Computer says Czechs will win World Cup

Electronic Arts, using the simulation engine from its 2006 FIFA World Cup video game, has the Czechs defeating Brazil 2-1 in the final.

Czech striker Milan Baros won the Golden Shoe as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, while teammate and playmaker Pavel Nedved took the Golden Ball as the top player.

Ronaldo and Tomas Rosicky exchanged goals in the first half, according to the simulated final, before Nedved unlocked the Brazilian defence in the 77th minute to set up Baros for the winner.

In other action, England lost to Germany in the round of 16, with the host side eventually losing 2-1 to the Czechs in the semi-finals.

Brazil downed rival Argentina in the other semi-final in the only penalty-kick shootout of the simulated tournament. Tied 2-2 after overtime, substitute Robinho knocked in the winning kick after Juan Riquelme shot wide on Argentina’s final penalty.

Argentina beat Germany 3-1 in the third-place game.

The simulation had its share of upsets, with Italy and Portugal knocked out in the group stages.

The surprise team was Costa Rica, which made it to the quarter-finals before losing to Argentina.

The United States fared well in simulated play, with wins over Italy (3-2) and Ghana (2-0) and a tie against the Czechs (2-2) in Group E, before losing 3-2 to Brazil in the round of 16.

Late Argentina

Mariana Lescano travelled by train and bus for several hours to see Argentina practice. She didn’t see much.

Unlike Brazil, which is famous for its open training sessions, Argentina has often practiced behind closed doors at its World Cup camp in southern Germany. And the two-time champions are seldom on time, making things difficult for fans and the 200-plus journalists who cover the team.

“It’s horrible,” said Lescano, a native of Buenos Aires who lives in Germany teaching Spanish. “I’ve been waiting here two hours and haven’t seen anything. I’m by myself, but families come — make the long trip — and they go away disappointed.”