WC 2014: 26th June

Portugal v/s Ghana. A must-win for both teams if they are to have any chance of qualifying to the next round. Portugal are reeling with a less-than-optimal Ronaldo. Ghana were on the verge of a huge upset against Germany but came up with a honourable draw. A draw does nothing for these 2 teams, so I expect them to go for the jugular. Slight edge to the Africans mainly because of the incapacity of Cristiano Ronaldo.

USA v/s Germany. The main question is whether these 2 teams will play for the draw, as such a result will see both go through. The Klinsmann-Lowe connection is just going to fuel conspiracy theories here and raises shades of the 1982 World Cup when Austria and Germany played to a similar draw result to go through. I can't see Germany lose this game. I firmly believe they will edge this encounter and win the group.

Algeria v/s Russia. I've altered my position on this group; I think Algeria will go through at the expense of the Russians. The market still has the Russians as firm favourites for the game, although I am at a loss to explain why. The Algerians have displayed great commitment and purpose in their first 2 games against Belgium and South Korea. With some luck and experience, they could have beaten the Belgians. On the other hand, the Russians are struggling in the heat. They were leg-less in the final minutes of their last match and will again be physically challenged against the quick Algerians. This might end in a draw or an Algerian win and at the end I see Algeria going through.

South Korea v/s Belgium. A draw will be enough for the Belgians to secure top spot, which might eventually mean avoiding Germany in the next round. Since the result of Germany's group will be decided before this match, it seems a certainty that Belgium will not lose this match once Germany is the confirmed winner of its group. If that is not the case, then the Belgium manager might make a calculated risk for this match and field his second team, who knows? With both teams playing at full potential, it is impossible to oppose Belgium here. As expected, the South Koreans have been woeful in this World Cup. They are definitely a punt to finish last in the group. Belgium to win.

Win: Ghana, Germany, Algeria, Belgium

WC 2014: 21st June

Argentina v/s Iran. Can anyone see this other than an Argie win?

Nigeria v/s Bosnia H. My opinion of these teams has changed since I watched their first games. I have reason to believe that Bosnia will go through after their solid display against Argentina. Nigeria look like a fully-exposed team and I see Bosnia win this crucial match here.

Germany v/s Ghana. This German team looks like it will go far and I can't see Ghana causing a shock against the European powerhouse. This should be a straightforward win for the Germans.

Win: Argentina, Germany, Bosnia

WC 2014: 16th June

Germany v/s Portugal. Much of the talk before the start of the tournament has been around the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo. He clearly is nursing an injury and will not be at the peak of his powers for the 3 games in the Group of Death. With or without Ronaldo playing, I think Germany will win this match. I rate the Germans the best European team and expect them to go far in this competition. They will certainly make it through this most-difficult group, and should bag the 3 points against Portugal.

Iran v/s Nigeria. I don't think this Nigerian team is anywhere as good as its national teams in the past and they have been beset with off-field issues regarding appearance fees with officials of their federation. Just like Cameroon. Hardly the best way to prepare, but the Nigerians should be fighting it out with Bosnia for the runner-up position in Group F. For this to happen, they need maximum points against Iran, the weakest team in the group. I don't think that the Iranians are a push-over by any means. They are coached by ex-Man Utd No. 2 Carlos Quieroz and if Nigeria fails to shine on the day, the Iranians could take their chances. This should be a tight game that Nigeria could edge by just.

Ghana v/s USA. Maybe the first draw of the tournament? I don't anticipate many goals in this encounter and like many of their past World Cup games, these 2 teams like the scores to stay close, so this could very well end up in a tied contest.

Win: Germany, Nigeria
Draw: Ghana/USA