Sorry for the lack of posts everybody, I was unavoidably delayed. It will take too long to recap the weekend, and by now you probably know what happened anyway. Let's just get to the predictions.
France vs. Norway
France has played very well this tournament, and have only gotten better as it goes on. Norway has played very strong as a team this tournament. That's the reason they're through. So who will win this matchup? France. France has been impenetrable on defence lately, and Norway does not have the talent to penetrate it. Norway has not faced a defence like France's. Germany's defence is not good, El Salvador's defence is just as bad, Scotland didn't have a defence, and Jamaica's defence is right on par with the bottom 10 teams. France's defence is a big step up. Any Norway striker will be suffocated, and the only hope they have is to shoot from outside and hope something manages to luckily find its way in. The main difference in the game will be France's strikers. France will get shots off, and if they're remotely on target, they'll go in. France has some very good shooters, so expect a lot of what you saw Germany do to Norway in terms of shooting. Norway has some hustlers in midfield, and this is the only way they'll win. France's midfield is a little slow, and a couple Norway 1-2's near half will be the pinnacle of their goal-scoring opportunities. Yeah, Norway is playing well as a "team," but so is France. They won't have a letdown of last year's quarterfinal happen again. France wins, 4-1.
Germany vs. Laos
Germany advanced after an exciting win over Norway on Monday to take first in the group. Props to Germany. They had a big game to win, and they finally did it. Congratulations Germany! Your prize is...a quarterfinal against Laos. But maybe this is a prize they want. Laos is reeling after getting absolutely pummeled by France on Saturday(they got killed, and if you dispute that, you're wrong), then only winning 2-1 on Sunday against a physical Austria team. So do we write Laos off? Not at all. They're a very dangerous team, and come flying at you with quick touches and speedy players. They'll have their entire team there on Wednesday, and they'll be mad. But Germany has been playing very well lately, and will up to the challenge. Germany can beat Laos by doing a couple things. Don't rush into tackles, and mark your man. France did this very good, and Germany can do the same. If Laos can break free from Germany's defence just a couple times, this game will open up, and give it to Laos. But I think Germany will be pretty amped up about being in the playoffs, will play hard, and I think they can steal one from Laos. This one should be a high scoring game regardless. Germany wins, 5-4.
Ireland vs. Nigeria
The least intriguing matchup of the playoffs. Nigeria is good, but not Beat-Ireland good. If Nigeria can keep it close, it will be a success. In order to beat Ireland, you need to have a stellar defence and good goalkeeping. Nigeria does not have this. Ireland can shoot, and they can shoot good. I'm not writing Nigeria off completely, but they shouldn't be able to compete with Ireland if Ireland plays well. If Nigeria can catch them sleeping, that will be something special. Ireland wins, 6-1.
Canada vs. Poland
Canada finally showed their strength against Ireland. They play a similar style to Ireland, and it was clear to see that if they come to play, Canada is hard to beat. Canada gets to take on a Polish team that rolled through their group. Poland never faced a extremely strong opponent, but are nonetheless a very good team. Canada might finally be gelling as a team, and if they are, it's coming at the right time. Canada has a big and tough defence, but they are susceptible to getting out of position. Overall Canada is a big team, and would have a tougher time against a very small team like Laos. Simply put, they play well against players like themselves. Poland is not a team like Canada, but Canada still matches up well player for player. This will be the most intriguing game, because no one is really sure how good either team is. When Canada comes to play, they are very good. They'll show up for the quarterfinal. Canada wins, 3-2.
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17 comments:
i think the winners will be
poland
laos
ireland
france
Winners for me:
France
Laos
Nigeria
Poland
I absolutely hate Canada, and their cocky team. They get drunk at the tournament and talk in front of tons of people about how good / talented they are. Very unclassy.
If Canada wins against Poland, they will definately lose the next round.
Canada tied Botswana. They suck. What a bunch of fools. Enough said.
POLSKA POLSKA. LET'S GO POLSKA. Poland to beat Canada forsure.
to the idiot that put nigeria will go through, your on some stupid drug
Winners will be:
Ireland
Laos
France
Poland
I dont think Germany will be able to handle Laos. They are just way to quick and have a deadly keeper.
I think that everyone has right to his or her opinion, there is no reason to insult anyone.
Ireland- Nigeria
You need a good overall team to advance in this tournament, and Nigeria doesn't have that. Ireland will be ready to play in this one, and they should win. Count on Brown to score a couple goals on Nigeria's weak defence. 4-1 Ireland
Poland-Canada
Poland played France to a draw before the tournament, and have been dominant in their group. They'll be quicker than Canada, and will beat them because Canada is a lazy team. Poland 3-2.
France-Norway
France should beat Norway. There's too many dangerous players on France. Shame about Riley, but France can manage. Norway doesn't have the skill to matchup with France. Like Clock cleaner said, Norway is a good "team" but so is France. France 4-1.
Germany-Laos
Laos' entire team will be there, which wasn't the case in the last two games. This gives them more depth and will push them past Germany. Germany's weak subs will be exploited. Laos 5-3.
How come you there was no posting of what happened over the weekend?
My picks are
Germany
Poland
Nigeria
France
I see all other poster but clockcleaner has put Laos to beat Germany. It will be a hard fought game to be sure... but don't forget. Germany will be hungry.
Both teams have to play to their potential. Whichever team does not play 100% will lose.
Given that, I think Germany goes through.
What about Canada, hey anonymous who does Poland play Thursday, right sorry no one
well tonight was a great night, Norway lost, and so did Poland,
I'ts a shame that Jamaica started so poorly. The game between El Salvador and Jamaica is still the best game that has happened in this tournament.
Last night's games were good, however, the fluidity and finesse of how soccer (football) is supposed to be played was not there last night. Too much forcing and not enough possession. The team that can simplify their game will win the 2010 WCP Cup.
Good luck to all the remaining teams.
Fan Of Football!
Go Canada nice win last night another tough one tonight should be a good game could go either way cherring for the canuks
to the retard that made the last comment, wow what world do you live in? ES vs Jamaica was the best game of the tourny? how about canada vs poland, i think that was good, oh wait France vs Laos, France vs Ireland, ya retards like you should not comment at all. thnx person who sits on the stands.
Hey April 28 11:56 P.M. Anonymous,
Who does Canada play Saturday? Oh right - no one! Laos made Canada look like U12 Div 2 girls (sorry girls - no offence intended). Just like Canada last night - no offence!!! Bronze medal - Go France!!!
i don't know how & why u did not post my comments but chooses to post some of the ones that are insulting, contain comments that are degrading to others and do not seem to very mature.
although your work is appreciated, I think u can do much better than this.
I love this game but the mentality around this game in this city is sometimes sad. some people seem to think that they are entitled and are these amazing players, some are good players but their egos are bloated beyond reasonable common sense. on the other hand, you have some really good people trying to enjoy the game, and some who try, but end up ruining by trying to ref but suck at it. this tournament had some horrible referee performances and although it's part of the game to have accept those mistakes, they were too many. the level of refereeing is not up to the quality of the game.
filipe dos santos team portugal captain
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