Month: July 2024
2024 Copa America Final Prediction
The semi finals were fantastic. While none of the matches went to overtime, there were multiple fights both on and off the pitch after Colombia eliminated Uruguay. It will be difficult for the final to surpass the drama and excitement. The remaining two teams are the best and have few weaknesses. This is an elimination match, meaning a tie after regulation leads to penalty kicks to decide the winner. Before picks are made, the numbers are for which team placed where in their assigned group. Here is the prediction for which team wins the championship and the Copa America trophy.
1A Argentina v. 1D Colombia
What a contrast in the Copa America championship final. Argentina was easily the best team in both groups A and B, cruising to an easy finals appearance. Many believed Colombia was a dark-horse championship candidate in groups C and D with well-known countries like Brazil and Uruguay as their main competition. Las Cafeteras went through harder opponents than El Albiceleste.
Match deciding factor: Emiliano Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna, Cristian Romero and Argentina’s defense versus James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba, Miguel Borja and Colombia’s offense.
Argentina clinched their spot in the final with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez shutting out all but one opponent. Great defense from Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna and Cristian Romero made transition scoring on offense easier against teams like Canada and Peru. El Albiceleste hasn’t faced too much offensive pressure outside of Ecuador trying to send the quarterfinals to penalty kicks.
As many read from my last predictions and then watched versus Uruguay, Colombia’s chasing greatness with a roster in its prime. Las Cafeteras use constant offensive pressure, no matter the opponent. When Uruguay had an 11-on-10 men advantage in the second half of the semifinals, Colombia almost scored three more goals. They also performed well on defense. The semi-finals was the first round Las Cafeteras had to play defensive for at least one half and hold a shutout lead.
Argentina’s great on every side of the ball but they haven’t played an opponent that constantly pushes back and sets their own pace on both sides of the pitch. Captain James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba and Miguel Borja have the talent to stress out El Albiceleste’s defense and the tactics to douse Argentina’s spirit.
Prediction: Colombia wins 4-1 and takes home their second Copa America championship
Semifinals predictions record: 2-0
Total Copa America Predictions Record: 11-3
2024 UEFA Euros Final Prediction
The semi-finals were fantastic. Both teams that advanced trailed at one point in their matches. It will be difficult for the final to surpass the excitement. The remaining two teams are the best and have few weaknesses. This is an elimination match, meaning overtime and penalty kicks will decide which team wins the championship. Before the pick is made, the numbers are for which team placed where in their assigned group. Here is the prediction for which team wins the championship and the UEFA Euros trophy.
1B Spain v. 1C England
This is an uneven matchup. Spain has won every match played, dominating on every side of the ball. England’s mostly struggled to score until late in matches. Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente has found the best players and has used roster depth as an advantage. English manager Gareth Southgate depends on multiple groups of substitutions to push England to a win. At least he finally figured out which players to put in their correct positions.
Match deciding factor: Dani Carvajal, Marc “Cucurella” Saseta, Robin le Normand, Jose Ignacio “Nacho” Fernández Iglesias and the Spanish defense v. Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and the English offense.
Both managers and teams must adapt and counter the deep rosters and substitutions made once the second half begins. England has the deeper offense while Spain has the deeper defense. Manager Luis de la Fuente has seen and gotten more out of La Roja’s roster while manager Gareth Southgate’s finally putting players (like Phil Foden) in their correct positions and continually botches playing time for star players (like captain Harry Kane).
Spain’s defense gets a boost with elite defender Dani Carvajal coming back from suspension. The defensive quartet of Carvajal, Marc “Cucurella” Saseta, Robin le Normand and Jose Ignacio “Nacho” Fernández Iglesias consistently disrupts the best offenses in Europe. Kane’s struggled with his hustle, positioning, and longer minutes most of the tournament while Phil Foden’s struggled to play different parts of the pitch. Fortunately for the Three Lions, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer have been the main playmakers in previous elimination matches.
England can’t give up the first goal of the match just to play catch up because they have the talent to do so at any given time. La Roja’s mastered how to attack every team this tournament and shuts down anyone on defense. Don’t be surprised if Spain dominates start to finish with little to no errors on either side of the ball.
Prediction: Spain wins 2-1 and takes home their fourth Euros championship trophy
Semifinals predictions record: 2-0
Total Euros prediction record: 20-8
2024 Copa America Semifinals Predictions
The quarter finals were filled with anxiety and excitement. Three of the four matches went to penalty kicks after regulation time. It will be difficult for the semi-finals to live up to the same fun. The remaining four teams are the best and most competitive ones we’ve watched this summer. As mentioned in the last article, there are no draws nor points given from ties. Every round is elimination, meaning ties after regulation lead to shootouts/penalty shots to decide winners. Before picks are made, the numbers are for which team placed where in their assigned group. Here are the predictions for which two teams advance to the title game.
1A Argentina v. 2A Canada
Not many thought the opening match of CONMEBOL’s 2024 Copa America would have a sequel. Argentina and Canada have come a long way since June 20th’s showdown. Canada’s played four great defensive matches while Argentina’s struggled in two of their last three. El Albiceleste’s offense gets goals from Lautaro and Lisandro Martinez while captain and star forward Lionel Messi is almost back to full health.
Forwards Jonathan David and Jacob Shaffelburg, and defenders Alphonso Davies and Alistair Johnston have led Canada’s progress since that first meeting. The quartet have to play perfect on all sides of the ball while forcing Argentina into mistakes Ecuador exploited last match. Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau has to outperform Argentinian keeper Emiliano Martinez the whole match and not lose focus.
Despite Canada’s resurgence, Argentina is the better team. Yes, Crepeau and the defense stunned viewers with their defensive improvement in the first match, but El Albiceleste will find more weaknesses to exploit in 90 minutes.
Prediction: Argentina wins 4-1 and advances to the finals.
1C Uruguay v. 1D Colombia
The best semi-finals matchup in either football tournament. Colombia’s unbeaten in 27 straight matches while Uruguay’s the most physical team left in Copa America. The winner of this match will be the favorite to win the tournament. Las Cafeteras and La Celeste boast deep, talented offenses and shutdown defenses. They are both peaking at the best time and are well coached.
If there’s any visual indication on which team advances, it’s how both teams played Brazil. Uruguay and Brazil went back and forth on both sides of the ball, both teams got physical and La Celeste had to hold on after Nahitan Nandez’s red card. Colombia was a force on offense and had the Carinha on their heels most of their group stage match (despite clinching a quarterfinals spot), especially in the second half. Uruguay has to find a deterrent against the veteran Cafeteras giving their all each match. Don’t be surprised if offensive pressure from the forward quartet of Jhon Cordoba, Miguel Borja, Luis Diaz and Jhon Arias intensify once the second half starts.
Prediction: Colombia wins 4-2 and advances to the finals
Quarterfinals predictions record: 3-1
2024 UEFA Euros Semifinals Predictions
The quarter finals were filled with anxiety and excitement. Three of the four matches went to overtime and two went to penalty kicks. It will be difficult for the semi-finals to be just as fun. The remaining four teams are the most competitive ones we’ve watched this summer. As mentioned in the last article, there are no draws nor points given from ties. Every round is elimination, meaning overtime and shootouts/penalty shots will decide winners. Before picks are made, the numbers are for which team placed where in their assigned group. Here are the predictions for which two teams advance to the title game.
1B Spain v. 2D France
Not many people expected this matchup. After a fantastic match of football from Spain and host nation Germany, many audiences were treated to a horror show match between France and Portugal. Les Bleus still can’t score an offensive goal outside of penalty kicks in either regular or extra time. The frustration is taking a toll on coaches and players, with captain Kylian Mbappe saying in a Saturday interview he was, “tired” and had to leave the match due to fatigue. Manager Didier Deschamps even dropped midfielder Antoine Griezmann for the semi-finals due to his ineffective play.
Spain fortunately scores once a match, even if it’s in extra time. La Roja have their own roster issues with captain Alvaro Morata and star defender Dani Carvajal missing the match due to multiple yellows the previous weeks (Carvajal drawing a red last round didn’t help either), and Pedro “Pedri” Lopez out the rest of the tournament with a knee injury after German midfielder Toni Kroos tackled him.
Fortunately Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente has a lot of midfielders on the roster. He has to feel some relief in France’s offense lacking midfield presence and Mbappe struggling to use his vision around the pitch instead of attacking defenders. Mikel Merino pushed La Roja’s offense past Germany, and could get the start with fellow midfielders Fabian Ruiz, Rodri and Dani Ceballos before substitutions. De la Fuente playing backups in a victory against Albania also gives the team many options to attack a stout French defense.
Prediction: Spain wins 2-1 and advances to the finals
3D Netherlands v. 1C England
Not many people had either team making it this far. If anyone’s stunned England’s made the semi-finals, it’s the viewers. The Three Lions made another comeback and surprised the Swiss in penalty kicks. Manager Gareth Southgate has used the three subs at the 80+ minute trick in two elimination rounds and both times they’ve worked. Southgate deciding the roster’s positioning has been tricky, but England’s depth and talent has worn down opposing defenses and opened up scoring opportunities.
Ronald Koeman’s Oranje improved since their private friendly. Cody Gakpo is the top player for the Netherlands while Wout Weghorst and Memphis Depay have improved and led the Oranje to key wins. Defensive mistakes have been fixed and transition offense looks better with the defensive trio of Stefan De Vrij, Virgil Van Dijk and Denzel Dumfries.
Roster depth will determine who wins and advances to the finals. England’s depth has been pivotal in their victories since the round of 16. Many criticize Gareth Southgate’s tactics of keeping a shutout for both sides until the 80th minute due to the offensive talent and poor positioning of certain veteran players. However, the substitutions made before extra time gives opposing managers more problems. This match could go to extra time but Netherlands doesn’t have the spare legs to keep a lead or take it to penalty kicks.
Prediction: England wins 3-2 and advances to the finals
Quarterfinals predictions record: 2-2
2024 UEFA Euros Quarterfinals Predictions
What a fun, late June and early July for Euros play. The round of 16 filtered out another eight teams with championship aspirations. While most of the eight teams eliminated put up a fight, the remaining eight were better and deserved to advance to the quarterfinals. As mentioned in the last Euros article, there are no draws nor points given from ties. Every round is elimination. That means overtime and shootouts/penalty kicks decide the winners. Before picks are made, the numbers are for which team placed where in their assigned group. Here are the predictions for which four advance to the semi-finals.
1B Spain v. 1A Germany
The quarterfinals begin with a bang on Friday. These are arguably the two best teams in the Euros.
Neither team has lost a match since the tournament began. While Germany has home-pitch advantage, Spain is undoubtedly the better team. When Georgia got an early lead last round against La Roja, Spain continued the offensive pressure and never let up. Die Mannschaft plays a great team game, but they struggle if midfielder Jamal Musiala doesn’t make the scoresheet.
Prediction: Spain wins 3-1
1F Portugal v. 2D France
On paper, these two teams have the most potential of the remaining eight. Their performances say otherwise from offensive struggles to conservative substitutions. Portugal’s offense disappeared after a 3-0 shutout win versus Turkiye. The Selecao das Quinas didn’t score again until penalty kicks last round, while France struggled against Belgium despite Red Devils manager Domenico Tedesco’s poor tactics.
Portugal does have the best offensive depth of the two teams and plays stellar defense. If Selecao das Quinas can’t get past France, this will be a wasted Euros career finale for star forward and captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Upset prediction of the quarter finals: Portugal wins in extra time 2-1
1C England v. 2A Switzerland
If there were doubts about England’s chances of repeating their Euros championship appearance after group play, they intensified in an extra time win against Slovakia. The Falcons led most of the match in regular time and the Three Lions looked helpless outside of manager Gareth Southgate’s three substitutions leading up to the 1-1 tie.
Switzerland is a quality opponent England has to match energies against for at least 90 minutes. Italy’s defense struggled against midfielder Granit Xhaka and the Swiss transition offense led by Ruben Vargas and Remo Freuler. Southgate has to figure out the best positions for England’s star players unless he wants goalkeeper Jordan Pickford leaping around half the match.
Prediction: Switzerland wins 3-1
3D Netherlands v. 2F Turkiye
Almost everyone was shocked Austria was eliminated in the round of 16. Das Team proved they could play against the best even before the Euros. In the end, they never considered the Turks scoring early in either half. Defender Merih Demiral had the match of his life while forward Arda Guler became the third teenager in Euros history (after the aforementioned Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney) to score a goal and an assist.
The Netherlands improved against their round of 16 opponent Romania. Donyell Malen scoring multiple goals in any round boosts confidence for an inconsistent offense. The veteran Oranje have to strike early and keep offensive pressure if they want to make the semi-finals.
Prediction: Netherlands wins 3-2
Round of 16 predictions record: 6-2
2024 Copa America Quarterfinals Predictions
What a fun two weeks of football this June and early July. The group stage provided a lot of information on who has the best chance to make a deep run and give teams fits. While most of the eight teams eliminated put up a fight, the remaining eight were better and deserved to advance to the quarterfinals. Starting tonight, there are no draws nor points given from ties. Every round will be elimination. That means overtime and penalty kicks will decide winners. Before picks are made, the numbers are for which team placed where in their assigned group.
1A Argentina v. 2B Ecuador
It should baffle even casual sports fans that only six goals were scored between all four teams in group A. Five of the six came from Argentina as they won all three matches. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez recorded three shutouts despite constant pressure.
While Ecuador advanced, they struggled to consistently score. El Tricolor had four goals in three matches (three were in one match) and took an unexpected loss against Venezuela after an early red card. These struggles will amplify against an impressive Argentinian defense while El Albiceleste’s Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria and Julian Alvarez attack a more vulnerable Ecuador defense.
Prediction: Argentina wins 3-1
1B Venezuela v. 2A Canada
Many viewers expected Venezuela to crash out of round one. La Vinotinto proved many wrong, winning a pivotal opening match against Ecuador and shutting out their last two opponents.
Canada was the only other team in group A who scored a goal. The Canucks defense improved while the offense sputtered in all but one half. Venezuela is stout on defense, but the offense faces their hardest test of the tournament. La Vinotinto star forward Salomon Rondon and Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau will have highlight moments, but Crepeau can only keep his team in the match if the Canucks find ways to score.
Prediction: Venezuela wins in extra time 2-1
1C Uruguay v. 2D Brazil
The most exciting Copa America quarterfinals matchup. Brazil’s inconsistent play gives Uruguay their biggest challenge of the tournament. While veteran midfielder Luis Suarez wasn’t a factor most of the first round, defenders Matias Vina and Mathias Olivera, midfielder Maximiliano Araujo and forward Darwin Nunez scored most of Uruguay’s nine goals in three matches.
If the Canarinha win, it’s because Savio and Lucas Paqueta had to perform better and scored like they did against Paraguay. Since Vinicius Jr. is out after he drew two yellow cards in group play, it’ll be hard for Brazil to counter Uruguay’s scoring depth and stout defense.
Prediction: Uruguay wins 3-1
1D Colombia v. 2C Panama
Colombia’s one of the best teams in the tournament and proved it leading up to Copa America. Las Cafeteras got at least one point in each match while overwhelming defenses. Panama crumbled against the only championship threat they played in round one despite good defensive performances after. Colombia’s easily the better team and will show why before the first half ends.
Prediction: Colombia wins 3-1
Group play predictions record: 6-2
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