When Johnny was young, he never pictured himself in the back yard or with friends imagining scoring the goal that won the World Cup. Oh, Johnny watched every World Cup (even back when he was little and it was only the Final that was on US teevee) because he knew deep down it really really was a huge deal. While he pretended to score the winning overtime goal for the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup or hit a home run in the ninth inning of game 7 to help the Tigers win it all, he never pretended to score that soccer goal. Today, older and perhaps wiser with a full-on love of soccer he probably would have. At least that way the USA would have a star over their crest.
Someone today in Moscow will actually make their childhood dream come true. Someone today between France or Croatia will score the winning goal or make the big penalty kick.
So, who will lift the trophy? Johnny picked France to win it all before the tournament began. While he's happy to see his pick in the final match, he'll be cheering for Croatia. Call it underdog fever or wanting to see a huge upset in the globe's biggest game Johnny hopes the second-smallest nation to make a final will win. The Croat fans have simply overrun Hudson Hall since the beginning of the tournament, today will be no exception and they are a loud and easy group to cheer for. Johnny asked a Croatian fan whom they wanted to play and he said France. They beat Croatia in the 1998 Wold Cup semi-final that (France went on to win it all) and Croatia wants payback. He then asked Johnny who his team was and he told the fan, "USA" to which the Croatian fan pondered and gave Johnny a fist bump for not bailing on his team that aren't in Russia.
So, the match. How does this play out. France will find out today what others have, Modric and Rakitic and Perisic (if he's healthy) can boss a midfield. The French attack will be slowed, Mbappe, Griezmann and Pogba won't be getting favored service all day long like usual. France will have the ball less than usual so they'll have to adapt but that is exactly what France has done this tournament, they've adapted. Hit them with whatever defensive alignment you want, they're thinking the game, not just kicking the ball and running like deer after it. Croatia have played a lot of soccer in Russia. A lot of it. Three extra time games with two matches decided by PK's. France has the depth and should be fresh. This right here is Johnny's big bugaboo for Croatia, the amount they have played. No matter who you are, how much bench strength you have, legs do wear down. While Johnny would love to cheer for AND pick Croatia but he's got to be honest with himself and you dear reader, France will win today.
Fearless forecast
France 2
Croatia 1 (Extra Time)
Showing posts with label france. Show all posts
Showing posts with label france. Show all posts
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Saturday, June 30, 2018
World Cup Today: Knockout round Day 1
Ok soccer fans, here we go. No more "We'll just beat Tunisia next match and get back on track." One loss, you go home in shame. Would you look at that. The two biggest stars on the planet both play today.
Argentina vs France
When this kicked off, Johnny picked France to win. He hasn't seen much short of Belgium to shy him off of this choice. Yes, Argentina has the best player in the world who makes those around him better (unless the team is Argentina and they are dunderheads) and is capable of moments of magic that should scare France. Horse around and Messi starts getting cards on Umtiti and crew and France are hampered in the back. Johnny thinks France with Pogba, the vastly underrated Griezmann, Dembele, and a few others should overrun the shaky Argentina defense which has shown itself to be shaky. Unless Messi plays one of the five best games of his life this is France's match to lose.
France 3
Messi 1
Uruguay vs Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo is dangerous in big games. He's deadly in big games. He gets calls for penalties in big games. In Johnny's thinking though, so does Luis Suarez. He's Europe's leading scorer the last three years not named Messi or Ronaldo. Suarez scored the winning goal in Barcelona's last Champion's League title match. He's every bit the diver Ronaldo is AND he has Edinson Cavani who is also a top flight striker. Uruguay has looked balanced in the group stage and looked like a team that can make at least the semi-finals. Will they rise to the occasion or allow Ronaldo another moment of glory?
Uruguay 2
Ronaldo 1
Let's enjoy some Lionel Messi magic shall we? It's just fun to do...
Argentina vs France
When this kicked off, Johnny picked France to win. He hasn't seen much short of Belgium to shy him off of this choice. Yes, Argentina has the best player in the world who makes those around him better (unless the team is Argentina and they are dunderheads) and is capable of moments of magic that should scare France. Horse around and Messi starts getting cards on Umtiti and crew and France are hampered in the back. Johnny thinks France with Pogba, the vastly underrated Griezmann, Dembele, and a few others should overrun the shaky Argentina defense which has shown itself to be shaky. Unless Messi plays one of the five best games of his life this is France's match to lose.
France 3
Messi 1
Uruguay vs Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo is dangerous in big games. He's deadly in big games. He gets calls for penalties in big games. In Johnny's thinking though, so does Luis Suarez. He's Europe's leading scorer the last three years not named Messi or Ronaldo. Suarez scored the winning goal in Barcelona's last Champion's League title match. He's every bit the diver Ronaldo is AND he has Edinson Cavani who is also a top flight striker. Uruguay has looked balanced in the group stage and looked like a team that can make at least the semi-finals. Will they rise to the occasion or allow Ronaldo another moment of glory?
Uruguay 2
Ronaldo 1
Let's enjoy some Lionel Messi magic shall we? It's just fun to do...
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Friday, July 4, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 23
Thunderdome continues today as two teams enter the arena yet one team leaves with title aspirations intact. Today two of the pre-tournament favorites will have their mettle tested but top competition.
The early game brings Germany vs. France. The irresistible force meeting the immovable object. France has been a goal scoring machine through Karim Benzema. Paul Pogba has been right along side to help the French attack. So far nobody has kept them below two goals in a game. How will France handle the very forward attacking style of Germany and Mezut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger? How will the French defense handle the cutting German strikers, something they haven't had to deal a lot with this tournament because they have always been in the ascendency in attack. Johnny thinks if France were to get the first goal today it would see them through though they might indeed need two, something that has been no problem thus far. Johnny likes France in the upset.
The 4pm game is fitting because it's a firecracker on the 4th of July. Columbia, maybe the best and most consistent team thus far vs. pre-tourney favorite Brazil. South American style in a place where Brazil hasn't lost a home competitive match since 1975. Brazil, for Johnny's money has been whistling past the graveyard with their play. Today he thinks the Columbian Reaper comes to collect. Johnny's pick? Columbia 2 Brazil 0.
France vs Germany noon
Columbia vs Brazil 4pm
The early game brings Germany vs. France. The irresistible force meeting the immovable object. France has been a goal scoring machine through Karim Benzema. Paul Pogba has been right along side to help the French attack. So far nobody has kept them below two goals in a game. How will France handle the very forward attacking style of Germany and Mezut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger? How will the French defense handle the cutting German strikers, something they haven't had to deal a lot with this tournament because they have always been in the ascendency in attack. Johnny thinks if France were to get the first goal today it would see them through though they might indeed need two, something that has been no problem thus far. Johnny likes France in the upset.
The 4pm game is fitting because it's a firecracker on the 4th of July. Columbia, maybe the best and most consistent team thus far vs. pre-tourney favorite Brazil. South American style in a place where Brazil hasn't lost a home competitive match since 1975. Brazil, for Johnny's money has been whistling past the graveyard with their play. Today he thinks the Columbian Reaper comes to collect. Johnny's pick? Columbia 2 Brazil 0.
France vs Germany noon
Columbia vs Brazil 4pm
Monday, June 30, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 19
Mexico deserved better. Look, the USA and Mexico are arch-rivals but that Arjen Robben diving penalty kick was bullshit and everyone on the globe knows it. Even Robben said he dove in the game but earlier (which PROVES once again and finally in his own words, Arjen Robben is a professional diver who puts Cristiano Ronaldo to shame. Mexico deserves fair officiating as does any team. Who to blame? We all know Robben's a diver, let's focus on the referees whom, if they pulled out yellow cards for simulation against a diver early in the tournament, the diver would have to make a decision if the next dive might be worth sitting out a game on a second yellow in the next few games. Until the referees hold up yellow cards for diving, it's gonna continue. Look, if NFL referees never called defensive pass interference on pass plays those guys would grab, hold and molest any and all receivers. Officials are in charge of cleaning up the malfeasance on the pitch in Johnny's opinion. They're not doing it.
Brazil is whistling past the graveyard for now but the grim reaper is at the other end and he wears Columbia yellow.
Today's matches can be called Underdog Monday. We had South American Saturday so today is Underdog Monday. Looking to revel in the success of Costa Rica both Algeria and Nigeria hope to stand tall against powerhouses Germany and France. First off the goal scoring machine of France takes on Nigeria at noon EDT. We have high hopes of wild upsets and crazy bracket busters but, well, yeah. Johnny has looked at this game and no matter how the Rubik's Soccer Cube is moved it lands on 3-0 France. But wait, there is a second game, the Desert Foxes of Algeria, playing their best soccer in their nation's history against ruh ro, Germany. Johnny has looked at this game and no matter how the Rubik's Soccer Cube is moved it lands on 3-0 Germany.
So yes, today might be not the day to overload on the soccer if you have things to do. Massive upsets DO happen but today maybe not so much. We hope for competitive matches and lotsa golazos nonetheless.
France vs Nigeria noon
Germany vs Algeria 4pm
Brazil is whistling past the graveyard for now but the grim reaper is at the other end and he wears Columbia yellow.
Today's matches can be called Underdog Monday. We had South American Saturday so today is Underdog Monday. Looking to revel in the success of Costa Rica both Algeria and Nigeria hope to stand tall against powerhouses Germany and France. First off the goal scoring machine of France takes on Nigeria at noon EDT. We have high hopes of wild upsets and crazy bracket busters but, well, yeah. Johnny has looked at this game and no matter how the Rubik's Soccer Cube is moved it lands on 3-0 France. But wait, there is a second game, the Desert Foxes of Algeria, playing their best soccer in their nation's history against ruh ro, Germany. Johnny has looked at this game and no matter how the Rubik's Soccer Cube is moved it lands on 3-0 Germany.
So yes, today might be not the day to overload on the soccer if you have things to do. Massive upsets DO happen but today maybe not so much. We hope for competitive matches and lotsa golazos nonetheless.
France vs Nigeria noon
Germany vs Algeria 4pm
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 14
Two weeks in and things are starting to shake out. Enjoy today, tomorrow things get nutty all over again.
The early games give you one really watchable choice. You CAN watch already eliminated Bosnia-Herzgovina play one point Iran OR you can watch Lionel Messi and Argentina try to close out group play with a perfect record over Nigeria, still in shape to make it out of the group as well. Your choice. It's your house.
The later matches bring some intrigue as chances are Ecuador is going to need some kind of result over one of the tournament's brighter teams, France. You'll remember back at the beginning Johnny said France was a dark horse to keep an eye on. They have been superb. Switzerland is playing on three points, same as Ecuador. Switzerland has a playdate with the little CONCACAF team that couldn't get over the hump, Honduras. The Hondurans will play hard and they are a big strong team that can maybe knock Martina Hingis into next week but we see Switzerland winning. Keep an eye on the Ecuador vs. France game, that'll be a firecracker.
OK, the bite yesterday. What a classless guy Luis Suarez is. He may seriously have some kind of mental issue to not just fight back by biting but to use it to GAIN the advantage. That is seriously messed up. Plus, look at him, he has giant horse teeth. Those things have to hurt. Like Johnny mentioned yesterday on the Twitter, Milton Bradley could come out with an updated version of Hungry Hungry Hippos and instead of hippos use Luis Suarez heads. He's gotta go. Liverpool is trying to desperately unload Suarez to either Real Madrid or Barcelona it is said and probably feel a lot like Duke and Duke at the end of Trading Places watching their price drop knowing he might not be playing in quite a few World Cup and Champions League games.
Argentina vs Nigeria noon
Bosnia-Herzgovina vs Iran noon
Ecuador vs France 4pm
Switzerland vs Honduras 4pm
The early games give you one really watchable choice. You CAN watch already eliminated Bosnia-Herzgovina play one point Iran OR you can watch Lionel Messi and Argentina try to close out group play with a perfect record over Nigeria, still in shape to make it out of the group as well. Your choice. It's your house.
The later matches bring some intrigue as chances are Ecuador is going to need some kind of result over one of the tournament's brighter teams, France. You'll remember back at the beginning Johnny said France was a dark horse to keep an eye on. They have been superb. Switzerland is playing on three points, same as Ecuador. Switzerland has a playdate with the little CONCACAF team that couldn't get over the hump, Honduras. The Hondurans will play hard and they are a big strong team that can maybe knock Martina Hingis into next week but we see Switzerland winning. Keep an eye on the Ecuador vs. France game, that'll be a firecracker.
OK, the bite yesterday. What a classless guy Luis Suarez is. He may seriously have some kind of mental issue to not just fight back by biting but to use it to GAIN the advantage. That is seriously messed up. Plus, look at him, he has giant horse teeth. Those things have to hurt. Like Johnny mentioned yesterday on the Twitter, Milton Bradley could come out with an updated version of Hungry Hungry Hippos and instead of hippos use Luis Suarez heads. He's gotta go. Liverpool is trying to desperately unload Suarez to either Real Madrid or Barcelona it is said and probably feel a lot like Duke and Duke at the end of Trading Places watching their price drop knowing he might not be playing in quite a few World Cup and Champions League games.
Argentina vs Nigeria noon
Bosnia-Herzgovina vs Iran noon
Ecuador vs France 4pm
Switzerland vs Honduras 4pm
Friday, June 20, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 9
England, LOL.
Lunchtime brings a wonderful David vs Goliath contest with suddenly hot Costa Rica matching up with World Cup powers Italy, both victorious in their openers. Can the imaginative Los Ticos attack break the Azzurre defense, as legendary as "The Wall" in Game of Thrones. As much as Johnny wants to hope the CONCACAF magic can continue you get the feeling Italy got to be Italy on the world stage by winning matches like this. The 3pm match features the timeless battle of chocolate vs. wine so settle back with a box of wine and a Hershey bar, play both ends against the middle, and watch France try and crack the tough Switzerland defense. After that box of wine and THREE Hershey bars maybe you'd like to order some dinner? Well spice it up as the nightcap at 6pm features a loser beats the postcards home game between Honduras and Ecuador. Johnny would cheer for Ecuador after seeing a human interest piece on their side last night but, well, CONCACAF!
Italy vs Costa Rica noon
Switzerland vs France 3pm
Honduras vs Ecuador 6pm
Lunchtime brings a wonderful David vs Goliath contest with suddenly hot Costa Rica matching up with World Cup powers Italy, both victorious in their openers. Can the imaginative Los Ticos attack break the Azzurre defense, as legendary as "The Wall" in Game of Thrones. As much as Johnny wants to hope the CONCACAF magic can continue you get the feeling Italy got to be Italy on the world stage by winning matches like this. The 3pm match features the timeless battle of chocolate vs. wine so settle back with a box of wine and a Hershey bar, play both ends against the middle, and watch France try and crack the tough Switzerland defense. After that box of wine and THREE Hershey bars maybe you'd like to order some dinner? Well spice it up as the nightcap at 6pm features a loser beats the postcards home game between Honduras and Ecuador. Johnny would cheer for Ecuador after seeing a human interest piece on their side last night but, well, CONCACAF!
Italy vs Costa Rica noon
Switzerland vs France 3pm
Honduras vs Ecuador 6pm
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Wold Cup Today -- Day 4
An upset, referee controversy and a comeback that took all of 100 seconds yesterday, not bad! Costa Rica (As Johnny warned on these very pages) isn't a typical bad CONCACAF (The USA/Mexico/Caribbean grouping for FIFA) team and showed it. England did what England usually does which is what makes them a little dog who thinks they're a big dog. How about the Ivory Coast's 100 second two-goal comeback? Very exciting.
Today brings three games, none of which have a lot of buzz about them. The Argentinians get going today at 6pm and that might be the highlight. Your games today:
Switzerland vs Ecuador noon
France vs Honduras at 3pm
Argentina va Bosnia-Herzegovina at 6pm
As always, feel free to share your thoughts and or disgust with us in comments.
Today brings three games, none of which have a lot of buzz about them. The Argentinians get going today at 6pm and that might be the highlight. Your games today:
Switzerland vs Ecuador noon
France vs Honduras at 3pm
Argentina va Bosnia-Herzegovina at 6pm
As always, feel free to share your thoughts and or disgust with us in comments.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
World Cup Today: The group picks
Never one to run from a prediction, here are Johnny's picks to come out of their groups and play in the single-game eliminations. Remember the top two sides in a group advance.
Group A
Brazil
Croatia
Mexico
Cameroon
Johnny is picking the two teams who play each other this afternoon. Croatia has just enough to stay ahead of Mexico who have been an utter mess in qualifiers.
Group B
Spain
Chile
Netherlands
Australia
So Johnny you're really leaving out the Netherlands who played Spain in that magnificent 1-0 title match in S. Africa? Yep, unless Van Persie carries this side, Chile with Alexis Sanchez and magnificent midfielder Arturo Vidal will keep Chile a nose in front.
Group C
Columbia
Ivory Coast
Japan
Greece
Columbia without superstar Rafael Falcao is still the class in this weak group. So weak in fact Johnny has the Cote' D'Ivorie side sneaking into the second slot ahead of Japan.
Group D
Italy
England
Uruguay
Costa Rica
Two things about this very tough (in name anyways) group. Has Italy put the 2010 debacle behind them and how fit is Luis "Bitey" Suarez, top scorer in the English Premiere League who plays for Uruguay. It's our guess that Bitey isn't in good health and England will grab the second slot. Oddly, the "Ticas" of Coasta Rica who aren't that in over their heads could decide this group depending on how other teams get results, or don't, against Costa Rica.
Group E
France
Ecuador
Switzerland
Honduras
Like Italy before them has France put the 2010 debacle behind them? They embarrassed their nation more than the Italians in S. Africa. We like them in this group and as a dark horse. Ecuador playing close to home noses out Switzerland.
Group F
Argentina
Bosnia-Herzegovia
Nigeria
Iran
The battle here is for second between the Bosnians and Nigerians. No team with Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel DiMaria and Sergio Arguero is going out in the group stage.
Group G
Germany
USA
Portugal
Ghana
Yes, Johnny is being a homer and going against all common sense picks that have Portugal and the Great Ronaldo grabbing second. Germany is going to win the group unless their goalkeeper Neuer can't handle the German high defensive lines. Doubtful. So Ghana who has knocked the USA out of the last two World Cups (but are not as good of a side as they have been FYI) and Portugal the #3 ranked FIFA team that when pressed into the middle can have their offense stultified. If you're betting money take Portugal as the second in group, if you're posting on a blog for fun pick the USA.
Group H
Belgium
South Korea
Russia
Algeria
Belgium is the best side you've never heard of. Unspectacular but they just do all the little things better than your nation. That second slot is very hard. Russia has some go-go juice but the South Koreans have greatly improved their international game. Putin's an ass so it's South Korea.
There you have it. Johnny and the staff would love to hear your opinions and wants to hear where You think he went wrong.
Group A
Brazil
Croatia
Mexico
Cameroon
Johnny is picking the two teams who play each other this afternoon. Croatia has just enough to stay ahead of Mexico who have been an utter mess in qualifiers.
Group B
Spain
Chile
Netherlands
Australia
So Johnny you're really leaving out the Netherlands who played Spain in that magnificent 1-0 title match in S. Africa? Yep, unless Van Persie carries this side, Chile with Alexis Sanchez and magnificent midfielder Arturo Vidal will keep Chile a nose in front.
Group C
Columbia
Ivory Coast
Japan
Greece
Columbia without superstar Rafael Falcao is still the class in this weak group. So weak in fact Johnny has the Cote' D'Ivorie side sneaking into the second slot ahead of Japan.
Group D
Italy
England
Uruguay
Costa Rica
Two things about this very tough (in name anyways) group. Has Italy put the 2010 debacle behind them and how fit is Luis "Bitey" Suarez, top scorer in the English Premiere League who plays for Uruguay. It's our guess that Bitey isn't in good health and England will grab the second slot. Oddly, the "Ticas" of Coasta Rica who aren't that in over their heads could decide this group depending on how other teams get results, or don't, against Costa Rica.
Group E
France
Ecuador
Switzerland
Honduras
Like Italy before them has France put the 2010 debacle behind them? They embarrassed their nation more than the Italians in S. Africa. We like them in this group and as a dark horse. Ecuador playing close to home noses out Switzerland.
Group F
Argentina
Bosnia-Herzegovia
Nigeria
Iran
The battle here is for second between the Bosnians and Nigerians. No team with Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel DiMaria and Sergio Arguero is going out in the group stage.
Group G
Germany
USA
Portugal
Ghana
Yes, Johnny is being a homer and going against all common sense picks that have Portugal and the Great Ronaldo grabbing second. Germany is going to win the group unless their goalkeeper Neuer can't handle the German high defensive lines. Doubtful. So Ghana who has knocked the USA out of the last two World Cups (but are not as good of a side as they have been FYI) and Portugal the #3 ranked FIFA team that when pressed into the middle can have their offense stultified. If you're betting money take Portugal as the second in group, if you're posting on a blog for fun pick the USA.
Group H
Belgium
South Korea
Russia
Algeria
Belgium is the best side you've never heard of. Unspectacular but they just do all the little things better than your nation. That second slot is very hard. Russia has some go-go juice but the South Koreans have greatly improved their international game. Putin's an ass so it's South Korea.
There you have it. Johnny and the staff would love to hear your opinions and wants to hear where You think he went wrong.
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