If Portugal don't win it I'll eat my llama (Who will win the World Cup 2002?)

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Product:	Who will win the World Cup 2002?
Date:	26/05/02 (2 review reads)
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Advantages: ipoints if I'm right, and I win the comp

Disadvantages: no ipoints if I'm wrong

The trouble with predictions is that they are just that, predictions. They don't make much sense until after the event do they? Of course you could leave a comment here saying "jeez Mr Chuckle, you don't know your Arsenal from your Spanish Archer" but then you'll look stupid if I am right, won't ya. Or you could wait until later and hope to ridicule me when I am proved totally wrong, but what if I'm right? In that case you don't get a chance at all to tell me how crap I am. I don't really care either way, but you might, I just wrote this to try to win some ipoints to swap for DVD's. Sorry this one is so serious but it's a serious competition innit. My predictions (which can be skipped until the thing actually starts) are:


Group A
Denmark, France, Senegal, Uruguay
It goes without saying that France will win this group. The other three are quite difficult to judge though. Uruguay aren't the classiest South American side, but they do get the title of being the dirtiest. Denmark are a good solid outfit but perhaps lack that little touch of class that is needed for a world cup, I think they could go home with egg on their face this time. Many people will be bewildered when Senegal ("Who??") proceed to the next round as runners-up - don't you be surprised though, just remember Charlie told you they are a class act. On paper the opening game of the tournament between France and Senegal looks like being a French walkover, but it will be a tougher match than expected, I tip Senegal to perhaps even sneak a draw.
Prediction
1. France
2. Senegal
3. Uruguay
4. Denmark


Group B
Paraguay, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain
In Group B Spain have landed almost as lucky as France did above. This isn't the most difficult of groups and I expect Spain to take maximum points. Umm, South Africa and Paraguay are pants, and Slovenia went unbeaten in the qualifie
rs despite being in a tough group with Russia, Yugoslavia and Romania. Slovenia to breeze second place.
Prediction
1. Spain
2. Slovenia
3. Paraguay
4. South Africa


Group C
Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Turkey
I don't think Brazil are capable of winning the cup, but they are more than capable of seeing off this lot with maximum points. Turkey are stuffed and the Chinese will be woking to the airport without a single point! Costa Rica aren't great, but they're better than either of those two and will take second spot.
Prediction
1. Brazil
2. Costa Rica
3. Turkey
4. China


Group D
Korea, Poland, Portugal, USA
Portugal are class in a glass, but only if they can peak together when it matters. If they manage to hit top form they could go all the way and actually win the cup. The other three in this group are very close to call. Poland don't really have the ooomph to make it through so I'll go for a toss-up between the yanks and the Koreans. South Korea with home advantage will be expecting to scrape through, but I'm going to go for the USA to take second spot. A very tough three way split though.
Prediction
1. Portugal
2. USA
3. Korea
4. Poland


Group E
Cameroon, Germany, Ireland, Saudi Arabia
The biggest upset of the group stages will come in this group - Germany will bomb out! Cameroon are a classy side and I tip them to win this group. Ireland showed in the qualifiers that they are a difficult team to beat and even without Keane they will still show great courage, and a bit of luck will carry them through. Saudi aren't really worth mentioning and will finish bottom, possibly without any points. The group rests on the result of the Ireland-Germany game and I am going for Ireland to win that encounter.
Prediction
1. Cameroon
2. Ireland
3. Germany
4. Saudi Arabia


Group F
Argentina, Engla
nd, Nigeria, Sweden
England have without doubt found themselves in the toughest group of all. I certainly won't be shocked if they fail to get past the group stages, but I'm still tipping them to do it. Argentina are too strong for England this time and will win the match between the two. England always find it tough against Sweden, and Nigeria are partisan enough to cause an upset in any or all of their three games. I'll have to use my head here, but I could be terribly wrong y'know. Just don't be too shocked if England are home very early.
Prediction
1. Argentina
2. England
3. Nigeria
4. Sweden


Group G
Croatia, Ecuador, Italy, Mexico
Italy can win the cup if they gel, and they will certainly win this group without a doubt. Mexico, well who can forget the skill of Blanco at France '98? He's still around but won't be able to carry an otherwise naff team on his own. Croatia were wonderful when Sukor, Prosinecki and Boksic were at their peak, but they are burnt out now, too old a team to make any impact. Ecuador are my tip to finish second in this group. Try to catch a few of their games, they are a classy side and will shock a few people.
Prediction
1. Italy
2. Ecuador
3. Croatia
4. Mexico

Group H
Belgium, Japan, Russia, Tunisia
Jeez, wouldn't you just love to be in this group? This is definitely the weakest group of all. Russia and Tunisia are mince, and the other two aren't much better. Japan with home advantage will win the group, and Belgium will come second, but only through lack of competition.
Prediction
1. Japan
2. Belgium
3. Russia
4. Tunisia


LAST 16
Well, going by what I've predicted above, here are the last 16, complete with score predictions!


Cameroon (2) V's (0) Slovenia
France (3) V's (2) England
Argentina (2) V's Senegal (0)
Spain (3) V's Irelan
d (1)
Italy (1) V's (0) USA
Brazil (4) V's Belgium (0)
Japan (0) V's Costa Rica (0) (Japan to win in extra time)
Portugal (2) V's Ecuador (0)


QUARTER FINALS

France (2) V's Brazil (1)
Cameroon (0) V's Italy (2)
Spain (2) V's Portugal (2) (Portugal to proceed)
Argentina (3) V's Japan (0)


SEMI FINALS
Italy (0) V's Portugal (2)
France (1) V's Argentina (2)


FINAL

Portugal (2) V's Argentina (1)


So there it is, the chuckle prediction, Portugal will win it. Only if they hit peak form at the correct time, but they will, my llama's life is depending on it! Oh and before I go, Mr Nuno Gomes will be the tournament's top scorer too. There ya go, another chance for you to rip the p**s out of me when it's all over ;o)

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