The World Cup Update

Some very important personal matters have distracted my World Cup experience, but I've seen at least parts of every game being played.

I got 11 out of 16 right, when I tried to predict which teams will advance from the group stage. I guess that's a pretty average result. I got things wrong mostly because of wishful thinking.

I think Ghana has been the biggest (positive) surprise so far, or maybe the Czech Republic not making it through, but they had a lot of injury worries. Personally I was most upset about the Korea Republic's exit, because they played well and entertainingly.

Many defenders have caught my eye, even if they're not usually the biggest stars; the majestic Rafael Marquez seemed to be involved in everything when Mexico was playing, and Philip Lahm has played an important part in Germany's success with for example scoring the first goal in the whole tournament.

Argentina's Gabriel Heinze's been one of my favorites for some time now, so I follow him closely, I think he's had some hits and misses so far. And it's such a pleasure to watch Cafu, because he so obviously enjoys playing football.

Soccer Videos

If you really think that three games a night isn't enough football for you, you can watch some funny video clips on Soccer Videos.

I suppose at least some of them are TV ads, but I haven't seen most of them before.

Group H (the World Cup)

• Saudi Arabia
  
• Spain
  
• Tunisia
  
• Ukraine
  

Spain are perennial underachievers in the WC, but this time they might have a chance. Ukraine has some injury worries, and Saudi Arabia is probably not strong enough to advance, so I think that Spain and Tunisia will qualify from Group H (although Spain and Ukraine would be a more sensible choise I guess).

Group G (the World Cup)

• France
  
• South Korea
  
• Switzerland
  
• Togo
  

I feel rather ambiguous about France, it's a good team with many problems. There's too much fighting over the starting line-up, and there's too much respect for the big stars. I don't know if they really work well as a team.

In this group anything can happen. Togo is unfamiliar to me, but South Korea and Switzerland are decent enough. I say that France and South Korea will go through.

Group F (The World Cup)

• Australia
  
• Brazil
  
• Croatia
  
• Japan
  

Brazil is everybody's favourite. I'm usually hoping that some other team could win, because it's just so unfair that they always do well. But they are good, and I quite like Ronaldinho. I'm afraid the pressure to be the best player (and constantly cheerful) is getting to him a little bit. And they can't win all the time, can they?

Croatia is a good, solid team. Japan's also probably stronger than people think, but I don't think Australia will advance. The match order will favor Japan - that's my theory - so Brazil and Japan will advance. (Croatia is a good bet too.)

Group E (The World Cup)

• Czech Republic
  
• Ghana
  
• Italy
  
• United States
  

I thought the Czech Republic was the best team in the Euro 2004 (never mind they didn't win). I wish them lots of luck, although some of their key players might be getting past their prime.

Italy tends to play too cautiously. The players are very skillful, but after they score one goal they just concentrate on defending their lead, and that just doesn't work! Will they ever learn? (And they're always bragging about their "superior tactics". I don't get it!) the scandals in Italy surrounding football might distract them also.

I think the United States might be physically strong and slightly underestimated. I'm sorry again, but except for Michael Essien, Ghana is quite unfamiliar to me. Their friendlies have gone rather well though.

The Czech Republic and Italy to qualify. But there's a good chance for some upsets.

Group D (the World Cup)

• Angola
  
• Iran
  
• Mexico
  
• Portugal
  

I wish Portugal will do well. They have many entertaining players like Cristiano Ronaldo, so they're fun to watch. Iran or Mexico will take the second place. Iran might be a dark horse, but I guess my vote still goes for Mexico. I don't really know anything about Angola.