Culp From South Africa: Friday’s World Cup Update

Friday, June 25, 2010

Matt Culp, GoLocalProv Sports Contributor

I will be attending the Brazil/Portugal game so check back for updates on that. Also, don't forget that we will also have coverage of the USA game live from Spats Bar and Restaurant tomorrow as well. The 2010 World Cup is heating up! Talk about suspense in that last game! Go get Ghana!

crowd

Brazil vs Portugal Preview:

With six points, Brazil is guaranteed a round of 16 spot but first and second place in the group is still up in the air. Portugal has four pts and an absurd goal differential after the drubbing of North Korea. Both these teams control their own destiny, so they may both play conservative and would be pleased with a draw. Not what I want to see when this was initially touted as one of the best games in the group stage. Also, Kaka will not be available for Brazil because of a red card (two yellows) the previous game.

I initially predicted this game a 1-0 win for Brazil but a 1-1 or nil-to-nil draw may be more likely. I also said Portugal is good defensively but struggles to score goals. Guess I was wrong about that one with Ronaldo finally ending his international scoring drought. England may have invented the game of football, but Brazil has perfected it and plays it beautifully. Brazil may have one of the best defenses in the tournament but they are more known for their precise passing and relative ease with goal scoring. I hope this is an exciting game with all the star power but we may all be disappointed.

World Cup Recaps:

Argentina continues to look like one of the best teams in the tournament as they defeat Greece and advance out of their group. When will Messi score? Probably when it really counts as they play Mexico first in the round of 16.

South Korea surprises some by advancing out of their group and Nigeria disappoints many as the African countries continue to struggle. The world will be more surprised if South Korea is able to defeat Uruguay and their scoring duo of Forlan and Suarez.

England also advances as England’s manager Capello makes a move to insert Defoe rather than Hesky up top and it pays off as England defeats Slovenia 1-0.

Germany and Ghana battle back and forth but Deutschland gets the nod with a 1 to nil victory. Both teams will advance however as Germany will face England and the USA will match up against Ghana in the round of 16.

Paraguay and Slovakia punch their ticket to the round of 16 as the champs are dethroned and New Zealand’s surprising run came to an end.