MIKE’S WORLD CUP 2010 – KO #2

MIKE’S WORLD CUP 2010 – the knock out stages – 2

To start with, may I say very well played to Argentina, Germany, Ghana and Uruguay for making the last eight. They all thoroughly deserved their victories and can look forward to their next games with pride.

My score line predictions were almost as bad as the English team performance but at least I only lost 3-1 compared to their 4-1 defeat.

Germany 4-1 England – I am not sure where to start as the England performance was so bad that even the controversial disallowed goal incident (the ball was at least 3 feet over the line) probably had little effect on the final result.

The Germans are a young, fit side and they exposed the slow English defence time after time and could have scored a hatful. Thank goodness James was in goal!

For their part, the English defence illustrated how not to defend against long balls and break aways and, as I feared in an earlier Blog, the Germans mercilessly exploited the complete lack of pace and lack of organisation in the centre of our defence/midfield.

England’s team selection and tactics throughout the tournament were highly questionable with no player performing well. There were too many players picked as first choice who were clearly out of form, something Fabio said he would not do.

I also have to question most of the substitution decisions made by Fabio – for example, why bring on Heskey in the Germany game when we needed to score goals? I assume it was as a foil for Rooney – but he hasn’t scored since March and looked well under par.

But now is perhaps not the time for a post mortem as emotions are still running high.

There is no doubt that Germany thoroughly deserved their victory and they will, I fear, retain the bragging rights of this match for a long time to come.

Argentina 3 – 1 Mexico – the Argies first goal was so far offside that the referee and linesman should be sacked.

Indeed, the decision might have had some effect on the final score as the game was closely fought in the earlier stages and the decision clearly upset the Mexicans.

But, overall, Argentina were the better side and remain unbeaten in the competition.

They look like potential candidates for the Final although I will be watching with interest to see if the speedy German forwards can outpace and pressurise the Argie defence which does look a bit fragile at times.

Today should see the Dutch and Brazilians make the last eight but don’t bank on it. This competition has been full of surprises and there may still be a few left.

Despite my dreadful score prediction record to date, I will stick with my earlier ‘last 16’ forecasts so I expect Spain and Japan to join them.

And my prediction for the Final is……… I’ll tell you soon!

Editors Note: Mike is a longtime member at My Poker Blues and resides in England.

Bet on all your favorite World Cup teams by clicking BetUS !

More News

• Mike’s World Cup 2010 – The Final
• WORLD CUP 2010 – SEMI FINALS
• WORLD CUP 2010 – QUARTER FINALS
• MIKE’S WORLD CUP 2010
• MIKE’S WORLD CUP 2010 – NOTES 3