PES predicts: Day 14

Thursday 22 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 14

Match one: Czech Republic vs Italy

It's a feisty start to this match with both teams willing to push forward and go for goals. The Czech Republic find the back of the net first, with Stajner climbing high to power a header into the Italian goal. But some great passing leads to Gilardino stealing through on the right for Italy and lashing a shot past the keeper to equalise. But with an abundance of chances in the second half, Italy should have won.

PES predicts: Czech Republic 1, Italy 1


Match two: Ghana vs USA

Ghana struggle to match the USA's movement in the first half, and are pulled right out of position. But the Americans can't find their shooting boots. The best chance of the game falls for McBride who rifles a low strike towards the left corner, which Ghana's keeper just manages to turn on to the post. Pimpong has a powerful shot blocked by the US defence, but neither side looks too dangerous.

PES predicts: Ghana 0, USA 0

Above: Croatia's Klasnic lashes home a committed shot after chasing the rebound from his own fierce header

Match three: Croatia vs Australia

Croatia look stronger in the early moments, with Klasnic and Babic missing in the first half. After the break, though, Australia move up a gear, with Grella firing a storming shot past the Croatian keeper after a defensive error - but the goal is disallowed for Grella's earlier foul. Croatia pile on the pressure and eventually burst the solid Australian defence, Klasnic burying the rebound from his own headed attempt in the 80th minute.

PES predicts: Croatia 1, Australia 0


Match four: Japan vs Brazil

Selfish play from the Brazilians sees them waste a number of chances, with Ronaldo, Adriano and Kaka all opting to shoot rather than pass to a team mate. Japan's defending isn't top quality but they're still tough to break down, with only Adriano getting a clear chance but heading it wide. A heroic effort from goalkeeper Kawaguchi denies Ronaldinho's powerful free kick to keep the score level.

PES predicts: Japan 0, Brazil 0


Previous matches

Day one,Day two,Day three,Day four,Day five,Day six,Day seven,Day eight,Day nine,Day ten,Day eleven,Day twelve,Day thirteen

Ben Richardson is a former Staff Writer for Official PlayStation 2 magazine and a former Content Editor of GamesRadar+. 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.