Deine Oma heisst Wundermuth (Predictions for the games of 6.13.2006)

Brazil v. Croatia

The stalwart back line of Croatia will get a shock test in its first group play game. Much has been written how awesome the boys from Brazil are...and it's all true. Croatia is not a bad team but Brazil is just that much better. Croatia appears to be much stronger in the back line than they are on the front line so they might be spending a lot of the game on their heels. If that's the case, it's just a matter of time before Brazil tallies. Remember Super Macho Man's Super Spin Punch from Mike Tyson's Punchout? Imagine the football version of that as Brazil offs Croatia 2-0.

France v. Switzerland

The Swiss side is a bit like a Madball. Sure, it looks like a ball but it might not bounce too well. And, if it does, which way will it bounce? Will it bounce off the nose? Or a nose ring? Will it get served up in an ice cream cone and freak out your little sister? The French, on paper, are the better team so they should be able to able to vault to a win on the back of superstar Henry. After the first score the Swiss clamp down and hold France to a single goal but it still goes in the W column. France emerges with a 1-0 win.

South Korea v. Togo

South Korea will look to build upon their surprising 4th place finish in the '02 World Cup but this time they'll have to do it without legions of their rabid fans filling the stand. Don't expect South Korea to pull off the shock victories this time around but they do have a strong chance to advance to the knockout round. Togo shouldn't give them too much trouble as consistency has proven to be a problem for the Togo side. South Korea gets the job done with a 2-0 win.