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Premier League Fixture List Review: Part 1

2010-07-06T00:18:00Z

Welcome back, soccer fans. It’s been a few weeks since the 2010-2011 English Premier League fixture list was released. While we’ve been caught up in the World Cup for the past month, it will be ending in a week, and the new Premier League season will begin on August 8^th with the FA Community Shield between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley. Then on the 14^th, Gameweek 1 commences with some real crackers of opening matches. I’ve gone through the schedule for the top division and picked out the notable matches of the season. Enjoy.

(Home team listed first)

August 14^th

Blackpool v Wigan: The first ever game in the EPL for Blackpool and a definite chance to pick up three points right out of the gate. Roberto Martinez’s side, who finished 16^th last season, should be favorites but expect “The Seasiders” to come out charged to make an impression on their new league. If anyone should get on the scoresheet for Blackpool, it would be Charlie Adam, their experienced Scottish midfielder. Prediction: Blackpool 1, Wigan 1

Liverpool v Arsenal: The headline fixture of the opening day pits Liverpool, with new manager Roy Hodgson against Arsene Wegner’s Arsenal, who finished 5^th and 3^rd respectively last season. It will likely be to see who isn’t playing in this match come August than who is. Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, and Javier Mascherano are all rumored to be leaving the club, each not surprisingly being linked to a move to Inter Milan to follow their ex-manager, Rafael Benitez. For Arsenal, the only real question is whether their most important player, Cesc Fabregas will still be in red and white for the upcoming season. Forever linked to a return home to Barcelona, the Spanish superstar’s presence is simply a prerequisite to any success the Gunners will have this year. Also expect Moroccan international Marouane Chamakh to make his debut for Arsenal after his summer transfer from Bordeaux. Prediction: Arsenal 3, Liverpool 1

Tottenham v Man City: An instant rematch of last-years virtual playoff game for 4^th place and a Champions League qualifying spot, these two sides meet in what will be the most competitive fixture of the weekend. Manchester City have already added two more young stars to their ranks in David Silva and Yaya Toure. Tottenham, for the moment, remain unchanged. However, that looks likely to change. Harry Redknapp has publicly admitted interest in Joe Cole as well as Diego Forlan, the Uruguayan striker who has led his side to a World Cup semifinal spot. While the new lineup at Eastlands looks title-worthy, don’t expect them to fly out of the gates, especially if goalkeeper Shay Given, isn’t 100% fit. Prediction: Tottenham 2, Man City 2

August 21^st

Man City v Liverpool: A meeting of one team on the rise and one team on the decline, one team of future promise and one team of past glory. One team that spends its new money furiously and one that adheres to tried and tested tradition. In what is sure to become the “battle for fourth” for many years to come, Man City and Liverpool will meet at Eastlands. Liverpool will likely be reeling from a loss at Arsenal, and Man City will be looking for its first win as well. Expect and open game, and if Liverpool lose squad depth, it could be over before it starts. Prediction: Man City 2, Liverpool 1

September 11^th

Birmingham v Liverpool: Will Liverpool be still looking for their first win? What sort of Birmingham side will we see now that Joe Hart is gone? Could Birmingham be sitting atop the EPL after two wins? How will new signings Ben Foster and Nikola Zigic fare in their first true tests? Expect none of these questions to be answered. Prediction: Birmingham 0, Liverpool 1

Newcastle v Blackpool: Ah, yes. The first matchup of the year between two promoted teams. This game should give us an idea of what sort of seasons we can expect from these two sides. It will also be the best opportunity for Blackpool to get its first win of the season if they fail to do so the opening weekend. Neither side has many any significant transfers yet this summer, though Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is lining up a move for Newcastle’s Steven Taylor. Prediction: Blackpool 0, Newcastle 0

September 18^th

Manchester United v Liverpool: The first significant challenge for last year’s runners-up comes in the form of Liverpool. One of the main questions regarding the Red Devils’ season this year will be the form of Wayne Rooney. Will we see the striker that simply could not stop scoring for club and country last year or will we see the absolute flop he was in South Africa, not even scoring once? In this writer’s opinion, expect the “old” Rooney to return next year and lead Manchester United well. Prediction: Manchester United 2, Liverpool 0

September 25^th

Man City v Chelsea: A reprise of two matches that were key in determining last year’s final standings. Man City did the double over Chelsea, winning 2-1 and 4-2. With the two above additions, Man City looks primed to repeat that feat. This match could have real title implications, regardless of how early it is in the season. However, an in-from Didier Drogba could win the game on his own for Chelsea. Prediction: Chelsea 3, Manchester City 2

October 2^nd

Chelsea v Arsenal: The first true title test for the Gunners. An aging Chelsea side. Youth and offensive flair for Arsenal. One of the Premier League’s greatest derbies. Should be a classic. Prediction: Arsenal 2: Chelsea 1

October 16^th

Everton v Liverpool: Another classic derby match pits two teams that will be competing in the multi-team clash for fourth place. One interesting element of this match will be if Landon Donovan has rejoined Everton by this point. The American star shined incredibly at this summer’s World Cup; we all know of his dramatic stoppage-time goal to send the USA through to the knockout round. Additionally, Donovan became a fan favorite in his brief 10-week stint at Everton, scoring twice and adding a strong wide attacking option for the Toffees. If he can bring his influence to bear again with Everton, look for the club to really sizzle. Prediction: Everton 2, Liverpool 1

October 23^rd

Man City v Arsenal: Arsenal’s final test of a stretch of three challenging matches (Home to Birmingham on the 16^th). The rivalry between these two clubs has intensified greatly over the past 18 months, as both Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure have switch from the Emirates to Eastlands. Adebayor sparked massive furor in the Arsenal camp when he ostentatiously celebrated his goal against the Gunners in the Citizens 4-2 win in September. This game could be one of the most crucial fixtures Arsenal play all season. Prediction: Manchester City 2, Arsenal 3

October 30^th

Blackpool v West Brom: A real chance here for Blackpool to pick up vital points they will need to survive the relegation battle. West Brom are likely the least experienced and weakest of the promoted teams and Blackpool can surely beat them. However, don’t expect too much excitement from this fixture. Prediction: Blackpool 1, West Brom

November 6^th

Liverpool v Chelsea: A classic matchup as the colder weather begins to set in throughout England. These two teams have had some incredible battles in recent years, not only in the EPL but in the Champions League as well. This year however, there will be no Champions League for Liverpool. This game also represent Liverpool super-sub Yossi Benayoun's return to Anfield since his departure to Chelsea this summer. It will be interesting to see how much, if any, playing time the Israeli winger will have recieved at Stamford Bridge. Prediction: Chelsea 2, Liverpool 1

November 9th

West Ham v West Brom: One of those sorts of games where West Brom must pick up points if they are to survive the relegation battle. An opportunity looms in West Ham, who have recently added former Lyon/Portsmouth forward Frederic Piquionne to their side, which still boasts influential players like Scott Parker and Matthew Upson, and recent addition Thomas Hitzlsperger. Prediction: West Ham 2, West Brom 2

November 10th

Man CIty v Man United: The first Manchester Derby of the year represents the battle between the rising stars of the EPL and the proven class of the league. Will we have any stoppage-time dramatics as we did last year or will the referee decide to end the match when stoppage time has run out, as instructed? Be sure to tune in for this match, and don't be suprised if it turns into an absolute Goalfest. Prediction: Man United 4, Man City 2

November 20th

Arsenal v Tottenham: The first North London Derby of the year should be filled with young stars. Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri lead the Gunners against Gareth Bale and Michael Dawson of Tottenham. A crucial game for both sides, who are competing for very different rewards (Arsenal: The title, Spurs: Champions League). Expect a fluid and pulsating game with some absolute stunning goals. Prediction: Arsenal 3, Tottenham 2

Happy Birthday to the Host!!!

2010-07-06T00:12:00Z

Join me in wishing the Goalmouth Scramble's founder and host, Curtis Stelzer, a very happy birthday!

What's Next for US Soccer?

2010-06-29T23:37:00Z

The Goalmouth Scramble, everyone's favorite soccer blogcast, has been writing a story or two about the World Cup for the local paper, the Visalia Delta Times. Here is our most recent story picked up by the VTD!

What is next for the United States soccer team?

Halfway to the Quarters!

2010-06-28T05:58:00Z

World Cup 2010 is halfway to the Quarterfinals...how is your bracket looking now? Ghana is definitely the big bracket buster...but did you have England losing to Germany? All kinds of drama now starts. Will this be it for Fabio Capello...this was a huge failure for English football. If you were in charge of England football - what do you do? Who do you hire? First thing I do is say buh bye to John Terry!!
Also, what former World Leader/Idiot does Diego Maradona look like....I mean to a tee? It is all covered on this episode of the Goalmouth Scramble.

Round of 16 Preview

2010-06-26T05:15:00Z

Who do you have winning the 1st set of Knockout Stage games?? We break all the matches down - tell you who will win - and also let you know who we think will lift the trophy now that half the field is eliminated, including one of the most embarrassing teams of all time, France, has left the cup in complete utter chaos & turmoil! Just for the record, how much classier would the World Cup have been if Ireland advanced and not the FFF and the worst coach in the history of the World Cup, Domenech...and that includes Bruce Arena 2006 - and that's as bad as it gets, so we thought!

Let us know how you think the rest of the tourney will shake out in the comment section below!

Can the Dutch erase their recent history of not playing up to their potential and talent level and lift the Cup?

England & Slovenia move on....WAIT!!! THE MAN, Captain America Scores at the Death...

2010-06-24T02:53:00Z

         OH MY
   GOODNESS

That's all I got!! I can type on and on...but that sums up all the emotions of Group C today. England won 1-0 over Slovenia...but they both move through and the USA come home early...until CAPTAIN AMERICA, LANDON DONOVAN, guarantees his name will be written with all the greats of US Soccer - and probably even World Cup folk lore forever! This podcast sums it up...and now because the USA win the group - it absolutely could not fall any better. The Americans will play Ghana, a revenge game from the 2006 World Cup, and if they can win that - they would probably play Uruguay - another very winnable game.



Thanks for listening to the show and email us any thoughts at epl@goalmouthscramble,.com

WHAT A DAY!

2010-06-24T02:24:00Z

Thanks to Nitin who has been a fan of our show since the very beginning!!

A second before the referee blew the final whistle Slovenia were through to the next round ..A second after.. they were ready to board their flight back home. Landon Donovan was the hero ..he was the villain. Scoring in the final moments of a very exciting and important tie, the American captain took his team to the Round of 16 & top of Group C with England holding on to a 1-0 lead to progress as well.

From the crazy error by Robert Green letting a simple Clint Dempsey shot pass through his hands to the even crazier decision by referee Kouman Coulibaly to disallow a fully legitimate goal, this world cup has been full of craziness for the US team, who scraped in to the Round of 16 in the eleventh hour with the aid of their inspirational captain. The LA Galaxy Star rescued his team again by tapping in an easy ball setup by Jozy Altidore. The Algerian captain was sent off just before the final whistle but ‘The American Job ‘ had been done.

England boss Fabio Capello was under pressure from the media and the ever demanding fans to deliver. John Terry’s press conference has grown matters more out of proportion. As a result the shrewd Italian brought about a couple of changes in the game against Slovenia with James Milner starting along the right and Jermain Defoe partnering Wayne Rooney up front. And what a decision it proved to be. James Milner’s fantastic cross was converted by Defoe in the 23rd minute. This proved to be the only goal of the game, the goal that takes England through. Gerrard was in amazing form, making magical passes to teammates.

Slovenia tried to launch a barrage of attacks on the goal but England managed to hold on.

Slovenia go back home disappointed at only loosing one game and still not qualifying for the next round. But the team of the smallest country taking part should take heart with their performances in the group after beating minnows Algeria 1-0 and at a time holding a 2-0 lead over USA at halftime.

It remains to be seen what impact of USA finishing first and England finishing second has on the course of the tournament, The Grand Daddy Of the Tournaments.

Hoping Slovenia and Algeria have their team in the next world cup too.

And wishing Best luck to USA and England for their next round matches.

A faithful Goalmouth fan,

Nitin Chandak.

INDIA

Group Stage Update & Preview of Game 3's

2010-06-22T04:48:00Z

Alright soccer fans...sorry for the couple days I missed...I have been doing radio interviews and newspaper writing...but here is an update of everything that is going on in the Group stage, as well as the Preview for the last set of games in each Group? Almost every team in the tournament still has a statistical chance of moving on to the knockout stage - the next few days should be a blast!!

Up to date standings look like this:

Group A
22/06 16:00
MEX-URU

FRA-RSA
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Uruguay	2	1	1	0	3	0	4
Mexico	2	1	1	0	3	1	4
France	2	0	1	1	0	2	1
South Africa	2	0	1	1	1	4	1

Group B
22/06 20:30
NGA-KOR

GRE-ARG
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Argentina	2	2	0	0	5	1	6
Korea Republic	2	1	0	1	3	4	3
Greece	2	1	0	1	2	3	3
Nigeria	2	0	0	2	1	3	0

Group C
23/06 16:00
SVN-ENG

USA-ALG
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Slovenia	2	1	1	0	3	2	4
USA	2	0	2	0	3	3	2
England	2	0	2	0	1	1	2
Algeria	2	0	1	1	0	1	1

Group D
23/06 20:30
GHA-GER

AUS-SRB
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Ghana	2	1	1	0	2	1	4
Germany	2	1	0	1	4	1	3
Serbia	2	1	0	1	1	1	3
Australia	2	0	1	1	1	5	1

Group E
24/06 20:30
DEN-JPN

CMR-NED
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Netherlands	2	2	0	0	3	0	6
Japan	2	1	0	1	1	1	3
Denmark	2	1	0	1	2	3	3
Cameroon	2	0	0	2	1	3	0

Group F
24/06 16:00
SVK-ITA

PAR-NZL
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Paraguay	2	1	1	0	3	1	4
Italy	2	0	2	0	2	2	2
New Zealand	2	0	2	0	2	2	2
Slovakia	2	0	1	1	1	3	1

Group G
25/06 16:00
POR-BRA

PRK-CIV
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Brazil	2	2	0	0	5	2	6
Portugal	2	1	1	0	7	0	4
Côte d'Ivoire	2	0	1	1	1	3	1
Korea DPR	2	0	0	2	1	9	0

Group H
25/06 20:30
CHI-ESP

SUI-HON
Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Chile	2	2	0	0	2	0	6
Spain	2	1	0	1	2	1	3
Switzerland	2	1	0	1	1	1	3
Honduras	2	0	0	2	0	3	0

Email the show at epl@goalmouthscramble.com

Koman Coulibaly Draws Against the USA!!

2010-06-18T18:09:00Z

Koman Coulibaly, the referee in the US/Slovenia was an absolute shocker and cost the USA 3 points.

Germany also feel done in after Klose received his 2nd yellow card in Germany's 1-0 loss to Serbia earlier today. But, the Germans should have at least got a point...Why? Just ask Podolski, but from 12 yards away.

We had an audio issue for about 60 seconds, but after that it gets ugly for the referees!!

Apologies to the GS Fans!

2010-06-18T05:19:00Z

Sorry for missing today's World Cup Review podcast today www.goalmouthscramble.com fans...but we were busy. We were able to write the USA/Slovenia preview for the local paper. The link is http://bit.ly/aGe62p if you would like to check it out.

It was especially tough to miss it...because Higuain went off!!! The 1st World Cup hat trick since Pauleta in 2002 for Portugal. It's safe to say the Argentinians, sniff sniff, weren't out at the, sniff sniff, bar with their Head, sniff sniff, Coach.

And Mexico beats France...people are saying upset. I don't think so. France has not scored a World Cup goal outside Europe since 1986 - Platini in the Quarters. How bad is the French Coach? Now will they fire him...what else does he have to do to prove he is not competent enough a soccer coach to coach at the U-7 rec level!?

We will be back tomorrow...and the USA & England will be sitting with 4 points!!

SPAIN SHOCKED!!

2010-06-17T04:39:00Z

Spain is upset by Switzerland in the 1st game of the Group stages...do I really need to introduce this podcast anymore than that!? Yes, I still cover the victories by Chile * Uruguay, but everyone's favorite coming into the tournament gets beat. What does this mean?

A couple things.

1. No team has EVER won the World Cup that lost its first game. Italy did get to the World Cup Final in 1994 after losing to Ireland in their 1st group stage game, but Roberto Baggio missed his PK and the Brazilians lifted the trophy. Buh Bye Spain!!

2. No team has won the World Cup since 1978, Argentina, losing any games. So the trend is - you lose, no trophy!! Buh Bye Spain x 2!!

3. Could this mean an "early" World Cup Final? We all anticipated Brazil vs. Spain in the Finals...now we may get it in the 1st round of the knockout stage...Buh Bye Spain!!

OH BUT THAT IS WHY THEY PLAY THE GAMES MY FRIENDS!!!

I will still take Spain to win it all, even having to go the tough way. So they finish in 2nd of Group H - they will play Brazil, the Netherlands, England and Argentina in the Final...it can fall that way. What do you all think?? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Day 5 of WC 2010 South Africa...And we Preview the Euro Champs

2010-06-15T23:27:00Z

Slovakia draw against the worst team in the tourney - Ivory Coast/Portugal match is a yawner - But the North Koreans surprisingly play the Brazilians to a 1 goal game. All of this covered in this edition of the Goalmouth Scramble World Cup podcast from South Africa, as well as an email from the Official Chelsea Blogger of the Goalmouth Scramble. Plus there has been a sighting from an old producer of the show...Amanda...giving us a shout out on Twitter. Check her out - she loves the game of futbol...www.twitter.com/akloh

Cristiano Ronaldo

Group G & H Preview..Will both Spain & Brazil roll to the semis?

2010-06-15T05:15:00Z

Will Brazil get all 9 points in the "Group of Death" which is Group G? Or will Portugal and Ivory Coast send the Brazilians home early? In Group H - there is no surprise that Spain will win Group H, but if they don't, the Official Arsenal Blogger of the Goalmouth Scramble, Greg Pennington has a team besides Spain possibly going all the way to the semis if they win the Group...which team is that...you will have to listen to the show to find out!

And if you think Greg is nuts, like I do, please let us know your feelings in the comments section below!

Spain's Xavi

Day 4 of WC 2010 South Africa...Plus Big Transfer News in the EPL

2010-06-14T23:27:00Z

The Netherlands win as expected...Cameroon, not so much. But the surprise of the day is how long the Italians trailed Paraguay in their match. Or is the big surprise that there was another glaring goalkeeping error that led to a huge goal? The Italians get the draw after the Paraguay keeper whiffs at the air on a corner kick...and the ball drops right to the elbower, Daniel De Rossi to earn Italy a point.

Also, the big news off the field - Chelsea has agreed to terms with Liverpool midfielder Benayoun - what does this mean for Joe Cole...does he head to Anfield?

Please email the show, epl@goalmouthscramble.com, and let us know your thoughts on why their have been so many goalkeeping errors in just the first 4 days? You can also leave those comments in the "Add Comment" section below...and as always...thanks for listening to the Goalmouth Scramble podcasts!


                                                 Kuyt celebrates the icing on the cake!

Prediction?

2010-06-14T16:21:00Z

What do you think the score of the Italy/Paraguay game will be? Let us know...take your best guess!

Day 3 of WC 2010 South Africa...and the Preview of Day 4's Games

2010-06-14T06:20:00Z

In this episode of the Goalmouth Scramble's 2010 World Cup podcast we cover day 3. There was plenty of dramatic flare in the first 2 games of the day, but the last game of the day...Germany showed why they are a team to be dealt with even without their captain Michael Ballack. We also preview Day 4...games that include the Netherlands vs. Denmark, Japan vs. Cameroon & Italy vs. Paraguay. Another great day of action is in store for South Africa.

Please let us know your thoughts about today's episode in the comment section below, and you can also email the show at epl@goalmouthscramble.com

Tim Cahill Red carded in 1st game of the group stage against Germany.

Day 2 of WC 2010 South Africa...and the Preview of Day 3's Games

2010-06-13T05:35:00Z

Robert Green, pictured above, with a typical English Goalkeeping blunder in the World Cup

South Korea dominates Greece in their upset 2-0 victory and Argentina win 1-0 over Nigeria on a goal by Gabriel Heinze...all of this is covered in this edition of the Goalmouth Scramble World Cup podcast. Also, did anyone hear if the US and England have played yet in the tournament? They did...anyone know what happen? Please let us know in the comment section below! Ok - just kidding...the Robert Green blunder - will it come back to haunt the English? Will David James be in goal for England's next match? Obviously, Fabio Capello has not listened to the Goalmouth Scramble, because I have been saying for 18 months - Joe Hart is the best goalkeeper in England and he should be between the posts for the rest of the tournament!

I also preview Day 3 of the tournament - games involving Germany and Serbia...should be another great day of story lines.

Last but not least...what do you think Robert Green is saying in the caption? Leave your thoughts in the comment section of this story! The winner with the best line will win...something!

You can also email the show at anytime epl@goalmouthscramble.com

What an Opening Game for South Africa...France & Uruguay...zzzzzzzzzz

2010-06-12T05:09:00Z

THE PODCASTS ARE BACK BABY!!! What a time to be back on...Siphiwe Tshabalala opens up the 2010 World Cup with a thunderous left footed strike to put the South Africans up 1-0. But can they hang on...and France & Uruguay...all kinds of firepower, Frank Ribery, Henry, Forlan and many other attacking options...did they really play that much of a yawner...find out in this edition of the Goalmouth Scramble.

From the Quarterfinals on...this is what will happen!!

2010-06-10T17:22:00Z

I know...I still have to break down Groups G & H...but I have to give my predictions on how this World Cup will finish up...because obviously, a blog just isn't a blog if you don't make predictions. So here is how I think it will breakdown from the quarterfinals on...

QuarterFinal #1 - England vs. France - These teams on paper are pretty close in talent, but the one area that England has a huge advantage is not even on the field, it's off! Fabio Capello is so much better of a leader than France's coach Raymond Domenech - the questioon I have is how Domenech has kept his job. This French team is always loaded with talent and they just haven't been good enough in the last 2 major tournaments. But because they get the easy draw for winning Group A..they make it this far. England look like a team on a mission...this is the best team they have had in years. Funny thing is the loss of Rio Ferdinand makes them a better squad. Ferdinand is a liability, gives the ball away at the top of his own 18 yard box at least once or twice every game and gets beat way too much to be the starting CB for the English. Ledley King, as long as he can stay healthy through the tournament will bring stability to the backline with John Terry. I think England will roll France with Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Co. putting on a show.
England win 3-0 and advance to the semis to play...


Quarterfinal #2 - Brazil vs. Netherlands - This is an absolute dream matchup for FIFA and the World Cup, but unfortunately it is in the quarterfinals...some things just aren't fair. This game is very easy to breakdown. The Dutch and the Brazilians attacking front 7 are both world class. The Dutch throw Van Persie, Sneijder & Co. at you, while the Brazilians will throw Fabiano, Kaka and Co. at you. So the defense and goalkeeper will be the difference here. Brazil definitely has the stronger backline with Maicon jumping into the attack from the right back position will really make a huge difference in this game.
Brazil wins 3-2 in one of the more entertaining games during World Cup 2010



Quarterfinal #3 - Argentina vs. Germany - Yes, the Germans. The Americans gave Germany all they could handle, but they just couldn't break down their defense, and so Germany moved on to the Quarters with a 2-0 victory over the USA. So the Germans continue their run of consecutive Quarterfinal appearances in the World Cup dating back to 1982.Germany is really fighting injuries here, so for them to even make it this far is a big accomplishment. This Argentina hurdle will be way too much for the Germans to handle. It sounding like Maradona has finally figured out his team is loaded with forwards, and he is going to play Tevez, Higuain & Messi together from the start...DUH!! That attack will be unstoppable going forward against the Germans and the Argentinians steamroll into the semis with a 3-1 victory.

Quarterfinal #4 - Italy vs. Spain - The Italians are the reigning World Champions, but that all comes to an end here. Age & injuries will not be able to keep up with the class of the Spaniards. Seriously, on paper, Spain is dumb. Their bench could beat every team's starting squad in this tournament, except for maybe Brazil's. In Spain's last friendly, Fabregas & Torres came off the bench...come on - someone tell Spain this is not a video game...this is real life football we are talking about. Italy can always find ways to steal games against teams they have no business beating. They are very organized at the back with GK Buffon and CB Cannavaro, but even this very experienced Italian squad will not be able to stop this freight train. Look for Spain to roll into the semis.
Spain advance with a 2-0 victory over Italy



Semifinal #1 - England vs. Brazil - In a very hard fought game, the Brazilians have too much skill and creativity for the English and advance to the Finals.
Brazil 2 England 1

Semifinal #2 - Spain vs. Argentina - Can you have any more attacking talent on the field at one time...I think not. But Xavi, Villa, David Silva, Xabi Alonso...holy crap does this list ever stop, is too much for Messi and their crackhead coach...
Spain 4 Argentina 2

                                         World Cup 2010 Final - Brazil vs. Spain

This is the Final everyone wants, and this is the one everyone gets (except for the English). Spain and Brazil battle to a 1-1 draw for 90 minutes on goals from David Villa for Spain and Luis Fabiano for Brazil. But in the 1st extra time...Fernando Torres gets on the end of a cross to give Spain the 2-1 edge...and in the 2nd extra time, with Brazil pushing forward to tie it and send it to PK's...Spain creates a turnover and finishes at the other end on a beautiful counter to win the Cup!
Spain 3 Brazil 1

                                                      Spain is your 2010 World Cup Winners!!

2010 World Cup Preview...Group F

2010-06-09T19:22:00Z

Italy: The Italians are the reigning world champions, but they just have a feel that father time has passed them by. Captain Fabio Cannavaro, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Zambrotta, Pirlo (May be out of the cup due to an injury), Gattuso - the list goes on and on - they are all 4 years older and all seem to have lost a step, if not two. Lucky for them they get an easy Group stage draw and will advance to the knockout round of the tournament. Anything less would be a disappointment, but do they really think they can repeat. They just don't seem to have that big time dominant player in the midfield or up top like they had in 2006. They had Totti, Del Piero and Luca Toni - all extremely dangerous. De Rossi is a quality midfielder, but not the talent that Totti or Del Piero ever were. I'm still surprised that Mario Balotelli did not make the 23 man roster...the guy is a beast, size, strength, speed...even if Coach Marcello Lippi didn't start the guy, how great would it have been to have a 100% Balotelli coming off the bench in the 60th minute down by a goal against defenders that have already run for an hour. Pretty damn good idea if you ask me!!

New Zealand: The Kiwis last played in the World Cup 28 years ago. This team is very tall and strong...even played Italy to a tough 4-3 game earlier in the year...they lost, but what heart. Ryan Nelsen is really the only player on the squad to make any noise at one of the top leagues in the world. Want to know why this team is going nowhere in South Africa? Their starting center midfielder is Simon Elliott - he was released by the San Jose Earthquakes of the MLS. Yes that MLS. Nuff said!

Paraguay: This team is well organized and strong at the back. And they also possess a couple of deadly strikers in Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City) and Oscar Cardoza. Their midfield is the big weakness, so if Paraguay want to advance, they will have to play direct and leave the midfield out of the flow of play for the most part. Keep in mind they did beat Argentina 1-0 to qualify, so if you sleep on the Paraguayans, or of course if your team is coached by a cocaine addict, you could find yourself packing up for home earlier than expected.

Slovakia: Slovakia was able to navigate through a very tough qualifying group that included the Czechs, Poland & Slovenia. They are a hard working team that can counter with the best of them. They do have Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel in the middle of their defense, but the best part of their team is the 3 headed monster up front. They have forwards Robert Vittek and Stanislav Sestak, and then they have Napoli’s young, attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik. The kid is 22 and has already been named captain…Hamsik will be making a name for himself in Europe as soon as this year. I think their ranking of 34^th in the world is way too low and they will show everyone their talent in South Africa.

Biggest Match of the Group Stage: Slovakia vs. Paraguay will more than likely determine the runner-up in this group.

Blast from the Past: Now that Czechoslovakia is now just Slovakia…none of significance. But there was a big game back in 1934 for the World Cup title that involved the Italians with the Czechs.

What the Future Holds: The winner of the Group will draw the runner-up from Group E (Cameroon). The runner-up will play the winner of Group E (Netherlands).

Prediction: Italy wins the Group and Slovakia finishes in 2^nd after defeating Paraguay 2-1 in their match