Wahoo Wire

Image Courtesy of fifa.com

Group A

1. France

2. Mexico

3. Uruguay

4. South Africa

Group B

1. Argentina

2. Nigeria

3. Greece

4. South Korea

Group C

1. England

2. USA

3. Slovenia

4. Algeria

Group D

1. Germany

2. Australia

3. Serbia

3. Ghana

Group E

1. Netherlands

2. Denmark

3. Cameroon

4. Japan

Group F

1. Italy

2. Paraguay

3. Slovakia

4. New Zealand

Group G

1. Brazil

2. Portugal

3. Ivory Coast

4. North Korea

Group H

1. Spain

2. Chile

3. Switzerland

4. Honduras

Second Round

France v. Nigeria

France comes into this World Cup with a cloud of controversy (due to the “hand of the gaul”), but no real pressure or expectations. They have been given an easy draw to gain momentum from and their quality is such that realistically they could be the dark horse team to win it all this year. They have a good mix of young and old and very few injuries. Nigeria may be on their home continent, but the pressure of being the only African team to advance to the second round (and the superior quality of the French side) will be too much for the Super Eagles to handle.

France

England v. Australia

Both countries are strong Rugby nations, but only England is seen as a real soccer nation. If this game is to happen, many non-soccer loving aussies will watch as the former colony tries to beat the mighty former colonizer. Unfortunately for them, their side is still lacking the striker up front needed to make a deep push. Expect a close game, but for England to squeak by.

England

Netherlands v. Paraguay

Though often struggling with internal issues, if the dutch can keep their off the field issues at bay, they easily have enough talent to win the tournament. The “Total football” will again put on a show as the Oranje cruise through to the quarterfinals. Paraguay should be happy with the fact it qualified above both Argentina and Uruguay.

Netherlands

Brazil v. Chile

Only one point separated these two teams in the South American Qualifiers leading up to the World Cup. Chile plays a wonderful to watch, attacking minded style of soocer. Brazil also play a very technical, attacking style, but this Worl Cup the team is no longer solely about Joga Bonita, tending to have two holding midfielders (usually some combination of Gilberto, Felipe Melo, and Dani Alves) to cover for the backs who like to attack (and not necessarily get back afterwards). I think Brazil will win in a high scoring affair.

Brazil

Argentina v. Mexico

A rematch of the 2006 knockout round game, only this time Mexico will be an even weaker side. I cannot see Mexico’s not so perfect defense stopping any of Argentina’s five world class strikers. Mexico will be lucky not to lose by more than three.

Argentina

Germany v. United States

The US soccer team has come a long way since it hosted the World Cup in 1994. The MLS gets better (and bigger it seems) every year, usually due to the mix of young american stars and imported players past their european primes, and no longer are we the laughing stock of every soccer nation. Yes, last summer the US did beat Spain to make it to the Confederations Cup final, but I cannot see them repeating magic of that caliber in this World Cup. Germany has too efficient and strong of an attack for the Americans to handle. Do not be surprised to see another 1-0 heartbreak.

Germany

Italy v. Denmark

There might be a lot of the same people in the squad as when they won the World Cup, but this Italy side is not nearly as good (or as young) as they were four years ago. That said, Denmark is not the strongest side either. The danes are gritty and have an excellent goalkeeper in Stoke City’s Thomas Soerensen, but they will need to come up big if they want to beat Italy. A boring game for sure, but Italy will win.

Italy

Spain v. Portugal

Easily the most exciting sounding game in the first round of the knockout stages, this game could be played too cautiously and end up being not much to write home about. Spain are superior at every position except for one; whatever position Cristiano Ronaldo is playing. The Portuguese have also looked flat in their warm-up matches while the Spanish look unbeatable. Spain should take this one, but it will not come easily.

Spain

Quarterfinals

France v. England

France shocked the world last World Cup as they beat defending champions Brazil in the quarterfinals. This time around they will not be playing a defending champ, but instead a hungry England side looking to finally make it to the semifinals for the first time since 1990. It will be a battle of the rest of England’s “golden generation” (minus David Beckham, Garry Neville, and Michael Owen) versus the rest of France’s “golden generation” (sans Zinedine Zidane and Fabien Barthez). Fabio Capello’s superior management abilities will lead England to victory in this match.

England

Netherlands v. Brazil

This will be an amazing game to watch (if it happens). The dutch and brazilians are so strong in attack that if this game has less than 8 goals it will be a let down. Both teams could win the World Cup, but only one can. I cannot forsee any team stopping Brazil on the road to its sixth title, therefore Brazil wins in a match filled with Sportscenter Top 10 highlights.

Brazil

Argentina v. Germany

Much like the Netherlands – Brazil match, this game could end up being filled with goals. Both teams have strong attacks, both teams have attacking defenders, and both teams lack an amazing goalkeeper. This World Cup will be Leo Messi’s internationl breakout party though, and when the (arguably) world’s best player plays his best, no one will be able to stop him, especially not the shoddy german defense. Maradona gets dangerously close to having to streak Buenos Aires.

Argentina

Italy v. Spain

In a battle of countries known for their football flopping, high unemployment rates, and good food, the youthful and superior spaniards will end up victorious. It was a very successful, deeper than expected run for Italy, and finally Spain will live up to expectations and make it to the semifinals for the second time in World Cup history (1950 was the other time).

Spain

Semifinals

England v. Brazil

In a rematch of the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, sadly the same result will occur. At least this time I will not have to be up at 2:30 am to watch it and I cannot see David James being lobbed from 42 yards out. England, you finally made it to a semifinal which is better than most from the rest of the world will probably expect. Brazil marches on to the finals.

Brazil

Argentina v. Spain

Messi will have to play against many of his Barcelona teammates that contribute to him being so good. He will wish he was playing with them though, as no matter what he does, Spain still will find a way to outscore him. At least Messi will leave the tournament no longer hated on for not showing up while playing for Argentina.

Spain

Third Place Game

Argentina v. England

In a game that will be most disappointing for both sides, the hungry reserves of England will beat the Argentine reserves. Capello’s job is secure, but the future does not look so bright for England. Argentina on the other hand has a bright future, should it relieve Maradona of his duties that is.

England

Final

Brazil v. Spain

This may seem like a cop-out prediction for the final, but I think it will happen. Brazil and Spain are the two best teams in this tournament and deserve to be playing here. I think Kaka will have the game of his life and Brazil’s defensive midfield scheme will hold Spain’s potent offense at bay enough for the win.

Brazil

Awards

Golden Ball: Kaka

Golden Boot: David Villa

Yashin Award: Júlio César

Best Young Player: Thomas Müller