My World Cup Predictions: Knockout Rounds

Round of 16:


Mexico (1A) vs. Greece (2B)

The Greeks did well to make it out of Group B, but their World Cup journey will end at the hands of an in-form Mexican side. Speed will be a key factor in this game, unfortunately for Greece they don't have enough offensively to impose a challenge.

England (1C) vs. Serbia (2D)

This will be a tough test for Fabio Capello's squad. The Serbs play strong defensively and will frustrate the Three Lions attack. Wayne Rooney has the quality to breach Serbia's back line and England’s arsenal of weapons will overwhelm the White Eagles.

Germany (1D) vs. USA (2C)

Bob Bradley did well to get the American's this far but the dream will end here; the Germans experience will be too much to overcome. Joachim Low's side is well balanced and always performs well in the tournament. It will be close but the USA doesn't have enough to pull an upset.

Argentina (1B) vs. France (2A)

Probably the best game of the knockout rounds, this is Diego Maradona's first real challenge as coach on the grand stage. Argentina has the talent to go all the way but France can play spoiler. Both coaches were heavily criticized about their selections, although Raymond Domenech is hated by most French, Maradona is treated like a god despite his obvious shortcomings as leader. La Albiceleste's attacking options will be too much for the French to handle. Argentina will win comfortably.

Netherlands (1E) vs. Paraguay (2F)

After winning their group with ease, the Dutch wont find much of a struggle in Paraguay. Its offence vs. defence, but the Oranje have too many weapons at their disposal that will cause problems for La Albirroja. Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder have the ability to unlock any defensive system, which gives Netherlands the edge.

Brazil (1G) vs. Switzerland (2H)

Coming from the "Group of Death", the Selecao proved their superiority by finishing first. The Swiss did well to make it out of their group but are outclassed by Brazil in this round. Dunga and Co. will progress into the quarterfinals with relative ease.

Italy (1F) vs. Cameroon (2E)

The Azzurri were lucky to be drawn into a defensive group, the weaknesses on their roster couldn't be exploited properly. Cameroon has the players capable of outrunning the Italians aging back line into the ground. Speed down the wings will be the key factor for the Indomitable Lions and the reigning World Cup Champions will exit the tournament at this stage.

Spain (1H) vs. Cote d'Ivoire (2G)

"La Furia Espanola" cruised to an easy first place finish in Group H, while the Elephants fought hard in the "Group of Death" to make it this far. Unfortunately for Cote d'Ivoire their reward was Spain. After 3 grueling games the Elephants will be out of gas and no match for the Spaniards. Vicente Del Bosque arguably has the best assembled squad in South Africa and “La Roja Furia" will defeat the tired Ivorians.


Quarterfinals:


Netherlands vs. Brazil

My mouth is watering by the thought of these two heavyweights potentially meeting. The class on the pitch for both teams would be astounding, expect to be glued to your TV sets for 2 hours of non-stop action. The Selecao have fantastic full backs in Daniel Alves and Maicon who will cause the weak Dutch defensive line many problems. However the Brazilians lack creativity in midfield, Kaka is the engine but after him it gets rather thin. The Oranje however are filled with creative players who can be game changers on their own and will frustrate Brazil, although they will have to beat Julio Cesar who is by far better then his Dutch counterpart Maarten Stekelenberg. Im going with Netherlands for the upset, despite being thin on defense, creativity will reign supreme; Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder are very dangerous, add Robin van Persie to the mix and all signs point to a Dutch victory.

Mexico vs. England

These two nations met in a friendly prior to the start of the World Cup; although Mexico fought hard they lost 3-1 at Wembley. I will be the first to say friendly matches account for nothing more than a boost of confidence for the players, but in this case I see a similar score line happening. You can point to the string of saves Robert Green made to deny the Mexicans as the reason for the victory, but England are just a class above Mexico and will win by a two-goal margin. By the time they meet, the Three Lions confidence will be booming and I feel "El Tri" won't be able to manage the onslaught. Captain Steven Gerrard will lead England to their first appearance in the semi-finals for the first time since Italia '90.

Germany vs. Argentina

In a repeat of the 2006 quarterfinal, Argentina will be hoping for a better result then the last. The Germans ousted Maradona's men in penalties with this year’s fearless leader watching from a private box at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Difference this time around is the Albiceleste are a lot stronger with more experience, and they wont have to compete with a boisterous home crowd that acted as a twelfth man for Germany. "Die Mannschaft" will try and out work Argentina, captain Phillip Lahm speed and delivery could cause problems on the right side for Argentina, with Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomes as targets. You should never count Germany out, but Argentina has too many options going forward that can make things difficult for an already weak defensive line. Maradona will defy his critics and push his beloved Argentina into the semis.

Cameroon vs. Spain

Being the only African nation left in the tournament, Cameroon already has overachieved and made their country proud. All of Africa will be behind the Indomitable Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg as they take on European Champions Spain. Captain Samuel Eto'o has matched Roger Milla's Cameroon of 1990 and made it to the quarterfinals of the World Cup, unfortunately this is where the story ends. The Spaniards have the advantage in every position, Iker Casillas can keep a clean sheet if tested but first Cameroon has to breach the defensive fortress Spain will line up in front of their captain. Add the trio of Alonso, Xavi and Iniesta's creativity; it will be hard to see an upset in the making. Despite the crowd being fully behind the Africans, Spain will get the victory and advance.


Semi-Finals:

England vs. Netherlands

Two massive football nations finally knock the monkey off their backs and live up to the expectations bestowed upon them by all the critics and fans. The Three Lions are one win away from the promise land; a birth in the final. Same goes for the Dutch, many golden generations have failed in the past where this team has persevered. This game will definitely live up to the hype, so many match-ups to consider. Who will be more dangerous Rooney or van Persie? Which midfield will provide more creativity; Lampard and Gerrard or Sneijder and Robben? Depending on injuries and suspensions their may be even more to consider. The Oranje have great skill but their lack of depth at the back will be their downfall. Fabio Capello has done a marvelous job as England coach and will add to his legacy by taking the Three Lions all the way to the final for the first time in 44 years and on foreign soil.

Argentina vs. Spain

If the first semi-final didn't excite you, this one sure will. The Albiceleste vs. La Furia Espanola; will make any true football fan drool; both benches can be a Starting XI. Spain and Argentina were favorites going into the World Cup and if all goes to plan they will meet and display a footballing clinic we can only dream to emulate. Pressure will be on coaches Diego Maradona and Vicente Del Bosque to win, the loser will be torn apart by critics for their failure to make the final. Each nation is expected to win the World Cup, anything less will be seen as a disaster. Although the Spaniards are the more complete team, I feel the stars are aligned for Argentina to make history, that’s why I’m picking Argentina to make the final.


Third Place:

Netherlands vs. Spain

Despite not reaching the finals, both teams have pride to play for. Spain and Netherlands will see this as a disappointment, but will go all out for the victory. It will be close but in the end Spain will get the victory, albeit hard fought. Third place at the World Cup is still a magnificent achievement for either nation.


Final:

England vs. Argentina

Despite the media scrutiny and all the pressure both nations have to endure; Argentina and England fought hard to make it this far. Whether its the memories of '66 or the media circus that follows Maradona each team had to come together and leave it out on the pitch. I can sit here and break down all the match-ups and different sets of formations each coach might deploy to get an edge, but its a one off game and history has proven anything can happen. Both Nations have the talent to lift the World Cup. Although my heart says England, I will stick with the prediction I made at the beginning of qualifying and say Argentina will win the World Cup. Diego Maradona will have to live up to his word and run naked through the streets as he promised.