When the clock strikes 10am on the east coast, the Knockout Stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be underway – and from then on out, it’s “do or die” for the 16 remaining countries. Sounds like an appropriate time for some World Cup predictions, doesn’t it?
The Wife Hates Sports loves to pick its nose – scratch that, “knows”, as in attempting to predict the results – from the Super Bowl, to March Madness and now the World Cup.
Here’s the current bracket, the upcoming schedule, plus KP’s predictions from here on out:
2010 FIFA World Cup Schedule*
* FIFA World Ranking in parantheses next to each country
Saturday June 26, 2010
Urugay (16) vs. South Korea (47)
Who do you have winning this year’s World Cup? Pick Your Knows Here!
United States (14) vs. Ghana (32)
Sunday June 27. 2010
Germany (6) vs. England (8)
Argentina (7) vs. Mexico (17)
Monday June 28, 2010
Netherlands (4) vs. Slovakia (34)
Brazil (1) vs. Chile (18)
Tuesday June 29, 2010
Paraguay (31) vs. Japan (45)
Spain (2) vs. Portugal (3)
Will any of these three World Cup stars win it all? KP thinks so…
World Cup Predictions: KP’s Picks – 2nd Round
Uruguay OVER South Korea
United States OVER Ghana
Germany OVER England
KP thinks the US will have more reasons to celebrate during the World Cup (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Argentina OVER Mexico
Netherlands OVER Slovakia
Brazil OVER Chile
Japan OVER Paraguay
Portugal OVER Spain
– By far, the best second round matchup is Spain vs. Portugal. Spain was a favorite by many in this World Cup, but they have shown some lapses on defense plus vulnerability at times, most notably in its loss to Switzerland, plus giving up a goal to a Chilean team with 10 players. Side note: Portugal didn’t give up a goal in its three group games.
– The US team will be seeking revenge from Ghana, the team that kept them from advancing to the round of 16 in 2006. While Ghana has an entire continent rooting for them (as the last African team standing), the U.S. has momentum from its dramatic win over Algeria. Side Note: Ghana’s only two group round goals were scored on penalty kicks.
– While Chile is fighting for a country that was battered by a major earthquake, Brazil’s team will prove to be too strong and talented.
World Cup Predictions: KP’s Picks – Quarterfinals
United States OVER Uruguay
Brazil OVER Netherlands
KP has KaKa and Brazil turning the Dutch into Losers
Argentina OVER Germany
Portugal OVER Japan
– I love the United States’ chances to make the semifinals, especially if they manage to get past Ghana in the second round. Certainly, no game is a cakewalk at this point, but the US would match up well against Uruguay.
– I realize how talented the Dutch team is – and understand that many feel they haven’t peaked yet. If Brazil and the Netherlands met up in the quarterfinals, it could arguably be the best match of the entire tournament – but I refuse to bet against KaKa and Brazil.
World Cup Predictions: KP’s Picks – Semifinals to the Championship
Semifinals:
Brazil OVER United States
Argentina OVER Portugal
Third Place Game:
Portugal OVER United States
Championship
Argentina OVER Brazil
KP’s World Cup Champions: ARGENTINA
Call me crazy, but I’ve liked Argentina as a semi-darkhorse since the tournament began. There’s fire and energy from the players to the coaching staff.
KP thinks a World Cup that started messy, will end “Messi”
After the group round, Argentina is tied for the lead in total goals (7), lead the World Cup in total shots (64) and also top the tournament in shots on goal, with 30. Gonzalo Higuein is tied for the lead in total goals (3) and popular star Lionel Messi has the most shots in the tournament with 20.
This World Cup has shown some similarities to the March Madness tournament, where surprises and upsets have occurred throughout – for example, France and Italy not just folding, but finishing last in their respective groups.
Therefore, in a World Cup of shockers – one that’s been borderline messy – it should come as no surprise that it would finish “Messi”.
In the end, when the dust is all settled – I pick Argentina to be the champs.
Who you got? Submit your picks to The Wife Hates Sports below!
Guys…
Well, those who picked… our picks haven’t been the greatest, huh? Oh well, what can you do.
REV–
Guess we don’t need to worry about that, since neither country made the semis.
TOP–
Lalas doesn’t bug me that much… he actually has some strong opinions here and there… instead of just a whole lot of fluff like a lot of analysts give.
KP
Personally I’m simply glad that both the US and England have been knocked out of the tournament . All that bitching and whining from the ESPN analysts was beginning to get on my damn nerves ! Alexi Lalas and Mike Tirico are about as insightful on the sport as either Paris Hilton or Hedi Montag would be on cardio-thoracic surgery. In other words they know absolutely nothing about soccer. I mean what the hell did Lalas actually achieve as a professional soccer player to begin with ? When on the field of play he was like a whirling Dervish and as slow as a damn snail ! ‘nough said on the matter me-thinks !
AP
The Wife’s picks….
2nd Round winners: Uruguay, USA, Slovakia, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Japan and Portugal
Quarterfinals: USA, Brazil, Germany and Portugal
Brazil over USA and Portugal over Germany
Germany over USA in 3rd place game:
Brazil over Portugal
Brazil wins World Cup
– The Wife
No bold picks… until the very end.
Dude, do you have any idea the coup it would be if Argentina beat Brazil in the World Cup?
Might just start a border war.
The feisty Japanese! Maybe. I could see it. If Portugal beats Spain mark my words it will be in PK most likely 0-0, or possibly 1-1. They will not score more straight up. I’m not too worried about the short-handed goal against Chile it was a fluke off a defender. They straightened up their act in that game & Swiss game was a joke, should have been more like a 2-0 win than 0-1.
Brazil losing to Chile would send shock waves. I guess you never know when emotions come in but they were whipped (7 goals?) in SA qualifying two games…. That being said, when it comes time for the Dutch anything can happen. Their attacking power is not what it has been. If there will be a 3-2 game in the KO round that’s it for sure.
I’d lay money US-Portugal goes PK if that is the 3rd place game. I’m thinking it is Argentina facing them there which would not go well. If your scenario plays out 3rd is possible. Hopefully someone knocks off Brazil. Even without a full squad they overcame 0-2 to win the Confed over US so no one wants them.
Good picks KP!