Uruguay - Ghana

Match 58 - Quarter-finals - 02 July

Uruguay and Ghana have never played against each other, so we can only guess how this game will turn out. From the Fifa ranking we would have to give Uruguay the benefit of the doubt, but don't underestimate the Ghanese. They are keeping Africa's pride high.

Our prediction : Uruguay 2 - Ghana 1

Germany get their revenge after 44 years

44 years ago, in 1966, England played Germany and became World Champion after Geoff Hurst scored a controversial goal. Did his ball cross the line?

And today, during exactly the same game, we had a similar situation when Lampard's goal was not credited by the referee. Amazing that such a controversial situation happens twice in the same game.

Would Lampard's game have changed something? Probably. Would it have meant England would have won? Probably not. If the game had ended on a draw, Germany would have won. Because there are some certainties in football : England never win a game against Germany when there are penalty shootouts :)

Spain - Portugal

Match 56 - Round of 16 - 29 June

This game between Spain and Portugal is together with Germany - England the highlight of the second Round. It will be a hard fought battle for sure, but Spain looks more solid then Portugal.

Our prediction : Spain 2 - Portugal 1

Paraguay - Japan

Match 54 - Round of 16 - 28 June

There are some very interesting games in this second round, and Paraguay - Japan is one of those. The Japanese have shown that they have some good technical skills, and Paraguay know how to handle a stiff defense. Expect quite a lot of spectacle from this game.

Our prediction : Paraguay 2 - Japan 1

Brazil - Chile

Match 54 - Round of 16 - 28 June

What an exciting game we have in store : Brazil have beaten Chile a staggering 46 times, and today will probably not be any difference. We believe the game will be hard, hot and steamy.

Our prediction : Brazil 3 - Chile 2

Netherlands - Slovakia

Match 53 - Round of 16 - 28 June

The Netherlands have a dismal record against Slovakia. Of their 9 encounters they only won 2. But you cannot compare the present Dutch team with the past. Slovakia will try to destabilize the Dutch attacks, but in the end it will prove too little, too late.

Our prediction : Netherlands 2 - Slovakia 1

Argentina - Mexico

Match 52 - Round of 16 - 27 June

This looks on paper like a nice fixture, and Argentina are favourites because they have a good record against Mexico. However you should never underestimate the Mexicans, and it might be a game with lots of goals.

Our prediction is Argentina 3 - Mexico 1

Umberto Bossi offered too little!

Umberto Bossi promised that Italy would qualify for the next round in the World Cup. They would just offer the Slovakians a big chunk of money so that they could let the Italians win. But apparently he offered too little! Instead of the 500,000 euro the Slovakians wanted, Bossi only wanted to pay 500,000 LIRE ! That is roughly calculated about 133 euro...about 499,867 euro short...

Germany - England

Match 51 - Round of 16 - 27 June

This is a dream game and a pity that it comes so close in the championship. Even if England have not shown their true colours, and Germany started well but haven't impressed in their last two games, it still promises to be a thrilling game between two arch rivals.

They played 32 times against each other (not mentioning the war) and England have a small advantage. But all those statistics don't mean a thing when you're on the pitch, and it is likely to be a hard-fought game.

Our prediction : Germany 2 - England 1

USA - Ghana

Match 50 - Round of 16 - 26 June

A very nice fixture this, between two games that have shown that they will fight for every ball. When looking at the results, the USA have a better chance of going on the the quarter finals, but don't underestimate the power of Ghana.

Our prediction : USA 1 - Ghana 2

Close Shave for Germany

The game between Germany and Ghana was a real thriller. Maybe not the most beautiful game, but the excitement, drama and atmosphere was first class. Both teams knew what they had to do (Germany win, Ghana draw) but also the result of the Australia - Serbia game would prove influential.

Cacau is no Klose, and if it weren't for Lahm the result might have been quite different. But in the end both countries went through to the next round, because Serbia failed to do what everybody thought they would do : get a point against Australia.

And now we have Germany - England. A dream game. One of the big World Cup favourites, up there like Argentina - England, Netherlands - Italy or Brazil - Argentina. We are looking forward to this clash. Like Gary Lineker used to say : Football is a game of 90 minutes, with 22 men running after a ball, and in the end the Germans win. :)

Argentina - Mexico

Match 52 - Round of 16 - 27 June

The best football we have seen so far has been produced by Argentina. Even when they put their "B" team on the pitch, they manage to create opportunities. Messi is playing very well (even if he is not scoring) and they are the team to beat. It will probably not be Mexico who will do it.

Our prediction : Argentina 3 - Mexico 1

Uruguay - South Korea

Match 49 - Round of 16 - 26 June

This is the first game of the Second round, and it puts Asia against South America.

Uruguay have never lost to South Korea and we believe they will not start now either. They have shown their strength in their previous games, and will go on to continue.

Our prediction : Uruguay 2 - South Korea 1

Switzerland - Honduras

Match 48 - Group H - 25 June

The last game of the first round and one that could still produce a winner. All they have to do is win this, and hope that Spain crashes to Chile.

Our prediction : Honduras will beat the Swiss : Switzerland 0 - Honduras 1

Chile - Spain

Match 47 - Group H - 25 June

Everything is still possible in this group. In theory each team can still qualify, even though Chile has the best chances. A win for Chile would almost certainly sent Spain back to...Spain if the other match does not end in a draw.

Spain have not looked their strongest, and we believe that Chile will try to make it 3 in a row.

Our prediction : Chile 3 - Spain 2

North Korea - Ivory Coast

Match 46 - Group G - 25 June

Ivory Coast know what they have to do: defeat the North Koreans by the biggest margin possible. The trashing that Portugal gave the Koreans has given them a very big goal difference, and only when Ivory Coast can score will they stand a chance of progressing to the next round.

Our prediction : North Korea 0 - Ivory Coast 3

Portugal - Brazil

Match 45 - Group G - 25 June

Brazil are sure of their qualification, but Portugal could still lose it to Ivory Coast (although it is very unlikely). Brazil will probably not risk bringing out their "B" team as they will go for a group win.

Our prediction: a hard fought game : Portugal 2 - Brazil 2

Cameroon - Netherlands

Match 44 - Group E - 24 June

The Dutch have nothing to lose, and will probably bring out their 'B' or even 'C' team, led by Robben who needs a bit of game rythm. Cameroon have nothing more to gain, except their self-respect. So maybe they could produce a surprise.

In the end we predict Cameroon 1 - Netherlands 1

Denmark - Japan

Match 43 - Group E - 24 June

With The Netherlands already qualified and Cameroon on its way home, the final place will be given to either Japan or Denmark. Japan have the better cards (a better goal difference) so Denmark must win, whereas Japan can be happy with a draw.

Our prediction : Denmark 1 - Japan 2

Paraguay - New Zealand

Match 42 - Group F - 24 June

Paraguay are going to go through to the next round, of that we are sure. But first they need to get at least one point against New Zealand. The Kiwis have had some good games here in South Korea, but we feel that their luck has finally come to an end.

Our prediction : Paraguay 2 - New Zealand 0

Slovakia - Italy

Match 41 - Group F - 24 June

This is the last chance for Slovakia. They need to win to be sure of progressing to the next round. Italy however probably have enough with a draw.

Our prediction is that it will be close, but in the end the intrinsic value of the Italian players will see them through

Our prediction : Slovakia 1 - Italy 2

Australia - Serbia

Match 40 - Group D - 23 June

Chances are look slim for Australia, but the Aussies could still surprise us all by actually making it into the next round.

What they need to do? Win and hope either Ghana or Germany win. A draw between those two would not help Australia.

And here at the office we believe they can do it.

Our prediction : Australia 1 - Serbia 0

Bye Bye France

After all the fights, the drama, the comedy, the insults and all that jazz, the French football team are flying back to Europe.

A short overview of the French problems:

- They qualified through an illegal goal by Henry against the Irish
- They played a bad first game and an even worse second game
- Anelka said some nasty things to their coach
- Their coach is not loved by the players, hated by the French and ridiculed by the press
- Their coach didn't use the best players, left some good players at home and took others that were clearly out of shape
- Anelka got sent home
- The players went on strike
- Their delegation officer stepped down
- The French President had to solve those problems during his visit in Russia

Ghana - Germany

Match 39 - Group D - 23 June

This has been a weird start of the World Cup for Germany. They were big favourites, and started their first game by crushing Australia. But in their second game against Serbia everything went wrong. Their star player Klose got a red card, several key players received a yellow card and Podolski missed a penalty.

After losing the game their moral was quite damaged. But here they are in their final game of the preliminary round, and a win could make it all better. If they win, they are qualified for the next round, and this would probably give them a game against England or the USA. A draw will probably mean they have to go back to Germany, so the pressure is really on them.

Ghana must do the impossible (win or at least draw and hope for the Serbians to make a mistake) to qualify. A thrilling night is guaranteed for all!

USA - Algeria

Match 38 - Group C - 23 June

The task on hand is very easy for the USA : win and they will go through to the next round. Even a draw might see them through if Slovenia win or draw with England.

Our prediction : USA 1 - Algeria 1

and who will go through to the next round? On paper you would say England and the USA. But our prediction is that England will fail at the last hurdle

Slovenia - England

Match 37 - Group C - 23 June

Group C is still wide open, and only Slovenia are sure to go through if they win. All the other teams need to look at the results of their competitors. England and the USA probably need to win if they want to stand a chance of progressing to the next round.

We think England does not function well under pressure, especially if the other team only needs a draw.

Our prediction : Slovenia 1 - England 1

This would mean Slovenia are definitely through, and England has to see what the USA do against Algeria. If Algeria win, England is out. If the USA draw, England is out. England needs to win.

Greece - Argentina

Match 36 - Group B - 22 June

The Greek need a miracle to make it into the next round. Not only do they have to draw or beat Argentina, but they also have to depend on the result in the other game. If they want to make it, Korea should lose with a big margin and they themselves should ideally score some goals.

But let's face it. The chances of Greece winning against Argentina are slim.

Our prediction : Argentina 2 - Greece 0

Nigeria - South Korea Republic

Match 35 - Group B - 22 June

This is a weird group. Argentina has won both their games, but are still not certain of qualification. What is more : every single team can still qualify, even Nigeria who have no points. Just imagine Argentina winning from Greece by a monster score, and Nigeria beating South Korea with a good margin.

Anyway, if we look at the intrinsic values of the different teams, we are quite sure that Argentina and South Korea will go on to the next round.

Our prediction : Nigeria 1 - South Korea 2

France - South Africa

Match 34 - Group A - 22 June

Oh dear, what is going on with France. A former World Cup winner, but now on a serious bender. First their constant losing streak. Then the problems within the team. Then there is the vendetta between the French sports press and the trainer. Then the imminent elimination from the World Cup.

If that was not enough, one of their key players verbally attacked the trainer. A mole leaked this info to the press, even Sarkozy had to interfere (from Russia !!). Then the players went on strike, and the head of the French football delegation resigned.

Can it be any worse? Yes, France could lose to South Africa without scoring a single goal. Personally we don't think it will be that bad. We think the French will take their pride, and get a reasonable result. So that they can still go back with a little bit of dignity.

Our prediction : France 2 - South Africa 1

If somebody wants to put a little wager on France boycotting the last game: I heard they are taking 100/1 . Maybe interesting to put a few bob on that option?

Mexico - Uruguay

Match 33 - Group A - 22 June

Today we will know who will go through to the next round. Normally it should be two South American teams: Mexico & Uruguay. I know that officially Mexico is North America, but if you prefer I will use the term Latin American.

Anyway, a simple draw would see both teams qualified. It makes sense that neither team would want to lose, as this would give the opportunity to France or South Africa to sneak past one of them.

Our prediction : Mexico 1 - Uruguay 1

If this score is right, then Uruguay will be top of their group, and Mexico second. They will then go on to meet the first and second of Group B, which will be Argentina and probably South Korea or Greece.

Spain - Honduras

Match 32 - Group H - 21 June

This is the last game of match 2 and surely Spain was responsible for the biggest upset of the first matches, losing 0-1 to Switzerland. We are convinced that they will not make the same mistake again (or otherwise they can pack their bags and go back to sunny Spain). Honduras simply don't have the quality to withstand the Spanish

Our prediction : Spain 3 - Honduras 0

Chile - Switzerland

Match 31 - Group H - 21 June

Two of the nicest surprises play together. Chile for the way they disposed of Honduras, and Switzerland of course for teaching Spain a lesson in modesty. They showed that individual talents often don't outweigh the power of team work.

We predict that Chile will win and thus qualifying themselves for the next round.

Our prediction : Chile 2 - Switzerland 0

Portugal - North Korea

Match 30 - Group G - 21 June

Portugal have been very disappointing in their first game against Ivory Coast. They are 3rd on the FIFA World Ranking but they did not display the flair, speed and beauty that we have seen from them in recent years. And we fear that it will not improve against the soccer dwarfs of North Korea. They have a style that simply does not mix well with diligent defenders.

My theory is that North Korea have been preparing extremely well, and know a lot about tactics, team work and fair play.

Our prediction : Portugal 1 - North Korea 0

Group B could be resolved today

After only one set of games in Group B at the South Africa World Cup 2010, chances are that we will know who progresses to the next round tonight.

If Argentina win, they are 100% of making it through. Even with one more game to play, they would have 6 points. For Greece or Nigeria it could at the same time be the match that will decide who goes home. If either team loses tonight, they are almost sure of their defeat. A loss would leave them with 0 points, and the other team taking the precious 3 points.

If however we have a draw in the Greece - Nigeria team, things are not so clear. Then it is everybody's game.

Brazil - Ivory Coast

Match 29 - Group G - 20 June

Both Brazil and Ivory Coast have disappointed so far. Brazil because they have yet to show us samba football and they didn't make a big difference compared to football dwarf North Korea, and Ivory Coast because they have yet to score a goal.

Today will be different (we hope) because Ivory Coast know they have to win to keep their chances alive of going to Round 2. I think they will make it difficult for Brazil.

Our prediction : Brazil 2 - Ivory Coast 2

Italy - New Zealand

Match 28 - Group F - 20 June

Italy have not shown us a lot so far, but New Zealand have. Scoring in the 93rd minute was a great accomplishment. Unfortunately, it will probably be their last. Because tonight Lippi's men know that they have to win if they want to stay on course for the next round.

I think tonight they will deliver

Our prediction : Italy 3 - New Zealand 0

Slovakia - Paraguay

The first game of both teams were not very spectacular. Paraguay showed they are good at defending (minus their goal keeper) and that they are not afraid to draw blood (especially the enemy's blood) and Slovakia must be kicking themselves for letting New Zealand come back in the game. They should have been kicking the ball instead!

The whole group is still wide open, and a draw would suit these teams well. I think that is what we will see, and probably one or two red cards for the Paraguayans.

Our prediction : Slovakia 1 - Paraguay 1

Match 27 - Group F - 20 June

Cameroon - Denmark

Match 26 - Group E - 19 June

For Cameroon and Denmark this is their last chance. If they lose this game, they are for sure out of the competition. Both lost their opening game, and need at least a draw to have an inkling of a chance. We can expect a nervous beginning, and towards the end of the game a desperate struggle for that elusive goal.

Our prediction : Cameroon 1 - Denmark 1

Netherlands - Japan

Match 25 - Group E - 19 June

When talking to avid Dutch supporters, it always feels like football is some kind of war for them. They don't like the Germans, they have a problem with the Argentinians, and now there is Japan. During the Second World War many Dutch in Indonesia (what were they doing there???) were put in concentration camps by the Japanese. And some of the older generations still resent Japan for that.

Here at the World Cup tension will probably be less tense, since the Dutch won their first game against Denmark and this Group of Life should prove no problem for them. Let's be honest, with a Fifa ranking of 19 (Cameroon), 36 (Denmark) and 45 (Japan) it should be a walk in the park for the Dutch.

Our prediction : Netherlands 2 - Japan 0 (probably an own goal by the Japanse)

Ghana - Australia

Match 24 - Group D - 19 June
Ghana won against Serbia in their first match (the only African team to do so) and Australia lost dramatically to Germany. Today we will probably know who will go through to the next round. A win by Ghana would almost certainly see them qualify.

Our prediction : Ghana 2 - Australia 0

England - Algeria

Match 23 - Group C - 18 June

England were disappointed that they didn't win their first game against the USA, but in all fairness we should say that they were lucky not to have lost the game. Greene's mistake was not the only flaw in their game and they will have to improve their play if they want to make it to the top of their group.

Our prediction : England 3 - Algeria 1

Slovenia - USA

Match 22 - Group C - 18 June

If you only look at the FIFA ranking, then the USA should easily win this game. They are 14th (yes, I know it's amazing!) and Slovenia only 25th. But 25th still means better than Ivory Coast, Slovakia, Ghana or Paraguay. Unfortunately for Slovenia they have not shown great things during their game against Algeria, and we fear the USA will be stronger this time.

Our prediction : Slovenia 0 - USA 2

Germany - Serbia

Match 21 - Group D - 18 June

The contrast between both teams couldn't be greater. Germany have shown us some of the freshest and exciting football so far, whereas Serbia have been a major disappointment in the eyes of many fans and football experts. Now they get a rematch, and they need to win to stay in the game.

We believe that Germany will continue their impressive run and show the world that the young can do it (they have the youngest team of all 32 participants, thanks to the absence of Ballack).

Our prediction : Germany 2 - Serbia 1

New Zealand get back in the 93rd minute!

Oh dear, we won't eat kiwis tonight...because New Zealand did the impossible and came back from 0-1 down against the Slovakians. With their one and only chance they scored, thus bringing Group F in complete balance.

Argentina - South Korea

Match 20 - Group B - 17 June


Both Argentina and South Korea have played solid games so far. Argentina is one of the top favourites, and has an impressive 7th place on the Fifa ranking. South Korea is 'only' 47th, but they should not be underestimated. Logically, Messi & Co should win this, and an upset is very unlikely.

Our prediction : Argentina 3 - South Korea 0

Greece - Nigeria

Match 19 - Group B - 17 June

In their first game, Greece showed nothing. And Nigeria showed too little. Now is the time for both teams to come out of the closet and put their cards on the table.

We fear that Greece has a very bad hand, and Nigeria probably has a few aces on their sleeves.

Our prediction : Greece 0 - Nigeria 2

That score would mean that Greece fly home and Nigeria still stands a chance to make it through to the next round.

Holland start off slowly

Normally The Netherlands start like a steamtrain, and then in the second or third round they run out of steam and get beaten by a team that play more efficiently.

This time they started much slower, first getting a nice gift from a Danish player who plays in Holland (owngoal) and afterwards finishing off the poor Danes.

Holland deserved to win, but it wasn't a great game. It looked more like the way Germany used to play 20 years ago. I'm sure Holland will qualify for the next round, as this group is definitely the Group of Life

France - Mexico

Match 18 - Group A - 17 June

France and Mexico have not had the dream start they had expected. Both teams should normally go on to the next round, but a draw ('tie' for our American friends) saw them slightly panicking.

And here at the office we feel that France will start to panic even more, because they will have a tough match on hand. Again a draw, we think.

Our prediction : France 1 - Mexico 1

South Africa - Uruguay

Match 17 - Group A - 16 June

South Africa have shown in their first match against Mexico that they can rise to the occasion. Uruguay have only shown that they are good at defending (even if France did not really put them too much to the test).

So unless Urugay want to leave home, they will have to show something. This will create room for the South African strikers and open the game.

We predict a draw : South Africa 2 - Uruguay 2

Disappointing draw between Italy and Paraguay

We thought Italy would win, but a dissapointing draw and a rough and unfair game was all we got. Is this the team that became World Champion 4 years ago? And is this the team that played so well during the South American campaign?

Both teams will probably go through (Slovakia and New Zealand are the other teams in this group) but we can only hope that the next games will be better.

Oh, if only our daughter had put all the money on a draw, we would now be millionaires :)

Spain - Switzerland

Match 16 - Group H - 16 June

The last game of the first part of Round One, and title favourites Spain take on Switzerland. No doubt that Spain will rise to the occasion, and the only real question is how much damage-control the Swiss can manage.

Our prediction : Spain 2 - Switzerland 0

Honduras - Chile

Match 15 - Group H - 16 June

This is a very difficult game to predict. On paper Chile have the best record. More appearances in the World Cup, more games won against Honduras, better goal average, ...

But still it's anybody's game, especially is Suazo manages to get fit in time for the game.

Our prediction is Honduras 2 - Chile 2

Brazil - North Korea DPR

Match 14 - Group G - 15 June

The question is not whether Brazil will win, but with how many goals difference. North Korea is generally seen as the weakest player of the World Cup, and it's amazing that they made it through the qualifications. Especially when you hear later that they don't even know the rules. Apparently they entered a striker in the competition as their third keeper, without realizing that they will never be able to implement him as a striker.

So, our prediction : Brazil 4 - North Korea 0

Ivory Coast - Portugal

Match 13 - Group G - 15 June

Almost everybody we talk to is convinced that Portugal will win this game. They are also certain that they will progress to the next round. Some even think they stand a small chance of becoming world champions. Here at the office we are certain they will not play the final. They might even not progress to the next round. True, North Korea are no match for Portugal, but Ivory Coast and Brazil will prove a tough competition to beat.

Our prediction : Ivory coast 3 - Portugal 2

New Zealand - Slovakia

Match 12 - Group F - 15 June

Do you know the game "The Weakest Link"? Where competitors have to eliminate other participants because they are the weakest? Well, today's game in Rustenburg - Royal Bafokeng Stadium is a clear case of The Weakest Link. In a group with Italy and Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia are least likely to progress to the next round. And today's game will probably reflect this.

Our prediction is New Zealand 1 - Slovakia 2 , but to be fair: it could just be the other way round.

Germany make a dream start

As we predicted, Australia was no match for the German Mannschaft. 4-0 was the verdict and it could have been much, much worse. Our personal favourite was Philip Lahm who gave perfect passes and was a real leader on the field.

Sorry Socceroos...I doubt you'll make the second round

Ghana beats Serbia, as predicted

Our little prediction team put another scalp on their prize-rack. We believed was capable of beating Serbia, and they did just that by scoring the only goal.

It looked like Serbia were afraid to lose, and in the end they received what they had been looking for: a late goal in their nets.

Italy - Paraguay

Match 11 - Group F - 14 June

Many people believe that this year's Italy team is not as strong as 4 years ago when they won the World Cup. But never doubt the strength of Marcello Lipi's team.

Our prediction : Italy 3 - Paraguay 2

Japan - Cameroon

Match 10 - Group E - 14 June

Japan is not going strong at the moment. They lost every single friendly match and it looks like their key players are all out of form. Cameroon didn't show their true colours either so it will be interesting to see how the two weakest teams of Group E will play.

Our prediction : Japan 1 - Cameroon 2

Netherlands - Denmark

Match 9 - Group E - 14 June

The Netherlands always start at a World Cup with the idea that they will become the best team of the world. But so far they never managed to win the World Cup. And we think that this year won't be any different. Too many stars, too many egos and too many players who prefer to show their individual talents instead of playing as a team. Denmark should be no problem and the Dutch should count themselves lucky to be in the "Group of Life" (where most other teams will prove no serious competition.

Our prediction : Netherlands 2 - Denmark 1

Yes, we did it again

Our little predictor team is on a roll! We predicted Greece would go lose 0-2 against South Korea and guess what happened :)

A great game with South Korea fighting for every ball. They deserved and I fear Greece will be on the next plane home in a week or so.

Serbia - Ghana

Match 8 - Group D - 13 June

Welcome in Tshwane/Pretoria - Loftus Versfeld Stadium for the 8th match of the World Cup Championship. This is only Ghana's second appearance and it will be difficult to beat the Serbians. Strong Serbian defense against playfull African opportunism.

Here at the office we think there might be an upset in the making

Our prediction : Serbia 1 - Ghana 2

Germany - Australia

Match 7 - Group D - 13 June

A football game takes 90 minutes, and in the end Germany win. That is how many football fans see Germany's chances of winning this year's cup. Against Australia it should not be too difficult, as their game suits Germany well. Durban Stadium will see some great football for sure.

Our prediction : Germany 3 - Australia 0

Algeria - Slovenia

Match 6 - Group C - 13 June

North Africa meets Eastern Europe in a very interesting encounter. Polokwane - Peter Mokaba Stadium will be the setting of drama, as we will see Algeria demonstrate discipline and good techniques.

Our experts predict a draw : Algeria 1 - Slovenia 1

England - United States of America

Match 5 - Group C - 12 June

One of the games we look out for most, is Engeland - USA. The Old Continent versus the New World. Most people believe the USA to have a solid defense, but their attacking strength is a bit weak, especially if a game lasts 95 minutes. At the office here we believe the USA will have a flying start, but England will catch up in the second half. Drama at Rustenburg - Royal Bafokeng Stadium

Our prediction : England 2 - USA 1

Uruguay keeps the French at bay

As we predicted Uruguay managed to control the French football team. After a lacklustre game a goal-less draw was inevitable. A pity, and this means that Group A is anyone's. Let's hope the next games are better than what France showed today.

Korea Republic - Greece

Match 4 - Group B - 12 June

This looks like an interesting match, because this fixture could only happen at a World Cup. We will expect a clash of styles (Greece playing defensive, South Korea going to every ball) and Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth - Port Elizabeth Stadium will be packed for this match.

Many people seem to forget that South Korea has participated 7 times (as opposed to Greece only once). Therefore our office believes the Korea Republic will humiliate the Greek. Germany can be happy :)

Our prediction : Korea Republic 2 - Greece 0

Great start by South Africa

Tshabalala became the Man of the Match after a thrilling game against Mexico. It was maybe not the most beautiful game, but there was enough drama and excitement to captivate the neutral spectators.

We predicted that South Africa would win 2-1 and at one moment it looked like our prediction would come true. Unfortunately the goal post was in the way :)

I hope we will see more of South Africa and Tshabalala

Argentina - Nigeria

Match 3 - Group B - 12 June

We all know the song "Don't Cry for me Argentina". And Diego Maradona is hoping exactly that, because their first game in group B will be a tough one. Argentina will face Nigeria, a team that should never be underestimated as they were responsible for eliminating Argentina in 1994.

Her in the office we seem to agree that Argentina is a strong contender for the World Cup Trophy, so going off to a good start would be the best remedy.

Our prediction : Argentina 3 - Nigeria 1

Uruguay - France

Match 2 - Group A - 11 June

If you would listen to our Irish friends, they would all say that France has no business being in this competition. France played handball during their last game against Ireland, and should have stayed at home. But here they are for what is their 13th appearance. I think it won't be lucky 13 for them.

Uruguay have made it to the final stages for the 11th time and go to Cape Town - Green Point Stadium with lots of pride.

Who will win? It's hard to say, but here at the office we think Uruguay might cause an upset tonight.

Uruguay 2 - France 1

And what do you think?

South Africa - Mexico

Match 1 - Group A - 11 June

Host nation South Africa take on Mexico in the first game of the 2010 Football World Cup. Venue for this historic match will be Johannesburg - Soccer City Stadium.

In only their third appearance at a World Cup, South Africa will try to put a great display on. Mexico, who have already appeeard 13 times before, will try their best to take second place in this group. Favourtie France plays later today against Uruguay.

Who do you think will win this game?

Here at the office we seem to think that South Africa will try to show the world that they have been rightly chosen as the organizers of this event.

So our prediction is South Africa 2 - Mexico 1

World Cup South Africa 2010 starts today!

For the next month South Africa will be the center stage of Football (Soccer for those of you who play FOOTball with their hands). On these pages you will be able to follow the results of all the matches, and even tell us who will win and why.

Let the games begin!