World Cup Preview: Sweet 16

After 2 weeks of group play, half the field has been eliminated. Many of the usual suspects have moved on while the two finalists from 4 years ago will be headed home early. The host nation of South Africa could not do enough to advance and the continent as a whole struggled as Ghana was the only African nation to advance. Also we saw the South American nations dominate group play as they were nearly flawless as 5 nations cruised the Round of 16. Now the real fun begins as it is win or go home for the remaining squads. One mistake might cost you and leave you wondering what happened for four years. After 48 games and group play, my record stands at 30-18. The group stage had its unpredictable moments, but we will see the cream rise above the crop moving forward. Cinderella does not usually show up at World Cups. The favorites are starting to show why they are such and we will see those teams look to continue to improve and move on as we start the Round of 16.

Round of 16

Uruguay vs South Korea:
Both teams are a bit of surprise getting this far. Uruguay has displayed a great combination of offense and defense. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have led the way and are becoming stars. The South Koreans are playing above expectations much to due to their speed and timely striking ability. They will need to be sharp because Uruguay have not left too many chances on the field. Uruguay was one of the original powers of soccer 80 years ago, but for much of the latter half of the World Cup's existence they have been next to irrelevant. South Korea has not had much success off the continent of Asia, where they had that magical run 8 years ago. Park Ji-Sung will have to be near his top ability to get his teammates and himself going against a tough offensive/defensive style that Uruguay has used as they shut out their opponents in group play. Uruguay outlasted a very good Mexico team while South Korea finished second to Argentina in their group. Uruguay hold a substantial edge in the head to head matchup and South Korea has struggled historically against South American teams. That wouldn't be the ultimate decider in this one, but will be a side factor. Uruguay's attack has been more deadly than South Korea's. Expect the South Koreans though to put a lot of pressure on the Uruguayan defense. PREDICTION: URUGUAY 2, SOUTH KOREA 1

United States vs Ghana:
The United States needed a win late against Algeria and Landon Donovan delivered with a striking kick in injury time. Ghana on the other hand will have the whole continent of South Africa behind them as the rest of the teams that qualified failed to reach the Round of 16. Ghana's run is also surprising because they have been without Michael Essien, but Asamoah Gyan has carried the load getting timely penalty kicks when needed. They lack a strong offensive effort thus have put most of their gameplan on defense. Both teams are riding a wave of support. Back in America, the nation is captivated by the Americans chance to make a run this year. While Africa is going to be blasting their vuvuzelas all day and night for Ghana. Ghana eliminated the United States four years ago in the group stage. Ghana is very crafty and have made it this far with speed; speed the Americans will have to be beware of. The two teams are not too different in terms of ability, but this seems like the Americans' game to get revenge and move one step closer. PREDICTION: United States 2, Ghana 1

Germany vs England:
This is one of the best Round of 16 matchups. The two teams and countries have a lengthy history. Germany has had a habit of crushing the English's dreams. This is their fifth meeting in World Cup play and each previous encounter has gone the distance and then some as 90 minutes was never enough. England has underachieved overall with stars like Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard. They have barely showed up especially Rooney who garners a lot of attention. For Germany, Miroslav Klose will be back on the field and will get the German engine going with the young stars, Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil. This certainly is a bigger matchup than this round, but we will see how it plays out. Germany has played fairly stellar while England looked like it was barely going to get out of group play. A loss by either could be viewed as a failure especially for England with all those names. Not sure if they will go past 90 minutes, but it should be close. If the Germans go up by a couple, it might be tricky for England to rebound. PREDICTION: GERMANY 3, ENGLAND 2

Argentina vs Mexico:
Argentina had little trouble in group play and look to be a favorite to win it all. Lionel Messi has yet to get a goal, but he has done enough to get his teammates involved as Diego Maradona has Argentina playing at a high level. Mexico started slow, but finished pretty good. Uruguay got the best of them to win Group A and avoid Argentina. Argentina has held a strong advantage over Mexico in their last several matchups including a Round of 16 matchup four years ago. Gonzalo Higuain has led the way for Argentina including a hat trick against South Korea and Carlos Tevez is equally as deadly for Argentina. Mexico has a good enough offense that combat against Argentina, but Argentina's depth getting them such a big edge. PREDICTION: ARGENTINA 3, MEXICO 1

Netherlands vs Slovakia:
The Netherlands had little trouble in the group stage and hope to turn that success into their first World Cup title. They are certainly one of the best soccer nations to have not won a World Cup. The Dutch get a favorable draw in the Round of 16 with a matchup with Slovakia. Behind Robert Vittek, Slovakia shocked Italy and find themselves in the Round of 16 for the first time as an independent nation. Arjen Robben is back in the lineup for the Netherlands and that only makes them stronger. Robin van Persie has also carried his weight thus far alongside Wesley Sneijder. The Dutch have not been flashy, but still effective and sound enough to do damage. The attacking style of the Netherlands will be tough for Slovakia. However, Slovakia has shown that they will be no gimme win. The winner of this matchup will most likely draw Brazil in the next round. PREDICTION: NETHERLANDS 2, SLOVAKIA 0

Brazil vs Chile:
After seeing South American dominate the group stage, two will meet in this Round of 16 game. Chile is playing very good, but draw a tough opponent in Brazil. Also of note, Brazil was without both Kaka and Robinho against Portugal in their last group game and will have both back for this one. Brazil has dominated the series including a World Cup matchup 12 years ago and twice during qualifying. Humberto Suazo has not been healthy for Chile and is a major part of their team and will be a gametime decision for them. Chile has the firepower to keep up with Brazil at time, but it will be tough to keep the Brazil offense down for long and they can score from so many areas. Chile has played good defense and Brazil under Dunga has looked to be defensive instead of their usual wide open offense attack. PREDICTION: BRAZIL 3, CHILE 0

Paraguay vs Japan:
Both Paraguay and Japan were not expect to do too much. Now one of them will find themselves in the quarterfinals with a win. Paraguay did enough in a weak Group F while Japan handled their business against most of their group. Both have relied mostly on defense and it might not be a pretty game, but a defensive one. Keisuke Honda is a big reason for Japan's success and will be counted upon again to get their offense going. Roque Santa Cruz is the star for Paraguay, but like other stars in this year's World Cup he has been fairly cold. The winner would advance to a tough game against either Spain or Portugal. This one should be close. PREDICTION: PARAGUAY 1, JAPAN 0

Spain vs Portugal:
Spain has recovered from the opening loss to Switzerland and seemed poised again to make a run. Portugal has also looked good as they have played very tough defense. They even held Brazil scoreless. David Villa has led the way thus far for Spain as he is one of the stars of this year's World Cup and the better he is playing; the harder it will be to defeat Spain. Spain will have a tough time early on cracking the Portuguese defense, but Portugal cannot rest on that defense either if they plan on advancing. Cristiano Ronaldo got a goal against North Korea and is seen as the main attacker for Portugal. He will have to play up to expectations if the Portuguese want to improve their chances of winning. Portugal made it to the semis four years ago while Spain is looking to move far in this year's World Cup. A strong defensive battle will give way to one score in the second half. PREDICTION: SPAIN 1, PORTUGAL 0

After a bit of unpredictably in the group stage games, we will see many of the favorites start to establish themselves further. We should see some close, down to the end battles and a couple offensive showings. This is where the World Cup gets good as top teams start to face off against each other.