Penalties prove me wrong, but Spain win!
After a rather disappointing game ending in 0-0 after extra time between Paraguay and Japan, we finally saw our first penalty shoot out of the World Cup. After one of the Japanese players hit the crossbar, Paraguay were able to complete their penalties and make it through to face an Iberian side.
Meanwhile, Spain received their first card of the tournament, destroying their clean record. But it was worse for Portugal, who saw a player sent off. Although they won't continue in the tournament, a sending-off means that the player will have to miss his country's next international game. Spain won deservedly, going 1-0 up in the second half thanks to another goal from Villa. He's one of the top scorers this competition, along with Slovakia's Vittek and Argentina's Higuain.
Spain also broke Portugal's clean sheet for the tournament, and they are still the cleanest-playing team, with only one card.
There are no more games until July 2nd, so over the next few days when I'm not busy, there'll be a few stats posts about the cup coming out.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.19, Median – 2.5, Mode – 2, Range – 7
Cards per game: Mean – 3.91, Median – 5, Mode – 5, Range - 10
Showing posts with label final 16. Show all posts
Showing posts with label final 16. Show all posts
30/06/2010
29/06/2010
Day Nineteen preview: 29/6/2010
Today we have the final two games of the last 16. There's an Iberian battle of epic proportions, and the craziest country in the world take on Paraguay.
Paraguay vs Japan
In terms of ranking, Paraguay are 31st in the FIFA/Coca-Cola rankings, and Japan are 45th. Point one to Paraguay.
The teams have faced each other seven times, drawing five of those times, and Paraguay winning the other two. Point two to Paraguay.
Japan have failed to make it to the 1994 World Cup, and made it to the final 16 on home turf in 2002. Otherwise they have only faced the group stages. Paraguay also failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, and have otherwise had three final 16 knockouts, and one group stage knockout. Point three to Paraguay.
In this World Cup, Japan have a 2-0-1 group stage record, while Paraguay have a 1-2-0 record. Point four to Japan (for two wins against one).
So Paraguay are winners by the stats. But it's close, especially as the teams are both low-ranked.
Spain vs Portugal
Spain are ranked 2nd in the world. Portugal are third. Point one to Spain.
In their 33 matches, Spain have won 15, drawn 13 and only lost 3. Point two to Spain.
In the World Cups from 1994-2006, Spain have made it to two quarter-finals, one final-16s and one group stage. Portugal did not even qualify for 1994 or 1998, went out in the group stages once, and came fourth in 2006. So point three to Spain.
In the Euro Cups from 1992-2008, Portugal made it to the final once, the semi-final once, and the quarter-finals twice (but did not qualify in 1992). Spain were champions in 2008, but otherwise have had two quarter-finals and one group stage (also failing in 1992). Point four to Portugal.
Just by this World Cup, Spain have a 2-0-1 record to Portugal's 1-2-0, which gives point five to Spain.
Spain have the advantage, especially in recent years (winning Euro 2008 when Portugal went out in the quarter-finals), so they are likely to win.
Paraguay vs Japan
In terms of ranking, Paraguay are 31st in the FIFA/Coca-Cola rankings, and Japan are 45th. Point one to Paraguay.
The teams have faced each other seven times, drawing five of those times, and Paraguay winning the other two. Point two to Paraguay.
Japan have failed to make it to the 1994 World Cup, and made it to the final 16 on home turf in 2002. Otherwise they have only faced the group stages. Paraguay also failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, and have otherwise had three final 16 knockouts, and one group stage knockout. Point three to Paraguay.
In this World Cup, Japan have a 2-0-1 group stage record, while Paraguay have a 1-2-0 record. Point four to Japan (for two wins against one).
So Paraguay are winners by the stats. But it's close, especially as the teams are both low-ranked.
Spain vs Portugal
Spain are ranked 2nd in the world. Portugal are third. Point one to Spain.
In their 33 matches, Spain have won 15, drawn 13 and only lost 3. Point two to Spain.
In the World Cups from 1994-2006, Spain have made it to two quarter-finals, one final-16s and one group stage. Portugal did not even qualify for 1994 or 1998, went out in the group stages once, and came fourth in 2006. So point three to Spain.
In the Euro Cups from 1992-2008, Portugal made it to the final once, the semi-final once, and the quarter-finals twice (but did not qualify in 1992). Spain were champions in 2008, but otherwise have had two quarter-finals and one group stage (also failing in 1992). Point four to Portugal.
Just by this World Cup, Spain have a 2-0-1 record to Portugal's 1-2-0, which gives point five to Spain.
Spain have the advantage, especially in recent years (winning Euro 2008 when Portugal went out in the quarter-finals), so they are likely to win.
28/06/2010
Day Eighteen: 28/6/2010 (again)
Brazil and Netherlands up to standard
Is there any surprise today? Just as yesterday, the teams live up to expectations as Netherlands beat Slovakia 2-1 (Slovakia's final goal came from a penalty), and Brazil beat Chile. Slovakia's goalscorer Vittek now has 4 goals, which matches Argentina's Higuain's amount. But with Slovakia out, Higuain just has to score once to go top.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.28, Median – 2, Mode – 2, Range - 7
Cards per game: Mean – 3.94, Median – 4, Mode – 5, Range – 10
Predictions for tomorrow: Japan to beat Paraguay, Spain to beat Portugal.
Is there any surprise today? Just as yesterday, the teams live up to expectations as Netherlands beat Slovakia 2-1 (Slovakia's final goal came from a penalty), and Brazil beat Chile. Slovakia's goalscorer Vittek now has 4 goals, which matches Argentina's Higuain's amount. But with Slovakia out, Higuain just has to score once to go top.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.28, Median – 2, Mode – 2, Range - 7
Cards per game: Mean – 3.94, Median – 4, Mode – 5, Range – 10
Predictions for tomorrow: Japan to beat Paraguay, Spain to beat Portugal.
Day Eighteen: 28/6/2010
Note: I'm graduating tomorrow from university so I may have trouble posting on time with family around, but I'll try!
Netherlands vs Slovakia, Brazil vs Chile
Really, do I need to give the statistics for these games? I will anyway, but just looking at the teams gives you the answers as to which side seems dominant.
Netherlands vs Slovakia, incidentally, is the second of three Europe-on-Europe games in the knockout stages. The other teams from around the world will not be playing European teams again until the next round. At least we know for sure, three European sides will make it to the quarter-finals.
Netherlands are ranked 4th, and Slovakia are ranked 34th. This is a 30-place difference! So point one to Netherlands.
Their only game against Slovakia resulted in a draw, so no points given.
Since this is Slovakia's first World Cup, the Netherlands win point three automatically.
And in terms of this cup, Netherlands have a 3-0-0 record, while Slovakia have a 1-1-1 record. Point four to Netherlands.
So the stats say Netherlands will win.
Brazil vs Chile is South America on South America. Brazil have the reputation, but Chile are like a second division side taking on the Premier League champions - going for it with all they've got!
Brazil are ranked first. This gives them point one without even looking at Chile, who are ranked 18th.
In the competitive record, these teams have met 71 times. Chile have won 8, drawn 13 and lost 50, with 57 goals for and 159 goals against! Point two to Brazil.
From 1994-2010, Brazil have qualified for every World Cup and even won it! Chile have only qualified twice - being banned in 1994, and making the final 16 in 1998. So point three to Brazil.
And finally, in this World Cup, Brazil have a 2-1-0 record in the group stages, while Chile have a 2-0-1 record. Point four to Brazil.
All the same, I'd like to see the little guys win for a change.
Netherlands vs Slovakia, Brazil vs Chile
Really, do I need to give the statistics for these games? I will anyway, but just looking at the teams gives you the answers as to which side seems dominant.
Netherlands vs Slovakia, incidentally, is the second of three Europe-on-Europe games in the knockout stages. The other teams from around the world will not be playing European teams again until the next round. At least we know for sure, three European sides will make it to the quarter-finals.
Netherlands are ranked 4th, and Slovakia are ranked 34th. This is a 30-place difference! So point one to Netherlands.
Their only game against Slovakia resulted in a draw, so no points given.
Since this is Slovakia's first World Cup, the Netherlands win point three automatically.
And in terms of this cup, Netherlands have a 3-0-0 record, while Slovakia have a 1-1-1 record. Point four to Netherlands.
So the stats say Netherlands will win.
Brazil vs Chile is South America on South America. Brazil have the reputation, but Chile are like a second division side taking on the Premier League champions - going for it with all they've got!
Brazil are ranked first. This gives them point one without even looking at Chile, who are ranked 18th.
In the competitive record, these teams have met 71 times. Chile have won 8, drawn 13 and lost 50, with 57 goals for and 159 goals against! Point two to Brazil.
From 1994-2010, Brazil have qualified for every World Cup and even won it! Chile have only qualified twice - being banned in 1994, and making the final 16 in 1998. So point three to Brazil.
And finally, in this World Cup, Brazil have a 2-1-0 record in the group stages, while Chile have a 2-0-1 record. Point four to Brazil.
All the same, I'd like to see the little guys win for a change.
27/06/2010
Day Seventeen: 27/6/2010
The stats prove true
But let's hope not for the entire knockout rounds. Germany beat England after one of the England goals was disallowed despite being over the line. More calls have gone out for Sepp Blatter to change FIFA's stance on technology – he was the trending topic on Twitter, along with the ref of that game. Admittedly, Germany were the better team. The last Italian has now left the competition with a little more dignity than the others! FA – we'd like to keep Fabio please. He's nice.
Argentina also played fantastically against Mexico, who were no match for Maradona's team. Higuain got his fourth goal of the tournament, which once again puts him the top goalscorer. If Argentina keep up their performance, they could win the cup, and Higuain could well get the Adidas golden boot.
There has been an incredible increase in the number of goals scored per game. Just in the knockout stages, the average has been 3.75 goals per game! There's clearly a great desire to win, and sometimes the competition just hasn't met up to expectations (England).
Nor have the referees. Linesman Mauricio Espinosa was the one who declared Lampard's goal to not be a goal, but the referee Jorge Larrionda has now made two mistakes in this cup, having also not called a handball in the Australia-Serbia game that would have given Serbia a penalty and maybe put them through.
The only Englishman left in the competition is Howard WEBB, the referee, who has had a good performance so far. I hope he gets the final, but if Germany gets through then that probably won't be such a good idea.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.25, Median – 2, Mode – 2, Range – 7
Cards per game: Mean – 3.9, Median – 4, Mode – 5, Range – 10
Predictions for tomorrow: Netherlands have the experience, but Slovakia beat Italy. It's hard to call, but I'm going to risk it and go for the Slovaks. Well, I have to get one wrong! Brazil are definitely going to beat Chile, despite the fact that one of the Chilleans is called Isla.
But let's hope not for the entire knockout rounds. Germany beat England after one of the England goals was disallowed despite being over the line. More calls have gone out for Sepp Blatter to change FIFA's stance on technology – he was the trending topic on Twitter, along with the ref of that game. Admittedly, Germany were the better team. The last Italian has now left the competition with a little more dignity than the others! FA – we'd like to keep Fabio please. He's nice.
Argentina also played fantastically against Mexico, who were no match for Maradona's team. Higuain got his fourth goal of the tournament, which once again puts him the top goalscorer. If Argentina keep up their performance, they could win the cup, and Higuain could well get the Adidas golden boot.
There has been an incredible increase in the number of goals scored per game. Just in the knockout stages, the average has been 3.75 goals per game! There's clearly a great desire to win, and sometimes the competition just hasn't met up to expectations (England).
Nor have the referees. Linesman Mauricio Espinosa was the one who declared Lampard's goal to not be a goal, but the referee Jorge Larrionda has now made two mistakes in this cup, having also not called a handball in the Australia-Serbia game that would have given Serbia a penalty and maybe put them through.
The only Englishman left in the competition is Howard WEBB, the referee, who has had a good performance so far. I hope he gets the final, but if Germany gets through then that probably won't be such a good idea.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.25, Median – 2, Mode – 2, Range – 7
Cards per game: Mean – 3.9, Median – 4, Mode – 5, Range – 10
Predictions for tomorrow: Netherlands have the experience, but Slovakia beat Italy. It's hard to call, but I'm going to risk it and go for the Slovaks. Well, I have to get one wrong! Brazil are definitely going to beat Chile, despite the fact that one of the Chilleans is called Isla.
Day Seventeen preview: 27/6/2010
Germany vs England, Argentina vs Mexico
I hate to do this, but I will take a hard look at the facts.
Germany are 6, England are 8 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. It's a small difference, but gives point one to Germany.
In their most recent confrontations – 2000-2010 only – there have been five games played. England won three, Germany two. Overall, England have won 12 games in normal time, Germans 10 with 5 draws, of which Germany won two because they were knockout games, so in normal play England also have the advantage. So point two goes to England.
From 1994-2006, Germany have always gone to the quarter finals, came second in 2002, and third in 2006. England missed out on the 1994 World Cup, and have otherwise done reasonably but not brilliantly. Point three to Germany.
In the European Championship from 1992-2008, Germany were champions in 1996 (with England as hosts), and were runners-up twice, but only made the first round in 2000 and 2004. England made the semi-final in 1996, and the quarter-final in 2004, but failed to qualify last time. Point four to Germany.
And in terms of group-stage performance, Germany have a 2-0-1 record, while England have a 1-2-0 record. Therefore they are on equal standings in this cup.
So the statistics say Germany will probably win, but England have determination on their side, and a longer starvation from victories. We also have an older, more experienced squad, with some of Germany's best players not in this competition.
For Argentina and Mexico, Argentina are ranked 7th while Mexico are 17th. This puts point one to Argentina.
In their confrontations they have played 26 games, with Argentina winning 11, drawing 11 and only losing 4. This puts point two easily to Argentina.
As well as having two World Cup victories, Argentina are also led by Diego Maradona, who won one of those cups. But in more recent years they have not made it past the quarter-finals. Mexico have not made it past the final 16, and only reached the quarter-finals when they hosted the competition. Point three to Argentina.
And in this World Cup, Argentina have a group stage record of 3 wins, while Mexico are on 1-1-1. Point four solidly to Argentina.
So Argentina have the best chance of winning!
I hate to do this, but I will take a hard look at the facts.
Germany are 6, England are 8 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. It's a small difference, but gives point one to Germany.
In their most recent confrontations – 2000-2010 only – there have been five games played. England won three, Germany two. Overall, England have won 12 games in normal time, Germans 10 with 5 draws, of which Germany won two because they were knockout games, so in normal play England also have the advantage. So point two goes to England.
From 1994-2006, Germany have always gone to the quarter finals, came second in 2002, and third in 2006. England missed out on the 1994 World Cup, and have otherwise done reasonably but not brilliantly. Point three to Germany.
In the European Championship from 1992-2008, Germany were champions in 1996 (with England as hosts), and were runners-up twice, but only made the first round in 2000 and 2004. England made the semi-final in 1996, and the quarter-final in 2004, but failed to qualify last time. Point four to Germany.
And in terms of group-stage performance, Germany have a 2-0-1 record, while England have a 1-2-0 record. Therefore they are on equal standings in this cup.
So the statistics say Germany will probably win, but England have determination on their side, and a longer starvation from victories. We also have an older, more experienced squad, with some of Germany's best players not in this competition.
For Argentina and Mexico, Argentina are ranked 7th while Mexico are 17th. This puts point one to Argentina.
In their confrontations they have played 26 games, with Argentina winning 11, drawing 11 and only losing 4. This puts point two easily to Argentina.
As well as having two World Cup victories, Argentina are also led by Diego Maradona, who won one of those cups. But in more recent years they have not made it past the quarter-finals. Mexico have not made it past the final 16, and only reached the quarter-finals when they hosted the competition. Point three to Argentina.
And in this World Cup, Argentina have a group stage record of 3 wins, while Mexico are on 1-1-1. Point four solidly to Argentina.
So Argentina have the best chance of winning!
26/06/2010
Day Sixteen part two: 26/6/2010
Africa win!
The USA played Ghana in the second match of the day. Ghana got an early lead just squeaking into the net, but gave away a penalty in the second half that brought the USA level.
After 90 minutes the score was level, and the game fell into extra time. Ghana scored quickly in the first half of extra time, and kept the Americans away. It was incredible how Tim Howard, in total desperation, came up to help his team. But in the end Ghana won for Africa, and America's love-affair with soccer has ended for another World Cup.
I am disappointed by the American's loss, but am hopeful for tomorrow. England play Germany, and we have to represent Group C heading towards the final. USA – on our side now?
It seems the number of goals per game is increasing dramatically as we enter the knockout stages.
Predictions: England, obviously, and Argentina.
Goals per game: Mean - 2.14, Median - 2, Mode - 2, Range - 7
Cards per game: Mean - 4, Median - 4, Mode - 5, Range - 10
The USA played Ghana in the second match of the day. Ghana got an early lead just squeaking into the net, but gave away a penalty in the second half that brought the USA level.
After 90 minutes the score was level, and the game fell into extra time. Ghana scored quickly in the first half of extra time, and kept the Americans away. It was incredible how Tim Howard, in total desperation, came up to help his team. But in the end Ghana won for Africa, and America's love-affair with soccer has ended for another World Cup.
I am disappointed by the American's loss, but am hopeful for tomorrow. England play Germany, and we have to represent Group C heading towards the final. USA – on our side now?
It seems the number of goals per game is increasing dramatically as we enter the knockout stages.
Predictions: England, obviously, and Argentina.
Goals per game: Mean - 2.14, Median - 2, Mode - 2, Range - 7
Cards per game: Mean - 4, Median - 4, Mode - 5, Range - 10
Day Sixteen part one: 26/6/2010
Uruguay's dry spell is over
Uruguay played South Korea in the first match of the day. It was raining all through the match, and coming down harder in the second half. The South Americans began well with an early goal, and were unfortunate to not be given a penalty from a Korean handball. Korea took the second-half by storm, however, and had the majority of the possession throughout the match. They eventually got a goal back, destroying Uruguay's clean sheet for the first time in the competition. Uruguay went 337 minutes without any team scoring against them.
Then Uruguay had a fantastically lucky goal that almost hit the post, giving Suarez his third goal in the competition, which puts him well into the Adidas golden boot competition. ITV and FIFA both agree it's one of the best goals so far. After holding on for 13 more minutes, the South Koreans were put out of the World Cup after a fantastic final 16 game.
Later: USA vs Ghana.
As evidenced by the change of title, I'm now branching out into other sports. Also to come: Formula 1 race 9 qualifying.
Uruguay played South Korea in the first match of the day. It was raining all through the match, and coming down harder in the second half. The South Americans began well with an early goal, and were unfortunate to not be given a penalty from a Korean handball. Korea took the second-half by storm, however, and had the majority of the possession throughout the match. They eventually got a goal back, destroying Uruguay's clean sheet for the first time in the competition. Uruguay went 337 minutes without any team scoring against them.
Then Uruguay had a fantastically lucky goal that almost hit the post, giving Suarez his third goal in the competition, which puts him well into the Adidas golden boot competition. ITV and FIFA both agree it's one of the best goals so far. After holding on for 13 more minutes, the South Koreans were put out of the World Cup after a fantastic final 16 game.
Later: USA vs Ghana.
As evidenced by the change of title, I'm now branching out into other sports. Also to come: Formula 1 race 9 qualifying.
Day Sixteen Preview: 26/6/2010
We have every qualifying continent but Europe represented today! Who will win? I predicted yesterday that Uruguay and USA will win. Do the stats bear this out?
Uruguay/South Korea
Ranked 16 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings, Uruguay are far ahead of South Korea, who are only 47 – the worst-ranked team in the finals. Point one to Uruguay.
In their five confrontations, there was one draw, and Uruguay won the other four matches – most recently in 2007. Point two to Uruguay.
In the World Cups 1994-2010, Uruguay have only qualified twice, not making it out of the group stages in 2002, and failing to qualify in 1994, 1998 and 2006. South Korea, however, qualified for all five Cups, coming fourth in 2002, but mostly staying in the group stages. Point three to South Korea.
Comparing group performance just at this World Cup, Uruguay have a 2-1-0 record, while South Korea have a 1-1-1 record. Point four to Uruguay.
This suggests the South Americans will win.
USA/Ghana
Ranking: USA are 14, while Ghana are 32 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. Point one to USA.
In their only confrontation, at the 2006 World Cup, the USA were defeated 3-1 by Ghana. Point two to Ghana.
In the World Cups 1994-2010, the USA qualified each time, making it to the quarter-finals in 2002 and the final 16 in 1994. Ghana have only qualified in 2006 and 2010, but have made it to the final 16 each time. Point three, just about, to the USA.
By performance at this World Cup, USA have a 1-2-0 record, while Ghana have a 1-1-1 record. Point four to USA.
This suggests the USA will win.
Will my predictions bear out, or will the weight of Africa's support spur Ghana to victory? No teams have any extra disadvantages from disqualified players, so it's all down to the skill of the players.
Uruguay/South Korea
Ranked 16 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings, Uruguay are far ahead of South Korea, who are only 47 – the worst-ranked team in the finals. Point one to Uruguay.
In their five confrontations, there was one draw, and Uruguay won the other four matches – most recently in 2007. Point two to Uruguay.
In the World Cups 1994-2010, Uruguay have only qualified twice, not making it out of the group stages in 2002, and failing to qualify in 1994, 1998 and 2006. South Korea, however, qualified for all five Cups, coming fourth in 2002, but mostly staying in the group stages. Point three to South Korea.
Comparing group performance just at this World Cup, Uruguay have a 2-1-0 record, while South Korea have a 1-1-1 record. Point four to Uruguay.
This suggests the South Americans will win.
USA/Ghana
Ranking: USA are 14, while Ghana are 32 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. Point one to USA.
In their only confrontation, at the 2006 World Cup, the USA were defeated 3-1 by Ghana. Point two to Ghana.
In the World Cups 1994-2010, the USA qualified each time, making it to the quarter-finals in 2002 and the final 16 in 1994. Ghana have only qualified in 2006 and 2010, but have made it to the final 16 each time. Point three, just about, to the USA.
By performance at this World Cup, USA have a 1-2-0 record, while Ghana have a 1-1-1 record. Point four to USA.
This suggests the USA will win.
Will my predictions bear out, or will the weight of Africa's support spur Ghana to victory? No teams have any extra disadvantages from disqualified players, so it's all down to the skill of the players.
The Final Sixteen: Continental Drift
Let's look at the continental composition of the final 16 for the last few World Cups 1998-2010:
This year, the number of European teams has been significantly reduced to six: Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, England and newcomers Slovakia. This is thanks to the elimination of Italy and France, as well as the poor performance of Sweden and Croatia, amongst others.
We also see the two Asian sides of Japan and South Korea qualifying just as they did in 2002 on home turf. However, the biggest surprise is that the South American teams are rebuilding their strength: Brazil and Argentina are through as expected, but also Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Ghana are the one African team to make it, having also qualified last year, and the USA and Mexico are the other sides.
There is still a dominance from Europe and South America that suggests the World Cup will not be travelling to a new continent just yet.
| Continent | 1998 | 2002 | 2006 | 2010 |
| Africa | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Asia | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Australasia | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Europe | 10 | 9 | 10 | 6 |
| North/Central America | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| South America | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
This year, the number of European teams has been significantly reduced to six: Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, England and newcomers Slovakia. This is thanks to the elimination of Italy and France, as well as the poor performance of Sweden and Croatia, amongst others.
We also see the two Asian sides of Japan and South Korea qualifying just as they did in 2002 on home turf. However, the biggest surprise is that the South American teams are rebuilding their strength: Brazil and Argentina are through as expected, but also Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Ghana are the one African team to make it, having also qualified last year, and the USA and Mexico are the other sides.
There is still a dominance from Europe and South America that suggests the World Cup will not be travelling to a new continent just yet.
The Final Sixteen: Odds
The number of teams in the World Cup has been split in two. Already, two World Cup winners are out: France and Italy. We are left with Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, Argentina and England as teams who have lifted the trophy (although Germany won as West Germany).
Unusually, few European teams have made it through; this year it is truly an international competition. Here are the teams and the different odds for each of them to win in order of FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings (from British betting agencies bet365.com, Ladbrookes and William Hill respectively on 25/6/2010 at 21:50*):
1-Brazil. They have won the cup 5 times already (2002, 1994, 1970, 1962 and 1958), and are the only team to have never missed a cup. (7-2, 7-2, 10-3) [Top in each place]
2-Spain. The highest-ranked team to have never won a World Cup. Also the cleanest-playing team in the cup. They won Euro 2008. (4-1, 5-1, 4-1) [Ladbrookes less sure of Spain]
3-Portugal. The betting companies rank Portugal lower than FIFA. Portugal were defeated by Greece in the final of Euro 2004, and face Spain next. (25-1, 22-1, 22-1)
4-Netherlands. The only team to have won all their matches so far. And they play in orange! Came 4th in 1998. (7-1, 6-1, 7-1) [Under 'Holland']
6-Germany. As Italy are out, Germany come next. They've won the cup several times as West Germany, and came close in previous years. But can they beat England? (11-1, 10-1, 12-1)
7-Argentina. They used to be good in World Cups and are led by Diego Maradona. But are they good enough? They came second in the 2007 Copa America. (9-2, 9-2, 9-2)
8-England. They last won in 1966, but have Fabio Capello at the helm. Will they be able to defeat their German rivals? (10-1, 10-1, 10-1)
14-USA. With so many teams above them out, the USA have a good chance. Their country is solidly behind them. (40-1, 33-1, 40-1) [But not the betting companies]
16-Uruguay. They hosted the first World Cup, but have done poorly in more-recent cups. Can they change things? (16-1, 16-1, 18-1)
17-Mexico. They made it to the last 16 in the last four World Cups. Their best result is the quarter-finals. (66-1, 66-1, 66-1) [Nobody really thinks they'll do it]
18-Chile. They scraped through after Spain, and they have a player called Isla, which is my name! But will that be enough? (40-1, 40-1, 66-1) [William Hill is doubtful]
31-Paraguay. It's a long way down the list to the next team. They're one of several South-American teams still around. (40-1, 28-1, 40-1)
32-Ghana. They're the only African team left in it. Will this be the first African team to win a World Cup? They're playing USA next! (50-1, 40-1, 50-1)
34-Slovakia. Their first ever World Cup! They've only been a team since 1993, and now they're in the last 16! (200-1, 80-1, 125-1) [The bets are against them, but they have a good ranking]
45-Japan. They have a lower ranking than Scotland, but they made it to the final 16. The last time was on home turf. (80-1, 80-1, 80-1)
47-Korean Republic (South Korea). A surprising good team in 2002. But was that just home support? (100-1, 50-1, 80-1) [bet365 has them second-last]
Who do you think will win? Luck has a lot to do with it, but so does skill. I hope England will win, but it's all down to Germany!
*Please note- I do not at all condone gambling. Bet at your own risk. You will probably lose your money! I linked to the tournament winner bets where possible to save you searching.
Unusually, few European teams have made it through; this year it is truly an international competition. Here are the teams and the different odds for each of them to win in order of FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings (from British betting agencies bet365.com, Ladbrookes and William Hill respectively on 25/6/2010 at 21:50*):
1-Brazil. They have won the cup 5 times already (2002, 1994, 1970, 1962 and 1958), and are the only team to have never missed a cup. (7-2, 7-2, 10-3) [Top in each place]
2-Spain. The highest-ranked team to have never won a World Cup. Also the cleanest-playing team in the cup. They won Euro 2008. (4-1, 5-1, 4-1) [Ladbrookes less sure of Spain]
3-Portugal. The betting companies rank Portugal lower than FIFA. Portugal were defeated by Greece in the final of Euro 2004, and face Spain next. (25-1, 22-1, 22-1)
4-Netherlands. The only team to have won all their matches so far. And they play in orange! Came 4th in 1998. (7-1, 6-1, 7-1) [Under 'Holland']
6-Germany. As Italy are out, Germany come next. They've won the cup several times as West Germany, and came close in previous years. But can they beat England? (11-1, 10-1, 12-1)
7-Argentina. They used to be good in World Cups and are led by Diego Maradona. But are they good enough? They came second in the 2007 Copa America. (9-2, 9-2, 9-2)
8-England. They last won in 1966, but have Fabio Capello at the helm. Will they be able to defeat their German rivals? (10-1, 10-1, 10-1)
14-USA. With so many teams above them out, the USA have a good chance. Their country is solidly behind them. (40-1, 33-1, 40-1) [But not the betting companies]
16-Uruguay. They hosted the first World Cup, but have done poorly in more-recent cups. Can they change things? (16-1, 16-1, 18-1)
17-Mexico. They made it to the last 16 in the last four World Cups. Their best result is the quarter-finals. (66-1, 66-1, 66-1) [Nobody really thinks they'll do it]
18-Chile. They scraped through after Spain, and they have a player called Isla, which is my name! But will that be enough? (40-1, 40-1, 66-1) [William Hill is doubtful]
31-Paraguay. It's a long way down the list to the next team. They're one of several South-American teams still around. (40-1, 28-1, 40-1)
32-Ghana. They're the only African team left in it. Will this be the first African team to win a World Cup? They're playing USA next! (50-1, 40-1, 50-1)
34-Slovakia. Their first ever World Cup! They've only been a team since 1993, and now they're in the last 16! (200-1, 80-1, 125-1) [The bets are against them, but they have a good ranking]
45-Japan. They have a lower ranking than Scotland, but they made it to the final 16. The last time was on home turf. (80-1, 80-1, 80-1)
47-Korean Republic (South Korea). A surprising good team in 2002. But was that just home support? (100-1, 50-1, 80-1) [bet365 has them second-last]
Who do you think will win? Luck has a lot to do with it, but so does skill. I hope England will win, but it's all down to Germany!
*Please note- I do not at all condone gambling. Bet at your own risk. You will probably lose your money! I linked to the tournament winner bets where possible to save you searching.
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