Day 11 Predictions

France is in complete disarray. All parties involved, including the players, coaching staff and team management, should be ashamed. And to think that head coach Raymond Domenech didn't include Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema in the squad because they had reportedly been disrespectful to older players and he was concerned their inclusion would disrupt team unity. Yes, clearly there is great harmony within the team when one player cusses out the coach and gets sent home and the rest of the team refuses to train in protest ahead of their third and potentially decisive game in the World Cup. Just a disgrace. On the opposite end of the spectrum, New Zealand continues to defy the odds as they picked up one of the greatest results in World Cup history by tying Italy 1-1. New Zealand actually went ahead, only for Italy to be awarded a questionable penalty kick which was converted by Vincenzo Iaquinta. Daniele De Rossi did have his shirt held on the play that led to the penalty, but he really embellished the contact and threw himself to the ground to sell it to the referee. New Zealand is still alive and has a shot to advance to the second round, which very few people would have predicted before the tournament. Speaking of predictions, here's a quick look at Day 11's games:

Portugal vs. North Korea
7:30am - ESPN, Univision
1-1 tie
North Korea played fairly well in a 3-1 loss to Brazil in their opening match and has the organization and discipline to frustrate Portugal (who will be without midfielder Deco due to a hip injury) and limit their scoring chances.

Chile vs. Switzerland
10:00am - ESPN, Univision
Winner: Switzerland
The Swiss continue the fine defensive play that earned them a 1-0 victory over Spain in their opening game.

Spain vs. Honduras
2:30pm - ESPN, Univision
Winner: Spain
Spain probably won't have the services of midfielder Andres Iniesta after he picked up a thigh injury in their opening loss to Switzerland, but they have plenty of depth to compensate. Honduras is not a pushover so expect them to put up a good challenge.