World Cup 2010: Breaking Down the Groups- Part 2

Well, I didn't exactly set the world on fire with my first set of picks (although I did get USA and England right). Here's hoping for better luck in part two of my group stage breakdown, taking a look at Groups E-H.

Group E
Standings: Holland- 6 points, +3 goal differential; Japan- 3 pts., E; Denmark- 3 pts. -1; Cameroon- 0 pts., -2
Match-ups: Holland vs. Cameroon; Japan vs. Denmark
The situation: Having both posted wins over Cameroon, Japan and Denmark face-off for second-place. While Denmark are the sharper side, Japan have the advantage of advancing with a draw. Barring a highly unlikely set of scores, Holland will top the group regardless of their match with Cameroon.
Prediction: The only group to advance two European teams will see Holland take first, followed by Denmark.

Group F
Standings: Paraguay- 4 pts., +2; Italy- 2 pts., E; New Zealand- 2 pts., E; Slovakia- 1 pt., -2
Match-ups: Paraguay vs. New Zealand; Italy vs. Slovakia
The situation: Despite a pair of lackluster draws, Italy need to only a win in their final match to move on to the knockout phases. But their struggles have allowed Paraguay to seize control of the group; a win over New Zealand will see the South American outfit claim the top spot, and a tie sees them through as well.
Prediction: The Kiwis magic runs out as Paraguay takes first, followed by Italy. The results mean Holland face Italy in the Round of 16.

Group G
Standings: Brazil- 6 pts., +3; Portugal- 4 pts., +7; Ivory Coast- 1 pt., -2; North Korea- 0 pts., -8
Match-ups: Brazil vs. Portugal; Ivory Coast vs. North Korea
The situation: While not technically eliminated, there's no way Ivory Coast are making up nine goals on Portugal. So with Brazil and Portugal assured of going through, it should lead to an open, entertaining match to determine group supremacy. Even with Kaka suspended following an absurd sending off, the world's top ranked team have shown no indication that they'll drop a match here.
Prediction: Brazil stay unbeaten, with Portugal taking second.

Group H
Standings: Chile- 6 pts., +2; Spain- 3 pts., +1; Switzerland- 3 pts., E; Honduras- 0 pts., -3
Match-ups: Chile vs. Spain; Switzerland vs. Honduras
The situation: Chile may sit a top the group with six points, but their position is far from safe. Their failure to improve on a 1-0 scoreline against a weak Honduras side and a Swiss squad that played a man down for much of the match may be their undoing with the goal differential tiebreaker. With Spain and Switzerland both favored, we may see three teams finish with six points. The odd men out would be the first team ever not to reach the knockout stages with five or more points.
Prediction: A win for Spain puts them top of the group, setting up an all-Iberian showdown with Portugal. The punchless Swiss can only manage a draw against Honduras and Chile takes second.

World Cup 2010: What We've Seen So Far

With one round plus one game of the group stages complete, it's a good time to take a look at South Africa 2010. While the buzz of the vuvuzleas and the lack of scoring have dominated the conversation, a number of other compelling story lines are emerging.

South America is deep: Brazil and Argentina always grab the headlines, but this year's teams from South America are as talented as any in recent memory. Paraguay showed their grit in a 1-1 draw with Italy, while the skills of Diego Forlan earned Uruguay four points in their first two matches. Throw in Chile's win against Honduras, and the CONMEBOL teams have four wins and two draws in six matches.

Something crazy could go down in Group H: Since 1986, when the World Cup adopted the current group stage followed by 16-team bracket format, five points has always been enough to get a team to the knockout phases. Following Switzerland's upset of Spain, there's a strong possibility that a team with six points could be KOed. If Spain wins its next two matches (vs. Chile and Honduras) and Switzerland tops Honduras but then falls to Chile, Spain, Switzerland and Chile will all be level on points. It may come down to who puts the biggest thumping on poor Honduras.

African sides are headed for disappointment: Despite strong local support, the tournament has not started well for the African teams, with Ghana's win over Serbia the lone victory in seven tries. The home team kicked off the tournament with a flourish, but Bafana Bafana failed to seal a win against Mexico, and their 3-0 loss to Uruguay all but assured they'll be the first hosts not to advance past round one. Ivory Coast's 0-0 draw against Portugal was one of the tournament's letdown matches.

Strikers are struggling: Is it the infamous Jabulani ball? Is it the altitude? Perhaps a little of both. Regardless, the goal scoring fireworks have been in short supply in South Africa, with an alarming number of corner kicks and set pieces sailing well off the mark. Only the bumbling goalkeeping has offset an offensively challenged tournament.

A 1-0 match can be a thriller: While the lack of scoring brings out the soccer cynics, Switzerland and Spain proved you don't need goals galore to entertain. Switzerland's stunning goal turned what looked like a one-sided contest into the tournament's most exciting match so far. Anytime the underdog takes a lead and scraps to hold on, we see the game at its best. With both teams striking the post late in the match, these two European sides held our attention.

Germany's 4-0 win gives us a good World Cup conspiracy theory: In the first round of games, only one team cracked three goals, let alone four. The theory? The Germans had more time to practice with the Jabulani ball made by Adidas, a company based in... wait for it... Germany! Never mind the fact that Germany doubled the scoreline once Australia's top offensive threat, Tim Cahill, was shown the red card.

USA are looking A.O.K.: Earning a point against England was important not for the historical significance, but for how it sets Bob Bradley's team up for the next two games. A win and a draw against Slovenia and Algeria would give the U.S. five points and should see them through to the next round. (Although there's a scenario where they could be left out in a three-way tie). But the States should aim higher; if they can win the group, they'll dodge Germany in the Round of 16. Expect the U.S. to play an attacking style in the hopes of winning both matches and topping England on goal differential.

World Cup 2010: Group H Preview

Rounding out the opening stages, reigning European Champions Spain like what they find in Group H. Chile, Honduras and Switizerland will serve as mere speed bumps, but those sides are focused on second place and a trip of their own to the knockout round. Who goes through? Let's take a look.

Spain erased their reputation as big tournament chokers by winning Euro 2008. Will the confidence of that win lead them to victory in South Africa? Only West Germany in 1972-74 followed up a European title with a World Cup win. But better than history, Spain has some of the game's top stars on its side, including Fernando Torres and David Villa. What they don't have is a completely healthy squad with Torres, Cesc Fabregas, and Xavi all dealing with injuries. Spain hopes the easy draw affords them an opportunity to get healthy before the second round.

Overshadowed by the bigger names in South America, Chile finished only a point behind Brazil in qualifying, winning 10 of 18 matches. The youthful roster gives La Roja its most competitive squad since hosting the 1962 World Cup. Chile play an attack-oriented style, centered around top scorer Humberto Suazo. Defense and goalkeeping are shaky areas, so look for some high-scoring affairs.

On the flip side, goals may be in short supply where Switzerland is involved. The Swiss didn't concede a goal in 2006, reaching the round of 16. But they scored only four times, bowing out in a shootout loss to Ukraine. Alexander Frei, the nation's all-time leading scorer, is the point man who Switzerland will rely on for goals. Had the Swiss been drawn in a tougher qualifying group, results like their 2-1 loss to Luexembourg would have kept them at home. But now, under Champions League-wining manager Ottmar Hitzfeld, they are eyeing the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

I can't imagine any side more thrilled about qualifying for the World Cup than Honduras. This radio call from the last round of CONCACAF qualifying captures the emotions of a team headed to the tournament for the first time since 1982. Similar broadcasts from South Africa are unlikely. Tottenham's Wilson Palacios and Wigan's Maynor Figueroa bring big game Premier League experience to the roster. Edging Chile and Switzerland for second isn't unthinkable, but Honduras have exceeded expectations just by reaching this stage.

Prediction: Anything less than a 3-0-0 trip for Spain would be surprising, but a tricky fixture against either Portugal or Ivory Coast likely awaits them in the round of 16. Look for Chile's emerging stars to tip the Swiss for the second slot, likely earning them a chance to make history against continental rivals Brazil.

World Cup 2010: Checking in on UEFA Qualifying

With the club season over, the summer attention turns to qualifying for next year's World Cup. With most nations just past the halfway mark, the race for Europe's 13 slots in South Africa 2010 is taking shape. Nine group winners qualify automatically, while the top eight runners-up will enter four two-legged playoffs for the remaining slots. Here's a look at how the groups stand.

Group 1: Portugal has been one of the biggest disappointments to date, with just one win in five matches. Portugal trails both Denmark and Hungary by seven points, although Portugal does have a game in-hand on the Hungarians. Sweden, with the fewest games played, is also in the mix. Portugal's September 5 trip to Denmark will be a key fixture.

Group 2: The weakest of the nine groups, Greece and Switzerland top the table, three points ahead of Latvia. The Greeks travel to Switzerland on September 5.

Group 3: Northern Ireland are one of the biggest surprises, topping the table with 13 points, but they've played two more matches than second-place Slovakia, which has 12. Poland (10 points in six matches) will also view for top honors. With only eight points through six matches, the favored Czech Republic has work to do.

Group 4: Germany appear in comfortable position with 16 points in six matches. Russia, with 12 points in five matches, should be able to hold off Finland (seven points, four matches played) for second.

Group 5: European champions Spain are perfect in six matches, the best mark of any of the 53 qualifiers. While Bosnia-Herzegovina trail by six points, they're positioned well to take second, four points ahead of Turkey.


Group 6: English fans are giddy over the 15 points in five matches earned by Fabio Capello's men. Croatia and Urkraine will battle for second, with the Croats hosting a June 6 meeting.

Group 7: Serbia are another surprise group leader, two points ahead of 2006 runners-up France. The Serbs are in good shape with two of their next three at home, including a September 9 visit by Les Blues.

Group 8: Despite a home draw to Ireland in their most recent match, Italy are poised to defend their 2006 title. The Irish have yet to lose in six matches, leading third-place by Bulgaria by five points.

Group 9: Holland join Spain and England as the only sides with unblemished marks, and they have more than double the points of second place Scotland (15-7).

Predicted group winners: Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, France, Italy, Holland
Predicted playoff qualifiers: Portugal, Greece, Poland, Russia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Ireland

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 9 Recap

Turkey 3, Czech Republic 2
Switzerland 2, Portugal 0

In a tournament that is quickly becoming a classic, it will be tough to top Turkey-Czech Republic for the best match at Euro 2008. Trailing 2-0 with 15 minutes to play, the Turks seized second place in Group A with three goals in the final quarter hour. The Czechs had built a comfortable lead on goals by Jan Koller in the 32nd minute and Jaroslav Plasil in the 62nd. Arda Turan's 75th minute tally cut the lead in half to set up the frenzied finish.

More stunning than Turkey drawing level was the manner in which they got the goal. Usually reliable goalie Petr Cech dropped Hamit Altintop's 87th minute cross and Nihat Kahveci was there to tap home the stunning equalizer. Just as the crowd was preparing for a historic shootout, Nihat finished up a well-timed run to blast home the 89th minute winner.

There was one final bit of mayhem, one that will hamper Turkey in Friday's quarterfinal. Volkan Demirel earned a stoppage time red card for shoving K oller. Having used up their three subs, Turkey were forced to finish up with a defender in net, comically wearing Volkan's jersey inside-out. Although the Czechs didn't threaten after that, Turkey lose their starting goalkeeper for their next match against Croatia. For the Czechs, it marks the second-straight major tournament where they opened with a win, and then bowed out with two straight losses.

At the same time, Switzerland capped a frustrating nine days on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Portugal. A pair of second half goals by Hakan Yakin led the co-hosts to victory over a Portuguese side resting several top players. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Gomes, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho all taking the evening off, Portugal will have an advantage for Thursday's quarterfinal, likely against Germany.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 9 Previews

We move to the chaos of simultaneous kickoffs for the last round of group stage matches. But in Group A, the focus will be solely on the match in Geneva, where the Czech Republic and Turkey meet for second place and a quarterfinal match against Croatia. Having already locked up the group, Portugal will face a Swiss team playing for pride.

Czech Republic vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Turkey's last-gasp winner against Switzerland set them up to face the Czechs for a quarterfinal berth. Thanks to a new rule, if this game ends in a draw, the teams will immediately head to a shootout. Otherwise it's winner-take-all.
The prediction: The advantage of experience comes into play in high-pressure matches, and that advantage goes to the Czechs. Petr Cech keeps the Turks off the board and sends his side through with a 1-0 win.

Portugal vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Portugal are fortunate to have already wrapped up the group, since all the talk around the camp this week has been about Coach Scolari's move to Chelsea. The Portuguese have gone into full lockdown mode at their team headquarters. A heartbreaking stoppage time goal against Turkey ended Switzerland's hopes of advancing to the quarters.
The prediction: Portugal have nothing to play for, but the Swiss would love to give the home fans a thrill before leaving the tournament. The more-motivated co-hosts earn a 2-1 win.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 5 Recap

Portugal 3, Czech Republic 1
Turkey 2, Switzerland 1

Group A cleared up nicely today with Portugal clinching the top spot while Turkey set up a winner-take-all game against the Czech Republic for second place. Meanwhile co-hosts Switzerland became the first squad eliminated from the tournament.

A lively game in Geneva saw Portugal take a 3-1 result against the Czechs. Deco opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing up a broken play for the early lead. Nine minutes later, Libor Sionko brought the Czechs level on a well-timed header off a corner kick. In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo took over, putting his side ahead in the 63rd minute and then setting up Ricardo Quaresma in extra time for the put-away goal. The result gives the Portugese six points atop the group. Based on the result the day's second game, they are assured of the top spot and will player the Group B runner-up in next Thursday's quarterfinal.

In the second game Turkey became the first team in the tournament to earn a come-from-behind victory as they rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to post a 2-1 win. Hakan Yakin put Switzerland ahead 32 minutes in on a comical play in which the ball came to a complete stop on the rain-soaked turf just in front of the net. But Kobi Kuhn's men could not hold the lead. Semih Senturk evened the match in the 57th minute and Arda Turan finished a counter-attack in extra time to give his side a vital three points.

With Portugal safely through, their game Sunday against Switzerland is meaningless, other than providing the Swiss one last chance to delight the home crowds. With Turkey and the Czechs level on points and goal differential, the winner of their match will take second, with a shootout to decide matters if the game ends in a draw.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 5 Previews

We move to the second round of group play games. Group A's two opening day winners, the Czech Republic and Portugal, meet in the early game, while the two losers, Switzerland and Turkey, will look to avoid elimination in the nightcap.

Czech Republic vs. Portugal
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Both teams enter the game 1-0-0, but the Portuguese look far more likely to win Group A following a solid 2-0 win over Turkey. Czech goalie Petr Cech knows Cristiano Ronaldo quite well from their Premier League clashes and he'll need every bit of that knowledge to keep his side on level terms.
The prediction: The Czechs were fortunate take all three points from their opener. They won't be as fortunate this time as Portugal wins 2-1.

Switzerland vs. Turkey
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: There's some recent ugly history between these two sides. In November 2005, the Swiss defeated Turkey in a two-legged playoff for a 2006 World Cup berth, setting off scenes of mayhem in Istanbul on and off the pitch. Both sides have downplayed the impact the incident will have on Wednesday's game.
The prediction: The Swiss were the more attractive of these two sides in their openers, but the loss of Alexander Frei significantly hampers their offensive abilities. But with the backing of the home crowd, they should have enough to eke out a 1-0 win.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 1 Recap

Czech Republic 1, Switzerland 0
Portugal 2, Turkey 0

Euro 2008 got underway and the start couldn't have gone much worse for the co-hosts Switzerland. The Swiss fell 1-0 to the Czech Republic in a game dominated by the home side. Despite outshooting their opponents 11-2, Switzerland got burned in the 70th minute when Vaclav Sverkos beat an offside trap to slot home the only goal of the game. More devastating than the defeat was the loss of team captain and leading scorer Alexander Frei, who was taken off with an injury late in the first half. After tearing a knee ligament, Frei's tournament is finished.

In the second game, Portugal flashed style and skill in a convincing 2-0 win over Turkey. The Portuguese could have easily put the game away in the first half; they had one goal disallowed on a close but correct offsides call and Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by a fingertip save by Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Demirel. In the second half, a sharp give and go sprung Pepe loose for the first goal in the 61st minute and substitute Raul Meireles clinched the win in the 90th minute.

Portugal will face the Czechs Wednesday with the winner seizing control of Group A. Switzerland's game against Turkey becomes an elimination game, with the loser effectively out of the tournament.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 1 Previews

Euro 2008 kicks off tomorrow with a pair of games from Group A. It's Switzerland versus the Czech Republic in the tournament opener and Portugal-Turkey in Game Two.

Czech Republic vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Czech experience versus Swiss youth. With these two sides expected to battle for second behind Portugal, a good start to the tournament is crucial.
The prediction: The home crowd inspires the Swiss, but the Czechs force a 1-1 draw.

Portugal vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Is Cristiano Ronaldo ready to put his stamp on this tournament and continue a magical year? Or will the constant swirl of Real Madrid rumors be the distraction that gives Turkey an opening for an upset.
The prediction: Portugal are one of the few teams coming into this tournament without injury concerns. They get off to a good start with a 2-0 win.

UEFA Euro 2008: Switzerland Team Preview

The squad: Switzerland made some unusual history at the 2006 World Cup, becoming the first nation ever to be eliminated without conceding a goal. After winning a group that included France, the Swiss went out to Ukraine in a Round of 16 shootout in which they failed to convert any of their PKs. They have yet to win a match in two previous Euro appearances (1996, 2004).

The players: With a defense-first mentality, the Swiss will look to Borussia Dortmund striker Alex Frei to provide the goals. The Swiss captain managed only nine league games due to injury, but still finished tied for second on the squad with six goals. Any concerns over his fitness dissolved with two goals in a 2-0 friendly win against Slovakia last Saturday. Diego Benaglio is expected to get the nod in goal over Pascal Zuberbuhler, who posted four clean sheets at the 2006 World Cup.

The schedule: vs. Czech Republic (6/7); vs. Turkey (6/11); vs. Portugal (6/15)

The prediction: The co-hosts hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals likely hinge on their opening match against the Czech Republic. A win puts them in position to advance, but a group stage exit seems more likely.