Besser geht nicht (Predictions for the games of 6.18.2006)
Brazil v. Australia
Brazil looked like, well, Brazil in their opener against Croatia and dashed to a 1-0 win. Watching Brazil is akin to watching a river as far as its efficient flow. Observe how beautifully the Brazilians run off-ball to create and exploit space. The only problem with Brazil appears to be with Ronaldo...or the absence thereof. He clocked in but his offensive punch appeared nonexistant. In the more difficult games deeper in the tournament he's going to need to step up and provide extra force on the attack...or be removed from the starting lineup. Australia came on strong late against Japan but will have their hands full with Brazil. They are blanked as the Brazilians are on the move and run off with a 2-0 win. Croatia v. Australia will determine 2nd place in Group F.
Japan v. Croatia
Croatia stood tall against a stacked Brazilian team but the Brazilians proved to simply be too much. However, Croatia should be proud of their strong showing and courageous shots on goal that surely had Brazilian fans worried about a looming equalizer. Given their strong showing against Brazil, it would hardly be surprising if they end up in second place after Brazil in Group F. Croatia looked solid on defense and creative on offense and didn't succumb to the pressure of playing the tournament favorite. Japan, on the other hand, collapsed against Australia. The goal that they did score clearly should've been called back due to interference with the Australiakeeper. A late surge by the Australian squad corrected the mistake. Croatia smokes Japan 3-0 and shows that in any other group they would be fighting for first place.
France v. South Korea
Henry and co. appeared uninspired in their opening game tie against Switzerland. This 0-0 tie didn't have the excitement that Sweden v. TnT had and was marred by fouls and yellow cards. South Korea survived a first round scare against first time tournament attendee Togo but won't have the firepower to hold off France. The Gallic beast awakes and continues the march of a World Cup largely devoid of upsets thus far. France stomps to a 2-1 victory. It's not pretty but it counts (not only as a victory but as a vote for Group G being the weakest group in the tournament).
Brazil looked like, well, Brazil in their opener against Croatia and dashed to a 1-0 win. Watching Brazil is akin to watching a river as far as its efficient flow. Observe how beautifully the Brazilians run off-ball to create and exploit space. The only problem with Brazil appears to be with Ronaldo...or the absence thereof. He clocked in but his offensive punch appeared nonexistant. In the more difficult games deeper in the tournament he's going to need to step up and provide extra force on the attack...or be removed from the starting lineup. Australia came on strong late against Japan but will have their hands full with Brazil. They are blanked as the Brazilians are on the move and run off with a 2-0 win. Croatia v. Australia will determine 2nd place in Group F.
Japan v. Croatia
Croatia stood tall against a stacked Brazilian team but the Brazilians proved to simply be too much. However, Croatia should be proud of their strong showing and courageous shots on goal that surely had Brazilian fans worried about a looming equalizer. Given their strong showing against Brazil, it would hardly be surprising if they end up in second place after Brazil in Group F. Croatia looked solid on defense and creative on offense and didn't succumb to the pressure of playing the tournament favorite. Japan, on the other hand, collapsed against Australia. The goal that they did score clearly should've been called back due to interference with the Australiakeeper. A late surge by the Australian squad corrected the mistake. Croatia smokes Japan 3-0 and shows that in any other group they would be fighting for first place.
France v. South Korea
Henry and co. appeared uninspired in their opening game tie against Switzerland. This 0-0 tie didn't have the excitement that Sweden v. TnT had and was marred by fouls and yellow cards. South Korea survived a first round scare against first time tournament attendee Togo but won't have the firepower to hold off France. The Gallic beast awakes and continues the march of a World Cup largely devoid of upsets thus far. France stomps to a 2-1 victory. It's not pretty but it counts (not only as a victory but as a vote for Group G being the weakest group in the tournament).
posted by STB at
5:50 PM
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