Ceblogger's Sports Blog » 2010 World Cup

Paul the Oracle Octopus’ Perfect World Cup Predictions

ceblogger — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:48:28 +0000

A blogger friend of mine sent a twitter message to me about the oracle octopus and his prediction of Germany winning against England. Why in the world is this sucker doing soccer predictions? I held on to my belief that England will beat Germany. But Paul was right.

Who is Paul the Oracle Octopus? Octopuses are known to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates. Paul is a common octopus which was hatched from an egg at the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth, England, then moved to a tank at one of the chain’s centres in Oberhausen, Germany. His name derives from the title of a poem by the German children’s writer Boy Lornsen: Der Tintenfisch Paul Oktopus. Paul is now a resident of Germany, and a famous one too.

We don’t know what led his handlers to make him predict soccer games, but his newfound profession started in the Euro 2008. He made predictions of all of Germany’s game. He correctly predicted 4 out of 6. He failed though when he picked Germany to win over Spain in the Euro final. Maybe he was an amateur then, and needed some time to perfect his skills.

But for this World Cup, he was perfect 8 for 8. Fans were actually divided when he predicted that Spain will triumph over Germany. German fans hoped he was wrong. Spain was ecstatic. But a Carles Puyol header proved that he was right. Then there were death threats – sushi octopus, calamari, or whatever dish that can be made out of him. The prime minister of Spain even jokingly suggested that he’ll send protection.

Paul also got it right when he predicted Spain to win over Netherlands. A parakeet in Singapore predicted the opposite. I was hoping that the parakeet was right. But Spain actually won in extra time. That’s another plus point for Paul.

So, this Paul the oracle octopus’ fame had reached unimaginable heights. We’ll see if his flawless run will continue in the 2012 Euro.

Netherlands vs Uruguay: World Cup 2010 Semi Finals Preview and Results Prediction

ceblogger — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:03:51 +0000

It’s Netherlands vs Uruguay at Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa, for the World Cup 2010 semifinals this July 6, 2010. Game will start at 2:30pm ET (that will be around 2am Philippine time). The winner of this match will meet the victor of the Germany vs Spain semifinal match. Finals day is on July 11, 2010.

Uruguay

It is a surprise to a lot of people that these two teams will meet at the semis. Uruguay was the last team to qualify having to go through a playoff series with Costa Rica after Argentina edged them for the last automatic berth in CONMEBOL. Then they were in a group with former champion France and hometown boys South Africa. Undefeated in all three matches, they topped the group ahead of Mexico.

Despite being World Cup champions in 1930 and 1950, Uruguay hadn’t really made it again at the finals. They last entered the semis in 1970, and garnered fourth place. Tomorrow is their chance to rewrite history. But can they do it without their prolific 23-year old striker, Luis Suarez?

Suarez blocked a clear ball with his hands in a game vs Ghana in the quarters. Game was tied at 1-1 and time was ticking fast. He must have thought he was the goalie. Hero or not, he was given an automatic red card and one game ban. That goal would have put Ghana 2-1 and into the semis. But luck was not on the Africans side as their star player Gyan missed a penalty. A shoot-out ensued after it was still 1-1 at extra time. Uruguay were on target while Ghana missed.

So, Oscar Tabarez’ team will face the Oranges without their main striker. But they still have another talisman in Diego Forlan. The 31-year old veteran scored 3 goals in this competition and he is on the way of adding more. In the absence of Suarez, he will be the man to watch.

The Netherlands

The Dutch squad is one of the football powerhouses in Europe that had not won a World Cup. They were runners-up in 1974 and 1978. In the qualifying rounds en route to the 2010 World Cup, they had an unblemished record of 8 wins and 0 losses. They were the first European side to qualify.

The Oranges are best known for their ‘total’ football, wherein all the other players (except the goalkeeper) can change roles during the game. This was popularized by Johan Cruyff, the leader of the 1974 squad, which almost won the World Cup with this system. Today, however, Coach Bert van Marwijk ditched this system coming into the World Cup and proclaimed two things: The era of Total Football is long gone and Holland will win.

Scoring 9 goals in 5 games is still boring to many fans. Effective yet boring, they say. The criticism is similar to the ones received by Brazil’s Dunga, and Real Madrid Boss Jose Mourinho. They are known for their defensive style of play, and not on individual flair and entertainment-laden matches.

Now with Arjen Robben back and fully fit, the Dutch side will be a feared team once again. Add to him the equally talented Wesley Sneijder, Mark Van Bommel and Robin Van Persie. You have a full squad that can score as many goals as they like.

The Netherlands vs Uruguay Results Prediction

The Uruguay side will try to fill in the gap left by Suarez. But they will surely miss his accurate shots and familiarity with Dutch Football, having played with Ajax. Diego Forlan will do his best to carry the team but it will not be enough.

Arjen Robben will be on target once again as his presence make the odds more on Holland’s favor. I had been a fan of this guy since his Chelsea days. With him around, Holland will play fluid football – passing, passing and shooting. But they will also go back in defense. I predict a 3-1 victory for Netherlands in full time.

Argentina vs Germany World Cup Results: 0-4 Humiliation

ceblogger — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:22:24 +0000

Germany trashed Argentina 4-0. The younger and quicker Germany team made their presence felt by scoring the first goal in the 3rd minute of the game courtesy of Muller. Argentina tried to regain their composure but they failed in their shots at the goal. One was disallowed due to an obvious offside.

Then it was free for all for Germany. Klose added two to his goal-laden world cup campaign. He already bypassed Pele in the most number of world cup goals. He is just a goal behind Brazil’s Ronaldo for the record of 15.

It was a total shock for Diego Maradona and the Argentine team. Even the Aussie’s, who lost 0-4 to Germany would feel better because there were just 10 men then. Argentina has a full squad.

The Argentina vs Germany 0-4 results is so shocking. It’s so humiliating to the Argentine side. Now Argentine fans can all cry for Argentina.

Brazil vs Portugal: World Cup 2010 Preview and Results Prediction

ceblogger — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 03:59:28 +0000

Brazil vs Portugal today at the 2010 World Cup is a must-see game for all the football fans of the world. Their group was considered the ‘group of death’ after draws clustered them with Ivory Coast and North Korea. Now with only one game left, today’s game will determine who will top the group.

Brazil, even before the tournament began, is the usual favorite to win the Cup. Their emphatic 3-1 win over a strong Ivory Cost team solidified their position. Even though they have players whose names I am not familiar with, their team chemistry set them apart. They are not world no.1 for nothing. Also, Kaka, Robinho and Julio Cesar are names that will send fear to any opponent.

Though Brazil is a former colony of Portugal, it has nothing to do with football and the world cup. A win, though, over the motherland is always a sweet one.

However, Portugal could not be counted out. They are always considered a dark horse in every world cup that they’ve joined. They are a perennial thwarter of England’s dream – first in Euro, then in the 2006 World Cup. The other day, they dumped North Korea in a 7-0 free-for-all goal attack. The team from the other half of Iberia also holds the upperhand in their last meeting with the 5-time champions four decades ago.

Brazil vs Portugal Preview

Kaka, one of the world’s best football players, is suspended for this game after being red-carded in that match against Ivory Coast. But there will be other players to fill in his shoes. Fabiano and Robinho are the two main men at front who can provide the usual firepower and pressure against the opponents. Coach Dunga’s knows his card well. And even without Kaka, they are still a lethal group.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Real Madrid star player, will be the main man again for Portugal. But it was Simao at midfield that controlled the game against North Korea. His brilliant plays dictated the tempo. And if he can replicate that, it will spell terror for the Brazilians.

Should Portugal lose, they will still progress if Ivory Coast wins against North Korea by a difference of 9 goals. In world football, that is near impossibility, unless the opponent contributes in the goal melee.

Match Results Prediction

Brazil is a favorite to win this match. But I am a believer of the Portuguese squad. 1-1 is my results prediction.

England vs Slovenia: World Cup 2010 Results

ceblogger — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 02:44:00 +0000

England vs Slovenia is a match to watch for this Wednesday June 23, 2010. This is a must-game for both, but England needs a winning result more than any team in the group, as they have to avoid elimination at the group stage for the first time since 1958.

Slovenia is the unlikely leader with four points after thrashing Algeria and drawing USA. But their position is not secured if USA beats the Algerians, and they suffer loss at England’s hands. Slovenia already lost 1-2 to England in their friendly encounter back in September 2009. Can they avenge that loss at this stage of world football? An upset would be for history books.

England is also in an unlikely third-place position, with only 2 points in the two games against USA and Algeria. They are considered as one of the pre-tournament favorites. But like the other European football stalwarts, they wilted in Africa. Reports suggested that tension is brewing within the team. Who would not be tense at this critical situation? A draw against the US team in their opening game was already embarrassing. Then they added more humiliation in a goalless draw with Algeria. Where are their big names, those who are said to be the best football players in the world?

What more can you say of a squad that is praised by all quarters (including me) as one of the teams who could win the World Cup? They have around 40,000 supporters in South Africa right now. Add to that the princes who might have been shocked and ashamed seeing their team failing to win against football minnows.

Should England lose and exit at the group stage, perhaps, declaring a national day of mourning is apt. I just hope they overcome all odds at the end of the ninety minutes in the field.

England vs Slovenia Results Update

Jermaine Defoe lobbed the ball in the opponent’s goal at the 23rd minute. Capello’s squad held on to the 1-0 lead until full time. Since USA beat Algeria 1-0 at injury time, England is at second because of goal differential.

Wayne Rooney: No Fear For England At World Cup 2010

ceblogger — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 02:26:55 +0000

England superstar striker Wayne Rooney insists that England fears no one at the 2010 World Cup. This is his response to comments on England’s draw with USA. Although one way or another, any strong team would like to avoid another equally strong team until they reach the final.

At this point, I believe Wayne Rooney. The Three Lions has one the best lineups going into the World Cup in South Africa. They have the skills and experience to compete with the best of the world. And Wayne Rooney can definitely be like Brazilian legend Pele, and the Argentine phenom, Diego Maradona. Those two single-handedly carried their teams to World Cup victories.

The 24-year old Rooney is Manchester United’s leading scorer in the 2009-2010 season. He netted a total of 34 goals in all competition for the Red Devils. The last World Cup was a disappointment for Rooney though. He was sent off after shoving his club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who played for Portugal. But that was already behind him now. Everyone had moved on.

Rooney is also reported to be a target of new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho. Former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now the main star at Madrid, is also backing the move. But what will make of the Red Devils without Wayne Rooney at this point in time? The transfer is not possible this season. But who knows if the price is right? They’ve done that with Beckham and Ronaldo in the past.

For World Cup 2010, Wayne Rooney is determined to give his club respect at this biggest stage of world football. I just hope he’d be 100% fit all the time. The USA setback is definitely one that they can easily recover in the next games. England vs Algeria tonight and Wayne Rooney will once again lead the attack.

World Cup 2010 Shocker: Switzerland Beats Spain 1-0

ceblogger — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 03:08:20 +0000

It wasn’t at all expected at this stage of the tournament for the European Champion. But it is true. The Spanish armada was beaten by the Swiss guards thru an excellent effort from Gelson Fernandes in the 52nd minute. It wasn’t planned actually. It was plainly running and running and then the player suddenly found the ball on his feet and in front of the goal. It was a sight that Spain’s fans will have to cover their faces with both hands. A shame really!

Spain, one of the favorites to win the World Cup, looked lethal on paper, with big names like Torres, Iniesta, Alonso, Ramos, Villa and Cassilas. They were also unbeaten in 12 games prior to this Swiss encounter. And as per record, Switzerland had never beaten Spain in any of their previous matches.

But as usual, and as in previous World Cup’s, Spain had not lived to its expectations. Their best finish was a fourth place in the 1950 edition. If you think of the popularity and strength of the La Liga, the performance of the past Spanish teams really pales in comparison. Don’t ask me why. It is the same question that bugged journalists and sports analysts. Why in the biggest stage of football the Spanish team crumbles?

On that fateful night in Durban, Spain possessed the ball 63% of the time. They dribbled, made excellent passes, and sizzled their way on front of the Swiss goal. They made 25 attempts, and five of them were on target. But even the goal post helped in fortifying the Swiss defense. Such an unlucky day!

I do not know anyone from the Swiss side until last night. Was it luck, was it their defensive effort? The strategy employed by coash Ottmar Hitzfeld of defending, and then the counter attack, was more of a Jose Mourinho style to me. And the coach believed that it was the only way of stopping the fluid attack of the Spanish side.

Is Spain going to progress? They really have to. But beating both Chile and Honduras are not easy tasks. No team that lost on its opening match won the World Cup.

2010 World Cup: England vs USA Preview and Results Prediction

ceblogger — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:06:16 +0000

It’s England vs USA at the opener for Group C of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The highly anticipated match will kick off on June 12, Saturday at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenberg, South Africa at 230pm EST. By looking at the papers, it would be a safe prediction of an English victory. By what margin? Perhaps that would be the more apt question.

This is the first time in 60 years that the two countries meet in a prestigious tournament. The last time around, it was USA who bested mother England 1-0. Now the tears of those years had long dried up. Every soccer fan in the world knows a lot of those in the England line-up. Thanks a lot to the Premiere league and its worldwide reach. But for the US squad, I only know of two, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard. Donovan I remembered because of his criticism towards his more famous LA Galaxy teammate, and England legend, David Beckham. Tim Howard (now playing for Everton) is that goalkeeper who saved his US team in the 2002 World Cup. He was eventually recruited by Manchester United after that superb World Cup performance.

England vs USA World Cup Preview

The full England line-up has names which you can always include in your football dream team — Ferdinand and Terry at the back, Lampard and Gerrard at the middle, and Wayne Rooney up front. Let us not forget Ashley Cole, Joe Cole and Peter Crouch. These guys are equally deadly on their positions.

Then we have Fabio Capello, a winning coach, who will be at the helm of things in South Africa. His boys won 9 out of 10 matches in the world cup qualifier. And with a group that includes Algeria and Slovenia, the Three Lions are expected to easily qualify.

England’s defense is suspect. Without the injured Ferdinand and with a vulnerable goalkeeping position, they are most likely to give in a goal. But as they said, offense is the best defense. Wayne Rooney, if fit, can wreck havoc on opposing teams. He has the speed and the skills to outmaneuver the defenders. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins the golden boot award.

Lampard and Gerrard are two of the best scoring midfielders in football today. But can they work together in a team? That would be known when they move up after the elimination.

For team USA, they have the US President as their no.1 fan. Their best performance so far this decade was a runner-up finish to Brazil in the 2009 Confederations Cup. They upset Spain who was the no.1 seed at that time. In my opinion, their best player for South Africa is their goalie, Tim Howard.

Also, team USA has to maintain their composure when facing the stars of England. They must not be starstruck, and should definitely give all their best.

England vs USA Results Prediction

The odds are in favor England. They are 3-1 favorite and most believe that it will take a miracle for USA to win their first match vs England. My results prediction is a 5-1 victory for Capello’s squad.

World Cup 2010 Opening Day Ceremony

ceblogger — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 04:40:56 +0000

Three days to go before the kick off of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The opening ceremony date is on June 11, 2010, at the new Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is the first time that a football world cup is held at an African nation.

The 91,000-capacity stadium is expected to be a full house during the opening ceremony. Political leaders of the 32 competing nations are also expected to grace the ceremony and cheer for their respective teams. The FIFA World Cup, being one of the mostly watched sporting-event in the world, will draw innumerable worldwide viewers. It is also at this tournament that we will see the best football (soccer) players in the world.

The opening match will be between South Africa and Mexico. Though none are considered favorites to win the Cup, the home team is expected to give their best performance.

There will also be an opening day ceremony concert to be held on June 10, 2010 at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. World-renowned to performers include Shakira, Alicia Keys, John Legend and the Black Eyed Peas.

Here’s a video of the world cup 2006 opening day:

World Cup 2010: England’s Final 23

ceblogger — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 07:26:10 +0000

Fabio Capello had already chosen the 23 players who will represent England in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. And here’s the full England squad:

Goalkeepers – Robert Green (West Ham United), Joe Hart (Birmingham), David James
(Portsmouth)

Defenders – Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham), Matthew Upson (West Ham)

Midfielders – Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), James Milner (Aston Villa), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Gareth Barry (Manchester City)

Forwards – Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Peter Crouch (Tottenham)

Based on the list above, none of the players are based abroad. David Beckham would have made it, being one of the pillars of the national team in previous competitions. But a torn Achilles tendon while playing from AC Milan made him miss the World Cup. He will still be joining the National team in a coaching capacity, as an assistant to Capello.

Theo Walcott, a high-profile player from Arsenal missed the cut. He was part of the 2006 team when he was still 17. Capello praised the young lad in 2008. But injury and recent dip in form must be the culprit. Of course, there is still the ever reliable Wayne Rooney at the attack. He’ll be a pain in the ass for the defenders.

A lot of people believe that Capello had chosen well. If you look at the names of the 23 England players, it surely is a team that is worthy to win the World Cup. Surely they’ll give Brazil, Argentina and Spain a run for their money.