England :: Paraguay
ABC & Univision @ 8a
England have a powerful team and a lame duck manager. Strong defenders, amazing midfield, a little weak up front and in goal. Midfielders should step up to make finishes. Paraguay shouldn't really challenge.
My guess: England 2 - 0 Paraguay ENG 1 - 0 PAR
Trinidad & Tobago :: Sweden
ABC & Univision @ 11a
Look, I'm going to root for T&T just because they look like they enjoy the game. And Stern John is just a cool name. And they're from our confederation (CONCACAF). And there's that story of Papa Doc's cheating them out of qualifying in 1974. Okay, so they will be fortunate to score a goal in the tournament. Sweden have a decent squad and are expected to take second in Group B.
My guess: Trinidad & Tobago 1 - 2 Sweden TRI 0 - 0 SWE
Argentina :: Ivory Coast
ESPN2 & Univision @ 2p
Like Costa Rica up against Germany, the Ivory Coast will be relying on the counter against a quality front to back South American squad. Argentina have some wonderful players, but they don't seem to understand the game as anything but war. The beauty in their game is mostly in its clinical precision. Any joy in this one will come from the Elephants.
My guess: Argentina 3 - 2 Côte d' Ivoire ARG 2 - 1 CIV