The Quarter-finals...

After some exciting action in the Round of 16, the FIFA World Cup of Soccer is reaching the Quarter-finals this weekend. Here are my predictions...

Germany vs. Argentina: The Germans looked very strong in their last match against Sweden, while Argentina was lucky to escape from Mexico. The Germans have the home field, the home crowd, and a lot of momentum. In typical World Cup style, Argentina will edge them out with a late goal.

Pick: Argentina (Score: 2-1)

Italy vs. Ukraine: Italy is a perpetual soccer power house, while the Ukraine are the new kids on the block. I am no fan of Italian soccer with it's "defense first" style, but an early goal in their favour means they can lock the door quickly. Unfortunately for the Italians, I feel the Ukraine will get the early goal, one from which the Italians won't be able to recover.

Pick: Ukraine (Score: 1-0)

England vs. Portugal: I have said time and time again that the English are overrated. I still strongly feel that way. In saying that, the heated game the Portuguese had against the Dutch has left their team emotional and with some suspended scorers. The English will bow out, but not this match.

Pick: England (Score: 1-0)

Brazil vs. France: A much anticipated rematch of the World Cup finals in 1998. The French took the title that year, and they are coming off a dramatic win against Spain. The Brazilians are, as always, the class of the field. They have deep talent, unparalleled ball control, and are the five time world champions. Unfortunately for French fans, this is not the round for Brazil to be eliminated.

Pick: Brazil (Score: 3-1)

And then there were 16

The round robin of the World Cup of soccer is now over, and the excitement of the round of 16 is just beginning.

The surprises:

• The failure of the Czech Republic to qualify for the knockout portion of the tournament given the upstart performance by Ghana. The Czechs looked old at times, perhaps this World Cup was simply a few years too late for them to make the run they had expected.
• The early exit by the Korea Republic is also a bit of a shocker given their performance at World Cup 2002. I can imagine that it must be driving my friend Woosang nuts, as well as the newly soccer crazed nation in South Asia.
• The qualification of the Australian team to the next round of the World Cup is also a big surprise. Many expected this team to be an "also ran", myself included, but the Aussies proved them wrong. This gives a nation like Canada some hope!
  

The cream of the crop:

• After a slow start, the Brazilian team is rounding in to fine form. They're now scoring and making some crisp plays. A weak draw might allow the Brazilian team to make it all the way to the semi-finals without too much trouble.
• The home nation German team is looking very formidable. They've potted a lot of goals and are looking solid overall.
• Spain and Argentina are also looking solid, tied with Germany for the most goals scored in the tournament thus far.

Most overrated team:

• England. Although they have a tremendous fan following, the English team not only has trouble scoring, but also looks shaky on the defensive end. I have to believe when the English play a solid team they will be on their way out the door.

My pick to win it all, Argentina, has already won their game to advance to the quarterfinals. Who else will be joining them will be learned as the week goes on.

Let the action begin!

It's Hurricane season for a reason

Intensity. That's the one word to sum up tonight's Stanley Cup Game 7 in Carolina. Nobody can argue that both teams didn't leave it all on the ice, the Carolina Hurricanes just had the most left in the tank.

The game was full dollar for it's billing, living up to expectations with back and forth action. Alas for Canadian fans like myself, the outcome was not what we had hoped. As a fan of the other Alberta NHL team that fell a goal short last season, I can understand the heartbreak.

Although I feel for the Oilers, I have to smile at seeing long time star Rod Brind'Amour hoist the Stanley Cup. Good for him and congratulations to the Hurricanes.

Lefty doesn't learn...

With a one shot lead heading down the 18th hole in the final round of the US Open, Phil Michelson choked. Not only did he choke, he forced it upon himself.

On the narrow 18th hole, Phil could have pulled out a 4-wood or a 2-iron, and played it safe in the tight US Open fairways, but he pulled out the driver. As you guessed he didn't put it in the fairway or else this post would not have been written. Instead he put it off a tent and left it in deep trouble in the left hand rough. From there, the mistakes compounded. He hit a tree, played another shot in the bunker, hit it through the green, and missed a prayer of a chip to force a playoff.

Phil has a history of going for it all, and making a bad decision from time to time, but to do so on the 72nd hole of the US Open is insane. Poor Lefty, he just doesn't learn.

Hat tip to Walter for telling us all to watch for the eventual winner, Geoff Ogilvy.

Lefty needs one more round

Phil Mickelson is only one round away from claiming his thrid straight PGA Tour major at this weekend's U.S. Open. Sunday's final round should prove interesting!

Click here to view the updated scoreboard...

My FIFA World Cup 2006 prediction

Now that all groups have played at least one game, I feel comfortable making a stab at a prediction for the ongoing World Cup.

First, the contenders...

Germany: I would be remiss if I didn't mention the home Germans first and foremost. Home teams have a history of doing well in the World Cup, and this shouldn't be any exception. The Germans have looked solid through two games, although not spectacular.

Argentina: A team stacked with talent with a history of falling just short in recent years. This could be the year that all changes.

Brazil: A perennial favorite, this Brazilian team has skill, speed, youth and experience. The only thing that can defeat Brazil are themselves and the elements. Only once has a non-European team won the World Cup in Europe.

England: Always highly rated, but often a disappointment. Unfortunately, given the pressure this team is under, I don't see that changing this time around.

France: Always highly rated, many are downplaying the French chances this time around because they have an admittedly older team. Experience is a good thing, but a younger faster team should be enough to pick them off.

Italy: Another solid squad, but one accused of often playing too defensive. That might bode well against some of the teams out there, but a skilled squad like Brazil might be too much to handle if they get an early goal.

Korea: A stellar performance four years ago on home soil will not be repeated this time around. I believe the Koreans will advance to the quarterfinals, but unfortunately no farther.

Netherlands: An injury plagued squad represents the best soccer nation never to win the World Cup. Despite the injury bug they have won their first two games, but the Dutch wounds might be too much to overcome.

Spain: Never a winner of the World Cup, but out of the gates like wild fire for their first game in 2006. Inexperience in the "big game" might be their downfall.

My prediction...



ARGENTINA

I believe it's the Argentines time to shine to eclipse their Brazilian counterparts - at least this time around. Although it's hard to win in Europe, this team is too talented to miss out.

A complete turn around, but is it enough?

I have to admit, I all but wrote off the Edmonton Oilers in their Stanley Cup final against the Carolina Hurricanes. I am not alone in my skepticism, especially after the Oilers lost playoff star goalie Dwayne Roloson. But with a little luck, and a lot of heart, Edmonton has rebounded back to force a deciding seventh game with a 4-0 thrashing over the Hurricanes this evening.

The only team to comeback from a 3-1 deficit to win the Cup were the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who came back from 3-0 down to beat the Detroit Red Wings. Unfortunately for the Oilers, I don't see it happening this time.

The Oilers have the momentum, but the game will be played in Carolina where the Hurricanes were 31-8-2 this season. Although I will be cheering for them, I have a sinking feeling the luck will run out inOil Town. We'll know one way or the other Monday night.

And now it's getting ugly

5-0 Hurricanes. Enough said. The Oilers have to shape up or ship out.

Slipping on the oil slick

Although I was unable to watch game 1 of tonight's Oilers / Hurricanes game, I have to say the highlights make me happy I missed it.

The Oilers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, followed up by the first successful penalty shot in Stanley Cup finals history with Chris Pronger potting one to go up 2-0. After another quick goal to make the score 3-0, the Oilers fell apart. It went to 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, and then 4-3 with the Hurricanes scoring shorthanded of all things.

Although the Oilers battled back to a 4-4 tie, their star goalie, Dwayne Roloson, went out with a knee injury. This was extremely unfortunate for the Oilers, but even more so for back-up goalie Ty Conklin. Jumping in to his first game since April 17th, with the hockey world watching late in the 3rd period of the Stanley Cup final, poor Ty muffed a pass allowing Rod Brind'Amour to score the winning goal for the Canes. I feel horrible for Conklin, especially as he'll have to head back between the pipes in game #2 given Roloson's wonky knee.

Rookie Hurricane goalie Cam Ward was stellar on the other hand, making 18 saves in the 3rd period, including a miraculous save with seconds remaining.

So the Oilers slipped on their own slick, and in a game of momentum like playoff hockey, I don't know if they can recover.

Prediction: Hurricanes in five games.