MARK
Tuesday’s Game
Germany 1 South Korea 0
South Korea has, so far, run Europe collectively to ground. But they will have trouble with the German air game. And after a favorable call in the Italy game and a disgraceful blown call in the Spain game, both of which aided the home team, Korea can’t count on any favors from the referees lest they unleash a scandal of epic proportions.
MIKE
Tuesday’s Game
South Korea 0 Germany 0 (South Korea wins in penalty kicks)
No, there’s no conspiracy per se, but sorry, the co-hosts are getting more than the usual home-field calls. The calls against Spain were nothing short of a scandal. The refs can’t make it obvious in this one, but it doesn’t matter since Germany showed against the U.S. that they are an exhausted team. They were never worthy of finalists and don’t even deserve to be there.
Wednesday’s Game
Brazil 2 Turkey 0
It took Brazil a long time but it has finally rediscovered its game. Maybe not “the beautiful game,” but a winning one nonetheless. Brazil totally controlled the game against England, even when forced to play a man down. Now it will play without the sensational youngster Ronaldhino but will still have enough to beat the Turks for a second time in this Cup.
Wednesdays’s Game
Turkey 2 Brazil 1
This World Cup might as well end with a Turkey-South Korea final. Plus, Ronaldinho is out with a red card, Ronaldo, who has shown flashes of his old self, is hurting, and it’s difficult to beat a team twice in a World Cup. Italy played Poland twice in 82, tying them in the first round and defeating them in the semi. Ditto for Brazil and Sweden in 1994. The Turks were victims of Rivaldo’s ridiculous bit of drama in the opening match. And hey, they did play well against Senegal.
title: “Mark Vs. Mike” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-14” author: “Shameka Martin”
MARK STARR’S FIRST-ROUND PICKS
Group A
France reigns and Zinedine Zidane, the world’s No. 1 star, should keep them on top. Always ignored, but always solid Denmark should slip through too.
- France 2) Denmark
Group B
Spain is always a disappointment come World Cup time, but won’t exit in the first round like they did last time. But they won’t last too much longer either. Paraguay proved itself very tough in France ‘98 and again in qualifying.
- Spain 2) Paraguay
Group C
Brazil no longer plays the beautiful game–and, to boot, loses playing ugly. But not in this first round. Count me as a Bora booster. The miracle worker will make China the fifth different country he has guided to the World Cup’s second round.
- Brazil 2) China
Group D
Portugal has too much firepower, but Poland is vulnerable to U.S. speed. Key to American success will be taking South Korea’s crowd out of that second game.
- Portugal 2) United States
Group E
The promise of Africa always looms large. But Cameroon, with an impressive World Cup resume, will be the lone African team to reach the second round. Germany is inconsistent, but scores more easily than Ireland.
- Cameroon 2) Germany
Group F
This “Group of Death” is much tougher than the ‘98 version. The English team, already diminished by key injuries, could make the mistake of overlooking Sweden, as it readies for the Argentina showdown.
- Argentina 2) Sweden
Group G Italy has a history of slow starts, but should slip by an aging Croatian team and an inconsistent Mexican squad.
- Italy 2) Mexico
Group H
Belgium is the class of this “Group of Life,” the easiest draw in the Cup. Japan will bring its home-field advantage into the second round.
- Belgium 2) Japan
MICHAEL AGOVINO’S FIRST-ROUND PICKS
Group A
France could have trouble with Senegal, as defending champs are wont to do in the opener. The Danes will either score big–or be scored on big. Uruguay is said to play “dirty,” but they have talent (Recoba, Montero) and play solid defense.
- France 2) Uruguay
Group B
Spain will cruise–for now. Slovenia and South Africa will have some nice spells but nothing more. Paraguay borders on the cynical, but with its Italian coach and megalomaniacal goalkeeper, they will prevail.
- Spain 2) Paraguay
Group C
Brazil lucks out in the easiest group, though China will play them close. China will be speedy, but little else. Turkey is the best of the rest.
- Brazil 2) Turkey
Group D
Can the U.S. do it? Yes, but it won’t be easy. Portugal is overrated and Figo and Costa are hurting. South Korea still has to prove they can win. U.S. will lose out on goal difference to the Koreans.
- Portugal 2) South Korea
Group E
Germany has been hurt by injuries, plus they had a weak team to begin with. Ireland is tough to beat. Cameroon is the African champ and a dark horse indeed.
- Ireland 2) Cameroon
Group F
Who knows? Argentina should hold up as favorites and win the group. Anyone else could beat anyone, but Erikkson will at least get the always overrated England to the second round.
- Argentina 2) England
Group G
The Italians are notorious slow starters. First-timers Ecuador will be on a high. Mexico is pretty good, too. The Croatian team is a wily bunch of vets. Not as easy as it looks this group.
- Ecuador 2) Italy
Group H
A yawner of a group. The Japanese have a lot to prove and two great players in Nakata and Ono. No-name Russia could end up winning all three games. Belgium’s boring. Tunisia has been terrible of late.
- Japan 2) Russia
