FIFA World Cup 2010 - Matches and Brackets

[US98 Sports]

22 Hours, 45 Minutes, before the Opening Match of host South Africa v. Mexico tomorrow. Then we have France v. Uruguay at 1:30PM.

U.S.A. v. England will be Saturday at 1:30PM on ABC.

Join a World of Fun and Passion, and take a guess at how the brackets will break down:

Invitation to "Coast to Coast"

US98 Sports is challenging you to play ESPN Soccernet Bracket Predictor on ESPN.com.

First select which two teams will advance out of each the eight groups. The order you select them - 1st or 2nd - determines where they are placed in the 16-team bracket. Then predict the winner of the 15 bracket matches throughout the Finals. All picks lock with the first kickoff on Friday, June 11, 2010. Good luck!

Get in the action now:
http://games.espn.go.com/bpredictor/en-us/group?groupID=39213

Group: Coast to Coast
Password: Prost

 

[US98 Sports]

OFFICIAL US98 SPORTS' WORLD CUP VIEWING & 2ND ANNUAL "SOCCER BY THE SURF" SPORTS GRILLE HEADQUARTERS THIS WEEKEND!

"Be sure to visit Castaways – Sports Grille & Pizzeria for all your Sports, Food & Entertainment needs. Castaways has the best pizza & wings on the beach and we are located in the Shops at Carillon Beach just 5 minutes east of the US98 Soccer Fields-East at WaterSound. Join us for live coverage of every second of the 2010 World Cup on our 120” HDTV and our 14 HDTVs. Check with your tournament hosts for a free appetizer coupon valid during the entire World Cup coverage. For more information please call 850-230-2990 or download our menu at www.castawayspc.com."

 

[US98 Sports]

USA! USA! USA! v. Slovenia

8:30AM this Friday morning. ESPN.

The Yanks Are Coming!

 

[US98 Sports]

By Paul Kennedy

The thrilling 2-2 USA-Slovenia game and dreadful 0-0 England-Algeria -- left all four teams still in contention for berths in the second round. Here's what the USA .... must do on Wednesday [June 23rd] to advance ...

USA advances if ...

-- It beats Algeria;

-- It ties Algeria AND Slovenia beats England;

-- It ties Algeria AND Slovenia and England tie if the USA is not outscored by England by more than one goal.

 

[US98 Sports]

Both of last World Cup's Finalists, Champions Italy and Runners-Up France, not only do not make it on to the knock-out stages, but finish last in each of their respective groups.

Yes, this 2010 World Cup promises much more excitement and surprises!

 

[US98 Sports]

Pretty much Europe v. South America, both historical and perennial soccer powers, in the Quarterfinals.

US98 Sports helps you sort through it:

Today, 9:00AM
Nederland v. Brasil
Brasil has won more World Cups (5) than any other country. Their form during this Tournament indicates their 6th Cup will not be far away. Still, the Oranje (Nederland) play, indeed wrote the book on, how to play a totally revolutionary style (total voetbol) that the best teams in the world play.

US98 Sports picks: Nederland, 3-2.

Today, 1:30PM
Uruguay v. Ghana
Unbeknownst to many, Uruguay has won two World Cups, one in 1930 and one in the 1950s, so it has been a long dry spell dotted with not even qualifying for World Cup competition many times in the current era. With a strike force that includes golden boy Diego Forlan, this team can challenge the best.

Meanwhile, the hope of the African continent lies in the hands, feet, and fate of the Black Stars of Ghana. With teamload of power and speed, any shortcomings in skill are compensated for quickly and decisively (just ask th USA).

US98 Sports picks: Ghana, 2-1.

Check back tomorrow for a breakdown of Deutschland v. Argentina and Paraguay v. Spain.

 

[US98 Sports]

Some amazing matches yesterday, with Brasil (odds on favorites) bounced from the Cup and Uruguay practically stealing a semi-final spot from Ghana with a two-handed handball to keep Ghana's goal out as extra time expired (Ghana blew their chances during the resulting Penalty Kicks).

So, does Saturday live up to the expectations that yesterday's action demands? We shall see, but for now, a breakdown of today's quarterfinal matchups:

9:00AM
Deutschland v. Argentina
The war of words almost immediately began once this matchup was set. Quarterfinal foes in the last World Cup, these two teams do not particularly like each other, as the kicking and punching after Germany's PK Shootout win showed in 2006. Both sides claim a lack of respect from the other, with even Argentina Head Coach (and former World Cup winner and soccer superstar turned odd-fellow) Diego Maradonna getting to the act, asking the Germans of they are scared. One way or the other, look for some unforgettable moments in this match, on and off the pitch. This one I'd not to be missed!!

US98 Sports picks: Deutschland 2 - 1 Argentina.

1:30PM
Paraguay v. Spain
Paraguay have been the least impressive of any of the quartefinalists. Spain are considered one of the best and seem to be peaking at the right time. No surprises here.

US98 Sports picks: Spain 3 - 0 Paraguay.

Semi-Finals will be middle of next week. Look for our picks for the World Cup Final then!!

 

[US98 Sports]

Whoa! Missed today's matchup, but needless to say if you checked my picks at Espn, we had Nederland going through. But, wow, are we impressed with Uruguay! Diego Forlan is a certifiable star. Hats off to the "Celeste".

Tomorrow, 12:30PM
Germany v. Spain
The more acclaimed of the two semifinals, can this matchup live up to the hype?? US98 Sports says most likely. Spain come in as Euro 2008 Champions, and Germany come in as the young upstarts. Both squads have players competing for the "Golden Shoe" and plenty more game-changers in the mix.

US98 Sports picks: Deutschland 2 - 1 Espana

 

[tistheseason]

We are pulling for Spain to pull through today. My two boys already have their David Villa shirts on!! Either way it promises to be a GREAT game!

 

[Kayak Fish]

Glad to see Spain win. England and Argentina had serious defensive issues, but Germany had no such luck with Spain. All that possession- they just ground out a win. Holland-Spain should be a great final.