PES predicts: Days nine and 10

2006 World Cup: Day 10

Match one: Japan vs Croatia

An uneventful first half sees just one chance on goal. Japan break through on goal, but can't find the vital finish to put a strike past the Croatian keeper. For 35 minutes the second half is just as drab, until Croatia's Prso turns up the tempo, having two brilliant shots turned away in under a minute. And when Croatia win a corner in extra time, Prso is there again to jump clear of the defenders and slam home the winner for his country.

PES predicts: Japan 0, Croatia1


Match two: Brazil vs Australia

Brazil are in control from the off, passing it easily around and finding space, but are ultimately unable to break down an impressive looking Australian defence. And, as the time runs out, Brazil begin to look rushed and desperate while Australia look increasingly dangerous on the counterattack.

Australia can't find enough skill to put their chances away, though, and are muscled off the ball. But with Brazil unable to find a break through the last chance of the game falls to the Aussies. A terrible tackle from Emerson gives Australia a free kick, which is played accurately into Kewell, who is denied a fantastic goal by Dida's dramatic save.

PES predicts: Brazil 0, Australia 0

Above: A clumsy clearance by France leaves DH Kim clear to win the game for South Korea

Match three: France vs South Korea

South Korea's pace gives France a few scares in the first half but the Korean players can't get clear to receive the ball inside the French box. A counterattack by France almost puts them ahead before half-time but, despite clearing the defence, Malouda can only strike his shot into the keeper's gloves.

France block some nice attacking moves by Korea but can't offer any threat of their own at the other end. With full time approaching, South Korea look to up the pressure by pinging long balls into the French box and, finally, they get the breakthrough - Abidal fumbles a headed clearance for France and DH Kim leaves his marker standing to blast the loose ball past the keeper and into the goal.

PES predicts: France 0, South Korea 1


Previous matches

Day one,Day two,Day three,Day four,Day five,Day six,Day seven,Day eight

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Ben Richardson is a former Staff Writer for Official PlayStation 2 magazine and a former Content Editor of 12DOVE. In the years since Ben left GR, he has worked as a columnist, communications officer, charity coach, and podcast host – but we still look back to his news stories from time to time, they are a window into a different era of video games.