Tuesday 27 June 2006
Throughout the 2006 World Cup we'll be predicting each day's results - using Pro Evolution Soccer! We'll select the teams and let the game play out the action on its own, before posting a quick match report and the final, PES-predicted score.
2006 World Cup: Day 19
Match one: Brazil vs Ghana
The defending world champions are a goal in front within one minute, Ronaldinho stealing inside the Ghanaian box and delivering a crisp pass to Gilberto Silva who has all the time in the world to place his shot and score. Ghana recover well and begin putting pressure on Brazil's defenders. Amoah has a shot deflected and a Muntari strike is spilled by the Brazilian goalkeeper, but eventually cleared.
Ghana's clever passing continues in the second half and they look positive in attack but their defending is weak. Adriano finds plenty of room to let loose with a series of shots and Ronaldinho forces a fingertip save from the keeper with an accurate free kick. Finally, a collision between two defenders in the Ghanaian area leaves Gilberto Silva unmarked and free to pounce and claim his second goal.
PES predicts: Brazil 2, Ghana 0
Above: French substitute striker Louis Saha buries a volleyed strike in the dying moments of extra-time
Match two: Spain vs France
France open Spain up down the wings early on, but miss-hit their scoring chances and give Spain time to settle. It's a scrappy, pinball-like match, with neither side able to string together much in the way of passing or accurate deliveries to the strikers. Spain's best chance falls to Torres, but he fails to connect with Raul's superb whipped cross.
Spain's defending gets loose after half-time, and Henry finds himself clear of opposition but his lobbed shot is punched away by the keeper. But with extra-time winding down and penalties imminent, French substitute Saha collects a neat pass from Makelele in the Spanish box, flicks the ball up and volleys a magnificent strike into the top corner to put France through to the next round.
PES predicts: Spain 0, France 1
Previous matches
Day one,Day two,Day three,Day four,Day five,Day six,Day seven,Day eight,Day nine,Day 10,Day 11,Day 12,Day 13,Day 14,Day 15,Day 16,Day 17,Day 18
