World Cup - The Last 16

Brazil 2014 World Cup Final 16 teams and the fixtures we have ahead. 

Okay I have to admit it, my pre-tournament predictions were a little bit off and yes, they were probably worse than Andy Townsend's commentary but who would predict Algeria sneaking through?. With the final sixteen getting underway Saturday it's my chance for redemption and predicting my way to mystic footballing wisdom. After a few shock exits and a couple of boogie side qualifiers we have some meaty fixtures lined up.

Saturday 28th June...

Brazil 3-2 Chile...

The first fixture in the final sixteen see's a South American showdown in the form of the host nation Brazil squaring up to South America's self proclaimed 'bad boys'. Anywhere else in the world I would have gone with a Chile win but because Brazil are running on home pride, this will push them past the post. Some crunching tackles from Chilian defenders will be expected and they will be trying to stop Neymar with every strength but I think the samba men are going to take this one on patriotic electricity and pure skill. 

Columbia 2-0 Uruguay...

Columbia have been by far one of the stand out team of the tournament, not only have they been superbly consistent but also remained down to earth and professional in every game. The bright, creative style in which they play is going to cause the Uruguayan defence choas and I don't think they are going to be able to contain Alexis Sanchez's lighting pace. Now without Jaws (Luis Suarez), the away team will struggle to bag goals much like they did against Costa Rica so chance's will have to be taken when they are given; unfortunately for Uruguay I don't see them making it and to be honest I don't think they deserve to progress.

Sunday 29th June...

Holland 3-1 Mexico...

No team was overlooked more at the start of the competition than Holland and no one would have ever thought they would have been gifted this route to the final either. After steam rolling their group and flattening a limp Spanish squad along the way the Flying Dutchmen (literally with Van Persie) are cooking on gas and no team is going to get in the way. The Mexican's may have the heart but Herrera won't be able to manage his bandito's past the Dutch wall; Van Persie is back from his ban this game as well and he'll certainly have that golden boot in mind with a few goals on the tally. 

Costa Rica 1-2 Greece...

If anyone in the world would have predicted this draw to be pulled up I would take my hat off to them, eat it, regurgitate it then eat it again. An absolute shocker with Costa Rica qualifying top of group D then Greece snatching a late penalty against the Ivory Coast to steal the second qualifying spot completing the unthinkable and simply mindblowing fixture. This game is anybodies from a neutral perspective but when it comes down to the crunch the Greeks have that raw passion and experience required when it comes down to perfoming when they need to. After this match up I presume a few shots of Ouzo will be shot down in celebration. 

Monday 30th June...

France 3-0 Nigeria... 

To say I was impressed by the way France got underway in this tournament would be an understatement. From the outset they looked to be on a mission to start a revolution and put the French name back on the footballing globe and I think it's fair to say they've done it so far. However Nigeria have looked shakey and with a reasonably easy group, they were expected to qualify so there is no shock they did so; it's going to take some serious quality to beat the French which they definitely don't have. I'm predicting Benzema to get back on the high horse and saddle up to get that golden boot like I predicted from the start, by banging in some more goals. 

Germany 4-0 Algeria...

Yes you did read that right, it is Algeria and who worse for them to wind up against than some drilled Germans. Reminiscent of robots both in disciplinary and in structured strength the Germans look a force not be wrecking with; both Müller and Götze are young but have unbelievable talent and a better record than every Algerian player put together. I guess you could say it was fun whilst it lastest but sorry Algeria it's time to go home, at least you did more than England, Spain and Portugal. Who knows maybe if they beat Germany they could go on to win it?. 

Tuesday 1st July...

Argentina 2-1 Switzerland...

In the Swiss' first group game I wasn't too impressed by the way they played and they certainly didn't live up to the fifa ranking they boast. Argentina in the other hand have picked up the pace but again I still don't feel they've given everything they have; maybe Messi finally switched on in the last game and will bag more to get that memorable world class status. Overall I think the South Americans will want the win more and with the incentive of an "easy" route to the final the boys in blue might follow in Maradona's footsteps into lifting that trophy. Switzerland should be outclassed and out played but this is the World Cup after all, anything could happen.

Belgium 1-1 USA...

Belgium have been the "hipster" choice from the beginning of the year as they have built a squad from youth and are considered the dark horses of Brazil. This being said the Belgie's are firing blanks if you ask me; the hype surrounding this mediocre premier league squad has built a pressure too much, causing a lapse in performance and giving off no signs of real enthusiasm. On the other end you have the US team where they've given a rebirth to "soccer" in the nation and fuel off of winning; with this the commitment will be there to steam into Belgium but won't be enough to win the game. In the end I'm going to go with a draw but Belgium having the legs to take the game in extra time. Perhaps Edin Hazard and Lakaku can finally start to shine in this World Cup. 

England's Future

What Roy and his boy's need to do next to regain a top quality status...

You wouldn't believe it, then again we are English, so yes it's possible; yet again we have spiralled ungracefully out of a World Cup and for the first time since 1958 we failed to make it out of the group stage. I suppose the only thing to take from that record is that the England boys of old went on to win our only World Cup eight years later in '66. 

The media can quick to pin point risky Roy's tactics or Rooney's repeated World Cup failures but what really went wrong and where do we go from here?. Beg to differ but changing Hogson as the man in charge is something that could only do worse and further more crumble the start of a squad foundation, this is the start of something new and for things to be brilliant we need time and experience. Brazil can be a big learning curb for the budding stars in the squad and come next competition they'll be two season's deeper into being professionals. Take a look at the Belgian team for example, they are living proof that keeping trust in a manager and working around the youth can spell a sparkling future. 

Qualifiers for the next Euro event which is in 2016 can be the birth of our transformed era. With players like Steven Gerrard hinting at a retirement and Ashley Cole already taking the plunge, Roy should be biting the bullet and willing to risk everything with his team. Rooney can only have a few years left in his international profession so the first step up should be easing him out as a sub in order to embrace this fresh start. If Gerrard was to retire we'd have to see a new captain and by this I mean someone who's going to be a cert in the team with a passionate English stronghold. Now in my mind the only two sure candidates would have to be the big man Joe Hart between the sticks as he's got his hawkeyes on the field infront of him at all times and has shown much pride to wearing the three lions number one. On the other hand the next candidate would be Gary Cahill as he has a commanding persona in the back four and states confidence and strength at both levels of football (international and club). 

Give Roy the job until at least the Euro's and let the man have a little time to work some magic. If we fail to qualify that's a risk he's got to be willing to take because otherwise we'll still be reliant on the hasbeens and as a nation our famous quote of "maybe next time" will be one we say for the rest of our lives.

The starting XI I'd like to see for Euro 2016 and the qualifiers... 

Joe Hart (GK & Captain) 

Luke Shaw (LB)

Gary Cahill (CB)

John Stones (CB)

Jon Flanagan (RB) 

Jordan Henderson (CDM)

Jack Wilshire (CDM) 

Raheem Sterling (LW)

Ross Barkley (CAM)

Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain (RW) 

Daniel Sturridge (ST)

Key Players...

At this tournament a few players have caught every Englishmen's eye and excited us when they picked up the ball; the two players in question are Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling. In the first game against the Italians, young Raheem gave everyone a close to death, cardiac arresting experience as his caressed shot brushed the outside of the net, only to deceptively go wide. From this moment on the starlet sparked up a gear and relentlessly ran at the heart of Italy and scare wing backs senseless (literally against Uruguay) but unfortunately ran out of energy by the sixty minute mark. After a few more years in the game Sterling will gain stamina and skills, only to make himself one of the best wingers in the game. Not only Raheem but England's future also heavily relys on Barkley as this baller has superb strength, is fearless and will shred defences like pulled pork. Everytime Ross stepped onto the pitch he upped the tempo and turned on a style unlike any other Englishman but the reason he didn't start is because Hogson wasn't ballsy enough to drop his favourites in Welbeck and Rooney. This Everton lad can be a repeat of Wayne Rooney except he'll live up to the world class status, all you can say is watch this space, Barkley will be our game changer we've always needed. 

World Cup Predictions

Goosebumps are rising and nerves are tingling as only two days until the ultimate footballing spectacle known as the World Cup kicks off. In this article I'm going to give you the run down on my predictions group by group but also the top Goalscorer and final winners; so enough of this whistle blowing, let's get this kicked off.

Group A...

Qualifiers - Brazil & Croatia...

With everything going for them Brazil are a sure shot to qualify the group, seeing as they're the favourites to win the competition, the host nation and possess some of the most gifted footballers to grace the grass you'd be a fool to say they won't make it to the semi's at least. The South Americans back four has similar traits to concrete slabs and won't be broken down easily. My second choice for this group comes in the form of Europe's outsiders in Croatia. The squad has some solidarity and goalscoring ability as they have proven strikers like Mario Mandzukic and Hull Cities Nickica Jelavic; last time round in the Euro's Mario ended joint top goalscorer alonside a few other players. In midfield the Croatians have some serious experience in Luka Modric and not only that but they have the multi capped Kranjcar bulstered the center; it's going to be a struggle to say the least if Mexico or Cameroon are hoping to pull anything from this tournament.

Group B...

Qualifiers - Spain & Holland...

Spain's superiority in the footballing world will continue to dominate this summer and the ex world champions should smash the group. Some sports fans are saying that the mediterranean men don't have enough fire power and will fall short of their previous success but I beg to disagree. An in form Diego Costa mixed in with some La Liga superstars spells goal's with a capital g, meaning that these Spainiards will romp the group to victory. Obviously I've gone with Holland to qualify as runners up because the other teams in the group really don't pose a threat. Van Gaal is hosting his last tournament as the Dutch manager and his bonded relationship with players such as Van Persie will create fluent football; for some reason the flying dutchmen seem to cause major upsets and with some prestigious players expect them to reach the last sixteen.

Group C...

Qualifiers - Columbia & Ivory Coast...

This group has to been one of the hardest to predict out of the festival of football, every single team has some fantastic players, patriotic dressing rooms and a sparkling track record. An easier choice of the two was certainly Columbia despite the recent loss of their superstar Falcao. It's only of current years that the squad has really made a name for themselves and they should develop into a bright future. They have a battleaxe in Yepes at the back who has 97 caps and to sting in some goals Porto's prolific striker, Jackson Martinez. To qualify second, I've gone with my heart's choice, my second team.. the ballers that are Ivory Coast. Yes, the Greek may have the fighting spirit of a thousand spartans but not even that can stop the boulder like Toure brothers and the ex world's best Didier Drogba; the African nation has a quality past as they have won the African Cup of Nations a few times and also pushed into the finals of many world cups.

Group D...

Qualifiers - Italy & England...

Not many countries have the style and finess that the Italians have; no matter what the circumstance they remain calm, disciplined and yet maintain a great professional performance. Everytime they are asked to deliver, they do so as in past tournaments the success rate has been so high. Pirlo and Co will look to get far again this year again and with the beast like Balotelli feeding off young Lorenzo Insigne you may see a few goals netted. The same scenario appears every World Cup, will England repeat the '66 year? Will they make it out of the group? Will Suarez crush the dreams?. Well to that I say England will qualify. This year no pressure is on the lads as Roy's young starlets are the new breed of the national squad; we've already seen Lallana tourment defenders and Sturridge curess some cute finishes so we must believe. Get behind the boys and fill up your jug with patriotic passion, we will qualify. 

Group E....

Qualifiers - France & Switzerland... 

Everyone is overlooking the French squad this year as other teams are looking far too much for anyone to handle and also Frank Ribery is missing out because of an injury but don't be quick to rule them out. They have already proven in the World Cup warm ups that they aren't messing around by scoring right passed Jamaica and four passed Norway; I've got a feeling the top Goalscorer is going to be a Frenchman as well. Don't be suprised if they make it to the semi's. My second choice is going solely on experience and caps with the Swiss as every tournament they seem to remain consistent. For many years the squad has been recognised as a decent footballing nation and if you face them, you shouldn't expect a walk in the park. Ecuador have been praised to nick second but the big man, route one attack won't work against the veterans in the Swiss defence. 

Group F...

Qualifiers - Argentina & Nigeria...

Most football fans I know are backing the Argentinians to win the tournament so topping the group should be a sure breeze. They potentially have the easiest group out of the competition and the best strike force to go alongside that nicely, if the South Americans fail to qualify I'd be extremely shocked. Nigeria is a possibly controversial decision but I feel it's sensible; they won the most recent African Cup of Nations and have some real battle torn players. For some of the squad this will be the last World Cup they play in with Ameobi and Yobo both notching up the years but this gives the Africans more incentive to kick up a storm. 

Group G...

Qualifiers - Germany & Portugal...

This is such a coincidence that this group is group G as you'd only feel one thing if your nation was drawn into it and that is gutted. Probably the hardest group at the World Cup because you won't get no bypasses against the hard working teams on show. The best European squad in the Germans have got a lot to prove and are the the only team from Europe that are actually considered challengers to win the cup; since last time round players like Götze and Özil have had a chance to develop, giving the German boys a boost to that big time reputation they've always had. Portugal are a shaky pull but if recently selected worlds best player Ronaldo is fit you may see them do well. Without their talisman this group could prove intersting as USA are no pushovers. All in all I'm going with the Potugese as they have the better squad but this group could get seriously tasty. 

Group H...

Qualifiers - Belgium & Russia

Well you could say you can't make a dramatic enterance into the footballing scene overnight but then again you didn't see Belgium coming. The European squad is being back to the hills to cause some upsets this year and it's not a suprise looking at the unbelievable depth in squad they have. From Kompany to Lakaku and Coutoris to Janazai, this team has more stars than above the Brazil badge and will be the best chance they have had yet. Every other team in this group is limp and weak but to pick out a tiny diamond in the rough, I'd have to go with Russia. Sadly whoever scrapes through in second will surely get shot down in the last sixteen so don't go cheering if you pull one of these out in a sweepstake.

Overall Winners - Argentina...

One of the easiest groups, some of the worlds best players and a cheeky rivalry with the host nation can forsee another World Cup in the argentine trophy cabinet. For Messi to be remembered as one of the all time greats like Pele, I believe that he has to prove himself as an all round international and shine above the rest in a massive tournament; this year he could do that and with the backing of his quality squad mates and a worldwide fan base the front man will make a massive difference if he performs. Not only that but it's rarer than the World Cup trophy shiny sticker that any European team has won a World Cup on South American soil. Brazil may be the favourites but as a spectator I just don't feel they have enough and Neymar might crumble under the pressure after being the competitions poster boy for so long. It's going to be a memorable affair but don't hold back on the Argetinians steaming to the final with no scrapes. 

Top Goalscorer - Karim Benzema...

France have turned over squads in the friendlies scoring a whopping amount of goals and with a few defences that are weaker than a sparrows legs in the group you can expect a serious goal difference. Ecuador and Hounduras will flop on the relentless attack of the French Revolution and the midfielding maestros are going to tee Real Madrid's Benzema up for a goal filled buffet. I've backed a Frenchman over an Argentine because they only have a couple of goalscorers where Argentina have more than a few that can bag a finish; the French are definitely going to be a bogey team when they qualify, so I'm expecting big things. Karim Benzema, watching this space, he's worth a punt.