Thursday, 01 July 2010 11:31
We don't know who we want to win this game. Our pre-tournament favourites were Argentina but Germany have looked good and we like how they have given youth a chance.
We think both could, on their day, beat Brazil and we hate writing it, but Brazil are the team to beat and are the team that will get to the final from the other side, after beating the Dutch then either Uruguay or Ghana.
Match Details
- Venue: Cape Town
- Date: Saturday, 3 July 2010
- Kick-off: 4.00pm
Argentina
Like we said, Argentina were our pre-tournament favourites and not just because or Mad Maradona. By all accounts I just be wishing for the ground to swallow him up for what he did to England with the famous handball, but I don't - he got away with and so would any player, I just like the way Argentina play.
They are similar to Brazil, a little less cultured, although you could argue they are the cultural capital of world football these days with with Messi, but traditionally, less cultured. However, they have fight and we like the fight and we think that is why we picked them to win.
Germany
Germany have surprised us. They lost their goalkeeper before the tournament and Michael Ballack and were written off by many, including us, but they really are very close to a final and we know anything can happen in a final - especially one with Germany in.
They also showed against England that they know how to defend and counter and in Mesut Özil they have one of the best young players we have seen in a few years coming through the ranks.
Opposition View
German midfielder, Bastian Schweinsteiger
The first thing is that we must not allow ourselves to be provoked in any way. And I do hope the referee will nip in the bud any such efforts on the part of Argentina. We just mustn't be lured into responding in kind.
Argentina coach, Diego Maradona
Brazil can play badly but still win games, that's why they are still the great favourites.
Prediction
We love Maradona but he is mad but his madness will win this game for Argentina. Germany will play as we expect them too and they will be as organised as an accountant, but the team spirit and quality throughout the Argentina squad will be enough. Or is should be.
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Final World Cup 2010 Group Tables
A
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Uruguay |
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 7 |
 Mexico |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
 South Africa |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 4 |
 France |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -3 | 1 |
B
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Argentina |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 9 |
 South Korea |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 4 |
 Greece |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 3 |
 Nigeria |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 1 |
C
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 United States |
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
 England |
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
 Slovenia |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
 Algeria |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -3 | 1 |
D
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Germany |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
 Ghana |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
 Australia |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -3 | 4 |
 Serbia |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -1 | 3 |
E
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Netherlands |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 |
 Japan |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
 Denmark |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 3 |
 Cameroon |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
F
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Paraguay |
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
 Slovakia |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 4 |
 New Zealand |
3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
 Italy |
3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | -1 | 2 |
G
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Brazil |
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 7 |
 Portugal |
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 5 |
 Ivory Coast |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
 Korea DPR |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -11 | 0 |
H
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Spain |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
 Chile |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
 Switzerland |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
 Honduras |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -3 | 1 |
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