Color commentary

Who hired the wooden color commentators on ABC and ESPN2? They sound like they are reading the instructions for aluminum foil. Further, they always seem to be a couple beats behind the play. Switch over to Univision unless you really enjoyed listening to attendance being taken in 5th grade.

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).

Umleitung genommen (Predictions for the games of 6.17.2006)

Portugal v. Iran

Portugese fans have to be a little concerned after their team's more-expected-than-exciting victory over Angola. Much like England and the Netherlands, Portugal struck early and then appeared mostly lifeless on the front line for the rest of the game which left Portugal one mistake away from tying Angola. Iran, who couldn't pull much together in a 3-1 loss to Mexico, will be another sacrificial lamb for Portugal. But another 1-0 victory by Portugal makes fans wonder about the productivity of this team and concern for Portugal's final game in Group D against Mexico.

Italy v. USA

Uninspiring, lacklustre, deflated. How else to describe the USA performance in their opener against the Czech Republic? The United States looked lost, disorganized and nervous after they were scored upon early and, besides one good strike by Reyna, failed to have much offensive punch at all. The USA have been on the bubble as far as getting respect on the world stage but there is one thing that is preventing them from being considered a real and regular threat: their consistent inability to regularly beat European teams. The streak continues and the brutal questions come forth. Is the US side unprepared? Was the quarterfinal run in 2002 a fluke? Does that midfield want to win the ball? Do they need a shakeup in the lineup? Or are they just woefully outgunned? Unless the US comes up big against Italy with a minimum of a tie, it'll be time to say auf wiedersehen. On the other side of Group E, Italy got the job done against a stubborn squad from Ghana. Ghana gave Italy some problems and, up until the 83rd minute, the equalizer from Ghana was always a possibility. But Italy's star appears to be rising while the USA's is falling quickly. Unless the USA can make magic on the wings against the Azzurri it'll be a long 90 minutes for the Amis. The USA continues to crumble while succumbing 2-1 to Italy and are left wondering where it all went wrong.

Czech Republic v. Ghana

The Czech Republic lived up to their reputation of a team to fear in this tournament, opening their scoring against the US on a perfect header by Koller early in the game followed by a searing long range drive by Rosicky in the first half. Rosicky tallied again late in the game on a well-timed assist by Nedved. The Czech offensive machine may have some problems further on in the tournament if the hamstring injury sustained by Koller in the first half turns out to be serious. However, with a defense anchored by the keeper Cech, the Czech Republic should have a solid performance against Ghana. Ghana was hoping to be the star African team of the tournament but their loss to Italy in their opener now puts them against the ropes for a big upset against Czech Republic if they want to advance. More backline mistakes by Ghana allow the Czechs to tally twice, winning 2-0, and use this game as a tune-up for Italy.

Wie es geht (Predictions for the games of 6.16.2006)

Argentina v. Serbia and Montenegro

Argentina had little trouble dismissing the Ivory Coast, tallying twice before the Ivory Coast found the net late in the game. Argentina proved once again that they are a formidable opponent and practically invincible once they establish a lead. Although it's still quite early in the group round, Argentina, with their well-timed runs and a multitude of weapons in their arsenal, look primed to advance. SnM lost a good game to a spirited Dutch side in their opener. Oonce again, they'll have their hands full with Argentina and a 2-0 loss here won't help their cause. Better cancel those dinner reservations for the last week in June, dear.

Netherlands v. Ivory Coast

The Dutch came out swinging in their opener against Serbia and Montenegro. After Robben tallied early in the first half, the Dutch didn't get much accomplished. Nevertheless, they left the pitch with the 3 points they needed. The IC play exciting football but "exciting" is a door that swings both ways. With "exciting" you'll get strong, fast, attacking runs as well as defensive breakdowns. The IC had a touch of both in their game against Argentina, getting a little ahead of themselves early and, as a result, playing off balance. The Dutch smooth, technical style could prove to be frustrating for the Ivory Coast. If the Dutch play too conservatively, however, they could be surprised. The Dutch establish control early but can't hold off the Ivory Coast the entire game. A 2-1 Dutch victory sets up a colossal clash between the Netherlands and Argentina for the crown of Group C!

Mexico v. Angola

Mexico has to be happy with one of their best ever starts to a World Cup tournament, a 3-1 shellacking of Iran. Mexico struck first and, after a quick score by Iran shortly thereafter, it was all Mexico up to the final whistle. Even more impressive is that they scored the final two goals without Borgetti after he left the game early in the second half due to injury. There were some stretches of time where ball control seemed to be a problem but, overall, this performance was a good sign for fans of Mexico. Angola came out with an occasionally unorganized effort against Portugal and dropped a 1-0 decision to their former colonizers. They did have several good strikes (and one that probably stopped the hearts of many a Portugal fan) but shouldn't be too much trouble for Mexico after their morale-boosting first game win. Mexico wins 2-0 and is in good shape in Group D with their toughest game yet to come.

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.

Krystalklar (Predictions for the games of 6.14.2006)

Spain v. Ukraine

This game should give a good indication which Spanish team will show up for the World Cup. The team that has a superstar cast and ends up imploding early and often on their way to bowing out during the group play or the team that plays proportional to their talent. Ukraine should be the toughest test for the Spanish side as they battle their way through Group H. While depth is a question for Ukraine, they would be happy to secure a tie in this one and then take their chances with the weaker teams in their group (Saudia Arabia and Tunisia) to advance. Stalemate. 1-1.

Tunisia v. Saudi Arabia

Tunisia and Saudi Arabia will both be scrambling to put points on the board knowing that both Spain and Ukraine will be encountered by each team further down the road. This game could tip either way. The Saudi players all play exclusively on domestic Saudi teams while Tunisia has players playing in many of the European leagues. The exposure to better competition in the European leagues will prove to be the deciding factor and give Tunisia a slight advantage. Pele was quoted as saying that the final would be Saudi Arabia v. Brazil. The position of International Football Ambassador must allow one to be able to afford to smoke the good stuff. Tunisia slots home a late one and pulls off a 2-1 win.

Germany v. Poland

Fresh off their exciting 4-2 Ballack-less win in the opener, Germany encounters a Poland team that looked quite stiff in their opener and dropped to Ecuador 2-0. This is a game that Poland must win if they want to still be in contention to advance to the second round. Germany has the luxury of being able to rest Ballack again (or have him play only part of the game) and still have plenty of horsepower to get the job done. Granted, Poland was unlucky in their opener after hitting two off the woodwork. They could bounce back in this must-win game but that's not going to happen, especially since they next have to play a spirited Costa Rica that showed well against Germany. Germany continues to roll over Group A and prove themselves as the bear in the room. Germany buries Poland 3-0 and start looking to Round 2.

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.

Du und Deine Backpfeifengesicht (Predictions for the games of 6.12.2006)

Italy v. Ghana

The Italians are gonna be out for blood in this one. After a disappointing showing in 2002, it's vital to Italy that they emerge with at least a visage of dominance. Ghana will be roadkill on Italy's road to the making the second round. Italy steams, then snoozes, then steams while on their way to a 2-0 win.

USA v. Czech Republic

This is going to be a key game that could very likely determine who advances out of Group E. The Czech Republic took it on the chin earlier this week when star midfielder Pavel Nedved collided with a teammate during training and came up with a sore knee while forward Milan Baros has a strained tendon in his foot. If these two can't play 100% (or only play sporadically...or at all) it'll be a huge blow to the Czech cause . The US team, while ranked an inappropriate 5th in the FIFA World Rankings, comes to this World Cup trying to prove that their quarterfinal advancement last Cup wasn't a fluke. Bruce Arena has proven to be a great strategist and he'll have his hands full with 6'8" Czech forward Jan Koller up front. Scoring first will be key here as he who establishes sets the tempo early will grab the win. Arena has the right guys on the field for this one and the US tallies first while cruising to a 2-1 win over the battered Czech side.

Japan v. Australia

With Brazil almost certain to capture 1st place in Group F, the job for the other 3 teams will be grabbing whatever crumbs they can to attain 2nd place and advance. In fact, Japan and Australia will have a hard time grabbing the 2nd place spot over Croatia. With both teams needing a victory, neither will get the crumbs they would like. Once the dust settles on the pitch both teams march to the locker room having battled to a 1-1 tie.

Ja gut aber... (Predictions for the games of 6.11.2006)

Serbia and Montenegro v. Netherlands

The games of 6.11 will prove to be the best thus far in the tournement and this is the highlight game. The question is whether SnM's showing in qualification play will carry over into the round robin games and whether van Basten can skipper his team into a cohesive unit long enough to advance to the knock-out round. SnM will prove to be gritty and vB will add a little glue to the mix but neither effort will be enough to have either team emerge victorious. Both teams need a win in this difficult group but neither will get it. The game ends in a 1-1 tie that will be decided by flag design but, since both teams must've used the same consulting company to design their flag, it's still a tie.

Mexico v. Iran

This contest should prove to be another of the good games of 6.11. Mexico is a regular in the Cup but Iran should give them a run for their pesos. This game could very well decide the second place in Group D, assuming Portugal takes first place. With both teams having this in mind, it'll be a scrappy affair with plastic awarded on both sides. As the curtain closes Iran scores an equalizer to make it 2-2. Tie!

Angola v. Portugal

Portugal is quadrenially one of those teams that should do better that doesn't. And eventually they won't. But FIFA hands them a bird by pairing them with Angola for their first game. This is Angola's first Cup and Portgual will prove to be a difficult taskmaster for their former colony. Angola has played quite well at home but home ain't Cologne. Mr. Figo says to write on the board 100 times: Portugal wins, 3-0.

Das weiss ich nicht (Predictions for the games of 6.10.2006)

England v. Paraguay

Pity that England has to start off against what could be the most difficult team that they will have to play in the group round. With Rooney cleared for probable play, Eriksson's boys receive a morale boost a day before the start of the Cup. However, one has to question Rooney's fitness level at this point. With one of England's major weapons most likely riding the pine for a majority if not all of group play, one might expect England to be looking a little punchless out of the gate. With a good showing by Owen and a fantastic midfield to back him up, England should still be able to finish off a feisty squad from Paraguay. England comes away with a 2-1 victory that looks closer on paper than it was in real life.

Trinidad and Tobago v. Sweden

TnT is definitely one of the weaker teams in the tournament this go 'round and is considered the red headed stepchild of Group B. Sweden, on the other hand, has punch up front that might carry them to the knockout round. It won't be the most exciting game, but Sweden will cruise to a 3-0 victory and be sitting at the top of Group B (based on goal differential) at the end of the second day of competition.

Cote D'Ivoire v. Argentina

Argentina comes into this Cup with high expectations and deservedly so. Sporting a young-ish team, the Teens (I made that up, I think) come in as a contender to win Group C. Enter the Ivory Coast stage left. With a speedy midfielder in the form of Didier Drogba, look for the upset here as Argentina stumbles out of the gate. IC scores first and it's a nailbiter from there on out but IC drops a huge steaming pile of it in the lap of Argentina. Maradona watches from the VIP suite, does a line of coke, and wonders where it all went wrong. Ivory Coast squeaks by 2-1 but the bloodshed isn't over yet in this group.