2010 World Cup 29 June - Day 19

55th match [Round of last 16] : Paraguay v/s Japan

Both teams have played very well so long. Expect a very good match.

Paraguay Probable Starting XI: Villar, Bonet, Alcaraz, Da Silva, Morel, Vera, Barreto, Riveros, Barrios, Valdez, Santa Cruz

Japan Probable Starting XI: Kawashima, Komano, Nakazawa, Tulio, Nagatomo, Matsui, Abe, Hasebe, Endo, Okubo, Honda

My prediction(90 mins) : Paraguay 1-1 Japan [Japan to qualify]

56th match [Round of last 16] : Spain v/s Portugal

Portugal continued their long unbeaten run against Brazil. This may well continue against the European Champions, especially when Portugal is so strong in counter-attack.

Spain Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevilla, Busquets, Martinez, Iniesta, Xavi, Villa, Torres

Portugal Probable Starting XI: Eduardo, Ferreira, Alves, Carvalho, Coentrao, Tiago, Pepe, Raul Meireles, Simao, Liedson, Ronaldo

My prediction(90 mins) : Spain 1-1 Portugal [Portugal to qualify]

2010 World Cup 28 June - Day 18

53rd match [Round of last 16] : Holland v/s Slovakia

Favourites Holland should win this one.

Holland Probable Starting XI: Stekelenberg, Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronkhorst, Van Bommel, De Jong, Kuyt, Sneijder, Robben, Van Persie

Slovakia Probable Starting XI: Mucha, Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Zabavnik, Weiss, Hamsik, Kucka, Stoch, Vittek, Jendrisek

My prediction(90 mins) : Holland 2-0 Slovakia [Holland to qualify]

54th match [Round of last 16] : Brazil v/s Chile

Chile was very nervous against Spain and this may show again as favourites Brazil march on towards glory.

Brazil Probable Starting XI: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Elano, Kaka, Robinho; Luis Fabiano

Chile Probable Starting XI: Bravo, Jara, Ponce, Medel, Vidal, Carmona, Isla, Fernandez, Sanchez, Suazo, Beausejour

My prediction(90 mins) : Brazil 2-1 Chile [Brazil to qualify]

2010 World Cup 27 June - Day 17

51st match [Round of last 16] : Germany v/s England

A classic match. Being a German fan, i will go for a German victory.

Germany Probable Starting XI: Neuer, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Lahm, Khedira, Kroos, Mueller, Oezil, Podolski, Klose

England Probable Starting XI: James, Johnson, Terry, Carragher, A. Cole, Milner, Barry, Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney, Defoe

My prediction(90 mins) : Germany 2-1 England [Germany to qualify]

52nd match [Round of last 16] : Mexico v/s Argentina

Argentina are clear favourites in this one. Mexico is a threat forward and seeing the Argentina's defence, they could really be in trouble against the Mexicans.

Mexico Probable Starting XI: Perez, Osorio, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido, Juarez, Marquez, Torrado, G. Dos Santos, Blanco, Barrera

Argentina Probable Starting XI: Romero, Otamendi, Demichelis, Samuel, Heinze, Gutierrez, Mascherano, Di Maria, Messi, Tevez, Higuain

My prediction(90 mins) :Mexico 1-1 Argentina [Mexico to qualify]

2010 World Cup 26 June - Day 16

49th match [Round of last 16] : Uruguay v/s Republic Korea

A very tight match in perspective. One wrong move and back one...expecting a draw out of it.

Uruguay Probable Starting XI: Muslera, M. Pereira, Lugano, Godin, Fucile, Perez, Arevalo, A. Pereira; Forlan, Suarez, Cavani

Republic Korea Probable Starting XI: Jung Sung-Ryong, Cha Du-Ri, Cho Yong-Hyung, Lee Jung-Soo, Lee Young-Pyo, Park Ji-Sung, Kim Jung-Woo, Ki Sung-Yong, Lee Chung-Yong, Park Chu-Young, Lee Dong-Guk

My prediction(90 mins) : Uruguay 1-1 Republic Korea [Uruguay to qualify]

50th match [Round of last 16] : United States v/s Ghana

United States qualified to this round in the dying seconds against Algeria. Expect them to go a long way in this tournament, starting with a victory over Ghana.

United States Probable Starting XI: Howard, Cherundolo, DeMerit, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Donovan, M. Bradley, Edu, Dempsey, Altidore, Findley

Ghana Probable Starting XI: Kingson, Pantsil, John Mensah, Addy, Sarpei, Annan, KP Boateng, Tagoe, Adiyiah, Ayew, Gyan

My prediction(90 mins) : United States 2-1 Ghana [United States to qualify]

2010 World Cup 25 June - Day 15

45th match : Portugal v/s Brazil

Portugal is unbeaten since very long and this may well end against Brazil. Not "football champagne" for Brazil but they are a strong team who has won the Copa America and Coupe des Confederations under the supervision of Dunga. They are my favourite to lift the World Cup at the end of the tournament.

Portugal Probable Starting XI: Eduardo, Miguel, Carvalho, Alves, Coentrao, Pedro Mendes,
Tiago, Meireles, Ronaldo, Almeida, Simao

Brazil Probable Starting XI: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Julio Baptista, Nilmar, Robinho, Luis Fabiano

My prediction: Portugal 1-2 Brazil

46th match : North Korea v/s Ivory Coast

After their heavy defeat against Portugal, North Korea may well face another such defeat against Drogba's Ivory Coast, as they search goals to qualify with the hope that Brazil beat Portugal with a few goals.

North Korea Probable Starting XI: Myong-Guk, Jong-Hyok, Chol-Jin, Jun-Il, Kwang-Chon, Yun-Nam, In-Guk, Young-Hak, Nam-Chol, Yong-Jo, Tae-Se

Ivory Coast Probable Starting XI: Barry, Demel, Toure, Zokora, Tiene, Y. Toure, Eboue, Tiote, Gervinho, Drogba, Kalou

My prediction: North Korea 0-3 Ivory Coast

47th match : Chile v/s Spain

Impressive Chile may well send Spain home with this match. Watch out for another surprise of the tournament.

Chile Probable Starting XI: Bravo, Medel, Ponce, Jara, Isla, Millar, Valdivia, Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Suazo, Beausejour

Spain Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevilla, Alonso, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Torres

My prediction: Chile 1-0 Spain

48th match : Switzerland v/s Honduras

Senderos is absent through injury but i cannot see Honduras, who is yet to score a goal in this tournament to score a goal against a very good defense of Switzerland.

Switzerland Probable Starting XI: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Von Bergen, Grichting, Ziegler, Barnetta, Inler, Huggel, Fernandes, Frei, Nkufo

Honduras Probable Starting XI: Valladares, Mendoza, Chavez, Figueroa, Izaguirre, Alvarez, Palacios, Guevera, Espinoza, Pavon, Suazo

My prediction: Switzerland 2-0 Honduras

2010 World Cup 24 June - Day 14

41st match : Slovakia v/s Italy

World Champions Italy must win this one, in a tightly contested match.

Slovakia Probable Starting XI: Mucha, Pekarik, Skrtel, Cech, Durica, Strba, Stoch, Weiss, Hamsik, Vittek, Sestak

Italy Probable Starting XI: Marchetti, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito, Montolivo, De Rossi, Pirlo, Iaquinta, Pazzini, Di Natale

My prediction: Slovakia 0-1 Italy

42nd match : Paraguay v/s New Zealand

Paraguay are still unbeaten in this tournament and i think they will continue with this trend.

Paraguay Probable Starting XI: Villar, Bonet, Alcaraz, Da Silva, Morel, Vera, Caceres, Riveros, Barrios, Valdez, Santa Cruz

New Zealand Probable Starting XI: Paston, Reid, Nelson, Smith, Bertos, Elliot, Vicelich, Lochhead, Killen, Fallon, Smeltz

My prediction: Paraguay 2-0 New Zealand

43rd match : Denmark v/s Japan

Japan is a good hard-working team. My prediction will be for Denmark with a Bendtner in very good form.

Denmark Probable Starting XI: Sorensen, Jacobsen, Kroldrup, Agger, S. Poulsen, Jorgensen, Gronkjaer, C. Poulsen, Rommedahl, Bendtner, Tomasson

Japan Probable Starting XI: Kawashima, Komano, Nakazawa, Tulio, Nagatomo, Matsui, Abe, Hasebe, Endo, Okubo, Honda

My prediction: Denmark 1-0 Japan

44th match : Cameroon v/s Holland

Holland is to finish first in this group, though mathematically it has not happened yet. A reserve Holland team should overcome this Cameroon team, which lacks confidence.

Cameroon Probable Starting XI: Souleymanou, Mbia, Nkoulou, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Song, Eyong, Geremi, Webo, Emana, Eto’o

Holland Probable Starting XI: Stekelenburg, Boulahrouz, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, Van Bommel, De Zeeuw; Kuyt, Sneijder, Van der Vaart, Van Persie

My prediction: Cameroon 1-2 Holland

2010 World Cup 23 June - Day 13

37th match : Slovenia v/s England

If England wants to progress, they must win this one and i believe they will.

Slovenia Probable Starting XI: Handanovic, Suler, Brecko, Cesar, Jokic, Birsa, Koren, Radosavlevic, Kirm, Ljubijankic, Novakovic

England Probable Starting XI: Hart, A.Cole, Terry, Dawson, Johnson, Barry, Wright-Phillips, Lampard, J.Cole, Rooney, Gerrard

My prediction: Slovenia 1-2 England

38th match : United States v/s Algeria

Algeria has not scored any goal yet in this tournament and i cannot see them score against this USA team.

United States Probable Starting XI: Howard, Cherundolo, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bocanegra, Donovan, Bradley, Edu, Dempsey, Altidore, Findlay

Algeria Probable Starting XI: Gaouaoui, Halliche, Bougherra, Yahia, Masbah, Kadir, Lacen, Yebda, Ziani, Djebbour, Matmour

My prediction: United States 2-0 Algeria

39th match : Ghana v/s Germany

I believe the match against Serbia was an accident for Germany and they should bounce back for this match.

Ghana Probable Starting XI: Kingson, Pantsil, Mensah, Addy, Sarpei, Annan, KP Boateng, Tagoe, Asamoah, Ayew, Gyan

Germany Probable Starting XI: Neuer, Lahm, Mertesacker, Friedrich, Badstuber, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Mueller, Ozil, Podolski, Cacau

My prediction: Ghana 1-2 Germany

40th match : Australia v/s Serbia

I am expecting a closely contested game with a slight advantage to Serbia.

Australia Probable Starting XI: Schwarzer, Wilkshire, Neill, Beauchamp, Chipperfield, Emerton, Culina, Holman, Valeri, Bresciano, Cahill

Serbia Probable Starting XI: Stojkovic, Ivanovic, Vidic, Lukovic, Kolarov, Krasic, Kuzmanovic, Stankovic, Jovanovic, Zigic, Lazovic

My prediction: Asutralia 0-1 Serbia

2010 World Cup 22 June - Day 12

33rd match : Mexico v/s Uruguay

A draw qualifies both team but i think Mexico will try to win this one so that it does not play against Argentina in the next round.

Mexico Probable Starting XI: Perez, Osorio, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido, Juarez, Marquez, Torrado, G. Dos Santos, Franco, Barrera

Uruguay Probable Starting XI: Muslera, M. Pereira, Lugano, Godin, Fucile, Perez, Arevalo, A. Pereira, Forlan, Suarez, Cavani

My prediction: Mexico 1-0 Uruguay

34th match : France v/s South Africa

On crisis team France is almost eliminated except a miracle. Same for South Africa.

France Probable Starting XI: Lloris, Sagna, Gallas, Abidal, Evra, Valbuena, Diaby, Toulalan, Ribery, Henry, Gignac

South Africa Probable Starting XI: Josephs, Gaxa, Mokoena, Khumalo, Masilela, Sibaya, Pienaar, Tshabalala, Modise, Mphela, Parker

My prediction: France 0-0 South Africa

35th match : Nigeria v/s Korea Republic

Nigeria can qualify to the next round if they win this one and Argentina beats Greece in the other match in this group. Still i will go for a win of Korea Republic.

Nigeria Probable Starting XI: Enyeama, Shittu, Odiah, Yobo, Taiwo, Odemwingie, Etuhu, Lukman, Obasi, Aiyegbeni, Martins

Korea Republic Probable Starting XI: Jung Sung-Ryong, Cha Du-Ri, Cho Yong-Hyung, Lee Jung-Soo, Lee Young-Pyo, Park Ji-Sung, Kim Jung-Woo, Ki Sung-Yong, Lee Chung-Yong, Park Chu-Young, Lee Dong-Guk

My prediction: Nigeria 0-1 Korea Republic

36th match : Greece v/s Argentina

Having already qualified and almost certain of the first place, Maradona is likely to make some changes in the team, but i can hardly see his reserve team drop even a point against Greece.

Greece Probable Starting XI: Tzorvas, Vyntra, Papastathopoulos, Papadopoulos, Kyrgiakos, Torosidis, Tziolis, Katsouranis, Karagounis, Salpingidis, Gekas

Argentina Probable Starting XI: Romero, Otamendi, Demichelis, Burdisso, C. Rodriguez; Maxi Rodriguez, Bolatti, Veron, Messi, Milito, Aguero

My prediction: Greece 1-3 Argentina

2010 World Cup 21 June - Day 11

30th match : Portugal v/s North Korea

North Korea defended well and also attacked well against Brazil in their first match. Portugal could not find the net against Ivory Coast. Still i predict a win for Portugal.

Portugal Probable Starting XI: Eduardo, Ferreira, Carvalho, Alves, Coentrao, Danny, Pedro Mendes, Meireles, Ronaldo, Liedson, Simao

North Korea Probable Starting XI: Myong-Guk, Jong-Hyok, Chol-Jin, Jun-Il, Kwang-Chon, Yun-Nam, In-Guk, Young-Hak, Nam-Chol, Yong-Jo, Tae-Se

My prediction: Portugal 2-0 North Korea

31st match : Chile v/s Switzerland

I cannot Switzerland conceding a goal with the strong defence it has. A draw of 0-0!

Chile Probable Starting XI: Bravo, Isla, Medel, Ponce, Vidal, Carmona, Millar, Sanchez, Fernandez, Beausejour, Suazo

Switzerland Probable Starting XI: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Grichting, Von Bergen, Ziegler, Barnetta, Inler, Huggel, Fernandes, Derdiyok, Nkufo

My prediction: Chile 0-0 Switzerland

32nd match : Spain v/s Honduras

I predict a convincing win of Spain in this one.

Spain Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Ramos, Puyol, Pique, Capdevilla, Silva, Xavi, Alonso, Iniesta, Torres, Villa

Honduras Probable Starting XI: Valladares, Mendoza, Chavez, Figueroa, Izaguirre, Alvarez, Palacios, Guevera, Espinoza, Pavon, Nunez

My prediction: Spain 4-0 Honduras

2010 World Cup 20 June - Day 10

27th match : Slovakia v/s Paraguay

A tightly contested match in perspective. My prediction is for a draw.

Slovakia Probable Starting XI: Mucha, Zabavnik, Skrtel, Durica, Cech, Weiss, Strba, Hamsik, Stoch, Vittek, Sestak

Paraguay Probable Starting XI: Villar, Bonet, Da Silva, Alcazar, Morel, Vera, Caceres, Riveros, Santa Cruz, Valdes, Lucas

My prediction: Slovakia 1-1 Paraguay

28th match : Italy v/s New Zealand

My prediction is for Italy in this one though they will be without Buffon who is out of the competition.

Italy Probable Starting XI: Marchetti, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito, Pepe, De Rossi, Montolivo, Marchisio, Iaquinta, Gilardino

New Zealand Probable Starting XI: Paston, Reid, Nelson, Smith, Bertos, Elliott, Vicelich, Lochhead, Killen, Fallon, Smeltz

My prediction: Italy 1-0 New Zealand

29th match : Brazil v/s Ivory Coast

Still a strong team, Brazil should be able to overcome Ivory Coast who had a good performace against Portugal.

Brazil Probable Starting XI: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Elano, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano

Ivory Coast Probable Starting XI: Barry, Demel, K. Toure, Zokora, Tiene, Y. Toure, Eboue, Tiote, Gervinho, Drogba, Kalou

My prediction: Brazil 2-1 Ivory Coast

2010 World Cup 19 June - Day 9

24th match : Holland v/s Japan

Holland must win this one and qualify to the next round.

Holland Probable Starting XI: Stekelenburg, Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronkhorst, Van Bommel, De Jong, Kuyt, Sneijder, Van der Vaart, Van Persie

Japan Probable Starting XI: Kawashima, Konno, Nakazawa, Tulio, Nagatomo, Abe, Endo, Honda, Hasebe, Okubo, Okazaki

My prediction: Holland 2-0 Japan

25th match : Ghana v/s Australia

I will go for a win of Ghana, as winning this one Ghana will make a big step towards the qualification and also because Australia showed no fighting spirit against Germany.

Ghana Probable Starting XI: Kingson, Pantsil, Mensah, Vorsah, Sarpei, Annan, Muntari, Tagoe, Asamoah, Ayew, Gyan

Australia Probable Starting XI: Schwarzer, Wilkshire, Neill, Moore, Chipperfield, Emerten, Bresciano, Grella, Culina, Kennedy, Kewell

My prediction: Ghana 2-0 Australia

26th match : Cameroon v/s Denmark

Any of the two teams cannot afford to lose this one. I predict a draw.

Cameroon Probable Starting XI: Souleymanou, Mbia, Bassong, Nkoulou, Assou-Ekotto, Song, Makoun, Enoh, Emana, Eto’o, Webo

Denmark Probable Starting XI: Sorensen, L. Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, S. Poulsen, C. Poulsen, Rommedahl, M. Jorgensen, Kahlenberg, Enevoldsen, Bendtner

My prediction: Cameroon 1-1 Denmark

2010 World Cup 18 June - Day 8

21th match : Germany v/s Serbia

Impressive Germany should win this one also.

Germany Probable Starting XI: Neuer, Lahm, Mertesacker, Friedrich, Badstuber, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Mueller, Ozil, Podolski, Klose

Serbia Probable Starting XI: Stojkovic, Ivanovic, Vidic, Subotic, Kolarov, Krasic, Stankovic, Kuzmanovic, Jovanovic, Zigic, Lazovic

My prediction: Germany 2-0 Serbia

22th match : Slovenia v/s United States

Slovenia won their their first match and United States gave England a tough time. My prediction will be for United States in this one.

Slovenia Probable Starting XI: Handanovic, Brecko, Cesar, Suler, Jokic, Kirm, Radosavljevic, Koren, Birsa, Dedic, Novakovic

United States Probable Starting XI: Howard, Cherundolo, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bocanegra, Donovan, Bradley, Clark, Dempsey, Altidore, Findlay

My prediction: Slovenia 0-2 United States

23th match : England v/s Algeria

Algeria struggled against Slovenia and England are clear favourites for this one. A firm 2-0 for England.

England Probable Starting XI: Green, Johnson, Carragher, Terry, A Cole, Lennon, Lampard, Barry, Gerrard, Rooney, Heskey

Algeria Probable Starting XI: Chaouchi, Bougherra, Belhadj, Yahia, Halliche, Lacen, Ziani, Yebda, Foued Kadir, Djebbour, Matmour

My prediction: England 2-0 Algeria

2010 World Cup 17 June - Day 7

18th match : Argentina v/s South Korea

South Korea is a hard-working team who can exploit the weaknesses in the defense of Argentina. I will predict a draw for this match although Argentina are clear favourites for this match.

Argentina Probable Starting XI: Romero, Burdisso, Demichelis, Samuel, Heinze, Gutierrez, Mascherano, Di Maria, Messi, Tevez, Higuain

South Korea Probable Starting XI: Jung Sung-Ryong, Cha Du-Ri, Cho Yong-Hyung, Lee Jung-Soo, Lee Young-Pyo, Park Ji-Sung, Kim Jung-Woo, Ki Sung-Yong, Park Chu-Young, Lee Chung-Yong, Lee Dong-Guk

My prediction: Argentina 1-1 South Korea

19th match : Greece v/s Nigeria

Not an easy game for both teams that lost their first match. A draw is the most probable result.

Greece Probable Starting XI: Tzorvas, Seitaridis, Vyntra, Kyrgiakos, Torosidis, Patsatzoglou, Katsouranis, Karagounis, Salpingidis, Samaras, Gekas

Nigeria Probable Starting XI: Enyeama, Odiah, Shittu, Yobo, Taiwo, Etuhu, Lukman, Kaita, Aiyegbeni, Odemwingie, Obinna

My prediction: Greece 1-1 Nigeria

20th match : France v/s Mexico

A must win match for both teams after drawing in their first match. Two teams full of talent but unable to score. I will go for a 1-1.

France Probable Starting XI: Lloris, Sagna, Gallas, Abidal, Evra, Diaby, Toulalan, Gourcuff, Ribery, Anelka, Malouda

Mexico Probable Starting XI: Perez, Aguilar, Osorio, Rodriguez, Salcido, Juarez, Marquez, Torrado, G. Dos Santos, Franco, Vela

My prediction: France 1-1 Mexico

2010 World Cup 16 June - Day 6

15th match : Honduras v/s Chile

Honduras Probable Starting XI: Valladares, Sabillon, Chavez, Figueroa, Izaguirre, Turcios, Palacios, Guevara, Julio Leon, Pavon, Suazo

Chile Probable Starting XI: Bravo, Vidal, Jara, Ponce, Millar, Carmona, Medel, Mati Fernandez, Beausejour, Paredes, Sanchez

My prediction: Honduras 0-2 Chile

16th match : Spain v/s Switzerland

Spain Probable Starting XI: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Pique, Capdevila, Busquets, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, David Silva, Torres, David Villa

Switzerland Probable Starting XI: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Senderos, Grichting, Magnin, Barnetta, Yakin, Inler, Gelson Fernandes Nkufo, Derdiyok

My prediction: Spain 2-0 Switzerland

17th match : South Africa v/s Uruguay

South Africa Probable Starting XI: Khune, Gaxa, Khumalo, Mokoena, Thwala, Letsholonyane, Dikgacoi, Modise, Pienaar, Tshabalala, Mphela

Uruguay Probable Starting XI: Muslera, Lugano, Godin, Victorino, Pereira, Perez, Rios, Pereira, Forlan, Suarez, Cavani

My prediction: South Africa 1-1 Uruguay

2010 World Cup 15 June - Day 5

12th match : New Zealand v/s Slovakia

Slovakia are favourites and should be able to win this match if they are to hope for qualify in this group.

New Zealand Probable Starting XI: Paston, Reid, Nelsen, Smith, Sigmund, Killen, Vicelich, Christie, Bertos, Smeltz, Fallon

Slovakia Probable Starting XI: Mucha, Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Cech, Weiss, Strba, Hamsik, Stoch, Vittek, Sestak

My prediction: New Zealand 0-2 Slovakia

13th match : Ivory Coast v/s Portugal

Portugal has not been at their best during warm-up matches and Nani has been ruled out of the tournament. A tight match it seems but i will go for a small win of Portugal with a goal from Ronaldo out of nowhere.

Ivory Coast Probable Starting XI: Barry, K. Toure, Eboue, Boka, Tiene, Y. Toure, Zokora, Gervinho, Romaric, Tiote, Drogba

Portugal Probable Starting XI: Eduardo, Miguel, Carvalho, Alves, Duda, Meireles, Veloso, Simao, Deco, Ronaldo, Almeida

My prediction: Ivory Coast 1-2 Portugal

14th match : Brazil v/s North Korea

Brazil may well be imitating Germany in this match with the number of goals. North Korea is well known for its defence but if they concede one early on, then it may well be an avalanche of goals that are awaiting them.

Brazil Probable Starting XI: Gomes, Maicon, Lucio, Thiago Silva, Michel Bastos, Gilberto Silva, Ramires, Elano, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano

North Korea Probable Starting XI: Myong-Guk, Jun-Il, Nam-Chol, Song-Chol, Kwang-Chon, Chol-Jin, In-Guk, Young-Hak, Nam-Chol, Yong-Jo, Tae-Se

My prediction: Brazil 4-0 North Korea

2010 World Cup 14 June - Day 4

9th match : Holland v/s Denmark

With plenty of talent upfront, though without Robben Holland should win this one.

Holland Probable Starting XI: Stekelenburg, Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronkhorst, Van Bommel, De Jong, Kuyt, Sneijder, Van der Vaart, Van Persie

Denmark Probable Starting XI: Sorensen, L. Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, Mtiliga, Rommedahl, D. Jensen, S. Poulsen, M. Jorgensen, Tomasson, Larsen

My prediction: Holland 2-0 Denmark

10th match : Cameroon v/s Japan

If Cameroon wants to progress in this competition, then this is the match they will have to win and i predict a win for Paul Le Guen's side.

Cameroon Probable Starting XI: Souleymanou, Bassong, Mbia, Nkoulou, Assou-Ekotto, Song, Makoun, Enoh, Emana, Eto’o, Webo

Japan Probable Starting XI: Kawashima, Konno, Nakazawa, Tulio, Nagatomo, Abe, Endo, Honda, Hasebe, Okubo, Okazaki

My prediction: Cameroon 1-0 Japan

11th match : Italy v/s Paraguay

Being current World Champions and with the experience of the team and their coach, Marcello Lippi, i predict a tight win of Italy over Paraguay who is not a bad team at all and may well cause an upset.

Italy Probable Starting XI: Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito, De Rossi, Montolivo, Marchisio, Iaquinta, Gilardino, Di Natale

Paraguay Probable Starting XI: Villar, Bonet, Veron, Da Silva, Morel, Vera, Santana, Riveros, A. Torres, Santa Cruz, Barrios

My prediction: Italy 2-1 Paraguay

2010 World Cup 13 June - Day 3

6th match : Algeria v/s Slovenia

Algeria overcomed Egypt during a play-off held in Sudan after the two North African sides tied on points, goal difference, and head-to-head results in the group stage. They also defeated Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals in the African Cup of Nations .

Slovenia won their qualification in the last minutes against Russia. They will hope Novakovic produces the form he has been in the warm up game against New Zealand, where he scored 2 goals on free-kicks.

Algeria Probable Starting XI: Gaouaoui, Halliche, Bougherra, Yahia, Zaoui, Ziani, Lacen, Yebda, Matmour, Saifi, Ghezzal

Slovenia Probable Starting XI: Handanovic, Brecko, Cesar, Suler, Jokic, Kirm, Koren, Radosavljevic, Birsa, Dedic, Novakovic

My prediction: Algeria 1-1 Slovenia

7th match : Serbia v/s Ghana

Serbia qualified easily in a group consisting of likes of France, Austria, Romania and others. Ghana will be surely missing Essien and my prediction will be for Serbia in this match.

Serbia Probable Starting XI: Stojkovic, Kolarov, Subotic, Vidic, Ivanovic, Stankovic, Milijas, Jovanovic, Krasic, Pantelic, Zigic

Ghana Probable Starting XI: Agyei, Addy, Inkoom, Ayew, Vorsah, Muntari, D.Boateng, Asamoah, K.Boateng, Adiyiah, Owusu-Abeyie

My prediction: Serbia 2-1 Ghana

8th match : Germany v/s Australia

Germany has been in good form in their last 3 matches by scoring 3 goals in each match. They will be hoping to continue this trend against Australia. Germany finished 2nd in WC 2002 and 3rd in WC 2006, without forgetting their second place in Euro 2008.

Australia managed to qualify to next round in 2006 in a group consisting of Brazil, Croatia and Japan and the starting XI is almost the same as 4 yrs back. So you can expect a good chemistry between the players and a good match from the players.

Still, i will go for a win of Germany tomorrow as it is a must-win match for the Germans before playing Serbia and Ghana.

Germany Probable Starting XI: Neuer, Lahm, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Trochowski, Ozil, Podolski, Klose

Australia Probable Starting XI: Schwarzer, Wilkshire, Moore, Neill, Chipperfield, Culina, Grella, Garcia, Cahill, Bresciano, Kennedy

My prediction: Germany 2-0 Australia

2010 World Cup 12 June - Day 2

3rd match : South Korea v/s Greece

South Korea can defend very well and Greece is not so attacking-minded. A draw is the most probable outcome of this match, though South Korea can win it with Captain Ji-Sung Park.

South Korea Probable Starting XI: Lee Woon-Jae, Cha Du-Ri, Lee Jung-Soo, Cho Yong-Hyung, Lee Young-Pyo, Lee Chung-Yong, Ki Sung-Yong, Kim Jung-Woo, Park Ji-Sung, Park Chu-Young, Yeom Ki-Hun

Greece Probable Starting XI: Tzorvas, Seitaridis, Kyrgiakos, Papadopoulos, Torosidis, Katsouranis, Ninis, Karagounis, Samaras, Salpigidis, Gekas

My prediction: South Korea 1-1 Greece

4th match : Argentina v/s Nigeria

With so much talent at the front, it is very difficult not to think of a victory of Argentina. Still they are very vulnerable at the back with Demichelis and Samuel.

Argentina Probable Starting XI: Romero, Gutierrez, Samuel, Demichelis, Heinze, Mascherano, Veron, di Maria, Messi, Tevez, Higuain

Nigeria Probable Starting XI: Enyeama, Odiah, Yobo, Shittu, Taiwo, Etuhu, Haruna, Kaita, Odemwingie, Obinna, Yakubu

My prediction: Argentina 3-1 Nigeria

5th match : England v/s United States

Is this the time for the golden generation of players like Lampard, Gerrard?! Perhaps yes...King is the surprise package and with the injury of Ferdinand, he may well be playing an important role in this squad. With what Rooney and Lampard has shown this season in the Premier League, i will go with a victory of England in this match.

England Starting XI: Green, Johnson, King, Terry, A.Cole, Lennon, Lampard, Gerrard, J.Cole, Heskey, Rooney

United States Starting XI: Guzan, Cherundolo, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bocaregra, Clark, Donovan, Bradley, Edu, Buddle, Dempsey

My prediction:England 2-0 United States

2010 World Cup 11 June - Day 1

1st match : South Africa v/s Mexico

Though South Africa is the host nation, i will go in favour of a win of Mexico after their impressive form in warm-up matches. They just lack the finishing touch and i think they will win this one with likes of Vela and Hernandez in their team.

South Africa Probable Starting XI: Khune, Masilela, Khumalo, Mokoena, Gaxa, Tshabalala, Letsholonyane, Dikgacoi, Modise, Pienaar, Parker

Mexico Probable Starting XI: Ochoa, Salcido, Osorio, Marquez, Juarez, Guardado, Castro, Torrado, Dos Santos, Vela, Hernandez

My prediction: South Africa 0-2 Mexico

2nd match : Uruguay v/s France

France has been unimpressive in qualifying rounds and warm up matches. They needed the hand of Thierry Henry in the play-offs to see of Ireland. Uruguay also struggled to qualify for the World Cup. They met at the World Cup 2002 where Henry was sent off and it ended in a draw.

Uruguay Probable Starting XI: Muslera, Lugano, Godin, Victorino, Pereira, Perez, Rios, Pereira, Gonzalez, Suarez, Forlan

France Probable Starting XI: Lloris, Sagna, Squillaci, Abidal, Evra, Gourcuff, Toulalan, Malouda, Govou, Anelka, Ribery

My prediction: Uruguay 0-0 France