Friday 23 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 16
Match one: Germany vs Sweden
Germany's solid tackling keeps Sweden under pressure here and the Swedes are struggling to maintain possession and string together any attacking exchanges. But Germany's Klose is finding acres of space in front of goal and has two shots turned away by the keeper in the early stages. The pressure pays off towards the end of the first half, with Frings dispossessing a defender and lashing home a shot.
Sweden manage one push at the beginning of the second half, Wilhelmsson breaking through the German defence but dragging his shot wide of the goal. Minutes later and Germany make it two, Klose finally finding his range and slamming a strike into the net after a clever one-two pass with Metzelder, putting Sweden out of the competition.
PES predicts: Germany 2, Sweden 0
Above: Germany's prolific striker Klose powers home the host nation's second goal of the match
Match two: Argentina vs Mexico
Saviola turns in an outstanding performance to boost Argentina's World Cup charge, scoring a brace of goals in the first half. His first is a spectacular diving header, meeting a pinpoint cross on the bounce, while the forward pokes his second shot goalwards, watching as it rebounds from the foot of Marquez, wrongfooting the keeper and trickling across the line.
Argentina are content to sit on their lead and maintain possession, stroking the ball around the field with some excellent passing. Mexico don't get a look in, until Fonseca bursts through to go one-on-one with the keeper, only to blast his shot wide. Finally, Argentina's midfield playmaker Riquelme gets the final goal, beginning and ending a brilliant move with a sure touch and an accurate finish.
PES predicts: Argentina 3, Mexico 0
