Germany vs Argentina
Rare Analysis today!!

It's probably the most famous classic game when Germany play hosts to Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Germany silenced their critics following a fine performance in the World Cup on home soil, which saw them topping Group A before beating Sweden 2-0 in the second round. The Mannschaft have also kept three consecutive clean sheets on their way to the last eight. On the other hand, Argentina is the most entertaining team in this World Cup depite having hard times in their last two matches against Holland and Mexico.

The history slightly favours Germany in terms of matches played in the World Cup. Here are the results of their matches in the World Cup so far:

1958 (Swe): W.Germany vs. Argentina 3-1
1966 (Eng): W.Germany vs. Argentina 0-0
1986 (Mex): W.Germany vs. Argentina 3-2
1990 (Ita): W.Germany vs. Argentina 1-0

As it is evident on past records, Germany has not lost to Argentina in the World Cup on a European soil.

Yes, Argentina is arguably the better team in 2006. But again the home field advantage during the World Cup should not be underestimated. Additionally, the refereeing may be a decisive factor as well. Hence, I'll side the home side today.

Famous Germany Win today!

Italy vs Ukraine
Italy is too strong for Ukraine. An Italy win tonite.

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Italy vs Australia
Italy has been very strong in their attack. Italy should win this match by more than a goal.


Switzerland vs Ukraine
Switzerland will win this match.

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England vs Ecuador
England's performance in this world cup is terrible. Ecuador, on the other hand, has displayed superb performance. This match will most likely head for extra time. Who knows, Ecuador may be able to settle the match within 90 mins.

Portugal vs Netherlands
Portugal will not lose this match within 90 mins.

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Germany vs Sweden
Germany's defence is questionable. However, sweden seems to have no luck in front of goals. Hence, Germany's attacking prowess will triump against sweden.

Argentina vs Mexico
Mexico should be able to hold Argentina. The worst outcome for Mexico is to lose by a goal.

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Suadi Arabia vs Spain
Spain shall trash Suadi.

Ukraine vs Tunisia
Ukraine will win Tunisia .

Switerland vs South Korea
Korea should win this match.

Togo vs France
France will thrash Togo.

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Czech vs Italy

Italy's creative flair will win the game.

Ghana vs USA

USA shall win this game

Croatia vs Australia

This game is a fair game. should end in a draw.

Japan vs Brazil
Brazil will thrash japan.

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Iran vs Angola
Angola shall win this match.

Portugal vs Mexico
Portugal's strikeforce should demolish mexico's defence.

Ivory Coast vs Serbia & Montenegro
Serbia will win.

Netherlands vs Argentina
A closely contested game. But Argentina should win this match.

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Sweden vs England

England will win this match.

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Ecuador vs Germany

Ecuador will not lose this match by more than a goal.

Paraguay vs T&T

A draw match.

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Costa Rica vs Poland

Costa Rica is a very strong team in terms of attack. However, Poland will win this match.

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Havent been able to blog my predictions for the past few days. For my regular readers, I'm really sorry to keep u waiting. I'm back now!

Saudi Arabia vs Ukraine

Saudi Arabia will not lose this game by more than a goal. A draw is highly possible.

Spain vs Tunisia

Spain will not be winning this match by more than a goal. A draw will not be surprising.

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Matchday 5

Group G
France vs Switzerland
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13th June 2006

Prediction: France 1-0 or 2-1

Second game of the Group G. France and Switzerland already met twice in the qualification phase; THE RESULT : two draws (0-0, 1-1). The '98 champions has since won all his last friendlies (Mexico 1-0, Denmark 2-0, China 3-1) whereas Switzerland drew twice (Italy 1-1, Ivory Coast 1-1) and won against China 4-1.

What a French team - Barthez, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal, Wiltord, Makelele, Ribery. It seems more a “Rest of the World” rather than a simple national team. And only if we add names like “David Trezeguet, Zidane,Vieira and Herny”, France would sound decent and powerful.

Seems like Switzerland have no chance at all. Well, think again. Switzerland's draws against France were not chanced upon. Memories struck in my brain that apparently in one of the ocassions, the Swiss team had well deserved to win as they had more goal-scoring chances than France.

Switzerland would not be playing a little role in this World Cup. With two years before the European Championship commences in Austria and Switzerland, the Swiss team has since created a young and dymanic team, ready to obtain good results now and also in 2008. After the “Battle at Istanbul”, they have simply no reasons to accept a defeat now.

Now that we have understood that the Suisse consists of amateur players that are not to be undermined, here comes a new big doubt: Who will stop Thierry Henry? Simple. His Arsenal's club mates Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou. The star-studded team is so so hungry for a win following a disgrace first round exit (with no goals scored) from '02 World Cup with a series of flops and under performance. Their past lack-lustre performance will certainly raised eyebrows this time round. Would they do it again? Will Herny flop again?

From the looks of it, if Herny is able to maintain his Champion League form, the French would be able a scrap off a win in Stuttgart as they are simply a class above their opponents.

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Matchday 4

Group E
Italy vs Ghana
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12th June 2006

Prediction: Italy 1-1

With Lippi confirming that Totti will play in this match, Italy is surely fielding a 4-3-3 formation. Although Lippi is still very secretive on the first XI, he gave away that Luca Toni will be playing either Vincenzo or Alberto. With the current form of Vincenzo, the Azurri camp will definitely put a lot of pressure on Ghana's defence.

However, in the past two friendlies, the Italian midfield has failed to provide the vital delivery to its strikeforce. Furthermore, Ghana midfield is very experienced and extremely accustomed to keeping the ball. Ghana may not have a very impressive strikeforce but its ability to keep the ball in possession may very well frustrate and tire the italians.

Expect some goals for Ghana on the counter when the italians are off-guard. This game looks set for a 1-1 draw.

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Matchday 3

Group D
Mexico vs Iran
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11th June 2006

Prediction: Mexico 3-1 or 3-2

First game in Group D. Since the other 2 teams are the top favourite Portugal and the outsider Angola, 3 points here will give huge advantage for the winner. Mexico is the favourite, but not like what the odds suggested. Their offensive play mainly relies on the heading abilities by Borgheti and G.Franco. They are good forwards, but Mexico style of play is too predictable.

On the other side we have Iran - team with very good midfield line, but too weak in defence. With experienced players based in Germany like Ali Karimi, Mahdavikia and co, they can indeed cause a lot of problems for the Mexican defense. But with the absence of defender Sattar Zare, this will certainly add to amateur Iran's defensive woes. They are scoring a lot of goals, but conceding alot too.

Predictable as it may seems, statistics has always shown a superior performance by the South American team in the world's most prestigious soccer tournament . What's more , their opponents are not even regular participants in this competition; experience is maybe depriving them of a win or even a draw tonite. All in one, I expect this to be an open game and lot of goals will flow in as the Mexican keeper Sanchez may not be in the right state of mood following his father's funeral on Wednesday, i.e. if he were to play in time.

An easy win for the green team.

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Matchday 2

Group B
England vs Paraguay
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10th June 2006

Prediction: Paraguay draw 0-0 or upset win 0-1

Sven-Goran Eriksson says he is sending out the finest England team he has ever had on a mission to win the World Cup. The England coach exuded confidence as he placed total faith in his side ahead of the opener against Paraguay. He said: "This is the best England team I have ever had - no doubt about it at all. When you have a great team and a good group you can set the tempo.

Liverpool's Peter Crouch will deputize for the injured Rooney and the England star looks on a speedy recovery in time for the knockout stages (if England ever make it). Although the Liverpool striker show signs of scoring form recently from EPL matches, he has always problems of putting the ball in the net under point blank situations. With that in mind, it's now up to his compatriot Steven Gerrard at the mersey side club to incinerate the England attack and conjure the goals or even scoring them.

On the other side, Paraguay’s striker Roque Santa Cruz has declared himself fit to play after recovering from a knee injury. Cruz's return for Paraguay will be a major boost for Coach Anibal Ruiz, who has already lost striker Jose Cardozo to injury. The Bayern Munich forward is Paraguay's biggest threat to England, while Carlos Paredes will battle it out with Gerrard and Frank Lampard for control of the midfield.

On a Head-to-Heads record, England and Paraguay have met each other twice before. In 1986, England won 3-0 at the second round stage of the World Cup in Mexico. In 2002, England beat Paraguay 4-0, this time in a friendly international. Despite all statistics favouring the strong European team, I still want to go against the odds today.

Reason: Paraguay is a highly defensive team and the warm-up matches has proven South American team is capable of forestalling its opponents in attack although the opponents are relatively quite weak in attack. With the absence of England golden boy Rooney, I think Paraguay might be able to pull off a low scoring draw here or an upset win.

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Latest Updates
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Bad news for German fans!
Good news for Costa Rican fans!
Ballack wont be playing tonite due to a late injury.

This is really going to be a tough match for the German team tonite, without the influential Ballack to pull the strings from midfield. The Germans definitely are not register an impressive start in the opening match!

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World Cup 2006 in ......TWO more days! And of course, I will be placing bets as I enjoy my favourite sport event. From today onwards, the website will be updated with my confident prediction of all the matches in the World Cup. So stay tune for my latest predictions! :D

MatchDay 1
Group A
Germany vs Costa Rica
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Matchday 1, 9 June 2006

Prediction: Germany to win 2-0 or 2-1

Analysis:

The whole world will be watching this opening game between Germany and Costa Rica. This is the opening game and 47 games will follow. This is the Costa Rica’s third participation in the world championship. Costa Rica is a young team with a mixture of young and experienced players whereas the Germans are known all around the world and are experienced enough to win this opening game.

Although Costa Rica has shown an unbelievable poor state in friendly matches pre-tournament and gotten their qualification after a mediocre football game showed in the Center-American Group, this dark horse team is not to be underestimated with the likes of Wanchope , Centeno and Martinez, some of the bigger names in the sport. With a unfancied dark horse 1-0 win in the opening match by Senegal against France back in 2002, history will probably repeat itself and the Costa Ricans will put on a fierce resistance against the mighty Germans.

However, having said that, with Ballack in attacking midfield and the tall almighty Klose with his trademark header, the Germans might be able to pull off a tough win here due to home ground advantage.

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