Wednesday Jun, 25 2014 World Cup Matches

Nigeria Vs. Argentina

This match has become a regular fixture at the world cup since 1994. Every time these two teams play, Argentina wins it, by a goal margin. With Argentina already through to the round of 16, maybe they will rest key players. The Nigerians need just a draw to qualify. As we saw in the games involving Italy and Cote d' Ivoire, playing for a draw could have dire results. The Super Eagles showed great organization in their last match. An upset today would not be beyond them.

Prediction: Nigeria 1 vs. Argentina 1

Bosnia-Herzegozenia Vs Iran 

Iran will finally come out attacking because they have to win. While the Bosnia are already out of the tournament. But will want to leave with a win. An open entertaining game is in stall, something Iran has avoided so far. We will see why.

Prediction: Bosnia-Herzegozenia 2 Vs Iran 0

Honduras Vs Switzerland

After the hammering, the Swiss got from the French, a strong response is all that is needed to make the next round. Honduras although out of it, would not want to be the wiping boy of the group. The Swiss have it, all to do. They require a favor from their European neighbors, France, to inflict a loss on Ecuador, as well as coming out unscratched by the means of  getting either a draw or a win against their opponents, Honduras.

Prediction: Honduras 1 Vs Switzerland 2

Ecuador Vs France

Both matches in Group E are delicately balanced. France is guaranteed a place in the next round but neither Switzerland or Ecuador can advance until the last whistle is blown.  Ecuador are a good team and will be a sterner test for the French than the Swiss. France is enjoying a resurgence in this world cup unlike the horror show in 2010. And in Benzema, they have a world class striker that could carry them all the way to glory.

Prediction: Ecuador 1 vs. France 1

LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, has informed the Miami Heat that James will exercise his early termination option and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Grantland's Zach Lowe breaks down everywhere LeBron James could possibly land, as well as the Heat's remaining options. Story

Opting out does not mean that James has decided to leave the Heat, sources said.

James, a four-time NBA MVP, had until June 30 to decide whether to opt out of the final two years of his contract with the Heat. He was scheduled to make $20 million next season and had two years and about $42.7 million remaining on his deal.

After Miami's season-ending loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, James told reporters he would take a vacation with his family before considering his contract options.

James did indicate that he welcomed the opportunity to become a free agent and have the same level of flexibility he was afforded in 2010, when he signed with Miami after spending his first seven years in Cleveland.

"Being able to have flexibility as a professional, anyone, that's what we all would like," James said last week. "That's in any sport, for a football player, a baseball player, a basketball player, to have flexibility and be able to control your future or your present. I have a position to be able to do that. ... There's a lot of times that you're not in control of your future as a professional."

ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst covers LeBron James' choice to opt out of his contract, whether Carmelo Anthony and James will team up and the Instagram post by James' wife.

In his four seasons in Miami, the Heat have gone to the NBA Finals four times, winning two championships. James could join Shaquille O'Neal as the only players in NBA history to lead their team in total points scored in the NBA Finals and then play for a different team to start the following season, according to Elias Sports Bureau. O'Neal played for the 2003-04 Los Angeles Lakers, who lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, and then was traded to the Heat in the offseason.

If James leaves, he would also be leaving a historic opportunity on the table. Only one team in NBA history has appeared in at least five consecutive NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics, which reached 10 straight from 1957-66.

Source: http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/11127329/lebron-james-opt-contract-miami-heat

Tuesday Jun, 24 2014 World Cup Matches

Italy Vs. Uruguay

A draw will suit the Italians while the Uruguayans must win. Therefore the stage is set for an explosive march. As usual, the italians will approach the game as a chess match, lying deep in wait for Uruguay's surges, to catch them on the break. The key to beating any italian team, is to score first. Uruguay have the firepower to do that in their talisman, Luis Suarez. But should the italians be the one to take the lead, it will difficult.

Prediction: Italy 2 vs. Uruguay 1
Man to Watch: Luis Suarez

England Vs Costa Rica

A very disappointed England will want to win this game for their fans. This world cup was coined as their year, due to the promising young talents in their ranks. Sadly it was not meant to be, as they fell to back-to-back defeats to Italy and Uruguay respectively. Doggy defending cost them dearly in this world cup. But defending starts from the forward line. One might argue that starting with four attackers was not the best strategy. Anyways, they will face a Costa Rican side that has qualified for the next round and have little to play for. 

Prediction: England  1 vs. Costa Rica 0

Japan Vs Columbia

The Columbians are a very slick side that showed that they can compete a very balanced group. They showed a lot of class and maturity in their last match against the Ivorians. Against the Japanese, it should be same 'ol, same 'ol.

Prediction: Japan 0 vs. Columbia 2

Cote 'd Ivoire Vs Greece

Greece is renown for their counter-attacking play and dogged defending. The thing about counter-attacking play is that it requires a competent goal-poacher for completeness. Greece don't score goals therefore it must be back to formula. On the other hand, the Ivoirans are an assembled of the best talents Africa has on offer. Over previous tournaments, they have flattered to deceive. Never going beyond the group stage. A situation, they blamed on the strength of the group. Now in an easy group, they need a point to advance. And they will get more than that.

Prediction: Cote 'd Ivoire 2 vs. Greece 1

Nigeria defeated the Bosnians by a lone goal in a must win game , to have a very good chance of qualifying to the second round. It was a must win match because the statistics does not favor the Super Eagles in their battles against the Argentines. Any result other than a win would have put the Nigerian team in a precarious situation because they would have to then win their match against Argentina. Facing the likes of Messi is not a very good preposition. However, the Super Eagles were much improved and deserved their victory over the Bosnians who looked a bit jaded. There were a few lessons learnt in the match.

1. Organization Trumps Individual Brilliance.

Prelude to the match, we warned that the winner would be the team that had the better organization. The Super Eagles heeded the advice and showed great team work and organization in their game. It was vast improvement from the individualistic, uncoordinated raids seen against Iran.  Gone were the numerous solo runs that went nowhere which was supplanted by quick combinational play. Had the trio of Musa,Emenike and Osaze been more ruthless with their finishing, the scores might have been higher.

2. Heat will be A Factor
Throughout the course of the tournament, the conditions have been harsh. So it was interesting to see the Super Eagles adjust their tempo according. Over the course of the tournament, the handlers have to consider the conditions, a friend and not foe. And use them against their opponents. 

3.Synergy In Attack
Many-a-times during the match, the strikers preferred to try for goal when there were better positioned team mates waiting for a pass.
It is understandable that scoring in the world cup is a highlight in a player's career, but it is better to win games than attain individual glory and lose. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

4. A Chain is only as Strong as its Weakest Link
Micheal Babatunde, Yobo Joseph - are pretty good players but they don't inspire a lot of confidence. Yobo's situation is more interesting because he was a very good defender at one point in his super eagles career and like fine wine, everyone felt his game would improve as his aged. Like it did for the Cannovaro's and Maldini's of this world. Sadly, this has not been the case. He remains Nigeria's weak link in defense while Micheal seems to be very confused in possession at the other end. Strengthening the weak links is imperative for continued success.

5. Notable Mentions
Mikel and Onazi, combined well, just like in their first match against Iran, although they were more adventurous this time. The work ethic and composed play exhibited by Osaze is worth mentioning. He has really matured as a player. If this attitude is kept, there is no reason why the Super Eagles will not fly high in Brazil,

Monday Jun, 23 2014 World Cup Matches

Netherlands Vs. Chile

With both sides through to the next round, this match would decide who tops the group. The Dutch have shown that they could be favorites for the crown and will rest their "fragile" stars such as Robben and Van Persie. In a group match that most expected, Spain and someone else to qualify out of, Chile has shredded the form books and shown that they can compete toe to toe with any team. I expect that trend to continue. At least for now.

Prediction: Netherlands 1 vs. Chile 2

Australia Vs Spain

If everything had gone according to plan, Spain would probably be resting their main players for the next round and playing their substitute bench against the Aussies. But this is not the case, it is a game between the group losers and they will both be playing for pride. No team has had its pride hurt more than the defending champions. 
Australia on the other had, will want a win and the scalp of the most dominant team in international football since 2008. Expect the game to be very open and fierce, as both teams have nothing to lose.

Prediction: Australia  1 vs. Spain 3

Cameroon Vs Portugal

Anytime Brazil play an African team at the world cup, with a few exceptions (Algeria in '86 and Cote d'Ivoire in '2006), the results end 3-0.  The performance of the Cameroonian team so far in the tournament, could suggest that the scoreline might be more, this time around. With the vociferous pro-brazil crowd calling for "blood", 3-0 might just be a humane result against a very poor Cameroonian side.

Prediction: Cameroon 0 vs. Brazil 3

Croatia Vs Mexico

The Croats were ruthless against Cameroun in their last match. Mexico will be different proposition, having heroically held the Brazilians to a goal-less draw in front of their home fans. But its the Croats that need the maximum points in order to progress. And should they score first, Mexico might be going home. Luckily, it isn't far away.

Prediction: Croatia 2 vs. Mexico 1

Sunday Jun, 22 2014 World Cup Matches

Belgium Vs. Russia

South America seems to be a happy hunting ground for the Belgian side, if their exploits in Mexico '86 was anything to go by. They have also started their world cup champaign in Brazil, well with a 2-1 victory over the Algerians. In that match, the Belgians were made to sweat over maximum points. Against their fellow European counterparts, we might see a more open,entertaining game. Especially, with the Russians desperate for a win after their draw against South Koreas. The Capello tutored side have not looked convincing but will struggle to cope with a hugely talented Belgian with the like of Eden Hazard. But in the end, a draw will be just enough for both sides.

Prediction: Belgium 2 vs. Russia 2

South Korea Vs Algeria

South Korea impressed in their first game against the Russians. With the latter, forcing the draw. It would be nice to see another African team go through to the second round. But sentiments are just what they are- sentiments. To win and progress, the Algerians must defend astutely, and play with much better co-ordination than they did against Belgium. 

Prediction: South Korea  2 vs. Algeria 3

U.S.A Vs Portugal

The U.S.A have to win this game in order to progress to the second round. In must win games, one does not have to play to win it.  The key is to have a balance and not to go all-out attack. A draw in the match could suffice for the Americans. That is if Portugal has anything to say about it. The Portuguese might have been pulverized by the Germans in their last match, but the result more than faltered the Germans if anything else. As much of the game, Portugal were playing with 10 men. Anyways, they will want to prove to the world that the match was a one-off. They might just do that, with a win over team U.S.A.

Prediction: U.S.A 1 vs. Portugal 2

Saturday Jun, 21 2014 World Cup Matches

Argentina Vs. Iran

As obstinate as Iran's defense was against Nigeria, it is hard to see  it not breached against the mighty might of Lionel Messi and Co. The Argentines did not look so convincing against Bosnia-Herzegovina.  That match needed the mercurial skills of four-time world footballer of year , Lionel Messi, to light up. An early goal by the Argentina would see the floodgates open. Then again if the game remains scoreless at the 45 min mark, it could be anyone's game. The former is more likely to be the case.

Prediction: Argentina 3 vs. Iran 0

Germany Vs Ghana

The Germans were utterly ruthless in their first match against Portugal. Anyone expecting another free scoring repetition, might be sadly mistaken. The Ghanaians are a dogged side and will offer stiffer opposition that a Portuguese that spent majority of that match, playing with a man down. Set pieces - Germany's bread and butter of many World cups, might just be the foil to unlocked the Ghanaians, who are hoping not be the whipping boys in the Group of Death.

Prediction: Germany  3 vs. Ghana 1

Nigeria Vs Bosnia-Herzegovina

If the Super Eagles can quicken their play in their opponents' final third, they could have a chance. Their performance against Iran was very bad to say the least whereas Bosnia really gave a good account of themselves against Argentina. The Bosnia will believe that this is a game they should win. But don't count the African Champions out yet. They have a way of raising their game in the most unlikely of circumstances. The winner of this game is one with the better organization; the Bosnians have it.

Prediction: Nigeria 1 vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina 2