FIFA WORLD CUP 2010 : Upcoming matches predictions

Upcoming matches: New Zealand vs. Slovakia - 15 Jun 7:30pm (Philippines Time) Côte d’Ivoire vs. Portugal - 15 Jun 10:00pm (Philippines Time) Brazil                     vs.         North Korea - 16 Jun 2:30am (Philippines Time) NEW ZEALAND vs SLOVAKIA Getting three points out of this game is imperative for Slovakia if it wants to keep hopes alive to escape the group stage. New Zealand will be more than content to earn its first World Cup point ever with a draw. That being said, expect the Slovaks to push the tempo and they have the talent to do exactly that and dictate the flow of this game. New Zealand will be forced to try and keep up with the more skillful and attacking Slovakia team. This game could develop into a 3-0 or 3-1 game if New Zealand lets Slovakia get out and run early on. In Confederations Cup games and friendly games, within the past two years, New Zealand allowed top teams to score in droves. Against the last five World Cup qualifying teams (Italy, Spain, South Africa, Mexico and Australia) New Zealand has conceded 15 total goals, an average of three per game. The ‘over’ is the play here because of the sense of urgency Slovakia will enter the game with. Anything less than three points is not an option for Slovakia and with that mindset and the Kiwis playing with nothing to lose, this should be one of the more wide-open and entertaining World Cup games. Côte d’Ivoire vs. Portugal  Didier Drogba still remains a doubt for the Ivory Coast with the match likely to determine which of these teams will make into the next round (along with group favorite Brazil). Portugal is without Nani for the tournament but will have Cristiano Ronaldo fit for the match. Both teams would likely advance in most other groups but unfortunately were stuck with Brazil in what many have called the group of death. Portugal are favored but a lot of it will depend on if Drogba plays in the match. He has been training but has to get permission from FIFA to play with a cast. If Drogba plays, then Ivory Coast have a fair shot to get a result but if not it improves Portugal’s chances. Any result would not be too surprising as Portugal haven’t been that impressive in qualifying and Ivory Coast are a talented and dangerous side. A draw seems like the most probable result.                                                                                                                                                           BRAZIL VS. NORTH KOREA North Korea believed to be the weakest team in group G. They have to fight BRAZIL, PORTUGAL and Côte d’Ivoire. North Korea strength is very difficult to see and very private. And almost no information about their team. The majority of their players who went to world cup in 2010 playing in domestic football competition. Only Three players who played in another country. Brazil mus remain wary of North Korea. North Korea Team defeated the Italy at World Cup 1966. But regardless of that Brazil has s strong chance to win against North Korea, because of their very impressive performance during several friendly matches and most of all Brazil has a good and quality players.