World Cup Predictions, US TV Schedule: Germany vs. Spain Semifinal

This is a semifinal worthy of a final, worthy of legend. Spain look the perfect team on paper, but the Germans look the perfect team on the pitch. The Spanish have enjoyed an obscenely large percentage of possession during their games, poking and prodding at defenses with composure, but ultimately producing few goals. The Germans, on the other hand, have sliced and diced nearly every team they've met, scoring 4 goals against Australia, England and Argentina.

Ms. FootyNut makes an appearance again for this final round of semifinal predictions.

Ms. FootyNut: Spain was the only prediction I've gotten right in this round. And I still think they don't have the muster to make it all the way to the final. They should have had an easier time beating Paraguay. Germany are young, fast and attacking machines! If they don't win by 3 goals I'll be disappointed.

FootyNut: This is going to be epic. But I'm sticking to my original bracket of a Netherlands vs. Germany final. The Germans are brimming with confidence and can back that confidence up with goals. Spain, on the other hand, have been stubborn in their tactical approach and unwilling to change their system even when it looks like they'll bounce out of the tournament because of it. Instead, the Spanish have relied on luck and David Villa to lift them through at the necessary moments. The Germans will slice and dice the Spanish defense and bounce into the finals.

Germany vs. Spain
Wednesday, July 7
2:30pm EDT, ESPN

World Cup US TV Schedule Quarterfinals: July 3

SATURDAY, JULY 3

Argentina v Germany
10:00am EDT, ABC

Paraguay v Spain
2:30pm EDT, ABC

Ms FootyNut: End of World Cup Means Loss of Interest For Average Fans

It seems like the topic of the week is whether or not this 2010 FIFA World Cup had any lasting effect on US soccer's fan base.

IMHO I agree with Mr FootyNut's post that it may grab a converted fan or two, but I don't think it will reach a critical mass of any sort. I speak from experience in this as I was enamored with the World Cup while "my teams" (USA and England) were still in it. But as soon as they were eliminated I found myself dramatically less interested in the game. I'm sorry, Mr. FootyNut, but I have no desire to watch MLS or EPL games (unless I'm in the stadium).

In fairness, I have no desire to watch any other sport - unless it's a major competition...and most of the times not then either. Basicallym yes, I will only watch sports on television during the Olympics and now, World Cup. So, for a few weeks, every few years. But unlike even those who are annually dedicated to the Final Four, the Superbowl etc, my interest in sports in general do not go that far.

I think Americans who actually like watching sports on television, and who also watched this year's USMNT (US Mutant Ninja Turtles!!) may have a higher conversion rate. However, I don't get the impression that the t.v. networks (sports based or otherwise) are going to help fuel the Slightly Interested into becoming Super Fans. I think part of it boils down to accessibility to the game. If you show it, they might watch. If you don't...well, you get it. I would guess that someone with a friend (or partner) who is obsessed with footy is more likely to convert because they have a leader.

I also think fans of other sports are annoyed by blatant dives and become bored by what can be considered low-scoring games. Teams like Germany and Argentina have had higher scoring games recently and - on paper at least - that could be seen as more exciting. But during the group stages, the teams were more concerned with not losing than they were with winning so they settled for draws more often than in the later stages.

I'll conclude by saying that it will take time for me to become a Super Fan all year 'round, not just quadrennially. I think that will be true of most lay people who watched this World Cup.

In case you missed it, Ms FootyNut is guest blogging here to give a layperson's view of soccer and the World Cup.

World Cup Quaterfinals Preditions, Featuring Ms. FootyNut

Well, ladies and gentlemen, only 8 of 205 teams remain. Half of them are from South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay), while the three more are European powerhouses in Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. The remaining team, Ghana, carries the hopes of Africa on its shoulders.

Once again, please welcome Ms. FootyNut to help out with this round of predictions. Without further ado, let's get started!

Uruguay v Ghana

Ms. FootyNut: I'm going to stick with my bracket and say Uruguay for the win. Ghana are tough, don't get me wrong, but there's something about this lot of South American teams. They're just winners.

FootyNut: Funny thing: My bracket didn't reflect my predictions. And since my predictions for the Uruguay-South Korea game were correct, I'm going to claim that it was my bracket that was a mistake. Now that we've sorted that out, I'm going to agree with the Missus on this one, Uruguay has the composure and class to fend off the Guardians of Africa's dreams.


Netherlands v Brazil

MF: Brazil hands down. I just have this feeling that they're going all the way...much to the chagrin of everyone...except Brazilians.

FN: This is my biggest risk of the entire tournament. Truth be told, I think I am more than half willing Brazil to lose this one. However, after seeing the Dutch's consistent and dynamic attack, I think they might be able to pull this off. However, if Brazil wins, only a date with Germany or Argentina in the finals will see them lose. But on a perfect day for the Orange Tide of the Netherlands, they will go through.


Argentina v Germany

MF: Germany is a young and forceful team! But I think they're "too nice" much like this year's USMNT. Argentina are ruthless imho. Plus, I want them to battle it out in the final with Brazil.

FN: This is a tough one to call. Argentina has been solid. Tevez is the heart while Messi is the brain. But Germany has been inspired going forward, and that inspiration has been enough to compensate for a less than seamless defense. In the end, though, I feel this is Germany's year for another appearance in the final.


Paraguay v Spain

MF: Paraguay's game vs Japan was painful. I don't see them advancing. Spain for me here.

FN: Yeah. The missus has this one absolutely correct. Paraguay is starving for goals. And as I've said before, Spain my stumble before the end, but it won't be against Paraguay.

Don't forget to catch the matches tomorrow and this weekend on TV at home or in your local soccer pub!

Stateside Soccer's World Cup Round of 16 Predictions, Featuring Ms. Footynut!

In light of the less than flawless results from my World Cup Group predictions (one measure of success has me at 56% for correctly predicting which teams will get out of the group), I have decided to bring in guest blogger Ms. FootyNut to make the predictions for the Round of 16.

Uruguay v South Korea

Ms. FootyNut: This was really tough because South Korea beat some big names. However, Uruguay took their group without conceding a single goal. They beat South Africa on their home turf! I just feel like they are stronger at defense than South Korea. Uruguay to win.

FootyNut: It's plain and simple for me, this World Cup is shaping up to be a display for South American teams. While Korea has had a somewhat of a surprising tournament (Asian teams have fared better than the African teams), I believe their luck runs out in the Round of 16. Uruguay will advance to the Quarter Finals.


USA v Ghana

MF: Ok, this prediction is about 50% desire, 50% logic. But I think our boys have done an outstanding job attacking (if only their goals are allowed!!), and Tim Howard is an amazing keeper! It's not going to be an easy win. Ghana was top of their group for a while, but they looked sluggish to me, like they lack self-esteem and they're ready to go home. USA to advance!

FN: Throw me up on a gibbet and burn me in effigy, but I'm calling this one for Ghana. Although my faith in the massive home turf advantage the African teams would experience in South Africa failed me in my group match predictions, Ghana's U20 men's national team became the first African team to win a FIFA tournament on African soil when it defeated Brazil in last year's U20 World Cup. Expect a hard fought, but ultimately heartbreaking game for the Yanks.


Netherlands v Slovakia

MF: The Orange tide of the Netherlands just won their group so easily! Slovakia only barely beat Italy. I don't know if the Slovak's defense/goalkeeping combo is strong enough to stem the Dutch attack.

FN: I agree with the Missus on this one. Slovakia's success in their group was - honestly - due less to their skill and more to the train wreck of an Italian team slowly but surely self destructing. The Netherlands will put on their requisite display of flash and substance on their way to the quarter-finals.


Brazil v Chile

MF: Well, I mean...what can you say? Brazil wins this one.Chile just isn't strong enough for this powerhouse. Brazil just seems unstoppable (and their fans insufferable ... but I digress).

FN: Well, poor Chile. They've had an unlucky draw this cup. In any 2 out of 3 other groups Chile might have been drawn in, they would have won and been in a much more favorable position in the knock-outs. But as it sits, their dynamic performances weren't enough to hold stop Spain from topping the group and now have to face Brazil, a team they lost to twice in qualifying, with an aggregate score of 7-2. Brazil goes through.


Argentina v Mexico

MF: Mexico got through by the skin of their teeth. The beat France - which was easy given they are falling apart, and tied with South Africa who just weren't that strong this time around. Again, Argentina = obvious choice.

FN: So if Messi is going to shine, now would be the time. However, it may be that - like his evil and much taller twin Cristiano Ronaldo - Messi's best role will be as an orchestrator for a stronger defense. And unlike Ronaldo, Messi has a wide selection of fellow, world class attackers to feed. Argentina wins.


Germany v England

MF: Again, more than 50% of this prediction is biased desire. This is not going to be an easy match. Germany have been excellent. England have not. I want to believe that the boys of the Three Lions will pull it together, start thinking and playing as a team, and start feeding Rooney some good passes! He knows how to find the back of the net, help him do it!! Rule, Britannia, England rule the game!

FN: A star crossed lot this English team be. I'd love to see the Three Lions go through, but the Germans are a more cohesive unit who look threatening and ruthless in the final third. Germany will edge out England in this latest installment of World Soccer's greatest rivalries.


Paraguay v Japan

MF: I feel like Japan never expected to get through to the knockout rounds. They did well in their group but they're up against Paraguay who I abstractly view as another South American Powerhouse. Japan does have a chance though and could surprise me. I would welcome it actually, but I see Paraguay going through.

FN: For an unengaged fan, this may be the most obscure match in the Round of 16. Japan has done nothing but exceed expectations and I think they will continue for just one more match. The Blue Samurai of Japan will make the quarter finals.


Spain v Portugal

MF: One word: Spain. I just don't like Ronaldo. Is that a good enough reason? But seriously, this was tough. I actually have no strong feelings about this decision. Spain were on top of their group (and European Champions in 2008), so why not, right?

FN: Yeah, I'm still not convinced Spain will win it all, but I can say that Portugal and Ronaldo just won't be able to make enough of an impact against the savvy possession of Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso and Villa. The Spaniards might not win the tournament, but they'll win this one. Spain to win.


If you want to see how both Ms. FootyNut and I predict the rest of the World Cup to go - including all winners and losers down to the champions and third place teams - check out our dueling brackets.

Dueling World Cup Brackets: Who Will Win It All?

So guest blogger and supposed fiancee of yours truly, Ms FootyNut, decided to draft a bracket to compete against mine for the knock-out rounds of the tournament. I have the Netherlands winning a final over Germany with Spain edging Ghana out for third place. She has an epic finish with Brazil triumphing over Argentina and Spain taking third place at the cost of Uruguay.

To be fair, Ms FootyNut's was probably a bit more methodical. In truth, I took my lead from the Wall Street Journal's old dartboard contest. Random, unpredictable selections may end up making me look like a psychic.

Stateside Soccer's Bracket:


Ms. FootyNut's Bracket:

Truly Epic Wins

Download Stateside Soccer's World Cup Knock-Out Round Bracket HERE. Fill it out in pencil or in pen, share it with your friends, enjoy the great soccer that is yet to come.


What a finish for Group C!!! You could not ask for more drama, suspense, or beauty in the USA's story. Robbed of two goals, both disallowed in objectionable circumstances during pivotal matches, only to come back in the 91st minute of the final game to win the group. Beautiful. There are hardly words. And I can't forget to mention England's showing, which was just as well done, holding off Slovenia's attacks for a clean 1-0 final. Magnificent.

Now that we are closer to the Final 16 I'd like to share with you the reusable, printable bracket I made. It's hosted on Google Docs for all the world to see and print here.

As a reminder, here are the standings so far:

Group A:
1. Uruguay
2. Mexico

Group B:
1. Argentina
2. South Korea

Group C:
1. USA
2. England

Group D:
1. Germany
2. Ghana

Also guaranteed a spot:
Group E, Netherlands and Group G, Brazil

Group D plays their final games today at 2:30pm EST. Can Ghana beat Germany and hold onto the top spot? Will Australia come from behind to get the win required to go through?! [Edit to Add] Yeah, that didn't happen...Germany and Ghana are through.

It's all terribly exciting!!

In case you missed it, Ms FootyNut is guest blogging here to give a layperson's view of footy and the World Cup.

World Cup Week One Round Up

Three England fans looking only slightly less ridiculous than their team (Telegraph.co.uk)

As we're coming to the end of the second weekend of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we find ourselves faced with a compelling final five days of group stage games. And even with 29 of 48 group matches played, only the Netherlands and Brazil have guaranteed themselves a spot in the next round. Needless to say, my predictions have almost all been thrown out the window.

Draws Dominate Crucial Group C Games
Through almost freakishly unpredictable circumstances, three draws in the opening four games of Group C have left Slovenia on top of the group table with four points. The United States sits in second place with two points, edging England to third on account of goals scored.

After leaving their first match against England with a well-deserved 1-1 draw, the United States showed the spectacularly gritty nature of its team character when they fought back from a two goal deficit at half time to draw and nearly beat a slick Slovenian side in their second match.

England, on the other hand, apparently forgot to eat their Wheaties and struggled to produce any sort of attacking threat in a 0-0 draw in their second group stage match against Algeria.


World Powers Stumble, Self-Destruct
Spain, the reigning European champions and a prominent favorite to win this year's world cup found themselves on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline against a lucky and well organized (imagined that) Swiss side.

After pummeling a lackluster, befuddled Australian side 4-0 in their opening games, tournament regulars Germany lost 1-0 to a stalwart Serbian side.

Defending World Cup winners Italy not only came from behind to salvage a draw in their opener against Paraguay, but they found themselves in need of a similar performance to salvage not only a point but their dignity from their second game against a spectacularly organized New Zealand side. The Azzuri now sit on 2 points going into the final day.

If it wasn't enough that France all but cheated its way into a spot in South Africa, they opened their tournament with an uninspired 0-0 draw against Uruguay. Then the French proceeded to fall apart in a 2-0 loss to Mexico. The self-destruction continued into the weekend when forward Nicolas Anelka was sent home, the French players refused to train and many of the coaching staff simply quit.

And as ESPN the Magazine's World Cup preview so astutely put it, "There will always be an England and it will always disappoint." And with a goalless draw against Algeria of all teams, the Three Lions of England have surely disappointed.


Quality of Refereeing Goes from Amazing to Appalling
The refereeing of the opening dozen games or so was nearly impeccable. The most prominent example of the outstanding refereeing came in the opening match of the tournament when Mexico's Carlos Vela was correctly called off side against the protests of about 85% of the matches viewers, including the ESPN commentating crew.

However, come Friday, the wheels starting coming off the refereeing cart. Germany's loss came within the context of Spanish referee Alberto Mallenco's 10 cards, including the sending off of the German's World Cup Talisman, Miroslav Klose. Then, with only 10 minutes to go in the US's match against Slovenia, Malian referee Koman Coulibaly disallowed a US goal by calling a foul that remains unfathomable in the face of dozens of slow motion replays.


Regardless of what the past 10 days have brought us, they are sure to bring exciting match-ups and edge-of-your-seat moments. Will New Zealand pull off the unthinkable and follow Paraguay out of the group, leaving the Italians behind to ponder what might have been? Will the US and Slovenia leave England equally befuddled by elimination? Will the cards fall just right for Australia? Will it be Portugal or the Ivory Coast who advances from the group of death? Will an African team be able to make it to the knock out stages in the first tournament held on African soil?

We'll just have to watch some more to find out.

Who Are Ya! Who Are Ya! ...Cheering For?

Missed Ms FootyNut's first post? Find it here.

Photo: Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated

I have officially been bitten by the World Cup bug and I'm infecting several people I work with. Huzzah!

Like World Cup die-hard fans I've been trying to keep up with all the games. I can't watch them at work, but I do scan the news feeds for updates and once I know what their uniforms look like, I'm pretty good at playing the game in my head - Pass, pass, pass, pass, tackle, ball out of play, throw in, pass, pass...you get it. You may ask, "How is that satisfying?" Usually I just keep hoping anyone and everyone will score. I think that stems from growing up in Hockey Town where games are relatively "high scoring".

But now that I know a little bit more about this game, and the teams, I keep myself interested by always picking a side. I am one of those people that if I don't have an allegience, I always root for the underdog. For me this is also true in politics - I voted for Nader in '08.

This most recent round for Group B, I was rooting for South Korea because Park Ji-Sung is on that team, but also plays for Manchester United - Mr. FootyNut's Premireship team. And in Group A I was rooting for Mexico because, well, no one should be rooting for those dirty cheating French.

During the Greece/Nigeria game there was a short discussion on The Guardian's Minute By Minute about how South African fans are rooting for any African team because to them, a win for that team equals win for the continent (according to the comments on the Guardian). This is not a phenom that we've seen elsewhere, particularly Europe. A win for Germany wouldn't necessarily be highly celebrated in Spain or even England. Would we be happy if Mexico won? What about Canada (if they'd made it)? I haven't noticed this African bias with the Algerian game, anyone else?

While Mr. FootyNut and I are on a media black-out today (so we can watch the Group C games uninterrupted later tonight) debate these questions with us.

What do you think about the African bias? Are there other allegiances out there I don't know about? Who do you vote for when "your team" isn't playing? OR, is that tempting fate and you secretly wish there was a lose-lose option for everyone else?

The USMNT's Top 5 World Cup Matches

There is a lot of hype surrounding the importance of the US's first match of the 2010 World Cup against the Three Lions of England (2:30pm EDT, ABC). Many are saying that it is the biggest World Cup game the Yanks have ever played. But no matter the outcome, there are at least 5 other games who can give tomorrow's match a run for their money:

5. US v. Paraguay (Uruguay 1930)


So yes, the first World Cup consisted of only 13 teams. But the U.S. made a strong first impression on first asking. Plowing their way to the semi-finals with a dominating 3-0 win over Paraguay. In 2006, FIFA recognized that Bert Patenaude scored all three goals in this match, thus becoming the first person to score a hat trick in a World Cup.

4. US v. Portugal (Japan / South Korea 2002)


Really, you can make every match of the 2002 World Cup number one on this list (except the match against Poland). However, that's not fun. In lieu of this cop out, the second group match of the 2002 makes the list at number 4. This match ended in an electric 3-2 scoreline in favor of the yanks and catapulted them into the second round with room for a reality check by the Poles along the way that may just have served to ground the team going into the knock out rounds.

3. US v. Colombia (USA 1994)


The United States entered the 1994 World Cup with the disdain of the World on its shoulders. It had received the right to host the tournament despite of its poor world ranking and lack of a top tier professional outdoor league. However, after a 1-1 draw against Scotland, the global community cocked an eyebrow. So when the US met and beat then fourth ranked Colombia 2-1 on home soil in Detroit, soccer fever hit the nation and has never really let go ... sorta.

2. US v. Germany (Japan / South Korea 2002)


Only one word describes this quarterfinal match up from the USMNT's epic run in 2002: Bittersweet. The Yanks not only stayed with the Germans, but they out played the European powerhouse. So after a heartbreaking goal by Michael Ballack, a masterclass performance by German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn and a handball save on the German goal line, the Yanks were left on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline. The consolation? Even the German players admitted the US outplayed them.

1. US v. England (Brazil 1950)


While the US v Germany game of the World Cup beats the US upset of England of 1950 in prominence and impact, the Miracle on Grass in nothing short of soccer legend. Appearing in just its second world cup in 20 years, nothing was expected of the fledgling American team when it came up against the inventors and popular legends of the game, England. So when the Yanks beat the English 1-0, it was a soccer shot heard round the world.


But what if the US repeats its upset? What if it propels the team into another legendary run deep into the tournament. What if that run sparks a widespread soccer fever that makes 1994 look pale in comparison? Will the US v. England match of 2010 rocket to the top of this list? More than likely. But it will have to be an epic win if it is to go down as a great match when we look back at it 20 years from now?

What do you think? What will the impact of tomorrow's match be on soccer 20 years from now?

World Cup Predictions: Group D

Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

Players to Watch:
Miroslav Klose (Germany)
Tim Cahill (Australia)
Dejan Stankovic (Serbia)
Michael Essien (Ghana)


Match to Watch:
Germany vs. Ghana
June 23, 2:30 P.M. (ESPN)


Predictions:

Serbia vs. Ghana
June 13, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ABC)
Defense will make or break this group and in this first match has a world class back line against a hap-hazard transitional defense. However, once again, I'm going to value Ghana's recent victory at the U20 World Cup and the impending rise of African soccer over Serbia's battle-hardened class.
Result: SER 0 - 1 GHA

Germany vs. Australia
June 13, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ABC)
Never underestimate Germany. Or Australia's sporting prowess. This match will be indicative of each country's run this time around. In the end, Australia's class will show and they'll scrape away with a point out of this encounter.
Result: GER 1 - 1 AUS

Germany vs. Serbia
June 18, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
Germany's hopes going into this World Cup are measured, guarded. Their roster is aging and lacks the one or two superstars they've been accustomed to. Serbia, on the other hand, is filled with a giddy optimism coming off a sensational qualification run. However, this is the match that will bring about reality for both teams.
Result: GER 2 - 0 SER

Ghana vs. Australia
June 19, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
As with every other team aiming for a second place finish, this match will be crucial for both Ghana and Australia. Expect an exciting match with Australia's experience to come out on top.
Result: GHA 1 - 2 AUS

Ghana vs. Germany
June 23, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN)
By the third game, it will be clear that Ghana's ambitions have exceeded the squad's capabilities. Hoping for points against a warmed-up Germany team will not be enough to get Ghana through. On the other hand, Germany will be hungry for the win to sew up top spot against a threatening Australia.
Result: GHA 1 - 2 GER

Australia vs. Serbia
June 22, 10 A.M. EDT (ESPN 2)
Vidic, Ivanovic and Stankovic may be a force to be reckoned with in the backfield, but Serbia will have problems going forward against an Australian midfield packed with athletic, scrappy players who can keep up with the toughest of them. This game will not be nice to watch, but the Socceroos will come out on top and sew up second place, even with Germany on points, but behind on goals.
Result: AUS 1 - 0 SER


Final standings: