This weekend there are more Euro 2012 games. Here are the match previews for groups A to E.
Group A
This is really a group of two halves: three Western Europe countries with a Christian history, very close together and sharing (in some parts) the same language; and three Euro-Asian countries of an Islamic background
8/10/2010
Kazakhstan (126) play Belgium (62), Austria (61) play Azerbaijan (102) and Germany (3) play Turkey (21). It seems obvious that Belgium, Austria and German should each win their games.
12/10/10
Azerbaijan (102) play Turkey (21), Kazakhstan (126) play Germany (3), and Belgium (62) play Austria (61). While Turkey and Germany are likely to win their games, it's too hard to predict – from the numbers – who will win out of Belgium and Austria.
Group B
This group features Andorra – on their way to 0 points since their last draw was in September 2007 (now worth a mere 2 points) – and 'geographically in Asia' Armenia, as well as World Cup team Slovakia, Ireland, Russia and Macedonia.
8/10/10
Armenia (105) play Slovakia (16), Andorra (202) play Macedonia (71), and Ireland (33) play Russia Slovakia and Macedonia are set to win, but Ireland have a chance against their opponents.
12/10/10
Armenia (105) play Andorra (202), Slovakia (16) play Ireland (33), and Macedonia (71) play Russia (25). Armenia should win their game, and Russia theirs. Ireland have a stronger opponent, but may prove a challenge.
Group C
Here we find Northern Ireland – now the UK's second-best team after Scotland's performance and beating Slovenia. We also have Italy, Serbia and Slovenia, who are ranked similarly by FIFA, and the rather poorer teams of Faroe Islands and Estonia who kicked off the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
8/10/10
Serbia (15) play Estonia (85), Northern Ireland (45) play Italy (13), and Slovenia (16) play the Faroe Islands (138). Serbia, Italy and Slovenia should each win, since Italy have picked themselves up after the World Cup.
12/10/10
Faroe Islands (138) play Northern Ireland (45), Estonia (85) play Slovenia (16) and Italy (13) play Serbia (15). So while it's wins likely for Northern Ireland and Slovenia, Italy have a challenge on their hands.
Group D
A low-morale France are here, but none of the other teams played in the World Cup. Still, after France's last two matches they will struggle.
8-9/10/10
Luxembourg (130) play Belarus (55) and Albania (67) play Bosnia and Herzegovina (59) on the Friday, then France (27) play Romania (46) on the Saturday. While Belarus have an easy win to claim, the Albania-B&H match should be a challenge. Meanwhile, France may well struggle against Romania.
12/10/10
Belarus (55) play Albania (67) and France (27) play Luxembourg (130). It will be disappointing if France fail to win, and the other match will be tricky for either team to win. Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania are not playing.
Group E
San Marino haven't won any points in a game since they beat Liechtenstein 1-0 in 2004! This group also features a competitive Northern European group of Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands (who came second in the World Cup).
8/10/10
Hungary (51) play San Marino (203), and Moldova (80) play the Netherlands (2). There's no game for Sweden and Finland. So two simple wins for Hungary and the Netherlands.
12/10/10
Finland (64) play Hungary (51), Netherlands (2) play Sweden (32), and San Marino (203) play Moldova (80). I'd expect Netherlands and Moldova to win, but Finland and Hungary have a struggle on their hands.
Showing posts with label group E. Show all posts
Showing posts with label group E. Show all posts
12/09/2010
Euro 2012 Qualification: Groups E, F September
Group E
The Netherlands won both their games over the weekend, Moldova beat Finland, and Sweden beat Hungary and San Marino – who lost both theirs. Finland and Moldova both lost their second games.
So Netherlands got a low 375 points from beating San Marino, and 1117.5 for beating Finland.
Sweden also got 375 points for beating San Marino, and 1035 for beating Hungary.
Moldova's loss meant they only got 1117.5 points for beating Finland.
Similarly, Hungary got 832.5 points only, for beating Moldova.
San Marino and Finland both got 0 points.
Now, Sweden lead the group on goal difference, with Netherlands second. Moldova are then ahead of Hungary, followed by Finland and San Marino.
Group F
Georgia managed a surprising two draws against much better teams – Greece and Israel. Greece also managed a draw against Croatia, who beat Latvia, and Latvia beat Malta. Israel also beat Malta on the second of September.
Georgia got 470 and 405 points from their respective draws.
Croatia won 1132.5 points from their win, and 470 from their draw.
Israel had 375 points from their win, and 225 from their draw.
Greece's draws got them 225 and 465 points respectively.
Latvia's only points were 375 against Malta.
And Malta got 0 points.
So Croatia lead the group with Israel second, Latvia third, Greece and Georgia in fourth, and Malta last.
The Netherlands won both their games over the weekend, Moldova beat Finland, and Sweden beat Hungary and San Marino – who lost both theirs. Finland and Moldova both lost their second games.
So Netherlands got a low 375 points from beating San Marino, and 1117.5 for beating Finland.
Sweden also got 375 points for beating San Marino, and 1035 for beating Hungary.
Moldova's loss meant they only got 1117.5 points for beating Finland.
Similarly, Hungary got 832.5 points only, for beating Moldova.
San Marino and Finland both got 0 points.
Now, Sweden lead the group on goal difference, with Netherlands second. Moldova are then ahead of Hungary, followed by Finland and San Marino.
Group F
Georgia managed a surprising two draws against much better teams – Greece and Israel. Greece also managed a draw against Croatia, who beat Latvia, and Latvia beat Malta. Israel also beat Malta on the second of September.
Georgia got 470 and 405 points from their respective draws.
Croatia won 1132.5 points from their win, and 470 from their draw.
Israel had 375 points from their win, and 225 from their draw.
Greece's draws got them 225 and 465 points respectively.
Latvia's only points were 375 against Malta.
And Malta got 0 points.
So Croatia lead the group with Israel second, Latvia third, Greece and Georgia in fourth, and Malta last.
31/08/2010
Euro 2012 Qualification: 2/9/2010-7/9/2010
This week, we have two sets of International games taking place. The first lot are on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd of September, and the second are on Tuesday 7th. [Subject to any last-minute changes]
Over the next couple of posts, I'll take a brief look at each group and the matches taking place before and after the weekend. Today you get groups A-E, and tomorrow's post is groups F-I. After the games (on Saturday and Wednesday respectively), I'll review the number of FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking Points each team received.
Group A - 3/9/2010
Kazakhstan (125) play Turkey (28), and Belgium (48) play Germany (4). For all the teams, it's the first non-friendly match they've played since the World Cup. Germany and Turkey should easily win.
7/9/2010
Turkey (28) play Belgium (48), Austria (60) play Kazakhstan (125), and Germany (4) play Azerbaijan (105). Again another easy win for Germany (hopefully), but Turkey may have a tricky match against Belgium. Austria should win against the Kazakhs.
Group B - 3/9/2010
Armenia (96) play Republic of Ireland (36), Andorra (201) play Russia (16), and Slovakia (27) play Macedonia (66). It's amazing that there are enough Andorrans to form a football team, so Russia should easily win; Slovakia's World Cup time puts them far ahead of Macedonia; and Republic of Ireland will almost certainly beat Armenia.
7/9/2010
Russia (16) play Slovakia (27), Macedonia (66) play Armenia (96), and Republic of Ireland (36) play Andorra (201). RoI will definitely win, but I am not sure about the other matches. Could be draws.
Group C - 3/9/2010
Faroe Islands (118) play Serbia (13), Estonia (94) play Italy (11), and Slovenia (19) play Northern Ireland (59). I suspect Serbia, Italy and Slovenia will each win their matches. No problems.
7/9/2010
Serbia (13) play Slovenia (19), and Italy (11) play Faroe Islands (118). It's unclear about Serbia and Slovenia, but Italy shouldn't lose to the Faroes.
Group D - 3/9/2010
Romania (42) play Albania (70), Luxembourg (117) play Bosnia and Herzegovina (57), and France (21) play Belarus (78). France and Romania are both set to win, and Bosnia-Herzegovina will almost certainly beat the smaller country of Luxembourg.
7/9/2010
Belarus (78) play Romania (42), Albania (70) play Luxembourg (117), and Bosnia-Herzegovina (57) play France (21). An easy win for France – despite their poor World Cup performance, they're still good. Romania may beat Belarus, and Albania should beat Luxembourg.
Group E - 3/9/2010
Moldova (89) play Finland (51), Sweden (35) play Hungary (62), and San Marino (202) play Netherlands (2). San Marino are one of the few teams to have no FIFA/Coca-Cola World Championship points, so will lose to Netherlands easily. Hungary and Moldova will be more of a challenge to their opponents, but I would expect the Scandinavians to win.
7/9/2010
Sweden (35) play San Marino (202), Netherlands (2) play Finland (51), and Hungary (62) play Moldova (89). Sweden and Netherlands will both win, but Hungary-Moldova could be interesting.
Over the next couple of posts, I'll take a brief look at each group and the matches taking place before and after the weekend. Today you get groups A-E, and tomorrow's post is groups F-I. After the games (on Saturday and Wednesday respectively), I'll review the number of FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking Points each team received.
Group A - 3/9/2010
Kazakhstan (125) play Turkey (28), and Belgium (48) play Germany (4). For all the teams, it's the first non-friendly match they've played since the World Cup. Germany and Turkey should easily win.
7/9/2010
Turkey (28) play Belgium (48), Austria (60) play Kazakhstan (125), and Germany (4) play Azerbaijan (105). Again another easy win for Germany (hopefully), but Turkey may have a tricky match against Belgium. Austria should win against the Kazakhs.
Group B - 3/9/2010
Armenia (96) play Republic of Ireland (36), Andorra (201) play Russia (16), and Slovakia (27) play Macedonia (66). It's amazing that there are enough Andorrans to form a football team, so Russia should easily win; Slovakia's World Cup time puts them far ahead of Macedonia; and Republic of Ireland will almost certainly beat Armenia.
7/9/2010
Russia (16) play Slovakia (27), Macedonia (66) play Armenia (96), and Republic of Ireland (36) play Andorra (201). RoI will definitely win, but I am not sure about the other matches. Could be draws.
Group C - 3/9/2010
Faroe Islands (118) play Serbia (13), Estonia (94) play Italy (11), and Slovenia (19) play Northern Ireland (59). I suspect Serbia, Italy and Slovenia will each win their matches. No problems.
7/9/2010
Serbia (13) play Slovenia (19), and Italy (11) play Faroe Islands (118). It's unclear about Serbia and Slovenia, but Italy shouldn't lose to the Faroes.
Group D - 3/9/2010
Romania (42) play Albania (70), Luxembourg (117) play Bosnia and Herzegovina (57), and France (21) play Belarus (78). France and Romania are both set to win, and Bosnia-Herzegovina will almost certainly beat the smaller country of Luxembourg.
7/9/2010
Belarus (78) play Romania (42), Albania (70) play Luxembourg (117), and Bosnia-Herzegovina (57) play France (21). An easy win for France – despite their poor World Cup performance, they're still good. Romania may beat Belarus, and Albania should beat Luxembourg.
Group E - 3/9/2010
Moldova (89) play Finland (51), Sweden (35) play Hungary (62), and San Marino (202) play Netherlands (2). San Marino are one of the few teams to have no FIFA/Coca-Cola World Championship points, so will lose to Netherlands easily. Hungary and Moldova will be more of a challenge to their opponents, but I would expect the Scandinavians to win.
7/9/2010
Sweden (35) play San Marino (202), Netherlands (2) play Finland (51), and Hungary (62) play Moldova (89). Sweden and Netherlands will both win, but Hungary-Moldova could be interesting.
24/06/2010
Day Fourteen: 24/6/2010
The champions are out!
Everyone was surprised today. I would have thought Italy would have played better, as England did yesterday. But they did not, and lost to a team that have never been in a World Cup before: Slovakia!
“As things stand now, reigning world champions Italy would join 2006 runners-up France in failing to progress from the group stage. This would be a FIFA World Cup first. Never before have the two finalists from the previous tournament been knocked out in the group stage the following World Cup. This even includes years in which the runner-up did not qualify.” - Fifa.com in Paraguay vs New Zealand matchcast (emphasis mine).
Interestingly, Paraguay lost their last three matches when the score was 0-0 at half time. This time, they have drawn against opponents New Zealand, but their previous good results put them through to the next round. New Zealand have had three straight group-stage draws now. The last time this happened in a World Cup was in France, 1998, with Belgium and Chile.
During the Italy/Slovakia game, one of the ITV commentators said this: “Kopunek never has to kick another football in his life again. He can bore his grandchildren forever." This was after Slovakia had gone 3-1 up. He had scored in an unmarked goal - something a lot of other players have failed to do this year. While the final score was eventually 3-2, this was still a game for the Slovaks to be proud of.
My predictions only came half-true in group F thanks to Italy's poor performance.
Next up, Netherlands – already through – took on Cameroon – who were already out, so I only watched the Japanese game. If the Netherlands had lost, Japan might have been able to go first in their group, but that wasn't the case. Japan took the lead in their game with two fantastic goals from free kicks, and although Denmark got one goal back, they were unable to emulate Italy as Japan got a third goal. It's the first time Japan have gone into the last 16 from the group stages away from home. So in this group, my predictions proved correct.
We now have quite a few players competing for the Adidas golden boot; top scorers are: Argentina's Higuain, Slovakia's Vittek (3 each) and Elano (Brazil), Honda (Japan), Villa (Spain), Fabiano (Brazil), Gyan (Ghana), Donovan (USA), Lee Jung Soo (South Korea) and Forlan (Argentina) with two goals each and the chance to increase that score. Nigeria's Uche and Australia's Holman also have two goals each.
The current qualifiers are from the following continents: South America (Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay), North America (Mexico, USA), Europe (England, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia), Asia (South Korea, Japan), Africa (Ghana). So the only unrepresented continent is Australasia, whose two teams are already out of the competition.
Now there is no chance that the world champions will win this year, so the World Cup is open to everyone who has the will and ability to go for it.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.16, Median – 2, Mode – 2, Range – 7
Cards per game: Mean – 4, Median – 4, Mode – 5, Range - 9
Predictions for tomorrow: Brazil are already through, and I think Portugal will also win as they have too-big a goal difference against Ivory Coast. Then Spain and Chile will go through from group H.
Everyone was surprised today. I would have thought Italy would have played better, as England did yesterday. But they did not, and lost to a team that have never been in a World Cup before: Slovakia!
“As things stand now, reigning world champions Italy would join 2006 runners-up France in failing to progress from the group stage. This would be a FIFA World Cup first. Never before have the two finalists from the previous tournament been knocked out in the group stage the following World Cup. This even includes years in which the runner-up did not qualify.” - Fifa.com in Paraguay vs New Zealand matchcast (emphasis mine).
Interestingly, Paraguay lost their last three matches when the score was 0-0 at half time. This time, they have drawn against opponents New Zealand, but their previous good results put them through to the next round. New Zealand have had three straight group-stage draws now. The last time this happened in a World Cup was in France, 1998, with Belgium and Chile.
During the Italy/Slovakia game, one of the ITV commentators said this: “Kopunek never has to kick another football in his life again. He can bore his grandchildren forever." This was after Slovakia had gone 3-1 up. He had scored in an unmarked goal - something a lot of other players have failed to do this year. While the final score was eventually 3-2, this was still a game for the Slovaks to be proud of.
My predictions only came half-true in group F thanks to Italy's poor performance.
Next up, Netherlands – already through – took on Cameroon – who were already out, so I only watched the Japanese game. If the Netherlands had lost, Japan might have been able to go first in their group, but that wasn't the case. Japan took the lead in their game with two fantastic goals from free kicks, and although Denmark got one goal back, they were unable to emulate Italy as Japan got a third goal. It's the first time Japan have gone into the last 16 from the group stages away from home. So in this group, my predictions proved correct.
We now have quite a few players competing for the Adidas golden boot; top scorers are: Argentina's Higuain, Slovakia's Vittek (3 each) and Elano (Brazil), Honda (Japan), Villa (Spain), Fabiano (Brazil), Gyan (Ghana), Donovan (USA), Lee Jung Soo (South Korea) and Forlan (Argentina) with two goals each and the chance to increase that score. Nigeria's Uche and Australia's Holman also have two goals each.
The current qualifiers are from the following continents: South America (Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay), North America (Mexico, USA), Europe (England, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia), Asia (South Korea, Japan), Africa (Ghana). So the only unrepresented continent is Australasia, whose two teams are already out of the competition.
Now there is no chance that the world champions will win this year, so the World Cup is open to everyone who has the will and ability to go for it.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.16, Median – 2, Mode – 2, Range – 7
Cards per game: Mean – 4, Median – 4, Mode – 5, Range - 9
Predictions for tomorrow: Brazil are already through, and I think Portugal will also win as they have too-big a goal difference against Ivory Coast. Then Spain and Chile will go through from group H.
19/06/2010
Day Nine: 19/6/2010
Cameroon lose again as Australia scrape a draw
First, some information on the ages of all the card receivers in World Cup matches:
There have been 103 cards given out so far in this World Cup. The oldest player to get a card is 34-year-old Australian Craig MOORE, who isn't signed up for any team - in fact he is one of only three players in this World Cup who has no national league team [Fifa.com]. He has got two yellow cards in two separate matches, so he misses Australia's final game against Ghana.
The youngest player is Nigeria's Lukman HARUNA, aged just 19. Haruna plays for Monaco, in France.
The median age for a card receiver is 25, with LQ 23, and UQ 29 (in case there are any statistics geeks out there). The mean age is 26 years.
More stats on cards tomorrow!
Now, there were three more football matches today. Japan played well against the Netherlands, but a goal for Wesley SNEIDJER (pronounced 'Snider') gave the Netherlands three points.
Next, Ghana played previous losers Australia, who are in only their third World Cup, having previously qualified in 2006 and 1974. In 2006, Australia qualified for the final 16, but can they do the same this time? They only have a single point, but Germany's bad game yesterday means they could still qualify - Ghana is top of the group with only four points. Ghana's GYAN scored his second goal of the World Cup, and again from a penalty, making him equal second in the adidas Golden Boot competition. However, getting his goals in two separate games gives him an edge over Uruguay's Forlan.
Finally, Cameroon played Denmark. They took the lead early on, but Denmark came back to win 2-1. This is the first time Denmark have ever made a comeback from losing to win a group stages game in the World Cup!
I'm so glad FIFA is around to compare statistics with. Otherwise I would be making terrible mistakes! Actually, some of the card averages for the past few days may have been wrong. However, here's the actual results:
Goals per game: Mean - 1.88, Median - 2, Mode - 1,2, Range - 5
Cards per game: Mean - 3.96, Median - 4, Mode - 3,5, Range - 8
Four birthdays tomorrow. I'll probably edit them in tomorrow when FIFA updates their website, because I lost all the birthday boy details.
First, some information on the ages of all the card receivers in World Cup matches:
There have been 103 cards given out so far in this World Cup. The oldest player to get a card is 34-year-old Australian Craig MOORE, who isn't signed up for any team - in fact he is one of only three players in this World Cup who has no national league team [Fifa.com]. He has got two yellow cards in two separate matches, so he misses Australia's final game against Ghana.
The youngest player is Nigeria's Lukman HARUNA, aged just 19. Haruna plays for Monaco, in France.
The median age for a card receiver is 25, with LQ 23, and UQ 29 (in case there are any statistics geeks out there). The mean age is 26 years.
More stats on cards tomorrow!
Now, there were three more football matches today. Japan played well against the Netherlands, but a goal for Wesley SNEIDJER (pronounced 'Snider') gave the Netherlands three points.
Next, Ghana played previous losers Australia, who are in only their third World Cup, having previously qualified in 2006 and 1974. In 2006, Australia qualified for the final 16, but can they do the same this time? They only have a single point, but Germany's bad game yesterday means they could still qualify - Ghana is top of the group with only four points. Ghana's GYAN scored his second goal of the World Cup, and again from a penalty, making him equal second in the adidas Golden Boot competition. However, getting his goals in two separate games gives him an edge over Uruguay's Forlan.
Finally, Cameroon played Denmark. They took the lead early on, but Denmark came back to win 2-1. This is the first time Denmark have ever made a comeback from losing to win a group stages game in the World Cup!
I'm so glad FIFA is around to compare statistics with. Otherwise I would be making terrible mistakes! Actually, some of the card averages for the past few days may have been wrong. However, here's the actual results:
Goals per game: Mean - 1.88, Median - 2, Mode - 1,2, Range - 5
Cards per game: Mean - 3.96, Median - 4, Mode - 3,5, Range - 8
Four birthdays tomorrow. I'll probably edit them in tomorrow when FIFA updates their website, because I lost all the birthday boy details.
14/06/2010
Day Four: 14/6/2010
Lots of shocks and good football
Before I begin the day's statistics, here is some info on goals and cards:
So the strikers have been slacking off so far in the goalscoring department, but far too violent in their gameplay. However, assuming a 4-4-2 system, the goalies have done well in the card department. Midfielders have more than their fair share.
You'll notice that we've had our first own goal in the tournament. This was an unfortunate result of Danish defender Daniel AGGER being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The ball struck his back and went sailing into the goal. Expensive Liverpool player Agger is 25 years old; by expensive, I mean that Liverpool paid more for him than any other defender on their team.
The Netherlands' first real goal was from another Liverpool player, Dirk KUYT. Dirk is just shy of his 30th birthday, and is unusual in that he doesn't clash with the orange shirts his team wears!
The second game of the day was also a shock. In a fairly clean game with only one yellow card apiece, Japan's HONDA Keisuke scored against an unlucky Cameroon on the day after his 24th birthday. Even Cameroon's best-known player Samuel ETO'O was unable to score. 29 year old Eto'o has scored 42 goals in 93 international games, which is just under one every two games. Hopefully this means he won't disappoint in Cameroon's next game.
Finally, Italy played Paraguay. Again, the teams shared a yellow apiece to go with their 1-1 draw. Daniele DE ROSSI scored for Italy after going into the second half a goal down thanks to a lucky shot from Paraguay's Antolin ALCARAZ.
Goals per game: Mean – 1.545, Median – 1, Mode – 1, Range – 4
Cards per game: Mean – 4, Median – 4, Mode – 2,6, Range – 6
Before I begin the day's statistics, here is some info on goals and cards:
| Position | Goals | Cards |
| Goalkeeper | 0 | 0 |
| Defender | 5 (and one own goal) | 13 (one sent off) |
| Midfielder | 8 | 18 (one sent off) |
| Striker | 5 | 8 (two sent off) |
So the strikers have been slacking off so far in the goalscoring department, but far too violent in their gameplay. However, assuming a 4-4-2 system, the goalies have done well in the card department. Midfielders have more than their fair share.
You'll notice that we've had our first own goal in the tournament. This was an unfortunate result of Danish defender Daniel AGGER being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The ball struck his back and went sailing into the goal. Expensive Liverpool player Agger is 25 years old; by expensive, I mean that Liverpool paid more for him than any other defender on their team.
The Netherlands' first real goal was from another Liverpool player, Dirk KUYT. Dirk is just shy of his 30th birthday, and is unusual in that he doesn't clash with the orange shirts his team wears!
The second game of the day was also a shock. In a fairly clean game with only one yellow card apiece, Japan's HONDA Keisuke scored against an unlucky Cameroon on the day after his 24th birthday. Even Cameroon's best-known player Samuel ETO'O was unable to score. 29 year old Eto'o has scored 42 goals in 93 international games, which is just under one every two games. Hopefully this means he won't disappoint in Cameroon's next game.
Finally, Italy played Paraguay. Again, the teams shared a yellow apiece to go with their 1-1 draw. Daniele DE ROSSI scored for Italy after going into the second half a goal down thanks to a lucky shot from Paraguay's Antolin ALCARAZ.
Goals per game: Mean – 1.545, Median – 1, Mode – 1, Range – 4
Cards per game: Mean – 4, Median – 4, Mode – 2,6, Range – 6
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