10 predictions against perception:
It is always good to go according to popular opinion. But, world cup always surprises us. Who expected Cameroon performance in 1990? Who expected France and Portugal exits in 2002? Who predicted semi-final spot of South korea in 2002?
Why unpredictable things may occur?
1. This is first world cup in Africa. Many African teams may have minor advantage.
2. Most of games are at high altitude stadiums.
3. 2009 Confederations cup in South Africa reported unpredictable results –
4. Form of many teams is not outstanding. Gap between top and low end teams is narrowed.
What happened at 2009 Confederations cup?
- Spain lost to USA in semi-finals
- Brazil struggled to defeat South Africa in semi-finals
- Spain struggled to defeat South Africa in third place play-off
- Italy exited from group stage.
- Brazil struggled to defeat USA in finals.
2010 world cup will be held at same stadiums in South Africa. Expect unpredictable results.
1. South Africa: According to popular opinion, South Africa is first team that will be eliminated in 2010 world cup. But, after watching its match against Brazil at Confederations cup, I am not underestimating its potential. In that match, Brazil scored goal only in 88 minute through free kick by Dani Alves. South Africa is unbeaten since November, 2009. Its A group opponents are not in great form.
So, I will not be surprised if South Africa progresses to second round.
2. Group B: Popular opinion is England will top group. But, USA has potential to top that group. It defeated wonderful Spain team in 2009 Confederations cup. So, it has confidence. England needs to play at its best to top that group.
3. Unthinkable: Popular opinion is Brazil and Spain will clash in finals of 2010 world cup. But, Chile has potential to change this prediction. But, Spain is famous for choking at big tournaments (Euro 2008 is an exception). Have you seen Confederations cup semi-finals against USA? After watching its game against Saudi Arabia, doubts resurfaces once again. If Chile tops group, Spain will face Brazil in second round but not in final.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo: Popular opinion is Cristiano Ronaldo is contender for Golden boot. But, I will be surprised if he scores less than 3 goals. Portugal is facing tough teams like Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea. Brazil and North korea have good defence. If Portugal finishes second, it may come up against Spain in last 16. Story may end here. I will not be surprised if portugal fails to reach even second round.
5. Germany: It lost 5 first team players to injuries. Many are discounting Germany’s chances. But, I will not be surprised if Germany reaches even semi-finals. Coach picked in-form young players. They may lack experience but have loads of talent. They played very well in German league. When was Germany played poorly in world cup?
6. Australia: Popular opinion is Germany and Serbia will reach second round from group B. But, Australia has potential to surprsie Serbia and Ghana on current form.
7. Holland: Popular opinion is Brazil will reach finals. But, it needs to overcome Holland in quarter-finals. Holland mid-field is miles ahead of Brazil. it looked very good in warm-up games. Holland has potential to surprise Brazil.
8. Italy: It may be defending champion but it may even exit from last 16 stage. If it fails to top group G, it may come up against Holland in second round. Story may end here. Paraguay has potential to top group F. Italy needs to play at its best.
9. USA: It reached finals at 2009 confederations cup. It has chance to progress to quarter-finals as many teams in Group D (oppoents in second round) are not looking that strong.
10. Robinho: Polular opinion is Luis Fabiano is strong contender from Brazil for golden boot. But, Robinho always play well for Brazil and has potential to compete for golden boot.
Going against herd means invitation to critics. But, world cup results are unpredictable just like life.
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