EA Simulates FIFA World Cup, Predicts Czech Victory

Global publisher Electronic Arts has announced that, using its video game 2006 FIFA World Cup as simulation, it predicts that the the winner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany will be the Czech Republic. EA was able to test all 32 teams in the competition, and thus announced that the game, using plugged-in skill values relevant to each team, reveals that the Czechs will come out on top in the real-world event, which kicks off on June 9. The final in-game match featured a contest between the Czech Republic and Brazil, with the Czech Republic ultimately winning 2-1 to capture its first FIFA World Cup. Goals from Ronaldo and Tomas Rosicky kept the game tied 1-1 going into the second half. The difference between the teams was Czech forward Pavel Nedved, who unlocked a weaker Brazilian backline in the 77th minute for Milan Baros to score his sixth goal of the tournament, and secure the trophy for the Czechs. The simulation also saw old rivalries reignited as well, with England being beaten by Germany in the Round of 16. The host country then went on to meet eventual champion Czech Republic in one semifinal, wherein the the Czech team defeated Germany with a 2-1 victory. Team USA managed wins over Italy (3-2) and Ghana (2-0) and tied the Czech Republic in the difficult Group E before being beaten by Brazil in the Round of 16. USA opened the tournament with a 2-2 tie against eventual champion Czech Republic, when DeMarcus Beasley scored the game-tying goal in the 84th minute against the run of play.