Fired Up, but Focused

The WC is cruising along and I'm missing it (pesky work thing!). But we (me) here at Helltown just needs the numbers, baby. At least I keep telling myself that.

North Korea v. Brazil.

On the surface? A crazy result. But dig below that first level and you'll see it is not. You could say; "Brazil has won 64 games in the WC and North Korea just 1". You could say; "Brazil - 201 goals scored... N. Korea - 5". But wait! It's what happens on the field when you are there is what matters! N. Korea averages 1.25 goals in those few games... Brazil 2.18. Brazil allows .91 goals a game... N. Korea: 2.25. Final score was Brazil 2 / N. Korea 1. History was in control here.

Hindsight is 20/20 though. It's easy for me to state that after the fact. I've already missed the Algeria v Slovenia result (which will haunt me).

Cote d'lvoire v Portugal was a semi surprising result, but again their combined goals for was even (1.7 goals per for both), but that doesn't cancel out. The Ivory Coast allows a couple goals per game verse Portugal's stingy 1.11. The Ivory Coast defense did something unexpected and special. That said, goal scoring is a little down this year for what ever reason. At least early on.

So what about tomorrow? Shall I step out onto a limb and predict because I'm acting like a know it all? Wait... what's that I hear???

Honduraaaaaasssssss!!!! v Chile.

What's the line. First up. Low scoring. Chile averages 1.24 goals a game verses .67 for Honduraaaassss! Same story on goals against. Chile allows 1.6 (about the WC median) v. 1.0 for Honduraaaaasssss! So... bottom line. Both struggle with scoring a bit and Honduraaaaassss! can't make up enough in offense. If it isn't a nil nil tie it will be 1-0 one way or another. The chances of one team scoring two are slim, however, I will qualify with the relative inexperience of Honduraaaaasssss!

What I am saying is that it is highly unlikely that Honduras will score more then one goal. If they do? I'll declare a national Honduras day here in Columbus.

Okay. Honduras has never won a WC game, but they are due... I know it. I just do. My heart tells me so.

Would I like either Honduras or Chile playing a European team in their first game? Yes. I'm pulling for both of them as I am Uruguay and Paraguay. Little Paraguay. I'm pulling for them all.