World Cup predictions for today’s final Group G and Group H games featuring Spain, Brazil and Portugal

Anyone who watched Italy during this tournament probably had a sneaking suspicion they weren’t going to get very far; well done Paraguay, Slovakia and Japan; van Persie is warming up for the Dutch, who now have a relatively easy path to the semis and (possibly) a meeting with Spain. Talking of the Spanish, what are my predictions today?

Portugal v Brazil (Durban) 3pm

Brazil will definitely head the group if they draw or win today. Lose and the Portuguese leapfrog them into top spot. To qualify, the Ivory Coast need to score a hatful against the North Koreans and hope Brazil do the same to Portugal.

Brazil WIN

North Korea v Ivory Coast (Nelspruit) 3pm

Should be comfortable for Drogba and Co.

Ivory Coast WIN

Chile v Spain (Tshwane/Pretoria) 7.30pm

Chile just needs a draw to head the group. If that happens, and Switzerland beat Honduras in the other match, Spain would be out. If Spain and Switzerland both win, the group will be decided by goal difference, with Chile the likely losers. Chile and Spain will qualify if today’s matches are both draws.

Spain WIN

Switzerland v Honduras (Mangaung/Bloemfontein) 7.30pm

They did well to beat the Spanish but were outplayed by Chile. Can the Swiss roll Honduras over?

Prediction: Switzerland WIN

The World Cup Bafana Bafana 2010 prediction success rate after yesterday’s games: 20/44

So I didn’t successfully predict the outcome of a single game yesterday. I wonder if this octopus can do any better!