The Final: ITALY v FRANCE

No points on offer again as we are all so bad at this prediction malarky (along with the rest of the world).
ZZ blew his top- and the Italians did what England always fail to do.....win a penalty competition.
Only another 1400 days or so before it all kicks off again....

Germany v Portugal 3-1

This match had nothing riding on it (apart from the satisfaction of seeing Ronaldo lose again)
No points for anyone.

Day 23 (and Final) standings

1 Phil 246
2 Jake 243
3 Andy 236
4 Tim 233
5 Steve 217
6 Stu 213

Scotland have managed to come both 1st and last - an impressive feat.
No penalty shoot-out was required - much to the relief of Jake, Andy & Steve.

Portugal v France 0-1

Who to support......hmmm....tricky. Not. Go ZZ et al! A French win - setting up a tasty final with Italy on Sunday. Sad to see Ronaldo not make the final...

This result has meant that Phil has won this years competition - by 3pts over Jake. No more pts can be won as no-one has either France or Italy as winners (or Portugal or Germany coming 3rd). Congratulations Phil - it was a very good tournament with all of us (except Stu) looking good at some stage. Phil came from behind to snatch victory. Let's now hope France complete the job.

Germany v Italy 0-0 (0-2 aet)

Will the hosts prevail?
Tim will be supporting Germany - to give him his final points (8).
Andy has Italy coming 4th (which would get him no points) - so he won't really care who wins.
Most of us? would probably prefer a Germany v France final.
2 wonderful goals in an entertaining game - this means no-one gets any points.

Day 21 standings

1 Jake 243
2 Phil 238
3 Andy 236
4 Tim 233
5 Stu 220
6 Steve 217

The position now is:
Jake can only get 1 more point (if France finish 3rd)
Stu, Andy & Steve cannot get anymore points - this means Steve is this year's recipient of the wooden spoon (paid for, and engraved by the winner). Well done Steve! (Stu had already tried to claim the wooden spoon - but he even was proved wrong in that...better stick to the day-job Stu - don't think prophecy is your gift....
Tim can get 8 more points (if Germany make it to the final) - overtaking Andy (and possibly Phil ) for a certain 3rd place..... however, the big news is that if France make it to the final Phil will egt 8pts - thereby overtaking Jake.....and winning the entire thing.
So, only Jake or Phil can win - and this leaves me in the difficult predicament of having to support Portugal to stop Phil winning......
Having thought about that, I've realised that this is not possible. Allez les bleus!!!

Brazil v France 0-1

I'm hoping France can repeat their feat of '98. We shall see.
Everyone has both France and Brazil in semi's - except Andy.
As Jake & Andy have the same results (and are currently level), Jake will now be supporting the French....
Would you Adam & Eve it....? France have only gone and done it. I didn't see this one (having been talked down from the roof-top after the game before) but gather it was quite good. France deserved their victory - and good luck to them. Can't say I'm sad to see Brazil out either. They win this thing too often. Let someone else have a go (just so long as it's not Portugal).
The main beneficiary of a France win is Jake, as he now holds the lead and Andy cannot beat him (Amdy was the only person not to have them in the semi's - however, Brazil were Stu & Phil's winners.

England v Portugal 0-0 (1-3 on pens)

Here goes....
Nervous?
Jake, Tim, Steve & Andy all have England.
Phil doesn't have either....but I'm sure we're all cheering on the men in white....

The little shit....I feel better now I've got that off my chest (although I think he ought to wary of a certain Mr Rooney's tackles in pre-season....)
In a funny way, I'm relieved it's all over - watching England is so unbearable, that I'd rather pull my own toe-nails off. I can enjoy the rest of the competition in the thought of what might have been had we had a manager who knows anything about football. Sour grapes? You betcha. Taking Walcott was inspired.
No-one had Portugal, so no-one got any points, and Steve & Tim's winners are out - but let's face it on the performances of our other performance we deserved it - but I hope Portugal don't win it....Come on my new best friends...the Germans! (and I never thought I'd sat that....!)

Day 20 standings

1= Jake 236
1= Andy 236
3 Phil 231
4 Tim 226
5 Steve 210
6 Stu 207

Going down to the wire...

Italy v Ukraine 3-0

Italy have arguably the easiest of routes to the semi final.
Ukraine really have gone as far as they should go - and Italy, Like England, Portugal & France haven't really shown much yet. But now is the time to deliver.
The only one of us to have Italy in final 4 is Andy - and in order for him to win this, they must win. No pressure then....
Too easy. Andy a happy man....

Germany v Argentina 1-1 (4-2 on pens)

Tasty....
A lot rides on this game, and that's not just for Argentinians or Germans....
For Tim to win the competition, either England have to win the world cup, or it has to be an England v Germany final.
Looking at the maths again, I now think it's not possible for Phil to win.
We all have Argentina to make it to semi's - except Tim - and he's the only one who has Germany there.
Should be a cracker.
Oh dear. Pants. Good news for Tim (and all the other countries left in it). Tim 7pts. I now he hopes he wins this thing....Jake & Andy's winners & Steve's finalists are OUT.

Possible Winners - update

It is still possible for Jake, Andy, Tim & Phil to win (I think!)

Andy's victory hinges on Italy getting to semi final AND England finishing 3rd - he would beat Jake by a solitary point - 284-283.
Tim needs England to win the whole thing - and he would taste victory himself - but Steve is too far behind even with an England victory.

I'll update this once I've done some more complicated mathematics...

Day 19 standings

1 Jake 236
2 Phil 231
3 Andy 229
4 Tim 219
5 Steve 213
6 Stu 210

Spain v France 1-3

Quasimodo? This boy sure is ugly....
On paper, this is the tie of the round
Somebody's going home - and the form book says it'll be France.
All of us have France in final 8 - but both Andy & Steve have Spain there also.
6pts for everyone - but Andy would have prefered the French to go out....

Brazil v Ghana 3-0

15 from the record goalscorer.
Surprisingly, we all have Brazil to get through.
No-one was brave enough to go for Ghana in the last 16, let alone last 8
No surprises. 6pts for everyone.

Day 18 standings

1 Jake 224
2 Phil 219
3 Andy 217
4 Tim 207
5 Stu 201
6 Steve 198

And to think Steve was in the lead only a few days ago....

Switzerland v Ukraine 0-0 (0-3 penalties)

I have this one as a 1-1 draw with Ukraine winning by penalties....
Jake, Stu, Phil & Tim all have Ukraine in final 8.
Andy & Steve don't have either.
The dullest game you have ever seen - but Jake, Stu, Phil & Tim get 6pts

Italy v Australia 1-0

Should be an interesting game.
Stu has Australia, Tim has Italy, Andy has Italy, Phil has Italy.
Jake & Steve cannot gain any points for this one, as they don't have either team in final 8.
Tim, Andy and Phil all get 6pts

Day 17 standings

1 Jake 218
2 Andy 211
3 Phil 207
4 Steve 198
5 Tim 195
6 Stu 189

It's beginning to spread out a bit now....

Portugal v Holland 1-0

This match should be a good one.
Jake, Andy & Tim have Portugal in last 8.
Phil & Stu have Holland.
Steve has neither.
I don't think this chap will be reffing the final...
Oh dear. Stu's in big trouble now. When will he learn that Holland are the old Spain? His is the predicted finalist to fall....Phil won't be too happy either as he had them reaching the last 4. This game won't be remembered for the football though....but all those red & yellow cards are good news for England....chuckle.

England v Ecuador 1-0

All except Phil have England in their final 8.
Come on England!
Not a thrill a minute, but job done....bad news for Phil.

Day 16 standings

1 Phil 207
2 Jake 206
3 Andy 199
4 Steve 192
5= Tim 183
5= Stu 183

Our Final 8 teams

Jake: Germany, Argentina, Czech Republic, France, England, Portugal, Brazil & Ukraine

Stu: Germany, Holland, Australia, France, England, Argentina, Brazil, Ukraine

Tim: Germany, Ivory Coast, Italy, France, England, Portugal, Brazil, Ukraine

Steve: Germany, Argentina, Czech Republic, France, England, Ivory Coast, Brazil, Spain

Andy: Germany, Argentina, Italy, France, England, Portugal, Brazil, Spain

Phil: Germany, Argentina, Italy, France, Sweden, Holland, Brazil, Ukraine

If a team is green, they are already out.
Red= Winners
Blue= Finalists
Purple= Semi-Finalists

Argentina v Mexico 2-1

We all have Argentina in final 8 - except Tim (oh dear).
6pts for everyone except Tim - the best game of the tournament - and the best goal. Argentina are looking more and more impressive.

Germany v Sweden 2-0

Now it gets serious.
There are 6pts for each team that you have predicted to make it to Quarter Finals.
Due to the way that our predictions have gone, some of us have predicted this match, while others haven't. It is possible for us to have predicted both these teams (or any other in 2nd round etc.) to make it through.
All of us have predicted Germany to make it to the last 8 - but Phil has also got Sweden getting there, so for this one, he's in a win-win Position (although if Sweden were to win, it would be better as everyone else wouldn't receive 6pts.
Everyone gets 6pts.

Final 16 Points

It's easier to put down teams that we predicted that didn't get through (it's 5pts per team x 16) - so there are 80pts up for grabs. (This is before Groups G & H are decided)

Jake: Poland, Croatia & Czech Republic (3) = 65pts
Stu: Czech Republic, Costa Rica & South Korea (3) = 65pts
Tim: Paraguay, Ivory Coast, Poland & Czech Republic (4) = 60pts
Steve: Poland, Ivory Coats, Czech Republic & Croatia (4) = 60pts
Andy: Paraguay, Poland & Czech Republic (3) = 65pts
Phil: Poland & USA (2) = 70pts

Phil has more successful teams in final 16 than the rest of us.

New placings:
1 Phil 195
2 Jake 194
3 Andy 187
4 Steve 180
5 Tim 177
6 Stu 171.

Day 15 standings

The final group points (before addition of points for final 16):
1 Jake 129
2 Phil 125
3 Andy 122
4 Steve 120
5 Tim 117
6 Stu 106

Switzerland v South Korea 2-0

Final Group match - and what fun we've all had so far....
This game has a lot riding on it as both teams can go through - with Switzerland favourites to win the group.
Phil 3-0, Steve 3-2, Jake, Tim & Andy 2-1, Stu 0-0
2-0 win for Switzerland gives 4pts to Phil, Jake, Tim & Andy. 3pts for Steve and 1pt for Stu

Togo v France 0-2

Surely France can't go out at this stage again?
Plenty of people will be hoping not - but Andy will be cheering for Togo - as he's the only one of us who hasn't got them in his final 4.
Our predictions for this game are:
Phil, Tim & Jake 0-4, Steve 1-4, Andy 0-2, Stu 1-2
France scrape through 2-0...
Andy gets 5pts, Stu, Phil, Tim & Jake 4pts. Steve 3pts.

Ukraine v Tunisia 1-0

Ukraine to win to get through. Simple.
Phil 3-0, Tim 2-0, Jake & Stu 2-1, Andy 1-1, Steve 2-2
Dull, dull. dull.
4pts for Tim & Phil, 3pts for Jake & Stu, 1pt for Andy and nothing for Steve.
The worst game (that I've seen bits of) of any match so far....

Saudi Arabia v Spain 0-1

Spain are already through and a miracle has to happen for Saudi Arabia to get through.
Our predictions: Steve 0-3, Phil 1-3, Andy 0-2, Jake & Tim 1-2, Stu 1-1
4pts for Steve & Andy, 3pts for Jake, Tim & Phil & 1pt for Stu.

Day 14 standings

1 Jake 115
2= Steve 110
2= Phil 110
4 Andy 108
5 Tim 102
6 Stu 97

A great day for Tim - getting him right back in it....

Croatia v Australia 2-2

Lots of bookings in this one, with stroppy Australians and Croatians (who have a bit of a reputation) in this must-win game for both teams. Hopefully, this will be the match the BBC put on this evening.
Jake & Tim have 2-2, Stu 1-1, Andy & Phil 1-2, while Steve has a 4-1 thumping for Croatia.
I'm glad I was watching BBC3. A great game, and as I predicted, several cards dished out. Good old Graham Poll even managed to book the same player 3 times...5pts for me & Tim, 3 for Stu & 1pt each for Andy & Phil. Steve gets nothing.

Japan v Brazil 1-4

Should be straightforward.
Steve 0-6(!), Phil 0-4, Andy 0-3, Jake, Tim & Stu 1-3
4pts for everyone, except for Andy & Steve who get 3.

Ghana v USA 2-1

This is a big one. A win for Ghana would mean they will be the only African country to make the last 16 - but a draw might (if Italy win) be enough.
Jake & Steve have USA winning 1-2, Andy 0-1, Phil 1-3. Stu has 2-2 and only Tim has a Ghana victory (now looking more likely IMHO) at 2-1
Tim gets a much needed 5pts, while Stu & Andy get a point each.

Czech Republic v Italy 0-2

A lot is riding on this game. A loss for either team would be disasterous.
Stu, Tim, Steve & Andy all have 1-1, Jake has stuck his neck out with a 2-1 victory for the Czechs, and Phil has a 2-3 win for Italy. Points to be won (and lost) here.
Good news for Phil (3pts) but nothing for anyone else. The other bad news (& good, depending who you are) is that Jake & Steve in their final 8....

Day 13 standings

1 Steve 107
2 Jake 106
3 Andy 103
4 Phil 102
5 Stu 89
6 Tim 88

The lead is changing hands even more often than England losing possession in their own half - and that's saying something!

Pure class - this had tears rolling down my face!

If you read nothing of this blog except this then it will have been worthwhile.
It's absolute class. Best not to read at work, as you'll be laughing out loud!
But read to the end - Steve Gibson comes out as being not only a man with a sense of humour - but also classy.

Holland v Argentina 0-0

The first really big clash. This should be an absolute cracker. Both have 100% record, but something has got to give...
Stu, Tim & Steve 1-1, Jake 2-2, Andy 1-2, Phil 2-3.
I fear Andy or Phil will prove to be correct.
I was wrong! Anti-climax - but Argentina still the best team in the competition. Stu, Tim, Steve & Jake all get 3pts. Andy & Phil nothing

Ivory Coast v Serbia & Montenegro 3-2

This will be the last time Serbia & Montenegro play together, now that Montenegro have independence. That means they'll never get to a world cup final again. Oh dear. They really should have thought about the footballing implications.
Predictions for this game, which matters not a jot, are:
Stu 2-0, Steve 3-2, Tim & Andy 2-1, Jake 1-1, Phil 1-2. Steve gets yet another 5pts, Tim, Andy & Stu take 3pts & Phil gets 1pt. Jake zero (had the match finished after 85 minutes
I'd have had 3pts.....ho hum.

Iran v Angola 1-1

Not a match that you'd normally get very excited about....especially when the supporters look like this......and let's be honest, none of us (or anyone else, for that matter) are.
But as there are points on offer, we'll be keenly waiting for the result.
Here are the predictions (they're really very exciting!):
Andy 0-0, Jake, Stu & Phil 1-1, Tim & Steve 2-2
Another 5pts for Jake, Phil & Stu. 3 for everyone else.

Portugal v Mexico 2-1

There are plenty of reasons to go to South America. Here's another one.....
Steve has 3-2, Phil, Jake & Andy 2-1, Stu 1-1, Tim 2-2.
This will decide who is the group winner

As we all predicted, a Portugal win. 5pts for Jake, Phil & Andy, Steve 3pts, Stu & Tim a point each

Day 12 standings

1= Jake 93
1= Steve 93
3 Andy 92
4 Phil 91
5 Tim 78
6 Stu 77

How close is that?! 2pts between 1st and 4th....Steve & Phil have played a blinder today.

Paraguay v Trinidad & Tobago 2-0

I think that Paraguay will do Sweden some favours this evening and belatedly kick-off their campaign with a victory. Sadly (for them) they are already out. T&T have done well, but let's face it aren't good enough to be in the last 16.
Watch me eat humble pie later tonight when they dazzle us with their brilliance.
Predictions:
Everyone has gone for 2-0, except Steve who went for 2-1. So this is hardlt going to change anything is it?
2-0...but who cares? 5pts for everyone, except Steve who gets 4.

Sweden v England 2-2

Nothing rests on this game for England, except the small matter of winning the group. Sweden need to get something from this to be sure of qualification. It's got 1-1 written all over it. Watch those famous last words....
Here are our predictions:
Jake & Tim 1-1, Steve & Phil 2-2, Andy & Stu 1-2
Enjoyed Phil's company this evening - although I wasn't impressed by his celebration when Sweden equalised at 2-2 (he told me it was because he had predicted 2-2, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt). So, results are: Phil & Steve 5pts, Jake & Tim 3, Andy & Stu 1pt. I hope you like the Rooney look-alike. I had to do a double take before I realised it wasn't him...

Costa Rica v Poland 1-2

A meaningless match - but from a points perspective, it could be useful as we have some different predictions:
Stu 2-1, Steve 2-2, Andy 0-0, Jake & Tim 0-1, Phil 0-4

Jake, Tim & Phil get 3pts and Steve gets 1pt.

Ecuador v Germany 0-3

Thought I'd continue the theme of beautiful Germans with this picture. Phil - calm yourself. The World Cup is starting to get serious now. Both these teams are already through to the final 16 - but the result of this one will decide who wins the group (if it's a draw, Ecuador will be winners - who would have predicted that? - certainly not us!).

Our predictions are as follows:
Tim & Steve 0-3, Phil 1-3, Andy 0-2, Stu & Jake 1-2

An easy win for Germany. Tim & Steve will be pleased with 5pts. 4pts for Phil & Andy. Stu & Jake get 3pts

Day 11 standings

1 Andy 82
2 Jake 79
3 Steve 78
4 Phil 74
5 Stu 68
6 Tim 62

Spain v Tunisia 3-1

This should be a good match
Predctions:
Jake, Stu & Andy 2-1, Phil 3-2, Steve 2-0, Tim 1-0.
3pts for Steve & Tim - but 4pts for everyone else.

Saudi Arabia v Ukraine 0-4

Can't seem to get excited by this one...we all predicted a Ukraine victory...Steve 1-4, Jake & Andy 0-3, Phil & Tim 0-2 & Stu 0-1.
We all get 4pts.

Togo v Switzerland 0-2

Here's the link for this one
I don't have predictions (I'm down in Wales) - but will put them on once we get back to Edinburgh later this afternoon/evening
Here are the predictions:
Steve & Tim 0-3, Phil 0-2, Andy 1-2, Jake 0-1, Stu went for a Togo win: 1-0
Phil gets 5pts, everyone else 4pts, except Stu who wins the award for the most stupid prediction of the world cup, and gets no points.

Day 10 standings

1 Andy 70
2= Steve 67
2= Jake 67
4 Phil 61
5 Stu 60
6 Tim 51

France v South Korea 1-1

France will need to start performing if they want to be around at the business-end of the tournament.
We've all gone for a French win, except Steve.
Predictions for this one:
Phil 3-1, Jake & Stu 2-0, Tim & Andy 2-1, Steve 1-1

Steve - you are a genius! (or it was a complete fluke). Phil, Tim & Andy all get 1 point. France strikers are about as good as this guys hat...

Brazil v Australia 2-0

This ought to be a good game...but you never can tell.
Steve 4-0, Jake & Phil 3-1, Andy 2-0, Stu 2-1, Tim 1-1

Andy collects maximum pts, Steve & Stu 4, Phil & Jake 3. Sorry Tim....

Japan v Croatia 0-0

I'm off down at a wedding (hence the reason for me getting ahead and putting lots of predictions down).
Here are the predicitons for the game between Japan & Croatia
Steve 1-3, Jake, Andy & Phil 1-2, Stu 1-1, Tim 2-1 (controversial....or foolish?)

Only Stu gets points here (3) for correctly predicting a draw.

Day 9 standings

1= Andy 64
1= Jake 64
3 Steve 58
4 Phil 57
5 Stu 53
6 Tim 50

Italy v USA 1-1

Home banker - well that's our verdict for this one.
Tim, Steve & Andy 2-0, Jake 1-0, Stu & Phil 2-1

What a game! Jake, Phil & Stu get 1pt (courtesy of 1 goal or USA)

Czech Republic v Ghana 0-2

The Czechs to continue their impressive form....although we are not all in total agreement. Predictions for this match are:
Jake & Tim 2-1, Phil 2-0, Andy 3-0, Steve 4-2.
Stu has gone for a 2-2 draw.

Something of a shock result - especially after the Czech's first performance - but I gather they deserved their win. Steve & Stu get 1pt each.

Portugal v Iran 2-0

Portugal cannot fail to win this one - all of us have them to win.
Stu, Tim & Phil 2-1, Jake & Andy 2-0, Steve 4-0

Jake & Andy get 5pts, everyone else 4pts. Don't you just hate Ronaldo? The boy scores from a penalty, and he acts as if he's put in a 40 yard screamer....

Day 8 standings

1 Andy 59
2 Jake 58
3 Steve 53
4 Phil 49
5 Stu 47
6 Tim 46

Mexico v Angola 0-0

Mexico to win this one no problem.
Stu, Tim & Andy 2-1, Jake & Phil 2-0, Steve 3-0

Didn't see this one - but probably didn't miss too much...1pt for Jake, Phil & Steve all for guessing Angola wouldn't score...

Holland v Ivory Coast 2-1

If Argentina win and Holland win. This group - like A & B is over. All that will remain will be who wins the group. But I'm getting ahead of myself....
Predictions for this match are as follows:
Phil 3-0, Jake & Andy 2-1, Tim & Steve 2-2, Stu 1-1.
Jake & Andy get maximum pts. Phil 3pts. Everyone else 1pt. Ivory Coast are out - bad news for Tim & Steve who had them in their last 8.

Argentina v Serbia & Montenegro 6-0

Argentina v Serbia & Montenegro
Here are the predictions. Victory for Argentina would all but ensure progress to the last 16.
(Nice hat....)
Phil & Jake 3-1, Andy & Stu 2-0, Tim 2-1 & Steve 4-2

This will go down as one of the best world cup games ever - certainly one for the purists - a 6-0 hammering with some sublime goals - one of them must be one of the best team goals ever scored. They have got to be favourites now.
4pts for Andy & Stu, 3pts for Jake, Phil, Steve & Tim

Day 7 standings

1 Andy 50
2 Jake 49
3 Steve 48
4 Phil 45
5= Tim 42
5= Stu 42

Sweden v Paraguay 1-0

She's on the phone to me.....A Must-win game for both teams if they hope to progress.
No-one has the exact same prediciton:
Jake 2-1, Stu 1-0, Steve 3-1, Phil 3-0, Tim 1-1 & Andy has a win for Parguay 1-2.
Talk about leaving it late! Stu happy with that goal (5pts)- but Tim (1pt) will be cursing a certain Mr Ljungburg....Jake & Steve 3pts. Phil 4pts and Andy 1.

England v Trinidad & Tobago 2-0

I'll be watching this game with Andy, so am expecting some first rate hospitality.
Everyone has an England win:
Andy 2-0, Jake & Tim 3-0, Stu 3-1, Phil & Steve 4-0
Pants! Andy & I did not enjoy this game - we were rubbish. They had better improve as either Germany or Ecuador - neither of whom are exactly brilliant will knock us out.
Pts for everyone - but Andy gets 5, everyone else 4 except Stu who gets 3.