[PREDICTIONS] Brazil, one of the favorites, begins play on Tuesday against longshot North Korea, whose young star is talking upset. Possible? For more onTuesday’s three games and Soccer America’s predictions …
NEW ZEALAND (0-0-0) vs. SLOVAKIA (0-0-0)
June 15 inRustenburg
Kickoff: 7:30 a.m. ET. Television: ESPN/Univision.
Referee: Jerome Damon (South Africa).
PREDICTIONS:
Paul Kennedy: Tie 0-0
Ridge Mahoney: Slovakia 2-0
THE LOWDOWN:
This is a must-win game for both teams in a group in which they arethe underdogs. Says Slovakia coach coach Vladimir Weiss, “Anything less than that will make things more complicated for the remaining games. New Zealand is atough opponent but I think we have more quality in our squad.”
IVORY COAST (0-0-0) vs. PORTUGAL
June 15 in Port Elizabeth
Kickoff:10 a.m. ET. Television: ESPN/Univision.
Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay).
PREDICTIONS:
Paul Kennedy: Tie 1-1
Mike Woitalla: Ivory Coast 2-1
THE LOWDOWN:
The showdown between Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the stars of theWorld Cup, may not materialize. Drogba is doubtful with a broken arm. He wore a protective cast as he worked on his ball skills and fitness during training.
BRAZIL (0-0-0) vs. NORTH KOREA (0-0-0)
June 15 in Johannesburg
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. ET. Television: ESPN/Univision.
Past World Cup Meetings:
PREDICTIONS:
Paul Kennedy: Brazil 2-0
Ridge Mahoney: Brazil 3-0
THE LOWDOWN:
No one is giving North Korea a chance against Brazil, but don’t tellthat to its Japanese-based star Jong Tae-Se, “We are brave and we can win against Brazil. Everybody thinks it is game we cannot win but we have a braveheart and brave spirits.” Jong also promises that he’ll score at least one goal in each game and lead North Korea into the second round.
Lightning won’t strike twice, Brazil is too fisical for the PRK to prevent 4:0 drubbing.
Lightning won’t strike twice, Brazil is too fisical for the PRK to prevent 4:0 drubbing.
I didn’t know North Korea soccer players are allowed to smoke weed. Reality will set in tommorrow. Brazil 3-0 over N. Korea.
I didn’t know North Korea soccer players are allowed to smoke weed. Reality will set in tommorrow. Brazil 3-0 over N. Korea.