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S1:
Winner Q1 (A1/F2-C1/H2) vs Winner Q2 (F1/A2-H1/C2)
 Brazil Vs  England |
- I do hope this match will become a reality because I
guess both teams have the most fans in this part of the world.
- There is a big question mark over both Beckham's and
Rivaldo's fitness and whether they will play a game in this world cup.
- At the striker's end, Owen's form remained impeccable,
while Ronaldo had played 1 lousy match but 3 exceptional matches since making a return
from injury. But both could not do enough to lift their respective clubs to win the
domestic league.
- But if Ronaldo was to play badly, Brazil still have a
lot of other goal scorers from midfield to defence, while England normally depends heavily
on Owen to score and Heskey to support.
- After the tough 'group of death' matches, England is
not likely to be as fresh as in earlier matches. Injury could take its toil.
- Although England is my childhood team, I will put my
money on Brazil simply because winning is about scoring goals, and Brazil should score
more goals than England by the final whistle.
Prediction: Brazil (Winner S1) |
S2:
Winner Q3 (B1/E2-D1/G2) vs Winner Q4 (E1/B2-G1/D2)
 Portugal Vs  Italy |
- Another dream semifinal encounter in the making but
historically, it is not usually the case. Remember Croatia's third placing four years ago?
- It is almost near impossible to predict which team will
win this match at this point in time, without a single ball being kicked at the world cup.
Both team looks ominously strong and capable on record.
- Traditionally, Italy boost one of the best defence in
the world. With captain Maldini still at the helm, Italy is expected to have a solid
defensive record throughout the world cup.
- But upfront, Portugal do have more scoring power with
Figo, Rui Costa, and teenage sensation, Viana, as against Italy's Vieri. Most of the
Azzuri's prolific strikers such as Baggio and Zola are at the wrong side of 30.
- Barring any injuries, Portugal's playmakers are likely
to be more potent than Italy's although the Italians seems to have more depth in players.
- My prediction goes to Portugal and it would be good to
see a football middleweight with lots of potentials finally making good in 2002.
Prediction: Portugal (Winner S2) |
All predictions are
courtesy of Borneodo, a football legend in his own mind..
FINAL PREDICTIONS
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