FIFA News Update

Quarterfinals Predictions

The two final teams that are to play in the FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals emerged today. They were France and, of course, Brazil. France beat Spain 3-1. Brazil beat Ghana 3-0. France looked in control after the game was tied 1-1 once they scored their second goal. As for the Brazil vs. Ghana game, although Brazil were the favorites, I expected Ghana to put up a better show after watching them in the past couple of games. However, I still think they were a great team and that they just had a bad day. They were the only African team still playing. Even though I wasn't able to watch that game, I heard Ghana created plenty of opportunities but they were all close and never turned into a goal. As for Brazil, once again Ronaldo scored a goal; it was his fifteenth. That's a world cup record. Before this Game, Ronaldo was tied with the German Mueller for fourteen goals each. Now two South American and six European teams remain.

Here are my quarterfinals prediction:

Germany vs. Argentina on June 30th @ 11 A.M. (EST) - ESPN
Both teams are great. However, Germany made it to a last year's world cup final. They are known for their defense. After their opening match, they have yet to concede a goal. On the other hand, Argentina has been playing great, but it has all been against inferior teams.

Prediction:

Germany. Notably, Germany is playing IN Germany. I do not see them getting out in the quarterfinals this easily.

Italy vs. Ukraine on June 30th @ 3 P.M. (EST) - ESPN2
This one doesn't seem too hard to predict. But there are always surprises so who knows. Italy beat Australia, and Ukraine beat Switzerland. From my analysis, I don't think Ukraine has a shot in the quarterfinals. After watching Ukraine play Switzerland, which I admit was a very boring game, I do not believe either team would have survived in the quarterfinals.

Prediction:

Yep. You guessed it, Italy.

England vs. Portugal on July 1st @11 A.M. (EST) - ABC
This one is hard to tell. A friend stated, "If Ronaldo doesn't play, Portugal won't win," and, "They (Portugal) are in a lot of yellow card trouble." Meanwhile, England has Beckham but they don't seem to be playing to their potential. England needs to play better defensively. And with two players out, things are looking bad for Portugal.

Prediction:

England. Unless England fails offensively.

Brazil vs. France on July 1st @ 3 P.M. (EST)
This one is perhaps the hardest to predict. Brazil has Ronaldo. France has Zidane. France is starting to warm up. But so is Brazil. It's exciting to see Brazil play, and the fact is they can play better and they have the highest scorer in world cup history on their side. That's always a plus. Also, there are only two teams from South America remaining. It would be nice to see at least one other non-European team in the quarterfinals.

Prediction:

Brazil. Tough call.