2010 WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT STAGE PREVIEW!!
Well the group stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup has come to an end and we have seen some dominant performances, miserable showings, and great games!!!! The expectations of my predictions is usually that I will be off by some wide margin. In this year’s case that is not true. I only missed 4 picks out of a total of 16. 5 if you count that I had the order of the 1st and 2nd place teams switched in Group C. With all that being said, I know picks for the knockout round will be even more difficult. There are powerhouses all over the bracket and some great games should be had on all accounts.
I will start with the first two games of the round with Uruguay taking on South Korea and the United States looking for revenge against Ghana. Uruguay is my pick for the first game due to their defensive prowess in this tournament so far and also due to the play of Diego Forlan. The guy has been amazing throughout the tournament and should continue. The United States looks to avenge a loss to Ghana that knocked them out of the World Cup in 2006. This US team is better than that one and should be able to get plenty of chances against Ghana. Predictions for the Quarterfinal matchup: Uruguay vs. United States (At the time of me writing this, both games had not been complete. I am well aware that the US lost in extra time this year to Ghana again. )
England vs. Germany is a matchup of two European teams that struggled at times in the first round but advanced. Germany seems to be clicking offensively, but can they stop England when they have the ball. I think the Three Lions will show up more aggressive for this match but I think Germany will squeak out a close one. Argentina vs. Mexico is a very dangerous game than could be VERY open and high scoring. Argentina has been the most impressive team so far in this World Cup and I expect that to continue. Giovani Dos Santos will score 2 goals for Mexico but Argentina wins 4-2. Predictions for the Quarterfinal matchup: Germany vs. Argentina
June 28 brings us 2 megapowers of this tournament and might setup a TITANIC clash in the quarterfinals. Netherlands vs. Slovakia is a great chance for the Dutch to show the world how dominant they can be. I am expecting an absolute beatdown by Oranje is this game especially with Arjen Robben coming back and might be in the starting lineup. Brazil vs. Chile is a matchup of 2 of the 5 South American teams in the Knockout stage (by the way, South America only had 5 teams in the entire World Cup). Brazil has not impressed yet, while Chile has looked strong and a possible outside contender. Brazil should finally flex some muscle but will only win 2-1. Predictions for the Quarterfinal matchup: Netherlands vs. Brazil
The final two games feature a heavyweight matchup and a game with two surprises. Paraguay vs. Japan is a game that no one would have expected. Japan was one the of picks that I had COMPLETELY off and I had Paraguay finishing 2nd. In this tilt, I look for the Paraguay defense to be too strong and help them get a 1-0 victory. Spain vs. Portugal has the star power, big contracts, and electricity of Lakers vs. Celtics. David Villa, Fernando Torres and Spain vs. Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Portugal. Portugal has the most goals in the tournament thanks to a 7-0 beatdown of North Korea. Spain lost their opener, but came back strong behind David Villa’s amazing play in their last two group stage games. I cannot wait for this game and expect a high powered game, but Spain will come out on top. Predictions for the Quarterfinal matchup: Paraguay vs. Spain. Stay tuned for more predictions of the Quarters!!
