Round of 16 Preview
Friday was a rest day.
The knock-out stage--"Round of 16" or "Octavos de Final"--is upon us, and the match-ups are all set.
See upcoming match-ups here.
There will be two matches per day from Saturday through Tuesday. Matches are at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm Brasilia time (Noon and 4:00 EDT)
Half of the finalists have been sent home. Who will win the swimsuit competition? Who will be the most photogenic? Doesn't matter...this is all about talent, grit, and determination.
Here are my predictions and comments.
Saturday
Brazil vs Chile
The pre-tourney favorite, Brazil, has not looked as impressive as some other teams, but they will find a way to beat Chile and make it to the quarters and eventually semis, where they will likely face Germany. I had tickets for this game in my shopping cart before being dealt a blow by FIFA. Ah well. I will watch on TV with every other man, woman, and child in Brazil.
Colombia vs Uruguay
I wish these teams were playing in Recife, but alas, I will have to settle for watching this one on TV as well. It will get a lot of attention because Suarez has been banned. Why will everyone be watching it, since he will not play? I guess everyone loves a good vampire story.
It will be tough for Uruguay to win without Suarez, but I'm picking them nonetheless. I've seen stranger adversity cause a team to rally.
But I'm rooting for the Colombians in my heart (but not my pool).
Doesn't matter; whoever wins will lose to Brazil in the quarters.
Sunday
Netherlands vs Mexico
Mexico has looked good (good enough to tie Brazil) but they will lose to the Flying Dutchmen, who have been in top form and should easily make it to the finals. (Where they will eventually face Brazil or Germany). Widely considered the best team never to win a cup, is this the year Oranje finally brings home the title that eluded them four years ago versus Spain?
Mexico made a good run, but they are about to run right into some bad luck in the way the draw came out.
Costa Rica vs Greece
The least interesting of all the R16 games and the one I will be attending. The fans will be 90% Costa Rican, so it should be fun if not very competitive.
Greeks are in over their yogurt. Can they pull the upset? No, no they can't.
Whoever wins will be slaughtered by the Dutch in the next round, but reaching the quarter-finals will be fun while it lasts.
Monday
France vs Nigeria
Nigeria needed some help from the refs in the BH game to get out of a weak group. They've proven worthy of the tourney, but are no match for the French.
France will beat Nigeria, only to lose to Germany in the quarters. Everyone knows this to be true.
Germany vs Algeria
So long Algeria, it has been nice knowing you.
Germany will have to beat France and Brazil to make it to the finals, where they would face Netherlands. This match versus Algeria will be a mere tune-up and perhaps give insights into whether they can make a deep run.
The Germans I spoke with said they feared only Spain, Italy, and France. With Spain and Italy already bounced, the Germans biggest enemy will be the heat and humidity.
They looked comfortable against the US in the rain but made their share of technical mistakes, repeatedly kicking the ball out of bounds on the slick turf. But they possess the ball well and are very, very skilled. My heart says Brazil will beat them in the semis, which will be an epic matchup.
Tuesday
Argentina vs Switzerland
Everyone, especially TV executives, and banking on Messi to take the Albiceleste to the finals, but it isn't going to happen. Coming out of a weak group, they looked vulnerable. Argentina will beat Switzerland, but that is as far as they will get. Yes, I predict the US will face and beat Argentina in the quarters. Whoever reaches the semis will certainly be dispatched by the Dutch.
No one is rooting for Switzerland. At best, they are neutral.
USA vs Belgium
Belgium topped a weak group, but USA survived the Group of Death.
Look for the Yanks to prove Klinsman a genius. I predict US will beat Belgium (2-1) to reach the quarters and then beat Argentina (3-2) to reach the semis. It would be a dream for US to make it that far, but I think it is very attainable. US looked weak against Germany, who is the class of the tourney, but will look better against weaker teams.
If they make it to the semis, they'll be crushed by the Dutch (5-0).
Well, those are my predictions. What are yours?
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