I don't like to predict results of Brazil games

As a coach, I don't like to predict the results of games in which we are playing. Suffice to say on the 15th of June we will be ready and keen to play the Republic of Korea in our first game.

In the pre-tournament friendly match our defence has been superb, with Julio Cesar in goal, Lucio and Juan in the middle and Maicon and either Bastos or Daniel Alvez on the flanks. In the midfield either Elano or Ramirez will start with Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo. Up front I have seen great progress in the condition of Kaka and Robinho. Both appear to be in top form and they will attack alongside Luis Fabiano.

I expect the North Koreans to play a physical defensive game against us. They like to play a 5-3-1-1 formation which is as close to a defensive catenaccio as you will see. Jong Tae-Se, who plays in Japan, is their lone striker. There are no easy games in the World Cup but I expect we will have our chances to score goals here, and our responsibility is to take them.

FIFA World Cup 2010

New Zealand and Slovakia will play their first match in this World Cup and both will want to avoid defeat. New Zealand are a very enthusiastic team that stars striker Shane Smeltz and captain Ryan Nelsen. Coach Ricki Herbert has put together a feisty team of local players who use a 4-4-2 formation. In goal they have Paston, the back four comprises Sigmund, Nelsen, Vicelich and Lochead, while Fallon, McGlinchey, Brown and Bertos are a hard working midfield. They use a front two of Smeltz and Killen.

Slovakia are a very talented, tough team led by 22 year Marek Hamsik of Naples. Coach Weiss likes a 4-3-1-2 formation with Sesta and Vittek playing up front, and Hamsik just behind them. At the back Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica and Zabavanik are tough defenders who will make life difficult for Killen and Smeltz who I think will struggle to create anything. For Slovakia I see Hamik creating devastating runs and ensuring his team collects the 3 points.

Asia Cup 2010

The game between the Ivory Coast and Portugal already seems like an elimination match. It seems uncertain whether the Ivory Coastwill be able to call upon their world-class striker Didier Drogba for this game and this could be the key to their chances. Portugal has lost the talented Nani of Manchester United but Queiroz can still start with Cristiano Ronaldo, Liedson and Simao up front, Pepe, Deco and Meirele in the middle, and Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho and Coentrao at the back.

Portugal may have not had an inspiring qualification but here in South Africa they are a dangerous team. Coach Sven Goran Eriksson and the Elephants face on uphill battle if Didier Drogba doesn't play. Their defence of Eboue, Kolo Toure, Bamba and Tiene is good but not great. In the middle Yaya Toure of Barcelona has quality, and in attack Chelsea's Kalou and Bakary Kone of Marseille pose a threat to the Portuguese.

In this game, I think Portugal will pressure the weaker Cote d'Ivoire defence and give Cristiano Ronaldo great opportunities to score and win them the game.

Professional Management Group