Over in Japan right now, the Olympic games are underway and there are at least three football tournaments going on; Men's senior and U23s and the Women's.
It's odd, but for some reason, I have very little interest in following the tournament. I just don't associate the Olympics with football but there some big-name players out there. I guess it's because we've just had the Euros and we're now seeing the run-up to the new season and the start of many of the lower leagues in Europe. South America is well under way and there is so much going on and so for the players out there in Japan, I'm a little sad that they're not getting the exposure and following they maybe ought to be.
Anyway, just an observation and good luck to the teams. Has anyone here written any posts about the Olympic competition or can you point me in the direction of some please? I'd like to get up to speed and see what's going on.
Anyway, last night we saw newly relegated Werder Bremen take on Hannover 96 in Bundesliga 2 and after a feisty encounter, it ended with honours even at 1-1, however, let's get the first goal scorer sorted out right now lol
The first goal was an own goal, in favour of Bremen by Simon Falete, so that doesn't count. The equaliser for Hannover 96 was scored by Marvin Ducksch and a couple of you, very astutely predicted him. Full details at the end!
As for today, let's take a trip back to South America and a huge game in the Brazilian Serie A between...
@nathen007's Prediction
The season is well under way in Brazil with a dozen games under their belts and for Santos and Atletico Go, it's so far been a season of mid-table mediocrity, but that's OK, it's going to make today's game a very interesting encounter!
Both of these teams are already suffering from a litany of suspensions and injuries just to add to what's going to be an already tricky prediction.
Santos have been playing in the Copa Sudamericana and progressed to the Semis have got a
1-1 draw against Independiente mid-week whilst Atletico GO suffered another defeat, taking their winless run to 4, against lowly Cuiaba. If they are to improve their league position, it's games like these that they need to win and it looks as if they are short of morale and confidence. The red card for Maranhoa after just 19 minutes didn't help and to be fair, they battled hard to pull back an equaliser just after half time so they are not a lost cause.
Santos have three players out long term due to cruciate ligament injuries, Jobson and Rafael Longuine will not be kicking a ball in anger again for quite a while, Moraes and John are also unavailable for selection.
As for Atletico, Maranhao is suspended due to his straight red and Eder is suspended due to points accumulated from an excess of yellows, discipline needs to be addressed as the loss of key players might be the deciding factor in this game. Another big loss for Atletico GO is Igor Carius who is out injured, as ismidfielder Joao Paulo.
Have Santos recovered enough after a gruelling game on Thursday when Atletico GO have had an extra day to rest and regroup? I think so, and I'd suggest Santos are going to shade this and leave Atletico GO with a winless run of 5!
Prediction: Santos 1 : 0 Atletico GO - First goal scorer: Jorge
Simply write the name of the FIRST GOALSCORER and the CORRECT SCORE as a comment. The competition closes 5 minutes before kick-off which is 22.15 BST. (21.15 UTC)
The Small Print
In the first goal scorer competition, own goals do not count. In the correct score competition, it's the score after 90mins. Extra time and penalties do not count and the pot for each competition will roll over if there is no winner. If more than one person chooses the same first goal scorer or correct score, the prize is shared, and everyone gets a little upvote! It seems I also need to add, one entry per person. Don't forget the new rule that only people with a rep of 45 or above are eligible to enter unless they have been approved. The bonus will be added to any winnings ONLY if Leeds United win and/or Man U lose and all pay-outs will never exceed 50% of post pay-out. Other bonuses are paid out at my discretion.
And the winners were...
Plenty today! Well done to @jfang003 and @p15 for getting the 1-1 score line, you guys are walking away with 2500 tokens each. First goal scorer, Ducksch was skilfully predicted by @pusen and @kykss.sports who each share the 6K Jackpot, taking home 3000 tokens each!
Randomly drawn from the digital hat were @pusen and @ralph75 who each get an HBI share apiece!
