With the knockout rounds of the World Cup beginning, (Canada beat South Africa in extra time last night in the land of poutine 1-0) let's check Johnny's predictions:
Brazil vs Japan: What a clash of styles. Wide open counter attacking (Brazil) vs ball control and discipline (Japan). Could be quite close but picking against Brazil in a World Cup this early is a fools errand. Pick: Brazi.
Germany vs Paraguay: Germany. Easier choice here.
Netherlands vs. Morocco: Best first round knockout match. Johnny's head says Morocco but his heart says pedigree in the WC and the pick here is the Netherlands.
Ivory Coast vs Norway: The Vikings are playing quite well and have an elite striker in Haaland. Norway to win here.
France vs. Sweden: France is a heavy favorite and Johnny asks which Sweden team shows up. Could be a big win, could be close but it shoulr be France.
Mexico vs. Ecuador: There has to be an upset somewhere in the first round. But it won't be here. Not at home. Mexico to win.
United States vs Bosnia-Herzegovina: Sure Johnny wants to pick the US. They should be the favorites. Johnny wants to believe but the US history in knockouts is to hope to win the first knockout them lose to a better side. The pick in the USA but it could teach a nation about the perils of penalty kicks.
England vs. Congo DR A nice return to the World Cup for Congo DR and to make the knockout rounds is impressive after such a long absence (They were last in the World Cup when the country was known as Zaire) but England and the Harry Kanes are the pick.
Belgium vs. Senegal: A real pick 'em. The winner would face the USA should the USA defeat Bosnia-Herzogovina. A program with a solid history (Belgium) vs a hot newcomer (Senegal). Johnny will go with Senegal.
Spain vs. Austria: Spain are big favorites. Here's your upset. Austria to advance.
Portugal vs Croatia: Goooood match. A team with an embarrassment of riches (Portugal) vs a rock solid World Cup team (Croatia). Johnny has close friends from Croatia so naturally he's going with them. Coratia wins in a slight upset.
Switzerland vs. Algeria: Switzerland seems to be a safe choice here.
Australia vs. Egypt: Good on the Aussies for making the knockouts, unexpected. Same for Egypt. Egypt advances.
Argentina vs. Cabo Verde: Lionel Messi vs the Cape Verde Islands. Call it a stretch but Johnny says Argentina.
Colombia vs. Ghana: Toss a coin. Colombia is favored but always seem to disappoint about this time in tournaments. Johnny will go one match deep with them. Colombia for the win,
