Die Gebratenschmetterling sind lecker (Predictions for the games of 6.19.2006)
Togo v. Switzerland
The Swiss held their own against what many thought to be a superior French lineup. The Swiss have to be happy with a 0-0 in that one; France is probably their strongest competition in Group G unless South Korea can step up. The Swiss might not make the highlight reel based on their style of play, but they are a solid lot that has a good chance at making it out of the first round. Togo tried to play the spoiler early in their opener against South Korea when they lead at halftime but the South Koreans wouldn't be denied in the second half. Abalo gets two yellows for Togo and as a result they will play against Switzerland without their captain. Togo isn't a pushover by any means but the Swiss do just enough to creep away with a 1-0 win.
Spain v. Tunisia
Wow. Spain truly handed out a painful welcome to tournament newcomer Ukraine. What's scary is that Aragones, the Spanish manager, barely scratched the surface of the firepower that he can bring to the pitch. Spain struck early and often and never let the Ukraine hit a stride. They constantly made the simple things difficult and the difficult things impossible for Ukraine. Spain, unlike their many previous tournament missteps, enters the fray with a showing that proves they are a true contender for the Cup. Tunisia enters this game coming off an electrifying see-saw contest against Saudi Arabia, a game that saw Tunisia mark an equalizer deep in injury time and moments before the final whistle. Tunisia is happy to escape with a point from their opener; they won't be as happy after encountering the raging Spanish bull. Spain casts a sombra on Tunisia with another 4-0 win and it appears that the Golden Boot award may be entirely between players on the Spanish squad.
Saudi Arabia v. Ukraine
The Ukraine, a team that still may place second in Group H, got a raw deal in drawing Spain as the first opponent. The Ukraine got hit early and they never regained their balance as a clearly superiour Spanish team punished Ukraine time and time again. What's worse, Ukraine will lose defender Vashchuk for the next game after a terrible red card mis-call by the referee in the penalty box. The Ukraine definitely took their licks in this one. However, there is some light on the horizon for the Ukraine. Spain was clearly the tougest team they will have to face in 1st round play. The Ukranian offense did put together a couple good runs on the Spanish goal so there was a hint of what they might yet be able to accomplish in this tournament. How they handle this tough loss will be key to sneaking into the second round. Saudi Arabia needed a win against Tunisia as their schedule will get progressively more difficult as they move through their group schedule. That tie was snatched away at the last second when Tunisia moved in to tie the game. The Ukraine gathers up their pieces from the broken game against Spain and gives their fans some hope of advancement when they win a 3-2 shootout against the luckless Saudis.
The Swiss held their own against what many thought to be a superior French lineup. The Swiss have to be happy with a 0-0 in that one; France is probably their strongest competition in Group G unless South Korea can step up. The Swiss might not make the highlight reel based on their style of play, but they are a solid lot that has a good chance at making it out of the first round. Togo tried to play the spoiler early in their opener against South Korea when they lead at halftime but the South Koreans wouldn't be denied in the second half. Abalo gets two yellows for Togo and as a result they will play against Switzerland without their captain. Togo isn't a pushover by any means but the Swiss do just enough to creep away with a 1-0 win.
Spain v. Tunisia
Wow. Spain truly handed out a painful welcome to tournament newcomer Ukraine. What's scary is that Aragones, the Spanish manager, barely scratched the surface of the firepower that he can bring to the pitch. Spain struck early and often and never let the Ukraine hit a stride. They constantly made the simple things difficult and the difficult things impossible for Ukraine. Spain, unlike their many previous tournament missteps, enters the fray with a showing that proves they are a true contender for the Cup. Tunisia enters this game coming off an electrifying see-saw contest against Saudi Arabia, a game that saw Tunisia mark an equalizer deep in injury time and moments before the final whistle. Tunisia is happy to escape with a point from their opener; they won't be as happy after encountering the raging Spanish bull. Spain casts a sombra on Tunisia with another 4-0 win and it appears that the Golden Boot award may be entirely between players on the Spanish squad.
Saudi Arabia v. Ukraine
The Ukraine, a team that still may place second in Group H, got a raw deal in drawing Spain as the first opponent. The Ukraine got hit early and they never regained their balance as a clearly superiour Spanish team punished Ukraine time and time again. What's worse, Ukraine will lose defender Vashchuk for the next game after a terrible red card mis-call by the referee in the penalty box. The Ukraine definitely took their licks in this one. However, there is some light on the horizon for the Ukraine. Spain was clearly the tougest team they will have to face in 1st round play. The Ukranian offense did put together a couple good runs on the Spanish goal so there was a hint of what they might yet be able to accomplish in this tournament. How they handle this tough loss will be key to sneaking into the second round. Saudi Arabia needed a win against Tunisia as their schedule will get progressively more difficult as they move through their group schedule. That tie was snatched away at the last second when Tunisia moved in to tie the game. The Ukraine gathers up their pieces from the broken game against Spain and gives their fans some hope of advancement when they win a 3-2 shootout against the luckless Saudis.
posted by STB at
4:31 PM
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