GarethDavies -
June 26, 2010 2:54 PM
Whilst the 2006 finalists, Italy and France, have flown home, the Last 16 of the 2010 World Cup is about to begin. The surviving countries now need just four victories to claim football’s greatest prize. Here’s Footy11’s predictions (well mine, anyway) for which eight countries will make the Quarter-finals:
Uruguay v South KoreaHe didn’t make it at Old Trafford, but Diego Forlan has emerged as the most influential Uruguayan player since the great Enzo Francescoli, and this is probably the best Uruguayan side since Mexico 1970. Whilst the 1930 and 1950 World Champions may never win the World Cup again, they should take care of a South Korean outfit, who are well organized, but lack the creativity of their South American opponents and the home advantage which helped the Koreans reach the Semi-finals in 2002.
Prediction: UruguayUSA v GhanaNow carrying the hopes of the host continent, the Black Stars certainly aren’t the greatest ever African side (particularly in the absence of Michael Essien), and the bookies don’t think they’ll reach the last eight. The days of not taking the USA seriously as an international force are long gone, and this World Cup seems to have (finally, and ominously for the rest of the world) caught the imagination of the American public, whilst President Obama has telephoned Bob Bradley’s men to wish them luck. Can they win today, and maybe even reach the Semi-finals? Yes they can, but so can Ghana. The States may have ridden their luck once too often in this tournament. They were unconvincing against Slovenia and Algeria, whilst Ghana were far from outclassed by the classy Germans. I’m guessing that the bookies have got this one wrong.
Prediction: GhanaGermany v EnglandAfter a pitiful display against Algeria, England seemed to bounce back to beat Slovenia. But they’re still not playing with the assurance, authority and fluency one might expect from a side that includes the likes of Rooney, Gerrard and Terry (and one commanded by one of the world’s greatest coaches). Germany are more lightweight on paper (especially without Michael Ballack), but the wily Joachim Low has enjoyed four years (twice as long as Fabio Capello) to fashion his side, and no German side should ever, ever, ever (did I say ever?) be written off (they reached the Finals of both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008 with less than formidable squads). It could be close (maybe even penalties again!), but England haven’t convinced me, and I’m afraid I have to go with German efficiency to come through.
Prediction: GermanyArgentina v MexicoAs a player, Diego Maradona made his mark in Mexico. Now, as a coach, he must continue to make his mark against Mexico. The vulnerability of Argentina’s defence may be fully exposed in this tournament eventually, but surely not in this round. Mexico aren’t a bad side when they’re given time to show it (as they were against the hapless French), but Messi et al should possess too much ammunition for them.
Prediction: ArgentinaNetherlands v SlovakiaNo doubt the Slovaks surprised even themselves by knocking out defending champions Italy, and it’s hard to see this giantkilling act being repeated against the silky Dutch.
Prediction: NetherlandsBrazil v ChileBrazil look remarkably similar to Italy four years ago: an intelligent and determined coach, rock solid at the back, doing just enough to get through, and able to switch up a gear when necessary. They remain tournament favourites for me. It would be an apocalyptic upset if Chile knocked them out, but it won’t happen.
Prediction: BrazilParaguay v JapanParaguay are solid, if unspectacular; Japan are rapidly becoming the tournament’s surprise package. Samurai Blue have already taken care of Cameroon and Denmark, and may well have the confidence to go a round further than they did on their own patch eight years ago.
Prediction: JapanSpain v PortugalAfter their Swiss miss the Spanish are now motoring; looking like European Champions. I predict they’re heading for their first World Cup Final. Portugal have Ronaldo, of course, but Spain are the better team.
Prediction: Spain
