Mr Predictor Its been a terrific opening to the 2014 FIFA World Cup so far, with plenty of goals, controversy and excitement to keep us football junkies happy... but the competition is only just beginning to warm up! Theres still much more to come from the group stages - here are my thoughts and predictions ahead of this weekends games. Argentina vs Iran – Saturday 21st June - FIFA World Cup Argentina were a shade disappointing in their opening 2014 World Cup contest against Bosnia, but still managed to collect all three points thanks to a cracking strike from none other than Lionel Messi. Any side with that man in it is going to be tough to stop, and I can see Iran, who are ranked 43 in the world at present, struggling to contain him. Now that Argentina have shaken off any early rustiness or nerves, this should be a routine win for the South Americans. Mr Predictors Verdict: Argentina 3 vs 0 Iran - (Long List selection 4) Germany vs Ghana – Saturday 21st June - FIFA World Cup This Germany squad is relatively weak compared to recent tournaments, but it is still packed full of experience and 7 of the squad come from the Bayern Munich side that made the Champions League semi-finals. Although the Black Stars have individual talents of their own, most notably Gyan and Essien, the team just isnt as strong as the German side and I predict a win for the side that finished 3rd in 2010. Mr Predictors Verdict: Germany 2 vs 0 Ghana - (Long List selection 4) Nigeria vs Bosnia & Herzegovina – Saturday 21st June - FIFA World Cup Bosnia played much better than most people expected in their opening match against a highly rated Argentina side and it could be argued that they deserved at least a point. However, I suspect that many players played above themselves, eager to show that they can match the best players in the world. Its easy to be fired up for a match against Messi and co, but will they be so motivated for a match against the 44th best side in the world? This isnt the strongest of Nigerian squads, but they have enough to snatch a point from this game. Mr Predictors Verdict: Nigeria 2 vs 2 Bosnia - (Long List selection 3) Belgium vs Russia – Sunday 22nd June - FIFA World Cup Russia are only ranked 8 places below the Belgians and they have an experienced spine running through the team, but none of the squad play outside of Russia and that lack of experience (and quality) could well prove to be their downfall at this tournament. Contrast that with Belgium; 11 players from top Premier League sides, plus representatives from La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga. There may not be much of a gap between them in the rankings, but I believe there is a noticeable gulf in class and I predict a win for Belgium. Mr Predictors Verdict: Belgium 2 vs 0 Russia - (Long List selection 4) USA vs Portugal – Sunday 22nd June - FIFA World Cup A tricky match to predict in one of the toughest groups at the 2014 World Cup. Portugal may be ranked 4th in the world and their captain Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the worlds best player right now, but the American side is packed full of experience (5 players have 70 or more caps) and with the likes of Altidore and Dempsey leading the line, there is potential for an upset here. I predict a close contest. Mr Predictors Verdict: USA 1 vs 1 Portugal - (Long List selection 3) Cameroon vs Brazil – Monday 23rd June - FIFA World Cup That controversial opening game of the tournament already seems a long, long time ago and by now Brazil should be settled right down into their samba rhythm. It remains to be seen whether or not Scolari rotates his squad for this match, but even if he does, the fire power available to him should be too much for Cameroons Lions. I believe that Cameron will put up an honourable display, but will be no match for the might of the host nation. Mr Predictors Verdict: Cameroon 0 vs 2 Brazil - (Long List selection 5)
Posted on: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 08:33:41 +0000
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