Football Preview Pridiction Highlights

[zander]

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Houston Dynamo vs New York Red Bulls Predictions

MLS Soccer fans have something to look forward to in an epic match up against the number 1 Red Bulls Vs Number 2 Dynamo.

Houston Preview

I strongly believe it is the most meaningful game in Houston since the Texans-Bengals playoff game in January. Personally, I can't think of another game in this city where so much has been on the line since that NFL playoff game. The game will be played in front of a sellout crowd with a national TV audience tuning in (NBC Sports Network).

First-place is at stake, along with our seven-game unbeaten streak, our four-game winning streak and our unbeaten record at home.

It is also the first of two games versus New York. We travel to Red Bull Arena the following Friday for the second of a very unusual home-and-home series.

These are critical points in the Eastern Conference race with only 12 games to play.

New York Preview

The New York Red Bulls fell to the Tottenham Hotspur Tuesday night in the Barclays New York Cup Powered by Under Armour by the final of 2-1.

The Red Bulls opened up the scoring early in the eighth minute courtesy of a Kenny Cooper penalty kick. The opportunity presented itself courtesy of newcomer Tim Cahill, who in his debut drew the foul following a strong drive into the box in what was his first run on goal in a Red Bulls jersey. Cahill remained a constant buzz in the offensive zone throughout the first 45 minutes leading up to his halftime substitution.

New York entered the half holding onto a 1-0 lead, but Tottenham turned things around in the final 45 on goals from Gareth Bale (59') and Gylfi Sigurdsson (64').

Goalkeeper Bill Gaudette registered a number of impressive saves throughout the match to keep New York in the race for a win, including a 12th minute save off Bale's free kick, a stellar save off a Tom Huddleston rocket in the 16th minute and a point blank stop of an Aaron Lennon shot in the 54th minute.

Houston Dynamo vs New York Red Bulls Predictions: Houston 2-1 Over New York

This is the game the Dynamos need and the game they will take over 1st place with. Though it will be tough and a highly anticipated game to watch Houston will take this 1st game.

Original Source: Houston Dynamo vs New York Red Bulls

[zander]

London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Mexico U23 vs Senegal Predictions

Mexico U23 Preview

Striker Oribe Peralta combined with Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos to score the only goal of the game against Switzerland on Wednesday and secure a place for Mexico in the Olympic men's soccer quarterfinals. Mexico's goal came at 69 minutes after sustained Mexican pressure. Dos Santos dribbled at the Swiss defense and then laid the ball on to Peralta, who fired a powerful shot to the right of the Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio.

Mexican defense that has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Senegal U23 Preview

Senegal is lead by Moussa Konate, who is leading the race for the golden boot, and the Mexican defense needs to be careful. He has a nose for goals, and he can finish in front of the net. Individually, he isn't the most creative or dangerous player on the pitch. Senegal has conceded two goals in the tournament, which is respectable. But Mexico has a 270-minute clean sheet so far. Both teams have played well in the back, but Mexico has been slightly better.

Mexico U23 vs Senegal Predictions: Mexico 3-0 over Senegal

Look for Mexico to be aggressive and press 80 yards from their own goal.Though Senegal were incredibly physical in the group stage, and that should continue but, I look for stud Giovani dos Santos to carve them down on them with a full head of steam. Plus Mexico’s defense is super stingy having yet to concede a goal in the tournament

Original Source: Mexico U23 vs Senegal

[zander]

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

Japan U23 Preview

A late winner from Kensuke Nagai gave Japan a 1-0 win over Morocco at St James' Park to ensure their place in the quarter-finals.

Nagai lobbed home with just seven minutes remaining, after racing onto a clever flicked pass from Hiroshi Kiyotake, giving the Blue Samurai a deserved win against a Moroccan side lacking any punch or penetration. Takashi Sekizuka's side, outstanding on the counter-attack in their surprise victory over Spain - when they really should have won by more than just the single goal - struggled to trouble the Moroccans in the opening 35 minutes, but almost took the lead when Yuki Otsu curled a splendid 25-yard effort just wide.

Egypt U23 Preview

Egypt U23 is showing the world they came to play football. Coming off of a statement win over Belrus 3-1 and played a poor 1st half against Brazil but, put up a strong fight in the 2nd half they ended up losing 3-2. Therefore, African team will be focusing their efforts to win the full 3 points and pass the first round. And the door of their victory is high, because current form of the Belarus U23 is pretty terrible with 3 defeats in the closest 4 matches.

In the nearest 9 games of Egypt U23 had the goal is scored in the first half. In the last two matches of Belarus, the goal is also scored in the first 45 minutes.

Japan U23 vs Egypt U23 Predictions: Egypt 3-2 over Japan

This game will be a shoot out . I think Egypt showed us all against Brazil that they can compete. Egypt will control the tempo for most of this game. Look for Egypt to strike first but, make no mistake about it Japan will put up a fight

Original Source: Japan U23 vs Egypt U23

[zander]

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: New England Revolution vs Sporting Kansas City Predictions

Sporting K.C. heads off to the East Coast to face the Revolution on the 4th of August at the Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachussets.

Sporting Kansas City Preview

Having grabbed a number three spot in the Eastern Conference, Sporting Kansas City looks to be in good shape. In the overall Power Rankings, Sporting is at number six, that’s including all the teams from both the Eastern and the Western Conference. With twenty two games so far in the season, the boys from Kansas City managed to acquire a total of 37 points from eleven wins, four draws, and seven losses.

Now they will go up against the New England Revolution in home turf. A team with this type of attacking talent shouldn't struggle to score goals at home but that was an overstatement as proven last July 21 when the game ended in a draw. Despite the fact that Sporting managed to maintain their Eastern standing, the team’s last five games was far from spectacular having loss three and ending at a tie on two games. They need to step up their offense this time around.

New England Revolution Preview

The Revolution seems much like a wayward group having something like two goals in four matches. They really need to step up their element of attack and utilize strong players in their line-up like predator Jerry Bengston. At number nine in the Eastern Conference with a total of 23 points out of 21 games with six wins, five draws, and ten defeats, the New England Revolution needs to practice more attack and less slack. Despite an unfortunate string of losses and a less then outstanding ranking, the wayward Revs held off pretty well against Sporting during their last match up. A tight defense can go a long way but an even stronger offense can lead a team to victory.

New England Revolution vs Sporting Kansas City Predictions: Draw 0-0

It’s much safer to say that a draw is more of a probability. Sporting with their string of bad games and the Revolution with their less than desirable track record. But I would have to say that if the tides do tip to oneside, it would definitely have to go the Kansas City.

Original Source: New England Revolution vs Sporting Kansas City

[zander]

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Portland Timbers vs FC Dallas Predictions

Portland Timbers and FC Dallas will both battling again up the Western Conference when the teams meet for the third time this season at Portland’s Jeld-Wen Field on Sunday. FC Dallas previously massacred Portland 5-0 in their previous game. Before that, their first encounter in this season witnessed a 1-1 draw in Frisco in March.

Portland Timbers Preview

The Portland Timbers is having a bad streak, losing 5-3 to LA Galaxy on July 15, falling 1-0 to Chivas USA on July 19, massacred by Dallas 5-0 on July 22, and nailed to the wall again by Chivas 1-0 on July 29.

FC Dallas Preview

FC Dallas is doing fairly, though not as good. They have let the San Jose Earthquakes escape with a 2-1 win at Buck Shaw Stadium on July 19, after only managing a draw in their previous game. They also lost to LA Galaxy in their most recent game. They do have a win over Colorado, and was able to massacre their current opponent, Portland 5-0.

Portland Timbers vs FC Dallas Predictions: FC Dallas wins 3-1

Portland may want revenge, but the odds aren’t on their side. This game goes to Dallas, both based on their previous battle, as well as overall recent performances against other teams in the league.

Original Source: Portland Timbers vs FC Dallas

[zander]

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy Predictions

Seattle Sounders FC and LA Galaxy will engage in battle in the Major League when the teams meet for this season at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field on Sunday. Seattle previously won over LA Galaxy 2-0 in their previous game.

Seattle Sounders Preview

Seattle Sounders FC and LA Galaxy will engage in battle in the Major League when the teams meet for this season at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field on Sunday. Seattle previously won over LA Galaxy 2-0 in their previous game. Seattle Sounders FC and LA Galaxy will engage in battle in the Major League when the teams meet for this season at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field on Sunday. Seattle previously won over LA Galaxy 2-0 in their previous game.

LA Galaxy Preview

LA Galaxy has been doing well. They have no recent losses, on any official fixtures or friendlies. These were 3 wins and 2 draws. However, they did lose against their current opponent (the Sounders) last time.

Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy Predictions: Seattle Sounders wins 2-1

Through the years, their head to head matches seem to be dominated by LA Galaxy. However, Seattle seems to have the upper hand in their recent conflicts. This game, like the previous one won by the former, will also be held in Seattle’s home field. For a match like this, the home gets the advantage.

Original Source: Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy

[zander]

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC Predictions

The Fire and TFC square off at Bridgeview, Illinois’ Toyota Park on the 5th of August.

Chicago Preview

The Fire has seen better days, with their five last games bringing in only one victory, against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The rest is three losses and one draw. Nevertheless, Chicago Fire has maintained a standing in the Eastern Conference with in the top five circle, #5 to be exact. They have accumulated a total of 32 points out of twenty one games with nine wins, five draws, and seven losses.

The Fire returns home after earning a point against the league-leading San Jose Earthquakes in a 1-1 draw at Buck Shaw Stadium last July 28. Chicago holds a 5-3-2 all-time regular season advantage over Toronto FC.

Toronto Preview

Toronto FC has recently dropped their last game 2-0 to the Houston Dynamo last Saturday, July 28.With a current Eastern Conference ranking at number nine racking in a total of 23 points out of twenty one games including a season record of six wins, ten defeats, and five draws, the TFC has a long way to go especially against the Chicago Fire who has never lost to TFC at home with a 2-0-3 record in matches played at Toyota Park.

However, Toronto has seen better of recent when compared to the Chicago Fire. Their five previous games racked in three victories with only one loss and one draw. This is better than the Fire’s recent five games.

Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC Predictions: Chicago 2-1
Although Chicago is a favourite in this match-up, we got to give TFCatleast a point. They are after all fighting for consistency.

Original Source: Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC

[zander]

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake Predictions

Real Salt Lake square off with Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado on the 4th of August.

Colorado Rapids Preview

The season is pretty much over for the Colorado Rapids after dropping every single point in July, almost all of said points were against their Western Conference competition.The Rapids have already been knocked out of every cup competition except for the MLS Cup, and the playoffs seem like it’s a thousand years away as well. So it’s not an overstatement to say that this upcoming match-up with Real Salt Lake may just be the most important game of the season for the Colorado team. The Rocky Mountain Cup is pretty much the only thing that the Rapids can accomplish this season and they will be going against the second best team in the league. It’s like pitting a pinscher against a pit bull.

Basically, to keep themselves in the RMC they'll need to get at least a point out of Salt Lake. Maybe using the diamond 4-4-2 formation will be effective against RSL. It sure did the Rapids some good against Portland.

Real Salt Lake Preview

Salt Lake remains in contention for the MLS Supporters' Shield, which goes to the year's best regular-season team. They have the second highest ranking in the league and that’s with both the Western and the Eastern Conference combined. In the West alone, Real Salt Lake stands at number two with just two points behind the San Jose Earthquakes. Racking in a total of 42 point with just twenty games played so far this season, RSL is a force to be reckoned with.

Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake Predictions: Real Salt Lake 4-0

There’s really no need to explain this prediction. Every proof is already written in paper.

Original Source: Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake

[zander]

London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Korea Republic U23 vs Brazil U23 Predictions

Korea Republic U23 Preview

Korea Republic looks to prove to the world why they belong with the elite. Mexico and South Korea may have ended their opening Olympic game knotted in a 0-0 tie, but the game certainly wasn't lacking for intrigue.

The Koreans were relentless, pressing Mexico high up the pitch and dominating the early play. But Mexico played solid defense of its own and started developing some creativity in the attack when star player Giovani Dos Santos finally made an appearance in the second half.

South Korea probably deserved the win, but give Mexico credit for keeping them off the score sheet.

Brazil U23 Preview

Brazil narrowly escaped with a 3-2 victory over 10-man Honduras on Saturday, twice coming from behind to advance to the semifinals of the men's Olympic soccer tournament.

Honduras got goals early in each half but couldn't hold on as the Brazilians played with an extra man from the 33rd minute after defender Wilmer Crisanto was sent off with two yellow cards just a minute apart.

Leandro Damiao scored the winner in the 60th minute after clearing a defender near the penalty spot after a pass from Neymar.

Earlier, Mario Martinez put Honduras ahead in the 12th minute before Damiao equalized in the 38th. Roger Espinoza then gave Honduras the lead again in the 48th, but Neymar evened the score by converting a penalty kick in the 50th and Damiao kept Brazil on track for its first Olympic gold medal 10 minutes later.

Korea Republic U23 vs Brazil U23 Predictions: Korea Republic Over Brazil 2-1

Yes, This North Korean team is legit and will do the unthinkable by beating powerhouse Brazil. North Korea has a solid balance attack on offense and will really keep Brazil on their heels. This will be a thriller

Original Source: Korea Republic U23 vs Brazil U23

[zander]

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

Mexico U23 Preview

The Mexico soccer team flexed their muscles in a one-sided 1-0 victory over Switzerland on Wednesday in the final match for both teams in Group B play at the 2012 Olympics

Mexico will advance to the knockout round for the first time since 1996 after registering seven points in Group B.

There was no question who the better team was throughout this match. Mexico dominated the time of possession battle and at times seemed almost too patient. They were seeking the perfect opportunity to strike and found it in the 69th minute on a beautiful goal by Oribe Peralta Morones.With rain steadily pouring for large stretches of the match, the field was a tad sloppy, and the passing of both teams wasn’t crisp. It certainly won’t go down as one of the most thrilling matches ever, but Mexico did what they had to do.

Japan U23 Preview

Japan is showing the world why they belong in the semis. They came off of a stunning victory over powerhouse Spain defeating them 1-0 . Japan ran out shock a 1-0 winner over 10-man Spain in the Olympic Group D fixture at Hampden Park in Glasgow, courtesy of a goal in the 34th minute from Yuki Otsu following some questionable defending from Martin Montoya.

Kensuke Nagai and Hiroshi Kiyotake could have made it a more comfortable win for Takashi Sekizuka's side as both wasted good chances either side of halftime, but Spain struggled to trouble Shuichi Gonda in the Japan goal, particularly after Inigo Martinez's sending-off at the end of the first half. Despite Spain's dominance of possession in the first 25 minutes, Japan looked dangerous on the break and grew in confidence as the half wore on, with lone front-man Kensuke Nagai in particular proving a handful for the La Roja defense.

Mexico U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions: Mexico 2-0 Over Japan

Japan’s Cindrella story ends here. Mexico’s attack will be too much for team Japan to hold with their brilliant defense it’s just going to be to tough for Japan. I see Mexico controlling most of the time during the game

Original Source: Mexico U23 vs Japan U23

[zander]

London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Korea Republic U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions

Japan will now play South Korea to try to match the bronze medal from 1968 in Mexico City.

Korea Preview

Korea put up a heck of a fight in the semis against Brazil. But the Brazilians who struggled early against South Korea at Old Trafford before taking control of the match after defensive midfielder Romulo opened the scoring with a low shot from inside the area following a pass by playmaker Oscar in the 38th minute.

Damiao scored twice in the 57th and 64th to seal the victory and become the tournament's leading goal scorer with six goals, surpassing Senegal's Moussa Konate.

"We had difficulties in the beginning of the match but the goal came at the right moment and we were able to slowly regain control," Menezes said. "What matters the most is that we got our fifth straight win and reached our goal to make it to the final."

Japan Preview

Japan came out swinging against powerhouse and heavily favored Mexico.Mexico escaped and got the win on Tuesday thanks to a swerving long-rage strike by Oribe Peralta in the 65th, breaking a deadlock after Japan opened the scoring with a shot by Yuki Otsu in the 12th and Marco Fabian headed in a corner for Mexico's equalizer in the 31st. Javier Cortes scored the third goal deep in second-half injury time. In the final minute Peralta then released Javier Cortes down the right with a clever backheel and the substitute held off the defence before squeezing his shot beneath Shuichi Gonda in the Japanese goal.

"That's just it, we are 90 minutes away from history," Mexico defender Carlos Salcido said. "That is the way we are looking at it."

Korea Republic U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions: Japan 2-1 Over Korea

Japan though they lost proved to the world that they are a team to reckon with .They have a fast offensive attack that Korea will have a hard time with.

Original Source: Korea Republic U23 vs Japan U23

[zander]

English Premier League 2012 Preview : Arsenal vs Sunderland Predictions

Arsenal look to unleash new pick up Santi Cazorla against Sunderland FC.

Arsenal Preview

Arsenal have strengthened their midfield with the acquisition of Spaniard Santi Cazorla from troubled La Liga side Malaga, the latest player from the world and European champions to make the move to the English Premier League. "Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Spain international Santi Cazorla has joined the club on a long-term contract," Arsenal said on their website. All this did was beef up Arsenal. They now posses possibly the best core of mid fielders in the Premier League.

Sunderland Preview

Martin O'Neill will step up his striker search this week after watching his Sunderland side draw another pre-season blank.

Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat against Swedish champions Helsingborgs marked the third time in four friendly outings that the Wearsiders have failed to find the net.

And it showed just why O’Neill is so desperate to bring in more firepower before the big Premier League kick-off in a fortnight’s time.

Teenager Connor Wickham joined Sunderland last summer but is yet to live up to his £8m pricetag, and he wasted the Black Cats’ best chance against the Swedes.

The half-time sub had only been on the pitch for three minutes when he collected a clever pass from Fraizer Campbell inside the box, but he took an extra touch when he had only the goalkeeper to beat and that allowed defender Emil Krafth to get in a vital block.

Helsingborgs had already proved a threat in the first half, with Sunderland keeper Keiran Westwood working overtime to keep out efforts from Kaka and Krafth, while Kieran Richardson also made a goalline clearance.

Arsenal vs Sunderland Predictions: Arsenal 2-0 over Sunderland

With the combination of a strong offensive attack from Arsenal and the lack of scoring from Sunderland this is a no brainer. Arsenal will control this game from beginning to end. New pick up Cazorli will make an impact on this game.

Original Source: Arsenal vs Sunderland

[zander]

English Premier League 2012 Preview: Fulham vs Norwich City Predictions

Fulham FC looks to continue their streak in the Premier League against Norwich.

Fulham Preview

Fulham goes into the Premier League coming off of a 1-0 win over the Dons.Fulham though forced the first save of the game when Marcello Trotta twisted and turned in the box before firing a low effort on goal, which David Martin could only throw a leg at to keep out. Hugo Rodallega couldn’t direct his header from the resulting corner.

From there though, it was fairly one-way traffic, as the Premier League boys began to flex their muscles, dominating possession and pinning Dons back into their own half. Hugo Rodallega made an immediate impact for Fulham by notching a late winner in their penultimate pre-season friendly at MK Dons.

Norwich City Preview

The Canaries’ penultimate warm-up match, against Championship side Hull City at the KC Stadium, ended goalless, as did their trip to Milton Keynes four days earlier.

While there has been a reassuringly solid look about the defence in City’s domestic friendlies, with just one goal conceded in five matches, they have not found the net since Anthony Pilkington’s seventh-minute free-kick against Ajax at Carrow Road, a total of 263 minutes without scoring.

Five different strikers took the field for the Canaries against the Tigers, but four of them played only the final 20 minutes as part of the mass substitutions so frequent in pre-season friendlies.

Skipper Grant Holt had a couple of half-chances in the opening period, but there were few openings for either side and both goalkeepers could have taken a good book with them for the quieter moments, of which there were many.

Manager Chris Hughton made nine changes from the team that started the goalless draw at MK Dons.

Fulham vs Norwich City Predictions: Fulham Over Norwich 1-0

Fulham FC is the bottom line better team with a much more solid attack on offense and good enough defense to hold off Norwich.

Original Source: Fulham vs Norwich City

[zander]

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake Predictions

Real Salt Lake square off with Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado on the 4th of August.

Colorado Rapids Preview

The season is pretty much over for the Colorado Rapids after dropping every single point in July, almost all of said points were against their Western Conference competition.The Rapids have already been knocked out of every cup competition except for the MLS Cup, and the playoffs seem like it’s a thousand years away as well. So it’s not an overstatement to say that this upcoming match-up with Real Salt Lake may just be the most important game of the season for the Colorado team. The Rocky Mountain Cup is pretty much the only thing that the Rapids can accomplish this season and they will be going against the second best team in the league. It’s like pitting a pinscher against a pit bull.

Basically, to keep themselves in the RMC they'll need to get at least a point out of Salt Lake. Maybe using the diamond 4-4-2 formation will be effective against RSL. It sure did the Rapids some good against Portland.

Real Salt Lake Preview

Salt Lake remains in contention for the MLS Supporters' Shield, which goes to the year's best regular-season team. They have the second highest ranking in the league and that’s with both the Western and the Eastern Conference combined. In the West alone, Real Salt Lake stands at number two with just two points behind the San Jose Earthquakes. Racking in a total of 42 point with just twenty games played so far this season, RSL is a force to be reckoned with.

Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake Predictions: Real Salt Lake 4-0

There’s really no need to explain this prediction. Every proof is already written in paper.

Original Source: Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake

[zander]

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

QPR and Swansea City look for a much needed win in the Premier League.

Brazil Preview

Brazil edged closer to their dream of an Olympic football title yesterday, easing into a final showdown with Mexico after a comfortable 3-0 victory over South Korea.

The Brazilians, bronze medallists in Beijing four years ago, booked their place in Saturday’s showpiece match at Wembley after two goals from Leandro and Romulo ended the South Koreans involvement in the tournament. The opening goal came for Brazil on 38 minutes from Vasco Da Gama defender Romulo after South Korea’s Ki Sung-Yueng was dispossessed in midfield.

Oscar surged forward deep into South Korean territory before feeding Romulo whose shot at the near post slipped under goalkeeper Lee Bum-Young.

Brazil all but made the game safe 12 minutes into the second half with a cleverly worked goal.

Marcelo suddenly quickened Brazil’s tempo and found Neymar inside the area, cutting the ball back to Leandro who drilled his low shot beyond Lee.

Leandro then bagged his second of the night seven minutes later, deftly toe-poking his effort into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.

Mexico Preview

Mexico has been stellar since this whole tournament began not just on their offensive attack but more important on their defense. At one point, Mexico went 300 minutes without conceding a goal in the Olympics until Senegal broke that streak last weekend. Against Japan, Mexico advanced to the first Olympic football final in their history after coming from behind to defeat Asian giants Japan 3-1.

Japan, who had helped eliminate highly rated Spain in the first round, appeared set to emulate their female counterparts by reaching the final after Yuki Otsu fired them into a Mexico advanced to the first Olympic football final in their history after coming from behind to defeat Asian giants Japan 3-1. Mexico will continue its stifling defense in the finally against Brazil .

Brazil U23 vs Mexico U23 Predictions: Mexico 3-2

This will be a classic of a high powered offense that comes from Brazil against Mexico stifling defense. They say defense wins championships and that’s why Im going with Mexico in this one.

Original Source: Brazil U23 vs Mexico U23