Game 1 - Germany vs. Sweden - With Germany playing at home, and playing well, we should see Germany advance past Sweden fairly easily. I have not been impressed with Sweden at all, they are dangerous up top, but their defense is suspect, and should give up several goals to the German strikers. Prediction: 3 - 1 Germany
Game 2 - Argentina vs. Mexico - Argentina has been the most dominant team so far in this years cup, while Mexico limped into the second round. With Borgetti most likely playing, Mexico will become better, but probably won’t have the fire power to beat Argentina. You have to figure Mexico will have to play perfect defense, and get lucky on the offensive side to win. If Argentina can control the midfield like the have been, they should easily advance past this match. Prediction: 2 - 0 Argentina
Game 3 - England vs Ecuador - England looked pretty dangerous in the first two matches, but fizzled against Sweden. With Michael Owen gone, and the fitness of Rooney in question, England is forced to play Crouch up top for the full 90, and hope that Rooney can play a quality 90 minutes, or they will have to play Walcott, a 17 year old, or just play one up top. England may be stuck in a dangerous situation, finding themselves down a goal with 20 minutes left, and Rooney out of gas. Ecuador has been dangerous, probably the biggest surprise of the world cup. Not having won a match in qualifying away from the home feild at 9,000 feet above sea level. Many expected them to not advance out of group play, and they had a chance to win their group until they faced Germany. This should be a great match. If Ecuador had a better midfield to match their strikers, they would be a favorite to win this game, but I think they will struggle agains Lampard, Gerrard and company. Ecuador will score a fantastic strike, but it won’t be enough. Prediction: 2 - 1 England
Game 4 - Portugal vs. Netherlands - What more could you ask for. Two of the world’s best teams matched up in the round of 16. Portugal has not been challenged yet, and the Netherlands tied Argentina for first in their group. Portugal will not be able to run crazy agains Netherlands like they were able to in the group stage. Portugal is dangerous, and fast, but Netherlands should be able to advance if they can control the runs of Portugal. This should be a great match for all. Prediction: 2 - 1 Netherlands
Game 5 - Italy vs. Australia - After surviving the group of death, Italy will get a pass against Australia. Italy has been playing well, despite the 1 - 1 draw with the US. Australia had to play a qualifying match to even get into the World Cup, and had played well in a poor group. They have been lucky to move this far, and should go out with a wimper against the stong Italy team. Prediciton: 4 - 1 Italy
Game 6 - Switzerland vs Ukraine - Two middle of the road teams, one of which will advance to play Italy in the quarter finals. Neither really belongs here, but Switzerland has been the better of the two teams, winning their group. I am not sure anyone outside of Switzerland and Ukrain and possibly Italy even care about this match. Prediction: A World Cup first, a 0 - 0 tie, and both teams are sent home (actually, Switzerland will win this 1 - 0 in one of the most boring games in World Cup history)
Game 7 - Brazil vs Ghana - Brazil will match up with the Brazil of Africa. Brazil has not been challenged at all, and could have won their three mathces with guys they left at home. While Ghana got some lucky breaks and calls against the US to advance, they won’t get the same against reigning champion Brazil. Predicion: 3 - 1 Brazil
Game 8 - Spain vs France - France has looked horrible in their qualifying and first three matches, while Spain is unbeaten in something like 400 matches. Spain should cruise easily through this match, with speed on the wings and in the strikers, and wonderful control in the midfield. France is aging everywhere, and just are not playing well enough to even score on Spain. Prediction: 3 - 0 Spain