Current mood:

geeky

World Cup Knockout
So, out of the 16 teams I picked to advance to the knockout stage, 10 of them made it. I was perfect in Groups B, C, and D. However, I had the Czech Republic and the United States going through in Group E ... oops. Anyways, since my predictions were mostly accurate, let's take a look at my new educated guesses for the single-elimination portion of the World Cup, shall we? :)



Round of 16
Germany def. Sweden

Argentina def. Mexico

England def. Ecuador

Netherlands def. Portugal

Australia def. Italy

Switzerland def. Ukraine

Brazil def. Ghana

Spain def. France

Sweden has looked very shaky throughout group play while Germany waltzed right through Group A. If Mannschaft can play this well without Ballack being that effective, how good will they be when he does get on a roll? Mexico was hanging onto their World Cup in their match against Portugal. Sadly though, it was Angola who was threatening them. Ecuador proved all doubters wrong when they schooled Poland near sea level. However, they can't run with World class footballers unless they are 2 miles above sea level. After disappointing campaigns in '02, two of the most dangerous squads in Europe face off in the what-should-be the best Round of 16 match. If it comes down to penalty kicks, Portugal wins, but I don't think the Oranje midfielders will let that happen.

If there is going to be an upset in the first round, look no further than Italy-Australia. The Socceroos proved in qualifying and in the tournament that they can turn on the boosters when they need to, and I think they will in crush time against Azzurri. On the other hand, Switzerland-Ukraine is probably the weakest game in the Round of 16. And again, if this comes down to penalty kicks, the Swiss are doomed. But, their brickwall-like defense should see them through to the Quarterfinals. The Black Stars of Ghana are the feel good story of the tournament, recovering from an opening game defeat to knock the Czechs and Americans out of the World Cup. However, Brazil is in a class all by themselves and should have no problems dominating the lone African nation left. The final game of this round pits two European powerhouse programs against each other. Spain has looked nearly unbeatable in a weak group while Les Bleus struggles to advance out of their weak group. I think we have learned to expect nothing from the French unless they are playing on their home turf.



Quarterfinals
Germany def. Argentina

Switzerland def. Australia

Netherlands def. England

Spain def. Brazil

For being the deepest and most balanced team in the tournament, Argentina plays very sparadically. If they bring the team that beat Serbia & Montenergo onto the pitch, they will walk all over the Germans. But anything less, and the Albicelestes are done. Needless to say, the Switzerland-Australia match is the weakest of the Quarters. However, it can't be emphasised enough they both teams deserve to be there. In the end, I believe that the Swiss defense will be strong enough to shut down Cahill and the Aussie attackers. They won't win pretty (when have they?), but they will advance to the Semis, nonetheless.

The Netherlands will be England's first real test this World Cup. And after so many close calls and nail biters, the luck of the Three Lions is bound to run out. And on top of that, the English usually choke in the Quarterfinals anyways. Of all the soccer powerhouses, Spain has had the least success in the World Cup while Brazil has had the most. Spain proved doubters, like myself, that their offense could produce goals, and boy, did they. Brazil has enough weaknesses that La Furia can exploit in this match. I know everyone else is predicting a Germany-Brazil final. Not this time, sister.



Semifinals
Germany def. Switzerland

Spain def. Netherlands

Simply put, this match will be a battle of Germany's attackers and the Swiss defenders. But, usually in cases like this, some unsung hero or "X-factor" comes through and makes himself the difference in the game. The German defenders are the X-factor of this game. We have heard all about them but haven't seen them do their work yet. Well, against a marginal Swiss offense, we will see how good they really are.

This Semifinal will not see a shortage of goal scoring with some of the best attackers and midfielders in the world on the same pitch. So again, the difference will be which defense does a better job of containing the other one. And while the Oranje defense is superior, the Spainish attackers are that much more superior.



Third Place Match
Netherlands def. Switzerland

Who watches the Third place game anyways? I have to believe this match draws about as much interest as the Angola-Iran match earlier in this World Cup. But this one will provide no reason to watch unless you are a citizen of either country. The final will be 1-0. The two defenses are two strong and their attackers too questionable. Or, who knows, maybe this will come down to penalty kicks. Either way, Switzerland doesn't have the horses to keep up with the Netherlands.



Championship
Germany def. Spain

Spain finally advances to their first ever World Cup Championship. But, every silver lining has a cloud. And the cloud over Spain's head is the away game in Berlin, facing the Germans. Both teams have solid defenders, great attackers, and can control midfield. I have to give this one to Germany on the grounds of ...well, it's their ground. In Barcelona or Madrid, I would give this match to Spain in a heartbeat. But, it's in Berlin, I have to go with the host nation.

2006 FIFA World Cup Champions
Germany