By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
Will Portugal or Ivory Coast join Brazil in qualifying from Group G for the last 16? Will Spain join France and Italy on the flight home from South Africa?
Our pundits Alvan Tay and Naufal Nur Hakim take each other on for today’s predictions of the final Group G and H matches.
Mohd Naufal Nur Hakim of Meridian JC. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports archive)
Portugal vs Brazil
Naufal Says: 2-1 to Brazil
Both teams, buoyed by their previous wins, will want to end their group stage on a high. The winner of this game will top the group but there is a risk that both teams will play cautiously to avoid bookings and injuries since both are almost assured of a second round place.
North Korea vs Ivory Coast
Naufal Says: 2-0 to Ivory Coast
Ivory coast will have to overcome a huge goal difference in order to try to go through but North Korea may not give in so easily since they want to restore some pride back after the 7-0 drubbing by Portugal. Expect this match to be a lively one.
Verdict: Portugal to join Brazil in the last 16
Chile vs Spain
Naufal Says: 1-0 to Spain
Spain need a win to top the table but Chile are a tough nut to crack considering that they finished second in their CONMEBOL qualifiers. Expect this game to be a very tight but exciting one.
Switzerland vs Honduras
Naufal Says: 1-0 to Switzerland
Switzerland must take their chances against a Honduran side that has a small chance of making it through.
Verdict: Spain and Chile to go through
Alvan Tay of RI. (Photo © Alvan Tay)
Portugal vs Brazil
Alvan Says: 1-1 Draw
Both sides will be riding on a high after having already put one foot into the round of 16. They may rest some key players and so this game might end up with a draw.
North Korea vs Ivory Coast
Alvan Says: 2-0 to Ivory Coast
The North Koreans put up valiant performances against Brazil and Portugal but ended both games with defeats. Faced against a lacklustre Ivory Coast side, their defence will once again stand strong but it could be eventually run down by one man – Didier Drogba.
Verdict: Portugal to join Brazil in the last 16
Chile vs Spain
Alvan Says: 1-1 Draw
Spain are capable of dominating possession but their streak of spurning chances looks set to be carried forward in this game. With an extremely spirited Chilean side as their opposition, Spain’s defence could crumble again.
Switzerland vs Honduras
Alvan Says: 1-0 to Switzerland
The Honduras team was horrific against Spain in their previous game. Their loopholes in midfield and attack could very well be exploited by an organized and well-drilled Swiss side.
Verdict: Chile and Switzerland to go through
| Group G | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BRAZIL  | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 7 |
PORTUGAL  | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | +7 | 5 |
IVORY COAST  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 4 |
NORTH KOREA  | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | -11 | 0 |
| GROUP H | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SPAIN  | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 6 |
CHILE  | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 6 |
SWITZERLAND  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
HONDURAS  | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 1 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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