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World Cup Predictions & Picks – Group H

June 9, 2010 By Matt Martz Leave a Comment

Spain finally broke their dreadful tournament curse when the number on seeded team and Group H favorite proved victorious at Euro 2008, claiming their first major trophy in four decades. But it all fell apart when La Roja followed up by losing to the USA in the 2009 Confederations Cup semifinal, ending their 35 match unbeaten streak. Will Spain redeem themselves by winning it all in their 12th World Cup appearance? Under the command of boss Vicente del Bosque, La Roja appears poised to repeat France’s feat in 1998 and 2000 of simultaneously holding the European and World Cup titles. There will be no shortage of talent to accomplish the task. The current squad is loaded with a combination of experience and youth. Starting with Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, who is as deadly of striker as they come, with over 138 goals in his nine-year senior career. The team is perfectly balanced from goalpost to goalpost, with Iker Casillas between the sticks, Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol in defense, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Xabi Alonso in the middle, and Barcelona striker David Villa providing the deadly finishing. La Roja charged through qualifying scoring a perfect ten wins in ten matches and were the European Zone’s second top scorers with 28 goals while conceding just five at the other end.

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There will be much expectation put on 1962 World Cup hosts Chile, who qualified for the eighth final with ease, and are back in the World Cup for the first time since France 1998. The Chileans boast a new generation of players who have emerged and are ready to emulate their predecessors in South Africa this summer. They are led by Argentinean coach Marcelo Bielsa, also known as El Loco for his unique approach to the game. El Loco’s only World Cup experience came by way of a first-round exit of Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002. Now the former Argentina de Rosario defender will use his tactical genius, along with a determined squad to make a deep run in South Africa this June. The Chileans have one of the youngest squad in the tournament with an average age of around 23. One fresh face to look out for is Udinese striker Alexis Sanchez. Chile’s attack is also fueled by the midfield creativity of Sporting Lisbon’s Matias Fernandez and Al Ain’s Jorge Valdivia, as well as Sanchez’s strike partner Humberto Suazo, who lead the squad with 10 goals during their qualifying campaign. La Roja finished a best ever second, just one point behind perennial powerhouse Brazil in South American qualifying.

Switzerland is making its ninth FIFA World Cup finals appearance and their second in a row. The Swiss hasn’t finished better than a round of 16 finish since the 1950’s. The current team is hoping to recapture the side’s glory days with a trip to the finals in 2010. German boss Ottmar Hitzfeld will be the one in charge. The former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich boss took the national helm after Switzerland’s disappointing showing at UEFA EURO 2008. “Der General” as he is known, brings a wealth of knowledge and resolve to the Swiss squad. The squad is a blend of youth and experience, combining talented younger players such as Eren Derdiyok, Tranquillo Barnetta and keeper Diego Benaglio with seasoned campaigners like Basel star striker and Switzerland’s all-time leading scorer Alexander Frei and Blaise N’Kufo. Frei, the national team captain, finished the qualifying campaign with five goals. He will no doubt rely on the Leverkusen duo of Barnetta and Derdiyok to supply him with steady service up top, while Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos –on loan to Everton –will be called upon to stop the opposition’s attack. Switzerland’s qualifying run started disastrously, but must have been the perfect wakeup call as the team rebounded with six victories and two draws to clinch top spot in European Group 2, and a draw to South Africa.

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World Cup Predictions & Picks – Group G

June 9, 2010 By Matt Martz Leave a Comment

Ranked number two overall just behind Spain to win it all, Brazil are this group’s rank favorites. The Samba Kings have qualified for 19 consecutive World Cups and have the most tournament titles with five. Anything less than bringing home number six, would be a complete failure. South Africa is familiar ground to the Brazilians, especially after having already experienced success on the same soil last summer, winning the Confederations Cup final against the United States. Head coach Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri, better known as Dunga, played for Brazil side in three editions of the global showpiece, but this will be Dunga’s first coaching role in the World Cup. Many fans and media attacked his lack of experience, but after victories in the 2007 Copa America and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, along with an impressive qualifying run to South Africa, many of the critics have been silenced. A lot of the recent media attention has also been on the absences of Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato from the 23-man roster. Although no one expected Pato to be in, a few held out hope for Ronaldinho. But as his form dipped so he did his chances of making the side. After the excess of the stars undermined Brazil’s Germany 2006 campaign, Dunga took over with the following philosophy – big names might win matches, but groups win titles. So far it has worked well. Maybe it’s due to the fact that the Brazilians are still stacked at every position and have a ton of extraordinary talent, starting with Real Madrid superstar Kaka and the deadly striking duo of Luis Fabiano and Robinho. Providing steady hands in between the pipes should Brazil’s tireless defense shut off for a second, will be Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Brazil finished their qualifying campaign on top of their group, after recording nine wins, seven draws and two defeats.

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After making it to the finals at UEFA EURO 2004 and then reaching the semifinals against France at Germany 2006, Portugal have qualified for its fifth World Cup appearance. Selecao das Quinas has put on many displays of fantastic football, but are yet to win a major tournament. The side is led by Mozambican-born Carlos Queiroz, who has served as an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, as well as a short stint as head coach of Real Madrid. He first coached Selecao das Quinas from 1991 to 1993, but after a disappointing period during which he failed to lead them to either EURO 1992 or the 1994 FIFA World Cup, he was sacked. Now he will get his chance to win back the hearts and minds of the Portuguese fans with a magical run to this year’s finals. He will have plenty of weapons starting with Real Madrid star–skipper Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2008 FIFA World Player, who is hated by rival fans and loved at home, will no doubt rise to the occasion at South Africa 2010. He will be aided by midfield stars Deco, Simao and Pepe, along with defensive talisman Ricardo Carvalho, and Paulo Ferreira of Chelsea Fame. With one win from their first five group qualifying matches the side found themselves in early jeopardy of missing out on the 2010 finals, but turned things around scoring eight goals without reply in their last four group qualifiers to earn a playoff with the dangerous Bosnians. Portugal made short work of the Balkan nation winning both at home and away to clinch a comfortable 2-0 aggregate victory over both legs and easily finished second overall to Denmark in group play of European qualifying.

The group battle will come down to two sides, someone and the Ivory Coast. Côte d’Ivoire appears plenty capable of a deep run, and may have the best chance for an African team to win the World Cup. But they sure didn’t get a lot of luck in the draw, being drawn into the ‘Group of Death’ alongside Brazil and Portugal. Then the luck seemed to shift in their favor, facing a Portugal side that appears to be struggling a bit heading into this year’s competition in their first match. But that luck ran out again when striker Didier Drogba, went down with a broken arm during a collision with defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka in a friendly against Japan just one week before the start of the tournament. The injury may have broken the back of the continent’s best chance of winning the tournament, let alone getting out of the group stage. But even with the tough draw, the injuries and some coaching turmoil, the squad is still one not to be overlooked.
Current head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was given the helm just months before the start of this year’s finals, and he has done an excellent job getting the squad into top form. The side has a pile of world-class international talent throughout the starting XI. Chelsea’s Salomon Kalou, who will need to slip into the injured Drogba’s starting role, has received plenty of criticism but is still a potent striker. Other European stars include midfielder Yaya Toure of Arsenal and Sevilla’s Didier Zokora. They have more than 120 caps between them, and should be able to make up for their missing mate. The Côte d’Ivoire cruised through qualifying without losing a single match, and will know have a shot at proving they can win at the highest level of football.

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World Cup Predictions & Picks – Group F

June 9, 2010 By Matt Martz Leave a Comment

All eyes will be on defending 2006 champions, Italy, as they make their 16^th World Cup appearance in South Africa this summer. The Azzurri are defiantly the group’s favorite having made it past the first round in every World Cup it has been in since 1974. But with an aging squad and poor outings at the Euro 2008 and the Confederations Cup in 2009, the Italians could be the biggest disappointment of the tourney. One man that will try to keep that from happening is head coach Marcelo Lippi. He has a stunning 31 consecutive international matches without a defeat and will look to keep that streak very much alive. The 61-year-old is known for using whatever players he has at his disposal to win matches, as displayed during the qualifiers when he called up a total of 36 players to get the job done. Since Lippi took charge, he has added several young players to the squad in order to provide balance to a side that has been ravaged by age, causing some to criticise his decision to leave several veteran stars off his final 23-man roster. Despite his efforts, the squad is still made up from a core of players in their early to mid 30’s and is led by 31-year old world-class keeper Gianluigi Buffon, a pillar of the Italian defense. He will be aided by wily veterans Gennaro Gattuso, as well as captain — defender Fabio Cannavaro. The 36-yer old 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year has 130 caps and brings his side the much-needed experience of winning on the world stage. The Azzurri came through qualifying with little problem finishing with seven wins and three draws, scoring 18 goals and conceding seven.

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Paraguay will be another favorite to make it out of the group stage. La Albirroja are making their eighth FIFA World Cup finals appearance and their fourth in a row after a brilliant qualifying campaign. They will now set their sights on shaking the disappointment of a first round exit in 2006. The side is under the watchful eye of Argentinean boss Gerardo Martino. El Tata is a big fan of attacking football, and brings a new look to the squads’ traditional defensive style. While some questioned his ability to guide the side to excellence, critics were silenced as the squad cruised its way through a tough qualifying group. It will remain to be seen just what effect the loss their best player, striker Salvador Cabanas, will be, after being shot in the head back in January in a Mexico City bar. Losing your best player to tragedy can plunge a team into despair or give cause to rise from the ashes. It is yet to be determined which course La Albirroja will travel. One thing is for certain; they do have a deep enough squad to get them in the knockout rounds. Players like Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz will lead the offensive punch along with Oscar Cardozo and Nelson Haedo Valdez, all of whom scored 11 goals between them during the squads qualifying campaign. Paraguay allowed just 16 goals in 18 World Cup qualification matches finishing a very respectable third in South American qualifying behind Brazil and Chile.

It already seems like a small victory as Slovakia qualified for their first ever World Cup finals and expectations should be moderate for the Group F sleeper. Don’t count this resilient bunch out just yet. They side is a remnant of the former Czechoslovakia, a nation who participated in eight finals overall, including a pair of finals appearances in 1934 and 1962. They also advanced as far as the last eight in 1990, and now look to climb to the top of World Stage once again. Boss Vladimir Weiss was handed the duties of head coach in June 2008, and since has formed a very tight, collective unit that knows what it takes to grind out results. Weiss led the Artmedia Bratislava into the UEFA Champions League group phase in 2005/06, so he knows what it takes to compete at a higher level of competition. Although most outside of Slovakia wouldn’t recognize most of the names on the roster, outside of Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, the Slovaks do have plenty of star-like players. One is Italy’s, Marek Hamsik, who is a constant threat to score and can wreck havoc on many opposing defenses. There is also striker Stanislav Sestak who plays for German Bundesliga 2 VfL Bochum. The youngster finished top scorer for Slovakia with six strikes in qualifying. The Slovaks put on an impressive display and finished first in a tough qualifying group that included the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia and Northern Ireland.

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World Cup Predictions & Picks – Group E

June 7, 2010 By Matt Martz Leave a Comment

The Oranje makes their return to the World Cup finals as one of the perennial favorites to win the entire tournament in South Africa this summer. Holland has won a lot of games, but have very few pieces of hardware to show for it. The side has made it to the World Cup finals twice – both times in the 70s. There are only a handful of squads that can match the Oranje in terms of overall skill, but the pressures of the World Cup always seems to get the best of the Dutch when it matters most. This year boss Bert van Marwijk will try to change that. The 56-year-old led Rotterdam to the UEFA Cup trophy in 2002, and spent two-years at the helm with Borussia Dortmund in Germany. He will have no shortage of players to get the job done, starting with Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder, winger Arjen Robben and the steady influence of midfielders Rafael van der Vaart and Mark van Bommel of Bayern Munich. Their deadly strike comes from Golden Boot contender Robin van Persie and Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt. The rest of the team is rounded out by Joris Mathijsen, Andre Ooijer, and captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst who leads the current side with 97 international caps. The Oranje dismantled their competition during qualifying, picking up eight wins from eight games.

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Second in the group that is likely to advance is Denmark. After missing out on both the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and UEFA EURO 2008, the Danes have returned to the World Cup after a six-year drought. Danish national Morten Olsen has piloted the Danes to one of their three World Cup appearances in 2002 FIFA World Cup as well UEFA EURO 2004, but has yet to get the side past the round of 16. The Danes, who are known for their stingy defense, are led by Liverpool defender Daniel Agger and Simon Kjaar. The two formed a brilliant relationship during qualification and worked together well. Keeper Thomas Sorenson, who played with Denmark in the 2002 World Cup, will once again be between the pipes. Denmark’s offense will be led by a trio of international midfielders, Daniel Jensen (Bremen), Christan Poulsen (Juventus) and Dennis Rommedahl (Ajax), along with national captain, striker Jon Dahl Tomasson. The side was a shocker to qualify for the World Cup beating Portugal, who was ranked 5^th in the world, and Sweden to advance out of their group with just one defeat in ten matches. The Danes finished their Cinderella campaign with an overall record of 6-3-1, making them a serious threat to advance.

One team that most will tend to overlook will be Cameroon. Having appeared in more World Cups than any other African nation, the Indomitable Lions will look to duplicate their miracle run to the quarterfinals in 1990 after not managing to advance past the group stage in three finals appearances since then. New boss Paul Le Guen of Lyon fame, who took over for the fired German veteran Otto Pfister after a poor start early in qualifying, immediately began making radical changes that paid dividends–like stripping long-time captain Rigobert Song of the armband and giving it to three-time African player of the year Samuel Eto’o. The 45-year-old coach is best known for his staunch attitude, and leading French club Olympique Lion to the Ligue I title three times in succession. He will have the tools to get the job done starting with Inter Milan world-class striker Samuel Eto’o. The dynamic forward scored a total of nine goals in 11 qualifiers alone, and will be a likely candidate for the tournaments Golden Boot Award. Cameroon looked like they were about to miss their second straight World Cup after beginning their qualifying campaign with just a draw from their first two matches, but then completed an impressive turnaround recording four straight victories to ensure safe passage to South Africa.

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World Cup Predictions & Picks – Group D

June 7, 2010 By Matt Martz Leave a Comment

The German soccer machine has reached a record seven World Cup final matches and now set their sights on lifting its fourth title since its first in 1954 and their last since Italy 1990. Boss Joachim Low has put together a side that allows him every opportunity for success by assembling a blend of veteran talent and youth with enough tactical skills to bring Die Mannschaft back to the finals in 2010. The SC Freiburg all-time leading scorer took over in 2006 and has already led his club to winning EURO 2008. The Germans have been dealt a series of blows. Injuries have so far ruled out captain Michael Ballack and four other players, severely restricting Low’s options in midfield for the tournament and robbing his team of its natural leader. Ballack of Chelsea fame would have made his 97th appearance for Die Mannschaft. However, the remaining squad is potent and is rounded out with fellow Bayern teammates Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, and Lukas Podolski, all of who has what it takes to acquire a fourth World Cup title for the Germans. The Germans demonstrated their goal scoring skills and resolve as they marched over Wales, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein, and then attacked the Russians, beating them at home and then handing the Reds their first-ever home defeat in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Even with their setbacks don’t count out Germany as the groups favorite.

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Ghana is defiantly this group’s sleeper. After reaching its first World Cup finals as the only African side to get out of the group stage at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, the Black Star was the first to qualify for South Africa 2010 in their second straight World Cup appearance. Winners of four CAF African Cup of Nations titles, Ghana will no doubt be anxious to solidify themselves as the best squad of the continent, by bringing home a World Cup title. After taking over the reigns in 2008, Serbian boss, Milovan Rajevac will try to repeat the success he enjoyed with the Red Star Belgrade as well as perennial Serbian squad FK Borac, who he led to their first-ever European tournament qualification. Even though you may not recognize many of the Black Star players, they do have a field of solid international stars starting with Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari and captain Stephen Appiah of Bologna. The duo will form a formidable engine room capable of creating opportunities for the side’s offensive firepower, while the England-based duo of John Mensah and John Paintsil anchor the backline in front of Wigan Athletic’s Richard Kingson between the pipes. The Black Stars made quick work of the first half of qualifying, but after being unbeaten in their first four matches, broke even with clubs Gabon and Libya and only earned the right to the World Cup via goal differential over the two teams.

Serbia come into it’s first ever World Cup as a fully independent nation. The side who was previously Yugoslavia until 2003, and then as the Serbia and Montenegro national football team until 2006, participated at nine FIFA World Cups between 1930 and 2002, and finished runners-up at the UEFA European Championship twice. The Beli Orlovi competed in their first independent international match on August 16 2006, winning 3-1 away to Czech Republic. They will now build on that experience and look to once again become a formidable and feared side. The White Eagles are led by 61-year old, Radi Antic. Antic brings a wealth of coaching experience having spent time coaching Zaragoza, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and giants — FC Barcelona. He has blended a fine squad of experienced veterans with talented youth. Much of Serbia’s success has been their suffocating defense, anchored by scrappy defender Nemanja Vidic. The Manchester United center back will be aided by Chelsea fullback Branislav Ivanovic and captain — Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic, all who are players capable of being table setters in the big games. The striking force will be led by duo Milan Jovanovic and Marko Pantelic at the point. The Beli Orlovi finished in first place in the European Group 7 for the first time in team history, finishing ahead of the heavy favorite France. This is defiantly a squad that has what it takes to advance deep into the tourney.

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World Cup Group C Predictions & Picks

June 5, 2010 By Matt Martz Leave a Comment

While England is considered by most to be the architect of modern football as we know it, it would seem appropriate that they would have hoisted more World Cup hardware over the years. However, their only crowning achievement was a 1966 World Cup triumph on home soil. It will be on new boss Fabio Capello, to try and change that. He brings a much-needed sense of urgency back to a side that is full of egos and at times has displayed a lackluster attitude towards crucial moments. The Three Lions is loaded with talent starting with Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney. Rooney has scored 35 goals in all competitions this season for United and will shoulder a majority the offensive load for the English side. He will be aided by two of the Premiere League’s leading set up men, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. The backline will be anchored by Chelsea skipper John Terry and centre back Rio Ferdinand. England dominated European qualifying, finishing with nine wins from ten games, and scoring a European Zone high of 34 goals in the process.

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The USA is the favorite for runner in this group. The Stars and Stripes have qualified for every World Cup finals since 1990, but their results have been erratic playing well in 1994 and 2002 and imploding during their 1990, 1998, and 2006 appearances. New head coach Bob Bradley has replaced Bruce Arena after his dismal in 2006. The 52-year old has coached at the collegiate level as well as nine seasons in the MLS, managing the Chicago Fire, Metro Stars, and Chivas USA. This year’s squad is a blend of youth and experience, and will once again be led by speedy midfielder Landon Donovan, of the Los Angeles Galaxy. The 28-year old attacker has put on some of his best performances wearing a USA jersey, and there is little doubt that Donovan will once again be one of his team’s leading men in South Africa this summer. He will get some much-needed help from an impressive supporting cast with the likes of Oguchi Onyewu, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey, all of whom are currently plying their trade on European soil. The U.S. reached the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals by qualifying in first place in their Group.

The group’s sleeper will be one of six African nations playing on native soil. The Algerians stunned the futbol community when it knocked out African champions Egypt in qualifying to make its first appearance in the FIFA final in 24 years. The Desert Foxes have made it to the finals just two previous times with their greatest moment coming in Spain 1982. Algeria are under the watchful eye of coach Rabah Saadane, who will face a difficult task of getting his side out of the group stage against the likes of England and the United States. The 64-yer old took over the helm of the national side on four separate occasions, with his current stint beginning in 2007. He will have at his disposal French born midfielder Karim Zian. The 27-year old will be the center of Les Fennecs attack. The squad is led by captain Yazid Mansouri, who will be heavily relied upon as the central playmaker, and striker Karim Matmour. The Desert Foxes put on a show during their thrilling qualifying run that ended with an exciting playoff, eliminating archrival Egypt in Sudan.

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World Cup Group B Predictions & Picks

June 3, 2010 By Matt Martz Leave a Comment

Revered as one of the greatest football nations in history and one of two nations that own a World Cup trophy, Confederations Cup trophy, and an Olympic Gold Medal, the group’s favorite Argentina will be making their tenth successive finals appearance this June. La Albiceleste are led by who most believe is the greatest footballer to ever play the game, head coach Diego Maradona, the man who scored the most famous goal in World Cup history in 1986. The side is stacked with some of the best international superstars and features the likes of FIFA World Player of the Year Barcelona’s Lionel Messi –La Pulga, along with Alfredo Di Stefano, Mario Kempes, Gabriel Batistuta, and Benfica midfielder, Ángel Di María. Despite a load of talent, Argentina did not make their qualifying run as easy as some may have expected. They started the campaign with their first-ever competitive defeat to Chile, followed by a crushing 6-1 defeat to Boliva. The team rose from the ashes against Peru and then secured their place in the finals with a 1-0 win over Uruguay.

Loaded with all the right weapons, Nigeria has a solid chance of advancing to the round of 16 in its first appearance back in the tournament since 2002. With the World Cup on African soil, the Super Eagles will be expected to give a solid performance with the help of the home crowd’s support. They will be under the watchful eye of Swedish boss Lars Lagerback. The 61-year old has plenty of World Cup experience and will have at his disposal a squad packed with both young and experienced talent. Peter Utaka will lead Nigeria’s highflying attack along with striker Obafemi Martins and set up man — midfielder Jon Mikel Obi. Skipper Joseph Yobo will center the backline, holding back the opposition’s attack. After opening their qualifying run with two draws, the Nigerians were facing elimination, but snuck into the finals on a one-goal difference.

The Koreans are he most powerful team in Asia, while being the group’s biggest long shot. South Korea had been riding an undefeated streak of 27 matches until losing to Serbia and Zambia in a pair of friendlies and then to China in the 2010 East Asian Championships. The Taeguk Warriors enters this year’s campaign with its seventh straight appearance in the finals, including a semifinals appearance in the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. They are lead by head coach Huh Jung-Moo. His task will be lessened with the help of Manchester United winger; skipper Park Ji-Sung who has played a key role in Korea Republic’s two previous FIFA World Cup appearances. Sung will get help from a number of other European stars, including 2009 Young Asian Footballer of the Year — forward, Park Chu-Young, as well rising stars like Bolton’s Lee Chung-Yong and FC Seoul forward Lee Seung-Ryu, all of who will give fits to opposing defenses. Korea’s ride to the finals was a bit rough as they barley managed top their group after two scoreless draws against their nemesis North Korea.

The group’s sleeper stunned the futbol world by winning the UEFA Euro 2004 in Portugal, but then followed up by missing the 2006 World Cup. Now Greece will once again get the chance to prove they have what it takes to compete on the word stage. The Galanoleyki’s are under the direction of Greek futbol legend –German boss Otto Rehhagel. “King Otto” will have no shortage of experience when his squad hits the pitch in South Africa. Among them is veteran defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos, as well as former Inter Milan and Benfica midfielder Karagounis. The two will be aided by playmakers Angelos Charisteas, Georgios Samaras, Vasilis Torosidis and Theofanis Gekas. Greece’s World Cup qualifying campaign started with the side outscoring their opponents eight to none and ended after winning their playoff series 1-0 on aggregate against the Ukraine, Greece was awarded one of the final UEFA World Cup spots, earning their place in the World Cup finals for only the second time in its history.

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World Cup Predictions & Picks – Group A

June 2, 2010 By Matt Martz Leave a Comment

World Cup Group A

The Bafana Bafana will not only be carrying the burden of hosting the first World Cup on African soil, but will feel the pressure to qualify for the round of 16, as no host nation has ever failed to advance past the opening round. The South Africans will have their work cut out for them as they have failed to make it beyond the group stages in both of their previous FIFA World Cup appearances. Newly appointed boss, Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira, will be at the helm as he searches to regain the respect he has lost after coaching Brazil to a World Cup victory in 1994. Much of the side’s success will depend on the efforts both captain Aaron Mokoena, and talented midfield maestro Steven Pienaar of Everton. The team will also rely heavily on the unsung heroics of a versatile, hard working and resilient back Siboniso Gaxa, as well as Tsepho Masilela, a winger who strikes fear into opponents with his rampaging forays down the left-hand side.

Mexico has reached a pinnacle of 14 World Cup finals appearance–the most in CONCACAF history, but have yet to hoist any hardware. For starters, Los Tricolores will be happy to get their fifth trip to the second round. New hope surrounds Atletico Madrid boss Javier Aguirre to get that job done. El Vasco, as he is known, has put together a side comprising of bright young talents and established superstars. Mexico completed the six-team qualification group in the CONCACAF Zone finishing in second place, winning five, drawing one and losing just the one. The side’s most impressive performance came in the Gold Cup final almost one year ago when, after a scoreless deadlock with the USA at half time, rallied for five in the second half, hammering the Americans 5-0. They are led by 36-year old veteran center midfielder, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who is surrounded by a host of promising youngsters such as Guillermo Ochoa, Efrain Juarez, Andres Guardado, Arsenal’s Carlos Vela and Tottenham striker Giovani dos Santos. Along with skipper Rafael Marquez, this squad should lift Mexico beyond the Round of 16, where they have been knocked out at the last four FIFA World Cup finals.

Uruguay is the group’s dark horse. La Celeste is a mere shadow of the their former selves as a world football super power, after having made just two appearances in the last five FIFA World Cup finals and failing to advance beyond the last 16 since the 1970 tournament in Mexico. Desperate for a better showing, the Uruguayans have entrusted 62-year old boss Oscar Tabarez, to get the job done. He will certainly have the resources to advance the side beyond the group phase and into the knockout rounds for the first time in two decades. La Celeste finished fifth in the ten-team qualifying group, collecting 24 points and scoring 28 goals, the third highest behind Brazil and Chile. The squad is a blend of youth as well as veteran standouts and is led by Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan. Forlan won the Pichichi award for top scorer in La Liga last season, as well the European Golden Shoe. He will be paired with forward Luis Suarez from Ajax Amsterdam fame as the two look to provide some offense punch up top. The backline will be solid and is anchored by captain — central defender Diego Lugano, who likes to combine his defensive duties with often-profitable forays into the opposing penalty box.

Lastly, the group’s favorite to finish first, is France. Les Bleus have appeared in 12 final tournaments, but have only won once on home soil in 1998. Keeping true to their style of stingy defense, the French did not score a lot of goals in qualifying, but netted just enough to finish in second place, one point behind Serbia in Group 7. Head coach Raymond Domenech should have no problem guiding his squad through the group stage. He will have an excellent squad at his disposal with the likes of captain Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, and Real Madrid youngster Karim Benzema. They will be aided by an able bunch with the likes of Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff, left winger Florent Malouda of Chelsea fame, and controversial Franck Ribery of Bayern, who’s arguably the most talented of all France’s attacking options.

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Filed Under: Soccer Tagged With: 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, 2010 World Cup, Bet on Futbol, Bet on Soccer, Betting on Soccer, France, Futbol, Futbol Betting, Futbol Lines, Futbol Odds, Futbol Sportsbook, Group A, Mexico, Soccer, Soccer Betting, Soccer Lines, Soccer Odds, Soccer Sportsbook, South Africa, Uruguay, World Cup, World Cup Group A, World Cup Odds, World Cup Pick, World Cup Predictions, World Cup Preview

UEFA Champions League Final Predictions

May 17, 2010 By Matt Martz Leave a Comment

Saturday May 22, 2010
2:30 PM ET FOX

Bayern Munich +195
Inter Milan +135
Draw +220

FC Bayern Munchen and FC Internazionale Milano will do battle for club football’s biggest prize in the UEFA Champions League final to be played on May 22 at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid, Spain.

This will be the first final to ever be played on a Saturday.

Bayren and Inter have met five previous times with the most recent encounter coming in the 2006-07 UEFA Champions League group stage, where Inter’s Patrick Vieira’s equalizer in added-time ended the match in a draw.

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Filed Under: Soccer Tagged With: Bayern Munich, Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan, Bet on Futbol, Bet on Soccer, Betting on Soccer, Futbol, Futbol Betting, Futbol Lines, Futbol Odds, Futbol Sportsbook, Inter Milan, Soccer, Soccer Betting, Soccer Lines, Soccer Odds, Soccer Sportsbook, UEFA, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Champions League Odds, UEFA Champions League Pick, UEFA Champions League Predictions, UEFA Champions League Preview

English Premier League Week 37 Preview, Predictions, Odds

May 7, 2010 By Matt Martz Leave a Comment

As we enter the final weekend of English Premiere League action there is only won race that is still yet to be decided. Chelsea holds a slim one-point advantage on the table and a nine- point goal differential of rival Man U. The Blues control their own destiny; a win at home against Wigan would bring the title back to Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2006. Other scenarios are as follows:

If Chelsea loses, and Manchester United beats Stoke City at Old Trafford, United are champions
If Chelsea draws, and Manchester United beats Stoke City at Old Trafford, United are champions
If Chelsea loses, and Manchester United draws, Chelsea wins the title (I don’t think they’re going to lose 9-0, which is what it would take to overturn the goal difference)
If they both lose, win or draw, the title is Chelsea’s

Chelsea vs. Wigan will be live on Fox Soccer Channel while Manchester United vs. Stoke City will be on Fox Soccer Plus. Both matches should produce its own brand of excitement as both teams are poised to hoist the EPL Trophy at the end of the day on Sunday.

Here I take a look at a few of this weekend’s matches, giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.

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