Predictions: Day 13

GROUP C

USA (0-2-0) vs. Algeria (0-1-1), 10 a.m. ET

After being robbed of victory against Slovenia by a terrible late foul call, the U.S.A. have their fate in their own hands here. So does Algeria. USA advance with a win. Algeria can still make it if they win, and Slovenia beats England. The Americans have looked one of the liveliest sides here. They’re facing a team that likes to work with their backs to goal. Expect the Americans to swamp them.

Prediction: USA 2, Algeria 0

England (0-2-0)  vs. Slovenia (1-1-0), 10 a.m. ET

If France hadn’t imploded so spectacularly here – on and off the pitch – England would be a laughing stock at this point. But after two awful performances and plenty of behind-the-scenes drama, they still advance if they win today. Slovenia, on the other hand, have been Europe’s only surprise package. Wouldn’t it be great if …?

Prediction: Slovenia 2, England 1

GROUP D

Australia (0-1-1) vs. Serbia (1-0-1), 2:30 p.m. ET

Germany looked like the class of the tournament until they hit the Serb wall in their second match. The Serbs have yet to dominate offensively. The Australians, despite a brave draw with Ghana, may be the cure for that. If the Serbs win, they’re through.

Prediction: Serbia 2, Australia 1

Germany (1-0-1) vs. Ghana (1-1-0), 2:30 p.m. ET

Now we’re getting down to it. Two sides who cannot lose, and the winner goes through. Ghana is Africa’s last decent hope for the second round. They’ve been a topsy-turvy side. The Germans looked the business in match one, and anemic in match two. They will operate without talismanic forward Miroslav Klose who foolishly allowed himself to be ejected in the last match. Watch for the next generation of German stars, led by Mesut Ozil, to establish itself here.

Prediction: Germany 3, Ghana 1

Comments

[David]

For your information, you should edit your records in the brackets.

(0-2-0) means 0 wins, 2 losses, 0 ties... not the 0 wins, 2 ties that the USA and England have.

Just letting you know.

[JaneSpotting]

You predict a Slovenia victory? Wow...thats cool.
Wouldn't it be lovely?
I blog about Slovenia and even I never imagined the team would come this far. Good for them..very good for them. The little team that could.
I understand the English have let school kids out today to watch the game. Imagine their disappointed faces should England lose.
Such mixed feelings today. Stomach churning..

[sewildman50]

I do not believe that England will lose this one. For two reasons. One, despite Green's game 1 gaffe they have been quite solid defensively. I believe that this is England's game to tie. If they tie rather than win it's either because, as with the previous two games, they just couldn't muster enough offence, or because of sheer unbelievable luck on the part of the Slovenians.

[Pat]

thank goodness you're England Slovenia prediction was wrong. Whew!

[Rick]

your predictions are always wrong