WORLD CUP 2014 GROUP A-D WINNERS...BECAUSE I SAID SO!

Who is moving on in the World Cup at Brasil, Brazil, Bresil 2014 and who is going home soon???

It's time to figure out where the World's best stand on the biggest stage and head to head.  You may have your ideas of who is the best or how far a team will go, but it's based on your team strength, luck of the draw, health, unity, sports psychology, LOCATION lots of history...which I love!  I predicted Spain would win 4 years ago and most all of the teams out of the group stage so let's see how I do this year...but it won't be easy with so many star players left off the 23 man squad (Donovan for USA, Rossi for Italy, Ronaldinho for Brasil) or injured (Falcao for Colombia, Montes for Mexico, Costa for Spain, Ribery for France).  So what's left?  That's what I'm trying to figure out after going through tons of reports, news, updates, historical data and just that GUT FEELING!

I only have so much time before Brasil v. Croatia takes place so let's get this rolling for you to read around halftime, just so you don't feel I'm cheating.  I'll make it short and sweet and do a group by group breakdwon/update of matches played and going forward as things change, injuries happen and some countries just don't show up!

GROUP A

Brazil

Croatia

Mexico

Cameroon

GROUP B

Spain

Netherlands

Chile

Australia

GROUP C

Colombia

Greece

Côte d'Ivoire

Japan

GROUP D

Uruguay

Costa Rica

England

Italy

Group A

The home team always goes through (save South Africa 2010), but this is Brasil and I'll just say that they'll be fine and go one of two ways, win it all or lose in a quarter final upset. I say this as they can be overconfident.  For now Group A is Brasil 1st and Cameroon 2nd, WHAT?! Normally Mexico always goes through but in South American World Cups, they don't play well, have made it through once in the old system of playoffs, but they lost a lot with Montes being injured. Croatia is strong, but not like France '98.  Cameroon is itching with Samuel Eto'o in probably his last World Cup and strong and should be comfortable in this diverse land.

GROUP B: Spain is the champ and Netherlands was 2nd, but watch out for a South American team in South America, that being Chile.  When Chile played in their homeland in '62 they finished 3rd!  They are going through and may be 1st barring a slight injury to Vidal.  Spain has haphazardly lost or tied openers (even in the last World Cup they lost the opening game), but this team is to tough and experienced and as former conquerors of South America (see how an old conqueror of Africa won in Africa) they will go first and Chile 2nd. Holland is experienced and have been runner's up here and last time in Africa, but without Rafael Van der Vaart in the midfield and Greogry van der Wiel in defense their gelling is thrown off.

Group C: Colombia! Colombia! Colombia! Front running enough for you haha, it's my parents homeland and we've all lived through enough crushing defeats and this year was supposed to be our best chance as a dark horse to win it all and steal it, but with Falcao injured, the best would be 4th place after a Quarter Final upset of Brasil (a Maracanazo) as we play them better than anyone.  Let's just get that first nod out of the Group stage as Greece is not proven here.  Japan gives me fits as they have more support in Brasil being that there are a lot of Japanese who grew up here and they are a fast team who play really good set pieces (free kicks, indirect kicks, corners).  It's a bigger motivation for Drogba playing in his last World Cup for The Ivory Coast (Les Elephantes being their nickname).  If they upset Colombia they'd go first, but not down here, so the 2nd place team to advance and done.

GROUP D: Is a Classic Group with 3 former Champions and Uruguay now is the healthiest and strongest who have kept their team together with the return of Luis Suarez.  They still have Forlan who was the Golden Boot winner and best player & Cavani and weak in group play, but they got in so now it's on and they are strong.  What does that mean? Try and stop them, they are now my new dark horse to take it all and/or cause another Maracanazo, so to begin play strong and win this group.  Italy is strong and should go far, but without Rossi, not going to the semis, but if so they'd lose it...perhaps in penalties.  These two champs face off again in a big match for the top spot.  England is solid and has been perfect in group play, but that varies in Europe so it's a small sampling, still lacking and again in South America they pretty much go down in flames (1950, 1970, what were you there, exactly).  Costa Rica can cause problems for the to be 2nd place entry, but at their strength on this stage, in this group of death, they'd be hard pressed though I think they'll make a valiant effort.

Tired from culinary school and commitments, I get this out just after the Mexico opener, but finished writing group A-C by half time of the Brasil 3-1 victory over Croatia.  Though I won't bet all my marbles on it, Croatia looks to upset the 2nd place entry, but more so, Brasil looks vulnerable (no matter what the refs called or didn't) and I feel are being replaced by Uruguay or Argentina as the eventual champion.  Remember it's gotta be a South American team as only we win here.  A first, aaahhh, not feeling it just yet.  I may be wrong, but that's hardly ever the case...because I know what I'm talking about HAHAHAHAHA!!

Okay Group E-H this weekend, enjoy the game and if you don't agree with me, tell me and I'll back it up even more with historical data...and we'll see right :) follow me on instagram: ColoAmericano

World Cup 2010 Day 8: You Live to Fight Another Day

"Do you believe in miracles...YES!" Now do you believe in ties? Only if it gives you a chance at survival...or denies another from doing any better than you are. WHAT DO YOU MEAN DANIEL??? I mean the United States has fought hard enough to live another day and Algeria keeps England at bay for 90 minutes to keep them from moving ahead. Is that the best strategy, NO...but it's a strategy, but I have a better one. Serbia did what they needed to do, BEAT GERMANY! They did what? Yes, THEY BEAT GERMANY! Now aside from Spain losing to Switzerland (yeah that was hard to stomach) this was the BIGGEST upset in the Cup and shows that the Germans are not invincible. The best news for all involved here in Group C & D is that they are all STILL ALIVE! Like they say on ESPN, "1 Game CAN CHANGE IT ALL"

Friday morning at 4:30AM in California has most people dreaming away, but then you would have missed Serbia's frenetic victory over Germany in an outcome that few predicted (myself included) that has them just below Germany on goal difference, but like many are saying, "It's anybody's game now". After the 1st set of matches, Argentina and Germany looked like clear cut potential winners of the Cup, but now things are shaping up to be The Netherlands and Argentina with the added South American contention of Brazil and Chile staying strong.

So what exactly did Serbia do? With goals from Millan Jovanovic (not Milla Jovovich the actress) scoring a goal in the 37th minute and Lukas Podolski missing a crucial penalty kick in the 59th (not a good sign ever), Serbia beat a "top dog". Their stellar defense, who had shut out consistent World Cup Qualifier Romania 5-0 to qualify, stopped all the German Stars whether they were born in Poland, Brazil or have roots in Turkey, Tunisia, España and of course Germany. Whom do I speak of? Miroslav Klose (born in Poland), Lukas Podolski (Polish to the bone), Cacau (born & raised in Brazil till he was 13) and you can throw in a German-Tunisian player in Sami Khaderi, Mario Gomez Garcia (Spanish Father from Granada), Mesut Ozil (German born of Turkish descent) and even Dennis Aogo (Nigerian Father)...SERBIA BEAT A QUARTER OF THE TEAMS WITH ONE WIN, LOL. This is huge because Germany could potentially be out of moving on to the Round of 16 should they lose to Ghana and Serbia handles Australia for their 2nd win.

Ghana may not beat Germany nor tie them, but the Serbs will probably beat or at least tie Australia for 2nd place and a spot in the Round of 16.

I'm at work super early to hear the USA game on ESPN Radio as I can't just watch it online without being noticed, so the time delay has increased nearly ten fold. Luckily and unluckily my attention is heightened as the bar across the street has people cheering everytime the USA scores a goal or oohing and awwing when something interesting happens. If you were fortunate enough to see the US come back from a 2-0 first half deficit consider it a blessing, because it was one of the greatest comebacks in Cup history IMHO (in my honest opinion). The only one that was greater being Colombia's 4-4 draw after being down 3-1 in the first half to tie the then powerhouse Russia with their Goalkeeper nicknamed "The Black Widow" Lev Yashin. BUT THE US COULD'VE, SHOULD'VE WON...hey that's the way the ball rolls...or really the referee from Mali :(

Now in the 2nd, Slovenia did not have to change their game plan much, however a resolute US side took it right to the former Yugoslavia/Serbia & Montenegro combined team with goals from Landon Donovan (48th minute) and then Michael Bradley (82nd minute) had everyone ecstatic. First from the bar and then my boss whose feed was quicked and finally a 3rd goal by Maurice Edu in the 86th to 86 this match (kill it), but no, Mr. Mali was MALO (referee Koman Coulibaly (this name is too easy to destroy in English or Español) saw a foul? Yeah a foul on the 4 Slovenian players holding Americans from moving! But we just don't know. This would have changed everything and given us 3 points and a sure move on to the next round, but miracles keep people going...so let us move on.

You may lose the battle, but who will win the war!

Again, don't forget one of the most intriguing films "The Two Escobars" will air again on ESPN Clasic's "30 for 30" documentary series Saturday June 26th at 10PM EST (That's 7PM for California, 8PM in Chicago). http://30for30.espn.com/film/the-two-escobars.html

You don't like it or you do like it, tell me about it, comment on my website http://www.futboldelcorazon.com/ leave me a comment on my board...and we can discuss, but save the real talking for the soccer field.

World Cup 2010 Day 3: Show me what death may come in Group C & D

Sunday, Bloody Sunday!!!! One of my favorite all time songs and this is how the pitch will be left after 3 blown out matches from Group's C & D that might as well stand for "Come Death". This is not to say that it won't be competive, but the ante has been upped and the goal scoring and level of play continues to rise each day. How do I figure? Let's take a real hard & honest look at who is up for a thrashing and by whose hands. There is Game 1 with Algeria v. Slovenia, Game 2 features Australia v. Germany and another African-Baltic State affair in Serbia v. Ghana. What's the worry? Being over-matched and lacking experience. I'm not saying forget the whole sordid affair, but do your country proud by playing as hard as you can for 90 minutes, win or lose.

Algeria, is a proud nation that has been through a lot of struggles with it's true identity, it's varied communities and although it is an African nation it has been crossed by the original Arab Muslims, Nazi Germans and French Colonialism, but has a rich history. Unfortunately that has not led to much success in World Cup play, however this is the team that beat a tough Egyptian squad and shows confidence in it's chances. What's the problem? A battle hardened Serbian team who not only beat out the "Big Bear" in Mother Russia, beat has also beaten Quatar & New Zealand both 3-0 in recent friendlies getting better and better, but also know it. What you will see, Zlatko Dedic who is know for scoring big goals in big games and this is the World's biggest stage. I predict a 3-1 match with Algeria scoring an opportunistic goal that will have no bearing on the tempo of the game. Algeria is injured on defense and is not as "ready-tested", so beware.

So what's wrong with Australia, nothing if they were playing New Zealand, cause they have experience from qualify in the 2006 World Cup and moving on the Round of 16 with many returning starters....but have yet to overcome Germany. What will be a shining moment, Tom Cahill scoring a goal against a young and lightly experienced Manuel Neuer, BUT this is Germany, this is the Group stage and they are strong on tradition. Why kind of tradition, how about always playing tough and coming out of it on top with many a goal and strong defense that does not showcase Michael Ballack, but an experienced Phillip Lahm who has taken over as captain. I'm telling you know, cause I know Germans, I have German mixed family and friends and they are methodical, solid and put together many a blowout in this stage. Miroslav Klose, 2006 goal leader, partnered with Lukas Podolski with extra firepower from Schweinsteiger (great German name huh!) whose name you will hear often.

So Daniel, what's wrong with Serbia? Not Nemanjan Vidic who is a Manchester United star on defense will play strong and be aided up front by striker Nikola Zigic (these guys have the most uniquely cool names here). Although they are favored, I feel Ghana has more to prove after being the only representative at Germany 2006 after reaching the Round of 16 and winning 2 games after losing to eventual champion Italy.

When it comes to history, traditionally Serbia was the former Yugoslvia who have made many runs at the Jules Rimet trophy (named after the 1st FIFA President who started this whole storied game between nations). As of recent, Serbia had gone to the last World cup, but they are facing an African Nation on African soil. Motivation? Ghanians are extremely proud and even though Michael Essien is out, they have an experienced World Cup goal scorer in Asamoah Gyan and aren't afraid to show the World just how good they are. Funny enough they are coached by a Serbian in Milovan Rajevac so they will be more than ready and finish with a 2-1 victory to continue to be the number 2 qualifier for the 2nd Stage.


You don't like it, tell me about it, comment on my website http://www.futboldelcorazon.com/ and leave me a comment on my board...and we can discuss, but save the real talking for the soccer field.

World Cup Soccer Day 2 Matches & Breakdowns

Group B to me is the Group of Traditions. Argentina will do well, score a lot and impress everyone into believing they can in fact win it all. Nigeria has always done well in previous World Cups since '94 yet funny enough lost to Maradona (in his last game) in the same year. They always entertain and play fearless, which is quite commendable. There is South Korea flying like crazy up and down the field, but speed alone does not cut it in the end and someone has to go down and they're just missing something (consistency), don't look for a repeat of 2002 when they went to the semi-finals. It's a bit early to tell, but I'm liking what I see in an even more fearless Korea, that doesn't look great on paper, but really looks to challenge. Lastly, although Greece has not faired well, they will turn things around, though it may be too late, scoring and challenging for the 2nd spot to move on depending on their match with Nigeria. This is a great group to learn from for Greece, but too hard to move on to the 2nd stage. But hey anything is better than losing all 3 games and scoring no goals as they did in their previous World Cup outting.

For today's match of Korea v. Greece, it is said that the little Koreans can't match up against the Greek towers, but the English Premiere league experience of Park Ji-Sung against an untested Greek defense that is not the Spartan line will score. Very different teams, very different styles and that means someone is going to go down. I would expect Theofanis Gekas to keep scoring as the #1 scorer in the World qualifiers, however this time Korea is the underdog and likes it so a 2-1 finish for the #1 answer qualifier would not surprise me.

What's the expectation for the Albiceleste in Argentina, nothing but a championship, so do you think that means waiting around to win, better yet score, HELL NO! Argentina puts so much importance on getting an early goal and dominating from the get go that it will be too much for Nigeria who does not have the same star power or unity as they have before. The South American 2 time World Cup winner is super loaded with talent and has show much unity and inspiration in the last year behind media darling (I say that with a grain of salt) Diego Maradona as their coach.

What's good for Nigeria, pride, playing on their own continent and with something to prove, but the Super Eagles would be hard pressed to beat this South American traditional winner and tradition shows Argentina over Nigeria, but this time 3-1. Look for Nigeria to challenge for 2nd place if the pressure of performing in your "homeland" isn't too much to deal with. Hey it works everywhere else in the World.

Now today isn't just about Group B, this Saturday the 12th of June, there are 2 groups playing and this next group displays one of the biggest, if not the most anticipated match of at least 1st games. Who do I speak of, why England v. USA and not all is hunkey dorey on the Island of the Brits at this point. What's wrong in England town? Well no Rey Ferdinand (who was their captain) means less experience and leadership in the backfield. David James in the goal for England, uh no, not today it's a guy named Green (Robert Green), but he's not their #1 so despite this indominatable English backfield with Terry & now King (good when not injured) your going to see a US team with Jozy Altidore back as the main striker and pressure from Landon Donovan & Clint Dempsey so London bridges will come falling down.

England will put pressure on up front with Rooney accompanied by Hackey getting fed by Gerrard and Frank Lampard (in his final World Cup appearance), but I don't think it's enough and they're not gelled as a team. The US has always played well one World Cup and bad another, well thank our lucky Stars & Stripes, this is an upswing year, so look for the US to make soccer-futbol super exciting again as they did in '94. Oh you want to talk about tradition? It was 60 years ago that the US beat England in the group stage 1-0 in a shocker. But what's more interesting to me is the large amount of players born here of immigrant parents such as myself who did well in '94 and even better in 1930 when they finished 4th (their best ever)...let's hear it for 80 years of tradition.

You don't like it, tell me about it, comment on my website http://www.futboldelcorazon.com/ and leave me a comment on my board...and we can discuss, but save the real talking for the soccer field.