Football Preview Pridiction Highlights

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Japan U23 vs Morocco U23 Predictions

Japan will face Morocco in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group D branch at the St James Park, the home of Premiership club Newcastle United, on Sunday, July 29.

Japan Preview

Japan conquered their qualifying for this league with a loss to Syria as the only blemish on their copybook. A 2-0 win over Bahrain was the fixture that sure fired their advancement in a qualifying marathon that saw them score 17 goals in eight matches and concede six. Head coach Takashi Sekizuka took over the command structure in 2012.

Morocco Preview

Morocco has made it to this stage on six prior occasions but got past the group stage only once. They became part of Group D this time by reaching the finals of last year’s CAF African U23 Championship. However, in this championship, they lost to their rivals, Gabon. Team coach for the Moroccan team is Pim Verbeek from the Netherlands.

Japan U23 vs Morocco U23 Predictions: Japan wins 2-0

Japan being the favorite is the obvious winner. The Japanese obviously has a better record, with the Syrian defeat as their only liability. Morocco may be a regular qualifier, though not much a passer beyond the group stage, but Japan is on a roll.

Original Source: Japan U23 vs Morocco U23

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Senegal vs Uruguay Predictions

Senegal Preview

Senegal will be searching for a first ever Olympic Games appearance when they compete in the CAF Under-23 Championship in Morocco.

The West African side have yet to compete at the tournament but they are coming off a fourth-place finish at the recent All-Africa Games in Maputo which is their best placement on the continent.Oumar Wade (Lille, France), Abdoulaye Sané (Rennes, France) and Dieylani Fall (Auxerre, France) are all striker to be wary of, while Pape Maly Diamanka (Rayo Vallecano, Spain) looks a fine prospect as well. Defender Lamine Gassama (Lyon, France) is a full international already, while fellow defenders Saliou Ciss and Kara Thioune (both Tromso, Norway) have been making a name for themselves in Scandinavia as well.The only newcomer to the group ahead of the CAF Under-23 Championships is midfielder Ibrahima Khaliloulah Seck (Epinal, France).

Uruguay Preview

Uruguay came off of an impressive win against Panama earlier this week 2-0. Let’s face it Uruguay might not have the big names but, they sure pack a powerful offensive attack. Uruguay takes a back seat to no one . Led by super striker Edinson Cavani Recenty Cavani scored Napoli's 1000th away goal, with the club closing in on the heels of current top-of-the-table Milan. At the same time his pronouncement regarding the state of his nation's football retained its truth value when the Uruguay U-20s beat their Argentina counterparts with a footballing master class and secured a ticket to the London Olympics 2012. This is the first time in over 80 years that Uruguay will compete in Olympic football, having been the very first gold medalists in the discipline.

Sengal vs Uruguay Predictions: Uruguay 3-0 over Senegal

Senegal will have a tough time matching the speed of Uruguay also the defensive savvy Uruguay is very stingy on defense. I see Uruguay controlling the temp through possessions throughout this game.

Original Source: Senegal vs Uruguay

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Korea U23 vs Switzerland U23 Predictions

Switzerland will face South Korea in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group B branch at the City of Coventry Stadium on Sunday, July 29.

Switzerland Preview

Switzerland is an obvious underdog, only being able to qualify this year in the Olympics (from 1988 onwards, the year they started joining again). Their only meaningful achievement is almost forgotten – a Silver medal in 1924. In the current incarnation of the Swiss team, Switzerland lost a recent friendly match to newcomer team Senegal, 1-0.

Korea Preview

South Korea is one of the favorites of the group, being a consistent qualifier for the past Olympics, as well as being a consistent top placer in the Asian games. Based on the past friendlies as well, the Koreans were able to defeat the last three teams,

Switzerland U23 vs Korea U23 Predictions: Korea wins 2-1

South Korea being the favorite is the obvious winner. The Koreans also outmatched Senegal – the team who defeated Switzerland earlier. It might be a factor that the Swiss are hungry for improvement with their first qualification in ages, but facing a powerhouse isn’t a joke.

Original Source: Korea U23 vs Switzerland U23

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview:Great Britain U23 vs United Arab Emirates U23 Predictions

Team GB squares off Against the UAE at London’s Wembley Stadium on the 29th of July.

Great Britain Preview

After producing a somewhat lacklustre performance during the Euro 2012 tournament, Team Great Britain has something to look forward to this time. Team GB appear to have a good chance of claiming a medal, especially as their group includes the unfavorable UAE and Senegal, who qualified for the tournament after beating Oman in a play-off. The two top teams of each group, Group A being Great Britain’s, will receive the ticket to the quarter-finals.

It’s key players include the ancient yet still ticking Ryan Giggs, who has also been chosen to captian the squad, compatriot Craig Bellamy, the firebrand forward, another old timer, and an array of younger, hungrier players such as Butland in goal, Cleverley and Ramsey in middle of the park and Sturridge in attack.

Of course, their qualifications in entering the Olympics was no sweat at all, Great Britain gained automatic entry for being the hosting nation, but if the squad holds off against the UAE and Senegal, they have a shot at winning a medal.

United Arab Emirates Preview

The UAE are one of the surprise qualifiers for the 2012 Olympic games, having topped a group consisting of Asian footballing heavyweights like Australia, Iraq and Uzbekistan in AFC’s Pre-Olympic Tournament. They are not considered one of the Asian powerhouses.

During the Olympics, the squad will be led by the legendary striker IsmaeilMatar, considered by many as best footballer the country has ever produced, along with two promising star players, Ahmed Khalil and Ahmed Ali. But the lack of experience for the majority of the team players, regardless of their recent triumphs in the Asian stage, might be their biggest obstacle to overcome.

Great Britain U23 vs United Arab Emirates U23 Predictions: Draw 1-1

With the UAE’s recent victories that were considered major upsets by many and Team GB’s well weathered players, there’s really no telling who has the upper hand in this match-up

Original Source: Great Britain U23 vs United Arab Emirates U23

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Brazil U23 vs Belarus U23 Predictions

The Powerful Brazil meets Underdogs Belarus at Manchester’s Old Trafford on July 29.

Brazil Preview

Brazil is labelled as the "all-time top Olympic performer'' despite never winning the competition. Brazil has never won an Olympic Football tournament, but they have finished runners up twice in 1984 and 1988, third twice in 1996 and 2008, and fourth once in 1976. Compared to most of the 16 teams participating in the 2012 games, that record is an impressive one. The Brazilian Team gained entry into the 2012 Olympic tournament by winning last year’s South American U20 Championship in Peru, where star striker Neymar scored an outstanding nine goals. Squad coach Mano Menezes, is keen to put the trophy in the cabinet to give the national team some momentum when they host the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the Olympic gold medal is the lone major soccer trophy that Brazil has never won, and so the pressure is high on the Brazilian National Team than any other nation to succeed in London, with rumors that Menezes could be fired if the outcome is anything other than the gold medal.

Belarus Preview

Belarus’ journey to the 2012 London games has been nothing short of miraculous. First, theyshocked the highly favored Italy in a two-legged playoff just to qualify for the 2011 UEFA Under-21 Championships, which served as Europe’s ticket to the 2012 Olympic tournament, then somehow they managed to sneak into the Games as third-place finishersregardless of losing three of their five matches in the tournament and being outscored 8-5. To the minds of many, and safe to say on paper as well, the squad won’t be going too far.

However, shock and upsets are the key factors on why the Belarusian team is in the tournament after all. This being said, an upset just might waiting around the corner.

Brazil U23 vs Belarus U23 Predictions: Brazil 3-1

To many of those who will be reading this, a 3-1 victory is an understatement. But regardless, Brazil, with Neymar, the most talented individual player in the Olympic field plus a strong team behind, will be going far in the 2012 London Olympics.

Original Source: Brazil U23 vs Belarus U23

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Spain U23 vs Honduras U23 Predictions

Spain will face Honduras in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group D branch at the St James Park, the home of Premiership club Newcastle United, on Sunday, July 29.

Spain Preview

Despite the national team and U21 sides being successful in recent competitions, Spain U23 have not reached this stage in the Olympics for 12 long years. In fact, it was their winning of last year’s UEFA U21 Championship that guaranteed them a place in this competition. Current team coach is Luis Milla and key players include Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

Honduras Preview

This is Honduras’ third time at the Olympics and they have qualified after winning three and losing two games at the Concacaf U23 Championships, the key match being the 3-2 triumph against El Salvador in the semi-finals before being conquered by Mexico in the finals. The offense is led by Roger Rojas and Eddie Hernandez. Nicknamed Los Catrachos, the team is headed by coach by Luis Fernando Suarez.

Spain U23 vs Honduras U23 Predictions: Spain wins 1-0

Spain has a better record, having fewer losses in the recent games compared to Honduras. But Spain hasn’t been this high in the league for so long, there is still a possibility of being beaten by Honduras. Odds will be a win by Spain, but a close call.

Original Source: Spain U23 vs Honduras U23

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Korea U23 vs Gabon U23 Predictions

Korea will face Gabon in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group B branch at the City of Millenium Stadium in Cardiff on Wednesday, August 1.

Korea Preview

Korea Republic qualified with three wins and three draws in six matches. The team has a strong offense led by Arsenal striker Park Chuyoung who has played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups for the Koreans. In 59 appearances for the club, the striker has scored 25 times and is tied for 7th on the all time list for the squad. Ji Dongwon, Kim Bo-Kyung, and Koo Ja-Choel will also add support to the strong Korean offense. Defense for the Korea is rather solid with the exception of a few injuries, but the team should be able to put up a good battle with its speedy offensive talent.

Gabon Preview

Gabon is some sort of unknown wild card of the tournament. They struggled and won in the group stage in the qualifying tournament with one win, one loss, and one tie. Then they turned it up in the knockout rounds with a win over Senegal and then a championship win over Morocco. The team got goals from six different players including a brace from Emmanuel Ndong Mba in their win over Ivory Coast. That was their victory in any international tournament. They have never won a CAF African Cup of Nations and have never qualified for the World Cup. This marks their first appearance at the Olympic Games and the team's chance to make its name known on the international stage.

Korea U23 vs Gabon U23 Predictions: Korea wins 2-1

Korea and Gabon have been performing well, but Korea has the upper hand. Korea being the powerhouse, may avoid upsets by stopping Gabon’s scoring by being consistent with their defense.

Original Source: Korea U23 vs Gabon U23

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview:Senegal U23 vs UE Emirates U23 Predictions

Senegal Preview

Enters the Olympic Games by way of the CAF Under-23 Championship in Morocco. This will be the first time they have competed on this level of competition.

The current side is coached by former senior national team tactician Abdoulaye Sarr, with the players entering camp on November 21, just five days before their opening game of the tournament.

Most of the players are based in France, with a smattering in other parts of Europe such as Norway, Portugal and Spain.

Oumar Wade (Lille, France), Abdoulaye Sané (Rennes, France) and Dieylani Fall (Auxerre, France) are all striker to be wary of, while Pape Maly Diamanka (Rayo Vallecano, Spain) looks a fine prospect as well.

Defender Lamine Gassama (Lyon, France) is a full international already, while fellow defenders Saliou Ciss and Kara Thioune (both Tromso, Norway) have been making a name for themselves in Scandinavia as well.

UA Emirates Preview

UA Emirates recently came off of a 1-1 draw to Gabon and last week exploded offensively by scoring a 4-2 victory over New Zealand. Qualifying for London 2012 gives UAE their first ever appearance in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament and is yet another feather in the cap of coach Mahdi Ali. The experienced supremo previously led his country to victory in the 2008 AFC U-19 Championship, as well as a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt the following year. Much of the credit for their Olympic success must go to the close bond between coach and players, many of whom have spent a number of years under Ali's wing.

Senegal U23 vs UE Emirates U23 Predictions: 1-0 UA Emirates Over Senegal

Both teams come in with a lack of experience. This will be a test for both teams but, in the end UA Emirates has a better sound attack and a stingy defense to keep Senegal at bay . Look for a low scoring match but, UA Emirates will control the tempo.

Original Source: Senegal U23 vs UE Emirates U23

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Brazil U23 Vs New Zealand U23 Predictions

Brazil Preview

After pretty much cementing himself as the 1st choice attacking midfielder for Mano’s squad during the last run of friendlies at Europe and USA and being linked to Tottenham and Chelsea, with the most likely landing place the latter, Oscar was also featured among the starters in the 1st Brazil U23 squad for the Olympics in London.

Mano Menezes built a squad composed of Rafael Cabral; Rafael, Thiago Silva, Juan and Marcelo; Sandro and Rômulo; Hulk and Oscar. This awkward line-up with no attacking reference was faced by Neto; Danilo, Bruno Uvini and Alex Sandro; Ganso, Lucas and Alexandre Pato; Neymar and Leandro Damião.

There could be only 18 players in the Olympic call-ups, and that’s why Mano couldn’t land complete teams at both sides. But the training today focused on defense. It also showed how Mano is willing to stick to his starter team in the most of the last friendlies.

New Zealand Preview

The New Zealand U-23 national football team, also known as the Oly Whites, represents New Zealand in U-23 competitions, namely the OFC U-23 Championships and the Olympic Games.

The Oly Whites are reigning Oceania Champions and represented the region at the 2008 Beijing Olympics – the team’s only appearance at the Summer Olympics to date.

Since 1992, the men’s Olympic Football Tournament has been an U-23 event with three overage players allowed per game.

Brazil U23 Vs New Zealand U23 Predictions: 3-1 Brazil Over New Zealand

This will be a very entertaining match but, at the end of the day Brazil is Brazil. They will dominate this match like any other though I see New Zealand not being a complete push over this will be an easy one for team Brazil

Original Source: Brazil U23 Vs New Zealand

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Great Britain U23 vs Uruguay U23 Predictions

Great Britain squares off against Uruguay for a Group A match at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on August 1.

Great Britain Preview

Without a doubt, Team GB has been the most highlycontroversial team in the tournament to date. Great Britain’s entry into the competition has numerous issues clinging to it. Ever since it was decided that Great Britain will be entering a team in the football competition, there have been rumours of protest from the football clubs of the home nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These factors mostly lie on the issue of the independence of the clubs in participating in future championships as separate entities.

However, the majority of the players from the three Home Nations have from the very beginning displayed great enthusiasm in playing for Team GB., Ryan Giggs has been chosen as the captain of the team at the age of 38.His Welsh compatriot Craig Bellamy, a strong forward, is the third over-aged player in the squad but the rest of the players are promising youngsters such as Aaron Ramsey, Tom Cleverley, and Daniel Sturridge.

It is much too early at this stage to say whether or not Great Britain has a fighting chance against a team like Uruguay. Their entry into the competition was automatic, being the hosting nation.

Uruguay Preview

The Uruguay Olympic Football team has a pretty impressive Olympic record.The fact that the team is being led by ÓscarTabárez and consists of two-thirds of the force that led them to the World Cup semi-finals two years back, leaves very little room for any possible doubts. Indeed, Uruguay has every right to boast as one of the strongest squads among the sixteen teams competing in the 2012 Olympic football tournament.

Great Britain U23 vs Uruguay U23 Predictions: Uruguay 3-1

Let’s face it! Team Uruguay has all the artillery and their record shows that they have what it takes to go further up the ladder. Uruguay qualified for the 2012 Olympics by finishing second to Brazil in 2011 South American Youth Championship.

Original Source: Great Britain U23 vs Uruguay U23

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Egypt U23 vs Belarus U23 Predictions

August 1 will showcase Egypt against Belarus at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland.

Egypt Preview

Egypt qualified by finishing third place duringlast year’s CAF U23 tournament by beating Senegal in the third-place playoff. They won five, drew one and lost three of the qualifying games. The “Baby Pharoahs” have a sort of mission of healing.

It’s been a painful, tragic year in Egyptian soccer, marred by February’s Port Said Stadium disaster that left at least 79 people dead and over 1,000 injured after supporters of the home club,Egypt’s domestic league still hasn’t resumed their place in national football. But, players from both Al-Masry and Al-Ahly will share the plight for the Pharaohs in London, and a positive result would go a long way toward returning positive feelings about the game to the nation.

Belarus Preview

One of the most popular questions regarding this year’s Olympic tournament remains, “Will Belarus run out of luck?” Certainly luck has played a major role in the National Squad’s journey to the 2012 London Olympic Games. But who is to say another shocker won’t happen?

Forward, Sergei Kornilenko, the fourth leading scorer in Belarusian history will be the primary attack for these European underdogs. It’s Belarus’ first ever entry into such a major tournament and the squad should do what it takes to keep the flames burning.

Once again, Belarus shouldn’t go far in this tournament, but in a relatively weak group beyond Brazil, another surprise is certainly within their reach.

Egypt U23 vs Belarus U23 Predictions: Draw 1-1

Let’s see here, bothunderdogs, one squad is on a mission of sentimental and nationalistic value, the other squad seems to have an acquaintance with Lady Luck, there’s no telling whatsoever as to who holds the key to victory on this coming match. Plus it’s too early in the stages to really determine anything.

Original Source: Asian Handicap Betting

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Japan U23 vs Honduras U23 Predictions

Japan will face Honduras in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group D branch at the Ricoh Arena, on Wednesday, August 1.

Japan Preview

Japan dominated their qualifying for this tournament with a defeat to Syria as the only bad apple. A 2-0 win over Bahrain was the game that guaranteed progression in a qualifying marathon that saw them score 17 goals in eight matches and concede six. Team coach Takashi Sekizuka took over in leading the team in 2010.

Honduras Preview

This is Honduras’ third time at the Olympics and they have qualified after winning three and losing two games at the Concacaf U23 Championships, the key match being the 3-2 triumph against El Salvador in the semi-finals before being conquered by Mexico in the finals. The offense is led by Roger Rojas and Eddie Hernandez. Nicknamed Los Catrachos, the team is headed by coach by Luis Fernando Suarez.

Japan U23 vs Honduras U23 Predictions: Japan wins 2-0

Japan has been doing well in the tournament, and they have recentlyy beaten Spain as well, 1-0. Japan is the obvious favorite, and believing that they’ll win this easily won’t be hard to swallow.

Original Source: Japan U23 vs Honduras U23

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Spain U23 vs Morocco U23 Predictions

Spain will face Morocco in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group D branch at the Old Trafford Park, on Wednesday, August 1.

Spain Preview

Despite the national and U21 sides doing well in recent competitions, Spain have not reached this stage in the Olympics for 12 years. In fact, it was their winning of last year’s Uefa U21 Championship that guaranteed them a place in the finals. Team coach is Luis Milla and key players include Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

Morocco Preview

Morocco has made it to this stage on six prior occasions but got past the group stage only once. They became part of Group D this time by reaching the finals of last year’s CAF African U23 Championship. However, in this championship, they lost to their rivals, Gabon. Team coach for the Moroccan team is Pim Verbeek from the Netherlands.

Spain U23 vs Morocco U23 Predictions: Draw 1-1

Both teams haven’t been performing as well for the past games. Morocco has a draw in its last, and Spain lost to Japan 0-1. Both teams seem to be a match so it’s likely a draw.

Original Source: Spain U23 vs Morocco U23

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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview:Mexico U23 vs Switzerland U23 Predictions

Mexico will face Switzerland in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group B branch at the City of Millenium Stadium in Cardiff on Wednesday, August 1.

Mexico Preview

The Mexicans are the top contenders for the Gold and dominated CONCACAF in qualifications. They are squad that is deep in all four zones and have extra firepower up top with the addition of superstar Giovanni Dos Santos. Look for Dos Santos to have a huge tournament as he has already proven himself with the senior club in a number of big tournaments. Marco Fabian is another one to keep an eye on as he has shown flashes of offensive brilliance in qualifying.

Switzerland Preview

The Swiss won their group with three wins in three games. They scored six goals in those matches and gave up no goals, a reminder of this team's incredible commitment to defense under Coach Tami Pierluigi. They followed it up with a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic before conceding their only two goals in a 2-0 loss to Spain. Goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, who has experience in the 2010 World Cup, will lend some experience to a rather youthful club. Switzerland is understandably on the rise.

Mexico U23 vs Switzerland U23 Predictions: Mexico Wins 3-1

Mexico is the obvious favorite. Switzerland may be able to score, but Mexico’s elite status in this tournament is no joke for any rising teams like the Swiss.

Original Source: Mexico U23 vs Switzerland U23

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Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: D.C. United vs Columbus Crew Predictions

Long-time Eastern Conference rivals and MLS Original Clubs, D.C. United and the Columbus Crew kick off the 2011 season by renewing acquaintances at RFK Stadium.

DC UNITED Preview

Since losing to the Crew 1-0 on July 21, D.C. (10-7-3, 33 pts.) has not seen any MLS action but did play a friendly against French club Paris Saint Germain on Saturday, July 28, to a 1-1 draw. This is the second of three matches between the clubs and D.C. will look to exact revenge on the loss suffered at Crew Stadium two weeks ago. D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius has earned a lot of headlines this season. After leading the club in scoring through the first half of 2012, the 25-year-old burst onto the national scene last week with an MVP-performance in the MLS All-Stars' 3-2 win over Chelsea.

Columbus Preview

The Crew (8-7-4, 28 pts.), is coming off three consecutive wins, including a 2-1 victory over Stoke City FC of the English Premier League, in a friendly on July 24, in which homegrown products Aaron Horton and Ben Speas tallied their first professional goals. The Black & Gold will look to carry this momentum into RFK Stadium on Saturday night to capture precious points to help it climb back into playoff contention.

D.C. United vs Columbus Crew Predictions: United 2-1 Over The Crew

This is the game D.C breaks out after a loss to the Crew almost 2 weeks ago. They are at home and United will be hungry for this payback win. This game will be a thriller

Original Source: D.C. United vs Columbus Crew