So now the group stages are all done and dusted. This is the exciting time where each team must win or go home. The round has thrown up some interesting ties and here is my breakdown of the games.
Uruguay V South Korea:
Going by the previous round you have to say Uruguay are the favorites. Diego Forlan seems to have found a new lease on life but you have to wonder if he has what it takes to keep carrying the team for much longer. However, write South Korea off at your peril. They did what they needed to do against Group rivals Nigeria and saw off a below par Greek side in the first game. Their only blip was falling 4-1 to Argentina. Prediction: 1-0 Uruguay
USA V Ghana:
A rematch of the group game in Germany 2006. That day the USa had just come off a great draw with a top European team before losing 2-1 to the African nation. To be fair the USA did well to finish top of the group and avoided the Germans. This although a potential banana skin for both teams could also see one of the easiest progressions to the semi finals, with the opponents for the victor being either Uraguay or S.Korea. Meanwhile Ghana will feel the weight of the African nations expectations on their shoulders. This could either push them on or pull them under. Prediction 2-0 Ghana
Argentina V Mexico:
I said before the World cup ever kicked of that Argentina were the ones to watch. This hasn't changed, they have dominated their group with wins over all three group opponents, the last one coming courtesy of the 'reserve team'. Mexico on the other hand have stuttered and been less than convincing. They tied their opening game with South Africa and lost to Uruguay. Sandwiched between those games was the lone victory against the French. Messi and co will have more than enough for this Mexican team. Prediction: 3-0 Argentina
Netherlands V Slovakia:
Like Argentina the Dutch also won all their games to qualify top of Group E. They are looking like the most complete Dutch team for a long time but will face an unpredictable Slovakian side. In their group Slovakia tied with 78th ranked New Zealand, then lost 2-0 to eventual group winners Paraguay. Then came the game of the group sending a poor Italian side home. Prediction: 1-0 Netherlands
Brazil V Chile:
Although Chile did very well to get this far and Brazil haven't exactly set the world on fire as yet you know that the Brazilians will always do what they need to do to progress. However I think Chile will have to play with no fear and for this reason I think they will take Brazil all the way, possibly even to penalties, maybe? Ok maybe not. Prediction 2-0 Brazil
Paraguay v Japan:
Both of these teams will be looking at this match as one they can win. Japan finishing second may have expected to face the Italians on any other day but this time around they have played well and after beating Denmark and Cameroon will certainly not fear Paraguay. The same can be said of Paraguay, with their campaign yet to contain a loss. I do however think the Japanese will have a little more when it comes to it and probably progress. Prediction 2-1 Japan
Spain V Portugal:
This is probably the most difficult to predict. Neither team has really found their feet so far in this tournament. It really will be a case of who steps up in this game. I expect a rather tediuos game, lots of rolling around, fouls and cards. The eventual winners may even have to be determined by the dreaded penalty kicks. Prediction: Spain (penalties)
Germany V England:
Rooney's shot hitting the post means we finished second and face Germany rather than finishing top and facing Ghana. Many people may see that as a bad thing but I tend to think that we play better when we need to pull out a performance. For example our first two games were against lesser opposition and we looked terrible. However when we needed a win we played with more determination and got what we needed. Facing Germany may kick start our players to play at a higher level. After that, if we progress then its Argentina or Mexico. Prediction: Yeah right!
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