Great Britain vs. United Arab Emirates: Bold Predictions for Group a Matchup

In the second round of football at the 2012 Olympics in London, Great Britain will take on the United Arab Emirates.

The British thought they were on their way to three points in the first round, but Senegal stole a point with an 82nd-minute equalizer. UAE, on the other hand, saw their one-goal lead disappear before the hour mark against tournament heavyweight Uruguay.

Both teams are in desperate need of a victory, and they will leave everything on the pitch.

It Will Be a High-Scoring Affair

Even though neither team is known for its attack, this game will be very open.

Both teams need a victory, and they will each be moving forward accordingly. Neither side will be willing to sit back and look for a counter-attack. Instead, they will want to put pressure on the opponent.

If a goal is scored early, it will surely be a high-scoring affair.

Tom Cleverley Will Have Multiple Assists

Tom Cleverley didn't do a whole lot in the first match.

He was sharp in the middle of the pitch, but he didn't do a whole lot in the attack or the defense. However, the Manchester United midfielder will turn things on in the second match.

He's very simple in his passes, but he should take some more chances in the second game, liberating him to set up some scoring chances. As long as the team finishes up top, Cleverley will notch two assists.

Ismail Matar Will Record a Double

Ismail Matar scored in the first match for UAE, and he will keep that going.

He's a solid player, and as captain, he is leading by example. He opened the scoring in the first match, and he will do it again in this match. However, Matar won't be done after a first-half strike.

He was player of the tournament in the 2007 Gulf Cup of Nations, which UAE's senior team won. In that tournament, Matar scored five goals in as many games. In this tournament, he will have an even better rate after the second match.

Craig Bellamy Will Disappoint

After a great performance in the first match, Craig Bellamy will take a step back.

He was the man of the match against Senegal, but the Welshman won't be able to wreak as much havoc on the right-hand side against United Arab Emirates. They will be keying off him, and he will be shut down, for the most part.

Bellamy is a tremendous talent, but after his first-game performance, there is no way UAE gives him nearly as much space or time to do as much damage as Senegal let him do.

United Arab Emirates Will Lead After 45 Minutes

United Arab Emirates got off to a great start against Uruguay, and they'll do the same against Great Britain.

However, they will have trouble holding onto the lead. Great Britain is resilient, and the fans will undoubtedly provide a boost. Once they get a little momentum going, the British will be tough to contain.

With that said, they won't gain that momentum until the second half. UAE will start strong, and they will carry a 2-1 lead into the half.

Daniel Sturridge Will Score a Goal

Daniel Sturridge is a great young talent.

He has all the tools of a great striker; he just needs to put it all together. He will get the chance against UAE.

Sturridge is quick, and he has a rocket for a shot. Senegal didn't give him much room to breathe, and they shut him down. Sturridge is competitive, though, and he will respond to the adversity. He will have a very good game, and he will find the net at least once.

This Match Will Highlight the Second Round of Games

Of all the games in the second set, this will be the most fun to watch.

For objective fans, it's always nice to see a competitive match, especially with a host involved. Great Britain will have the crowd behind them, but UAE will be fighting for their Olympic lives. If UAE lose, they are eliminated.

This will be a battle from start to finish, and like all tournament play, it will come down to which team finishes better. Although UAE do have Ismail Matar up front, Great Britain is simply too deep of a team to be outscored in a high-scoring match.

Prediction: Great Britain 3, United Arab Emirates 2