Motty's predictions for the 2010 World Cup
Well, I've made it to South Africa, ready to report on my 10th World Cup finals.
And as we wait for the tournament to kick off on Friday, I've been taking a look at the draw and predicting who I think will make it out of the groups and all the way to the final at Soccer City in Johannesburg on 11 July.
Click on the video below and let me know if you agree with my choices.
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South Africa 2010 will be John Motson's 10th World Cup with BBC Sport. John will be filing regular video reports from Cape Town, offering expert insight and opinion as well as recalling his own fond memories of previous tournaments. You can watch World Cup Motty on the BBC Sport website and the Red Button. John will also be using 
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~05~RS~)
Comments
1st?? Awesome. I reckon Brazil will win it.
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Not exactly going for any shocks there Motty are you!? My tips are as follows: 2nd Round: France v South Korea, SA v Argentina, England v Ghana, USA v Germany, Holland v Paraguay, Cameroon v Italy, Brazil v Chile, Spain v Portugal. QF: France v England, Argentina v Germany, Holland v Brazil, Cameroon v Spain. SF: England v Holland, Argentina v Spain. Final: Argentina beat Holland. Don't get me wrong - I'm going down there to support England so I hope that dosen't happen but there's my tips and I've hedged my Head/Heart by putting money on the two Finalists!! Can't wait!!
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I just want to read it for goodness sake.
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Steady on there Motty! Hardly the most daring of World Cup predictions, I don't think you could have played it much safer! I'm sure there'll be at least a few surprises on the way.
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Wow, great to see a pundit picking outside shots for the semi/quarter finals.
Nnnnaaawwwwttt
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Dutch to rule South Africa, Invictus... 2nd choice, England... I'd love to see Spain hold up to their reputation, Brazil can be stifled but obviously have a chance but not more than a few other contenders.
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My predictions are slightly different, I have Ivory Coast topping their group (I think they'll get a result against Portugal, and Brazil/Portugal will be a draw, so overall they'll finish just above Brazil), meaning Spain vs. Brazil in the last 16.
I also have England vs. Ghana in the last 16, with them facing South Korea in the quarters, along with Spain vs. Italy (if Spain get through Brazil and then Italy, noone iwll be able to argue their supremacy), Netherlands vs. Ivory Coast, and a repeat of 1990's final with Argentina vs. Germany.
Semis would then be:
England vs. Netherlands
Spain vs. Argentina
Provided my predictions are right, we could have a relatively safe passage until the semis. How we'd do against Netherlands I wouldn't like to predict, but the idea of a final like England vs. Spain/Argentina, or Netherlands vs. Spain/Argentina is pretty mouthwatering.
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My prediction:
A - Uruguay, Mexico
B - Argentina, Greece
C - England, US
D - Germany, Serbia
E - Holland, Denmark
F - Slovakia, Italy
G - Brazil, Ivory Coast
H - Spain, Chile
Then, R16:
Uruguay beat Greece
England beat Serbia
Holland beat Italy
Brazil beat Chile
Argentina beat Mexico
Germany beat US
Slovakia beat Denmark
Spain beat Ivory Coast
Then, QF:
England beat Uruguay
Brazil beat Holland (on pens)
Argentina beat Germany (on pens)
Spain beat Slovakia
Then SF:
Brazil beat England
Spain beat Argentina (AET)
3rd place: England beat Argentina
Final: Brazil beat Spain on penalties.
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england to go all the way.capello has got the knowhow to win this world cup plus we've got rooney c'mon england
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Interesting choices Motty, and I have to say I agree with most of them. When I predicted the results a couple of days ago, I finished up with a Holland v Spain final with the Dutch finally lifting the World Cup :).
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Loving the predictions I can't wait for the next world cup Motty! I was really sad to hear that your not going to be commentating. The coverage on the BBC will still be the best in the world even without you.
Its great to hear your voice again John! I will miss your commentary the most, as your voice is so memorable and whenever you speak it reminds me of famous England matches and moments. Good luck and enjoy these finals!
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Awesome, can't wait for it to start. We love you Motty! :D
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I have predicted the same semi finals but have differing views on the group stage. I think that a couple of big names will go and although backing against them is always foolhardly, I think the Germans wont make it through and also France. Im probably totally wrong but hey its always fun to trying to second guess football matches. My dark horses for the tournament are Serbia and Paraquay. The final England vs Argentina where we will finally get revenge for "The hand of Sod". Perhaps I should go to specsavers to get these rose tinted glasses looked at.
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Betting i a Mug's game... I wouldn't put a Penny on anyone, unless it was my life savings to say England will be on a Plane on 24th June.
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mottys got such a class voice.face for the radio thought
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"I do think there's going to be a surprise here ... Chile ..."
Sorry did I blink and miss the surprise?
"Never write off Germany" - hmm, never heard that before.
Come on Motty, give me something to get excited about!
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Great video, have to say i agree with the majority of your predictions excluding SA getting past the Group Stages, despite history it has to be noted they have a very poor team in comparison to Mexico and Uruguay. However you mentioned at the end you thought Italy represented the best outside bet, would you not agree that looking at the quality and form of the Holland team they represent as good a bet as Italy?
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Here is my predictions:
1º Germany
2º France
3º Italy
4º Brazil
Sorry guys, I have a Crystal Jabulani Ball!
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Oranji rule! Holland or England.. I think Australia will advance out of their group stage, no one is picking the Socceroos, I don't pick them to go far but I think they will advance out of D.
Rockinthejoint, good picks not saying I agree totally, at the last World Cup I tried some "chancy" types of picks and now and from the last Euro, I go down the line. However, for this year at least, I think other countries have caught up with Brazil and as professionally the leagues are more international, Brazil isn't as much of a novelty. Now, if they played a bunch of players from their own leagues, maybe....I think with this Cup we will be back to seeing some surprises which we have not for quite a few World Cups.
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I like a couple of others here have ended up with a Holland v Spain final.
My losing semi finalists are sadly ourselves and Argentina. Can't agree with Motty on France and South Africa from group A.
For me that's Mexico and Uruguay I also see the Yanks knocking out the Germans.
There are really only 5 teams that can win it in my opinion and they are Spain who I think will win it, Holland England Argentina and Brazil.
Can't wait for Friday.
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My predictions:
Groups:
A - Uruguay, France
B - Argentina, South Korea
C - England, US
D - Serbia, Germany,
E - Holland, Denmark
F - Italy, Paraguay
G - Brazil, Portugal
H - Spain, Chile
R16:
Uruguay beat South Korea
Argentina beat France
Germany beat England (on penalties)
Serbia beat USA
Netherlands beat Paraguay
Italy beat Denmark
Brazil beat Chile
Spain beat Portugal
Spain beat Portugal
QF:
Germany beat Uruguay
Serbia beat Argentina (on penalties)
Brazil beat Netherlands
Spain beat Italy
SF:
Brazil beat Germany
Spain beat Serbia
3rd place: Serbia beat Germany
Final: Brazil beat Spain.
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Serbia are my dark horses for semi-finals. They're strong defensively, which (unless you're Brazil) is what helps you progress in cup competitions.
England are poor defensively (especially with Johnson at fullback, no settled goalkeeper and Rio out). They'll be out to Germany or Serbia in the first knock out round I think.
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Surely Holland have the best chance for years?
Surely Spain have their best chance ever?
Surely Brazil will win again?
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England!!!
England. England. England.
All the way!
Attacking full backs, experienced central defenders.
Best midfield in the world. And Rooney upfront.
Its Englands year. Englands time. Englands turn!!
Keeper is average but so what!
Was Taferal world class in 1994? Or whatshisname in 2002?
Illgner in 1990? or even Popidom in 1986?
England will attack teams to death and march to the title!!
And remember, Zemo said it first!!
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@18 Tiago five times
You would really place France that high? They aren't as good as they used to be. I think they will reach quarter finals at most.
My predo:
1) Brazil
2) Argentina
3) Spain
4) England
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All those years of punditry (10th world cup finals etc etc) and he comes up with the most predictable of predictions....zzzzzz Motson, you're so overrated, and I for one, am glad you're not commentating any more
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My predo
1. Brazil
2. England
3. Australia
4. Spain
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Group A:
France
Mexico
Group B:
Nigeria
Argentina
Group C:
England
USA
Group D:
Germany
Ghana
Group E:
Holland
Cameroon
Group F:
Italy
Paraguay
Group G:
Brazil
Ivory Coast
Group H:
Spain
Switzerland
2nd Round:
France 1:2 Argentina
England 1:0 Ghana
Holland 2:0 Paraguay
Brazil 3:1 Switzerland
Nigeria 1:2 Mexico
Germany 2:0 USA
Italy 1:0 Cameroon
Spain 2:2 Ivory Coast 4:2 Penalties
Quarter Final:
Argentina 0:1 England
Holland 2:3 Brazil
Mexico 1:2 Germany
Italy 1:1 Spain 5:4 Penalties
Semi Final:
England 2:1 Brazil
Germany 1:3 Spain
Final:
England 0:0 Spain 4:2 Penalties
3rd Place Playoff
Brazil 2:1 Germany
Winners: ENGLAND
Golden Boot winners: Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres
Outstanding England Players: Wayne Rooney, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and David James
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New Zealand!
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cheboludo -- I couldnt disagree with you more!
Motty = Legend
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Here we go...
Groups:
A - Uruguay, Mexico
B - Argentina, Nigeria
C - England, US
D - Germany, Serbia
E - Holland, Denmark
F - Italy, Paraguay
G - Brazil, Ivory Coast
H - Spain, Switzerland
R16:
Uruguay beat Nigeria
Argentina beat Mexico
England beat Serbia
Germany beat USA
Holland beat Paraguay
Italy beat Denmark
Brazil beat Switzerland
Spain beat Ivory Coast
QF:
England beat Uruguay
Argentina beat Germany
Spain beat Italy
Brazil beat Holland
SF:
England beat Brazil
Argentina beat Spain
3rd place: Brazil beat Spain
Final: England beat Argentina (by the hand of Roon)
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An equally interesting prediction would be who will be England's scapegoat for their inglorious exit from the World Cup? Let's face it, England can't simply be beaten by a better side, it must be someone's fault. So who will be next to join the distinguished ranks of Taylor, Beckham, Rooney, Pierce etc.? My money would be on John Terry - who wouldn't enjoy that?
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It's funny for me cos the best two teams in the tournament imo are brazl and spain, but on my predictions I have a Argentina-Holland final, which the Dutch win! Perhaps says something of the unpredictablibility of knockout competition.
See spain losing to/bottling it against the last remaining Africa team (Ivory Coast) in the last 16 and Brazil losing a thriller to the Dutch in the quarters. England lose in the semis to holland while Ivory Coast become the team of the tournament getting to the semis in the first African world cup! Argentina get to the final through a relatively easy route....mexico, germany, ivory coast.
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What are the odds for England to go out on penalties?
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my predictions are like this
group A: FRA , MEX
group B: ARG, NIG
group C: ENG, USA
group D: GER, GHA
group E: CMR, NED
group F: ITA, PAR
group G: CIV, POR
group H: ESP, CHI
Second round
FRA vs NIG
ARG vs MEX
ENG vs GHA
GER vs USA
CMR vs PAR
NED vs ITA
CIV vs CHI
ESP vs POR
QF:
CMR vs CIV
ENG vs FRA
ARG vs GER
NED vs ESP
SF:
CIV VS ENG
ARG vs ESP
Final:
ARG VS CIV
Argentina winner
sorry guys no brazil in the second round coz they are not as good as they are always in the wcups
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I think there are some very interesting predictions and thoughts made by people here, some good calls guys!
I'm predicting the following Group Stage qualifiers (Winner, Runner-up):
A - France, Uruguay
B - Argentina, Greece
C - England, USA
D - Germany, Ghana
E - Netherlands, Denmark
F - Italy, Paraguay
G - Brazil, Ivory Coast
H - Spain, Chile.
Second Round:
France v Greece (France win)
Argentina v Uruguay (Argentina win, very tough call though)
England v Ghana (England win!)
Germany v USA (Germany win, USA could surprise us with a bit of luck)
Netherlands v Paraguay (Netherlands win)
Italy v Denmark (Italy win, Denmark could also surprise us here though)
Brazil v Chile (Brazil win)
Spain v Ivory Coast (Head says Spain win, heart feels IC could surprise!)
Quarter-Finals:
France v England (England win, if key players all fit)
Argentina v Germany (Very difficult to call, head says Germany though)
Netherlands v Brazil (Netherlands win, very close contest though)
Italy v Spain (Spain win)
Semi-Finals:
England v Netherlands (Heart: England of course, but head: Dutch win)
Germany v Spain (Germany win)
Final:
Netherlands v Germany (Very close but exciting contest, head says Germany win, heart would love the Dutch to triumph with some luck!)
3rd/4th place play-off:
England v Spain (Another close contest, England squad is better now than it was in the recent friendly against Spain, so with all our key players fit I think England could win this)
Predicted champions in this scenario would be Germany. I would be delighted for my England or the Netherlands to get to the final, those two teams in a semi-final clash would be a mouth-watering prospect and either side could come out on top. Germany are a class above Spain and have a better whole squad, Spain will heavily rely on keeping the same starting 11 fit throughout the tournament so two or three key player injuries would probably knock them out. This is sure to be an exciting, highly intense festival of world football, I can't wait, COME ON ENGLAND! :)
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West Germany lost a penalty shootout back in 1976 to Czechoslovakia in the UEFA Euro Cup. Have they lost any since? See how they seem to have learned from their mistakes so it's not like they've never lost one and they have defeated England, Argentina and I believe Netherlands too on penalties. Now, the Africans Cup in recent years had Cameroon and Ivory Coast going up to twenty shots apiece I believe. The ones we see are almost under 10. Just let's hope such shootouts are avoided for the most part.
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Looking at the recent friendlies, you have to say that Netherlands, Spain and Brazil look by far the most impressive. Portugal also look good. If they keep that type of form, it would be tough for others to compete. However, as we have seen in previous WCs, teams in form at the group stages usually disappoint and another team (who have underwhelmed in the early rounds) coming through to win it. England have been relatively poor after a fantastic qualification campaign, so perhaps we can battle through the group and then start to gel and fluke the right results at the right time. Come on Ingerlaaaand. But my head says Spain, Brazil or Netherlands.
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Its got to be a european final with the dutch being cronwed kings
italy look good at my bookie they are 17/1 !
ps dont tell wife ive been in the bookies !!!!!!!
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Experience and tradition will beat the one time wonders.
Spain has a good 11, and that's it, 11. If either Torres, or Iniesta get hurt, Spain will follow the tradition of under achieve..Chile will play them "European" style and take one of them out (Although let me note that when Latin Americans play the European "hard" style football, then they are called "Violent"..
It'll be Brazil v Germany.. And there will be a Hexacampeon..
By the way, will there be a repeat of the 1950 US v England...There might be..
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The previous comment about Englands Goalkeeper and defence I agree with that, I would love England to win though.
I just have a feeling about Argentina. Messi and Tevez. They stuttured in qualification like they usually do, but they seem to find form at the right moment.
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My prediction is:
1. Spain
2. Holland
3. England
4. Germany
Is there any chance that, if England make it to the final, to have Motty as the commentator? It would be a great way to crown a brilliant career
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A: FRA, MEX
B: ARG, NIG
C: ENG, ALG
D: SRB, GER
E: NED, DEN
F: ITA, PAR
G: BRA, POR
H: ESP, CHI
2R: FRA bt. NIG
ARG bt. MEX
ENG bt. GER
SRB bt. ALG
NED bt. PAR
DEN bt. ITA
BRA bt. CHI
POR bt. ESP
QF: ENG bt. FRA
BRA bt. NED
ARG bt. SRB
POR bt. DEN
SF: BRA bt. ENG
ARG bt. POR
3PP: ENG bt. POR
F: ARG win
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group a:
france
south africa
group b:
argentia
greece
group c:
ENGLAND
usa
group d:
germany (pray they don't)
ghana
group e:
holland
denmark
group f:
itaiy
new zealand
group g:
brazil
portugal( pray it drogba nd not gay ronaldo)
group h:
spain
switzerland
france 3:1 greece
argentina 1:2 south africa (messi own goal lol)
ENGLAND 2:0 ghana
germany (pray im wrong) 3:2 usa
holland 5:0 new zealand
denmark 0:2 itaiy
brazil 2:0 switzerland
portugal 1:1 spain (spain win on pens hahahaha revenge 4:5 spain)
france 1:3 ENGLAND
south africa 0:3 germany (plz let benni score nd win 4 SA)
holland 2:2 italy (holland win on pens 4:3)
brazil 2:4 spain (torres hat-trick and villa goal)
ENGLAND 5:1 germany (heskey 2, rooney, terry and green)
holland 1:2 spain (david silva late minute win from the spot!!!)
3rd/4th place
holland 9:1 germany (3 german defenders get sent off goal)
the final:
ENGLAND 3:2 spain
(goals from heskey,gerrard and a extra time winner from glen johnson 2 write off torrers and villa's goals
golden boot torres/heskey
best england player HESKEY
worst england player ROONEY SENT OFF IN THE FINAL.
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Lets face it history says the final will include at least one of Argentina, Brazil, Germany or Italy. Never been a final without one.
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@31 - fully agree, England will look for a scapegoat as England is *never* beaten by a better team.
On the FIFA rankings (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/), England ranks 8th, with the 7 higher ranked teams all at the World Cup. Surely a realistic aim for England is to reach the QFs, which would reflect their ranking as 8th best in the world and anything beyond the QFs would be a bonus.
Anyone out there think England will fail to beat US on Saturday? I think the US could easily get at least a draw.
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If, and this is a hopeful (no chance though)if, refs do not get taken in by the divers and cheats then I do not mind who wins really, although I'd prefer it to be England then the next country that does the least cheating. Brazil, if the going gets tough, will resort to fouling or diving you wait and see. It's all smiles and samba from them when they are scoring freely, but Dunga is a man that will stop at nothing to get Brazil to win WC. I desperatley hope they don't and will sleep a happy man when they are booted out. I'd prefer Argentina to win over Brazil any day and that's saying something (hand of God and orchestrating Beckam's sending off etc). Can someone tell me, but are some countries under strict instructions to dive, or else pay the consequences. Or, is this just part of how they learn the game. Goodness, if Rugby players rolled around dying and screaming when someone gave them a 'little' tap on the ankle then we'd never have a game to see, they'd all be in hospital. Every WC is spoiled by the above antics and I can see no difference happening this year either. Great Shame.
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Nice predictions.
Though I think all African teams will make it through the group stages. France will actually do well despite getting lots of stick.
England on contrary, is going to be below par, given the goal keeping problem, Ferdinand injury and Barry Fitness, Terry scandal (will take its toll once results are not coming in) and the Rooney temper.
Alot of blokes are overlooking Netherlands, but they have equally a good team as Spain. Vuvuzela effect will work for the South Africans.
So my final four. Netherlands, Spain, Argentina, South Africa.
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Like all of you out there I wish England to win
but
Samba kings will complete their dominance of world football by wining it on african soil.
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Great to hear your voice again! Nice predictions.
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England to top the group, beat serbia in the 2nd round then get france in the quarters. If they beat france in the quarters, they'll win the whole thing.
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How Spain are rated as favorites is a mystery.
Anyway here are my predos:
Gp A; France, Mexico
Gp B; Argentina, Korea
Gp C; England, USA
Gp D; Germany, Serbia
Gp E; Netherlands, Denmark
Gp F; Italy, Paraguy
Gp G; Brazil, Portugal
Gp H; Spain, Switerland
Round 2
France bt Korea
Argentina bt Mexico
England bt Serbia
Germany bt USA
Netherlands bt Paraguay
Italy bt Denmark
Brazil bt Switzerland
Spain bt Portugal
Quarterfinal
Argentina bt France
Germany bt England
Netherlands bt Italy
Brazil bt Spain
Semifinal
Germany bt Argentina
Brazil bt Netherlands
Final
Brazil bt Germany
That is how I would like it to go, but as we all know things do not always work out as we want.
What I am sure of is that as soon as Spain meet a real contender they will go out.Oh and of course, my beloved Brazil to win the whole thing!!!
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Motty's predictions for group A are a bit ludicrous, if you consider he's based every other prediction on "current form" (hi words, not mine). Current form would say France and Mexico would progress, Uruguay would narrowly miss out and South Africa would finish last, with maybe a point to their names. Having seen Mexico play recently, I fancy their chances of winning the group, unless the French can stop their bickering long enough to play to their ability, incompetent coach notwithstanding. As for England? Semifinalists at best, most likely quarterfinals, though. They will miss Rio and the lack of an actual holding midfielder will hurt them. No matter what anyone says, Barry and Carrick are both deep-lying playmakers (lesser versions of Andrea Pirlo) and not actual ball winners. Neither of them runs or tackles much. The better passing sides will hit England where it hurts, as Mexico should have done, but for some desperately poor finishing.
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spain and portugal to underachieve massively. Spain to just qualify from group and lose to brazil in last 16. Brazil to win world cup comfortably. only thing approaching a stern test to be in the final against Italy. European teams will do poorly overall. Slovakia, serbia, Greece and slovenia will struggle to get a point between them. Australia and USA to do well. England to progress all the way to semifinal without a major test before loosing emphatically to Brazil.
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Ok how's this for a prediction...
Group A - Uruguay, South Africa
Group B - Argentina, South Korea
Group C - England, USA
Group D - Germany, Serbia
Group E - Holland, Denmark
Group F - Italy, Paraguay
Group G - Brazil, Ivory Coast
Group H - Spain, Chile
Round 2
1 Uruguay 3:1 South Korea
2 England 2:1 Serbia
3 Germany 1:0 USA
4 Argentina 4:2 South Africa
5 Holland 3:2 Paraguay
6 Brazil 2:1 Chile
7 Italy 1:2 Denmark (AET)
8 Spain 2:0 Ivory Coast
1/4 Finals
1 Holland 2:2 Brazil (Brazil on pens)
2 Uruguay 1:2 England
3 Germany 1:1 Argentina (Argentina on pens)
4 Denmark 0:2 Spain
Semi
1 Brazil 2:2 England (England on pens)
2 Argentina 1:0 Spain
3rd Place Playoff
Brazil 1:2 Spain
Final
England 2:1 Argentina
COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!!
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The English Premiership is one of the best leagues in the world, but if you take away all the foreign players there is nothing much to rave about. Most of the England team are second rate on the global stage. Wayne Rooney is up there with the best, I agree, but you cannot win a world cup with one man prone to the odd temper tantrum and fractured metatarsil. Realistically, England will be doing well if they win their Group stage and reach the last 16. If they get any further it's a big "well done!" as they will be punching way above their weight. both Slovenia and USA will be their most difficult games but all in all there is not much between the 4 teams in their group!
Prediction: Argentina to win!
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Reading through the predo's I was beginning to wonder why the few who give GHANA a chance at the group stage rule them out at the 2nd round. Then it dawned on me that they all assume GHANA will be lucky to finish 2nd in their group and England will finish top of theirs so the only way for England to proceed will be a win over GHANA. You all can't be more wrong. GHANA has a good chance of winning their group. Call me deluded but think back to 2006. Nobody gave them a dog's chance but they were only beaten by the eventual winners at the group stage. That was their first ever appearance and they carried a shipload of nerves then. Now they're more confident and more daring. No "respect". My prediction is they will finish top of their group so England can breathe a sigh of relief at the 2nd round and I won't be faced with a dilemma so early in the competition. They will qualify through 2nd round, whoever they meet. The rest will be just pure guess. I'm confident however that GHANA will get through Round 2 and hopefully spare England the blush by finishing top of their group just as I hope England will. GHANA GHANA GHANA OseeeeeeeeeeeeeeYeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Yeeeee Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
ENGLAAAAAAAAAAAAND ENGLAAAAAAAAAAAND NANANAAA NAAAANAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
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curlyboy #31
I would beg to differ, England have had player scapegoats agreed, but in most cases better on the day than the opponent. We have just been very naive with bad luck in bundles and rubbish at penalties.
In pretty much all the world cups I have watched, since 1986
1986 - Eng:Arg - England not inferior, unlucky perhaps (Hand of God)
1990 - Eng:Ger - England definitely better side. Best team of a generation. England should have won game before penalties. Germany's goal a fluke off Paul parkers back.
1994 - Didn't qualify!
1998 - Eng:Arg - England without doubt best team (Sol Campbell scored a great goal and disallowed) Micheal owen scores one of the best WC goals.
2002 - Eng:Bra - England here were poor in second half, but Brazil goal was a fluke. Deserved to go out as we didn't get a grip of the game and seize the moment.
2006 - Eng:Port - If Rooney wasn't sent off - I think we would have won. The winker wound up Rooney
Perhaps this year we won't need any excuses. But I would suggest in past WC knock out games - England on most occasions were the best team just not clinical enough and very naive and lots of bad luck to boot. Heroic defeats, I'd rather see them hammered than go out like they have done for years.
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Not really thinking 'outside the box' there are you Motty??? no suprises? i cant see it going quite as predictably as that.
come on England
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We love Motty! I think Portugal will do better than predicted, and Ghana too. My heart says England to win, my head says Italy. You read it here! Will be putting up my wall chart, and brushing up my knowledge of the offside rule!
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My prediction is...
1. Spain
2. Brazil
3. Argentina
4. England
Loving the video blogs Motty!
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1st round- A.Uruguay,france B.argentina,nigeria c.ENGLAND,USA D.Germany,Serbia E.holland,denmark F.Paraguay,Italy G.Brazil,Portugal H.spain,chile.
2nd round- Uruguay beat nigeria, Argentina beat france, England beat Serbia(2-1),Germany beat USA (2-0), Holland beat Italy(2-0), Paraguay beat Denmark, Brazil beat Chile, Spain beat Portugal
Q final- Argentina beat Uruguay,England beat Germany,Holland beat Paraguay, Spain beat Brazil.
Semis Argetnina beat England (3-2), Spain beat Holland(3-1) Final spain win (2-1)
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Thanks for keeping us posted Motty :)
Mind you, Motty's Spain vs Brazil World Cup final prediction is shared by many pundits and writers.
Here's my predictions from the second round onwards:
Second round
France to defeat Greece (and, as a result, avenge their 1-0 loss against Rehhagel's men in Euro 2004)
England to get the upper-hand over the Socceroos (The two countries last met in a friendly at Upton Park in 2003 where Kewell and co won 3-1!)
Germany to edge through against the United States
Argentina to beat fellow Latin Americans Mexico (these two rivals also met at the same stage in Germany '06 when the Argies won 2-1 thanks to a sublime strike from Maxi Rodriguez in extra-time)
Holland to defeat Paraguay
Brazil to overcome Chile
Reigning holders Italy to ease through against the Vikings (last time these two countries met in a major tournament saw Francesco Totti pick up a three-game ban for spitting at Denmark's Christian Poulsen)
The favorites and Euro 2008 champions Spain to defeat Drogba's Ivory Coast
Quarter-finals
Brazil to win against Holland
England to defeat France
Argentina to beat Germany
Italy to beat Spain (yes, i kid you not. I reckon that Lippi's men will play defensively and make it very difficult for the Spaniards to play their usual slick and fast-flowing football. Remember in Euro 2008 when Italy pushed the eventual champions all the way to penalties?? Who knows, maybe the Italians will get their revenge)
Semi-finals
Brazil to beat the Three Lions (sorry, everyone :(
Argentina to beat Italy in a closely fought match
3rd & 4th place
Italy to edge past England
The final
Brazil to win vs Argentina
Well, there you have it folks. Knowing my luck, I'll probably be way off the mark. hehe
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@31 Scapegoat for Englands inglorious exit will be Rooney (sent off through two yellow cards) and Gerrard scoring an own goal in the last 16 stage of the world cup.
@51. You would prefer England being hammered than go out of the world cup through ill luck? Offcourse, England will be hammered 3-0 in the last 16 stage, with Rooney being sent off and Gerrard scoring an own goal in the first half before England being scored two more goals in the second half and lossing 3-0.
We need new set of players that can make England proud, we need to be humble, be realistic about our chances than blow up the ego of a one man team.
Last 16 exit is an achievement on our part and what we should pray for.
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Motty, I will be surprise if anybody will honestly believe England will make it past the last 16.
See the English team. The only player that can make any other good is Rooney. Please, stop Patronising England.
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England have a good chance at the World Cup. England can all the way to the final.
Wayne Rooney is the key player for England and he needs to stay fit. Fabio Capello is a good manager and he managed in Italy before he came to England.
England will finish top of the group.
Score Predictions: England 2 USA 1, England 3 Algeria 0 England 1 Slovenia 0
COME ON ENGLAND!
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Motty, I could not disagree more.
Portugal to not make it out of Group G would be a real surprise. After all, the game is played on grass and not on paper.
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The World Cup wouldn't be the same without Motty and it is great that he is part of the BBC World Cup team. The BBC, has included the likes of Adebyor,Seedorf and Klinsman as members of their analysis team.How refreshing to see and listen to Clarence and Jurgens' views, which are very candid!They add credibilty to Mr Lineker and team.
I note however the BBC have retained the services of Garth Crooks, to report in South Africa! Why?
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It is Englands turn this year!
I have no doubt about it, we will rule the world in 2010.
Come on boys, Lampard to be top scorer, Gerrard to be tournaments best player and England to conced only 4 goals throughout the tournament. We will progress from the semi finals via a penalty shoot out as well.
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group a:france,s.africa
group b:argentina,south korea
group c:england,u.s.a
group d:germany,australia
group e:holland,denmark
group f:italy,paraquay
group g:brazil,ivory coast
group h:spain,chile
2rnd:france v s.korea-s.korea 2rnd:argentina v s.africa-argentina
2rnd:england v australia-england 2rnd:germany v u.s.a-germany
2rnd:holland v paraquay-holland 2rnd:italy v denmark-italy
2rnd:brazil v chile-brazil 2rnd:spain v i.coast-spain
Qf1:s.korea v england-england Qf2:holland v brazil-brazil
Qf3:argentina v germany-argentina Qf4:italy v spain-spain
semi 1:england v brazil-brazil semi 2:argentina v spain-spain
third place:england v argentina-argentina
final:brazil v spain-brazil
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I got there by a slightly different route, but agree that it will be a Brazil v. Spain final, and the likely outcome will be a win for Brazil.
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Just a Question really!
My son noticed whilst watching Uruguay that he could not see the two stars for their previous World Cup wins?
Were we looking in the wrong place?
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I also think final show down will be Brazil VS Spain.
It would be great if any African nation can make the final!
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i dont know why everybody is so happy, because england cant score more than one goal we get germany last 16, argentina quarters, spain semi's and brazil final instead of Serbia last 16, uragauy quarters, brazil semis and either spian or argentina in the final.
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tough call.... Italy are out... not so much a good bet then?
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Sorry Motty, but you got it all wrong. Of the 2nd round games, you only predicted BRA-CHI right. England in 3rd place? England beating Argentina? A little more realism please. After all, the hisotry of England at world cups hinted to an early exit. They didn't even win their group.
Italy were the biggest letdown of the WC and not a bookie-bargain as you put it. You overrated the three biggest failures of this WC by saying Italy would go far, France would go far and England would finishing 3rd. You put the Ivory coast over Portugal, but you missed Ghana and Uruguay.
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