Johnny's got limited time but luckily not limited enthusiasm for today's matches.
Brazil vs Mexico
No work is getting done in the tri-state (el-Tri state?) between 10-12 today as two very very popular teams around these parts clash. Johnny would imagine the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark was up all night before this one.
It's be easier to think Mexico was going to give Brazil a run today if they hadn't looked so BAD vs Sweden (3-0 loss) in the group stage. They'd been playing so well, it looked like a completely different team than had won the first two matches including against Germany, though that win looks tempered now with Germanys crash out. So, has Mexico righted the ship? Can they take on an unconvincing side that still has five stars over their team crest.? To win Mexico will have to do the unthinkable, challenge Brazil to a horse race. Marcelo, a player who always seems to have a hand in Brazil's goals and a steadying hand on the till at others, is on the bench to start. Neymar Jr. seems to have physical issues beyond what is being reported. If Brazil is going to win, Coutinho is going to have to be the big player for Brazil. He'll have to pick up the slack. A lot is being asked of him. Can Mexico's Chicarito have an impact? He does it in two ways, on the attack and being the conscience of the team on the pitch, pulling them forward and leading by example.
Johnny's thinking upset here, he truly is, he thinks Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa keeps it close and Mexico win late. Upset special!
Mexico 2
Brazil 1
Belgium vs Japan
A mismatch on paper but Belgium should not expect to throw their jerseys on the field and win. Sure Hazard and Lukaku should run riot through and over the Japanese defenses. However Japan is a ball possession team. Belgium isn't going to always have the ball and will probably see 20% less possession than they usually do meaning they'll have to take advantage of their opportunities. Teams like Japan that don't beat themselves with rash play and stupid challenges are very tough come knockout stages. In order to win Japan must score first. They can't chase this game around or they'll be ripped apart by Hazard's incisive passing. Johnny thinks this one starts slowly but over the full 90 minutes Belgium's class will carry them through,
Belgium 2
Japan 0
Showing posts with label brazil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brazil. Show all posts
Monday, July 2, 2018
Saturday, July 12, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 30
Ya know, it's a pretty nice day out there. It's better than tomorrow will be so if you are out and about and were to say, whoops, miss the third place match today between shell shocked Brazil and Schleprocks of the World Cup, Holland, no yellow card for you. Because Ron Vlaar who is a good enough defender and plays well for Aston Villa was picked to go first in the penalty kicks and got the Netherlands off on the wrong *ahem* foot so they won't get a chance to lose a fourth title game. Ron Vlaar would be about the fourth or fifth choice to take a penalty for Aston Villa, just sayin'.
Brazil. Yes, probably not how fans of la Seleção thought this would end. An ass kicking in front of the world in front of your own house for all time and the sheer horror of watching Argentinians pouring across the borders in #10 shirts setting up shop in Brazil's biggest cities. If Messi somehow pulls off a miracle tomorrow they had better close the bridges in Brazil.
Look, Johnny's at least gonna watch the pre-game if for no other reason to get the studio panel's opinion on how good Barcelona's front line will be when Messi, Neymar and Chompy Suarez line up together for the Blaugrana.
Johnny's pick? Hopefully a Joe Kenda Homicide Hunter marathon. If not we'll say 4-3 Netherlands because defense doesn't matter at all in this game. Germany and Uruguay played a wide open third place game four years ago. The NCAA used to have a third place game that preceded the National Championship basketball game at the Final Four back in the day.
They got rid of that.
Brazil vs Netherlands 4pm
Brazil. Yes, probably not how fans of la Seleção thought this would end. An ass kicking in front of the world in front of your own house for all time and the sheer horror of watching Argentinians pouring across the borders in #10 shirts setting up shop in Brazil's biggest cities. If Messi somehow pulls off a miracle tomorrow they had better close the bridges in Brazil.
Look, Johnny's at least gonna watch the pre-game if for no other reason to get the studio panel's opinion on how good Barcelona's front line will be when Messi, Neymar and Chompy Suarez line up together for the Blaugrana.
Johnny's pick? Hopefully a Joe Kenda Homicide Hunter marathon. If not we'll say 4-3 Netherlands because defense doesn't matter at all in this game. Germany and Uruguay played a wide open third place game four years ago. The NCAA used to have a third place game that preceded the National Championship basketball game at the Final Four back in the day.
They got rid of that.
Brazil vs Netherlands 4pm
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 28
Many "experts" predicted a riot or riots in Brazil when they either won the tournament or lost it. Those experts were wrong. You can call it what you like, a mauling, a crushing, a disemboweling but it's Johnny's thought the very nature of the defeat kept people from acting out. When you know you've lost at the 40' mark of the match theres not a lot of energy left to do stupid things. There was no end of the game bad call that set people off, there was never any boiling over moment. Brazil fans went home sad but did nothing to move the embarrassment from the pitch to the streets. Johnny's not sure how the post-mortem will go for Brazil after their third place game Saturday but it's gonna be a doozy.
Speaking of Saturday, Brazil is going to need someone to play as is Germany on Sunday. So who will their play dates be? Let's take a look.
The Netherlands managed to get by against Costa Rica, barely. They were stymied in their attack and Costa Rica had no troubles going forward and creating some offense. One could say the masterstroke of that game didn't happen in the run of play but only when the Dutch coach put in a new goalie for the penalty kicks. It worked and here are the Netherlands looking for so much redemption, having lost three title games in their history. Everyone is available for the Dutch, Van Persie, Robben, and Sneijder form an imposing front. But for the game against Costa Rica they have had no issues scoring. They will however go up against a better back 4 (or 3 depending on how Argentina aligns) than they have thus far. Poor Javier Mascherano, he plays out of position in the back four for Barcelona and does well but gets grief, and he does the same thing for Argentina. He will have to play a mammoth game today. The Dutch defenders were no doubt not all that sad to see Argentinian playmaker Angel DiMaria go out with a thigh injury in their last game. DiMaria had stepped forward to make Lionel Messi even more dangerous. While La Celestina gets Manchester City top scorer Sergio Aguero back today, ask any Argentina fan and they'd want DiMaria on the field today.
So what is the X-factor in all this Johnny? You know. You know him, you love him, and soccer fans cannot live without him. His name is Lionel Messi and there are moments he does things nobody else can, or even think of doing. As a Barcelona fan Johnny has watched Messi time and time again simply will his team to a victory with one or two moments of sheer magic. There was the time in a Champions League semi-final, Real Madrid players surrounded Messi near midfield and he simply did this:
Speaking of Saturday, Brazil is going to need someone to play as is Germany on Sunday. So who will their play dates be? Let's take a look.
The Netherlands managed to get by against Costa Rica, barely. They were stymied in their attack and Costa Rica had no troubles going forward and creating some offense. One could say the masterstroke of that game didn't happen in the run of play but only when the Dutch coach put in a new goalie for the penalty kicks. It worked and here are the Netherlands looking for so much redemption, having lost three title games in their history. Everyone is available for the Dutch, Van Persie, Robben, and Sneijder form an imposing front. But for the game against Costa Rica they have had no issues scoring. They will however go up against a better back 4 (or 3 depending on how Argentina aligns) than they have thus far. Poor Javier Mascherano, he plays out of position in the back four for Barcelona and does well but gets grief, and he does the same thing for Argentina. He will have to play a mammoth game today. The Dutch defenders were no doubt not all that sad to see Argentinian playmaker Angel DiMaria go out with a thigh injury in their last game. DiMaria had stepped forward to make Lionel Messi even more dangerous. While La Celestina gets Manchester City top scorer Sergio Aguero back today, ask any Argentina fan and they'd want DiMaria on the field today.
So what is the X-factor in all this Johnny? You know. You know him, you love him, and soccer fans cannot live without him. His name is Lionel Messi and there are moments he does things nobody else can, or even think of doing. As a Barcelona fan Johnny has watched Messi time and time again simply will his team to a victory with one or two moments of sheer magic. There was the time in a Champions League semi-final, Real Madrid players surrounded Messi near midfield and he simply did this:
As Dutch fans today know all too well, Messi can be Messi and any given time on any given field. When the tournament started Johnny said he wanted the USA to win if at all possible. It's not. He then said he wanted an Argentina vs. Brazil final if at all possible. It's not. He then wanted Lionel Messi to win a World Cup because there should never ever be any doubt to his greatness and there are those petty sportswriters who say if a guy didn't win at the highest level he's not that good. Let's just shut their big self-important mouths now. Johnny predicts 2-1 Argentina with Messi leading the way.
Argentina vs Netherlands 4pm
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 27
The hour grows late in World Cup 2014, here we are at the semi-finals already. Today we have quite a treat as two of the all-time powers in soccer, Germany and Brazil, clash for amazingly, only the second time ever in the WC, only meeting in the 2002 Final won by Brazil. Many "experts" are saying that this shapes up to be the real World Cup Final as the winner should go on and beat either the Netherlands or Argentina. Johnny's not on board with that but it is a matchup of giants.
Germany looking stronger every match with their stalling, take the air out of the ball, kick around the park when we get a lead has been devastating. This is not the wide-open offense we saw in the first two games of group stage. They have become tight on the back end and sure int he middle. With Khedira and Schweinsteiger dropping back in front of the back four Germany has been lights out on defense. Not only are Khedira and Schweinsteiger helping make the defense in essence a back 5 or 6 they are linking well with Ozil and Lahm further up to keep Germany's attacks running. Germany it can be said is peaking at the right time.
Brazil on the other hand is not. Thiago Silva, their best midfielder, one of the best in the world must sit out because of a petulant foul he made by running into the Columbian goalie who was simply going to attempt a given goal kick. But Silva had to run into the goalie for a reason known only to him and now he sits out. This selfish act might not have been so devastating if Neymar hadn't been clattered into and had a vertebrae broken. That's truly too bad as you want to see the world's best in the world's biggest matches. So, now Brazil must deal with Germany, a daunting task for any side, without their top scorer and playmaker. Imagine the Giants going into an NFC Championship Game without Eli Manning and say Victor Cruz. You can win the game but it's certainly less likely. Brazil is going to have to tighten things up to win this game.
Johnny's prediction? He'll say 2-1 Germany but if they get a lead the air is coming out of the ball. This game could well go 0-0 to extra time and that'd be kind of sad.
Brazil vs Germany 4pm
Germany looking stronger every match with their stalling, take the air out of the ball, kick around the park when we get a lead has been devastating. This is not the wide-open offense we saw in the first two games of group stage. They have become tight on the back end and sure int he middle. With Khedira and Schweinsteiger dropping back in front of the back four Germany has been lights out on defense. Not only are Khedira and Schweinsteiger helping make the defense in essence a back 5 or 6 they are linking well with Ozil and Lahm further up to keep Germany's attacks running. Germany it can be said is peaking at the right time.
Brazil on the other hand is not. Thiago Silva, their best midfielder, one of the best in the world must sit out because of a petulant foul he made by running into the Columbian goalie who was simply going to attempt a given goal kick. But Silva had to run into the goalie for a reason known only to him and now he sits out. This selfish act might not have been so devastating if Neymar hadn't been clattered into and had a vertebrae broken. That's truly too bad as you want to see the world's best in the world's biggest matches. So, now Brazil must deal with Germany, a daunting task for any side, without their top scorer and playmaker. Imagine the Giants going into an NFC Championship Game without Eli Manning and say Victor Cruz. You can win the game but it's certainly less likely. Brazil is going to have to tighten things up to win this game.
Johnny's prediction? He'll say 2-1 Germany but if they get a lead the air is coming out of the ball. This game could well go 0-0 to extra time and that'd be kind of sad.
Brazil vs Germany 4pm
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
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 13
So, we have our first knockout rounds set; Brazil will play Chile in what promises to be an offensive showing while Mexico, so strong in making it out of Group A, lands The Netherlands. Ouch. More on this game on the weekend.
We'll have two more groups find out just who their top two sides will be playing by 6pm this evening. England who has already been eliminated will play group winner Costa Rica at noon. Costa Rica can actually rest players against England. Who had that happening? Italy and Uruguay play a match to the death game today with the Azzurre the winner of all ties. Uruguay has to win to go through and yes, they well could. Still it's hard to pick against Italy who only need a tie today. In another group finale Greece who has no hopes plays the Ivory Coast who can advance should things break their way. Japan and Columbia will be playing later with Columbia already having won the group (and looked really good in doing so). Japan needs points, period.
Costa Rica vs England noon
Uruguay vs Italy noon
Ivory Coast vs Greece 4pm
Japan vs Columbia 4pm
We'll have two more groups find out just who their top two sides will be playing by 6pm this evening. England who has already been eliminated will play group winner Costa Rica at noon. Costa Rica can actually rest players against England. Who had that happening? Italy and Uruguay play a match to the death game today with the Azzurre the winner of all ties. Uruguay has to win to go through and yes, they well could. Still it's hard to pick against Italy who only need a tie today. In another group finale Greece who has no hopes plays the Ivory Coast who can advance should things break their way. Japan and Columbia will be playing later with Columbia already having won the group (and looked really good in doing so). Japan needs points, period.
Costa Rica vs England noon
Uruguay vs Italy noon
Ivory Coast vs Greece 4pm
Japan vs Columbia 4pm
Monday, June 23, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 12
FUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.
Much better now thanks for asking. Sorry to those who aren't in the habit of seeing that word here. It IS however justified. What an effort by the USA vs. the #4 team in the world. The heat, the humidity, needing to take water breaks, coming back from behind and then keeping a nation on edge before giving Cristiano Ronaldo one chance to show why he's one of the best who have ever played. Players at his level, and it's maybe four or five who can play at that stratospheric level, show why they are the best. As bummed as you may feel today that was the perfect pass and it took just that to ruin our party. The biggest issue facing USA? How much is left in the tank. They have one less day to prepare than mighty Germany and are drained. A win gets USA the victory in the Group of Death. A tie gets the USA through but so would scoring a couple goals and not losing by say, more than two. Portugal is realistically out unless they win something like 7-0 over Ghana and the USA gets waxed by Germany. The scenario to look out for Yank fans, is that Portugal is drained from yesterday's game, and they allow Ghana to run up a 3-0 win. Then you can start worrying. If Germany is up 2-0 against the USA at halftime you can start worrying. Until then the good number crunchers at fivethirtyeight.com still say the USA has a 74% chance to go through, up 10% from this time yesterday.
Today brings importante matches but done a bit differently. Because of this debacle match in 1982 in Spain when Germany was basically allowed to score on Austria as long as they didn't score more than once and both teams went to the knockouts, the final games in the groups start simultaneously. It is supposed to prevent something like the Germans and Americans kicking off, sitting down with a few bags of Bavarian pretzels, a few steins of beer, and then going home knowing both teams would move on.
Australia and Spain play out the tournament in a meaningless game unless one enjoys gallows humor. The Socceroos will be without Tim Cahill their all-time World Cup scoring leader on yellow cards. See, what's not to love about this match? Maybe that one of the best matches of the tournament, the Netherlands and Chile, will be played at the exact same time. Winner wins the group, the Dutch win all ties. Why does it matter? The loser gets Brazil most likely in their next game, the winner might get...
...Mexico and Croatia lock horns in a very vital match to decide who gets out of the group and who goes home. Let's go out on a limb and predict Brazil somehow magically finds a way to beat Cameroon they'd have 7 points. Mexico has 4 points while Croatia has 3. Mexico goes through with a tie or win. A big win though doubtful could vault them over Brazil though unlikely. Mexico is playing stronger than expected yet have shown some weakness on 50/50 balls and have shown sloppy stretches in the midfield, somewhere Croatia is strong. A first goal would be huge for Mexico because if the Croatians get it that doomed feeling starts to creep in.
Netherlands and Chile, just sit back and enjoy. That's all you need to do. Futbol done right.
Australia vs Spain noon
Netherlands vs Chile noon
Croatia vs Mexico 4pm
Brazil vs Cameroon 4pm
Much better now thanks for asking. Sorry to those who aren't in the habit of seeing that word here. It IS however justified. What an effort by the USA vs. the #4 team in the world. The heat, the humidity, needing to take water breaks, coming back from behind and then keeping a nation on edge before giving Cristiano Ronaldo one chance to show why he's one of the best who have ever played. Players at his level, and it's maybe four or five who can play at that stratospheric level, show why they are the best. As bummed as you may feel today that was the perfect pass and it took just that to ruin our party. The biggest issue facing USA? How much is left in the tank. They have one less day to prepare than mighty Germany and are drained. A win gets USA the victory in the Group of Death. A tie gets the USA through but so would scoring a couple goals and not losing by say, more than two. Portugal is realistically out unless they win something like 7-0 over Ghana and the USA gets waxed by Germany. The scenario to look out for Yank fans, is that Portugal is drained from yesterday's game, and they allow Ghana to run up a 3-0 win. Then you can start worrying. If Germany is up 2-0 against the USA at halftime you can start worrying. Until then the good number crunchers at fivethirtyeight.com still say the USA has a 74% chance to go through, up 10% from this time yesterday.
Today brings importante matches but done a bit differently. Because of this debacle match in 1982 in Spain when Germany was basically allowed to score on Austria as long as they didn't score more than once and both teams went to the knockouts, the final games in the groups start simultaneously. It is supposed to prevent something like the Germans and Americans kicking off, sitting down with a few bags of Bavarian pretzels, a few steins of beer, and then going home knowing both teams would move on.
Australia and Spain play out the tournament in a meaningless game unless one enjoys gallows humor. The Socceroos will be without Tim Cahill their all-time World Cup scoring leader on yellow cards. See, what's not to love about this match? Maybe that one of the best matches of the tournament, the Netherlands and Chile, will be played at the exact same time. Winner wins the group, the Dutch win all ties. Why does it matter? The loser gets Brazil most likely in their next game, the winner might get...
...Mexico and Croatia lock horns in a very vital match to decide who gets out of the group and who goes home. Let's go out on a limb and predict Brazil somehow magically finds a way to beat Cameroon they'd have 7 points. Mexico has 4 points while Croatia has 3. Mexico goes through with a tie or win. A big win though doubtful could vault them over Brazil though unlikely. Mexico is playing stronger than expected yet have shown some weakness on 50/50 balls and have shown sloppy stretches in the midfield, somewhere Croatia is strong. A first goal would be huge for Mexico because if the Croatians get it that doomed feeling starts to creep in.
Netherlands and Chile, just sit back and enjoy. That's all you need to do. Futbol done right.
Australia vs Spain noon
Netherlands vs Chile noon
Croatia vs Mexico 4pm
Brazil vs Cameroon 4pm
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 6
Well wasn't that USA win last night a good feeling to wake up to?
We've got three games today, with Group H starting today. Belgium is the favorite and shouldn't have too much trouble today against the Desert Foxes of Algeria. The middle game is Mexico and host Brazil, what a great afternoon matinee! Later South Korea will tangle with an up-tempo Russian side.
Belgium vs Algeria noon
Mexico vs Brazil 3pm
South Korea vs. Russia 6pm
We've got three games today, with Group H starting today. Belgium is the favorite and shouldn't have too much trouble today against the Desert Foxes of Algeria. The middle game is Mexico and host Brazil, what a great afternoon matinee! Later South Korea will tangle with an up-tempo Russian side.
Belgium vs Algeria noon
Mexico vs Brazil 3pm
South Korea vs. Russia 6pm
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.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Over the next few weeks we're going to try something new
Johnny is a huge fan of the World Cup and soccer in general. He knows there are a lot of you soccer fans out there as well who are very very excited for tomorrow's Brazil vs Croatia kickoff to World Cup 2014. Because Johnny's excited here's where the changes come in.
Each day we're going to have an open thread dedicated to the World Cup and the games being played. If you're a fan of Italy or England or the Ivory Coast or whomever, please drop by and share your thoughts. Johnny is going to try and make the Jersey City Desk World Cup Central for us locals. Feel free to discuss the matches, the players, the officiating, ANY of that which encompasses the World Cup (including possible riots from the Brazilian people) we want to hear from you. Do it signed in, do it anonymously, we're just interested in good soccer discussion.
Tomorrow Johnny will give you his tops in the group stage predictions in our first installment of World Cup Today...
Each day we're going to have an open thread dedicated to the World Cup and the games being played. If you're a fan of Italy or England or the Ivory Coast or whomever, please drop by and share your thoughts. Johnny is going to try and make the Jersey City Desk World Cup Central for us locals. Feel free to discuss the matches, the players, the officiating, ANY of that which encompasses the World Cup (including possible riots from the Brazilian people) we want to hear from you. Do it signed in, do it anonymously, we're just interested in good soccer discussion.
Tomorrow Johnny will give you his tops in the group stage predictions in our first installment of World Cup Today...
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