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High Fives From Magic Mike

Welcome to "High Fives" the personal column of our ace Director of Football "Magic Mike".

Magic Mike's football credentials are first class. Last season he handily beat the Beeb’s expert tipster “Lawro” who never got a look in after Magic took an early lead at the start of the 2008/09 season.

A good number of our players were rescued by Magic’s tips in our Five Lives scheme which automatically gives you his tips, up to five times during the season, should you forget to enter them yourself. Magic Mike's canny inside knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of players and teams, combined with a passion for getting it right, is what you need to make an impact in this game. It also means you're going to have to be at your best to outdo him.

The Management - Score Five

And now, once again, over to Magic Mike...

See what Mike had to say in the olden days - visit his 2008/09 season archives.

previous predictions -

World Cup - Round of 16.... World Cup Stage 3.... FA Cup Final 2009/10.... Round 38.... Round 37.... Round 36

After Eights

Netherlands vs. Brazil at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth. Both sides have not been stretched too much to make it to the quarter-final stages and for the winner an easier looking semi -final beckons.  Brazil hold the advantage in the most recent World Cup meetings, having beaten the Dutch at the semi-final stages in both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. Elano may be missing for the Brazilians, but they should still have enough talent on display to end the Orange Men's World Cup dream.

Magic predicts: Netherlands 1 - Brazil 3

Uruguay vs. Ghana at Soccer City Stadium, Uruguay’s best performance in a World Cup since 1970 has resulted from solid defensive displays with a strike-force that is always likely to score a goal. Uruguay were forced to work hard for their quarter-final place against the battling South Koreans. 

Ghana are Africa’s last hope and aiming to be the first African team to reach the semi-final stages and if  they deliver, it will mask an overall dismal showing by African teams at this World Cup. Ghana can thank Asamoah Gyan for their place in the last 8 with an extra-time winner that broke USA hearts. Ghana will trouble Uruguay with their pace.It should be a fascinating encounter

Magic predicts: Uruguay 2 - Ghana 1

Argentina vs. Germany at Green Point Stadium, Cape Town. A Clash of theTitans between two nations that have won five World Cups between them. Germany beat Argentina on penalties at the same stage four years ago on home soil, and this game looks like it could be as close. Germany had a confident start to the World Cup, but then disappointed in their remaining 2 group games. They had an easier than expected quarter-final victory to reach this stage and have a young and talented side. They face a more experienced Argentina side that has cruised to the quarter-finals and in Lionel Messi they have arguably the best player in the world in their ranks. 

Magic predicts: Argentina 1 - Germany 3

Rounding up the quarter-final matches is the clash between Paraguay and Spain at Ellis Park Johannesburg. Paraguay broke Japanese hearts with a penalty shoot-out victory to achieve their best ever performance at a World Cup. 

Spain had a shock start to the World Cup, losing to Switzerland, but have recovered well and are starting to live up to their billing as the pre-tournament favourites and current European Champions. Vicente Del Bosque’s side would love to add The World  to their European title.David Villa has been in fine form for Spain but  strike-partner Fernando Torres has been disappointingly lacklustre so far.Spain will be firm favourites to book a semi-final berth against the winners of Germany/Argentina.

Magic predicts:  Paraguay 0 - Spain 2