Wednesday, June 30, 2010

May The Best Team Win

If this were twitter, a #tag preceding the names of the teams would bring up that nations flag but nothing of that sort is happening here. Hate you blogger.com. But at least you let me rant in more than 140 characters. 

The good news is that S.C.O.F.F. will not rant on this post today. Football has taken a day’s break today and we would like to rub our Crystal Balls and feel good about it. We will also try and predict what might be in the QFs.

There are many reasons for this post. One of the reasons for this post is the fact that Mr. Pais, a good friend, critic and possibly the only reader of this blog, has once again (successfully) provoked me in to posting. So, I am going to provide you, my dear Pais and other ghost readers, a preview and my valuable insight in to the upcoming quarterfinal games. The second reason is that I hate Heli. She can give me work but I can very well not do it. The final reason is that all the World Cup’s quarter-final games will carry FIFA’s message on football's "united stance against racism and any other form of discrimination." Knowing our stance on racism, we had to propagate the viewing of the games.

Netherlands vs Brazil
July 2, 19:30 IST, ESPN

Holland and Brazil came in to the Round of 16 unbeaten. Both the teams have dispatched their Round of 16 opponents with panache but the Brazilians were more convincing in their victory. S.C.O.F.F’s personal opinion is that the Dutch have replaced Spain as the big tournament chokers. Will this tournament confirm S.C.O.F.F.’s view?

S.C.O.F.F. Prediction: Brazil will nick this game 3 goals to 2. The game will go in to extra time with the scores tied at 2-2. Do you wanna bet? Van Persie to get on the score sheet only because he is a Gooner. Yes S.C.O.F.F. (OK! It’s only me) secretly worships Arsene Wenger.

Uruguay vs Ghana
July 3, 00:00 IST, ESPN

Diego Forlan and that Suarez kid are the only people I know in Uruguay. There is one Ghanaian that I know and his identity shall not be revealed till he tells me too. Things that I do for friends. Ghana are the only African team left and know our feelings towards the people from that part of the world, what do we think will be the outcome of the match?

S.C.O.F.F. Prediction: Uruguay will win the game 2 goals to nil. Ghana will resist and huff and puff in front of the Uruguayan goal but Forlan will deflect one in the 86th minute and a counter attack will see Suarez score in the 90+4th minute. Mark my words.  

Argentina vs Germany
July 3, 19:30 IST, ESPN

For us at S.C.O.F.F., this is Messi and Maradona vs the Germans. We have actually not bothered to research on who else plays. Just kidding! Klose, Podolski and that guy that can score. No, not Messi – its Ozil. Messi will have a barren world cup. Watch the game if you don’t trust me. 

S.C.O.F.F. Prediction: By virtue of their victory over the despicable English cunts, the German should go through but S.C.O.F.F. just can’t separate these teams. Especially after the fight that will take place when Maradona refuses to pass the ball to Messi. Ok, Germany to win on penalties like the last WC.  

Paraguay vs Spain
July 3, 00:00 IST, ESPN

S.C.O.F.F. Prediction: Yes, we have begun this game’s preview directly with the prediction. Why? Because S.C.O.F.F. believes that this will be a snooze fest to forget. For all its magnificence in the midfield and brilliance in the attacking department, Spain will boast 99% possession (the 1% will consist of Paraguay’s goal kicks) but just one goal. To be scored by a proud Catalan and (still) another Arsenal boy Cesc Fabregas.

With that, we tuck our crystal balls back to where they belong and we’ll see you for the Semis. If you want to watch the games with us, the entry fee is a bottle of Black Label (or anything Signature and above). One last prediction – All the best teams will win.

No comments: