2 Days Off

The World Cup takes a 2 day break today and tomorrow for everyone to take a breather.

I'm going to catch up on some sleep.

I suppose this is our equivalent of the "winter break".

Latest frozen table in the sidebar. Enjoy the sleep everyone.

Buggy's World Cup Pool Update:

Those still in with a chance at the quarterfinal stage:

- Lord Wrence
- Hugo
- JS
- Amb Rose
- babyelly
-Kheva

The Italian Job

The poor Aussies.

They played way above expectations in this, their first World Cup finals in 32 years. They defended stoutly and ran with lung-busting efficiency. They just weren't that good up front. Only Tiny Tim (Cahill to Chelsea!!) and Mark Bresciano had any bite for the Socceroos throughout the whole tournament. Viduka looked way past his best and seemed to just stand there and occupy one marker and do little else.

I have to admit, I was secretly cheering them on to take the Azzurri to penalties. After their shootout triumph over Uruguay in the playoffs, I had confidence that the Aussies had the mental strength to pull one over the Italians.

Pity they had to succumb to the old sucker punch.

The Shakespearean fall in the penalty area.

After watching the replay and slow motion shots, that was hardly a penalty. I've seen old ladies crossing the street that warranted a penalty more than the one which was awarded to Italy. Nevertheless, Totti stepped up and placed the ball past Schwarzer, who guessed the right way, by the way.

If I had to pick a team which I enjoyed having at this World Cup, it would be these boys in Gold and Green (and also the Ivory Coast Elephants, but that's picking TWO teams if you want to be picky about it). They played each game with their hearts on their sleeves and left everything on the pitch. They brought a much-needed dose of straight up endeavour to these championships, which have seen it's fair share of simulation, sniping and players throwing tantrums like spolit, overpaid brats.

Thanks Australia.

"Waltzing Matilda... Waltzing Matilda... You'll go a waltzing Matilda with me...."

Kheva

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 1 - 1

Buggy

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 1 - 1

Christian

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 0 - 1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 0 - 0

Amb Rose a.k.a Edge

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 2 - 3

xiaobabyduck

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 3 - 0

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 1 - 2

xiaobabyelle

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 1-1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 2-1

BG Yeo

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 1-1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 0-0

J.S

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 3-1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 1-1

Hugo Jeans

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 3 - 1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 2 - 1

Darth Dennis

Match 1: Brazil vs Ghana Your Prediction: 2 - 1

Match 2: Spain vs France Your Prediction: 2 - 0

The Battle of Nuremberg

I have to say I'm honoured.

I can claim to have witnessed perhaps the most violent and ill-tempered match in World Cup history. That I have watched in my lifetime so far, of course. There may have been bloodier and violent-er matches in the past, but there is little use talking about a kicking match that took place before I was born right?

Suffice to say, the Portugese and the Dutch kicked the living daylights out of each other last night in Nuremberg. I don't think I will forget the Battle of Nuremberg anytime soon. Hell, I feel sore just WATCHING it.

Khalid Bhoularouz took Christiano Ronaldo out with a kungfu kick that Cantona would be proud of. Phillip Cocu threw Deco to the ground with a WWE slam. Wesley Sneijder floored Meira. Kyut took out Ricardo with a sliding tackle with studs showing.

And this was just the Dutch!

England must be sitting in their hotel room, smiling gleefully to themselves, watchinng their potential quarterfinal opponents rip themselves to shreds. Come the 1st of July, Portugal will take to the field without Deco and Costinha. And perhaps without the King of the Stepovers. The rest will be nursing lumps the size of grapefruits. Well, Becks did puke in front of billions, but I think he'll be fine by the time the quarterfinal clash comes about.


Your hard-working organizers are sponsoring a prize of a 15% restaurant voucher for the winner of the Predictor table. Buggy is also sponsoring free ice kachang to the top 5 places. And even if you not in the top 5 also got free ice kachang lah, don't say I never take care of you all. ;)

This World Cup blog and activities are proudly brought to you by the greatest tag team in history....

GET THE TABLES!!! WHAAAZZZUUPPP!!!!

Kheva a.k.a Bubba

Match 1 : Italian Pasta vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Swiss Roll vs UK Rain Prediction: 2-1

Buggy a.k.a Dvon

Match 1 : Italian Pasta vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Swiss Roll vs UK Rain Prediction: 1-1

xiaobabyelle

Match 1 : Italian Pasta vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 2-0

Match 2 : Swiss Roll vs UK Rain Prediction: 1-1

xiaobabyduck

Match 1 : Italian Pasta vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 2:0

Match 2 : Swiss Roll vs UK Rain Prediction: 2:1

Amb Rose a.k.a Edge

Match 1 : Italian Pasta vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 2-0

Match 2 : Swiss Roll vs UK Rain Prediction: 2-0

Christian

Match 1 : Italian Pasta vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 3-0

Match 2 : Swiss Roll vs UK Rain Prediction: 1-1

Hugo Jeans

Match 1 : Italian Pasta vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 2 - 1

Match 2 : Swiss Roll vs UK Rain Prediction: 2 - 0

BG Yeo

Match 1 : Italian Pasta vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 2-0

Match 2 : Swiss Roll vs UK Rain Prediction: 0-1

Get The Tables!

Big up to Amb Rose, who despite being on MC, phoned in his predictions to his tag team partner Captain Charisma Christian.

It's come to my attention that Darth Dennis is also on MC! What's up with you guys?! The long World Cup campaign wearing you out?

Nevertheless, Darth and Edge soldiered on to send me their predictions.

How's that for dedication...

Amb Rose the Rated R Superstar!

Match 1 : Saudis vs Spain Prediction: 0-2

Match 2 : Ukraine vs Tunisia Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Togo vs France Prediction: 0-2

Match 4 : Switzerland vs Korea Rep Prediction: 1-1


Sat

Match 1 : Germany vs Sweden Prediction: 3-1

Match 2 : Argentina vs Mexico Prediction: 2-1


Sun


Match 1 : England vs Ecuador Prediction: 2-0

Match 2 : Portugal vs Holland Prediction: 1-1

Darth Dennis

Match 1 : Saudis vs Spain Prediction: 1-4

Match 2 : Ukraine vs Tunisia Prediction: 3-1

Match 3 : Togo vs France Prediction: 0-3

Match 4 : Switzerland vs Korea Rep Prediction: 2-1

Sat

Match 1 : Germany vs Sweden Prediction: 3-1

Match 2 : Argentina vs Mexico Prediction: 2-1


Sun

Match 1 : England vs Ecuador Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Portugal vs Holland Prediction: 1-2

Why we lost....

*** Staff writer on break, in place we present funny quotes from soccer players***

'I couldn't settle in Italy - it was like living in a foreign country.' - Ian Rush

'Germany are a very difficult team to play...they had 11 internationals out there today.' - Steve Lomas

'I would not be bothered if we lost every game as long as we won the league.' - Mark Viduka

'If you don't believe you can win, there is no point in getting out of bed at the end of the day.' - Neville Southall

and my all time favourite....

'We lost because we didn't win.' - Ronaldo

Kheva

Tonight

Match 1 : Saudis vs Spain Prediction: 0-2

Match 2 : Ukraine vs Tunisia Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Togo vs France Prediction: 0-3

Match 4 : Switzerland vs Korea Rep Prediction: 1-1


Sat

Match 1 : Germany vs Sweden Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Argentina vs Mexico Prediction: 2-0


Sun

Match 1 : England vs Ecuador Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : Portugal vs Holland Prediction: 1-1

Buggy

Tonight

Match 1 : Saudis vs Spain Prediction: 0-2

Match 2 : Ukraine vs Tunisia Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Togo vs France Prediction: 0-2

Match 4 : Switzerland vs Korea Rep Prediction: 1-1


Sat

Match 1 : Germany vs Sweden Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Argentina vs Mexico Prediction: 2-0


Sun


Match 1 : England vs Ecuador Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Portugal vs Holland Prediction: 1-2

xiaobabyelle

Tonight

Match 1 : Saudis vs Spain Prediction: 0-3

Match 2 : Ukraine vs Tunisia Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Togo vs France Prediction: 0-0

Match 4 : Switzerland vs Korea Rep Prediction: 0-1


Sat

Match 1 : Germany vs Sweden Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Argentina vs Mexico Prediction: 3-1


Sun

Match 1 : England vs Ecuador Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Portugal vs Holland Prediction: 1-2


BG Yeo

Tonight

Match 1 : Saudis vs Spain Prediction: 0-3

Match 2 : Ukraine vs Tunisia Prediction: 3 -1

Match 3 : Togo vs France Prediction: 0- 1

Match 4 : Switzerland vs Korea Rep Prediction: 1 -1


Sat

Match 1 : Germany vs Sweden Prediction: 1 -1

Match 2 : Argentina vs Mexico Prediction: 3-1


Sun

Match 1 : England vs Ecuador Prediction: 2- 0

Match 2 : Portugal vs Holland Prediction: 0 - 1


Hugo Jeans

Tonight

Match 1 : Saudis vs Spain Prediction: 0 - 3

Match 2 : Ukraine vs Tunisia Prediction: 1 - 1

Match 3 : Togo vs France Prediction: 1 - 2

Match 4 : Switzerland vs Korea Rep Prediction: 1 - 2


Sat

Match 1 : Germany vs Sweden Prediction: 3 - 1

Match 2 : Argentina vs Mexico Prediction: 3 - 1


Sun


Match 1 : England vs Ecuador Prediction: 1 - 2

Match 2 : Portugal vs Holland Prediction: 2 - 1


J.S

Tonight

Match 1 : Saudis vs Spain Prediction: 0 - 3

Match 2 : Ukraine vs Tunisia Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 3 : Togo vs France Prediction: 1 - 2

Match 4 : Switzerland vs Korea Rep Prediction: 1 - 2


Sat

Match 1 : Germany vs Sweden Prediction: 3 - 1

Match 2 : Argentina vs Mexico Prediction: 2 - 0


Sun


Match 1 : England vs Ecuador Prediction: 3 - 1

Match 2 : Portugal vs Holland Prediction: 1 - 2


xiaobabyduck

Tonight

Match 1 : Saudis vs Spain Prediction: 0:2

Match 2 : Ukraine vs Tunisia Prediction: 1:1

Match 3 : Togo vs France Prediction: 1:2

Match 4 : Switzerland vs Korea Rep Prediction: 1:2


Sat

Match 1 : Germany vs Sweden Prediction: 2:0

Match 2 : Argentina vs Mexico Prediction: 3:0


Sun


Match 1 : England vs Ecuador Prediction: 2:1

Match 2 : Portugal vs Holland Prediction: 1:1


Christian

Tonight

Match 1 : Saudis vs Spain Prediction: 0-5

Match 2 : Ukraine vs Tunisia Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : Togo vs France Prediction: 0-2

Match 4 : Switzerland vs Korea Rep Prediction: 1-2


Sat

Match 1 : Germany vs Sweden Prediction: 2-0

Match 2 : Argentina vs Mexico Prediction: 4-0


Sun


Match 1 : England vs Ecuador Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Portugal vs Holland Prediction: 1-2

Wake Up Pills

3am games.

What a stinker.

I've missed 2 3am games in a row now, due to not being able to stay awake. :(

England v Sweden and Argentina v Holland have played with me snoozing blissfully in front of the TV, only to wake up at 5am to see the interview with the Man of the Match. How's that for a teaser? A quick hop out of bed to check Soccernet for the score and I'm back in dreamland.

Anyone have any legal, over the counter "wake up pills" for me? *yawn*

On the table front, the tussle at the top continues with Elly top scoring this round again. with a whopping jackpot 4 out of a possible 12 points, she comes out tops. The rest of us all eat claypot rice, with lup cheong and salted fish. yummy.

The round of 16 fixtures are shaping up. Portugal v Holland looks juicy.

Wish me luck in staying awake for the Brazil v Japan match, or as Kheva so eloquently put it; Sambal vs Sushi.

Kheva

Match 1 : Czech Rep vs Italy Prediction: 1 - 3

Match 2 : Ghana vs USA Prediction: 1 - 1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Japan Prediction: 3 - 0

Match 4 : Croatia vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 1 - 2

BG Yeo

Match 1 : Czech Rep vs Italy Prediction: 1-2

Match 2 : Ghana vs USA Prediction: 1-1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Japan Prediction: 1-0

Match 4 : Croatia vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 1-0

xiaobabyduck

Match 1 : Czech Rep vs Italy Prediction: 2 - 1

Match 2 : Ghana vs USA Prediction: 1 - 0

Match 3 : Brasil vs Japan Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 4 : Croatia vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 1 - 0

xiaobabyelly

Match 1 : Czech Rep vs Italy Prediction: 0-2

Match 2 : Ghana vs USA Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : Brasil vs Japan Prediction: 3-1

Match 4 : Croatia vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 0-2

buggy

Match 1 : Czech Rep vs Italy Prediction: 0-1

Match 2 : Ghana vs USA Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Japan Prediction: 3-0

Match 4 : Croatia vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 1-2

Christian

Match 1 : Czech Rep vs Italy Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : Ghana vs USA Prediction: 1-1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Japan Prediction: 0-1

Match 4 : Croatia vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 0-0

Hugo Jeans

Match 1 : Czech Rep vs Italy Prediction: 2 - 2

Match 2 : Ghana vs USA Prediction: 0 - 1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Japan Prediction: 3 - 0

Match 4 : Croatia vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 2 - 0

Amb Rose a.k.a Edge

Match 1 : Czech Rep vs Italy Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : Ghana vs USA Prediction: 1-1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Japan Prediction: 2-0

Match 4 : Croatia vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 1-1

J.S

Match 1 : Czech Rep vs Italy Prediction: 1-2

Match 2 : Ghana vs USA Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Brasil vs Japan Prediction: 2-0

Match 4 : Croatia vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 2-2

Darth Dennis

Match 1 : Czech Rep vs Italy Prediction: 2 - 1

Match 2 : Ghana vs USA Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 3 : Brasil vs Japan Prediction: 3 - 0

Match 4 : Croatia vs OZ Kangeroo Prediction: 0 - 2

Kheva Power

Once again, this old man didn't watch any of last night's games.

I obviously would have liked to watch England v Sweden, but curse the time difference. 3am is hardly a healthy time to watch, and have to wake up for a long day at the office the next day.

I am, however, making an exception for Argentina v Holland.

After a sputtering start, superstar Kheva has shot up the table faster than Robben dives in the penalty area. Before you can yell "Kelong! Dive! Dive! Dive!", we find Kheva sitting pretty on top of the mountain. Elly has been bumped off the top, with Buggy propping up the top 2. Shuai Ben has dropped out of the race for reasons unknown. At the foot of the table, we see Darth battling with Captain Charisma Christian to avoid relegation. Hey Darth, beware the one-man Con-Chairto...that one's a doozy....

Relegate to where?!

Next division below us is the S League Predictor league. Clementi Khalsa v Jurong FC Cobras anyone?

*** Please vote for who you think will win the Golden Boot (see sidebar)***

Kheva

Match 1 : Argentina vs Holland Prediction: 2 -1

Match 2 : Ivory Coast vs Serb&M Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : Portugal vs Mexico Prediction: 0-1

Match 4 : Angola vs Iran Prediction: 1 - 0


BG Yeo

Match 1 : Argentina vs Holland Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : Ivory Coast vs Serb&M Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : Portugal vs Mexico Prediction: 0-1

Match 4 : Angola vs Iran Prediction: 2-1


Christian

Match 1 : Argentina vs Holland Prediction: 3-1

Match 2 : Ivory Coast vs Serb&M Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Portugal vs Mexico Prediction: 2-0

Match 4 : Angola vs Iran Prediction: 0-0


Amb Rose a.k.a Edge

Match 1 : Argentina vs Holland Prediction: 1- 1

Match 2 : Ivory Coast vs Serb&M Prediction: 1-2

Match 3 : Portugal vs Mexico Prediction: 1-1

Match 4 : Angola vs Iran Prediction: 2-1


JS

Match 1 : Argentina vs Holland Prediction: 3 -1

Match 2 : Ivory Coast vs Serb&M Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Portugal vs Mexico Prediction: 1- 1

Match 4 : Angola vs Iran Prediction: 2-1


Buggy

Match 1 : Argentina vs Holland Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Ivory Coast vs Serb&M Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Portugal vs Mexico Prediction: 1-1

Match 4 : Angola vs Iran Prediction: 0-1


Hugo Jeans

Match 1 : Argentina vs Holland Prediction: 2 - 1

Match 2 : Ivory Coast vs Serb&M Prediction: 2 - 1

Match 3 : Portugal vs Mexico Prediction: 3 - 0

Match 4 : Angola vs Iran Prediction: 0 - 0


xiaobabyelle

Match 1 : Argentina vs Holland Prediction: 3-2

Match 2 : Ivory Coast vs Serb&M Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Portugal vs Mexico Prediction: 1-2

Match 4 : Angola vs Iran Prediction: 1-1


xiaobabyduck

Match 1 : Argentina vs Holland Prediction: 3 - 1

Match 2 : Ivory Coast vs Serb&M Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 3 : Portugal vs Mexico Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 4 : Angola vs Iran Prediction: 0 - 0


Darth Dennis

Match 1 : Argentina vs Holland Prediction: 2 - 1

Match 2 : Ivory Coast vs Serb&M Prediction: 2 - 1

Match 3 : Portugal vs Mexico Prediction: 1 - 1

Match 4 : Angola vs Iran Prediction: 0 - 1

Viva Espania!

Last night's matches pretty much went according to plan.

Kheva top scored last night with a massive 7 point jump. Everyone pretty much hit the nails on the heads, predicting a Swiss Roll, a UK Rain and a Spanish Fly.

I caught up on some much-needed sleep, and I didn't watch any of the matches. :

What do tonight's matches have in store?

Will Rooney start against Sweden? (Please vote in the poll on the sidebar)

Will anyone watch the Paraguay v Trinidad game?

Will Phillip Lahm sign for Everton?

Will Edge and Christian land the elusive Con-Chairto?

Questions....questions....

Kheva

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Germany Prediction: 1 - 2

Match 2 : Costa Rica vs Poland Prediction: 0 - 2

Match 3 : England vs Sweden Prediction: 0 - 0

Match 4 : Paraguay vs TNT Prediction: 2 - 0


BG Yeo

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Germany Prediction: 0-2

Match 2 : Costa Rica vs Poland Prediction:1-3

Match 3 : England vs Sweden Prediction: 3-1

Match 4 : Paraguay vs TNT Prediction: 2-0


JS

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Germany Prediction: 2 -2

Match 2 : Costa Rica vs Poland Prediction: 0-1

Match 3 : England vs Sweden Prediction: 2-2

Match 4 : Paraguay vs TNT Prediction: 2-1


Buggy

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Germany Prediction: 1-2

Match 2 : Costa Rica vs Poland Prediction: 1-1

Match 3 : England vs Sweden Prediction: 2-1

Match 4 : Paraguay vs TNT Prediction: 1-0


Amb Rose a.k.a Edge

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Germany Prediction: 0-2

Match 2 : Costa Rica vs Poland Prediction: 1-2

Match 3 : England vs Sweden Prediction: 2-1

Match 4 : Paraguay vs TNT Prediction: 2-0


Xiaobabyelle

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Germany Prediction: 1-2

Match 2 : Costa Rica vs Poland Prediction: 0-1

Match 3 : England vs Sweden Prediction: 2-1

Match 4 : Paraguay vs TNT Prediction: 2-1


Xiaobabyduck

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Germany Prediction: 1:2

Match 2 : Costa Rica vs Poland Prediction: 0:1

Match 3 : England vs Sweden Prediction: 2:1

Match 4 : Paraguay vs TNT Prediction: 0:0


Darth Dennis


Match 1 : Ecuador vs Germany Prediction: 1 : 2

Match 2 : Costa Rica vs Poland Prediction: 0 : 1

Match 3 : England vs Sweden Prediction: 2 : 1

Match 4 : Paraguay vs TNT Prediction: 1 : 1


Christian


Match 1 : Ecuador vs Germany Prediction: 1-2

Match 2 : Costa Rica vs Poland Prediction: 1-3

Match 3 : England vs Sweden Prediction: 0-0

Match 4 : Paraguay vs TNT Prediction: 1-1


Hugo Jeans

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Germany Prediction: 1 - 3

Match 2 : Costa Rica vs Poland Prediction: 1 - 1

Match 3 : England vs Sweden Prediction: 1 - 1

Match 4 : Paraguay vs TNT Prediction: 1 - 1

Back From Holiday

We apologise for the long period of inactivity.

Booker T needs to go on holiday too. *spina-Rooney*

But we're back, with a flurry of updates today. After the dust settled on the latest bumper crop of fixtures, we see Elly and Buggy climbing into joint first with Kheva making a spectacular tumble down the table. Perhaps it was the expose that was written about him in my last post. Someone whom has been hiding just under radar level, but has chosen this time to make his military-style attack is BG Yeo. An equally spectacular rise up the table, as Kheva's slide, BG jumps into second spot.

Comments on the games I managed to catch:

Brazil looked like a stuttering machine. Playing at 3/4 pace, they seemed to struggle to get into top gear, even against the Aussies. The Socceroos defended stoutly and closed down the spaces. But one just gets the feeling that Brazil seem to be languishing on their reputation. Will they manage to get themselves up for more reputable opponents in the knockout stages? Would they find their swagger against someone like Holland or Argentina?

Speaking of Argentina, my pick to lift this World Cup seems to be coming good. Hammering 6 past a clueless Serbia & Montenegro. Perhaps the poor Serbs had half their mind on the political instability back home. After all, Serbia and Montenegro are now seperate states. This will probably be the last time we see this team competeing under the same flag. This probably doesn't bode well for soccer in the Eastern Eurpoean bloc as these players will now have to split their talents up into smaller nations. Case in point is Russia and Ukraine. Imagine Sheva in the Russian team. Interesting thought eh?

Tonight's matches look like snoorers.

I think I'll skip them all for some good sleep. See below for some Tekk Go, and Swiss Rolls.

Kheva:

Match 1 : Swiss Roll vs To Go Prediction: 2-0

Match 2 : UK Rain vs Saudis Prediction: 4-0

Match 3 : Spain vs Tuna sia Prediction: 2-0


BG Yeo:

Match 1 : Swiss Roll vs To Go Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : UK Rain vs Saudis Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Spain vs Tuna sia Prediction: 3-0

Buggy:

Match 1 : Swiss Roll vs To Go Prediction: 1-0

Match 2 : UK Rain vs Saudis Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : Spain vs Tuna sia Prediction: 2-0

Darth Dennis:

Match 1 : Swiss Roll vs To Go Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : UK Rain vs Saudis Prediction: 3-0

Match 3 : Spain vs Tuna sia Prediction: 2-1

Xiaobabyelly:

Match 1 : Swiss Roll vs To Go Prediction: 1-0

Match 2 : UK Rain vs Saudis Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Spain vs Tuna sia Prediction: 2-0

Xiaobabyduck:

Match 1 : Swiss Roll vs To Go Prediction: 2:0

Match 2 : UK Rain vs Saudis Prediction: 1:0

Match 3 : Spain vs Tuna sia Prediction: 2:0

Hugo Jeans:

Match 1 : Swiss Roll vs To Go Prediction: 2 - 2

Match 2 : UK Rain vs Saudis Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 3 : Spain vs Tuna sia Prediction: 2 - 0

Christian:

Swiss Roll 0-1 Tekk Go

Ukraine 1-0 Saudi Arab

Spain 2-1 Tuna

Amb Rose aka Edge: Out of Action

Will the REAL Sheva please stand up?

A poor night for our punters last night. No changes in the table standings as everyone consolidates on their positions. Hugo has slipped into clear 3rd, behind Buggy at outright second, but there's still a tie for first up at the business end of the table with Elly, JS and Kheva (despite playing on one bad leg) locked in a dogfight for the top spot. Will this weekend's fixtures seperate the boys from the ladies? Only time will tell.

We welcome another new addition to our group. ABU chris. Am Rose's padawan. Perhaps we should rename you two Edge and Christian... GET THE TABLES!!

Most guessed that Spain would win, but not to slap poor Sheva's team around 4-0. Speaking of Sheva... I think perhaps it was this fella on the pitch last night instead of the ex-European Footballer of the Year.

I'll keep this short.

Today's update was delayed due to unforseen "telco issues" where our 2 "reporters" were busy running around trying to "resolve". Mysterious enough? ;)

Amb Rose a.k.a Edge

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 3-0

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 1-0


ABU chris a.k.a Christian

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 0-0

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 2-0


Kheva

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 4-0

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 0-0


Buggy

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 2-0


Shuai Ben

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 1-2

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 2-0


Darth Dennis

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 1-0


xiaobabyduck

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 0-2

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 2-1


xiaobabyelly

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 2-2

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 3-0

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 1-1


BG Yeo

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 1-0

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 3-0

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 1-1

Hugo Jeans

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 2 - 2

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 1 - 0

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 1 - 1

JS

Match 1 : Ecuador vs Costa Rica Prediction: 1 - 1

Match 2 : England vs TNT Prediction: 2 -0

Match 3 : Sweden vs Paraguay Prediction: 2 -1

Yonhup Yonhup!!

What's up with the French?!

But I have to say, I'm hardly surprised. They've been in a slump ever since the disastrous 2002 campaign where they failed to score, and lost against Senegal and Denmark. With the kind of quality they have on the pitch, it's hard to believe they struggle so much. I put the blame squarely on the coach. With world class players at almost every position, the only missing piece is the tactical plan from the coach. I don't really know what Domanech is doing leaving Trezeguet on the bench and playing Henry up front alone with Ribery and Wiltord supporting from deep. I hope to see Trezeguet play in the next game, as I feel he is the only player with the ability to finish the moves that the French create.

Yonhup yonhup! The Koreans did it again. A come from behind win to confound their critics. will we see more of this against Le Bleu and the Swiss? I doubt it. But then again, I did predict a French victory last night, so I'll shut up now.

On the table, we now see a 3-way tie for first between Elly (u go grrrlll!), JS and the hard-charging Kheva. A huge leap was made by Hugo Jeans up to a tie for second with Buggy. Welcome to Shuai Ben and Darth Dennis as they start their slow ascent from the foot of the table.

I've posted these tactical plans graciously shared by JS. Perhaps he found them lying under the bench in the locker room after the French game. From the looks of the French plan, they carried it out to PERFECTION. Where's the goal?!?

Kheva

Match 1 : Spain vs Ukraine Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Germany vs Poland Prediction: 2-0


Buggy

Match 1 : Spain vs Ukraine Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Germany vs Poland Prediction: 3-1


Shuai Ben

Match 1 : Spain vs Ukraine Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : Germany vs Poland Prediction: 3-0

Darth Dennis

Match 1 : Spain vs Ukraine Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Germany vs Poland Prediction: 2-1

JS

Match 1 : Spain vs Ukraine Prediction: 1-2

Match 2 : Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : Germany vs Poland Prediction: 3-1


BG Yeo

Match 1 : Spain vs Ukraine Prediction: 1-0

Match 2 : Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction: 3-0

Match 3 : Germany vs Poland Prediction: 3-1


Xiaobabyelly

Match 1 : Spain vs Ukraine Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction: 3-0

Match 3 : Germany vs Poland Prediction: 3-1


Hugo Jeans

Match 1 : Spain vs Ukraine Prediction: 1-2

Match 2 : Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Germany vs Poland Prediction: 3-1


Amb Rose

Match 1 : Spain vs Ukraine Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Germany vs Poland Prediction: 3-1


xiaobabyduck

Match 1 : Spain vs Ukraine Prediction: 2:1

Match 2 : Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia Prediction: 1:2

Match 3 : Germany vs Poland Prediction: 2:0

Aussie Aussie Aussie!!

Tiny Tim.

Destroyer of Japan.

I think the Aussies were lucky to get the win, but a win is a win. (To quote Messers Eriksson). Take nothing away from the Socceroos, this is a historic win for them. Their first ever World Cup win.

I only managed to catch the second half of the game, and I almost fell asleep. Unlike the other 3-1 encounter I watched, Mexico v Iran, was by far more entertaining than the Australia v Japan game. Scrappy through most parts of the second half, the Aussies seemed to be unable to do anything in the business third of the pitch. It didn't help that Zico seemed to get his charges to pack the penalty area and try to hit Australia on the break. Sound tactics for a coach, but this fella is Brazillian for crying out loud.

I had almost given up when Tiny Tim bundled in the equalizer. "Saints be praised!" I yelled, as it meant that I would have gotten a point for Kheva's Predictor game. (I had gone for a 2-2 draw).

2 minutes later, my dreams, along with the dream of millions of crazed J League fans, were dashed when Cahill curled in a peach of a shot. Aloisi finished off the shell-shocked Japanese with a third goal a minute from time.

I'd like to take this chance to welcome Dennis and Ben (ex Reuters alum) to the show. No doubt you guys have already introduced yourselves in the posts below. :)

Without further ado, here are your predictions for tonight's fixtures. Dennis and Ben, yours are included too.

Kheva

Match 1 : Korea (Yonhup) vs Togo Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : France vs Swiss Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Croatia Prediction: 4-1

BG Yeo

Match 1 : Korea (Yonhup) vs Togo Prediction: 2-0

Match 2 : France vs Swiss Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : Brasil vs Croatia Prediction: 1-1

Amb Rose

Match 1 : Korea (Yonhup) vs Togo Prediction: 2-0

Match 2 : France vs Swiss Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Croatia Prediction: 3-0

Xiaobabyelly

Match 1 : Korea (Yonhup) vs Togo Prediction: 1-0

Match 2 : France vs Swiss Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Brasil vs Croatia Prediction: 2-1

JS

Match 1 : Korea (Yonhup) vs Togo Prediction: 2-0

Match 2 : France vs Swiss Prediction: 2-0

Match 3 : Brasil vs Croatia Prediction: 3-1

Buggy

Match 1 : Korea (Yonhup) vs Togo Prediction: 0-0

Match 2 : France vs Swiss Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : Brasil vs Croatia Prediction: 2-0

Xiaobabyduck

Match 1 : Korea (Yonhup) vs Togo Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : France vs Swiss Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Croatia Prediction: 3-0


Hugo Jeans

Match 1 : Korea (Yonhup) vs Togo Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : France vs Swiss Prediction: 1-1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Croatia Prediction: 3-1


Ben

Match 1 : Korea (Yonhup) vs Togo Prediction: *SKIP*

Match 2 : France vs Swiss Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : Brasil vs Croatia Prediction: 2-0

Dennis

Match 1 : Korea (Yonhup) vs Togo Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : France vs Swiss Prediction: 2-1

Match 3 : Brasil vs Croatia Prediction: 3-1

The dust settles...

The first flurry of group games have come and gone.

After the dust has settled, we see Buggy sitting on top of the pile, but just by a hairlength from the hot-chasing JS.

My thoughts on the games I managed to watch:

- England looked laborious. I honeslty don't know how Eriksson can say he was "pleased with the result". I notice in the interview, he kept saying "the most important thing is that we have the 3 points". The whole of England is now praying for Rooney to return against Sweden.

- You heard it here first folks. The Ivory Coast. Mark them down in your diary. Look them up in the atlas if you haven't heard of them before. Based on the way they ran at Argentina, they are certainly not a side to be underestimated. Strong, powerful, fast and fit. These Africans showed why they were runners up in the African Cup of Nations. To me, the quality they possess that stands out above all; fearlessness. They attacked Argentina like the insolent new kid at school. Drogba bossed around the slow looking Ayala. Heinze had to double up on the Chelsea man to keep him down. The result was a niggling battle of words, kicks, the obligatory Drogba dive and a yellow for Heinze. Kolo Toure showed he can do on the international stage, what he proved he could do in the Premiership. Cover, run, mark and snuff out the Argentina forward thrusts. Of special note is Bakrie Akouba. This fellow really caught my eye. An attacking midfielder, he seemed to rise above the marking of Cambiasso and launched countless raids on the Argentina backline. Perhaps a move to the Premiership is on the cards? If ever there was a dark horse that has captured my attention, it has to be these Elephants. alez Cote d'Ivore!


Looks like we have a cracker of a World Cup on our hands.

And now, onto the business-end of things....

xiaobabyduck

Match 1 : Australia vs Japan Prediction: 1:1

Match 2 : USA vs Czech Republic Prediction: 1:2

Match 3 : Italy vs Ghana Prediction: 3:0

JS

Match 1 : Australia vs Japan Prediction: 1-2

Match 2 : USA vs Czech Republic Prediction: 0- 1

Match 3 : Italy vs Ghana Prediction: 2- 0

Kheva

Match 1 : Australia vs Japan Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 2 : USA vs Czech Republic Prediction: 1 -1

Match 3 : Italy vs Ghana Prediction: 2- 0

xiaobabyelly

Match 1 : Australia vs Japan Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : USA vs Czech Republic Prediction: 1-2

Match 3 : Italy vs Ghana Prediction: 2-0


BG Yeo

Match 1 : Australia vs Japan Prediction: 1-1

Match 2 : USA vs Czech Republic Prediction: 0-2

Match 3 : Italy vs Ghana Prediction: 3-0


Amb Rose

Match 1 : Australia vs Japan Prediction: 1-2

Match 2 : USA vs Czech Republic Prediction: 1-3

Match 3 : Italy vs Ghana Prediction: 4-0

Buggy

Match 1 : Australia vs Japan Prediction: 2-2

Match 2 : USA vs Czech Republic Prediction: 0-1

Match 3 : Italy vs Ghana Prediction: 1-0

Hugo Jeans

Match 1 : Australia vs Japan Prediction: 1-3

Match 2 : USA vs Czech Republic Prediction: 0-1

Match 3 : Italy vs Ghana Prediction: 2-1

Sweden should change their style of playing.......

Sweden should never play long ball with most of their players not really communicating with each other! The match against TNT may just signify an early exit for Sweden in this world cup.

Peter Crouch is hopeless...

Oh gosh...standing at 1.98m tall, Peter Crouch appears to be completely hopeless in England's strikeforce. After scoring a hatrick against Jamaica, he was totally a shadow of himself in the Paraguay game. He seems to be landing himself everywhere on the floor with silly tackles and almost got a RED booking! He does not even have a shot on target!

WC Predictor Round 1

All predictions are in!

Good luck everyone!

Andrei Kheva prediction:

Match 1 : Germany vs Costa Rica Prediction: 3-4

Match 2 : Poland vs Ecuador Prediction: 0-0

Match 3 : England vs Paraguay Prediction: 2-1

Match 4 : TNT vs Sweden Prediction: 0-3

Match 5 : Argentina vs Ivory Coast Prediction: 2-1

Match 6 : Serb&Mon vs Holland Prediction: 1-1

Match 7 : Mexico vs Iran Prediction: 2-2

Match 8 : Angola vs Portugal Prediction: 0-2


Buggy prediction:

Match 1 : Germany vs Costa Rica Prediction: 1-0

Match 2 : Poland vs Ecuador Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : England vs Paraguay Prediction: 2-0

Match 4 : TNT vs Sweden Prediction: 1-2

Match 5 : Argentina vs Ivory Coast Prediction: 2-1

Match 6 : Serb&Mon vs Holland Prediction: 1-2

Match 7 : Mexico vs Iran Prediction: 2-0

Match 8 : Angola vs Portugal Prediction: 0-3


JS prediction:

Match 1 : Germany vs Costa Rica Prediction: 2-2

Match 2 : Poland vs Ecuador Prediction: 0-2

Match 3 : England vs Paraguay Prediction: 2-0

Match 4 : TNT vs Sweden Prediction: 0-2

Match 5 : Argentina vs Ivory Coast Prediction: 2-3

Match 6 : Serb&Mon vs Holland Prediction: 0-2

Match 7 : Mexico vs Iran Prediction: 2-1

Match 8 : Angola vs Portugal Prediction: 0-3


Amb Rose prediction:

Match 1 : Germany vs Costa Rica Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Poland vs Ecuador Prediction: 1-1

Match 3 : England vs Paraguay Prediction: 2-2

Match 4 : TNT vs Sweden Prediction: 0-2

Match 5 : Argentina vs Ivory Coast Prediction: 3-2

Match 6 : Serb&Mon vs Holland Prediction: 1-3

Match 7 : Mexico vs Iran Prediction: 2-0

Match 8 : Angola vs Portugal Prediction: 0-3


Xiaobabyduck prediction :

Match 1 : Germany vs Costa Rica Prediction: 3-1

Match 2 : Poland vs Ecuador Prediction: 1-2

Match 3 : England vs Paraguay Prediction: 2-3

Match 4 : TNT vs Sweden Prediction: 0-1

Match 5 : Argentina vs Ivory Coast Prediction: 3-0

Match 6 : Serb&Mon vs Holland Prediction: 1-2

Match 7 : Mexico vs Iran Prediction: 1-1

Match 8 : Angola vs Portugal Prediction: 2-3


Xiaobabyelly prediction:

Match 1 : Germany vs Costa Rica Prediction: 2-3

Match 2 : Poland vs Ecuador Prediction: 1-3

Match 3 : England vs Paraguay Prediction: 3-2

Match 4 : TNT vs Sweden Prediction: 0-2

Match 5 : Argentina vs Ivory Coast Prediction: 3-2

Match 6 : Serb&Mon vs Holland Prediction: 1-4

Match 7 : Mexico vs Iran Prediction: 3-0

Match 8 : Angola vs Portugal Prediction: 0-3


BG Yeo Prediction:

Match 1 : Germany vs Costa Rica Prediction: 2-1

Match 2 : Poland vs Ecuador Prediction: 1-0

Match 3 : England vs Paraguay Prediction: 3-1

Match 4 : TNT vs Sweden Prediction: 0-2

Match 5 : Argentina vs Ivory Coast Prediction: 1-1

Match 6 : Serb&Mon vs Holland Prediction: 0-2

Match 7 : Mexico vs Iran Prediction: 3-1

Match 8 : Angola vs Portugal Prediction: 0-3


Hugo Jeans Prediction:

Match 1 : Germany vs Costa Rica Prediction: 2 - 0

Match 2 : Poland vs Ecuador Prediction: 1 - 0

Match 3 : England vs Paraguay Prediction: 1 - 1

Match 4 : TNT vs Sweden Prediction: 0 - 3

Match 5 : Argentina vs Ivory Coast Prediction: 1 - 1

Match 6 : Serb&Mon vs Holland Prediction: 0 - 1

Match 7 : Mexico vs Iran Prediction: 2 - 2

Match 8 : Angola vs Portugal Prediction: 1 - 3

Let's Get Ready To Rumble

The Copa Mundial.

The World Cup.

It's finally here. After 4 long years of waiting. Japan Korea 2002 was memorable. The remarkable run of the Koreans into the semifinals (it's the ginseng I tell you), the emergence (and subsequent fizzle) of Senegal. The German machine that blindsided everyone to make it to the finals on the back of what some might consider mediocre talent.

What's in store this year? All will be revealed over the next month.

I'll go on record as saying that I fancy Argentina this year. The burgeoning talent of Messi, the battlehardened guile of Riquelme (nevermind what happened in the Champion's League semi against Arsenal), the wild-haired running of Sorin. Heinze is back after a horrific knee injury, but he's far from match fit. Hitmen Carlos Tevez and Hernan Crespo are not brilliant, but they get the job done. Throw in veteran defenders Ayala and the emerging Coloccini and you have quality up and down the spine of the team.

My only worry? The goalkeeper. German Lux hardly inspires confidence in me and he looked shaky in the 2 games I watched Argentina play in recently. I have my fingers crossed.

Whatever happens... The Beautiful Game is here....