Pitch Itch Predicts

Here are some quick thoughts on the eve of the play-offs for the final World Cup spots:

Greece-Ukraine
Ukraine clearly has the better squad but Greece are capable of getting results because of their organization and superb game planning. I am fairly certain Ukraine will go through but the first leg I see ending in a draw, maybe 1-1.

Slovenia-Russia
Of all the European series this is the easiest to pick. Russia will cruise to South Africa. If they hadn't been in a group with Germany they would probably be qualified already. Slovenia are not a bad side and can take comfort in making it this far but knocking off the Russians is extremely unlikely. Saturday's game will probably be 3-0 or so.

Portugal-Bosnia
At first glance you might think Portugal are a good bet to go through but it might not be that simple. They are probably still the favorite but take into consideration they will be without Cristiano Ronaldo for at least the first leg, that Carlos Quieroz is a brilliant football mind but a mediocre head coach, and that the team underwhelmed in qualifying and are only here due to the simultaneous collapse of Hungary and Sweden and it looks like Bosnia has a chance. I will say they Lisbon with a draw and Bosnia wins the second leg.

Ireland-France
This could easily be an upset with Ireland knocking off the runners-up of the previous World Cup. France are overloaded with talent but are burdened with an unbelievably cumbersome coach that severely hampers their ability. Ireland are not nearly as talented but do have some skill players in key spots, always come out and play hard from start to finish, and get a hand from Trappatoni on the bench. I am going to say they win the first leg 1-0 then... who knows.

Costa Rica-Uruguay
Here in North America the prevailing line of thought is that this will be a close series and Costa Rica may sneak through. I strongly disagree. Uruguay are in another class. Costa Rica get some respect by being the third best team in Concacaf, but when you think about it that doesn't really say too much. They do have a good record at home but they rarely play tough opponents. Uruguay's squad is not terribly deep but it does include some elite players like Diego Forlan (top scorer in any European league last year) and Luis Suarez (reigning Dutch golden boot). I see a huge gulf in quality as well as tenacity between the two sides. Maybe 2-1 in Costa Rica and then a comfortable Uruguayan win in Montevideo.