So I didn’t make my wrap up of day 8 in time, neither post any game predictions. I had worked out who I thought would win all the games this weekend; I am helping Cathy with her work tipping competition, and they needed all the weekends games done by Friday 3pm.
I was pretty let down by the results.
Czech Republic 0-2 Ghana - WTF? I was very disappointed by the Czechs in this game. After promising so much against the USA, they just weren’t in the same mode. The referee was pretty useless in my opinion, allowing too much to go unpunished, inlcuding a lot of impressive diving from Ghana, then deciding to clamp down on stupid things like carding Gyan for rushing his penalty. Just like many a ref I see on the weekend matchups, too busy stroking their ego to keep tabs on the game.
This is setup for a cracking final round. If Czech draw Italy, Ghan could top the group, If Italy lose they need Ghana to draw the USA, or they don’t make it at all. Even USA could still take the runner’s up spot, if both they and Italy win. Can’t wait.
Italy 1-1 USA - Yay red cards! Masteroni’s looked a little harsh. Nice own goal by Zaccardo.
Portugal 2-0 Iran - Well I got this one spot on, but on the highlights there didn’t look like much to see. It took Portugal a very long time to break down Iran, but they are in the next round so…
So if you believe I was honest, I got two results perfect, but blundered the Czech result…
So on tonight’s games, once again just in time.
Japan vs Croatia - Despite wanting the Japanese to be totalled by Croatia (they want to see a ‘dirty’ team), formy grand masterplan, I need Japan to win this, but be beaten by Brazil next week. Then we are set to beat Croatia in the final round. With no real strikers in the team, I’m not sure how Japan will do it in a few minutes seconds time. They will require some help from the referee, and probably play for a set piece. Croatia on the other hand, show us how weak Brazil look right now, and I know in my heart of heart that they should win this game.
I’m still going to take one for the team and say Japan 1-0 Croatia.
Brazil vs Australia - biggest match in Australian sporting history. <– That was a full stop btw. If we can get a point, I think we could be looking at leaving this very tough group. Brazil looked pretty poor last time vs Croatia, but I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. Perhaps they will pull their heads, and bellies in the case of Ronaldo, and thrash us. Perhaps not.
History is against us. I say stuff it. Australia all the way 1-0 Brazil.
France vs South Korea - my fondness for Korea (Guus’ old team) will show again in this match in a pretty mediocre group (Korea aside). Korea will be through as winners when they grab three points from France. South Korea 3-1 France.
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