Going For Goal

Just tomorrow to get through, and then, glory be, the World Cup is here!

Right down to business: time to finish up the last picks of the game, to set the stage.

Last injury notes: Arjen Robben and Andres Iniesta, of Holland and Spain respectively, seem to have picked up knocks and may miss at least some action. Their teams should be able to cope, however.

QUARTERFINALS!

MEXICO VERSUS ENGLAND

This would be a fascinating match, a repeat of a recent friendly where England won, 3-1, but by all accounts were outplayed by the Mexicans. There is a healthy dose of skepticism about the Three Lions among the English media, and there seems to be oceans of confidence on the part of Mexico, so I could see a stunner here.

But I don't think it will happen. England by a duplicate 3-1 scoreline, and a red card will be issued to Marquez.


ARGENTINA VERSUS GHANA

People will be very happy for Ghana. But happiness will be their only consolation prize, as Argentina overwhelms them 4-1.

NETHERLANDS VERSUS BRAZIL

So many times, the Netherlands have promised the world everything, their talent seeming to promise a championship run. It won't happen this time. Brazil will be too organized, and their devastating counter-attack will make the difference, leading to a 2-0 win. Orange crushed again.

DENMARK VERSUS SPAIN

Come on. There's a reason why Barcelona--who provided six of the starting eleven in Spain's friendly versus Poland yesterday--is one of the best teams in the world, and FC Copenhagen is not.

Spain wins 3-1.


SEMIFINALS!!

ENGLAND VERSUS BRAZIL.

Much as in 1950, when the English lost to the US in Belo Horizonte, Fabio Capello's squad will be left with unpleasant associations with the capital of Portuguese language in South America, as they cannot get past Brazil. Brazil wins 2-1.

SPAIN VERSUS ARGENTINA

If England must lose, at least the Hand of God will not intervene on behalf of their Argentinian nemesis, Diego Maradona. It should be one of the best matches of the tournament, but Spain will prevail 3-2. Which will spare the residents of Buenos Aires the sight of Maradona running naked around a city landmark, as he apparently pledged to do if his team were to win the Cup.

THE FINALLLL !!!!!

BRAZIL VERSUS SPAIN

This game would be outstanding. I think, however, that Spain will be too strong, and Brazil will not be able to rely on the devastating counter-attack at their command. Spain takes it, 3-1.


So there it is. I doubt that things will turn out terribly close to my predictions, but that is part of the fun. I'll post live commentary as I watch each game, even the recorded games--which wouldn't really be live, I guess, but we'll just pretend.