World Cup 2010 Predictions: World Cup Final

Only two remain.  An all-South American final will decide the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.  Not only are these two teams from the same continent, they are bitter rivals.  Everlasting memories and haunting nightmares will be created in just 90 minutes (or possibly 120 plus PK's!) for Brazil and Argentina.  So who wins the 2010 FIFA World Cup.  Here is my analysis and prediction for the World Cup Final.

Goalkeeping: Both goalies are starting in their first ever World Cup, but Brazil's Julio Cesar (Inter Milan) is already very experienced in important games.  He saw plenty of them this year alone as he helped lead Inter Milan to the UEFA Champions League trophy.  Sergio Romero is a bright young goalie for Argentina, and may end up being the better keeper in the long run, but Julio Cesar is the better in 2010. Edge:

Defense: Brazil has an excellent back four led by their sturdy duo in the middle of Lucio (Inter Milan) and Juan (Roma).  Maicon (Inter Milan) is an excellent defender at left back who poses an offensive threat when Brazil is on a rush.  The Argentine side is no slouch either as Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich) and Walter Samuel (Inter Milan) anchor the middle for them.  Also, Gabriel Heinze (Marseille) is a veteran prescence at right back for Argentina and is very reliable.  Defense doesn't stop with Brazil and Argentina after the back four.  Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos) at defensive midfield is one of Coach Dunga's most important players on the pitch.  The same can be said about the Albicelestes and Javier Mascherano (Liverpool).  Both teams have very sound defenses, but the middle pairing for Brazil is more seasoned and have been in more

meaningful games.  They get the slight edge.  Edge:

Midfield: Now it all depends on the lineups of Dunga and Maradona, but for now Kaka (Real Madrid) and Lionel Messi (Barcelona) will count as midfielders.  Both will look to create for themselves and others and are the major focal points of their offenses.  A Seleção doesn't have the big names in the midfield that most people are used to, but they are very talented and fit Dunga's technical style of football.  Maxi Rodriguez (Liverpool) returns for Argentina in the midfield and is still a dangerous threat out on the wing.  Argentina's deadly weapon besides Messi in the midfield may come off the bench as Angel Di Maria (Benfica) seems poised for a breakout summer.  Both midfields are so impressive that there is hardly anything to separate the two.  Edge:

Forwards: Against most countries in the world, Luis Fabiano (Sevilla) and Robinho (Manchester City), would have the advantage against the opposing team's strikers.  That is not the case against Argentina.  No team has more depth up front than the Albicelestes.  Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid) and Diego Milito (Inter Milan) tore it up this year for their respective club teams and are in arguably their best form to date.  If they weren't enough, Sergio "Kun" Aguero (Atletico Madrid) and Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) are also available.  Aguero and Tevez would be one of the most deadly duos in the world if they were on another team and they will most likely be featured off of Maradona's bench.  The depth of Argentina's attack makes their strikers the better bunch. Edge:

Prediction: This should be one amazing World Cup Final between these arch rivals.  These teams played to a scoreless draw the first time they faced each other in qualifying and then Brazil thrashed Argentina the second time 4-1.  Brazil has had the Argentines number over the last few years including a win in the final of Copa America 2007 3-0 and in the 2005 Confederations Cup Final by the score of 4-1.  Argentina has watched Brazil stomp all over them for the better part of five years.  That ends this summer.  This World Cup will be one about offense and speed.  Argentina has both in spades.  Lionel Messi will make the jump from international star to international legend in the soccer world.  Argentina will be the team raising up the trophy on July 11th. Winner:

World Cup 2010 Predictions: 1/2 Finals

Three South American teams join Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup semifinals.  All four of these teams are extremely aggressive so the possibility of high-scoring affairs is very likely.  One can only hope that this year's World Cup has as much drama as four years ago when both matchups were decided by one goal (one ending in extra time).  Which teams will move one match away from eternal football glory?  Here are my predictions for the 1/2 final matchups with each team's group result in parentheses.

Uruguay (Group A winner) v. Brazil (Group G winner):  Familiarity is the major theme for this semifinal between the country who won the first ever World Cup and the country with the most World Cup titles.  Uruguay and Brazil met twice in South American qualifying with Brazil taking both matches by scores of 2-1 and 4-0.  No matter which way you slice it, Brazil seems to have the decisive edge in this match.  The midfield will be totally dominated by A Seleção, which will lead to few chances up front for Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid) and Luis Suarez (Ajax).  Dunga's finesse style will completely stymie Uruguay offensively and on the other end, expect Luis Fabiano (Sevilla) to have scoring chances early and often.  Brazil moves on to their fourth World Cup final in the last five tournaments.  Prediction: Brazil

Argentina (Group B winner) v. Spain (Group H winner): The best player in the world faces off against arguably the best team in the world in this semifinal match.  Lionel Messi (Barcelona) and the Argentines have the daunting task of taking down the mighty Spaniards.  The Albicelestes are on a short list of teams that have the talent take down Spain and will have to play a strong match to do so.  Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) will be a key for Argentina at defensive midfielder.  If he can neutralize Xavi (Barcelona) in the middle of the field then Spain's offense will not run as smoothly.  Much like Messi is for Argentina, Xavi is the straw that stirs the drink for Spain.  Argentina has a greater chance of slowing down Xavi than La Furia Roja does of shutting down Messi.  In what should be a highly entertaining matchup, Argentina will have just enough to get past Spain.  Prediction: Argentina.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: 1/4 Finals

It's down to eight.  The pressure is really on the remaining teams now to become heroes for their country and advance on to the semifinals.  The 1/4 finals in the last World Cup were heart-pounding as two matches were decided in penalty kicks.  Will this year's final eight matchups be as exciting? Only time will tell.  Here are my predictions for the 1/4 finals with each team's group result in parentheses.

 Uruguay (Group A winner) v. England (Group C winner): England finds themselves in a familiar position in the 1/4 finals of a World Cup. They were there in 2002 and 2006 with both matches ended in gut-wrenching defeats.  Coach Fabio Capello hopes 2010 will be a different story but his squad will have their hands full with Uruguay.  England can really take advantage of Uruguay if they can get contributions out of their midfield from Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Frank Lampard (Chelsea).  Uruguay's defense is solid but not spectacular and their midfield does lack a true playmaker.  That being said, England's back four is a total patch job with the losses of Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) and Wayne Bridge.  If Uruguay can control the tempo in the midfield, Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid) and Luis Suarez (Ajax) should see some good chances up front.  England has been tortured with heartbreaking losses in penalty kicks time-and-time again.  This one will be slighty easier as they get upset in extra time.  Prediction: Uruguay

 Netherlands (Group E winner) v. Brazil (Group G winner): Not many matches in the 2010 World Cup will field more individual talent than Netherlands v. Brazil.  The midfield battles between Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), and Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) of the Oranje and Kaka (Real Madrid), Robinho (Manchester City), and Felipe Melo (Juventus) of Brazil will be worth the price of admission alone.  While the focus of this match will be the offensive firepower, the match will be decided by the play of each team's defense.  That is where A Seleção will have an advantage.  Lucio (Inter Milan) and Juan (Roma) form a strong nucleus in the middle while Maicon (Inter Milan) is arguably the best left back in the world.  The Dutch just don't have the defense that can hold down Brazil for 90 minutes.  Gio van Bronckhurst (Feyenoord) is well past his prime and Joris Mathijsen (HSV) is a real liability at center back.  Defense will be the Achilles heel for the Netherlands yet again.  Prediction: Brazil

 Argentina (Group B winner) v. Germany (Group D winner): In a rematch of one of the best matches from the 2006 World Cup, perennial powers Argentina and Germany square off.  Four years ago, in front of their home crowd, Germany tied their contest with Argentina in the 81st minute and eventually won in penalty kicks.  This year's match will have similar faces from the one in 2006 and possibly an equal performance from both teams.  As fast as Germany is, Argentina will be the aggressor in this matchup so the Germany back line will need to be on their toes.  Expect young midfielder Sami Khedira (Stuttgart) to have the responsibility of following Lionel Messi (Barcelona) the entire match.  Argentina and Germany are evenly matched  for the most part so don't be surprised if this match takes extra time or penalty kicks once again.  Unfortunately for Germany, they don't have a veteran goalie and a home country behind them this time around.  Maradona's bunch will get revenge and move on to the semifinals in a thriller.  Prediction: Argentina

 Italy (Group F winner) v. Spain (Group H winner): Italy and Spain will meet in the quarterfinals for the second straight international tournament.  Spain took the match in Euro 2008 in penalty kicks in a hard-fought defensive battle that saw Italy play for overtime.  As good as Italy is defensively, that strategy won't work this time around.  Spain is even better on offense now plus they have seen this strategy before so it won't be as effective for the Azzurri.  Also, Italy's defense is not as firm as it was two years ago as age has started to catch up with Fabio Cannavaro (Italy) and Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan).  It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Spain may have a 60-40 advantage in time of possession in this match.  Xavi (Barcelona) and Iniesta (Barcelona) will wreak havoc in the midfield, which will lead to open opportunities for David Villa (Barcelona) and Fernando Torres (Spain).  La Furia Roja won't be tested this time around.  The defending champs quest for a repeat title dies in the 1/4 finals.  Prediction: Spain

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Round of 16

My field of 32 has been cut in half as the 2010 World Cup now advances into the knockout stages.  Teams will have to be sharper at this stage of the tournament because one mistake could be the difference between a team advancing and going home.  Who will have what it takes to make it to the quarterfinals?  Here are my predictions for my round of 16 matchups with each teams group finish in parentheses.

Uruguay (Group A winner) v.  Nigeria (Group B runner-up): Two teams that missed the World Cup in 2006 face off in this 1/8 round battle.  This should be a very exciting match as both teams love to get up and down the pitch.  Uruguay and Nigeria could each start three strikers so if you like goals, be sure to tune in.  In such a fast-paced battle, the back four for each team will play gigantic roles.  Uruguay's Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce) has the experience and leadership necessary for a battle such as this.  If Nigeria had John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) healthy for this matchup the result may turn out different, but Uruguay will have the offense from Suarez (Ajax) and Forlan (Atletico Madrid) and just enough defense to move on to the last eight.  Prediction: Uruguay

England (Group C winner) v. Australia (Group D runner-up): England was in this position four years ago and needed a free-kick goal from David Beckham (LA Galaxy) to escape against an upbeat Ecuador squad.  Will it be an easier go this year?  Australia isn't a team that finds itself way ahead or way behind in many matches.  The Socceroos will try to slow down the pace and play for overtime much like they did against Italy in 2006.  It would not be a shock to see this match go into the halftime locker room at a scoreless tie.  England will need some time to feel out the Aussie defense and effective changes will be made by Fabio Capello for the second half.  Australia won't be able to lock down Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) for the entire match.  The Three Lions will convert on chances in the last 45 minutes against Australia and advance with a little more ease than four years ago. Prediction: England

Netherlands (Group E winner) v. Slovakia (Group F runner-up): Now I know what most of you are thinking when you see this matchup.  There is no way the Netherlands can lose to little Slovakia.  Well, everyone was saying similar statements two summers ago when the Oranje faced off against Russia in the Euro quarterfinals.  This match will serve as a trap for the Dutch and they can't get caught looking ahead at a potential matchup with Brazil or Chile.  Even though the Netherlands have been prone to lose to teams they shouldn't, history won't repeat itself this time.  The offensive prowess of the Dutch is too strong for the Slovaks to handle.  Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) and Rafael Van der Vaart (Real Madrid) will be all over the field and the Netherlands will cruise to a comfortable victory.  Prediction: Netherlands

Brazil (Group G winner) v. Chile (Group H runner-up): In this all-South American elimination match, defense may turn out to be optional.  Brazil and Chile should prove to be an all-out, offensive frenzy as these teams were the two highest scoring countries in South American qualifying.  Even though both teams can score at will, it is definitely more important for the Chileans to get out to an early lead.  Brazil has the experience and depth that Chile lacks so if they did fall behind early, it won't be as big a deal as vice versa.  Chile will get their scoring opportunities, but Brazil is the type of team that will eat them alive because of their overly-aggresive style.  Expect a fair share of breakouts for Kaka (Real Madrid), Robinho (Manchester City), and Luis Fabiano (Sevilla) and a high scoring victory for A Seleção.

Argentina (Group B winner) v. France (Group A runner-up): Argentina and France are eerily similar for the fact that they both have tons of individual talent but lack certain leadership and team chemistry.  The difference is that the Albicelestes have game-changers.  Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich) is a very gifted player for France, but has shown the tendency at the club and international level to rely on other players to take over.  The Argentines don't have that problem.  Even if Lionel Messi (Barcelona) is kept in check, France won't be able to contain Tevez (Manchester City), Higuain (Real Madrid), and Co.  This matchup would have had a lot more appeal four years ago in Germany.  Argentina should have no problem moving forward.  Prediction: Argentina
 

Germany (Group D winner) v. Slovenia (Group C runner-up): Germany's offense will be put to the test against defensive-minded Slovenia.  Much like Australia will attempt to do against England, Slovenia will play low-risk football and focus most of their attention on stopping the German attack.  As good as Slovenia's defense is, they haven't seen an attack like Die Mannschaft.  England will be their closest comparison but even they don't have the quickness that Germany does.  Germany has too much speed on the wing with Lukas Podolski (Cologne) and Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen) that it will be hard for Slovenia to keep up.  With the style that Slovenia will be employing, there is a good chance Germany will only need one goal to win the match.  They will get two and make their eighth straight trip to the quarterfinals.  Prediction: Germany

 

Italy (Group F winner) v. Denmark (Group E runner-up): This match will be the polar opposite of Brazil v. Chile.  The winner will most likely have two goals maximum with a good possibility of only one.  Tempo will be critical for Denmark in this match because if they fall victim to Italy's smothering defense, it will be a long 90 minutes.  The Azzurri wont run away with this match by any means, but they have a knack of making a 1-0 deficit look more like 3-0.  Italy will be able to inflict their style and force on Denmark and completely shut down Christian Poulsen (Juventus).  Even though Italy doesn't have the talent it had four years ago, it still takes a very gifted offensive team to take them down.  Olsen's Eleven won't be good enough.  Prediction: Italy

 

Spain (Group H winner) v. Portugal (Group G runner-up): Without a doubt the most hyped matchup of the round of 16 will be between border-rivals Spain and Portugal.  Both teams are ranked top five internationally and the individual talent that will be on the pitch is astonishing.  Spain definitely is the more talented of the two teams, but Portugal has shown countless times over the years that they have what it takes to take down the world's best.  Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) won't be able to do all himself against La Furia Roja, which means the likes of Raul Meireles (Porto) and Simao (Atletico Madrid) will have to share the load.  This will be a close battle down to the referee's last whistle.  In the end, Spain will have too much talent and will win in extra time on a Xavi (Barcelona) free-kick goal.  Prediction: Spain

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group H

Now on to the last but definitely not the least group in the tournament.  Group H is similar to Group B for the fact that three teams love to push the tempo and light up the scoreboard while one chooses to fall back and rely on their defense.  Spain is the favorite in Group H and one of the favorites to go all the way this summer.  In order to finish first, they will have to pass three tough tests against Switzerland, Honduras, and Chile.  Will someone challenge Spain at the top of Group H?  Here are my predictions for Group H with each team's record and point total in parentheses.

 1. Spain (3-0-0, 9 points): Spain is hoping that the tournament monkey is now off their back after winning the European Championships in 2008.  Currently ranked number two in the world, La Furia Roja is chock-full of talent at every position.  It all starts for them in the midfield where Xavi (Barcelona) is the table setter.  He along with Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona) in the midfield look to set up the best striking duo in the world in David Villa (Barcelona) and Fernando Torres (Liverpool).  Villa led the Euro Championships in goals in 2008 and is arguably in the best form of his career.  Defensivly, Gerard Piqué (Barcelona) and Carlos Puyol (Barcelona) form a strong nucleus in front of all-world goalkeeper Iker Casillas (Real Madrid).  Spain should have their way with this group, but it won't be an easy path going forward as they will have to play the second place finisher from Group G(roup of death) in the round of 16.  If they stay focused like they did two summers ago, they could be the team to beat this summer.

 2. Chile (2-1-0, 6 points): Maybe the most exciting team in the field of 32, Chile is back in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.  La Roja finished in a tie for second in qualification behind Brazil and won a continent-best five matches away from home.  Chile lines up in the extremely agressive 3-4-3 formation which leads to many chances on offense, but also can leave them hung out to dry on defense.  Midfielder Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon) is Chile's best playmaker and has the responsibility of setting up strikers Humberto Suazo (Zaragoza) and Alexis Sanchez (Udinese).  Chile will give up its share of goals in this tournament (especially to Spain), but they will score more more than they will allow.  There is a good chance that the best goal of the tournament will come from the cleats of a Chilean. 

 3. Switzerland (0-2-1, 1 point): Compared to the other three teams in this group, Switzerland will look like they are moving in slow motion out on the pitch.  Their slow down style did work well during qualifying as the Swiss won their group with ease.  Since then though they have struggled losing back-to-back friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica.  For Switzerland to be successful in this tournament, goalkeeper Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg) will have to be sensational.  They will see a lot of pressure on their defense and anything short of Benaglio's best won't be enough.  On offense, winger Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen) is very creative in the midfield.  The problem is that Barnetta will be the focal point for The Swiss' opposition and without much other talent in the midfield, he could be neutralized.  In the end, Switzerland doesn't have enough firepower to be a threat to Spain and Chile. 

 4. Honduras (0-2-1, 1 point): Tiny Honduras makes its first appearance in the World Cup since 1982 and only the second in their history.  After a solid qualification finishing third in the CONACAF standings, Los Catrachos has struggled to score in friendlies.  They have been shut out in four of their last five matches including matches against lowly Azerbaijan and Venezuela.  Their offense will need to perform to have any chance to advance from this group.  That responsibility will fall on 36-year-old Carlos Pavon (Real Espana). He has proven over time to be a formidable striker in international play in the past and will need to keep that up for Honduras this summer.  Honduras won't be a pushover for their Group H opponents, but they won't have the depth or speed to hang in every match for 90 minutes.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group G

Now to the group that the world has been waiting for since the World Cup draw was announced on December 4th.  Group G.  The "group of death".  Group G contains the number one team in the world (Brazil), the number three team in the world (Portugal), and possibly the best team ever from the continent of Africa (Ivory Coast).  The safest assumption to make from this high-powered group is that North Korea is in for a long couple of weeks.  So which top-tier team will be the odd man out in this "group of death"? Here are my predictions for Group G with each team's record and point totals in parentheses.

 1. Brazil (3-0-0, 9 points): After a disappointing finish for their standards in 2006, Brazil is looking to get back on top of the soccer world.  They took a step in that direction last summer in South Africa when they won the Confederations Cup. Coach Dunga's team has a new style and approach different from Brazil teams in the past as balance and precision now outweigh flare and excitement.  Dunga also made some notable omissions for this summer as Ronaldinho (AC Milan) and Pato (AC Milan) were left off the final roster.  Not to say that Brazil isn't capable of jaw-dropping plays with Kaka (Real Madrid), Robinho (Manchester City), and Co., but this seems to be a Brazil team more team-oriented and focused than ones in past Cups.  The Seleção won't simply walk through Group G, but their skill level is far beyond the other teams in the group.  If this team stays with Dunga's balanced philosophy, they will be right there in the end.

 2. Portugal (2-1-0, 6 points): For a team coming off a fourth place finish in the 2006 World Cup and currently ranked third in the world, you would imagine that Portugal had an easy time qualifying for this summer.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  Portugal made the World Cup by the skin of their teeth after a late run in their qualifying group claimed them second place.  After that, they fought off a pesky Bosnia-Herzegovina team in a playoff to secure a birth in the final 32.  Portugal has undeniable talent but their inconsistency holds them back from being one of the worlds elite teams.  This last week was a perfect example as Portugal played lowly Cape Verde to a scoreless tie, then came back to beat Cameroon 3-1.  Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) has proven himself time-and-time again at the club level, but hasn't lived up to expectations for his home nation.  He will have to be better than he was in qualification for Portugal to advance in Group G.

 3. Ivory Coast (1-2-0, 3 points): Africa's best hope for a run in the World Cup was unfortunately placed in the toughest group.  The Elephants would finish second or maybe even first in many other groups in this tournament, but Group G will prove to be too tough.  It will be even tougher for Ivory Coast after star-striker Didier Drogba (Chelsea) fractured his elbow yesterday in a friendly against Japan.  His availability for the World Cup is still up in the air, but even if he is able to play, he definitely won't be 100%.  The Ivory Coast still has talent on their roster with Kolo Toure, (Manchester City) Yaya Toure (Barcelona), and Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), but without a healthy Drogba they seemed destined for third place.

 4. North Korea (0-3-0, 0 points): Okay, we'll start with the good news.  North Korea is back in the World Cup for the first time since 1966.  The bad news: they would do best to not even unpack.  The only betting that gamblers will place on North Korea will be whether their goal differential is over or under -10.  The Choilima have played some of their best football recently as they tied both South Africa and Greece in the last two months.  Despite their stronger play as of late, a realistic goal for North Korea will be to actually score a goal.  The best advice I can give North Korea fans is to enjoy the World Cup while you can.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group F

Group F is the home of the defending World Cup champions, Italy.  Luckily for them, Group F isn't the home of many dangerous threats.  Italy is joined by Paraguay, Slovakia, and New Zealand in a very tame Group F.  But just because the quality of teams may not be there doesn't mean that Group F won't be a tough and intriguing fight for the top two spots.  Is Italy a lock for the top position in Group F?  Here are my predictions with each team's records and point totals in parentheses.

 1. Italy (2-0-1, 7 points): The defending World Cup champs head to South Africa with a much different look than four years ago.  Just nine players are left from the squad in 2006 as Nesta (AC Milan), Totti (Roma), Grosso (Juventus), Toni (Roma), Materazzi (Inter Milan), and Del Piero (Juventus) were ommitted.  No matter the players though, the style stays the same for the Azzurri.  Italy gets it done with their defense and their all-world goalkeeper Gigi Buffon (Juventus).  They will never light up the scoreboard with their style as they would rather win a grueling battle 1-0 or 2-1.  A major story for Italy will be the health of midfielder Andrea Pirlo.  The midfield maestro has a nagging groin injury that may keep him off the field for a game or two.  Italy may take a couple games to get going, but their strength and experience will get them to the top of the group. 

 2. Slovakia (1-0-2): Making their first trip to the World Cup as an independent nation, Slovakia is looking to prove that they are one of the world's best.  They won their qualifying group against local rivals Slovenia and Czech Republic.  Much like Italy, the Slovaks get it done on the defensive end.  Martin Škrtel (Liverpool) anchors a strong back line in front of up-and-coming goalkeeper Jan Mucha (Everton).  On the offensive side, Slovakia has one of the most promising midfielders in the world today in Marek Hamsik (Napoli).  Hamsik will create for the likes of striker Stanislav Sestak (Bochum) and Slovakia will score enough to make a historical trip to the round of 16.

 3. Paraguay (0-1-2, 2 points): Paraguay makes their fourth straight trip to the World Cup this summer.  The Guaraníes finished a tie for second place in qualifying with Chile trailing only Brazil.  Tragedy hit the team though in January when their best striker, Salvador Cabañas (Club America), was shot in the head outside of a bar in Mexico.  Cabañas was the team's best striker and that role now falls to Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City).  He struggled this season in the EPL and comes into this tournament in poor form.  Paraguay has had a curse recently of not being able to get past the round of 16 in the World Cup.  They will fall well short of that in South Africa.

 4. New Zealand (0-2-1, 1 point): One of the best stories of this World Cup is New Zealand.  The All Whites are in the field for the first time since 1982.  Up until the last week, everyone believed New Zealand to be a walkover and a simple victory for the other teams in Group F.  But after they knocked off Serbia 1-0 last Saturday, the rest of the tournament found out that they won't be a pushover.  New Zealand has performed well in recent friendlies dropping close matches to Australia 2-1 and Italy 4-3.  Ryan Nelson (Blackburn) is their most well-known player and a solid force in the back four.  New Zealand isn't a threat to make the knockout stages, but they will play spoiler for some team in Group F. 

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group E

Group E has arguably received the least amount of attention before the tournament.  Not because of a lack of talent, but because there isn't a team that is really headline material.  The team that will draw the most attention is the Netherlands.  They seem to be the clear favorites in Group E and are poised for a first ever World Cup title.  After the Dutch is where the real chaos ensues.  Denmark, Cameroon, and Japan all have strong cases to advance to the knockout stages so every game will be critical.  Will the Netherlands be tested by anybody in the group stages?  Here are my predictions for Group E with teach teams' record and point total in parentheses.

 1. Netherlands (3-0-0, 9 points): "The best team to never win a World Cup."  That is the title that the Netherlands are looking to shun this summer.  The Oranje have an attacking core that is as good if not better than any team in the world.   Coach Bert Van Marwijk has the tough, but nice problem of picking the team's starting eleven.  Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) will most likely anchor the midfield for the Netherlands and he will be flanked on the wings by the red-hot Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) and the multi-talented Robin Van Persie (Arsenal).  With the likes of Rafael Van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Eljero Elia (Hamburg), and Ibrahim Affelay (PSV) coming off their bench, the Dutch's offense is absolutely loaded.  But the offense is something that has always been there for the Netherlands.  It has been a lack of consistency and poor defense that have done them in in the past.  The Dutch can win this group based on their sheer talent, but they will need something more than that if they want to go far this summer.

 2. Denmark (1-1-1, 6 points): The Danes are back in the World Cup after missing the tournament four years ago.  Manager Morten Olsen is poised to bring Denmark back to the knockout stages and they have the team that can do it.  Denmark had an excellent qualification for the 2010 World Cup winning their group that included Portugal, Sweden, and Hungary.  Olsen's Elleve (Olsen's Eleven) has an excellent balance of youth and experience.  Their biggest playmker is Christian Poulsen (Juventus).  He will look to create in front of rising star Niklas Bendtner (Arsenal) and the ageless Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord).  Injuries will be an issue though for the Danes.  Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen (Stoke City) and central defender Simon Kjaer are both coming into the tournament at less than 100%.  They will need to perform at a high level for Denmark to move on.

  3. Cameroon (1-2-0, 3 points): Much of the publicity lately has been bad for Cameroon as their star striker Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan) threatened to quit after receiving criticism from one of the country's greatest legends, Roger Milla.  Chemistry will undoubtedly be an issue for the Indomitable Lions as the controversy with Eto'o will grab a lot of attention.  The pressure for him to perform for his home country will be larger than ever and could affect his play.  Eto'o will need the support of Alexander Song (Arsenal) and Jean Makoun (Lyon) if Cameroon is to advance.  The talent is undeniable for Cameroon, but the cloud over Eto'o and this team will affect the team and hold them back.

4. Japan (0-3-0, 0 points): Japan enters the field of 32 for the fourth straight World Cup and are looking to improve off their winless summer in 2006.  Samurai Blue had a very easy time qualifying for the tournament finishing second in the Asian zone behind Australia.  They have not kept up that momentum since qualifying though as they have suffered three straight losses in international friendlies to Serbia, South Korea, and England.  Japan has no momentum whatsoever coming into this tournament and need to win their first game against Cameroon to have any chance of advancing.  Midfielder Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka) is a promising young talent, but he doesn't have enough around him to make Japan a legitimate threat.