The 6 Round 1/2 matches that you must not miss this year's WC

7 days to go (my QF tickets have arrived from FIFA – woohooo !!)

7 hot contenders – (4 of them super smoking hot – Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain) England, Netherlands and Belgium bringing up the rear.William Hill odds below;

To Reach the Semi Finals
5/6 Brazil	10/11 Argentina	6/5 Germany
6/4 Spain	3/1 Belgium	7/2 Colombia
7/2 France	7/2 Holland	7/2 Portugal
4/1 Italy	4/1 Uruguay	5/1 England

And the theme of my little blog today – 6 games you should not miss in Round 1 and 2 (and needless to say, please don’t miss ANY games after Round 1).

As always – I will continue to provide you glimpses of what the bookies are upto (and if you haven’t been following my previous football pieces, bookies usually get it right !). But  6 of these matches below will define whether the bookies will make tons of moolah in 2014.

 

So if you had only 10 hours to watch World Cup games in June and early July.... which ones should you prioritize. Here is my list of Top 6:

Not to miss Match 1. June 28. Game 49 of the World cup. Brazil continues to be top title contender at 3/1 but hey – watchout, on June 28 they are most likely to play the Dutch and things could go horribly wrong for the home country if Robben, Sjneider and Robben collectively click on the day. Off the pitch, this match will also pitch two of football’s greatest managers – Scolari vs. Van Gaal. Back in 2012, I got to shake hands with the latter (on an escalator at the Ajax Arena in Amsterdam) - his overpowering wife gave me the looks !!! While Scolari carries the burden of the host nation (anything less than the trophy and he is minced meat), Van Gaal is on nice win-win territory. Having already announced his resignation as national coach ahead of the World Cup, he has been signed by the Glazers to lead Manchester United from the 2014-15 season. I would call 2-1 to the Brazilians, but remember my forecast accuracy at major tournaments has been poor (although dramatically improving in the last two versions).

Not to miss Match 2. July 1. Game 56. Venue Salvador. I arrive at this venue 4 days later to pick up the pieces; so readers can expect a first hand report and photographs from yours truly. Match most likely to be between my dark horse pick of the Cup – Belgium vs. the ladies’ favourite – Portugal. First some background. I have mentioned Belgium as a dark horse to this tournament since 2010. But the common reaction to my statement – Belgium, Why? Here is why. Belgium has a squad comprising some of the most exciting young players of the decade – Vincent Kompany is central defender and captain of Manchester City. Clearly the top defender in the English Premier League for the last two years. Thomas Vermalen is the other central defender. Captain of Arsenal and with Kompany could easily be the top central defender combination at the Cup this year. And to further bolster defences, Thibaut Courtois  is the goal keeper. Readers will remember he was the Athletico Madrid’s brilliant keeper during the club’s La Liga  and Champions League campaigns of this year. Further, nobody needs introduction to Eden Hazard, Chelsea’s attacking playmaker. On his day, he could rip any opposing defense to shreds. The rest of the squad includes Lukaku and Benteke upfront, Vertonghen, Dembele, Fellaini (all stars in the EPL) ..And most importantly this group of players has been playing together since 2005. Portugal on the other hand have come through after that brilliant see-saw double game against Sweden where Ronaldo clearly came one up against Slatan Ibrahmovic. Don’t miss this game, it has all the trappings of a cliff hanger. My prediction – 2-2 in full time, Belgium to win in extra time or penalties.

Not to miss Match 3. June 14. England vs. Italy. The less said about this game the better. Saturday night football does not get any better. In my opinion, the winner of this game will top the group. The Azzurri, in true defensive style would be looking for a 0-0 opener to their campaign. Both teams have enough testosterone in their ranks to produce at least 4 red cards. The game will be decided by the performance of the impressive English midfield and their ability to break the Catenaccio defense headed by Pirlo. Too close to call, 1-0 for England would be a decent punt.

Not to miss Match 4. June 13. Spain vs. Netherlands. Mmmmm !!! Mouthwatering stuff. Salvador play host to another potential thriller. A repeat of the 2010 finals. You know the characters. You know their styles. So I will shut up. 2-2, most likely. 2-1 or 3-2 for a Spanish win. Suggest you don’t bet against that. Drama to watch out for while you sip your Sangrias or Heineken – Robben’s tight fitlting jersey and dophin styled dives (he could easily have won the Olympics diving event against Greg Louganis),Van Persie’s left foot, Iniesta and Xavi weaving magical moves around the Dutch defense. Loser most likely to meet Brazil in Round 2. So both teams will go for a win.

Not to miss match 5. June 16. Germany vs.  Portugal. The venue – Yes, Salvador once again. The Germans once again start as favorites. Like the Belgians, Germany come to this world cup with an amazing crop of young players. Tony Kroos (soon moving to Man U), Philip Lahm, Manuel Neur, Metersacker + Ozil (both from Arsenal). And one piece of trivia – the German coach Jochim Loewe is the brand ambassador for Nivea Men (so you know where my allegiances lie). Historically the Germans have always started World Cup campaigns in style. Don’t expect anything different. 2-0 to the Germans most likely. 3-1 a distinct possibility.

And finally Not to miss Match 6. June 19. Sao Paulo. England vs. Uruguay. This is going to be a must win match for England. But will they be caught short ? Uruguay are last world Cup's semi finalists and have the deadly attacking trio of  Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Edinson Cavani (Paris St Germain) and Diego Forlan (Cerezo Osaka). Will the English defence hold up to the attacks. 2-1 to Uruguay is not impossible but expect Stevie G and company to rise to the occasion.

Happy to receive your comments... Salvador, here come the matches !!!