Woden Play at the WC

"Qualitatively", i.e. in terms of wins, ties, and losses, the prediction game is going quite well. In terms of the attempt at quantitative precision, it is not going so well. But let the mean statistical analysis of that wait until after the games are ended. The one comment I have is that, after the first couple of days, the goal scoring in this tournament seems to be dwindling. To some extent it is conservative play and excessive fouling to slow things up, but it also seems some teams from whom we expect lovely and productive attacking play [e.g Brazil, England, France, etc...] just haven't been sharp so far. Frankly, Croatia should at least have tied Os Brasilheiros today, they played erratically and slowly, and Ronaldo O Gordo, Hero of 2002, strolled the pitch like he was a 37 year old Country Buffet lover playing in a local Houston league at 2 pm on a 100 degree 100% humidity June day. For the world's most talented squad, pathetic....Now, onto Woden's Day.
"Ever Our Friends & Allies" the Saudis vs "Choke on our Barbary Coast" Tunisia. The Saudis play like Mamelukes; they make effort in exact proportion to the riches dangled before them. That is, perhaps, because they are indeed mercenaries, bought from throughout the Ummah, and corraled into lavish football pens for the greater glory of Allah. To get them properly motivated, the Saudi princes have offered them huge bonuses should they make it out of group play. Tunisias is a much poorer [financially] squad, and is, in fact, mostly composed of Tunisians. They are really not as good as Morrocco, as Angola is not as good as Nigeria, but they did eke out a goal differential qualification, are more talented and creative in their play [although not as physically fast as the Africans brought in by the Saudis] and now it is as good as gold. Prediction [modulo the Saudis having bribed refs and players] Tunisia 2- KSA 1.
Spain vs Ukraine. Spain's moment was 2002, where they, far more than Italy, were the ones who had victory denied them by absolutely awful/corrupt refs. They dominated the game in every way against SKorea, as they had all opponents before, and the calls agains them were so shameless and destructive that even the Koreans watching the matches were embarassed [at least the Koreans who were watching the match with me at the Lion Pub on Sher-Da Lu, Taipei ]. It is a shame, because now their time is past. They have great talent, yet, but the team is older and lesser. Ukraine has Shevchenko, who plays a little like Nedved and Rosicky combined. And a very very physically tough squad. Do not play them if you are the sort who care for shins and knees that will last a lifetime...Prediction, Ukraine 2- Spain 1.
Germany vs Poland. This will be, or should be, a fierce match. Germany vs. Poland always is, of course, but Poland absolutely must win this match if they wish to have a hope of making it out of the group round [assuming Ecuador does not lose to Costa Rica]. Should be fun to watch. Prediction: Germany 2-Poland 1.
Yes, Mein Freunden, tomorrow is my "2 for 1" special.