World Cup Day 14- 24/06/10

So, another four last 16 places are decided, and another two fixtures arranged. First up today was Group F, featuring World Champions Italy. And the games didn't half throw up a bit of a shock. Paraguay held the advantage in this group, with 4 points, ahead of Italy and New Zealand, both on 2, and Slovakia on 1. This meant that Paraguay only needed a point to top the group, unless Italy won by a fair few goals. And Paraguay were in no danger of giving up the solitary point needed in a fairly tedious match in which the All Whites, playing in All Black, failed to manage a single shot on target. This meant that New Zealand could still technically make it through (assuming the Italy-Slovakia match had been later) if that game finished in a 0-0 draw, and even then lots would have to be drawn. Unfortunately for New Zealand, no such luck. Robert Vittek scored in the 25th minute and added another 15 minutes into the second half, before a goal from Di Natale gave the reigning champions hope. However, they were well and trully sunk when Kopunek scored with a minute to go, and even though Quagliarella scored a fine goal in injury time, it was not enough to stop Italy being only the fourth reigning champions in history to go out at the group stage, and propelled Slovakia into the last 16 of their first ever World Cup.

Group E was much closer to being decided. Games were contested between Cameroon, already out, and Holland, already through, as well as Japan and Denmark, both of whom could go through. The Holland-Cameroon affair wasn't hugely exciting due to both sides already knowing their fate, but the Dutch were still determined to maintain a 100% record, which they managed courtesy of goals from Robin Van Persie and Klaas Jan Huntelaar either side of a Samuel Eto'o penalty. The other game, however, was far more exciting, with both Japan and Denmark knowing that they could progress with a victory. It was Japan who got the better start. Having waited so long for a free-kick to be scored at this world cup, we have now had 3, with 2 brilliant first half efforts from Honda and Endo, before Jon Dahl Tomasson pulled a goal back for Denmark. Japans victory, though, was completed 3 minutes from time with a goal from Okazaki to set up a last 16 clash with Paraguay, while Holland will face Slovakia.

My Predictions for World Cup Day 15- 25/06/10

Portugal 2-3 Brazil
This should make for a really entertaining game between two of the best sides in the world. Brazil are already through, but will be without the suspended Kaka, and Portugal showed against North Korea that they have no shortage of goals in them. For me, though, Brazil just have the edge on them.

North Korea 0-1 Ivory Coast
Let's face it, North Korea haven't been brilliant this tournament. They showed glimpses in their previous games, but following their 7-0 pummeling from Portugal they won't exactly be brimming with confidence, and the Ivory coast (or, to put it more specifically, Didier Drogba), should just about have the edge on them.

Switzerland 2-0 Honduras
Switzerland defended brilliantly in their previous two games, and faced a pummeling from Chile in a game which could have been oh so different if they had finished with 11 men. They should have the ability to see off a Honduras side who have really shown no ability in this World Cup.

Chile 0-2 Spain
Chile have produced two really good performances in their previous games, but should be no match for the European champions. Spain will be desparate for the win which would put them top of the group, and undoubtedly have the ability to get it. They should see of Chile, but the South Americans won't go down without a fight.