During the 8 matches in the round of 16, there really was only one surprise. Spain had been playing so well, really dominating their three group stage matches, while France had stumbled through their group, barely qualifying. I just didn’t see any problem in this match for Spain, and they pretty much dominated the match through 80 minutes, and then fell apart. I really thought Spain would give Brazil all they could handle. The only other surprise was after the 0 – 0 tie after 120 minutes in the Switzerland – Ukraine match, they didn’t choose to send both teams home and give Italy a bye to the semifinals. Unfortunate.
Game 1 – Germany vs. Argentina – what more could you ask for, the home team, playing better than expected, and the team playing the best in the tournament so far. Being in Berlin, this could be a much better match than the next match in Berlin, the finals. Argentina has been so fluid in the midfield, and creative near the box, they could be hard to beat. Germany has had no problem at all in their matches taking control early and not letting their opponent back into the match. This match could go either way, Argentina is the better team, but the crowd will be with Germany. Whoever can get a lucky break should win this match Prediction: Argentina 3 – 2
Game 2 – Italy – Ukraine vs. Italy Italy is fortunate to be here, benefiting from a questionable call in the dying minutes against Australia, while Ukraine is just flat out lucky. Switzerland doesn’t give up a goal in 4 matches, and is sent home. Italy should be able to dominate this match. They need to be careful and not let Shevchenko get loose anywhere in the final third. If they can do this, they should be able to advance easily. Prediction: Italy 2 – 0
Game 3 – England vs. Portugal – Portugal dominated their first three matches, and found a way to win against Netherlands, even though they were outplayed for most of the match. They will be missing both Costinha and Deco due to red cards. They are fairly deep, but Deco has been dangerous, and will be hard to replaced. Christiano Ronaldo has a hamstring injury, but it looks like he may play, giving Portugal a huge boost. England has struggled horribly trying to get the ball in the back of the net. They lucked out on a misplay of a Beckham free kick to get by Ecuador, and they will need much more offensive punch to get past Portugal, which has been scoring at will. England will have to go away from their 4 – 5 – 1 if they want to the semi-finals. While Crouch has not been playing well, but they must pair someone up top with Rooney. England will control the midfield, but will have trouble getting quality chances, while Portugal will need to take advantage of their chances, but should have plenty of counter attack chances. Prediction: Portugal 1 – 0
Game 4 – Brazil -vs. France – While it is nice to see France doing so well in this tournament, I just don’t see the run continuing, even if they weren’t playing Brazil. Spain mysteriously faded in the last 10 minutes, but Brazil is too experienced for that. Brazil is too fast and too skilled to not win this match. If Brazil gets bogged down in the midfield, France may have a chance if they can keep control of the ball, and be careful when they take their chances, so they don’t expose themselves to counter attacks. Brazil just kills you, they can move the ball so fast, and get numbers on the counter attack faster than anyone else in the world. Too bad Zidane has to end his career like this. Prediction: Brazil 3 – 1