World Cup Preview- Third and Last Set

The thrilling action continued with the last 16 games. Brazil and Netherlands are the only two countries who are positioned to move to the Round of 16. Cameroon is the only team eliminated. Thus the field is still wide open. A lot of draws and some surprising results have tilted the World Cup. Italy, France, and England: all favorites to get to the knockout rounds are all in jeopardy of losing in the group stage. We might see a few underdogs teams sneak into the next round, but most of the favorites are still in great shape and these last games are not only for them to qualify for the next round, but to make a statement. After 32 games, my record stands at 18-14 after a .500 second set. Just when you think you might have a team figured out, one possession or one goal can make the difference or a change a result just like that. Time to finish out the group stage.

GROUP A

Mexico vs Uruguay:
These two teams control their own fate and are essentially playing for which one will win the group and most likely avoid a matchup with Argentina. This matchup features a lot of open offense with Uruguay being a bit of surprise with the way they have attacked the field with ease with Diego Forlan scoring goals. They seemed poised to not only get out of the group stage for the first time in 20 years, but possibly make a bit of run. Their defense is what might be even more impressive as both France and South Africa struggled to get much going. Mexico will need Javier Hernandez to match Diego Forlan in terms of creating opportunities for goals. This game will turn on the tempo as whichever team pushes the other will gain the advantage that could carry them to a victory. PREDICTION: MEXICO 1, URUGUAY 1

France vs South Africa:
South Africa has been riding a rollercoaster of excitement since they got the World Cup awarded. That dream of being involved looks to be on its last legs as even with a win over France, they look to be eliminated in the group stage. They would become the first host nation to not advance to the knockout rounds. They do catch a France team in complete free fall that is probably just waiting for this World Cup to be over for them. Their best player Nicolas Anelka was dismissed and the rest of team walked out at practice. Tying Mexico was a major accomplishment for Bafana Bafana, but the air was taken out by Uruguay. For the French, they barely got in to the World Cup and have been atrocious on the field. They lack passion and focus. France has spiraled out of control and might barely show up on the field. Quite the fall over four years. South Africa will not be at 100% with penalties affecting a few players, but will play up to France. PREDICTION: FRANCE 0, SOUTH AFRICA 1

GROUP B

Greece vs Argentina:
This is pretty much a freebie for Argentina, but Diego Maradona will put a very good team on the field that will still impress. The World Cup is so short that you don't want to lose any momentum because there is no time to find it if it gets lost. Argentina has dominated their first two opponents and look even more like a potential favorite to win it all. They have slowly improved and Lionel Messi has yet to truly break out. Gonzalo Higuain was unstoppable against South Korea as he provided the first hat trick of this World Cup. They have found ways to move the ball around that make it tough for defenses to slow them down. Greece will have their backs against the walls as the other game in the group can decide their fate if they don't upset the Argentinians. The Greeks broke through a bit against Nigeria, but will have to raise their play and depend greatly on their defense to slow the Argentina attack. PREDICTION: ARGENTINA 2, GREECE 0

Nigeria vs South Korea:
This is one of the intriguing matchups of the last set of games as each can advance with Argentina. Nigeria despite losing two games has shown signs that they can be threat and have let mistakes cost them. South Korea has shown a lot of speed despite not being a great team overall. They really are pretty evenly matched. PREDICTION: NIGERIA 2, SOUTH KOREA 2

GROUP C

Slovenia vs England:
England looked slow and lethargic again in their second game while Slovenia was shocked by an American comeback. England has put themselves in a virtual must win against Slovenia. The hopes of the English team has been dampened with each game. They have the talent, but cannot put it together on the field. Star Wayne Rooney has been practically invisible and will be counted on to contribute all other stars. The pressure will most likely allow England to raise their game. Slovenia only needs a tie, but has shown they can challenge a team not working together like England. PREDICTION: SLOVENIA 0, ENGLAND 1

United States vs Algeria:
It is win and you are in for the United States. The Americans have allowed early goals that have forced them to rally, which is dangerous if they were to face better teams. They will need to work on avoiding such a scenario in this one or they might be out. Landon Donovan has come up big for the U.S. in the first two games and will be looked upon to carry the torch again. Algeria has yet to score, but also has only given up one goal in two games. Each team will press the other into a mistake. Algeria will be a challenge for the United States if they allow them to. PREDICTION: UNITED STATES 2, ALGERIA 0

GROUP D

Australia vs Serbia:
Both of these teams have been a bit tricky to figure out. Australia got routed to start then fell apart. Serbia looked surprised and unprepared to start and then shocked Germany. Serbia can move on with a win while Ghana-Germany might decide their fate in the end. Australia will be without a couple players including Harry Kewell. Tim Cahill does return for the Australians and might be enough of boost. At the same time Aleksandar Lukovic returns for the Serbs and can cross cancel Cahill. I think we see a combination of the first two games for both. PREDICTION: AUSTRALIA 1, SERBIA 1

Ghana vs Germany:
Germany is another favorite that might be jeopardy of not reaching the knockout round after a loss to Serbia. The Germans will be without Miroslav Klose and will depend on much of their young nucleus. Ghana has yet to truly get going, but are positioned to win the group. Asamoah Gyan has been their whole offense through penalty kicks. Ghana will have to create a lot of opportunities. Germany lost a bit of their identity in the loss to Serbia; they find it again in this one. PREDICTION: GHANA 0, GERMANY 2

GROUP E

Cameroon vs Netherlands:
The Netherlands have looked like a well oiled machine so far. Some might criticize their lack of pizazz, but a win is still a win. This matchup has little impact as Cameroon has been eliminated and the Dutch are through to the next round. Arjen Robben might be back in the lineup for the Dutch and could only add problems for Cameroon. Wesley Sneijder has done a great job thus far setting the tone for the Netherlands. These are two teams positioned at two different ends of the spectrum. Both will continue their trend so far through the group stage. PREDICTION: CAMEROON 0, NETHERLANDS 2

Denmark vs Japan:
This is a winner take all type of game. Both are positioned to join the Netherlands in the knockout rounds. Japan is in a better position and can settle for a draw. Both teams have relied more on defense as they have not gotten their respective offenses truly going. This will most likely turn into a close one that might come down to one crucial goal. PREDICTION: DENMARK 0, JAPAN 1

GROUP F

Paraguay vs New Zealand:
Paraguay is in position to win Group F while New Zealand has played hard in both their games to force two draws. After seeing what New Zealand has done, this is not an automatic win anymore for Paraguay. Paraguay will need to find holes in New Zealand's surprising defense. PREDICTION: PARAGUAY 1, NEW ZEALAND 1

Slovakia vs Italy:
Italy is reeling after barely getting a draw against New Zealand and now find themselves in serious jeopardy of not getting out of the group stage and leaving in major disappointment. Besides Vincenzo Inquinta, most of the Italian attack has been quiet. They might consider some lineup changes because obviously some guys on the field are lacking that extra kick. Andrea Pirlo is still doubtful, but if he is healthy he might be enough of a boost to at least get them out of the group stage. Slovakia might be the antidote to their problem, but Robert Vittek might get his teammates going. They have lacked shots and chances and if Italy allows them to get started, they might find an opening. Marik Hamsik on the other hand has been next to invisible for the Slovaks. PREDICTION: SLOVAKIA 0, ITALY 1

GROUP G

North Korea vs Ivory Coast:
Due to Portugal's destruction of North Korea, the Ivory Coast needs to score almost 10 goals in this one to move on. Thus it seems next to impossible for the Ivory Coast to move on, but that will not stop them from trying. North Korea used defense to hold Brazil to two goals, but fell apart as Portugal continued to press them. This is close to a friendly, but expect Ivory Coast to play with a lot of heart and maybe see a few things from North Korea. PREDICTION: NORTH KOREA 0, IVORY COAST 3

Portugal vs Brazil:
Both teams seem to be hitting a nice stride right now. Both have looked to their defenses so far yet they can definitely score a lot. Portugal will need to be at their best because Brazil is very good at taking advantage of openings. Cristiano Ronaldo finally found the net against North Korea, but it was a bonus goal of sort as the game was pretty much over at that point. These two certainly will look to edge out the other. PREDICTION: PORTUGAL 1, BRAZIL 1

GROUP H

Chile vs Spain:
Spain looked like a favorite again in their last game while Chile has shown a flair for the dramatic as they have been able to move the ball fairly well while playing tough defense. David Villa continues to shine for Spain and will be counted on to set the tone if Spain is to win. Both teams know that Switzerland is lurking and might knock the loser out. PREDICTION: CHILE 1, SPAIN 2

Switzerland vs Honduras:
Switzerland has overall played very good defense, but will need enough offense against Honduras to secure a spot in knockout rounds. Honduras has had little offense and might be just the solution for the Swiss. PREDICTION: SWITZERLAND 1, HONDURAS 0

Well, we are on the edge of the Round of 16 and half the field will be eliminated. Cup perennials France, Italy, England, and Spain might be on the outside looking in. Brazil and Netherlands are the only countries sitting completely safe, but still jockeying for position. There should be a lot of good games as the field is still wide open.