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: 22nd June

USA v/s Portugal. The US took their chances to the full against Ghana and got the 3 all-important points. Whether they can be as efficient against the Portuguese remains to be seen. After their 0-4 drubbing against Germany, Portugal needs to win this match badly or else they will be out. They started well against the Germans until Pepe came up with his usual antics. I see Portugal win this here particularly that Ronaldo will start the match.

Belgium v/s Russia. Both team struggled in their first match and I think that the heat is proving very cumbersome for both. I see this match ending in a draw.

South Korea v/s Algeria. The Koreans were only able to score against Russia in the first game due to the blunder of the Russian goalkeeper. They have a good possession game but the penetration is questionable. The Algerians shocked Belgium in their first match and were undone in the end by 2 late goals. If they can produce the same kind of performance, they can definitely match up with South Korea. I see this match being a low-scoring affair with a draw the likely result.

Win: Portugal
Draw: South Korea/Algeria, Belgium/Russia

WC 2014: June 17th

Belgium v/s Algeria. Got to go with Belgium here, who I fancy should go far in this World Cup. The talent is there for them to make a big impact, they just need to get the cobwebs away in this first game. It might take time for them to wear down this respectable Algerian side but they should get the crucial win here.

Russia v/s South Korea. Although Russia will certainly suffer in the heat, they should be too good for a South Korean team that looks in relatively poor form. It's true that the South Korea have done very well in the recent World Cups and that experience could put them in good stead but I'm expecting the Russians to make it past this round stage under Capello. They should just edge this match.

Brazil v/s Mexico. Brazil struggled to beat Croatia in their opening game and soon enough the daggers were thrown at them. They should be better in the next 2 group matches. Mexico showed great character to beat Mexico after 2 disallowed goals and some pundits even have them beating Brazil. I can't see that happening; beating Cameroon cannot be a reference. This should end in a straight win for the hosts.


Win: Belgium, Russia, Brazil

Inter to keep rolling

Man City, South Korea and Australia all won, which made for a perfect winning trifecta. After leaking 3 goals during the week-end against Wolves, City conceded 2 more against lowly Leicester. It seems their potent attack is bailing them out these days, so something to take note for their upcoming games. In racing, Zenyatta won the Eclipse award for Horse of the Year 2010. As I was mentioning previously, I thought Blame was more meritorious, but since there are no guidelines for these awards, I have no problem with this outcome. Like many, I strongly believe that her win had more to do with her popularity than actual track performance when compared to Blame.

On Wednesday, I like Inter's chances in the Serie A against Cesena. Leonardo has brought in a breath of fresh air to this Inter team that Benitez almost wrecked in the same style as Liverpool. Leonardo has still got a lot to prove as a coach, so I don't think Inter are anywhere close to their level in the Mourinho days. But the Serie A is a very average league by its past standards, and Inter has no team to fear in that league when playing with their newly-found confidence. Their winning form should continue and I like them as a safe draw-no-bet against struggling Cesena.

Draw-no-bet: Inter.