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- Unfortunately, the draw has not been kind to football
fans as most of the top teams will be playing each other in the upper half of the draw.
- Even if Argentina were to finish top in their group,
they will still be meeting France (provided they keep winning) in the Semis.
- In fact, its already been predetermined that five
previous world cup champions (i.e., France, Argentina, Brazil, England and Uruguay) will
not be able to meet one another in the 2002 final.
- France should win because they have more depth and
strength given Argentina's laborious group matches.
Prediction: France (Winner SP1) |
SP2:
Winner Group B (B1) vs Runners-Up Group E (E2)
Spain Vs Cameroon |
- Should be a good match to watch and most non-Spanish
would be cheering for the underdog Cameroon with memories of Roger Milla and co.
- Acknowledged as the country with the best domestic
league in the world, I feel that Spain will beat Cameroon (by penalties).
Prediction: Spain (Winner SP2) |
SP3:
Winner Group C (C1) vs Runners-Up Group H (H2)
Brazil Vs Russia |
- Brazil should have not much problem with a hardworking
but flair-lacking Russia unless they get overconfidence and become complacent.
- However, I expect Russia to put in a much better fight
than many would have expected.
Prediction: Brazil (Winner SP3) |
- It would be hard for the surprise team of the 1998
world cup to repeat its marvellous performance against an extremely creative and
multi-talented Portugal team.
- I don't think Portugal, with one of the best player in
the world in Luis Figo, will lose this one, unless Figo is injured.
Prediction: Portugal (Winner SP4) |
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- Historically, Germany have an excellent world cup
record no matter how bad the team played in the qualifiers. The world cup is a different
ball game for the Germans.
- They should have no problem overcoming South Africa but
do not expect a stroll for the Germans. The 'Bafana Bafana' will be trying to avenge its
narrow 'defeat' to Germany in the right to host world cup 2006.
Prediction: Germany (Winner SP5) |
SP6:
Winner Group F (F1) vs Runners-Up Group A (A2)
England Vs Denmark |
- England has a good record against the Danes in the
past.
- Provided Owen is still standing on his two feets,
England should win.
Prediction: England (Winner SP6) |
- With home ground support, an emotional charged South
Korea may even defy the odds and beat Italy.
- However, Paolo Maldini and co. is not likely to let
Koreans celebrate as Italy tend to be a team that perfected the art of peaking in the
knock-out stage.
Prediction: Italy (Winner SP7) |
SP8:
Winner Group H (H1) vs Runners-Up Group C (C2)
Japan Vs China |
- What a mouth watering match up - two traditional Asian
rivals playing in a world cup match, the first time in history.
- Japan's experience and skills should overcome China's
sheer determination. In addition, Bora Milutinovic's previous world cup teams have never
advance beyond the second phase.
Prediction: Japan (Winner SP8) |
All predictions are
courtesy of Borneodo, a football legend in his own mind..
QUARTERFINALS PREDICTIONS
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