First Round Upsets

Place your bets 'cause here are some shockers for the first few weeks.

June 12 - Greece 1, South Korea 0

Not much of an upset, but I fancy the Greeks to defend enough to shut out an impotent Korean offense. To much the horror of soccer fans worldwide, Greece is on track to advance.

June 13 - Serbia 3, Ghana 1

Don't put much stock in the "African Home-field" theory. South Africa in the winter is quite a bit different than Ghana, and the Serbs are a talented bunch. Vidic will control the Ghanaian front line, midfield youngsters Kuzmanovic and Krasic are hot commodities in Europe, and Zigic up front is a tall, tall man.

June 14 - Denmark 0, Netherlands 0

Denmark can defend, and while the Dutch are talented in the middle, questions arise with their front line. A bore draw. To pass the time, take a shot for every mispronunciation of Dirk Kuyt's name by the commentators.

June 15 - Paraguay 2, Italy 0

The defending champs are TERRIBLE up front, with their best forwards left at home and names like Iaquinta, Natale, Borriello, and Quagliarella leading the way...not exactly intimidating. Their best striker, Cassano, will never feature because of personal grudges with the coach. Paraguay showed resolve in a tough qualifying campaign and despite losing leader Cabanas to a gunshot in the head, they still have Benefica monster Oscar Cardozo.

June 17 - Greece 2, Nigeria 0

As much as the world hates Greece's anti-football, don't put much stock in a struggling Nigeria side. Both goals coming from set pieces and sloppy organization. WC organizers collectively shit a brick as Greece books qualification for 2nd round.

June 19 - Australia 3, Ghana 2

Do not underestimate the Socceroos, as they always seem to surprise. Possibly the sleeper for game of the first round, Australia wins it in the last 15 minutes. Look for a few high tackles in this one as well.

June 21 - Portugal 1, North Korea 1

Quieroz had tons of success as assistant at Manchester United, but this hasn't translated to the Portuguese national team. Their formation is odd and the supporting cast around Ronaldo is not what it has been in the past. If Kim's team can snatch a winner, it will be one of the great upsets in WC history.


June 22 - Mexico 1, Uruguay 3

This Mexican team is a collection of aging veterans past their prime and youngsters who have failed to live up to expectations (Remember when Messi and Gio Dos Santos were going to leading the best attack in the world for years to come at Barca?) Couple this with a lack of midfielders and an opponent that when on, can score a ton, and Mexico is facing a first round exit.