Deyan - Netherlands vs Slovakia is the most one-sided match in the round of 16. Netherlands haven’t preformed spectacularly so far in this tournament but their offensive firepower should be too much for the Slovaks to handle. While Slovakia was able to upset the overrated, aging Italian squad, the Dutch are a completely different beast. Sneijder will run the show and the Dutch will coast to victory 2-0.
Deyan - Brazil vs Chile is a mouth watering affair that sets up very well for the Brazilians. While Chile is my #1 rated underdog squad going into this tournament and have played brilliantly so far, this match up suits up too perfectly for Brazil. While Chile will be missing three players, and their two central defenders, through suspension, Brazil is getting Kaka and Robinho back. While Elano and Melo are out with injuries, Brazil’s squad is so deep their substitutes are seen by many experts as better players. Additionally, Chile loves to play with possession and on the attack, and Brazil is the best counterattacking side in the tournament. The only way for Chile to pull off the upset is if they get the ball to Sanchez on the right wing as much as possible because Bastos cannot defend him one on one. However, Brazil will put too many men behind the ball and Robinho will take advantage on the counter. I would love to choose Chile in an upset if they were at full strength but they are not, Brazil wins this one 2-1.
Deyan - Paraguay vs Japan is easily the worst game in this round. I don’t want to waste my time on this match because whoever wins this will lose the next one. Honda will have to put up some magic to win this one and I don’t see this happening. Paraguay win possibly in extra time 1-0.
Sam - Credit to Japan for proving me wrong and righting the ship in the group stage. They really looked like shit in the run up to the world cup. I was underwhelmed with Paraguay in what was clearly the softest group apart from their first game, so I'll go with the Japanese to keep on scoring 2-0.
Deyan - Spain vs Portugal looks like a low scoring game that can go either way. Spain is the best team in the world but have not looked like it all tournament. Torres has looked a step slow, Fabregas has barely played, and Xavi hasn’t dominated the midfield like he’s accustomed to. This match suits up well for Portugal because Spain will dominate possession and Ronaldo will be able to cause problems with his speed on the counter attack. If Ronaldo plays alone up top, which I think he should, he will have to get behind the defense and score a breakaway goal in order for Portugal to pull off the upset. However, I see Fabregas being the difference in this win, Spain win 2-0.
Sam - Which Portugal are we going to get? They are an intriguing team, and they showed what they are capable of albeit against the north koreans. Spain just keep the ball so well, that yes, their only chance will be through Ronaldo's speed on a counter, and if there is any man that can do it himself on a counter it is pretty boy serpentine Christiano. I think whoever gets the first goal in this game will win. And just to be Deyan's opposite number, I'll say Portugal 2-0. (i've been cleaning him out this WC, so I figured I'd throw him a bone)
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