North State Needle
Day 14: Tchuß! and Round 2 Predictions
Ghana 2 US 1
This was not the US's World Cup. Screwed in two games with poor officiating decisions, the US team could not overcome a 12-man advantage. I only have a couple things to say about this. First, this is a morality tale about why the first game of the World Cup is so important. If the US had done well against the Czechs, they would have received better treatment from the officials and they would have had more confidence when finishing. Second, it is time for the US to say goodbye to reactionary football. The US is most dangerous when it is attacking, winning balls, pushing forward. The marsupial offense is never going to play to the American's strengths.
Both of these point to one thing: the coaching staff. Bruce Arena brought this team a long way from the days of Steve Sampson, but it is time for him to take on something new. So, who next? Eric Wynalda threw around names from MLS. Please help us if US Soccer goes that direction. I have an alternative suggestion: let's look at a coach who has international success. I would love to see the job offered to Guus Hiddink, but his commitment to Russia precludes that. If Germany doesn't retain Jurgen Klinsmann, the US should hire him directly. If none of these are available, let me suggest that while Leo Beenhaker did well with Trinidad and Tobago he would do wonders for the US attack.
Italy 2 Czech Republic 0
What can I say? No surprise on this.
Brazil 4 Japan 1
Can the Ronaldo haters shut up? Does Brazil look good yet? Ghana beware!
Australia 2 Croatia 2
Does anyone not think that Guus Hiddink is a great coach? I admit that I completely underestimated Australia. They are steady in defense and Mark Viduka is an excellent target on offense.
Tomorrow's Predictions
Togo 1 France 0
Swiss 1 South Korea 1
Spain 3 Saudi Arabia 0
Ukraine 2 Tunisia 1
Round of Sixteen Predictions
Because I'm leaving for a week-long stint outside of San Diego, I suspect that I won't be able to watch very many matches, including the ones tomorrow. Perhaps they will make me alter these picks (especially Group G results).
Germany v. Sweden
Germany is playing so well that it is virtually impossible to pick against the home side in this match. In addition, Sweden has been anything but convincing on the offensive side. I think Germany wins this 2-0.
Argentina v. Mexico
Mexico looked good in the last game, despite losing. I acknowledge that Ricardo La Volpe may have a trick up his sleave against his countrymen, but I fully expect Argentina to move past Mexico. Their skill and attack has looked spectacular, and their defense has looked stellar in every game except against the Ivory Coast. Argentina 2-0.
England v. Ecuador
England has yet to look really strong, and Owen is a bigger loss than anyone in the England camp will admit. Without him, Peter (Don't Call Me Crotch) Crouch starts up front and brings height with little skill. Ecuador will come back from being trounced by Germany with an strong performance, knocking England out 2-1.
Portugal v. Netherlands
This is a hard game for me to call. The Dutch side has had particular problems with Portugal, but this is a different squad than the one the Dutch fielded in qualification for the 2002 World Cup. What is particularly interesting in this game is that neither team has played really well after the twentieth minute. And of course my heart is pure orange. So, I'm goin' homer and picking the Dutch to win 2-1, with Arjen Robben scoring a goal in the second half to put the game away.
Italy v. Australia
Italy 2-0. Australia just lacks the quality to stay with the Italian side.
South Korea v. Ukraine
South Korea has demonstrated their technical skill, but can they win against a dangerous offensive side? I'm not sure. Similarly, can the Ukraine defense stop a technical and fast Korean side? My best guess is this: Andriy Schevchenko comes up big and scores the late winner. Ukraine 2-1.
Brazil v. Ghana
Brazil improved their quality in each game of this tournament so far. The Ghanan side is strong and very capable in midfield, but their youth may catch up to them in this match. I look for the Brazilian side to give up goals, but to outscore the Black Stars 3-2. The good news for Ghana? Ghana will be the first African to win the cup in 2010, assuming that there are no career threatening injuries to the squad.
Spain v. Switzerland
The Swiss demonstrated their ability to hold attacking teams in check against France. The Spanish have not played a methodical and tactical squad to date. I expect them to struggle against a fierce defense. In fact, I think the Swiss might just be able to counter attack their way to a 1-0 victory against the traditional underachievers.
This was not the US's World Cup. Screwed in two games with poor officiating decisions, the US team could not overcome a 12-man advantage. I only have a couple things to say about this. First, this is a morality tale about why the first game of the World Cup is so important. If the US had done well against the Czechs, they would have received better treatment from the officials and they would have had more confidence when finishing. Second, it is time for the US to say goodbye to reactionary football. The US is most dangerous when it is attacking, winning balls, pushing forward. The marsupial offense is never going to play to the American's strengths.
Both of these point to one thing: the coaching staff. Bruce Arena brought this team a long way from the days of Steve Sampson, but it is time for him to take on something new. So, who next? Eric Wynalda threw around names from MLS. Please help us if US Soccer goes that direction. I have an alternative suggestion: let's look at a coach who has international success. I would love to see the job offered to Guus Hiddink, but his commitment to Russia precludes that. If Germany doesn't retain Jurgen Klinsmann, the US should hire him directly. If none of these are available, let me suggest that while Leo Beenhaker did well with Trinidad and Tobago he would do wonders for the US attack.
Italy 2 Czech Republic 0
What can I say? No surprise on this.
Brazil 4 Japan 1
Can the Ronaldo haters shut up? Does Brazil look good yet? Ghana beware!
Australia 2 Croatia 2
Does anyone not think that Guus Hiddink is a great coach? I admit that I completely underestimated Australia. They are steady in defense and Mark Viduka is an excellent target on offense.
Tomorrow's Predictions
Togo 1 France 0
Swiss 1 South Korea 1
Spain 3 Saudi Arabia 0
Ukraine 2 Tunisia 1
Round of Sixteen Predictions
Because I'm leaving for a week-long stint outside of San Diego, I suspect that I won't be able to watch very many matches, including the ones tomorrow. Perhaps they will make me alter these picks (especially Group G results).
Germany v. Sweden
Germany is playing so well that it is virtually impossible to pick against the home side in this match. In addition, Sweden has been anything but convincing on the offensive side. I think Germany wins this 2-0.
Argentina v. Mexico
Mexico looked good in the last game, despite losing. I acknowledge that Ricardo La Volpe may have a trick up his sleave against his countrymen, but I fully expect Argentina to move past Mexico. Their skill and attack has looked spectacular, and their defense has looked stellar in every game except against the Ivory Coast. Argentina 2-0.
England v. Ecuador
England has yet to look really strong, and Owen is a bigger loss than anyone in the England camp will admit. Without him, Peter (Don't Call Me Crotch) Crouch starts up front and brings height with little skill. Ecuador will come back from being trounced by Germany with an strong performance, knocking England out 2-1.
Portugal v. Netherlands
This is a hard game for me to call. The Dutch side has had particular problems with Portugal, but this is a different squad than the one the Dutch fielded in qualification for the 2002 World Cup. What is particularly interesting in this game is that neither team has played really well after the twentieth minute. And of course my heart is pure orange. So, I'm goin' homer and picking the Dutch to win 2-1, with Arjen Robben scoring a goal in the second half to put the game away.
Italy v. Australia
Italy 2-0. Australia just lacks the quality to stay with the Italian side.
South Korea v. Ukraine
South Korea has demonstrated their technical skill, but can they win against a dangerous offensive side? I'm not sure. Similarly, can the Ukraine defense stop a technical and fast Korean side? My best guess is this: Andriy Schevchenko comes up big and scores the late winner. Ukraine 2-1.
Brazil v. Ghana
Brazil improved their quality in each game of this tournament so far. The Ghanan side is strong and very capable in midfield, but their youth may catch up to them in this match. I look for the Brazilian side to give up goals, but to outscore the Black Stars 3-2. The good news for Ghana? Ghana will be the first African to win the cup in 2010, assuming that there are no career threatening injuries to the squad.
Spain v. Switzerland
The Swiss demonstrated their ability to hold attacking teams in check against France. The Spanish have not played a methodical and tactical squad to date. I expect them to struggle against a fierce defense. In fact, I think the Swiss might just be able to counter attack their way to a 1-0 victory against the traditional underachievers.
posted by North State Needler at 4:00 PM
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