Last Chance Saloon

As we come to the final round of group games, very little has been answered and there is much to discuss and debate, fully in the knowledge that the answers will promptly arrive; the beauty of the World Cup.

Teams such as Spain, Mexico and Portugal have really stepped up as expected after disappointing results in the first round of matches and go into the final games with justified confidence. Others are still dragging themselves along with ‘potential’ more than substance giving their fans hopes; indeed very few teams have actually been knocked out of the competition at this point – only North Korea (insert actual name!) have no mathematical chance of progressing!

Groups A & B will be decided today and they have not been short of ‘shocks’ either; although anyone who has followed the travails of Monsieur Domenech in recent years or saw Nigeria’s inept performance against Ghana in the African Cup of Nations may not have been too surprised.

If there is any justice in the World (Cup), France will be on a plane home after their match against South Africa; the players clearly want to go home, we want them to go home, and the French public continue to not be bothered, excepting their outrage at the team’s refusal to train. A conspiratorial draw between Mexico and Uruguay would be enough to see both teams safely through and, without knowing all the ins and outs of Central-South American rivalry; this is something one is almost hopeful of.
MY PREDICTION: Mexico & Uruguay to progress

In group B Nigeria have conspired to knock themselves out of the tournament, not so much with an expected defeat against Argentina but by somehow engineering a reversal against Greece having looked the better team and with a one goal lead – the first team to lose after taking the lead in this year’s competition. For second place, South Korea’s fantastic win over Greece in the group’s first game should be enough to see them through the group, barring a disastrous loss to Nigeria. Diego Maradona will be playing a reserve team against Greece, but I still expect a comfortable win for La Albiceleste.
MY PREDICTION: Argentina & South Korea to progress

I suppose a few thoughts on England would take place here if I had any more patience left. Rather I think I will paraphrase Big Ron to say that I never comment on players [referees] and I’m not going to break the habits of a lifetime for those prats. I shall not be watching the England-Slovenia game live on Wednesday and I expect them to pull themselves together and beat a team who are frankly not in their pampered league. F**k John Terry, f**k scaredy cats, f**k nil-nil draws... its Big Boy time and for once expectations are not being set too high in expecting, nay DEMANDING, an England win.
MY PREDICTION: USA & England to progress

On to happier times and Group D. Ghana sit on top of the group but will be up against an angry, wounded Germany and the head overrules the heart here. Germany win. This leaves the door open for Serbia to ‘pick the pockets’ of the Ghanaians with a victory over group bottom-feeders Australia. Easy, no? Well no... Not only will the Aussies have the motivated return of ‘magic’ Timmy Cahill, they are also a very decent team - while the simmering tension and, for want of a better word, hate that exists between the Slavic side and the Australians has its roots in older, non-footballing matters. However, if Germany do punish Ghana, a draw should be good enough for Serbia and that’s a far more appetising bet to take on.
MY PREDICTION: Germany & Serbia (via a draw) to progress

As mentioned, it's Big Boy time now; excuses wont keep you company on the long flight home.