ye have finally reached
e last group preview for
e World Cup. Group H is
Argentina, Croatia,
a pan, and Jamaica.
fhe two-time champion
Sentine squad struggled
pugh much of qualify-
ng before picking up
eir play over the last
pw games. Like a phoe-
ix from the ashes of a
yar-torn country, Croatia
us risen to the World's
gest sporting stage.
pok for the Croatians to
© in tough in this group.
he Jamaicans ripped
pugh the CONCACAF
nalifying group. Their
yorst defeat in qualifying
me at the hands of
pup Winner Mexico (6-
in April of °97, but in
e return leg of the
pme-and-home they held
exico to a seoreless
w. This is Japan’s first
orld Cup, and their
icket was punched to
ance only aiter a “win-
d-youw’re-in” game
Sainst Tram.

s we do not have the
me or the space to bring
pu complete playoff
pverage, we offer you

r final four predictions.
e will pick the semi-
malists and the cham-
on. hopefully satisfying
ur desire to find out

ho will win the World
up (in our minds any-
ay).

he first semi-final kicks
fin Marseilles on July
with the second semi-
nal following June 8, in

Denis. The World Cup
ampionship game will

held on July 12, at the
pw 30.000 seat Stade de
ance in St. Denis. Who
ll be the next holder of
¢ Coup de Monde? Only
ne and afew well

aced penalty kicks will
Hi.

sports@op

Hamish’s Predictions

Argentina (7) x

The Argentines win this group because their opponents are all competing in their
first World Cup. After struggling through a tough qualifying group, Argentina finds
itself in the dominator role it held during the late 80s and early 90s. Now that the
Argentinean squad does not have to deal with the constant distraction of now-
retired/indicted, Diego Maradona they should be able to focus on crushing their
opponents instead of being crushingly embarrassed by another Maradona arrest.

Croatia (18) x

The Croatians are far and away the most experienced of the three World Cup
virgins in this group. Led by midfielder Aljosa Asanovic and forward Davor Suker,
Croatia should easily beat out Jamaica and Japan for second place and a spot in the
round of 16. As this is the first World Cup for the Croatians, they probably won't
advance past the second round, but will be a team to be reckoned with in the
future.

Japan (9)

While Japan is far from a recognized world power, their performance leading up to
the World Cup has been very impressive. The Japanese squad went through
qualifying on cruise control, their only loss a 2-1 defeat at the hands of fellow
World Cuppers, South Korea. Defender Masami Ihara and forward Kazuyoshi
Miura brought Japan into the World Cup, and possibly into the second round if
they can get past Croatia on June 20.

Jamaiea (33)

While they hold their own against the generally weak teams of CONCACAF,
Jamaica has yet to prove that they are a player on the international stage. Jamaica
finishes last simply because their players are not used to the tough European style of
play that will dominate the World Cup. Most of Jamaica’s players play in the
Jamaican professional league, which is just a small step up from the Vancouver 86ers
A-League, and as such they are totally unprepared for what awaits them on the
world soccer scene.

 

Henson,

  

SORTA RYE ALERIAC LOOSE LESEAD ODES AO UES H DSP

FRANCE 9S

Cites Fi ROME

 

de

Hamish’s Predictions

Brazil (1) vs. Netherlands (6)

This should be a hard fought affair, with Ronaldo and Romario streaking through
the Dutch back lines and Orange goalkeeper Ed de Goey (presuming he’s the
starter) trying to stop everything thrown at him. Holland should win this game in a
shoot-out as regulation time should expire with the score knotted a zero. The reason
the Dutch squeak past Brazil is that if Brazil can be beaten by the US (even if it was
a fluke), they can be beaten by a world power.

Winner: Netherlands

Germany (2) vs. Denmark (26)

Something will be rotten in the state of France if Germany does not win this game.
The Danes will have a more difficult road to the semis, and therefore should be ripe
for the German attack. The Danes will try to rely on their new attacking style of
play but the German defense, led by steady Jurgen Kohler, should brush aside the
Danish advancements and move on to the championship.

Winner: Germany

Germany (2) vs. Netherlands (6)

An all-Europe final will be very refreshing. Hopefully the field will be very wet,
leading to not only some very dirty players, but also the kind of mistakes that cause
a team to lose a championship. The biggest match up of the day should involve
German defenseman Jurgen Kohler against Dutch forward Dennis Bergkamp. If the
Hollander can get the best of his German opponent, the Netherlands could be
celebrating its first ever World Cup. However, if the Orange let Jurgen Klinsmann
and his mates in the forward corps run wild, Germany will taste victory for a fourth
time.

Champion: Germany

     

The new Stade de France in St. Denis. The final will be played here on July 12, 1998.

~ World Cup

Homan’s Predictions

Argentina (7) x

Argentina will easily win this group because the rest of the teams in the group don't
have any experience playing in the World Cup. The Argentine coach, Daniel
Paserella, has decided to change his mind and decided to let the players have sex
during the World Cup. The players will be nice and relaxed when it is game time.
The main weakness that Argentina has is their goalkeepers are inexperienced.
Argentina’ best finish in the World Cup was the championship in 1978 and 1986.

Jamaica (33) x

I'm picking the “Reggae Boyz” to get second place in this group. I’m basing this
prediction on instinct. The teams in this group will underestimate Jamaica's skill.
Goalkeeper Warren Barret is their most experienced player; he has 115 caps.
Jamaica’s defense is led by Linval Dixon, who has 91 caps. The midfield is led by
Theodore Whitmore, the forwards are led by Deon Burton. This is Jamaica’s first
ever World Cup.

Croatia (18)

This is also Croatia's first ever World Cup. Croatia has an inexperienced team when
they go to France. Their goalkeeper will most likely be Drazen Ladic and their
defense by Slaven Bilic. Their midfield will be led by Aljosa Asanovic and theie
forwards by Davor Suker and Alen Boksic. Croatia made it to the World Cup by
beating the Ukraine in the playoffs.

Japan (9)

Japan’s ranking is way too high. This is also Japan’s first World Cup appearance.
Masayuki Okano scored in overtime, beating Iran in the playoff game, to make it to
the World Cup. Their strength is team speed. The Japanese might have the fastest
team in the World Cup. Their weakness is not playing well in big games. Their
main threat is forward Tasashi Hirano and Brazilian-born Wagner Lopes. Japan’s
most experienced player is defender Masami Ihara who has 110 caps.

x- Advances to the Round of 16
FIFA Rankings in parentheses (as of March 18, 1998)

Seal

  
 

Homan’s Prediction

Brazil (1) vs. Netherlands (6)

This is going to be the best match of the World Cup. These teams met in the
quarter-finals in 1994 with Brazil winning 3-2. Both of these teams are stacked in
every position. This will be an offensive bonanza. I believe Brazil is going to beat
Netherlands because Brazil is the best team in the World. Brazil beat Germany 2-1
in Germany a couple of weeks ago. Brazil will win the game by one goal.

Winner: Brazil

Germany (2) vs. France (14)

If these two teams don’t meet in the semi-finals there should be an investigation.
Germany will make the semi-finals with their team defense and their skill up front.
France will make it to the semi-finals based upon pure heart. They are the host
nation and the fans will be rooting them to victory. This — unlike the Brazil-
Netherlands game — will be a defensive showdown. France will win in a low
scoring game

Winner: France

Brazil (1) vs. France (14)

Brazil will be in the final for the second straight World Cup. This will be the first
final for the French. I believe France will play the same strategy that Italy played
during the last World Cup. France will focus on defense and they could win the
game with one goal. If Brazil connects on the many opportunities that they will
have, Brazil will have no problem beating France. Not even the partisan supporters
will help the French in the Final. :
Champion: Brazil

 

The Other Press April 1998 9