LAST SIXTEEN REVIEW

Brazil stated their claim for a sixth World Cup as they cruised past the fancied Chileans and into the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win.

The Samba Kings put their South American cousins to the sword with three top quality goals while their other near neighbours Argentina also impressed with a 3-1 demolition of Mexico.

Elsewhere England were taken apart, in typically efficient style, by the old enemy and Uruguay sent the South Koreans packing thanks mostly to Luis Suarez, while Ghana kept African dreams alive. Japan departed by the most painful method of all - penalties - while Spain and the Netherlands did just enough to progress.

PERFORMANCE OF THE ROUND
Germany 4 - 1 England

It was billed as the tie of the round and for one set of fans it fulfilled all expectations as Germany destroyed England with a devastating 4-1 victory.

SHOCK OF THE ROUND
Lampard's goal that never was.

Germany started much the brighter and with assistance from a woeful English defence raced into a two goal lead. However after pulling one back through the head of Matthew Upson it appeared the Three Lions had clawed themselves back into the game when a looping effort from Frank Lampard clipped the bar and bounced at least six feet over the goal line before heading back up, hitting the bar and bouncing back down on the line.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer then showed everyone his uncanny Roy Carroll impression, grabbing the ball and launching it up field, more in hope than expectation, and suddenly the English players, fans and commentators realized the Uruguayan officials had failed to spot a certain goal. Lampard was gutted, Rooney was stunned and England never recovered. For Germany it was some long awaited sweet revenge for '66.

On the line? You cannot be serious!

GOAL OF THE ROUND

"...he's got an angle HEERRRE!"

South Korea had battled their way back into the game after Luis Suarez opportunistic eighth minute opener for Uruguay and were more than deserving of taking the South Americans into extra time.

However it wasn't to be for the Asian side as that man Suarez showed just why he scored 49 goals for Ajax last season. Picking up the ball at the side of the box he uses his quick feet to work a yard of space knocking the ball back towards the edge of the area before wrapping his foot around the ball and curling it a good mile around the despairing 'keeper and in off the post. Glorious.
Uruguay 2-1 South Korea

Simão | MySpace Video

PLAYER OF THE ROUND

Asamoah Gyan, Ghana
Perhaps something of a controversial choice but the Ghanaian's third goal of the tournament against the USA sent the whole of Africa into wild celebrations and his outstanding effort in the lone striker role was essentially what pulled Ghana into the quarter finals.

He ran tirelessly and never shirked a tackle against the big American backline even after getting kicked in the chest. While all and sundry were expecting the Americans to finally break African hearts as the game went into extra time, Gyan continued to chase every ball before finally getting his reward when he latched onto a hopeful long ball and fired past the on-rushing Tim Howard. Great effort, great finish, great performance.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger's showing Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard how to marshal the midfield, David Villa putting Torres in his place after being left in the shade at Euro 2008 and finally the Brazilians, who just make it look oh so easy.

ASIAN TEAMS CAN HOLD THEIR HEADS HIGH

South Korea and Japan may have returned home from South Africa but they can do so with their heads held high after both broke new ground at the World Cup.

Prior to this tournament neither nation had ever reached the second round on foreign soil, and both not only achieved that this time but with a bit of luck could have gone further.

The Koreans lost narrowly to Uruguay after dominating the game for long periods of the second half, and were only undone by one of the goals of the tournament scored by Luis Suarez in the closing minutes of the game.

In a competition which is proving to be highly successful for the South American teams, Japan lost to Paraguay yesterday in the first penalty shootout of this World Cup following a 0-0 stalemate in Pretoria.

Both South Korea and Japan have impressed and it is clear that the gap between the traditional giants of world football and countries like these two Asian nations is narrowing. A growing number of Korean and Japanese players now ply their trade in the European Leagues, which is testament to their improved technical ability compared to ten or fifteen years ago. There is also a team ethic evident in the way their national teams play that was sorely lacking in the supposedly superior French and English sides, both of whom capitulated in dismal fashion in South Africa.

Back in the 1980s Pele predicted that an African team would win the World Cup by the year 2000. A quarter-final appearance by Cameroon in 1990 was the best result from a team from that continent, an achievement that was equalled by Senegal in 2002 and could be bettered this time round by Ghana if they beat Uruguay on Friday.

African football on the whole was on the slide following Cameroon's last eight appearance at Italia 90. I can see no reason why the same should be true of the progress of Asian football. In two or three World Cups we could be looking at the likes of Japan and South Korea setting their sites higher and aspiring to win the World Cup itself. This could coincide with the hosting of the tournament returning to Asia - both Japan and South Korea have submitted bids for the 2022 World Cup.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS TUESDAY 29 JUNE

PARAGUAY v JAPAN

Two sides that have impressed hugely. The Japanese teamwork against Denmark was simply stunning, and in Keisuke Honda they have an exceptional player. Paraguay have become regular qualifiers for the World Cup and will be looking to reach the quarter-finals for the very first time. It's a fascinating clash.

MATCH PREDICTION: Paraguay 0-1 Japan

SPAIN v PORTUGAL

What a game this could be. Portugal's incredibly mean defence will surely be tested tonight against the European Champions. In Cristiano Ronaldo they have a potential match-winner - and I think he's been playing well at this tournament. Spain are not at their best yet in South Africa, but you get the feeling there's a lot more to come. They last met on the international stage at Euro 2004 in the group stages, where hosts Portugal edged Spain out. Is revenge on the cards? This is tough one to call. I can see another tight affair and a long evening.

MATCH PREDICTION: Spain 2-1 Portugal (after extra-time)

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS MONDAY 28 JUNE

Holland v Slovakia

Slovakia have surprised a few people to have got through their group, especially after going into their last group match against Italy with only one point. The Dutch have been in cruise control so far, but I think they'll have a difficult afternoon.

MATCH PREDICTION: Holland 2-1 Slovakia

Brazil v Chile

Chile had Spain rattled for the first 20 minutes last Friday and will be good enough to give Brazil a tough game. It's difficult to see anything beyond a victory for the Samba Stars though.

MATCH PREDICTION: Brazil 1-0 Chile

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SUNDAY 27 JUNE

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Germany v England

The tie of the Second Round - so much history bound up with this one. One of these two previous winners must bow out in Blomfontein today. Neither had a smooth ride through the group stage, and both have injury problems. Nobody could predict this one with great certainty.

For me now - and from here on in - it's about a feeling in the gut. Something is telling me this may not be a classic, and not quite as close as form and history suggests it should be.

MATCH PREDICTION: Germany 0-2 England

Argentina v Mexico

This is a repeat of the second round clash four years ago which Argentina won 2-1 after extra time. Following the 2006 World Cup in Germany I thought for a long time that Argentina would win this next one in South Africa. My doubts started when Maradona became the coach. I am convinced that this generation of Argentinian players will have their day in the sun and win a World Cup, I'm just not sure it's going to be here in South Africa under 'Diego'.

This is the best Mexico side I can remember. They will get at a suspect Argentinian defence, and there'll be goals in this one.

MATCH PREDICTION: Argentina 2-2 Mexico

Mexico will break Maradona's heart by progressing on penalties.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SATURDAY 26 JUNE

URUGUAY v SOUTH KOREA

The opening match of the last 16, and a fascinating one. South American teams were unbeaten in this World Cup up until last night when Chile lost. Japan and South Korea have both made it through to the second round from Asia, and both have impressed. Asian football is certainly on the rise, and it may only be two or three more World Cups until they become serious contenders.

Uruguay can point to history - but it's all a very long time ago for them. Victory today would see them through to the quarter-finals for the first time in 40 years, and back in 1970 they ended up as losing semi-finalists.

I can't imagine that either side will run away with this one. In fact, my gut says this is going all the way.

MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 1-1 South Korea (after extra time)

The Koreans will take the lead but get pegged back. And the two-time winners Uruguay will edge through 4-3 on penalties.

USA v GHANA

The only surviving African team in the competition - will that act as a spur or a burden for Ghana? The USA scraped through with a goal at the death against Algeria - could that be a launching pad for a decent run?

I find this a very difficult one to call. Neither side has the best defence so there could be goals.

MATCH PREDICTION: USA 3-2 GHANA

The States to just edge it and head into the quarters.

TIME TO DELIVER

This is it. No second chances anymore. The knock-out stages of the World Cup are here and it's do-or-die time. Over the next eleven days fourteen more nations will fall by the wayside, and two will be left. The road to Johannesburg is not easy. It's time to separate the living from the dead.

If Brazil do not make the Final from the top half of the draw, then we will have a new Finalist outside the big five (Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Italy and France) for the first time since 1978. With two of those big five already out - the Finalists of four years ago - it looks quite likely that there will be at least one new face present at Soccer City on July 11.

The bottom half of the draw looks like an absolute minefield, with at probably six of the eight times harbouring realistic ambitions of reaching the showpiece Final in 15 days time. The favoured Final of Brazil v Spain is still on, but I remain convinced that will not be it.

Once again, pundits all over the world have been stumped in their predictions of the Group stages, and it seems to me we never learn. Or at least we never remember. Four years is enough time for people to forget the unpredictable nature of how the groups and the knock-out phases unfold. For me, there is no certain outcome of any of the second round matches. Anybody can beat anybody from here on in.

That's why we can all dare to dream.

Every confederation is represented in the second round. Six Europeans. All five South Americans. Two Asians. Two from CONCAF. And one African.

The opportunity is right here, right now. Destiny beckons. This is the moment to seize. This is the chance to reach immortality.

CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD CUP

WAVING FLAG

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FRIDAY 25 JULY

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Portugal 1-1 Brazil

Brazil will want to top Group G and even though they will probably rest some players, there won't be any slip-ups here. A draw will satisfy both teams' requirements, and therefore it's a logical outcome.

North Korea 2-2 Ivory Coast

I always expected the North Koreans to get a point somewhere, and this is their last chance. Apparently their footware was the problem against Portugal, which is a shame because their spirited display against Brazil should be an abiding memory of this World Cup. An entertaining draw to end with here.

Chile 1-1 Spain

Spain are going to have a hell of a scare today but my gut tells me they will sneak through. The other result will go their way and get them off the hook. Group H on this last day has 'squeaky bum time' written all over it.

Switzerland 0-1 Honduras

The Central American outfit are too good to exit this tournament with nothing and will win here, causing the Swiss much anguish at a failed opportunity when they see the result in the other game.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS THURSDAY 24 JUNE

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Slovakia 2-3 Italy

The defending champions are under pressure but will deliver. I sense considerable drama in this one though.

Paraguay 3-0 New Zealand

It's going to be a stroll in the park for the very well-organized and impressive South Americans - a dark horse for the tournament.

Denmark 1-0 Japan

The Danes have never failed at the group stage in three previous World Cup appearances. They will be good enough again to just see off Japan.

Cameroon 2-1 Holland

Cameroon are out but will finish with a win again the Dutch who are already through.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Slovenia 0-2 England

It's hard to imagine that England will not improve on last Friday's dismal display, but their problem will be that Slovenia only need a draw and will set up to frustrate the Three Lions. England will scrape over the line though.

USA 0-0 Algeria

Algeria know that victory would give them a chance of going through. I expect a tight start, but the game will open up. Both sides to end frustrated though, and the scoresheet blank.

Ghana 1-1 Germany

Africa's hopes are now largely resting on Ghana's shoulders, and they won't disappoint. A point here will take them through, Germany will scrape through too.

Australia 1-0 Serbia

The Aussies will finish with a win but it won't be enough to save their World Cup.

SOUTH KOREA EDGE THROUGH AS NIGERIA AND GREECE EXIT EARLY

South Korea scraped a draw with Nigeria in a tense Group B finale to progress with Argentina and set up a last sixteen tie against Uruguay.

The Asian outfit haven't found scoring a problem in this tournament which perhaps gave them the confidence to bounce back after an early defensive lapse allowed Kala Uche to get in ahead of Cha Du-Ri and fire home from eight yards.

The early goal put Nigeria firmly in the hunt for a last sixteen berth despite having lost their opening two games. However it wasn't long until the group swung back in favour of the Koreans when a glorious free kick was delivered perfectly between defence and 'keeper towards the back post for Lee Jung-Soo to somewhat fortuitously divert the ball home with his foot after initially attempting to head the ball.

A draw would have been enough for South Korea providing Greece did not beat Argentina, which was looking increasingly unlikely after a first half of little action from the surprisingly defensive Greeks.

In the second half the Koreans again opened up their opponents from a set piece as Park Chu-Young wrong-footed the Nigerian goalkeeper to curl the ball inside the far post and give his side the lead.

Everton striker Yakubu had the perfect opportunity to level the scores but managed to send the ball wide of an open goal from just six yards out, before eventually levelling from the penalty spot just minutes later.

Nigeria went in pursuit of the one goal they needed to progress and dump South Korea out of the tournament. By this stage Greece were well out of the running as their utter refusal to attack cost them dear as they quickly conceded two goals too say goodbye to the World Cup for another four years.

Nigeria came within inches of stealing the tie when Obafemi Martins' dinked effort beat the keeper but rolled wide of the post before Victor Obinna's long range effort crept agonisingly wide.

A draw proved to be enough for South Korea who will face the impressive Uruguay in the next round while group winners Argentina will play an unpredictable Mexico side in a repeat of their second round clash four years ago which Argentina won 2-1 after extra time.

HOSTS BOW OUT WITH ADMIRABLE VICTORY

South Africa's World Cup dream is over despite a spirited performance and a 2-1 win over France in their final group match.

South Africa are the first host nation ever in the history of the World Cup not to make it beyond the first round.

France's debacle of a tournament ended with defeat and bottom place in the group, with just one goal scored.

Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 in the other game and both teams progress to the knock-out stages. They await for the results of tonight's final games in Group B to see who they will play.

WORLD CUP LATEST LAST SIXTEEN PREDICTIONS

Before the tournament started your two dedicated bloggers from World Cup Latest set about predicting the outcome of the entire tournament. Now this is no easy task as I'm sure many of you are well aware but for Euro 2008 both of us managed to correctly predict three of the four semi finalists, so we've got previous.

With the group stages about to drwa to a close we've decided to share our predictions so you can see how close, or how far, we are from the mark.

Group A vs Group B

David's Predictions
Uruguay vs Nigeria
Argentina vs France

Charlie's Predictions
Mexico v South Korea
Argentina v France

No major surprises here. Both of us favoured France to come through as runners-up in their group and face a serious test aginst Group B winners Argentina in the second round. At the start of the tournament that was considered an upset but with the turmoil currently surrounding the French side you wouldn't find many people backing them to beat South Africa tonight.

However, we differ wildly on the other tie that will result from this group, but are both in with a chance of getting it right. Nigeria, the only African side I backed to get through the groups, have been short of form and a devestating loss to Greece means only victory over the impressive South Korea will give them any hope of qualifying for the next round.

With Charlie backing Mexico to top the group he'll be hoping they can get a win against current Group A leaders Uruguay tonight, but this all South American clash will be a tight affair with bost sides aware that they will be in with a real shot of a quarter final place should they top the group.

Tommorrow; England, America, Germany et al.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FOR TUESDAY 22 JUNE

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Mexico 1-0 Uruguay

Mexico have been highly impressive so far and are gaining confidence. Winning Group A will in all likelihood mean avoiding Argentina in the last sixteen. A big incentive.

France 1-2 South Africa

The hosts will finish with a win against the team whose spirit has broken irreparably, but it won't be enough to stop them being the first host nation not to qualify from their group.

Nigeria 2-2 South Korea

Nigeria are in that unusual situation of having lost two games but still being in with a chance of getting through. South Korea are in pole position to reach the second round though - a win for them would guarantee progress.

Greece 1-3 Argentina

Maradona's men will finish their group with three wins, opening the door for the winners of the other game to progress.

PORTUGAL FIND THEIR FORM TO PUT SEVEN PAST NORTH KOREA

A rampant Portugal side dispatched North Korea from the World Cup with a ruthless second half display this afternoon.

Carlos Queiroz's men led by just one goal at half time as the plucky North Koreans did their best to take something from the fixture.

After the interval Portugal looked like a changed side and Cristiano Ronaldo finally found some space to make things happen.

Portugal got their second in the 53rd minute and that was the signal for the floodgates to not just open, but collapse, as the Koreans shipped a further five goals on their way out of the tournament.

After the Ivory Coast's loss to Brazil last night Portugal were well aware their qualification from the group could come down to goal difference and that showed in the second half of the game.

Despite the Europeans taking a 23rd minute lead through Raul Meireles, North Korea put in an impressive effort, forcing Portugese 'keeper Eduardo into a couple of good stops.

However after the break every changed with the North Koreans appearing unable to continue their tiring running to chase the ball down that gave them such a respectable start to the tournament against Brazil.

Two goals in three minutes from Simao and Hugo Almeida put the game beyond the Koreans with less than an hour played. When former Chelsea midfielder Tiago added a fourth on the hour mark fans were left wandering how many.

Cristiano Ronaldo hit the crossbar with a magnificent effort before substitue Liedson capitalised on a defence error to fire home with his first touch of the game. Ronaldo finally got his goal two minutes from time after a fortunate deflection off his own head allowed him to tap into an empty net and Tiago grabbed his second to complete the rout just 60 seconds later.

With a nine goal and three point advantage over Ivory Coast it will take a stunning turn of events in the last round of group games for Portugal not to qualify for the last sixteen but when you're playing Brazil, anything can happen.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS MONDAY 21 JUNE

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Portugal 1-1 North Korea

Portugal did not impress me in their opener, North Korea did. This group is wide open for who goes through with Brazil. Don't rule out the Koreans.

Chile 1-2 Switzerland

No South American side has lost yet at this World Cup. A Swiss win would give them a place in the next round, and make it unlikely that Spain will win Group H.

Spain 2-1 Honduras

Spain will be nervy after their defeat against Switzerland but will squeak home in this one. I'm not expecting it to be easy for them though.

KAKA CONTROVERSY MARS SAMBA KINGS VICTORY

Brazil's qualification for the knockout stages was cast under a dark cloud as Kaka was controversially sent off late on in their 3-1 victory over the Ivroy Coast.

Luis Fabiano opened the scoring in the first half with a fantastic finish from a tight angle, powerfully finding the top corner after latching onto Kaka's through ball.

The first moment of controversy came with Fabiano's second when he twice appeared to handle the ball in the build up to what was otherwise a sublime individual goal.

Brazil added a third when Kaka again supplied a perfect ball for Elano to tap home, Didier Drogba then pulled one back for the African side before the Brazilian playmaker was controversially sent off for a second bookable offence.

A good performance from the five times World Champions saw them cruise past Sven-Goran Eriksson's Ivory Coast side without ever having to find top gear. However two classy goals from Luis Fabiano and a tap in from Elano are simply the side story to the most controversial moment of the tournament so far.

After receiving a first yellow card for a petty argument with Barcelona star Yaya Toure over a disputed free-kick, just three minutes later Kaka was shown a second yellow and a red one to go with it. An off-the-ball incident picked up by none of the commentators on TV or radio had left substitute Kader Keita on the ground and sparked a furious reaction from his teammates.

With Kaka appearing to flee the scene of the crime the attentions turned to the TV replays as the officials attempted to restore order on the pitch. Replays showed Kaka had, perhaps intentionally, blocked off Keita's run but the minimal contact brought out an exceptional reaction from the winger.

Whilst Keita writhed in 'agony', clutching his face and rolling on the floor, the referee, despite not seeing the incident, decided Kaka was to blame and duly trotted across the pitch to give the Real Madrid star his marching orders.

The incident reeks of irony for Brazil and those who can remember as far back as the 2002 World Cup will remember why. Rivaldo's disgraceful theatrics when a ball was kicked at him with a little extra sauce in a match against Turkey saw his opponents undeservedly reduced to ten men as the shocked Hakan Unsal was sent from the pitch.

Rivaldo was clearly struck on the knee and yet threw himself to the floor clutching his face. The Brazilian legend was fined for his actions but refused to apologize, saying, "I'm calm about the punishment, and I am not sorry about anything. I was both the victim and the person who got fined."

Ironically for the Ivory Coast Keita's theatrics mean that their qualification rivals Portugal will face a notably weakened Brazil side at arguably the most crucial stage of the tournament.


Rivaldo's dive against Turkey. (2002 World Cup)

SNEAKING IN THE BACK DOOR

It's do or die time at the World Cup. With the last round of group games to take place over the next few days, heartache, joy and drama awaits.

As always, it's squeaky bum time for quite a few of the big boys. France, runners-up four years ago, have the most difficult situation as their destiny is out of their hands. They have to beat South Africa in their last game - probably by a few goals - and hope that Mexico and Uruguay don't play out a draw which would take them both through. And by the way, in case you haven't heard, the French squad refused to train today - in protest at the sending home of Nicolas Anelka. France appear to be in complete meltdown, and barring an extraordinary turnaround their World Cup looks over.

The defending champions Italy have just played out a frustrating 1-1 draw with New Zealand, a result which leaves their progress out of Group F in doubt. Their situation suddenly has a similar look about it to that of England in Group C, who have registered two points from their opening two games against the USA and Algeria. England face Slovenia on Wednesday afternoon and Italy will play Slovakia 24 hours later; and both nations are facing the very real possibility of the unthinkable - elimination from the World Cup at the group stage.

Of the two, I would say England have the more difficult task, simply because their last game is against the group leaders who only need a point to ensure their qualification and at the same time almost certainly put England out. Slovenia may well pack players behind the ball and seek to frustrate England, something the Algerians did to great effect. Italy, on the other hand, should have more of a chance to get at their opponents Slovakia, for whom a draw will count for nothing.

The World Cup only comes round every four years, and that's why it is felt so passionately by fans everywhere. It's so intense, a defeat in the group stages is felt so deeply and is taken so personally. It's the end of the world until the next game.

Four years is also enough time for us to forget certain realities about the World Cup. The things that seem impossible when you are living the roller-coaster ride of the tournament, in the intensity of the moment, can be the very realities that actually come to pass. Let me invite you to remember history as I try to sell to you the extreme importance of sneaking through the back door into the knock-out stages.

Cast you mind back if you can to Italia 90. Defending champions Argentina were shambolic in their opening game against Cameroon and went down 1-0. They recovered to beat the Soviet Union and draw with Romania, results which saw them qualify as one of four best third placed teams. Their reward was a second round clash with Brazil, who had cruised their group with three wins. You can guess what happened if you don't remember...Yes, Argentina put Brazil out 1-0 in an extraordinary game, and went on to win their quarter-final and semi-final on penalties against Yugoslavia and Italy respectively. Argentina were a poor side and rode their luck, but having sneaked through the back door in their group they ended up in the Final.

Four years later at USA 94 the Italians also made it to the Final despite having lost their opening match against the Republic of Ireland. That group ended up with all four teams finishing on four points each (the only time in World Cup history that this has ever happened) and Italy - as Argentina had done four years earlier - only qualified in third place. In the second round only a last minute equalizer by Roberto Baggio staved off a shock defeat to Nigeria.

The Italians in 1982 provide us with another spectacular example of how things can turn round for a team - and for an individual player. Italy drew all three of their group games against Peru, Poland and Cameroon - only scoring two goals in the process. They only went through by virtue of having scored one more goal than Cameroon. After that, nobody was talking about Italy as potential World Champions that year, especially when in the second group phase they were paired with Argentina and Brazil, with only one semi-final place available amongst the three of them. However, Italy beat them both in the space of six days and went on to beat Poland in the semi-final and West Germany in the Final. Italian striker Paulo Rossi had done nothing at all in the first group phase but his manager stuck faith with him, and his hat-trick against Brazil opened the floodgates. Two more in the semi and the opening goal in the Final gave Rossi six goals in three games and the Golden Boot.

As despondent as English, French, Italian - and perhaps even Spanish - fans may be feeling, take heart from this history lesson of the World Cup. The back door is still open. The team that dares may just sneak through it and find that it opens up to the Promised Land. This week will contain tears, and the dreams of some will die over the next few days. But strange things happen in football, just as they do in life. Three weeks tonight we could be gearing up for a France v Italy Final again. Or England v Spain. You never know.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SUNDAY 20 JUNE

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Slovakia 1-2 Paraguay

Paraguay have an excellent chance to win Group F and avoid a possible clash with Holland in the first knock-out round. They'll sneak this one.

Italy 3-0 New Zealand

The World Champions will take a big step to Round 2 with a routine victory here.

Brazil 1-1 Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast impressed me in the their first game and I think they can get something from this. I've backed them to get out of Group G.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SATURDAY 19 JUNE

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Holland 1-0 Japan

I expect the Dutch to confirm their progress with a win in this one, although Japan will not lie down.

Ghana 3-2 Australia

Ghana are fast becoming Africa's best hope in this World Cup, and they'll have just too much for Australia in a game of goals.

Cameroon 2-0 Denmark

Cameroon need to win this one and hope that the Dutch beat Japan. They'll then need to get something out of their clash with Holland next Thursday and hope that Denmark beat Japan. Complicated? Let's stick with today's game; Cameroon to win.

GROUP D BLOWN WIDE OPEN WITH SERBIA VICTORY

Serbia's 1-0 win over Germany has blown their group wide open as the World Cup provides another shock.

After Switzerland's stunning win against Spain and Mexico's deserved victory over France the World Cup has given us possibly the biggest shock so far with this result.

Germany not only lost their first group game since the 1982 World Cup but also missed a penalty, something they are renowned for being experts in.

Germany started well in their second game of the tournament giving their opponents no time to settle on the ball and creating some early opportunities.

However their gameplan was blown apart when Miroslav Klose was given two harsh yellow cards and promptly recieved his marching orders in the 37th minute of the game. The Serbians wasted no time in making their advantage pay, scoring what would prove to be the winning goal just sixty seconds after the dismissal.

A good run and cross down the right flank from Milos Krasic picked out Nikola Zigic backing away towards the back post and the lanky striker's header down was the perfect setup for Milan Jovanovic to control on the chest and fire home from five yards.

Much to their credit the Germans continued to chase the game with Sami Khedira smashing the ball against the crossbar just before half-time.

In the second half Lukas Podolski looked the man most likely for Germany, going close with numerous attempts before being given a golden opportunity to level the scores from the spot.

The picky Spanish referee was criticised for his poor officiating for much of the game but no one could argue with this decision as Nemanja Vidic inexplicably handled the ball in a presssure-less situation.

However the three time winners failed to punish the opposition with Vladimir Stojkovic getting down quickly to Podolski's weak effort.

Serbia could have sealed the game twice when first Jovanovic hit the post and then Zigic clipped the bar with a free header.

Germany were unable to break down the Serbian back line and a win for Australia against Ghana this afternoon would make this the most open group of the tournament.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FRIDAY 18 JUNE

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Serbia 1-0 Germany

The Germans have a very poor record against sides from Eastern Europe and Serbia have all to play for after defeat in their opening game.

Slovenia 1-0 USA

Buoyed by the win over Algeria, Slovenia can book their place in the last 16 with a win today.

England 2-0 Algeria

Jittery England will make their fans sweat but scrape the win they desperately need. I think.. Either that or another draw.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FOR THURSDAY 17 JUNE

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Argentina 2-2 South Korea

I think Argentina will be surprised by the levels of fitness and teamwork of the Koreans, who I believe can work on their opponents weakness. I almost predicted a Korean victory here, but I'll stick with the draw.

Greece 1-3 Nigeria

Both teams have to try and win this one so I think there will be goals. The African nation to end Greek hopes of progressing.

France 1-1 Mexico

Hard one to predict this, as we keep expecting France to turn up and do what their talent suggests they can do and they keep staying at home. They will keep their hopes alive here - as will Mexico - as they share the points to set up a dramatic last round of games in Group A.

SOUTH AFRICA ON BORROWED TIME AFTER URUGUAY DEFEAT

South Africa are facing the very real possibility of an early exit from the World Cup Finals after a dismal display against Uruguay on Wednesday night.

The South Americans were the better team for much of the game, restricting the hosts to nothing more than hopeful long shots.

Diego Forlan gave his side a one-nil half time lead with a dipping effort that took the slightest of deflections off of a South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena.

Forlan doubled the lead with a penalty in the second half as Bafana Bafana 'keeper Itumeleng Khune was sent off for a foul on Luis Suarez before Alvaro Pereira wrapped up the win with a third goal deep into injury time.

The hosts now face the daunting prospect of needing a win against former World Champions France in their final group game to stand any chance of progress. The hosts will be hoping for a draw in France and Mexico's second group game tomorrow knowing that that gives them the most likely route to progress. In that event the Mexicans would have to beat Group leaders Uruguay in their final game to secure a place in the knockout stages while France would also have to chase victory against South Africa.

If South Africa do fail to progress they will be the first host nation ever to fail to get through the group stages of the tournament. It may also adversely effect the rest of the tournament with the party atmosphere sure to dampen should the hosts head home early.

The noise levels inside the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria fell dramatically with each Uruguay goal and fans were streaming for the exits as their side fell two goals behind. A chorus of 'boos' replaced the seemingly unstoppable choir of Vuvuzelas as Khune received his marching orders from the referee, but the fans will now have to get behind their team for them to stand any chance of beating France next Tuesday.

For Uruguay however the first task is almost complete. A draw against Mexico in their final game will be enough for them to advance to the round of sixteen but Diego Forlan and his team will undoubtedly want to go through as group winners and show the world they are a force to be reckoned with.

BIG NAMES FLATTER TO DECIEVE AS FIRST ROUND OF FIXTURES DRAWS TO A CLOSE

So with just twenty minutes or so left until South Africa play their second game of the tournament we have little time left to reflect on the opening round of fixtures, although maybe we shouldn't look back for too long.

It's not much to look at after all, most of the talk has been about the lack of action and excitement. With just two games containing more than two goals and Germany the only team to bag more than a brace, the competition has been somewhat bereft of world class football.

Some blame the ball, some blame the altitude, most blame the Vuvuzelas. But as far as I can see it's been a case of the big boys not playing well and the underdogs giving all they've got. The biggest surprise undoubtedly came in the final match of the first round of fixtures as Gelson Fernandes converted the ugliest goal in World Cup history to help his Swiss friends secure a shock victory over bookies favourites Spain.

Previously France, England, Portugal and Italy had all failed to win their opening games while Brazil and Argentina had looked unimpressive in victory. It was the unfancied Germans who stole the show with their four-nil demolition of Australia.

However the series of results has provided one of the most open World Cups in recent history with nobody written off as possible qualifiers for the last sixteen. In fact underdogs such as South Korea, Slovenia and Japan could secure qualification for the knockout stages with victory in their second games. While lowly New Zealand and North Korea put up spirited performances against Slovakia and Brazil respectively to prove there are no easy games at the World Cup.

Perhaps there's one thing that we always fail to remember about football; It's totally unpredictable. But we'll never stop trying to predict it.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

Honduras 2-2 Chile

We've had a glut of drawers and I see another one here. Honduras will be a tougher proposition than many suppose.

Spain 3-0 Switzerland

I can't see the Swiss containing Spain at all. An early goal will set the World Cup favourites on course for a routine win.

South Africa 0-0 Uruguay

Both teams will keep their hopes alive with a point in what is going to prove a very tight group.

NEW ZEALAND STUN SLOVAKIA TO PICK UP FIRST POINT

New Zealand picked up their first ever point at the World Cup Finals with a last gasp equaliser against an unimpressive Slovakia side.

The Slovakians, competing in their first World Cup as an independent nation, had been expected to cruise past the All Whites with their wealth of European stars. However Ricki Herbert's men were well organised and gave a strong account of themselves to pick up a deserved draw.

New Zealand were unlucky not to be ahead at half time, threatening the Slovakian defence with a number of good crosses. Shortly after the break Slovakia punished New Zealand with their first clear cut opportunity as Robert Vittek directed a header into the far corner of the goal.

Slovakia looked capable of playing some neat football when not falling on the floor in 'agony' but they were still struggling to create chances and when they did they failed to test the 'keeper. Napoli's highly rated midfielder Marek Hamsik wastefully fired over after good work from striker Stanislav Sestak in the build up.

Slovakia attempted to see out the match with their one goal advantage in tact but a barrage of long and early crosses from New Zealand kept the pressure on deep into injury time.

The Islanders appeared to waste their last chance for an equaliser when Tony Lochead's superb cross was headed wide by Shane Smeltz just before the ninety minutes was up. However the Kiwi's kept pushing and it was Smeltz himself who delivered a glorious curling cross to the far post for defender Winston Reid to divert in off the post with a glancing header.

Cue scenes of jubilation as every member of the squad rose from the bench to celebrate with the now shirtless Reid in front of the joyous New Zealand support. Slovakia's inability to win against New Zealand could compound them to exit as they will now surely have to win against either defending champions Italy or the highly rated Paraguay to stand and chance of qualifying for the knock out stages.

On the other hand, for New Zealand, a country without a professional football league, the party will continue against Italy on Sunday.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS TUESDAY JUNE 15

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:

New Zealand 1-4 Slovakia

Goals will in abundance in this one, and Slovakia will get their campaign off to a flyer.

Ivory Coast 3-1 Portugal

This is a fascinating one, and I think both teams will go for broke. They both know Brazil await them, so yes, they could play out a bore draw but an early goal will set the scene for an entertaining game. The tournament needs another big performance from an African team and I think it'll happen here.

Brazil 1-1 North Korea

OK, at least you can't accuse us of making boring predictions! I just have a feeling in the old bones about this one. The easiest games on paper can often be the hardest ones on the pitch. North Korea to get the world talking with no mention of Great Leaders or nuclear arms.

WORLD CUP LATEST PREDICTIONS - MONDAY JUNE 14

World Cup Predictions for today:

Holland 1-1 Denmark

Much is expected from the Dutch but this is a tough opener - the Danes have never failed to make it out of the group stages in three previous appearances at the Finals and will be good enough for a point.

Cameroon 3-0 Japan

I expect more joy for the African nations with a comfortable win for Cameroon against a weak Japanese side.

Italy 1-1 Paraguay

These two teams should qualify from Group F and I expect a cagey opening and the points shared.

RAMPANT GERMANS DISMANTLE AUSSIES AS CAHILL SEES RED

Tim Cahill became the third player of the day to be sent off in South Africa as his Australia side fell to a crushing four-nil defeat against Germany.

Australia started brightly and created a chance to go ahead in the opening minute of the game but it wasn't long before the Germans took control.

Lukasz Podolski gave Germany the lead in just the eighth minute of the match with a thunderbolt from the edge of the area that proved too hot to handle for Fulham 'keeper Mark Schwarzer.

From then on the three time champions didn't look back, slicing open their opponents defence with ease to create a number of opportunities. The Socceroos were given a reprive when Miroslav Klose fired high and wide from ten yards out. However the Bayern Munich striker made no mistake just minutes later, darting between defender and goalkeeper to get his head to Phillip Lahm's pinpoint cross and double the lead.

Australia made all the right changes at half time in an attempt to turn the game around as they brought on a natural striker to allow Tim Cahill to drop into a deeper role. However all of Australia manager Pim Verbeek's good intentions went to waste when Cahill was harshly punished for a strong tackle on Bastian Schweinsteiger just before the hour. The Everton man was sent off by the Mexican referee who had had a faultless game up until that decision.

It was effectively game over as Australia's talisman left the pitch, and it could be tournament over for the boys from down under with Cahill forced to sit out their next game. True to form the efficent Germans remained ruthless as first Thomas Mueller, and then Brazilian born substitue Cacau compounded the Aussies misery by making it four-nil with over twenty minutes left.

With the game well and truly over the Aussies showed real spirit to battle on and almost salvaged some pride when substitue Nikita Rukavytsya forced the German 'keeper into a decent save, but it will take real determination for the Aussies to find a way through the group stages after such a bruising defeat.

FIRST PENALTY GIVES AFRICA FIRST WIN

A late penalty converted by Asamoah Gyan gave Ghana a narrow victory over Serbia in the opening match of Group D.

The penalty was correctly awarded for a handball by Serbian midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic and is the first of the 2010 World Cup. Ghana's victory is also the first victory for an African nation at this World Cup, the first to take place on African soil.

Ghana had showed more enterprise during the game and deserved to take the three points. Serbia finished the match with ten men following the dismissal of Aleksander Lukovic for a second bookable offence ten minutes before the penalty.

PARK JI-SUNG LEADING BY EXAMPLE

South Korea's World Cup is up and running with gusto, and captain Park Ji-Sung is leading by example.

The Manchester United star has grown in stature over the five years he has spent in England and is fast becoming a veteran of World Cup football.

His superbly taken goal against Greece on Saturday was his third goal at World Cup Finals, and each have been scored in separate tournaments.

In 2002 Park sent the Korean nation delirious when he struck the winner against Portugal in the final group game that confirmed the then-Host nation as group winners and put them into the knock-out stages of the World Cup for the first time ever.

Four years ago in Germany Park popped up with a late equalizer in Korea's second match with France that kept alive their hopes of qualifying in that tournament, and now, following his strike against Greece in what was his 89th international appearance, Park joins a select group of players who have scored in three different tournaments.

South Korea have one foot in the second round again and are now preparing for Argentina on Thursday. The two countries met in the first group match of the 1986 World Cup when the South Americans emerged as 3-1 winners and went on the win the tournament.

On two other occasions South Korea have faced South American opposition at the World Cup. In 1990 they lost 1-0 to Uruguay in their final group match and in 1994 played out a 0-0 draw with Bolivia.

Confidence is high amongst the players following yesterday's sparkling display and they will provide a stern test for Argentina in Johannesburg on Thursday in a game which could decide who wins Group B.

WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS, SUNDAY 13 JUNE

Predictions for today's World Cup games:

Algeria 2-1 Slovenia

The extra support for the African nation should give them the lift them need.

Serbia 2-0 Ghana

My tip to win the group, I'm expecting a good start from them today.

Australia 1-1 Germany

I can see the Germans struggling here. Australia will run all day and have enough to take a point from this opening match.

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS SATURDAY JUNE 12

World Cup-Latest predictions for Saturday games at the World Cup:

Greece 0-1 South Korea

The spirited Asians will have just enough to win by a single goal.

Argentina 2-1 Nigeria

Maradona to get lucky in what I think will be a tight game. The Africans will have great support and will get at the Argentinian defence.

England 2-1 USA

I'm not expecting a classic here. If England hit the ground running they might build up a lead, but the USA will be so up for this one as it's so key to the outcome of the Group C.

FRANCE FAIL TO BEAT TEN MAN URUGUAY

France were unable to take an advantage in Group A as they failed to beat ten man Uruguay in their opening game of the tournament.

The uninspiring fixture, described as "truly awful" by a BBC match report, saw second half Uruguay substitute Lodeiro given his marching orders for a disgraceful tackle on Bacary Sagna.

France came close to scoring early on but Sidney Govou was unable to direct Franck Ribery's cross towards goal.

Diego Forlan carved out Uruguay's best chance of the match but the Atletico Madrid striker was unable to beat French 'keeper Hugo Lloris.

FRANCE V URUGUAY PREDICTION

World Cup Latest blog prediction for France v Uruguay:

France 2-2 Uruguay

Since the draw was made I thought this could be any two teams from the four who could go through. France will struggle tonight unless they get off to a quick start. It'll be tight as neither side will want to lose following the draw this afternoon between South Africa and Mexico. But I expect goals - and another draw.

HOSTS HELD TO DRAW IN OPENING GAME

Hosts South Africa secured a 1-1 draw with Mexico as the 2010 World Cup got underway.

Simphiwe Tshabalala latched on to a perfectly weighted throughball to fire home a glorious strike right into the top corner of the goal.

Mexico pegged the hosts back in the 79th minute when Rafael Marquez caught the South African's defence sleeping, and despite an unconvincing finish the game was level.

Both sides had their chances to win and whilst the game was far from a classic it was an encouraging performance for the underdog hosts.

OPENING MATCH PREDICTION

World Cup latest blog prediction for the opening match of South Africa 2010:

South Africa 1-1 Mexico

I see this one ending in a draw. I think the hosts may take a first half lead but get pegged back. Mexico are a tough proposition, but if South Africa can draw on the incredible energy from the crowd and let it inspire them they could set the tone for a successful campaign. The atmosphere over there is absolutely electric. Here we go.

WHY THE WORLD NEEDS THE CUP

There is a popular notion of a football match that likens it to war. Eleven players become the embodiment of a nation's strengths and values for an encounter of epic proportions with an 'enemy'. In the pressured cauldron that is the World Cup, war may seem an appropriate appellation.

History painfully reminds over and over of the horrors of war and its essentially destructive nature. Football, however, does not portray destruction; on the contrary, the essence of the beautiful game - and the reason we love it - are the creative qualities it embraces.

War creates division, the World Cup - like nothing else in the scope of human experience - engenders unity. Cultural diversity can be celebrated instead of frowned upon. Political differences can be set aside, and skill and ability can be appreciated and applauded in their own right.

In our troubled times, how much we need the Cup. The Football World Cup creates unity because when we see the stadiums with their colour and passion we empathize. We all understand the pain and the passion. The Cup engenders empathy rather than intolerance, respect in place of retaliation. Competition? Yes, of course. But not combat, not to the level of life and death significance.

Human times are no more troubled now than in the past, but how much we need the Cup.

SOUTH AFRICA'S OPEN ARMS

The world is welcome in South Africa.

SOUTH AFRICA'S MOMENT - THE WORLD CUP IS HERE

The waiting is over, and the World Cup is here.

SQUARE BALLS AND PAPER PITCHES

Thank God it ain't like that. No square ball and no paper pitches. Thank God the World Cup is not played on paper, but on grass, and that the ball is round and not square!

The beauty of the World Cup is its unpredictable nature. I know I'm not alone in feeling frustration at hearing pundit predictions of a certain Spain v Brazil Final at this year's World Cup. It always happens, and it makes me laugh. How quickly history is forgotten.

I well remember the build up to the 2002 tournament in the Far East - all the talk was of an invincible French team who, in their bid to retain their World title, could only possibly to challenged by a highly talented Argentinian side.

France were as fancied then as Spain are for this World Cup. Honduras, Switzerland and Chile take heart - France exited that tournament in the group stages with one point and no goals. Argentina followed suit, out in the first round, and suddenly the Cup was open.

So, when did the best team win the World Cup? Let's consider that question for the World Cups since 1970...

Did the best team win the World Cup in.....

1970?

YES. Brazil ruled the world and deservedly so. Arguably the best team in history.

1974?

NO. Beaten finalists Holland were the inventors of 'Total Football' and should have conquered the world, but were undone by the dogged hosts West Germany.

1978?

NO again. The Dutch blew another chance to capture the biggest prize and lost out again to the hosts (Argentina) in the Final.

1982?

Absolutedly NOT. Brazil should have won this one at a canter, but couldn't play safe when they needed to. A draw against Italy in a second round group game was all they needed to reach a semi-final against Poland, but a Paolo Rossi hat-trick resulted in a 3-2 scoreline that dumped the Samba Stars out.

1986?

NO again, but a little more debatable this one. Although Argentina with an unstoppable Maradona were worthy winners, Brazil again played with a panache that looked like it would take them all the way. It would have made a fitting Final, but France and a penalty shootout in the quarter-final ended Brazilian dreams.

1990?

YES. Following defeat in the 1986 Final to Argentina, Franz Beckenbauer had said that his team would be ready to go a step further at the next World Cup, and they did. Their only serious test was a fabulously well-balanced semi-final with England which finished 1-1. But once it went to penalties, well, there was only one winner.

1994?

YES. This was an extremely open tournament, with no outstanding candidates prior to kick-off. Although not in the same league as the 1970 team, Brazil were too good for the rest in the USA and won their first Cup for 24 years.

1998?

YES. France certainly enjoyed luck with the draw and the rub of the green at some key moments - and may have come unstuck had they come up against Holland or Argentina - but there was an unexpected strength about them that got them through to the Final where they trounced Brazil to forcibly silence all their critics.

2002?

NO. The two pre-tournaments favourites France and Argentina were knocked out in the group stages. Both would have given eventual winners Brazil serious problems had they clashed in the knock-out stages. Why did they both fail so miserably then? Reasonable question. The round ball I guess.

2006?

NO. I fancied Italy to win this World Cup and backed them heavily, but not because they were the best team. And they weren't. Argentina were set for glory, but the fateful substitution of play-maker Riquelme in their quarter-final against hosts Germany altered the course of World Cup history and opened the door for an Italian side to meet their destiny with glory.

So there you have it. In only four of the last ten World Cups have the best team won the tournament, but only according to my humble opinion. It does suggest that fans of many countries can harbour dreams of reaching the stars over the next month. It also suggests that Spain have only a 40% chance of taking home the treasured trophy. From a Spanish perspective though, that's pretty good if you think about it, given that there are 32 participating nations.

Hey, let's get one thing clear. I'm not saying that the Final won't be Spain v Brazil. OK, perhaps I am saying that! Actually I expect them to clash in the second round, as I have a funny feeling Brazil are not going to win their group. That would be great for the tournament, one of the big two out by the quarter-finals. That would open the door.

The World Cup is here, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank God for lush grass, and the fact that the ball is round. Fasten your seatbelts everyone. Let the unpredictability begin.