World Cup 2006

Match #064: Italy vs France

2006-07-10T22:59:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-1; AET: 1-1; Penalty: 5-3 (ITALY: Marco Materazzi '19, FRANCE: Zinedine Zidane '7(PENALTY)

Darn, forgot to write the predictions about it.. but the whole world already know that italy will win the world cup because of the history.. anyway, congrats to italy who won the world cup for the fourth time.. but this final will only be remembered how zidane headbutt his opponent in his last match as a footballer.. what a way to end his career...

Match #063: Germany vs Portugal

2006-07-09T16:53:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 3-1(GERMANY: Bastian Schweinstegier '56, '78, Petit (OWN GOAL) '61 PORTUGAL: Nuno Gomes '88)

Germany finally regain some pride and win back their fans by winning this match to be 3rd in this competition.. Congrats to Portugal for coming this far in the competition..

World Cup Day 24 Predictions

2006-07-09T00:26:00.000+08:00

3rd/4th placing:
Germany vs Portugal 2-1
kick off: Stuttgart, 0300hrs

Again, the hosts will like to win this match to regain some pride as they lost to Italy in the semi final match where they thought they are in the final already.. Portugal is going through their best run in this competition, but think they will give some face to the hosts..

Match #062: France vs Portugal

2006-07-07T02:12:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-0(FRANCE: Zinedine Zidane '33(PENALTY)

What goes around comes around for Portugal.. They are great actors in simulation, diving.. is a pity that they cant showcase their acting skills in the final.. France, lead by Zidane where he will hung his football boots after this Finals, was so experienced in this match, they can blindfold each other and also know where their team mates is.. it will be a classic final between Italy and France.. another revenge match where France won European Championship 2000 in golden goal..

World Cup Day 23 Predictions

2006-07-05T20:07:00.000+08:00

France vs Portugal 1-1
kick off: Munich, 0300hrs

History favour France in this match as Portugal have not beaten them.. but this is different Portugal, coached by a Brazilian who have won the world cup in 2002.. and Portugal are unbeaten since the qualifiers.. i fancy a final between Portugal and Italy..

Match #061: Germany vs Italy

2006-07-05T13:07:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-0; AET: 0-2(ITALY: Fabio Grosso 119', Alessandro Del Piero '120)

Italy have already learn their lesson.. never give up until the final whistle.. and they scored a last penalty kick against Aussies.. and now they scored 2 in the dying minutes of extra time.. Germany are complacent.. already in the final.. hahaha.. oh, Italy is repeating history.. 1982 world cup winners with scandal back home.. 2006 another scandal at home..

World Cup Day 22 Predictions

2006-07-04T18:53:00.000+08:00

Germany vs Italy 1-1
kick off: Dortmund, 0300hrs

Great attack vs great defence.. tough call on this match leh.. Germany are thinking of the final already.. got home support mah.. Italy got problem at home.. this match is quite evenly matched.. another exciting match..

Match #060: France vs Brazil

2006-07-02T23:13:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-0(FRANCE: Thierry Henry '57)

Revenge are best served cold.. but it doesnt seem to be in Brazil's case as they knocked out by France yet again.. France's old stars against Brazil's superstars.. experience won yet again this time.. Good luck to France, tough luck to Brazil..

Match #059: England vs Portugal

2006-07-02T02:07:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-0; AET: 0-0; Penalty:1-3

Portugal's coach is indeed 3rd time lucky in getting a win against England.. For good riddance sake, England are going home.. No more boring performances from England..

World Cup Day 21 Predictions

2006-07-01T09:36:00.000+08:00

England vs Portugal 0-2
kick off: Gelsenkirchen, 2300hrs

Portugal's coach is going against England for the third time.. For two times in a row as a Brazil coach and Portugal coach, he truimphed against England in 2002 and 2004 respectively.. hope today will be his third time win against England despite 3 of his star players suspended and injuried for this clash.. i really hope England will not go any further this time round..

France vs Brazil 2-1
kick off: Frankfurt, 0300hrs

This is a repeat of the world cup 98 final match, where France win 3-0.. this time round, Brazil will get back with a revenge while France will give thier ageing stars the final hurrah..

Match #058: Italy vs Ukraine

2006-07-01T09:22:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 3-0 (ITALY: Gianluca Zambrotta '6, Luca Toni '59, '69)

Ukraine's fairytale run has come to an end.. yet not many people are applausing them for the efforts because of last round match against Swiss.. they could have attack and depend on their one star striker.. but no, they went to defend.. but luckily, Italy did not show any mercy, went for the kill right from the start..

Match #057: Germany vs Argentina

2006-07-01T09:18:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-1; AET: 1-1; Penalty: 4-2(GERMANY: Miroslav Klose '80 ARGENTINA: Roberto Ayala '49)

One word to Argentina: pity.. pity that they have to go against the home team in the quarter-final stage.. pity that they now have to go home empty-handed once again..

World Cup Day 20 Predictions

2006-06-30T16:18:00.000+08:00

Here is the quarter-finals matches

Germany vs Argentina 2-1
kick off: Berlin, 2300hrs

this match is going to be a classic.. is such a pity that they cant meet in the final and one of them have to be out.. both are playing awesome football on the planet..

Italy vs Ukraine 1-0
kick off: Hamburg, 0300hrs

One team is having problems at home.. another team is having a fairytale run in the competition.. i think this match is going to be a bore as ukraine will defend to fend off italy's attack.. hope italy will nick a goal and ask ukraine to come out of the defence to attack..

Match #056: Spain vs France

2006-06-28T22:52:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-3(SPAIN: David Villa '27(Penalty) FRANCE: Franck Ribery '41, Patrick Vieira '83, Zinedine Zidane '90)

Old France vs Young Spain.. Experience vs Youth.. in the end, experience won in the end.. both spain and france are in easy group where both teams have stark contrast of results.. spain won all games with ease, while france qualified for the group by the skin.. now france will meet anoter old foe and that is champion Brazil..

Match #055: Brazil vs Ghana

2006-06-28T01:18:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 3-0 (BRAZIL: Ronaldo '5, Adriano '45, Ze Roberto '84)

Ronaldo is the all time scorer with 15 goals.. but i feel like scolding Brazil.. why? because they go and copy Argentina's 24 passes to goal.. Brazil go and do 25 passes to goal.. extra, copy cat.. oi!! if final against Argentina, i think the match is see who copy who the most..

World Cup Day 19 Predictions

2006-06-27T20:48:00.000+08:00

Brazil vs Ghana 2-1
kick off: Dortmund, 2300hrs

Hope Ghana will not be overawed to face the champions of football, Brazil.. First time in world cup, first time qualified in knockout round, first time against brazil.. will it be a classic match where both are playing attacking football? we shall see..

Spain vs France 1-2
kick off: Hanover, 0300hrs

France is a bore to watch, defend is not the best way to win games.. while Spain is an attacking team.. but today's game might be very different as it is the knockout round..

Match #054: Switzerland vs Ukraine

2006-06-27T20:37:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-0; AET: 0-0; Penalty-kicks: 0-3

Boring, dull, unimaginative match.. wah, dont know got how many negative adjectives for this match.. lucky i never watch.. ahahah.. this match is suitable for those who cant sleep at night, sure can sleep until the next day.. 100%.. hahaha.. ukraine through to the next round to face italy.. hope next match not a repeat of this match..

Match #053: Australia vs Italy

2006-06-27T01:23:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-1(ITALY: Francesco Totti '90(Penalty)

Australia could have take this match into extra time when they concede a dubious penalty in the dying seconds.. Italy scored the penalty as the last kick of the game to progress to the quarter-final.. Australia really worked hard for this match.. not scared of going for attack instead of staying put to defend..

World Cup Day 18 Predictions

2006-06-26T16:51:00.000+08:00

Italy vs Australia 1-1
kick off: Kaiserslautern, 2300hrs

Australia is not through to the second round on luck.. is through the players' determination and hard work that enable them to fight for one more day.. Italy would also know that Guus Hiddink was the one that knock Italy out 4 years ago when he was in charge of South Korea.. Tough fight..

Switzerland vs Ukraine 1-0
kick off: Cologne, 0300hrs

The only team not to concede any goals in the tournment is Swiss.. Maybe they haven really get a side where can really test their defence.. Ukraine could be the one that troubling them.. But hopefully, Swiss's defence will not fail and win the match too..

Match #052: Portugal vs Holland

2006-06-26T16:42:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-0(PORTUGAL: Maniche '23)

The winner of this match is not Portugal, neither is the scorer.. but is the referee.. dished out 16 yellow cards and 3 red cards.. he giving out what, wedding cards is it?? not lenient at all.. but the referee cant be blamed, Holland was the one that started in the first place, no sportsmanship in the game, other players lay down injured, they want to continue the game..both got its fair share of the spoils and blame game..

Match #051: England vs Ecuador

2006-06-26T03:36:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-0 (ENGLAND: David Beckham '60)

A free kick from Beckham settled the game.. England is way too boring.. the way they play is too predictable.. there are several occasions where Ecuador could have get the goals and knock out England.. Even the commendator say other things beside the game, like the transport in germany, the weather.. hahaha..

World Cup Day 17 Predictions

2006-06-25T20:25:00.000+08:00

England vs Ecuador 2-1
kick off: Stuttgart, 2300hrs

England is really disappointing in this world cup.. key players injured, players ego, out of form, manager leaving, goals drought.. i doubt they can win the world cup even though they can win this match..

Portugal vs Netherlands 1-1
kick off:Nuremberg, 0300hrs

this is a repeat where Portugal win 2-1 in the European Championship 2004.. Another match where both opponents know each other well enough.. But Portugal have the upper hand here..

Match #050: Argentina vs Mexico

2006-06-25T20:12:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-1, AET: 2-1 (ARGENTINA: Hernan Crespo '10, Maximiliano Rodriguez '98 MEXICO: Rafael Marquez '6)

Argentina need a wonder goal in the extra time to qualify for the quarter final.. Argentina peaked too early in the competition that other opponents are keeping track with, like Germany as it is the next opponent.. Argentina's off the ball passing was a wonder to watch but their defence look suspecting..

Match #049: Germany vs Sweden

2006-06-25T01:07:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-0(GERMANY: Lukas Podolski '4, '12)

Germany is the first team to reach the quarter final.. totally dominated the game from start to finish.. if not for Sweden goalkeeper, the scoreline could have been much greater..

World Cup Day 16 Predictions

2006-06-24T22:37:00.000+08:00

Now is the second round..

Germany vs Sweden 3-1
kick off: Munich, 2300hrs

Germany is going all out to progress to the final.. with home support and more lethal attack, Germany with the win to go to the quarter-final..

Argentina vs Mexico 2-1
kick off: Leipzig, 0300hrs

Argentina is been tipped to win the world cup this yr as they top the group with ease.. But playing Mexico is not an easy task as they have play each other and know each other style for quite some time since last yr..

Match #048: Switzerland vs South Korea

2006-06-24T22:28:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-0(SWITZERLAND: Philippe Senderos '23, Alexander Frei '77)

Switzerland spoilt South Korea's party by winning the match.. thought they might invite Korea to the second round by drawing the match..

Match #047: Togo vs France

2006-06-24T22:20:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-2(FRANCE: Patrick Vieira '55, Thierry Henry '61)

France go through to the 2nd round by the skin.. their tactic and overall play dont really impress.. the critics are sharpened the knifes out there for France once they are knocked out in the latter stages of the tournment.. they are too defensive-minded and did not get the form that they won in 1998 in home ground..

Match #046: Ukraine vs Tunisia

2006-06-24T22:08:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-0(Ukraine: Andrey Shevchenko '70(Penalty)

Tunisia didnt take the chances that they have.. instead, they have a man down and luck was not with them as a dubious penalty given against them.. Good luck to Ukraine who qualifed for the second round for the first time..

Match #045: Saudi Arabia vs Spain

2006-06-24T21:56:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-1(SPAIN: Juanito '36)

Spain 2nd team was too hot to handle for Saudi.. Spain have lots of scoring chances but Saudi's defence withstand the onslaught.. But still Saudi have to go home early despite a spirited performance in this game..

World Cup Day 15 Predictions

2006-06-23T12:24:00.000+08:00

Spain vs Saudi Arabia 3-0
kick off: Kaiserslautern, 2200hrs

Spain will send in their 2nd team to let their 1st 11 have a deserved rest before facing second round opponents..

Ukraine vs Tunisia 3-0
kick off: Berlin, 2200hrs

Ukraine need a win here to qualify for the next round and send both Tunisia and Saudi Arabia home..

Switzerland vs South Korea 1-1
kick off: Hanover, 0300hrs

A draw is sufficient for both team to qualify for the next round..

France vs Togo 2-1
kick off: Cologne, 0300hrs

France need a win here to qualify, but i think Togo have other ideas despite their off-field problems.. in this final games, anything can happen.. i doubt France will qualify..

Match #044: Japan vs Brazil

2006-06-23T12:18:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-4 (JAPAN: Keiji Tamada '34 BRAZIL: Ronaldo '45, '81, Juninho '53, Giberto '59)

Brazil seem to struggle with form.. dont be deceived by the scoreline.. Japan is a weak side.. Brazil's only european opponent is croatia where they win 1-0.. and their next opponent in the next round is Ghana..

Match #043: Croatia vs Australia

2006-06-23T12:13:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-2(CROATIA: Darijo Srna '2, Niko Kovac '56 AUSTRALIA: Craig Moore '38(Penalty), Harry Kewell '79)

Australia qualify for the next round for the first time in history.. next opponents will be Italy..

Match #042: Ghana vs USA

2006-06-23T12:10:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-1 (GHANA: Haminu Dramani '22, Stephan Appiah '45(Penalty) USA: Clinton Dempsey '43)

Ghana are through to the next round, representing the only African side in this world cup.. They make full use of Italy's result to get the win they wanted to qualify.. good luck to Ghana as their next opponents is Brazil..

Match #041: Italy vs Czech Republic

2006-06-23T12:06:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-0(ITALY: Marco Materazzi '26, Filippo Inzaghi '87)

Injuries and suspensions cost Czech Republic dear in this final group game.. Czech is toothless up front and was indiscipline in the overall game..

World Cup Day 14 Predictions

2006-06-22T21:42:00.000+08:00

Czech vs Italy 1-1
kick off: Hamburg, 2200hrs

Both teams are still in the running of qualifying the next round.. they also hope for the other result to go in their way and able to qualify without hiccups..

Ghana vs United States 1-2
kick off: Nuremberg, 2200hrs

Czech and Italy are hoping USA will help them a favour by winning Ghana and help them to qualify..

Croatia vs Australia 1-2
kick off: Stuttgart, 0300hrs

Australia need a win to qualify for the knockout round and also through this win, send Croatia home as well..

Japan vs Brail 0-3
kick off: Dortmund, 0300hrs

Japan cant repeat the feat that enable them to go to second round on their home soil 4 years ago.. thus they will be going back earlier and let Brazil samba to the next round..

Match #040: Ivory Coast vs Serbia & Montenegro

2006-06-22T12:38:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 3-2 (IVORY COAST: Arouna Dindane '37(Penalty), '67, Bonaventure Kalou '86(Penalty) SERBIA: Nikola Zigic '10, Sasa Ilic '20)

This match result could go either way, but Ivory Coast get the result that they wanted and leave Serbia & Montenegro pointless from the final round of the games..

Match #039: Argentina vs Netherlands

2006-06-22T12:34:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-0

Nothing to play for as both teams have qualified.. Not really exciting as the match billed to be..

Match #038: Iran vs Angola

2006-06-22T00:06:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-1 (IRAN: Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh '75 ANGOLA: Flavio '60)

Angola need 2 clear goals to qualify for the second round if Mexico lose to Portugal.. But it was not meant to be, thus going for a draw and heading back home early..

Match #037: Portugal vs Mexico

2006-06-22T00:03:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-1(PORTUGAL: Maniche '6, Simao '24(Penalty) MEXICO: Jose Francisco Fonseca '29)

Mexico got a scare, as they lose this game due to their thinking that they have to draw to qualify.. but the other result ended in a draw, thus Mexico qualified for the second round..

World Cup Day 13 Predictions

2006-06-21T11:10:00.000+08:00

Portugal vs Mexico 1-1
kick off: Gelsenkirchen, 2200hrs

Portugal have qualify, thus they might just want to play for a draw to allow Mexico to qualify..

Iran vs Angola 0-1
kick off: Leipzig, 2200hrs

Iran cant advance to the next round as they have lost 2 games to Portugal and Mexico.. But Angola might have a chance here, a win for Angola and a defeat to Mexico will sent Angola through..

Netherlands vs Argentina 1-1
kick off: Frankfurt, 0300hrs

Both teams have nothing to play for as they have qualify for the group.. Both teams will not field their best 11 as they need the best out there for the knockout rounds..

Ivory Coast vs Serbia & Montenegro 2-0
kick off: Munich, 0300hrs

Serbia & Montenegro is not the team whose defence was way solid in the qualifiers.. they have leaked in 7 goals without reply.. Ivory Coast could be the last team that continue banging the goals in..

Match #036: Paraguay vs Trindad & Tobago

2006-06-21T11:01:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-0 (PARAGUAY: Brent Sancho (own goal) '25, Nelson Cuevas '86)

Trindad & Tobago will be proud of the way they play in their debut world cup despite finishing bottom of the group.. Paraguay was disappointing..

Match #035: England vs Sweden

2006-06-21T10:48:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-2 (ENGLAND: Joe Cole '34, Steven Gerrard '85 SWEDEN: Marcus Allback '51, Henrik Larsson '90)

For 38 years, England have not beaten Sweden and the result enable Sweden to progress through and set up a date with Germany.. England against Ecuador..

Match #034: Poland vs Costa Rica

2006-06-21T00:09:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-1 (POLAND: Bartosz Bosacki '33, '66 COSTA RICA: Ronald Gomez '25)

Both are out of the running to qualify for the group, thus both of them are playing for pride.. Tough luck on Costa Rica, they finish the group without a point..

Match #033: Germany vs Ecuador

2006-06-21T00:07:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 3-0(GERMANY: Miroslav Klose '4, '44, Lukas Podolski '57)

Home support on the home team wins the game and tops the group thus face Group B's runner-up opponent..

Match #032: Spain vs Tunisia

2006-06-21T00:03:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 3-1(SPAIN: Raul '71, Fernando Torres '76, '90(Penalty) TUNISIA: Jawhar Mnari '8)

Spain for once, did live up to the tag "under-performers" but they had to fight back from a goal down to win the game and qualify for the next round.. kind of complacent the way they play, as if it was a sure win game for Spain..

Match #031: Ukraine vs Saudi Arabia

2006-06-20T02:01:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 4-0(UKRAINE: Andrey Rusol '4, Sergey Rebrov '36, Andrey Shevchenko '46, Maksim Kalinichenko '84)

Thought Ukraine complain about the heat, and because of that, they cant play.. or is it first game jitters? and now, can play, score and win the game.. i think the first game are all excuses.. Thought Saudi Arabia could upset here, but no chances of qualifying now.. Tough luck Saudi..

World Cup Day 12 Predictions

2006-06-19T23:23:00.000+08:00

Group A:

Ecuador vs Germany 1-2
kick off: Berlin, 1000hrs

With nothing to play for as both teams have qualify for the next round, whoever wins will top the group.. if draw, ecuador will top the group as they have not concede any goals..

Poland vs Costa Rica 1-2
kick off: Hanover, 1000hrs

As the last group of matches are play simultaneously, this match have no significance as they have no chance of qualifying and hence they are playing for pride..

Group B:
Sweden vs England 1-1
kick off: Cologne, 0300hrs

Sweden need a draw to qualify for the next group.. But England could have better ideas as they will know who is their next opponents in the next round.. If England top the group, they face Germany.. If Sweden wins, England will face Ecuador..

Paraguay vs Trinidad & Tobago 0-1
kick off: Kaiserslautern, 0300hrs

The way Trinidad & Tobago are playing is similiar to Greece.. defend in numbers and using counter attack.. a tactic that Greece use to win European Championship 2004.. But Trinidad & Tobago cant repeat the feat that Greece use unless they hope for the England result to go in their way.. If England win and Trinidad & Tobago also win, Trinidad & Tobago will qualify at the expense of Sweden..

Match #030: Switzerland vs Togo

2006-06-19T23:08:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-0(SWITZERLAND: Alexander Frei '16, Tranquillo Barnetta '88)

Go on now, Togo.. Go and settle your pay disputes at home now.. What a way to attract attention at the World cup.. Switzerland are in pole position to qualify for the next round with a win here.. they play south korea needing a draw to go through..

World Cup Day 11 Predictions

2006-06-19T13:58:00.000+08:00

Group G:
Togo vs Switzerland 0-3
kick off: Dortmund, 2100hrs

Togo have been attracting the wrong headlines recently.. About pay disputes that they wanted to boycott this game.. Cant they settle it after finishing all the games? Switzerland for the win here and in a way, able to ask Togo go back home and settle all the time they want..

Saudi Arabia vs Ukraine 1-2
kick off: Hamburg, 0000hrs

Ukraine was nervous in the first game, was affected by the heat.. can Saudi pull off another upset? this question, you have to ask Ukraine..

Spain vs Tunisia 3-0
kick off: Stuttgart, 0300hrs

Spain is defying all critics that they can win the world cup.. and with this win, they are through to the next round and one step closer for the dream to come true..

Match #029: France vs South Korea

2006-06-19T13:41:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-1 (FRANCE: Thierry Henry '9 KOREA: Park Ji-Sung '81)

Disappointing France.. Even Korea also cant win.. Where is their scoring boots? What happening to them? If next final game against Togo also can win, they cant go to the next round either and prepared to have egg in their face..

Match #028: Brazil vs Australia

2006-06-19T02:10:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-0(BRAZIL: Adriano '49, Fred '89)

Brazil got the deserved win to qualify for the last 16.. Tough luck on Australia as they work hard for the result but to no avail..

Match #027: Japan vs Croatia

2006-06-18T23:00:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-0

Boring and dull draw.. These 2 teams have only 1 point from 2 matches.. thus they have to win the final matches in order to qualify..

World Cup Day 10 Predictions

2006-06-18T15:38:00.000+08:00

yesterday's matches were controlled by bookmakers as they lost big on the argentina matches.. think quite alot of pundits lose big on yesterday's matches..

Group F:
Japan vs Croatia 1-2
kick off: Nuremberg, 2100hrs

Despite losing to a solitary goal to Brazil, Croatia have to go into this match with a win in order to qualify.. Japan doesnt look like the one 4 years ago where they go through to the second round.. dont think they can repeat this performance again..

Brazil vs Australia 1-2
kick off: Munich, 0000hrs

Brazil was a pale shadow of the one that triumphed in Asia's soil 4 years ago.. Australia might want to win this match in order to silence the critcs as they can only win at home.. but with the Great Tactictan at work, they can produce the magice..

France vs South Korea 2-1
kick off: Leipzig, 0300hrs

I have doubts reviewing in this match as both are not convincing.. France with a dull draw with Switzerland and South Korea win Angola due to 10 men.. The score could go either side.. but France might need this win in order to qualify..

Match #026: Italy vs USA

2006-06-18T09:03:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-1(ITALY: Alberto Gilardino '22 USA: Cristian Zaccardo(own goal) '27)

An entertaining first half with fouls, elbowing and goals before 3 red cards are shown.. Out of sudden, this group is very open, with czech losing to Ghana, and now italy drawing with USA.. either one or two big teams could be out in the first round in the final round of games to decide who goes home and who proceed on to the next round..

Match #025: Ghana vs Czech Republic

2006-06-18T02:01:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-0 (GHANA: Asamoah Gyan '2, Saliu Muntari '82)

No need to rub your eyes.. I didnt type wrongly.. Yes, Ghana have shocked the football world by scoring and winning the match.. Ghana totally outclass the Czech in every department.. They were fast in matching the slow but tactical inclined czech players..

Match #024: Portugal vs Iran

2006-06-17T23:13:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-0(PORTUGAL: Deco '63, Cristiano Ronaldo '80(Penalty)

Still not convincing in this match.. Portugal have to wait until the second half before winning the match.. On the other hand, they have qualify for the next round..

World Cup Day 9 Predictions

2006-06-17T13:11:00.001+08:00

Group D:
Portugal vs Iran 3-1
kick off: Frankfurt, 2100hrs

Portugal have to do better to prove that they can indeed be the powerhouse and qualify for the knockout stages.. Their first match against Angola not convincing people.. hope this match can prove us wrong..

Group E:
Czech Republic vs Ghana 3-0
kick off: Cologne, 0000hrs

Czech need a win to qualify for the second round and send the African team home.. Experience in the World cup is vital as shown in the case of Argentina to qualify for the next round easily.. same goes to Czech Republic..

Italy vs USA 2-0
kick off: Kaiserslautern, 0300hrs

Strong in defence and attack, Italy are expected to go through without any difficulty.. USA have been really unfair, as they are a team expect to qualify as well, but they are placed in a group where Czech and Italy are expected to go through.. Tough luck on USA..

Match #023: Mexico vs Angola

2006-06-17T13:11:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-0

No matter how strong the opponents are, Angola show team work and determination to held on for a draw despite playing with one man down.. They show that against Portugal and again to Mexico.. think they will do the same to Iran, last match of this group..

Match #022: Netherlands vs Ivory Coast

2006-06-17T02:10:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-1(NETHERLANDS: Robin Van Persie '23, Ruud Van Nistelrooy '26 IVORY COAST: Bakari Kone '38)

Wow, after 22 matches then i get the prediction score correct.. haha.. anyway, Holland are through to the next round with a hard fought won against the Ivorians.. I thought this group was called, "Group of Death" yet 2 teams qualify easily with one game to spare..

Match #021: Argentina vs Serbia & Montenegro

2006-06-16T22:53:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 6-0 (ARGENTINA: Maximiliano Rodriguez '6, '41, Esteban Cambiasso '31, Hernan Crespo '78, Carlos Tevez '84, Lionel Messi '88)

A perfect performance by Argentina to book a place in the second round.. The meanest defence of Serbia & Montenegro are been slice open like a hot knife to butter by the experience of Argentina..

Match #020: Sweden vs Paraguay

2006-06-16T22:13:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-0(SWEDEN: Fredrik Ljungberg '89)

A killer goal from Sweden to send Paraguay packing home.. This match could swing either side as both teams are seeking for the first win due to the first matches results not going their way..

Match #019: England vs Trindad & Tobago

2006-06-16T02:06:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-0 (ENGLAND: Peter Crouch '83, Steven Gerrard '90)

England booked their passage to the last 32 with a win from Trindad & Tobago.. The hype of this match is whether Rooney play in this match? The answer is yes, although it clear to show that Rooney is not match fit..

Match #018: Ecuador vs Costa Rica

2006-06-15T23:06:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 3-0(ECUADOR: Carlos Tenorio '8, Agustin Delgardo '54, Ivan Kaviedes '90)

A comprehensive win for Ecuador and send Costa Rica home.. This match have send Ecuador and Germany through to the next round while Costa Rica and Poland go back home early..

World Cup Day 8 Predictions

2006-06-15T22:03:00.000+08:00

Group C:
Argentina vs Serbia & Montenegro 2-0
kick off: Gelsenkirchen, 2100 hrs

Argentina will want to win this match in order to qualify for the group before facing Netherlands to see who is the winner of this group.. Serbia & Montenegro qualify for this world cup with a mean defence, conceding 1 goal in the qualifers.. Last match against Netherlands, they lose to a goal which says alot of their defence.. But they will have a tough time against Argentina..

Netherlands vs Ivory Coast 2-1
kick off: Stuttgart, 0000hrs

Will the Ivorians get a result against a young Netherlands defence? Or will the Netherlands ditch their attack to defend all the way? I dont think so, but this match definitely have goals leaking like a tap..

Group D:
Mexico vs Angola 3-0
kick off: Hanover, 0300hrs

Again, take Mexico to qualify from this group by winning Angola and also send them home.. Kill two birds with one stone..

World Cup Day 7 Predictions

2006-06-15T11:42:00.000+08:00

Group A:
Ecuador vs Costa Rica 2-0
kick off: Hamburg, 2100 hrs

Ecuador surprised everyone by winning Poland in the last match.. thought they will not win at all since it is not playing at an high altitude.. For this match, it's pretty touch and go for both teams who are vying for the next spot to reach the knockout stage..

Group B:
England vs Trindad & Tobago 1-0
kick off: Nuremberg, 0000hrs

Trindad & Tobago hold Sweden to a draw, another surprise result in the World Cup.. But England isnt the same calibre as Sweden.. England for the win to reach the knockout stage.. A solitary goal might just settle the game..

Sweden vs Paraguay 1-1
kick off: Berlin, 0300hrs

Both teams are fighting for the 2nd placing of the group.. The word "DRAW" is all over the place for this match.. i dont see sweden able to get the win overnight by their very own strikers..

Match #017: Germany vs Poland

2006-06-15T11:30:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-0(GERMANY: Oliver Neuvile '90)

Germany is through to the next round by scoring an injury time winner.. Germany send Poland packing home to continue the trend against them.. 11 wins and 4 draws..

Match #016: Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia

2006-06-15T02:35:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-2(TUNISIA: Ziad Jaziri '23, Radhi Jaidi '90 SAUDI ARABIA: Yaser Al-Kahtani '57, Sami Al-Jaber '84)

What on earth was Tunisia doing? Poor tactical play.. wrong subsitution.. no defence.. just stay up there waiting for ball to come and launch an attack.. Saudi Arabia finally laid the ghosts to rest with 2 goals and a point in this group..

Match #015: Spain vs Ukraine

2006-06-14T23:06:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 4-0 (SPAIN: Xabi Alonso '13, David Villa '17, '48(Penalty), Fernando Torres '81)

A trashing by Spain.. Ukraine didnt really get the game started maybe due to the heat.. Dont think this game will shed Spain's tag as been the under-achievers because they have yet to face a stronger european team like Italy, England, Netherlands or Germany..

World Cup Day 6 Predictions

2006-06-14T18:14:00.000+08:00

Group H:
Spain vs Ukraine 1-1
kick off: Leipzig, 2100hrs

Spain, a team who underachieved all the time.. they cant seem to get the tag off despite having players from those famous clubs in Spain..

Playing the World cup for the first time, Ukraine will have Andriy Shevchenko to lead his team..

Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia 2-0
kick off: Munich, 0000hrs

Saudi Arabia will like to erase the bad memory 4 years ago where they trashed by Germany 8-0 and sent home packing without a goal and a win.. but i dont see that happening.. the runs continue for Saudi Arabia..

Group A:
Germany vs Poland 3:0
kick off: Dortmund, 0300hrs

Im putting my last dollar on the table that Poland will be sent packing home after this match.. Star players are not included in the Poland team, while Germany have home support to go through the next round..

Match #014: Brazil vs Croatia

2006-06-14T17:55:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-0 (BRAZIL: Kaka '44)

A team of superstars cant get a win convincingly.. Croatia play a holding game where they defend in numbers and counter-attack back..

(Just a side note; from what i notice, Sweden and Portugal's asian handicap is 1.5 and above.. which is both of these teams have to score 2 clear goals to win.. but their scores is dismaying.. even Brazil's handicap of 1.5 also cant clear.. so whoever take a team that have handicap of 1.5 and above, eat back the other team except for Germany, as they have home support..)

Match #013: France vs Switzerland

2006-06-14T17:47:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-0

What on earth is the referee doing? He showed 8 yellow cards unnecessary.. He stop play as and when he like, there isnt any flow or rhyme to play football.. He could have been more lenient and give warnings.. but no, yellow cards.. Spoiler!!

Match #012: South Korea vs Togo

2006-06-13T23:16:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-1 (KOREA: Lee Chun Soo '54, Ahn Jung Hwan '72 TOGO: Mohamed Kader Abdel '31)

Second red card of the tournment.. For a moment, Togo look like winning the match after going infront.. but their inexperience in the world cup show in the end..

World Cup Day 5 Predictions

2006-06-13T11:24:00.000+08:00

Group G:
South Korea vs Togo 2-0
kick off: Frankfurt, 2100hrs

South Korea, coached by another Dutch.. want to emulate the feat that they achieved in their home ground 4 years ago by reaching the semi final.. will they able to do it again.. let see one match at a time.. but for this match, i think it will be an easy win for them but i have a feeling that Togo will spring out a surprise due to the resignation of their coach..

France vs Switzerland 3-1
kick off: Stuttgart, 0000hrs

France, went home with their tails between the legs 4 yrs ago.. they might want to lay the ghosts to rest with a win here.. 4 yrs ago, they go out of the group without a goal and a win..

Group F
Brazil vs Croatia 3-1
kick off: Berlin, 0300hrs

Brail have a team of superstars.. Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Adriano, Robinho, Kaka, Juninho.. how to put all 6 wonderful individuals with their own talent to work as a team.. only their coach able to do that..

Match #011: Italy vs Ghana

2006-06-13T11:03:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-0(ITALY: Andrea Pirlo '40, Vincenzo Iaguinta '83)

History is indeed repeating itself.. match by match.. Italy got off with a win they wanted to ease the tension back home regarding the scandals..

Match #010: United States vs Czech Republic

2006-06-13T02:05:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-3(CZECH: Jan Koller '5, Tomas Rosicky '36, '76)

A comprehensive win for Czech.. Two wonderful goals from Rosicky.. USA is completely outplayed in every department for this match..

Match #009: Australia vs Japan

2006-06-12T23:06:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 3-1 (AUSTRALIA: Tim Cahill '84, '89, John Aloisi '90 JAPAN: Shunsuke Nakamura '26)

The Great Tactician is at work again.. 3 goals in the last 5 mins.. kind of kelong game.. haha.. but anyway, Australia work their socks off and got the win they deserved..

Match #008: Angola vs Portugal

2006-06-12T22:07:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-1 (PORTUGAL: Pauleta '4)

A derby match between the conquerors and the oppressors.. Angola really fight in this match to throw the form book out of the window.. Overawed due to debut in this world cup, they make up for the hard work and determination as a team..

Match #007: Mexico vs Iran

2006-06-12T21:58:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 3-1 (MEXICO: Omar Bravo '28, '76, Zinha '71 IRAN: Yahya Golmohammadi '36)

Two quick goals in the second half by Mexico killed off the match.. Iran was equally match for Mexico until the second goal.. the goal was resulted in a lapse of concentration, if not, Iran could have hold on to a draw.. Mexico look rather complacent the way they play, as though Iran is just a decent side compared to Brazil..

Match #006: Serbia & Montenegro vs Holland

2006-06-11T23:09:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-1 (HOLLAND: Arjen Robben '18)

A pretty much open sided game for both side.. Both play attacking game with pretty decent chances went begging.. A solitary goal settle the game..

World Cup Day 4 Predictions

2006-06-11T21:02:00.000+08:00

Due to work commitments, have to predict early..

Group F:
Australia vs Japan 1-1
kick off: Kaiserslautern, 2100hrs

Australia is been coached by Guus Hiddink.. a great tactician who managed South Korea, Holland all the way to semi-final in 2002 and 1998 World Cup respectively.. Japan, under the guidance of Zico, will not be overawed in this occasion..

Group E:
United States vs Czech Rep 0-2
kick off: Gelsenkirchen, 0000hrs

Last World Cup held jointly by South Korea and Japan, USA progress to quarter-final stage, a feat beyond expectations.. can they do it again?
Czech, a team of unknowns and ageing stars.. Pavel Nedved will lead his nation for the very last time.. a great performance in Euro 2004 only to lose to eventual winner Greece in semi final stage.. Can they do better round this time?

Italy vs Ghana 3-1
kick off: Hanover, 0300hrs

Italy football have been dodged by scandals over the last few months.. same scenario in 1982 where they won the world cup.. is history repeating itself?

Debutant in this world cup, i guess Ghana will have a decent performance in this world cup..

World Cup Day 3 Predictions

2006-06-11T17:18:00.000+08:00

Group C:
Serbia & Montenegro vs Netherlands 0-2
kick off: Leipzig, 2100hrs

Netherlands, a nation who play "total football".. hopefully their attacking football will attract me unlike yesterday's matches.. can make me go and sleep..

Group D:
Mexico vs Iran 2:1
kick off: Nuremberg, 0000hrs

Mexico, a team that only play football when against better teams like Brazil and Germany.. will craved out for a win even though Iran is a decent team..

Angola vs Portugal 0:3
kick off: Cologne, 0300hrs

Portugal is underrated over the last World Cups, get knocked out in the group stage by South Korea.. They are now in a easy group and a Brazilian coach, think they can win this match comfortably and qualified this group easily..

Match #005: Argentina vs Ivory Coast

2006-06-11T12:13:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 2-1(ARGENTINA: Hernan Crespo '24, Javier Saviola '38 IVORY COAST: Didier Drogba '82)

Finally a match worth to see after 2 dull matches that played earlier on.. Was too tired to carry on seeing the match due to the earlier matches was boring.. And yes, one of my favourite team held on to a victory in this dubbed as, "Group of Death"

Match #004: Sweden vs Trindad & Tobago

2006-06-11T02:03:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-0

Singapore referee in this match, show the first red card in this tournment..but congrats to Trindad & Tobago, they really fight to grind out for the draw.. another unexpected result in 2nd day of the tournment..

Match #003: England vs Paraguay

2006-06-10T23:16:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 1-0(Carlos Gamarra(og) '4)

Another dull match with play been stop all the time, never really get going.. referee kelong was all i can see from this match..

World Cup Day 2 Predictions..

2006-06-10T20:03:00.000+08:00

Group B:
England vs Paraguay 2-0
kick off: Frankfurt , 2100hrs

Everyone is waiting for this match.. donno why.. think this match is a must-win for England.. that all i have to say about this match..

Trindad & Tobago vs Sweden 1-2
kick off: Dortmund, 0000hrs

Sweden have been underrated during the past tournment.. hopefully this match can proved me wrong in terms of scoreline..

Group C:
Argentina vs Ivory Coast 1-0
kick off: Hamburg, 0300hrs

One of my favourite team over the last few years, Argentina have been disappointing me.. This match is pretty tight fight affair, hope for Argentina to grind out a result..

Match #002: Poland vs Ecuador

2006-06-10T12:15:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 0-2(ECUADOR: Carlos Tenorio '24, Agustin Delgado '80)

Shock result for this match.. Polish players doesnt have the commitment in playing at all.. Dull match.. The expression of the Ecuadorian coach was priceless of all after the match.. He was stunned of the results but in his heart, he was proud of his players in grinding out the result.. As the saying goes, "Anything can happen in a football match.."

Match #001: Germany vs Costa Rica

2006-06-10T02:23:00.000+08:00

Full Time: 4-2 (GERMANY:Philip Lahm '6, Miroslav Klose '17, '61, Torsten Frings '87 COSTA RICA: Paulo Wanchope '12, '73)

No upset as expected.. though both team's defence is quite suspecting.. anyone who support germany, better buy a machine that able to support your heart for the whole duration of the match.. weak defence but strong in attack.. 2 wonder goals from germany by philip lahm and torsten frings.. overall the match was worth it in terms of goals and attacking football..

Opening match of World Cup 2006

2006-06-09T19:08:00.000+08:00

i will be follow faithfully for this whole month's of football action on tv.. i will also predicting the scores of the matches..

today's matches

Group A:

Germany vs Costa Rica 2-1
kick off: Munich, 0000hrs

Although the opening matches over the last few years have rather been surprised and shocking where the underdog win the favourites.. today's match could be an exception.. germany for the win but will not be a one sided high-scoring game..

Poland vs Ecuador 1-0
kick off: Gelsenkirchen, 0300hrs

Ecuador qualified for the world cup based on their home form which is at high altitude.. I think that sums up the whole match up..

next entry will post up the actual scores of the matches and also give a personal view about the game..

so what can i say now? let's the game, fun and action begin..!!