Tuesday, April 19, 2011

PLAYOFF PREVIEWS Part 1

Laos vs. Greece

Summary: The defending champs versus the surprise Greece. Not too many people saw this one coming, but it could be a good one. Greece moves fast, and they tackle hard. Laos is better known for their ball control, quickness, and solid teamwork. Both teams hustle hard to every ball. Laos were surprised by Sudan at the start, but still managed to win. They've looked strong so far, and haven't shown any real weaknesses. They don't have the same attacking flair, but they're still a very dangerous team. Greece won't impress you with their ball skills, but they'll outwork you until the end. They specialize in set pieces and hard tackling. Make no mistake, Greece is a difficult team to play against.

Prediction: Greece will punish a smaller Laos team physically. Laos will have to play smart and get that ball moving quickly to catch the Greeks out of position. This is pretty much Laos' specialty, and I think they'll execute it. The Greeks are good shot blockers, but Laos should be able to some shots by. I don't see Greece being able to keep up to Laos' scoring. Laos 3-1.

Ireland vs. Canada

Summary: Ireland is very strong, there's no denying it. Can anyone beat them? Maybe, but it'll take one great game to do it. Canada can be that team. There are few teams better suited to take on Ireland. Canada has a solid defence, they cover players tight, and can score 2-3 quality goals on any team. They'll definitely need some luck to beat this Ireland team though. Ireland has quality at every position, but they haven't faced a team that's given them a real challenge yet. Ireland has to be forced to pass the ball around, and they'll need patience to beat Canada. Hopefully Canada can give them a good game.

Prediction: Ireland hasn't faced a quality team yet, so they could be surprised by Canada. All the pressure is on Ireland, as they're expected to win easily. Canada can come out and play their game, with no real worries. The longer Canada can keep Ireland from scoring, the more panicked they'll get, and the more Canada's confidence builds. However, Ireland is still a top-notch squad. Canada is good, no question, but they didn't exactly win convincingly against Ukraine, they tied Germany, and lost to Poland. Ireland is better than all those teams, and they'll show up to play. Everyone is cheering for the upset, but I just don't think it'll happen. Ireland 5-2.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think Greece is going to change things up for this game...I'll give them the win 3-2.

Pretty much agree with ROI over Canada. Should be in around 5-2. Won't be a blow out, but won't be 'close' either. Ireland is just too good.

Anonymous said...

Appreaciate for the work you have done into the post, this helps clear up some questions I had.

Anonymous said...

Canada and ROI is such a hard one to predict. Your statement is perfect and I always bet against Canada when they play ROI. However, they have never lost by more than a 1 goal difference and last year they tied them after drawing with Botswana. Canada have never been a team that is consistent and that is their downfall. People never know when they are gonna show up and play so trying to predict them is harder than it seems. 5-2 could be right, it is just hard to predict because Ireland hasn't played anyone strong at all. I say this one goes to shootouts, and the winner will be......OMG

Anonymous said...

What about the other two Quarter Finals?

Anonymous said...

Lol idiot calling a shootout. ROI 7 1.

Anonymous said...

Canada got killed. ROI is the best team in this tournament. No one will get close. ROI is going to win this final by atleast 5 GOALS. I hope they play France. France will go home crying like little school girls. No doubt about it. ROI IS THE BEST AND ALWAYS WILL BE.

Anonymous said...

Can someone tell us why David Brown never gets marked?

Anonymous said...

Ya no kidding, you think some of these teams would look into it, hmmm 19-21 goals in the tourny? "well guys dont worry about him hes just luck" idiots.