Yesterday I did no better than a coin toss and relied on AI to verify who I believed would win. Unfortunately, my desire for the USA to win overcame what I had been seeing on the field.
Today, the AI predicts Argentina will win, but they are old; something is missing; they are not the team from four years ago. I think everything may be lining up for Egypt; here in Houston, we are getting Sahara dust at our doorsteps, so I am going to say Egypt on an upset.
The AI prediction – I named my AI Santiago, so it refers to itself as Santiago unless I want a woman’s opinion; then it is Sofia.
Argentina over Egypt, 2–1.
Not a blowout. Argentina has won all four matches, but Scaloni himself said this World Cup has no clear favorites, and they barely escaped Cape Verde in extra time. Egypt is dangerous because Salah is still creating chances, even with injury concerns. Still, I think Argentina’s experience survives.
Colombia over Switzerland, 1–0.
This is the one I feel better about, but only slightly. Colombia has conceded only one goal in the tournament, and Lorenzo’s team has been tactically flexible. Switzerland is organized and experienced, so I expect a tight, ugly game, maybe one goal decides it.
So, Santiago’s picks today: Argentina and Colombia advance.
