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Hello. I printed out a FIFA World Cup 2002 fixture list the other day, and I thought I'd have a go at predicting the results. Don't blame me if I get it wrong though! League tables are written after all teams in a group have played the same number of games.
Friday May 31st:
Grp A: France 1 Senegal 0. France will play really arrogantly, miss a bunch of sitters, and go about the game in a really lazy manner, until Senegal hit the post, or something. This will remind the French that it's a competitive match that they're playing in, and they'll go score a late winner.
Saturday June 1st:
Grp E: Ireland 2 Cameroon 0. Cameroon can be unpredictable, but the luck of the Irish will bring them out as winners.
Grp A: Uruguay 1 Denmark 1. These two may well consider themselves to be playing for second spot in the group. As such they won't want to give anything away, so a draw is most likely.
Grp E: Germany 3 Saudi Arabia 1. I can see the Germans winning this comfortably, but only after going a goal down, and making us laugh.
At the end of the day group A will look like this:
France 3
Denmark 1
Uruguay 1
Senegal 0
And group E will be like so:
Germany 3
Ireland 3
Saudi Arabia 0
Cameroon 0
Sunday 2nd June:
Grp F: Argentina 2 Nigeria 0. As many peoples favourites Argentina will start well, and be too goos for Nigeria.
Grp B: Paraguay 0 South Africa 1. I believe that Chilavert, Paraguay's goalscoring goalkeeper is banned for the first two matches, and they miss him, and lose this match.
Grp F: England 2 Sweden 1. Owen will score twice, but I think we'll leave it late, just to make us really nervous.
Grp B: Spain 0 Slovenia 0. Spain always start tournaments poorly, so should be thankful for a draw!
Group B:
South Africa 3
Slovenia 1
Spain 1
Paraguay 0
Group F:
Argentina 3
England 3
Sweden 0
Nigeria 0
Monday 3rd June:
Grp G: Croatia 1 Mexico 0. Mexico aren't the team they were a decade or so ago, they struggled to qualify, and Croatia should be able to beat them.
Grp C: Brazil 0 Turkey 1. Turkish league teams have been doing it in the European cups for almost a decade now, coming in with the reputation of no-hopers, only to surprise the other team with their work-rate and skill. Brazil simply won't be prepared for the Turkish team that has improved to such an extent over the last few years.
Grp G: Italy 2 Ecuador 0. Italy are always a team to be feared, so I can see Ecuador trying to hold on for a point, only to collapse before the end and concede two.
Group G:
Italy 3
Croatia 3
Mexico 0
Ecuador 0
Tuesday 4th June
Grp C: China 1 Costa Rica 3. Costa Rica won their qualifying group with relative ease, so won't stuggle against a Chinese team making their world Cup debut.
Grp H: Japan 3 Belgium 0. With the home crowd behind them Japan will be inspired to a great victory.
Grp D: South Korea 2 Poland 2. After seeing co-hosts Japan win so convincingly South Korea will be inspired to do the same, only to be gutted by two late Polish goals.
Group C:
Costa Rica 3
Turkey 3
Brazil 0
China 0
Wednesday 5th June
Grp H: Russia 2 Tunisia 0. Russia will be too strong for Tunisia, considered one of the weaker African nations to have qualified.
Grp D: USA 1 Portugal 2. I can see Portugal dominating this match, but only winning by one goal, due to no prolific goalscorer in the team.
Group D:
Portugal 3
Poland 1
South Korea 1
USA 0
Group H:
Japan 3
Russia 3
Tunisia 0
Belgium 0
The second round of group matches also starts on this day.
Group E: Germany 0 Ireland 0. Neither team will want to lose, so a draw is most likely, and a dull one too, probably.
Thursday 6th June
Grp A: Denmark 1 Senegal 1. Denmark will start well, but concede a late goal. Then they'll complain that it wasn't fair, because it was hot, and FIFA changed the kick off time of the match.
Grp E: Cameroon 2 Saudi Arabia 2. I imagine we'll see glimpes of skill in this match, as well as defensive errors, and it will end level.
Grp A: France 2 Uruguay 0. France's start players will put some effort in for this match, ater their lacklustre performance in the first match.
Group A:
France 6
Denmark 2
Senegal 1
Uruguay 1
Group E:
Germany 4
Ireland 4
Saudi Arabia 1
Cameroon 1
Friday 7th June
Grp F: Sweden 0 Nigeria 1. Not the result England would have hoped for, but I can see Nigeria coming away with all 3 points.
Grp B: Spain 2 Paraguay 0. Spain may have settled into tournement mode now, if so they'll win this match with few problems.
Grp F: Argentina 1 England 1. England will take the lead through Beckham, but Argentina will manage to equalize, making the last game very important.
Group F:
Argentina 4
England 4
Nigeria 3
Sweden 0
Saturday 8th June:
Grp B: South Africa 3 Slovenia 2. Slovenia were involved in some great matches in Euro 2000, hopefully some of that will come through in this tournement, and we'll see plenty of goals in their matches. I can see South Africa winning though.
Grp G: Italy 0 Croatia 0. This one as draw written all over it.
Grp C: Brazil 3 China 0. After losing the first match Brazil will come out fighting, and overwhelm the Chinese.
Group B:
South Africa 6
Spain 4
Slovenia 1
Paraguay 0
Sunday 9th June
Grp G: Mexico 2 Ecuador 2. Both teams will be playing to win, but it will end level.
Grp C: Costa Rica 1 Turkey 0. After showing their good side against Brazil, Turkey show their poor side against Costa Rica.
Grp H: Japan 1 Russia 2. Disappointment for the home fans as the Russians prove to be too strong.
Group C:
Costa Rica 6
Brazil 3
Turkey 3
China 0
Group G:
Italy 4
Croatia 4
Mexico 1
Ecuador 1
Monday 10th June
Group D: South Korea 2 USA 0. The home fans will love this!
Group H: Tunisia 1 Belgium 2. Belgium will show the form that beat the Czech Rebuplic in the play-off to win this match.
Group D: Portugal 1 Poland 0. Portugal will be just too classy for Poland.
Group D:
Portugal 6
South Korea 4
Poland 1
USA 0
Group H:
Russia 6
Japan 3
Belgium 3
Tunisia 0
Tuesday 11th June
The final round of group matches starts on this day, with half of the teams going out once they're over.
Grp A: Denmark 1 France 1 / Senegal 1 Uruguay 2. Denmark find themselves on the plane home, despite not losing a match, as Uruguays win leapfrogs them into second spot.
France 7
Uruguay 4
Denmark 3
Senegal 1
Grp E: Cameroon 1 Germany 2 / Saudi Arabia 1 Ireland 1. Knowing they need a big win to top the group I can see Ireland having one of those days where they just can't score, until they go a goal behind, then they'll manage no more than an equalizer. Germany will get a late winner in their match to top the group.
Germany 7
Ireland 5
Saudi Arabia 2
Cameroon 1
Wednesday 12th June
Grp F: Argentina 3 Sweden 1 / England 1 Nigeria 1. Argentina top the group, winning with ease. England struggle against Nigeria, going a goal down early on, and equalizing late, with a substitute scoring.
Argentina 7
England 5
Nigeria 4
Sweden 0
Grp B: South Africa 1 Spain 2 / Slovenia 0 Paraguay 1. Spain will win through much fortune, and somehow top the group. South Africa won't mind, as they go through in second place. The other match gives Paraguay some points, but to no avail.
Spain 7
South Africa 6
Paraguay 3
Slovenia 1
Thursday 13th June
Grp C: Costa Rica 1 Brazil 2 / Turkey 1 China 0. 3 teams finish this group on 6 points, but Turkey go out on goal difference, having only beat the Chinese by one goal.
Brazil 6
Costa Rica 6
Turkey 6
China 0
Grp G: Croatia 2 Ecuador 0 / Mexico 1 Italy 1. Italy fail to win, so Croatia top the group.
Croatia 7
Italy 5
Mexico 2
Ecuador 1
Friday 14th June
Grp H: Tunisia 0 Japan 2 / Belgium 1 Russia 2. The home fans are thrilled to see Japan make the second round, but another Russia win means it's second spot, not top spot they take.
Russia 9
Japan 6
Belgium 3
Tunisia 0
Grp D: Portugal 2 South Korea 1 / Poland 0 USA 0. Portugal win again, but co-hosts South Korea still go through with the other match remaining without a goal.
Portugal 9
South Korea 4
Poland 2
USA 1
The second round matches will be as follows:
Germany vs South Africa
France vs England
Argentina vs Uruguay
Spain vs Ireland
Croatia vs South Korea
Brazil vs Japan
Russia vs Costa Rica
Portugal vs Italy
Saturday 15th June
Germany 1 South Africa 2. The South Africans will make Germany look very average again, much to our joy!
France 1 England 1 (p). Michael Owen will get our goal, but France will get a flukey equalizer 4 minutes into stoppage time. In Extra time Barthez will fumble the ball, and an Engaland player will knock it in. It will be disallowed for an alleged push. The match will then go to penalties, and England will win.
Sunday 16th June
Argentina 3 Uruguay 1. Argentina will show why they're amongst the favourites with a stunning second half performance, coming back from a first half Uruguay goal.
Spain 1 (gg) Ireland 0. Fabulous Spanish goalkeeping keeps Spain in the game, and in extra time they'll get a golden goal.
Monday 17th June
Croatia 2 South Korea 0. The co-hosts will be disappointed, but really, they'll have done well to get this far.
Brazil 0 Japan 0 (p). Brazil will play poorly, but Japan are a bit out of their depth. The Japanese will go through on penalties, as they take so many in the 'J' League.
Tuesday 18th June
Russia 0 Costa Rica 1. The Costa Ricans could well be a bit of a surprise team in this tournement, and have the skill to beat the Russians.
Portugal 2 Italy 1. A match that was very nearly the Euro 2000 final, Portugal will come out on top.
Which concludes the second round. The quarter finals will be like this:
England vs Japan
South Africa vs Croatia
Spain vs Portugal
Argentina vs Costa Rica
Friday 21st June
England 2 Japan 1. Japan were lucky against Brazil, it will be England turn to be lucky in this match, with a freak goal giving them the lead, and Michael Owen bagging a winner after Japan equalize.
South Africa 0 Croatia 1. South Africa will be pleased to have reached this stage, Croatia may be starting to think they can go a step further than last time, when they were knocked out at the semi-finals.
Saturday 22nd June
Spain 2 Portugal 3 (gg). Could be match of the tournement, the two neighbours will play fantastically, with the Portugal being the stronger, and more skillful in extra time, getting the golden goal.
Argentina 4 Costa Rica 1. Argentina march on, sweeping past the Costa Ricans.
Which leaves the follwing teams in the semi-finals:
Croatia vs Portugal
England vs Argentina
Tuesday 25th June
Croatia 0 Portugal 0 (p). Croatia are gutted to lose at the semi-final stage again, with a tense match being won on penalties by Portugal.
Wednesday 26th June
England 2 (p) Argentina 2. Beckham scores twice. So does Veron. It goes to penalties, England defeat the ghosts of the past and make it into a second World Cup final.
Saturday 29th June
Third/ Fourth place play-off
Croatia 1 Argentina 2. No team likes to play in this match, having been so close to the final, but Argentina will cope better with their disappointment, and get the win.
Sunday 30th June
World Cup Final
England 3 Portugal 2. Much like their match in Euro 2000 England will be 2 - nill up after half an hour, Owen and Scholes getting the goals. By half time it will be 2 all, and all England fans will be fearing the worst. History won't repeat itself though, England will start the second half well, with Andy Cole, on as a substitute scorign a wonder-goal. England will defend well as Portugal go all out for the equalizer, with Andy Cole getting a chance to make it 4-2 late on, but blasting it high and wide. The final whistle will blow making England World Cup winners again. This will no doubt bring about world peace, and we'll all live happily ever after. Or have I now entered a world of fantasy completely? Oh well, we can only hope!
Friday May 31st:
Grp A: France 1 Senegal 0. France will play really arrogantly, miss a bunch of sitters, and go about the game in a really lazy manner, until Senegal hit the post, or something. This will remind the French that it's a competitive match that they're playing in, and they'll go score a late winner.
Saturday June 1st:
Grp E: Ireland 2 Cameroon 0. Cameroon can be unpredictable, but the luck of the Irish will bring them out as winners.
Grp A: Uruguay 1 Denmark 1. These two may well consider themselves to be playing for second spot in the group. As such they won't want to give anything away, so a draw is most likely.
Grp E: Germany 3 Saudi Arabia 1. I can see the Germans winning this comfortably, but only after going a goal down, and making us laugh.
At the end of the day group A will look like this:
France 3
Denmark 1
Uruguay 1
Senegal 0
And group E will be like so:
Germany 3
Ireland 3
Saudi Arabia 0
Cameroon 0
Sunday 2nd June:
Grp F: Argentina 2 Nigeria 0. As many peoples favourites Argentina will start well, and be too goos for Nigeria.
Grp B: Paraguay 0 South Africa 1. I believe that Chilavert, Paraguay's goalscoring goalkeeper is banned for the first two matches, and they miss him, and lose this match.
Grp F: England 2 Sweden 1. Owen will score twice, but I think we'll leave it late, just to make us really nervous.
Grp B: Spain 0 Slovenia 0. Spain always start tournaments poorly, so should be thankful for a draw!
Group B:
South Africa 3
Slovenia 1
Spain 1
Paraguay 0
Group F:
Argentina 3
England 3
Sweden 0
Nigeria 0
Monday 3rd June:
Grp G: Croatia 1 Mexico 0. Mexico aren't the team they were a decade or so ago, they struggled to qualify, and Croatia should be able to beat them.
Grp C: Brazil 0 Turkey 1. Turkish league teams have been doing it in the European cups for almost a decade now, coming in with the reputation of no-hopers, only to surprise the other team with their work-rate and skill. Brazil simply won't be prepared for the Turkish team that has improved to such an extent over the last few years.
Grp G: Italy 2 Ecuador 0. Italy are always a team to be feared, so I can see Ecuador trying to hold on for a point, only to collapse before the end and concede two.
Group G:
Italy 3
Croatia 3
Mexico 0
Ecuador 0
Tuesday 4th June
Grp C: China 1 Costa Rica 3. Costa Rica won their qualifying group with relative ease, so won't stuggle against a Chinese team making their world Cup debut.
Grp H: Japan 3 Belgium 0. With the home crowd behind them Japan will be inspired to a great victory.
Grp D: South Korea 2 Poland 2. After seeing co-hosts Japan win so convincingly South Korea will be inspired to do the same, only to be gutted by two late Polish goals.
Group C:
Costa Rica 3
Turkey 3
Brazil 0
China 0
Wednesday 5th June
Grp H: Russia 2 Tunisia 0. Russia will be too strong for Tunisia, considered one of the weaker African nations to have qualified.
Grp D: USA 1 Portugal 2. I can see Portugal dominating this match, but only winning by one goal, due to no prolific goalscorer in the team.
Group D:
Portugal 3
Poland 1
South Korea 1
USA 0
Group H:
Japan 3
Russia 3
Tunisia 0
Belgium 0
The second round of group matches also starts on this day.
Group E: Germany 0 Ireland 0. Neither team will want to lose, so a draw is most likely, and a dull one too, probably.
Thursday 6th June
Grp A: Denmark 1 Senegal 1. Denmark will start well, but concede a late goal. Then they'll complain that it wasn't fair, because it was hot, and FIFA changed the kick off time of the match.
Grp E: Cameroon 2 Saudi Arabia 2. I imagine we'll see glimpes of skill in this match, as well as defensive errors, and it will end level.
Grp A: France 2 Uruguay 0. France's start players will put some effort in for this match, ater their lacklustre performance in the first match.
Group A:
France 6
Denmark 2
Senegal 1
Uruguay 1
Group E:
Germany 4
Ireland 4
Saudi Arabia 1
Cameroon 1
Friday 7th June
Grp F: Sweden 0 Nigeria 1. Not the result England would have hoped for, but I can see Nigeria coming away with all 3 points.
Grp B: Spain 2 Paraguay 0. Spain may have settled into tournement mode now, if so they'll win this match with few problems.
Grp F: Argentina 1 England 1. England will take the lead through Beckham, but Argentina will manage to equalize, making the last game very important.
Group F:
Argentina 4
England 4
Nigeria 3
Sweden 0
Saturday 8th June:
Grp B: South Africa 3 Slovenia 2. Slovenia were involved in some great matches in Euro 2000, hopefully some of that will come through in this tournement, and we'll see plenty of goals in their matches. I can see South Africa winning though.
Grp G: Italy 0 Croatia 0. This one as draw written all over it.
Grp C: Brazil 3 China 0. After losing the first match Brazil will come out fighting, and overwhelm the Chinese.
Group B:
South Africa 6
Spain 4
Slovenia 1
Paraguay 0
Sunday 9th June
Grp G: Mexico 2 Ecuador 2. Both teams will be playing to win, but it will end level.
Grp C: Costa Rica 1 Turkey 0. After showing their good side against Brazil, Turkey show their poor side against Costa Rica.
Grp H: Japan 1 Russia 2. Disappointment for the home fans as the Russians prove to be too strong.
Group C:
Costa Rica 6
Brazil 3
Turkey 3
China 0
Group G:
Italy 4
Croatia 4
Mexico 1
Ecuador 1
Monday 10th June
Group D: South Korea 2 USA 0. The home fans will love this!
Group H: Tunisia 1 Belgium 2. Belgium will show the form that beat the Czech Rebuplic in the play-off to win this match.
Group D: Portugal 1 Poland 0. Portugal will be just too classy for Poland.
Group D:
Portugal 6
South Korea 4
Poland 1
USA 0
Group H:
Russia 6
Japan 3
Belgium 3
Tunisia 0
Tuesday 11th June
The final round of group matches starts on this day, with half of the teams going out once they're over.
Grp A: Denmark 1 France 1 / Senegal 1 Uruguay 2. Denmark find themselves on the plane home, despite not losing a match, as Uruguays win leapfrogs them into second spot.
France 7
Uruguay 4
Denmark 3
Senegal 1
Grp E: Cameroon 1 Germany 2 / Saudi Arabia 1 Ireland 1. Knowing they need a big win to top the group I can see Ireland having one of those days where they just can't score, until they go a goal behind, then they'll manage no more than an equalizer. Germany will get a late winner in their match to top the group.
Germany 7
Ireland 5
Saudi Arabia 2
Cameroon 1
Wednesday 12th June
Grp F: Argentina 3 Sweden 1 / England 1 Nigeria 1. Argentina top the group, winning with ease. England struggle against Nigeria, going a goal down early on, and equalizing late, with a substitute scoring.
Argentina 7
England 5
Nigeria 4
Sweden 0
Grp B: South Africa 1 Spain 2 / Slovenia 0 Paraguay 1. Spain will win through much fortune, and somehow top the group. South Africa won't mind, as they go through in second place. The other match gives Paraguay some points, but to no avail.
Spain 7
South Africa 6
Paraguay 3
Slovenia 1
Thursday 13th June
Grp C: Costa Rica 1 Brazil 2 / Turkey 1 China 0. 3 teams finish this group on 6 points, but Turkey go out on goal difference, having only beat the Chinese by one goal.
Brazil 6
Costa Rica 6
Turkey 6
China 0
Grp G: Croatia 2 Ecuador 0 / Mexico 1 Italy 1. Italy fail to win, so Croatia top the group.
Croatia 7
Italy 5
Mexico 2
Ecuador 1
Friday 14th June
Grp H: Tunisia 0 Japan 2 / Belgium 1 Russia 2. The home fans are thrilled to see Japan make the second round, but another Russia win means it's second spot, not top spot they take.
Russia 9
Japan 6
Belgium 3
Tunisia 0
Grp D: Portugal 2 South Korea 1 / Poland 0 USA 0. Portugal win again, but co-hosts South Korea still go through with the other match remaining without a goal.
Portugal 9
South Korea 4
Poland 2
USA 1
The second round matches will be as follows:
Germany vs South Africa
France vs England
Argentina vs Uruguay
Spain vs Ireland
Croatia vs South Korea
Brazil vs Japan
Russia vs Costa Rica
Portugal vs Italy
Saturday 15th June
Germany 1 South Africa 2. The South Africans will make Germany look very average again, much to our joy!
France 1 England 1 (p). Michael Owen will get our goal, but France will get a flukey equalizer 4 minutes into stoppage time. In Extra time Barthez will fumble the ball, and an Engaland player will knock it in. It will be disallowed for an alleged push. The match will then go to penalties, and England will win.
Sunday 16th June
Argentina 3 Uruguay 1. Argentina will show why they're amongst the favourites with a stunning second half performance, coming back from a first half Uruguay goal.
Spain 1 (gg) Ireland 0. Fabulous Spanish goalkeeping keeps Spain in the game, and in extra time they'll get a golden goal.
Monday 17th June
Croatia 2 South Korea 0. The co-hosts will be disappointed, but really, they'll have done well to get this far.
Brazil 0 Japan 0 (p). Brazil will play poorly, but Japan are a bit out of their depth. The Japanese will go through on penalties, as they take so many in the 'J' League.
Tuesday 18th June
Russia 0 Costa Rica 1. The Costa Ricans could well be a bit of a surprise team in this tournement, and have the skill to beat the Russians.
Portugal 2 Italy 1. A match that was very nearly the Euro 2000 final, Portugal will come out on top.
Which concludes the second round. The quarter finals will be like this:
England vs Japan
South Africa vs Croatia
Spain vs Portugal
Argentina vs Costa Rica
Friday 21st June
England 2 Japan 1. Japan were lucky against Brazil, it will be England turn to be lucky in this match, with a freak goal giving them the lead, and Michael Owen bagging a winner after Japan equalize.
South Africa 0 Croatia 1. South Africa will be pleased to have reached this stage, Croatia may be starting to think they can go a step further than last time, when they were knocked out at the semi-finals.
Saturday 22nd June
Spain 2 Portugal 3 (gg). Could be match of the tournement, the two neighbours will play fantastically, with the Portugal being the stronger, and more skillful in extra time, getting the golden goal.
Argentina 4 Costa Rica 1. Argentina march on, sweeping past the Costa Ricans.
Which leaves the follwing teams in the semi-finals:
Croatia vs Portugal
England vs Argentina
Tuesday 25th June
Croatia 0 Portugal 0 (p). Croatia are gutted to lose at the semi-final stage again, with a tense match being won on penalties by Portugal.
Wednesday 26th June
England 2 (p) Argentina 2. Beckham scores twice. So does Veron. It goes to penalties, England defeat the ghosts of the past and make it into a second World Cup final.
Saturday 29th June
Third/ Fourth place play-off
Croatia 1 Argentina 2. No team likes to play in this match, having been so close to the final, but Argentina will cope better with their disappointment, and get the win.
Sunday 30th June
World Cup Final
England 3 Portugal 2. Much like their match in Euro 2000 England will be 2 - nill up after half an hour, Owen and Scholes getting the goals. By half time it will be 2 all, and all England fans will be fearing the worst. History won't repeat itself though, England will start the second half well, with Andy Cole, on as a substitute scorign a wonder-goal. England will defend well as Portugal go all out for the equalizer, with Andy Cole getting a chance to make it 4-2 late on, but blasting it high and wide. The final whistle will blow making England World Cup winners again. This will no doubt bring about world peace, and we'll all live happily ever after. Or have I now entered a world of fantasy completely? Oh well, we can only hope!
I cant see any Europeon teams getting far at all.
The climate will be heavily against them.
A South American team will win it no doubt.
Argentina are my favs for the cup, and then Brazil.
The climate will be heavily against them.
A South American team will win it no doubt.
Argentina are my favs for the cup, and then Brazil.
That's a reasonable assumption. Perhaps slightly biased towards England. I think Brazil wouldn't lose to Japan. I think a number of teams could win the World Cup.
Hello. I printed out a FIFA World Cup 2002 fixture list the other day, and I thought I'd have a go at predicting the results. Don't blame me if I get it wrong though! League tables are written after all teams in a group have played the same number of games.
Friday May 31st:
Grp A: France 1 Senegal 0. France will play really arrogantly, miss a bunch of sitters, and go about the game in a really lazy manner, until Senegal hit the post, or something. This will remind the French that it's a competitive match that they're playing in, and they'll go score a late winner.
Saturday June 1st:
Grp E: Ireland 2 Cameroon 0. Cameroon can be unpredictable, but the luck of the Irish will bring them out as winners.
Grp A: Uruguay 1 Denmark 1. These two may well consider themselves to be playing for second spot in the group. As such they won't want to give anything away, so a draw is most likely.
Grp E: Germany 3 Saudi Arabia 1. I can see the Germans winning this comfortably, but only after going a goal down, and making us laugh.
At the end of the day group A will look like this:
France 3
Denmark 1
Uruguay 1
Senegal 0
And group E will be like so:
Germany 3
Ireland 3
Saudi Arabia 0
Cameroon 0
Sunday 2nd June:
Grp F: Argentina 2 Nigeria 0. As many peoples favourites Argentina will start well, and be too goos for Nigeria.
Grp B: Paraguay 0 South Africa 1. I believe that Chilavert, Paraguay's goalscoring goalkeeper is banned for the first two matches, and they miss him, and lose this match.
Grp F: England 2 Sweden 1. Owen will score twice, but I think we'll leave it late, just to make us really nervous.
Grp B: Spain 0 Slovenia 0. Spain always start tournaments poorly, so should be thankful for a draw!
Group B:
South Africa 3
Slovenia 1
Spain 1
Paraguay 0
Group F:
Argentina 3
England 3
Sweden 0
Nigeria 0
Monday 3rd June:
Grp G: Croatia 1 Mexico 0. Mexico aren't the team they were a decade or so ago, they struggled to qualify, and Croatia should be able to beat them.
Grp C: Brazil 0 Turkey 1. Turkish league teams have been doing it in the European cups for almost a decade now, coming in with the reputation of no-hopers, only to surprise the other team with their work-rate and skill. Brazil simply won't be prepared for the Turkish team that has improved to such an extent over the last few years.
Grp G: Italy 2 Ecuador 0. Italy are always a team to be feared, so I can see Ecuador trying to hold on for a point, only to collapse before the end and concede two.
Group G:
Italy 3
Croatia 3
Mexico 0
Ecuador 0
Tuesday 4th June
Grp C: China 1 Costa Rica 3. Costa Rica won their qualifying group with relative ease, so won't stuggle against a Chinese team making their world Cup debut.
Grp H: Japan 3 Belgium 0. With the home crowd behind them Japan will be inspired to a great victory.
Grp D: South Korea 2 Poland 2. After seeing co-hosts Japan win so convincingly South Korea will be inspired to do the same, only to be gutted by two late Polish goals.
Group C:
Costa Rica 3
Turkey 3
Brazil 0
China 0
Wednesday 5th June
Grp H: Russia 2 Tunisia 0. Russia will be too strong for Tunisia, considered one of the weaker African nations to have qualified.
Grp D: USA 1 Portugal 2. I can see Portugal dominating this match, but only winning by one goal, due to no prolific goalscorer in the team.
Group D:
Portugal 3
Poland 1
South Korea 1
USA 0
Group H:
Japan 3
Russia 3
Tunisia 0
Belgium 0
The second round of group matches also starts on this day.
Group E: Germany 0 Ireland 0. Neither team will want to lose, so a draw is most likely, and a dull one too, probably.
Thursday 6th June
Grp A: Denmark 1 Senegal 1. Denmark will start well, but concede a late goal. Then they'll complain that it wasn't fair, because it was hot, and FIFA changed the kick off time of the match.
Grp E: Cameroon 2 Saudi Arabia 2. I imagine we'll see glimpes of skill in this match, as well as defensive errors, and it will end level.
Grp A: France 2 Uruguay 0. France's start players will put some effort in for this match, ater their lacklustre performance in the first match.
Group A:
France 6
Denmark 2
Senegal 1
Uruguay 1
Group E:
Germany 4
Ireland 4
Saudi Arabia 1
Cameroon 1
Friday 7th June
Grp F: Sweden 0 Nigeria 1. Not the result England would have hoped for, but I can see Nigeria coming away with all 3 points.
Grp B: Spain 2 Paraguay 0. Spain may have settled into tournement mode now, if so they'll win this match with few problems.
Grp F: Argentina 1 England 1. England will take the lead through Beckham, but Argentina will manage to equalize, making the last game very important.
Group F:
Argentina 4
England 4
Nigeria 3
Sweden 0
Saturday 8th June:
Grp B: South Africa 3 Slovenia 2. Slovenia were involved in some great matches in Euro 2000, hopefully some of that will come through in this tournement, and we'll see plenty of goals in their matches. I can see South Africa winning though.
Grp G: Italy 0 Croatia 0. This one as draw written all over it.
Grp C: Brazil 3 China 0. After losing the first match Brazil will come out fighting, and overwhelm the Chinese.
Group B:
South Africa 6
Spain 4
Slovenia 1
Paraguay 0
Sunday 9th June
Grp G: Mexico 2 Ecuador 2. Both teams will be playing to win, but it will end level.
Grp C: Costa Rica 1 Turkey 0. After showing their good side against Brazil, Turkey show their poor side against Costa Rica.
Grp H: Japan 1 Russia 2. Disappointment for the home fans as the Russians prove to be too strong.
Group C:
Costa Rica 6
Brazil 3
Turkey 3
China 0
Group G:
Italy 4
Croatia 4
Mexico 1
Ecuador 1
Monday 10th June
Group D: South Korea 2 USA 0. The home fans will love this!
Group H: Tunisia 1 Belgium 2. Belgium will show the form that beat the Czech Rebuplic in the play-off to win this match.
Group D: Portugal 1 Poland 0. Portugal will be just too classy for Poland.
Group D:
Portugal 6
South Korea 4
Poland 1
USA 0
Group H:
Russia 6
Japan 3
Belgium 3
Tunisia 0
Tuesday 11th June
The final round of group matches starts on this day, with half of the teams going out once they're over.
Grp A: Denmark 1 France 1 / Senegal 1 Uruguay 2. Denmark find themselves on the plane home, despite not losing a match, as Uruguays win leapfrogs them into second spot.
France 7
Uruguay 4
Denmark 3
Senegal 1
Grp E: Cameroon 1 Germany 2 / Saudi Arabia 1 Ireland 1. Knowing they need a big win to top the group I can see Ireland having one of those days where they just can't score, until they go a goal behind, then they'll manage no more than an equalizer. Germany will get a late winner in their match to top the group.
Germany 7
Ireland 5
Saudi Arabia 2
Cameroon 1
Wednesday 12th June
Grp F: Argentina 3 Sweden 1 / England 1 Nigeria 1. Argentina top the group, winning with ease. England struggle against Nigeria, going a goal down early on, and equalizing late, with a substitute scoring.
Argentina 7
England 5
Nigeria 4
Sweden 0
Grp B: South Africa 1 Spain 2 / Slovenia 0 Paraguay 1. Spain will win through much fortune, and somehow top the group. South Africa won't mind, as they go through in second place. The other match gives Paraguay some points, but to no avail.
Spain 7
South Africa 6
Paraguay 3
Slovenia 1
Thursday 13th June
Grp C: Costa Rica 1 Brazil 2 / Turkey 1 China 0. 3 teams finish this group on 6 points, but Turkey go out on goal difference, having only beat the Chinese by one goal.
Brazil 6
Costa Rica 6
Turkey 6
China 0
Grp G: Croatia 2 Ecuador 0 / Mexico 1 Italy 1. Italy fail to win, so Croatia top the group.
Croatia 7
Italy 5
Mexico 2
Ecuador 1
Friday 14th June
Grp H: Tunisia 0 Japan 2 / Belgium 1 Russia 2. The home fans are thrilled to see Japan make the second round, but another Russia win means it's second spot, not top spot they take.
Russia 9
Japan 6
Belgium 3
Tunisia 0
Grp D: Portugal 2 South Korea 1 / Poland 0 USA 0. Portugal win again, but co-hosts South Korea still go through with the other match remaining without a goal.
Portugal 9
South Korea 4
Poland 2
USA 1
The second round matches will be as follows:
Germany vs South Africa
France vs England
Argentina vs Uruguay
Spain vs Ireland
Croatia vs South Korea
Brazil vs Japan
Russia vs Costa Rica
Portugal vs Italy
Saturday 15th June
Germany 1 South Africa 2. The South Africans will make Germany look very average again, much to our joy!
France 1 England 1 (p). Michael Owen will get our goal, but France will get a flukey equalizer 4 minutes into stoppage time. In Extra time Barthez will fumble the ball, and an Engaland player will knock it in. It will be disallowed for an alleged push. The match will then go to penalties, and England will win.
Sunday 16th June
Argentina 3 Uruguay 1. Argentina will show why they're amongst the favourites with a stunning second half performance, coming back from a first half Uruguay goal.
Spain 1 (gg) Ireland 0. Fabulous Spanish goalkeeping keeps Spain in the game, and in extra time they'll get a golden goal.
Monday 17th June
Croatia 2 South Korea 0. The co-hosts will be disappointed, but really, they'll have done well to get this far.
Brazil 0 Japan 0 (p). Brazil will play poorly, but Japan are a bit out of their depth. The Japanese will go through on penalties, as they take so many in the 'J' League.
Tuesday 18th June
Russia 0 Costa Rica 1. The Costa Ricans could well be a bit of a surprise team in this tournement, and have the skill to beat the Russians.
Portugal 2 Italy 1. A match that was very nearly the Euro 2000 final, Portugal will come out on top.
Which concludes the second round. The quarter finals will be like this:
England vs Japan
South Africa vs Croatia
Spain vs Portugal
Argentina vs Costa Rica
Friday 21st June
England 2 Japan 1. Japan were lucky against Brazil, it will be England turn to be lucky in this match, with a freak goal giving them the lead, and Michael Owen bagging a winner after Japan equalize.
South Africa 0 Croatia 1. South Africa will be pleased to have reached this stage, Croatia may be starting to think they can go a step further than last time, when they were knocked out at the semi-finals.
Saturday 22nd June
Spain 2 Portugal 3 (gg). Could be match of the tournement, the two neighbours will play fantastically, with the Portugal being the stronger, and more skillful in extra time, getting the golden goal.
Argentina 4 Costa Rica 1. Argentina march on, sweeping past the Costa Ricans.
Which leaves the follwing teams in the semi-finals:
Croatia vs Portugal
England vs Argentina
Tuesday 25th June
Croatia 0 Portugal 0 (p). Croatia are gutted to lose at the semi-final stage again, with a tense match being won on penalties by Portugal.
Wednesday 26th June
England 2 (p) Argentina 2. Beckham scores twice. So does Veron. It goes to penalties, England defeat the ghosts of the past and make it into a second World Cup final.
Saturday 29th June
Third/ Fourth place play-off
Croatia 1 Argentina 2. No team likes to play in this match, having been so close to the final, but Argentina will cope better with their disappointment, and get the win.
Sunday 30th June
World Cup Final
England 3 Portugal 2. Much like their match in Euro 2000 England will be 2 - nill up after half an hour, Owen and Scholes getting the goals. By half time it will be 2 all, and all England fans will be fearing the worst. History won't repeat itself though, England will start the second half well, with Andy Cole, on as a substitute scorign a wonder-goal. England will defend well as Portugal go all out for the equalizer, with Andy Cole getting a chance to make it 4-2 late on, but blasting it high and wide. The final whistle will blow making England World Cup winners again. This will no doubt bring about world peace, and we'll all live happily ever after. Or have I now entered a world of fantasy completely? Oh well, we can only hope!
Friday May 31st:
Grp A: France 1 Senegal 0. France will play really arrogantly, miss a bunch of sitters, and go about the game in a really lazy manner, until Senegal hit the post, or something. This will remind the French that it's a competitive match that they're playing in, and they'll go score a late winner.
Saturday June 1st:
Grp E: Ireland 2 Cameroon 0. Cameroon can be unpredictable, but the luck of the Irish will bring them out as winners.
Grp A: Uruguay 1 Denmark 1. These two may well consider themselves to be playing for second spot in the group. As such they won't want to give anything away, so a draw is most likely.
Grp E: Germany 3 Saudi Arabia 1. I can see the Germans winning this comfortably, but only after going a goal down, and making us laugh.
At the end of the day group A will look like this:
France 3
Denmark 1
Uruguay 1
Senegal 0
And group E will be like so:
Germany 3
Ireland 3
Saudi Arabia 0
Cameroon 0
Sunday 2nd June:
Grp F: Argentina 2 Nigeria 0. As many peoples favourites Argentina will start well, and be too goos for Nigeria.
Grp B: Paraguay 0 South Africa 1. I believe that Chilavert, Paraguay's goalscoring goalkeeper is banned for the first two matches, and they miss him, and lose this match.
Grp F: England 2 Sweden 1. Owen will score twice, but I think we'll leave it late, just to make us really nervous.
Grp B: Spain 0 Slovenia 0. Spain always start tournaments poorly, so should be thankful for a draw!
Group B:
South Africa 3
Slovenia 1
Spain 1
Paraguay 0
Group F:
Argentina 3
England 3
Sweden 0
Nigeria 0
Monday 3rd June:
Grp G: Croatia 1 Mexico 0. Mexico aren't the team they were a decade or so ago, they struggled to qualify, and Croatia should be able to beat them.
Grp C: Brazil 0 Turkey 1. Turkish league teams have been doing it in the European cups for almost a decade now, coming in with the reputation of no-hopers, only to surprise the other team with their work-rate and skill. Brazil simply won't be prepared for the Turkish team that has improved to such an extent over the last few years.
Grp G: Italy 2 Ecuador 0. Italy are always a team to be feared, so I can see Ecuador trying to hold on for a point, only to collapse before the end and concede two.
Group G:
Italy 3
Croatia 3
Mexico 0
Ecuador 0
Tuesday 4th June
Grp C: China 1 Costa Rica 3. Costa Rica won their qualifying group with relative ease, so won't stuggle against a Chinese team making their world Cup debut.
Grp H: Japan 3 Belgium 0. With the home crowd behind them Japan will be inspired to a great victory.
Grp D: South Korea 2 Poland 2. After seeing co-hosts Japan win so convincingly South Korea will be inspired to do the same, only to be gutted by two late Polish goals.
Group C:
Costa Rica 3
Turkey 3
Brazil 0
China 0
Wednesday 5th June
Grp H: Russia 2 Tunisia 0. Russia will be too strong for Tunisia, considered one of the weaker African nations to have qualified.
Grp D: USA 1 Portugal 2. I can see Portugal dominating this match, but only winning by one goal, due to no prolific goalscorer in the team.
Group D:
Portugal 3
Poland 1
South Korea 1
USA 0
Group H:
Japan 3
Russia 3
Tunisia 0
Belgium 0
The second round of group matches also starts on this day.
Group E: Germany 0 Ireland 0. Neither team will want to lose, so a draw is most likely, and a dull one too, probably.
Thursday 6th June
Grp A: Denmark 1 Senegal 1. Denmark will start well, but concede a late goal. Then they'll complain that it wasn't fair, because it was hot, and FIFA changed the kick off time of the match.
Grp E: Cameroon 2 Saudi Arabia 2. I imagine we'll see glimpes of skill in this match, as well as defensive errors, and it will end level.
Grp A: France 2 Uruguay 0. France's start players will put some effort in for this match, ater their lacklustre performance in the first match.
Group A:
France 6
Denmark 2
Senegal 1
Uruguay 1
Group E:
Germany 4
Ireland 4
Saudi Arabia 1
Cameroon 1
Friday 7th June
Grp F: Sweden 0 Nigeria 1. Not the result England would have hoped for, but I can see Nigeria coming away with all 3 points.
Grp B: Spain 2 Paraguay 0. Spain may have settled into tournement mode now, if so they'll win this match with few problems.
Grp F: Argentina 1 England 1. England will take the lead through Beckham, but Argentina will manage to equalize, making the last game very important.
Group F:
Argentina 4
England 4
Nigeria 3
Sweden 0
Saturday 8th June:
Grp B: South Africa 3 Slovenia 2. Slovenia were involved in some great matches in Euro 2000, hopefully some of that will come through in this tournement, and we'll see plenty of goals in their matches. I can see South Africa winning though.
Grp G: Italy 0 Croatia 0. This one as draw written all over it.
Grp C: Brazil 3 China 0. After losing the first match Brazil will come out fighting, and overwhelm the Chinese.
Group B:
South Africa 6
Spain 4
Slovenia 1
Paraguay 0
Sunday 9th June
Grp G: Mexico 2 Ecuador 2. Both teams will be playing to win, but it will end level.
Grp C: Costa Rica 1 Turkey 0. After showing their good side against Brazil, Turkey show their poor side against Costa Rica.
Grp H: Japan 1 Russia 2. Disappointment for the home fans as the Russians prove to be too strong.
Group C:
Costa Rica 6
Brazil 3
Turkey 3
China 0
Group G:
Italy 4
Croatia 4
Mexico 1
Ecuador 1
Monday 10th June
Group D: South Korea 2 USA 0. The home fans will love this!
Group H: Tunisia 1 Belgium 2. Belgium will show the form that beat the Czech Rebuplic in the play-off to win this match.
Group D: Portugal 1 Poland 0. Portugal will be just too classy for Poland.
Group D:
Portugal 6
South Korea 4
Poland 1
USA 0
Group H:
Russia 6
Japan 3
Belgium 3
Tunisia 0
Tuesday 11th June
The final round of group matches starts on this day, with half of the teams going out once they're over.
Grp A: Denmark 1 France 1 / Senegal 1 Uruguay 2. Denmark find themselves on the plane home, despite not losing a match, as Uruguays win leapfrogs them into second spot.
France 7
Uruguay 4
Denmark 3
Senegal 1
Grp E: Cameroon 1 Germany 2 / Saudi Arabia 1 Ireland 1. Knowing they need a big win to top the group I can see Ireland having one of those days where they just can't score, until they go a goal behind, then they'll manage no more than an equalizer. Germany will get a late winner in their match to top the group.
Germany 7
Ireland 5
Saudi Arabia 2
Cameroon 1
Wednesday 12th June
Grp F: Argentina 3 Sweden 1 / England 1 Nigeria 1. Argentina top the group, winning with ease. England struggle against Nigeria, going a goal down early on, and equalizing late, with a substitute scoring.
Argentina 7
England 5
Nigeria 4
Sweden 0
Grp B: South Africa 1 Spain 2 / Slovenia 0 Paraguay 1. Spain will win through much fortune, and somehow top the group. South Africa won't mind, as they go through in second place. The other match gives Paraguay some points, but to no avail.
Spain 7
South Africa 6
Paraguay 3
Slovenia 1
Thursday 13th June
Grp C: Costa Rica 1 Brazil 2 / Turkey 1 China 0. 3 teams finish this group on 6 points, but Turkey go out on goal difference, having only beat the Chinese by one goal.
Brazil 6
Costa Rica 6
Turkey 6
China 0
Grp G: Croatia 2 Ecuador 0 / Mexico 1 Italy 1. Italy fail to win, so Croatia top the group.
Croatia 7
Italy 5
Mexico 2
Ecuador 1
Friday 14th June
Grp H: Tunisia 0 Japan 2 / Belgium 1 Russia 2. The home fans are thrilled to see Japan make the second round, but another Russia win means it's second spot, not top spot they take.
Russia 9
Japan 6
Belgium 3
Tunisia 0
Grp D: Portugal 2 South Korea 1 / Poland 0 USA 0. Portugal win again, but co-hosts South Korea still go through with the other match remaining without a goal.
Portugal 9
South Korea 4
Poland 2
USA 1
The second round matches will be as follows:
Germany vs South Africa
France vs England
Argentina vs Uruguay
Spain vs Ireland
Croatia vs South Korea
Brazil vs Japan
Russia vs Costa Rica
Portugal vs Italy
Saturday 15th June
Germany 1 South Africa 2. The South Africans will make Germany look very average again, much to our joy!
France 1 England 1 (p). Michael Owen will get our goal, but France will get a flukey equalizer 4 minutes into stoppage time. In Extra time Barthez will fumble the ball, and an Engaland player will knock it in. It will be disallowed for an alleged push. The match will then go to penalties, and England will win.
Sunday 16th June
Argentina 3 Uruguay 1. Argentina will show why they're amongst the favourites with a stunning second half performance, coming back from a first half Uruguay goal.
Spain 1 (gg) Ireland 0. Fabulous Spanish goalkeeping keeps Spain in the game, and in extra time they'll get a golden goal.
Monday 17th June
Croatia 2 South Korea 0. The co-hosts will be disappointed, but really, they'll have done well to get this far.
Brazil 0 Japan 0 (p). Brazil will play poorly, but Japan are a bit out of their depth. The Japanese will go through on penalties, as they take so many in the 'J' League.
Tuesday 18th June
Russia 0 Costa Rica 1. The Costa Ricans could well be a bit of a surprise team in this tournement, and have the skill to beat the Russians.
Portugal 2 Italy 1. A match that was very nearly the Euro 2000 final, Portugal will come out on top.
Which concludes the second round. The quarter finals will be like this:
England vs Japan
South Africa vs Croatia
Spain vs Portugal
Argentina vs Costa Rica
Friday 21st June
England 2 Japan 1. Japan were lucky against Brazil, it will be England turn to be lucky in this match, with a freak goal giving them the lead, and Michael Owen bagging a winner after Japan equalize.
South Africa 0 Croatia 1. South Africa will be pleased to have reached this stage, Croatia may be starting to think they can go a step further than last time, when they were knocked out at the semi-finals.
Saturday 22nd June
Spain 2 Portugal 3 (gg). Could be match of the tournement, the two neighbours will play fantastically, with the Portugal being the stronger, and more skillful in extra time, getting the golden goal.
Argentina 4 Costa Rica 1. Argentina march on, sweeping past the Costa Ricans.
Which leaves the follwing teams in the semi-finals:
Croatia vs Portugal
England vs Argentina
Tuesday 25th June
Croatia 0 Portugal 0 (p). Croatia are gutted to lose at the semi-final stage again, with a tense match being won on penalties by Portugal.
Wednesday 26th June
England 2 (p) Argentina 2. Beckham scores twice. So does Veron. It goes to penalties, England defeat the ghosts of the past and make it into a second World Cup final.
Saturday 29th June
Third/ Fourth place play-off
Croatia 1 Argentina 2. No team likes to play in this match, having been so close to the final, but Argentina will cope better with their disappointment, and get the win.
Sunday 30th June
World Cup Final
England 3 Portugal 2. Much like their match in Euro 2000 England will be 2 - nill up after half an hour, Owen and Scholes getting the goals. By half time it will be 2 all, and all England fans will be fearing the worst. History won't repeat itself though, England will start the second half well, with Andy Cole, on as a substitute scorign a wonder-goal. England will defend well as Portugal go all out for the equalizer, with Andy Cole getting a chance to make it 4-2 late on, but blasting it high and wide. The final whistle will blow making England World Cup winners again. This will no doubt bring about world peace, and we'll all live happily ever after. Or have I now entered a world of fantasy completely? Oh well, we can only hope!