirens yesterday.
Next, Italy vs Ghana. As usual, the African team playing with vigour, pace and freedom, but the final ball let them down. Just like Ivory Coast, they were made to pay with the oppositions classy finishes and poor finishing of their own. Ghana has to do much better in the last third to get any furthur. They could string passes impressively together in the midfield, but they are always missing the incisive through pass or shot shot on target. Ghana would feel a bit hard-done by the 2-0 scoreline, but the Italians, with the way they took their chances and defended strongly, deserved a victory.
Today's tips include the mighty Brazil vs Croatia, South Korea vs Togo, France vs Switzerland.
Most punters are predicting an easy Brazillian victory, and I think so too, although we have been shocked before. But I think Brazil wil have too much attacking flair to crumble even after they have conceded first. It remains to be seen though if all those talented individuals can play as a team. My call: 2-0 or 3-1.
South Korea vs Togo. This South Korea side is not as strong as the one which finished 4th last World Cup. But if Togo are going to be playing like the other African nations and fail to do well in the last third, then South Korea might well cruise to a victory. Though like Japan, the small-sized Koreans might prove to struggle against the tough Africans. I predict a narrow 1-0 win for South Korea, if they indeed score at all. But something tells me it might end up a bore draw.
France vs Switzerland. The french has underachieved in the World since its famous double of the World and European Cup, but this year might be different - with Henry and Saha leading the lines! If Cisse were fit to play, France would have the Arsenal-ManU-Liverpool attack, unfortunately, Cisse broke his leg for the second time in his career - the other led this time. I wonder what is wrong with his bones. But jokes aside, I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. Though he might never kick a ball for Liverpool again, I still wish him all the best as a player! But back to the France game, I think the French should take this win away although Switzerland as one of the major dark horses in this tournament. This game will be tight, before individual brilliance would unlock it. Something inspirational from Henry perhaps, or Saha, or Trezeguet or maybe even Gallas! Who knows, Switzerland have quality players in Frei and Strellar too. But be prepared for France to do most of the attacking.
Like all days, I hope you picked the right winners and increase the pot of your World Cup punting!
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