The group stages are over, 16 nations have advanced to the next round in the World Cup. From here on out, there are no draws, just winners & losers. Should regulation end in a tie, the teams will play two 15 minute halves. If there's no winner after the extra time, then it goes to penalty kicks.
There were some upsets, the Americans drawing with England, Spain losing to the Swiss, North Korea playing well against the Brazilians, only 1 African Country making it out of the group stage, the defending champions, Italy, knocked out, and the French self-destructing. But, now the real competition starts, consider this the "Sweet Sixteen" of soccer.
Uruguay v. South Korea: The South Koreans defense will be tested by strikers Forlan & Suarez, but the Koreans played well against Argentina in their loss, so they should know what to expect from Uruguay. I expect the South Koreans speed to be the the decisive factor. The winner will face the winner of the USA & Ghana. South Korea moves on.
USA v. Ghana: Four years ago, Ghana knocked the USA out of the World Cup. The USA had to relay on a goal by Donovan in the 91st minute to advance this time. The Americans have given up early goals in 2 games, and if it happens again, I don't expect them to come back. Ghana will be backed by the the entire continent of Africa and for the USA to win, they need to be aggressive up front, tighten their defense & watch the Ghana counter attack. USA moves on.
Argentina v. Mexico. Mexico looked good in games against South Africa & France, but failed to score against Uruguay. The Mexicans will have to look for opportunities to counter the Argentine attack. Argentina looked good offensively, but their defense was wide open for counter attacks. Look for a team to exploit that. Argentina was the best player in the world (Messi), who has yet to score a goal, but has been a major factor in the Argentine offense. The winner here will face the winner of England v. Germany. Argentina moves on.
England v. Germany. The English looked shaky in the opening rounds, mostly in net. The Germans had one ugly loss, but have looked good in their 2 wins. Look for the Germans to test whoever is in the net for England. Germans move on.
Netherlands v. Slovakia. The Netherlands looked good in all 3 wins, and with Robbins coming in as a sub in the 3rd game (he was questionable for the cup cause of injury), he showed great play
making & no rust, setting up a goal in his Cup debut. Slovakia looks to be solid, and will challenge the defense, but expect the Orange to come out on top of a tough game. The winner will face the winner of Brazil v. Chile.
Brazil v. Chile. Brazil is a less flashy, more defensive minded team than in Cups past. They are looking to be a more complete team. The 2 south American teams are familiar with each others styles, making this a game to watch. But, look for Brazil to move on.
Paraguay v. Japan. It's a clash of styles, Japan's tactical passing & moving the ball against the Chilean South American style. Though not flashy, Paraguay will use quick passing & look to get on the scoreboard often. This could go either way. The winner here will face the winner if Spain v. Portugal. It's a coin flip, and I'll say Japan moves on.
Spain v. Portugal. Spain was shocked in their opening match, a loss to the Swiss. Portugal's best game was a 7-0 thrashing of North Korea. There are 2 teams familiar with each others styles, it will be a close match that can go either way. Another coin flip, and let's go with the number 1 team in the world, Spain.
Another post will be posted previewing the round of 8. Looking forward to these enticing matches.
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