Football Preview Pridiction Highlights

[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: 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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[zander]

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

[zander]

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

[zander]

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

[zander]

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

[zander]

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

[zander]

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

[zander]

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

[zander]

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

[zander]

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