Suarez bites his way past Italy

 

Italy have lost the all-or-nothing game against Uruguay because of a late strike by Godin's shoulder.

And of course Luis Suarez gave a demonstration why his teeth are the best in the business

Belgium versus Russia - Brazil World Cup 2014

Belgium won their first game against Algeria with 2-1, but it was a hard-fought victory. With 10 Algerians behind the ball and a solid concrete wall it can be quite difficult (just look at the Japan-Greece game last night).

But the first 3 points are in the bank for the young Red Devils and they are confident to take on Russia.

Russia did not show a lot of promise during their 1-1 draw against South Korea, and they will have to play much better if they expect to beat the Belgians. And Belgium only need to step up the pace, and test the Russian goal keeper who looked a bit insecure at times.

My prediction: Belgian will win the game with 2-1, and Lukaku and Fellaini will score. Maybe Vertongen will give away another penalty, because he likes to create a bit of tension.

And you? What do you think? Are you Flemish and don't you like to "sell the skin of the bear before it is shot" (LOL) or are you also sure of a Belgian victory?

Why Did Spain Choose White on Friday 13th?

The Spanish soccer team has never been very successful when they play in anything else than red. So why oh why did they choose to abandon their traditional red football outfit on Friday 13th, with disastrous consequences (losing 1-5 to the Dutch).

Well, there is an explanation, but it isn't an easy one.

Let's start with the beginning:

1) Spain were considerd the "home" team and therefore could choose the colour of their outfit. Spain chose RED.

2) FIFA rules that RED was too much of a conflict (read: not enough contrast) with the traditional ORANGE worn by the Dutch, so the Dutch were made to change to BLUE (their second colour).

3) However, FIFA again ruled that RED versus BLUE was not good, because for television viewers two dark colours are not the best (especially in some countries where there are still black & white TV sets)

4) FIFA made Spain choose a light colour...and they chose WHITE.

Brazil 2014 World Cup: Spain vs Netherlands

What a clash do we have in store for you on Friday June 13. The finalists of the 2010 World Cup will meet again, this time in one of the "Groups of Death" as they are called in Holland.

But honestly, I expect it to be a hard, boring and tedious game, where nobody wants to lose since that might already be enough for a ticket home.

Expect a draw, maybe even a goalless draw, and a couple of yellow cards.

Our predictions: Spain 0 - Netherlands 0

And you? Who do you see triumphant?

Brazil 2014 World Cup: Mexico - Cameroon

On Friday June 13 we will see a very interesting duel between North America (Mexico) and Africa (Cameroon).

Both teams have a reasonable defense but not a very good offense.

Key player for Mexico will probably be Giovani Dos Santos and Cameroon's hopes lie with Samuel Eto'o.

Our predictions: Mexico 0 - Cameroon 0

But what do you think?

Fifa World Cup: Brazil versus Croatia

The opening match at the 2014 Fifa World Cup will be a clash between organizing country Brazil and European Croatia.

Our prediction: Brazil 2 - Croatia 1

Worldcup 2014: Group A

On June 12, 2014, Brazil and Croatia will kick off the opening game of the 2014 Brazil World Cup in the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo (BRA).

Both teams are in Group A (together with Mexico and Cameroon). And to be honest, nobody expects Brazil to fail at the first hurdle.

Let's have a closer look at the different teams:

- Brazil are clearly favourites to top this team. They have the reputation, the experience, the bookmaker's backing, the home crowd and practically history behind them.
They also have a very large selection, some healthy competition for certain places and they are extremely gifted in the technical department.
The only worries are in goal and the central attacking position.
Player to watch: Neymar

- Croatia are probably going to finish second in Group A, which should see them through to the next round. They don't have any big star players anymore (like in the past with Davor Suker) but they have the experience of previous World and European Cups. Only downside might be the inexperience of the current trainer, Niko Kovac.
Player to watch: Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic

- Mexico have a a rough time qualifying, needing a whopping 47 different players to secure their place in Group A.
They have a solid defense (playing with 5 people in the back) but their striking abilities are relatively limited.
Because of the lack of a clearly-defined team, there might be problems with cooperation between the players on the field. They only have one week to solve that.
Player to watch: Oribe Peralta and Javier Hernandez.

- Cameroon: forget the team that played so well in the last century (1990), this Cameroon is only a shadow of its former self. There is no Roger Milla anymore.
They do have a good defense and an excellent goalkeeper (Charles Itandje) but they have trouble scoring.
And to be honest, they miss creativity in midfield.
Player to watch: Chelsea's Samuel Oto'o

Our prediction:
1. Brazil
2. Kroatia
3. Mexico
4. Cameroon

What do you think?