Saturday 28 June 2014

World Cup predictions, MUST READ!


Winners? Brazil are aiming to win the World Cup on home soil

We're down from 32 to 16 as the World Cup enters the business end of the tournament.
Plenty of big names have gone home leaving a mix of favourites and underdogs as all the summertime fun in Brazil starts to get serious.
Chief Football Writer Martin Lipton goes all Mystic Meg and predicts who will make it through the second round...and all the way to the final on June 13.

Hosts, favourites, and carrying the expectations of 200 million people. Luis Felipe Scolari is a course and distance winner but this is where the heat starts.
Prediction: Semi-finals at least.
The Chilean fans have added colour to the tournament and Jorge Sampouli’s team are full of excitement and vibrancy, too. They press with relentless enthusiasm but this could be the end of the road trip.
Prediction: End of the road
Topped England’s group with their powerful physical game. Joel Campbell has been a revelation and Fulham fans may re-think their view on Bryan Ruiz. Should have one game after this.
Prediction: Last 8
Quite how the Greeks got through even they still do know, although Ivory Coast will always feel angry and cheated by Giorgios Samaras’ last-gasp penalty fall. Hard to see them progressing.
Prediction: No more progress
Serious contenders, no question, with James Rodriguez and Jackson Martinez among the stars of the tournament to date. Goal celebration routines worth the work they’ve done on them. Can they beat Brazil in the quarters?
Prediction: Take them seriously

GettyJames Rodríguez
Srsly: Colombia have potential...and great goal celebrations

All the misplaced wrath and indignation over Luis Suarez’ ban only highlight the fact Oscar Tabarez’ men are nothing without their talisman. Hard to see them progressing.
Prediction: Have now lost their bite
Joachim Low has switched from a midfield two to a three but with Thomas Muller in such blistering goalscoring form the Germans look semi-finalists at worse. Mesut Ozil needs to do more.
Prediction: Last four a minimum
Surpassed all realistic expectations by drawing with Russia to dump Fabio Capello out of the tournament. Six goals is more than they would have dreamed of. But the dream stops here.
Prediction: End of the dream
Jurgen Klinsmann’s men are challenging the rule of the “Major Sports”, with American political commentators now ganging up to attack football. His side, though, are all about endeavour. Not sure that will be enough.
Prediction: Will struggle to go further
The Red Devils have not exactly covered themselves in attacking glory but three wins out of three cannot be argued against. Time for Eden Hazard to step up to the plate.
Prediction: Current limit looks like last eight
Louis van Gaal has ignored the stick over his tactical approach and with Arjen Robben magnificent 10 goals have masked their obvious defensive deficiencies. Robin van Persie remains key to a side targeting the semis and beyond.
Prediction: Another final?
Goalkeeper Ochoa has been their stand-out performer and the comfortable win over Croatia has added to their confidence. Growing belief they can go deep. Not so sure they will.
Prediction: Reached their limit

Robert Cianflone
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Lionel Messi has already answered the questions, with four goals in the group phase and seemingly more to come. The loss of Sergio Aguero, though, is a major blow. Still my favourites to win.
Prediction: Trophy can be theirs
Great going forward, with Xherdan Shaqiri to the fore, shambolic at the back. Then again, when you have Senderos and Djourou at centre-half, Arsenal fans can tell you what to expect. A defeat.
Prediction: Heading home shortly
Hard to believe French football was in despair last November. Look at them now. Benzema is scoring, Valbuena and Griezmann flying and Pogba and Cabaye give midfield muscle. Not enough to beat Germany in the last eight, mind.
Prediction: Quarter finals
Made hard work of their group and a defensive unit which makes England’s look almost secure. But in Musa and Odemwingie they have a genuine goal threat. Not enough to beat France.
Prediction: Farewell on Monday

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