Mutterlich aber scharf (Predictions for the games of 6.15.2006)
Ecuador v. Costa Rica
This is a tough game to call. Ecuador looked strong against an uninspired Polish squad and Costa Rica, although vastly outgunned as far as time of possession v. Germany, played respectably against the world football power on their home turf.
This could very well be the game that decides that second slot in Group A so both teams have a lot on the line. Things get interesting in Group A when these two teams tie 2-2 after defensive breakdowns on both sides of the pitch.
England v. Trinidad and Tobago
David Beckam's excellent bend-and-swerve service helped England notch up a win against Paraguay. Although the goal was credited as an own-goal, the ball's flight off the free kick by Beckham was only slightly altered by Gamarra and would've been a goal anyway. Besides a couple long distance strikes by Lampard from outside the box, England didn't show much in the form of offensive punch. Did Michael Owen check in? He was practically nonexistant. England should be able to muscle through their game with TnT, but they will need to step it up in their final game with the Swedes in order to be considered a strong contender once the Round of 16 starts. A team with the talent that England has should simply do better. TnT, on the other hand, must be nothing but pleased with their tie against Sweden. Coming in to their first World Cup and tieing a high B-lister like Sweden is truly inspiring. The party will come to an abrupt end against England but expect TnT to show up scrappy in their final game against Paraguay. 3-0 England.
Sweden v. Paraguay
The poor Swedes. They conceeded a 0-0 tie to TnT, a team that had its second string goalie take the starting lineup after their starter was injured in warmup and played half the game with only 10 players after John Avery was sent off with a second yellow card shortly into the second half. Sweden had their chances; they just didn't finish them. So one has to wonder about how they are going to pair up with Paraguay, a team that didn't have a poor showing against England yet did look uncomposed at times. Both teams need a victory here...but Sweden needs one much, much more after only getting 1 point against the team which is, on paper, the weakest team in Group B. Paraguay is happy with the 1-1 tie (since TnT is next) and Sweden, who has to play England next, doesn't unpack too much more from their luggage. It won't be long before they are back home.
This is a tough game to call. Ecuador looked strong against an uninspired Polish squad and Costa Rica, although vastly outgunned as far as time of possession v. Germany, played respectably against the world football power on their home turf.
This could very well be the game that decides that second slot in Group A so both teams have a lot on the line. Things get interesting in Group A when these two teams tie 2-2 after defensive breakdowns on both sides of the pitch.
England v. Trinidad and Tobago
David Beckam's excellent bend-and-swerve service helped England notch up a win against Paraguay. Although the goal was credited as an own-goal, the ball's flight off the free kick by Beckham was only slightly altered by Gamarra and would've been a goal anyway. Besides a couple long distance strikes by Lampard from outside the box, England didn't show much in the form of offensive punch. Did Michael Owen check in? He was practically nonexistant. England should be able to muscle through their game with TnT, but they will need to step it up in their final game with the Swedes in order to be considered a strong contender once the Round of 16 starts. A team with the talent that England has should simply do better. TnT, on the other hand, must be nothing but pleased with their tie against Sweden. Coming in to their first World Cup and tieing a high B-lister like Sweden is truly inspiring. The party will come to an abrupt end against England but expect TnT to show up scrappy in their final game against Paraguay. 3-0 England.
Sweden v. Paraguay
The poor Swedes. They conceeded a 0-0 tie to TnT, a team that had its second string goalie take the starting lineup after their starter was injured in warmup and played half the game with only 10 players after John Avery was sent off with a second yellow card shortly into the second half. Sweden had their chances; they just didn't finish them. So one has to wonder about how they are going to pair up with Paraguay, a team that didn't have a poor showing against England yet did look uncomposed at times. Both teams need a victory here...but Sweden needs one much, much more after only getting 1 point against the team which is, on paper, the weakest team in Group B. Paraguay is happy with the 1-1 tie (since TnT is next) and Sweden, who has to play England next, doesn't unpack too much more from their luggage. It won't be long before they are back home.
posted by STB at
5:45 PM
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