Hello All,
I am currently watching the USA vs. Czech Republic game and am pretty satisfied so far. Considering Howard is not in goal for the U.S., I feel somewhat better about the game. Onyewu is in the game tonight because he hasn't played since late 2009 and needs to get into his groove for the upcoming World Cup. Just gotta remember that a majority of the U.S.'s dominant players are not dressed for this game. I like to be impressed by out more secondary team, that way I get optimistic for our better players.
Anyway, I am back, after a few days off, to move into my quarterfinals predictions for the World Cup which is only 15 short days away. We left my predictions in a pretty intense atmosphere as we move into the quarterfinals and I would just be ecstatic if everything actually panned out the way I think it will (with the exception of the US, of course, who would make me much happier if they got further in the tourney). Ok, so were off again:
France (1A) vs. England (1C)
Putting aside the existing rivalry of this game, I think that it will be a lot more lopsided than many people will give it credit for. France just squeaked into the Cup, will play well in the group stages, probably get lucky in the Round of 16, but won't have what it takes against a team like England. This game will probably be dominated by England.
Winner: England
South Africa (2A) vs. Germany (1D)
The clear favorite for this game will most definitely be Germany. However, I plead with everyone to seriously watch out for South Africa. I am counting on them to play really well this year, and if they don't, then I will apologize. However, I will call the upset (if it gets to this point) and say that it will be hard enough for Germany without Ballack up to this point, but that they won't be able to stop the momentum of the home field team of South Africa.
Winner: South Africa
The Netherlands (1E) vs. Brazil (1G)
The Netherlands have been a good team in the recent past. And who knows, they may even give Brazil a test. However, Brazil is too strong this year, favored to win it, and won't have any problem getting past the Netherlands at this point. I always root for the underdog, however ;)
Winner: Brazil
Italy (1F) vs. Spain (1H)
This will be the biggest game to date in the 2010 World Cup (if it happens) and I will be watching every second of this game if it came to it. Two powerhouse teams running full speed will make for a proverbial "slobberknocker." The reigning European Champs and reigning World Cup champs (both with almost the same teams) will make for a match that may go nil-nil through 90-minutes. Bring out the penalty kicks. Bring out Spain's amazing scorers vs. one of the best goaltenders in the world today in Buffon. It almost hurts me to make this decision. However, Spain is just too good right now. But, look for me to possibly be wrong haha.
Winner: Spain
Alright, we move to the Semi-finals, with four teams left: England, Brazil, South Africa, Spain. Should be intense. I really hope this all happens like this because I want my soccer IQ to jump some ego points, haha.
Thanks for readin...
-Adam
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
World Cup II (Post III)
Hello All,
We left off with all of the winners of the group stages. The matches after this will get especially intense as it is now a tournament with a loss resulting in elimination. These are always the most exciting matches, even though the group play matches have also been known for intense drama and excitement.
Alright, I am going to outline my predictions for the next stage of the competition, the Round of 16 as it is called. It always starts off with the winner of each group taking on the runner up from the Group following the first group. For example, it would be the winner of Group A taking on the Runner-Up of Group B. Then it would be the winner of Group B taking on the Runner-Up from Group A. I know it gets somewhat complicated but you can always check out this webpage if you need any help: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/kostage.html.
Alright, so lets get started. Remember these are only my predictions.
France (1A) vs. Nigeria (2B)
I think this would be a very interesting match-up and would go very deep into the game before we saw a goal. However, I see France pulling off the win, probably late in the game or even during stoppage time at the end of regulation. This would of course knock out Nigeria who, if they made it this far, would still be commendable for their team.
Winner: France
Argentina (1B) vs. South Africa (2A)
Probably another great match with some good names on each side. Argentina has a reputation for having great football squads, however they have fallen off the stage lately and I see that happening again. South Africa will have an incredible momentum coming out of Group play and also home field advantage.
Winner: South Africa
England (1C) vs. Australia (2D)
Four years ago Australia made it our of group play and fought with Italy to a 90-minute scoreless tie. They lost on a very disputed penalty that resulted in a penalty kick and a win for Italy. While Australia has made it back to the big stage of the Round of 16, they will not be able to get passed England, although I could see it going as far as end of regulation penalty kicks.
Winner: England
Germany (1D) vs. United States (2C)
Both teams come into the game injured and clinging on to momentum from the group stage. The U.S. will come out firing and playing strong. They have been known for some huge upsets over the past two years (Spain in the Confederation Cup for instance), however they probably won't be able to compete with Germany and 2006 World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose. This is where the U.S.'s run will most likely come to an end.
Winner: Germany
The Netherlands (1E) vs. Slovakia (2F)
As much as I would love nothing more than to see Slovakia come flying out of group play and start dominating everyone, I don't think it will happen. They will put up a helluva fight in their first World Cup, but fall to the strong Netherlands team in this round.
Winner: The Netherlands
Italy (1F) vs. Denmark (2E)
Italy is the defending champion and De Rossi is a dominating midfielder, huge striker Giuseppe Rossi and let us not forget Italy big goaltender Gianluigi Buffon. Denmark who may just barely squeak out of group play will not be able to touch Italy in the next round.
Winner: Italy
Brazil (1G) vs. Switzerland (2H)
A game that will be dominated by Brazil for all 90-minutes. I wouldn't be shocked to see a five or more goals scored in the game, but probably all for Brazil. Kaká and goaltender Júlio César usually cannot be stopped. Expect to see them once again dominate the game.
Winner: Brazil
Spain (1H) vs. Portugal (2G)
This would be the most explosive game that we would see to this point. Many would not even be willing to bet money on it because of the risk involved. Both teams are stacked, both teams are experienced, and both teams are lusting for the Cup, possibly more than any others. This game will go scoreless and finally be decided in Penalty Kicks. When it gets to that point, Torres, and Villa will dominate on the one side, and Casillas will be dominating at the other for Spain.
Winner: Spain
Alright, again we will leave it here. These matches would be big, intense games and would lead to even more explosive games in the next round. I'm tellin' ya, the 2010 World Cup may be the best we've seen in a LONG time. Thanks for readin...
-Adam
We left off with all of the winners of the group stages. The matches after this will get especially intense as it is now a tournament with a loss resulting in elimination. These are always the most exciting matches, even though the group play matches have also been known for intense drama and excitement.
Alright, I am going to outline my predictions for the next stage of the competition, the Round of 16 as it is called. It always starts off with the winner of each group taking on the runner up from the Group following the first group. For example, it would be the winner of Group A taking on the Runner-Up of Group B. Then it would be the winner of Group B taking on the Runner-Up from Group A. I know it gets somewhat complicated but you can always check out this webpage if you need any help: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/kostage.html.
Alright, so lets get started. Remember these are only my predictions.
France (1A) vs. Nigeria (2B)
I think this would be a very interesting match-up and would go very deep into the game before we saw a goal. However, I see France pulling off the win, probably late in the game or even during stoppage time at the end of regulation. This would of course knock out Nigeria who, if they made it this far, would still be commendable for their team.
Winner: France
Argentina (1B) vs. South Africa (2A)
Probably another great match with some good names on each side. Argentina has a reputation for having great football squads, however they have fallen off the stage lately and I see that happening again. South Africa will have an incredible momentum coming out of Group play and also home field advantage.
Winner: South Africa
England (1C) vs. Australia (2D)
Four years ago Australia made it our of group play and fought with Italy to a 90-minute scoreless tie. They lost on a very disputed penalty that resulted in a penalty kick and a win for Italy. While Australia has made it back to the big stage of the Round of 16, they will not be able to get passed England, although I could see it going as far as end of regulation penalty kicks.
Winner: England
Germany (1D) vs. United States (2C)
Both teams come into the game injured and clinging on to momentum from the group stage. The U.S. will come out firing and playing strong. They have been known for some huge upsets over the past two years (Spain in the Confederation Cup for instance), however they probably won't be able to compete with Germany and 2006 World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose. This is where the U.S.'s run will most likely come to an end.
Winner: Germany
The Netherlands (1E) vs. Slovakia (2F)
As much as I would love nothing more than to see Slovakia come flying out of group play and start dominating everyone, I don't think it will happen. They will put up a helluva fight in their first World Cup, but fall to the strong Netherlands team in this round.
Winner: The Netherlands
Italy (1F) vs. Denmark (2E)
Italy is the defending champion and De Rossi is a dominating midfielder, huge striker Giuseppe Rossi and let us not forget Italy big goaltender Gianluigi Buffon. Denmark who may just barely squeak out of group play will not be able to touch Italy in the next round.
Winner: Italy
Brazil (1G) vs. Switzerland (2H)
A game that will be dominated by Brazil for all 90-minutes. I wouldn't be shocked to see a five or more goals scored in the game, but probably all for Brazil. Kaká and goaltender Júlio César usually cannot be stopped. Expect to see them once again dominate the game.
Winner: Brazil
Spain (1H) vs. Portugal (2G)
This would be the most explosive game that we would see to this point. Many would not even be willing to bet money on it because of the risk involved. Both teams are stacked, both teams are experienced, and both teams are lusting for the Cup, possibly more than any others. This game will go scoreless and finally be decided in Penalty Kicks. When it gets to that point, Torres, and Villa will dominate on the one side, and Casillas will be dominating at the other for Spain.
Winner: Spain
Alright, again we will leave it here. These matches would be big, intense games and would lead to even more explosive games in the next round. I'm tellin' ya, the 2010 World Cup may be the best we've seen in a LONG time. Thanks for readin...
-Adam
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
World Cup I (Post II)
Hello All,
So we are only a couple of weeks away from the start of the FIFA World Cup 2010 and I couldn't be more pumped. It is going to be an amazing month with some great soccer being played. I enjoy MLS soccer, but not nearly as much as international play. The stakes are always higher, everyone plays to their full extent, and it just means SO much more when a whole nation can get involved over a game. Anyway, I wanted to drop in and speak about the World Cup this year, along with my predictions and analysis.
I suppose I will start with a realistic prediction, and a humble one as well, on my part: The U.S. will not win the Cup. I will pray everyday to be proven wrong and would love nothing more than that to happen, but like I said, I have to be realistic. Unrealistic sports fans who think their teams are the be all and end all, no matter how well they may play, are just setting themselves up for disappointment. I've learned the hard way, so I have to be realistic. I am not saying the U.S. won't do well, but I do not see them winning it all.
So we know that there are a lot of great and talented teams playing for the Cup, but obviously, we can only see one winner. At this point, I will predict my winners for each group:
Group A: France, South Africa
This group is probably the most intense group of the cup this year. France, South Africa, Uruguay, and Mexico are all VERY strong teams and any one of them has the ability to get out of group play. France qualified for the cup under a veil of controversy, but has the momentum and has been known for pulling some upsets. South Africa simply has the home field advantage. Many of the nations that have hosted the World Cup have come out of group play and I think South Africa will repeat this trend. I watched them play VERY well during the Confederation Cup last summer and see them getting out of group play, no problem. That, and I like their huge defense-man, Matthew Booth.
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria
Another good group with Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, and Greece. However, South Korea and Greece are just not strong enough to compete. Greece could be a contender, and have something to prove after that dismal performance in the 2008 EURO Cup. However, Nigeria is a strong African team who will prove that they are ready to play.
Group C: England, United States
Here is a very interesting group. It would seem that the heavy favorites would be England and the U.S., however I am afraid that many will underestimate Algeria and Slovenia. While it is true that Algeria hasn't qualified for a cup since 1986 and Slovenia hasn't competed for the Cup since '02, they could still come out very strong against the two favorites. Algeria is a skilled, tactical team and everyone must remember that the U.S. lost their fastest and good striker Davies. It will be some good matches but I still see England and the U.S. getting out of group play.
Group D: Germany, Australia
Yea, yea, I know, Ballack is hurt. But it doesn't matter. Germany will still dominate the group and have no problem getting to the next stage. They still have good strikers and can score goals. Australia had a great run in 2006, ALMOST beating Italy (who would go on to win the Cup) and I believe, with the same squad, have a chance to get far again. The only other team that could possibly do something in this group is Ghana, who is a talented team as well. Serbia won't have a chance against those three strong teams.
Group E: The Netherlands, Denmark
This is probably one of the toughest groups to predict and its not because they have a dominating group. The Netherlands are the best team in this group and will go far. The other three, Denmark, Japan, and Cameroon, are all mediocre teams. It will be a tough battle and any one of them could get out of group play. I think it will come down to Cameroon and Denmark, with Denmark barely squeaking it out.
Group F: Italy, Slovakia
I have to go with a little upset here. Italy is probably the clear favorite to win the group and are expecting to put up a giant Cup run, as they are the defending champs. However, Slovakia is in its FIRST World Cup, as well as their first real international competition. I see this as something that could pull the squad together and do greatness. The other two teams in the group Paraguay and New Zealand will be tough competitors, but I see Slovakia pulling out their hearts to get past the group stage. I honestly can say: Go Slovakia! I want them to do well.
Group G: Brazil, Portugal
Brazil and Portugal are, of course, the huge favorites and have the biggest names on their teams. The Ivory Coast and Korea probably won't put up to much of a fight. This is probably the more simplest group to predict, but if anyone was willing to make an upset, it would be the Ivory Coast. Sometimes Portugal chokes (cough, 2008 EURO Cup cough), but they won't do it here...well, at least in group play. Oh and don't forget that Brazil is favorites to win the cup.
Group H: Spain, Switzerland
Another upset here, at least in my mind. Spain is another top contender for the Cup and Defending Euro Champs, so that is not a surprise. That team is stacked with Villa, Xavi, Torres (who should be back from injury), and of course their captain goaltender Casillas. So again, no surprise. However, Switzerland is going to need to beat out a good Honduras team (who caused problems for the US during the qualifying matches) and Chile, who could also prove to be quite stubborn on the field. I will be rooting for Switzerland, who has never been seen as a huge threat, but maybe they will break out in 2010.
Alright, well were going to leave it at that for now. The next post will outline the next stage and my predictions for who is going to win the Cup. I will leave you with my top three teams I see coming into South Africa:
1-Spain
2-Brazil
3-Italy
Alright, thanks for reading...
-Adam
So we are only a couple of weeks away from the start of the FIFA World Cup 2010 and I couldn't be more pumped. It is going to be an amazing month with some great soccer being played. I enjoy MLS soccer, but not nearly as much as international play. The stakes are always higher, everyone plays to their full extent, and it just means SO much more when a whole nation can get involved over a game. Anyway, I wanted to drop in and speak about the World Cup this year, along with my predictions and analysis.
I suppose I will start with a realistic prediction, and a humble one as well, on my part: The U.S. will not win the Cup. I will pray everyday to be proven wrong and would love nothing more than that to happen, but like I said, I have to be realistic. Unrealistic sports fans who think their teams are the be all and end all, no matter how well they may play, are just setting themselves up for disappointment. I've learned the hard way, so I have to be realistic. I am not saying the U.S. won't do well, but I do not see them winning it all.
So we know that there are a lot of great and talented teams playing for the Cup, but obviously, we can only see one winner. At this point, I will predict my winners for each group:
Group A: France, South Africa
This group is probably the most intense group of the cup this year. France, South Africa, Uruguay, and Mexico are all VERY strong teams and any one of them has the ability to get out of group play. France qualified for the cup under a veil of controversy, but has the momentum and has been known for pulling some upsets. South Africa simply has the home field advantage. Many of the nations that have hosted the World Cup have come out of group play and I think South Africa will repeat this trend. I watched them play VERY well during the Confederation Cup last summer and see them getting out of group play, no problem. That, and I like their huge defense-man, Matthew Booth.
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria
Another good group with Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, and Greece. However, South Korea and Greece are just not strong enough to compete. Greece could be a contender, and have something to prove after that dismal performance in the 2008 EURO Cup. However, Nigeria is a strong African team who will prove that they are ready to play.
Group C: England, United States
Here is a very interesting group. It would seem that the heavy favorites would be England and the U.S., however I am afraid that many will underestimate Algeria and Slovenia. While it is true that Algeria hasn't qualified for a cup since 1986 and Slovenia hasn't competed for the Cup since '02, they could still come out very strong against the two favorites. Algeria is a skilled, tactical team and everyone must remember that the U.S. lost their fastest and good striker Davies. It will be some good matches but I still see England and the U.S. getting out of group play.
Group D: Germany, Australia
Yea, yea, I know, Ballack is hurt. But it doesn't matter. Germany will still dominate the group and have no problem getting to the next stage. They still have good strikers and can score goals. Australia had a great run in 2006, ALMOST beating Italy (who would go on to win the Cup) and I believe, with the same squad, have a chance to get far again. The only other team that could possibly do something in this group is Ghana, who is a talented team as well. Serbia won't have a chance against those three strong teams.
Group E: The Netherlands, Denmark
This is probably one of the toughest groups to predict and its not because they have a dominating group. The Netherlands are the best team in this group and will go far. The other three, Denmark, Japan, and Cameroon, are all mediocre teams. It will be a tough battle and any one of them could get out of group play. I think it will come down to Cameroon and Denmark, with Denmark barely squeaking it out.
Group F: Italy, Slovakia
I have to go with a little upset here. Italy is probably the clear favorite to win the group and are expecting to put up a giant Cup run, as they are the defending champs. However, Slovakia is in its FIRST World Cup, as well as their first real international competition. I see this as something that could pull the squad together and do greatness. The other two teams in the group Paraguay and New Zealand will be tough competitors, but I see Slovakia pulling out their hearts to get past the group stage. I honestly can say: Go Slovakia! I want them to do well.
Group G: Brazil, Portugal
Brazil and Portugal are, of course, the huge favorites and have the biggest names on their teams. The Ivory Coast and Korea probably won't put up to much of a fight. This is probably the more simplest group to predict, but if anyone was willing to make an upset, it would be the Ivory Coast. Sometimes Portugal chokes (cough, 2008 EURO Cup cough), but they won't do it here...well, at least in group play. Oh and don't forget that Brazil is favorites to win the cup.
Group H: Spain, Switzerland
Another upset here, at least in my mind. Spain is another top contender for the Cup and Defending Euro Champs, so that is not a surprise. That team is stacked with Villa, Xavi, Torres (who should be back from injury), and of course their captain goaltender Casillas. So again, no surprise. However, Switzerland is going to need to beat out a good Honduras team (who caused problems for the US during the qualifying matches) and Chile, who could also prove to be quite stubborn on the field. I will be rooting for Switzerland, who has never been seen as a huge threat, but maybe they will break out in 2010.
Alright, well were going to leave it at that for now. The next post will outline the next stage and my predictions for who is going to win the Cup. I will leave you with my top three teams I see coming into South Africa:
1-Spain
2-Brazil
3-Italy
Alright, thanks for reading...
-Adam
Introduction (Post I)
Hello all,
My name is Adam and this is my first time blogging. I am probably going to be creating other blogs covering different subjects and whatnot, but I wanted to try my first one out here and have it be about sports.
I love sports and I love discussing the many topics that spring up in the sports world. I watch Sportcenter everyday to try and keep up with all the new moves and events that are taking place. Sportsnation is also a favorite show of mine because it adds humor into the mix.
Anyway, this is my first post and I wasn't planning on getting into the heavy stuff right away. I will, however, be straight up with everyone and let you know of my favorite sports teams. I will try not to be biased when I post, but I know that I will not be able to be perfect when it comes to this. My favorite teams are just that: my favorite. Thus, I'm sure I will be pushing, rooting, and plugging them on here from time to time. So, without any more delay, here are my favorite teams (In order of favorite team and sport):
Baseball: New York Yankees
Football: Minnesota Vikings
Hockey: Ottawa Senators
Basketball: New York Knicks
Soccer: New York Red Bulls (International: USA)
These will be the main focus of discussion, however occasionally I may talk about things like golf, NASCAR, and collegiate sports, and I do have favorites there as well:
Golf: Tiger Woods
NASCAR: Jeff Gordon
NCAA: Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Cincinnati Bearcats
Alright, well that's it for now. Check back later for more posts. Thanks for reading...
-Adam
My name is Adam and this is my first time blogging. I am probably going to be creating other blogs covering different subjects and whatnot, but I wanted to try my first one out here and have it be about sports.
I love sports and I love discussing the many topics that spring up in the sports world. I watch Sportcenter everyday to try and keep up with all the new moves and events that are taking place. Sportsnation is also a favorite show of mine because it adds humor into the mix.
Anyway, this is my first post and I wasn't planning on getting into the heavy stuff right away. I will, however, be straight up with everyone and let you know of my favorite sports teams. I will try not to be biased when I post, but I know that I will not be able to be perfect when it comes to this. My favorite teams are just that: my favorite. Thus, I'm sure I will be pushing, rooting, and plugging them on here from time to time. So, without any more delay, here are my favorite teams (In order of favorite team and sport):
Baseball: New York Yankees
Football: Minnesota Vikings
Hockey: Ottawa Senators
Basketball: New York Knicks
Soccer: New York Red Bulls (International: USA)
These will be the main focus of discussion, however occasionally I may talk about things like golf, NASCAR, and collegiate sports, and I do have favorites there as well:
Golf: Tiger Woods
NASCAR: Jeff Gordon
NCAA: Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Cincinnati Bearcats
Alright, well that's it for now. Check back later for more posts. Thanks for reading...
-Adam
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