2006 WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS TAKE 3

 

Well, I've had two goes at predictions now, the first when the draw was made, and the second after the end of the group stages. So how has my thinking changed now?

Germany vs Argentina: Saw this one happening ever since the draw was made. What we have is a rematch(ish) of the 1986 and 1990 finals between the Argies and the former West Germany, which the two countries split between them. Will Jurgen Klinsmann, veteran of the '90 final, win his biggest match as coach yet? Well yeah, die Deutschen war toll against Sweden but they still haven't beaten one of world football's major players since Keegan went out with a whimper at Wembley '00. They'll only get this scalp if they can take the game to penalties. I'm going with the Argies.

Italy vs Ukraine: Saw this one coming second time out. The two sides went up against each other in Euro 96 qualifiers(Italy winning both games)but other than that there's not much history between the two sides and no major history between Italy and the former Soviet Union either. Form wise, well Italy may have only scrapped past the Aussies but Ukraine needed a penalty shootout to see off Switzerland. I'll go with Italy.

England vs Portugal: Well this prediction went to cack due to the mental Netherlands vs Portugal game. Well we can't say that we don't know this side and particularly their coach well enough. We've butted heads with Scolari teams in the quarter finals of the last two major tournaments we've been in and lost both times and that was before he chickened out of the England job. Third time lucky? We could do with finding the elusive top gear. Still, this is a weakened Portugal side - I'm willing to be optimistic.

Brazil vs France: Got this right second time out. A rematch of the '98 final with a decent amount of veterans from that match still around, needless to say, the tastiest looking match from a neutral perspective. Brazil are still in cruise mode but were still able to run over Ghana and France are hitting their peak. Surely Brazil will hit top gear at some point though so I'll pick them here though. Could definately be wrong though.

So if that's how things work out, how would the rest of the tournament go?

SEMI FINALS

Italy vs Argentina: Both sides had tight round two games which muddy the waters slightly but I'd stick with the Argies.

England vs Brazil: Still think Brazil are on better form

THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF

Italy vs England: Not that impressed with Italy against the Aussies - we'd definately beat them here.

FINAL

Brazil vs Argentina: Switching to the Argies on this one as they look to have a smoother run to the Final

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