Deyan - Uruguay vs South Korea are two squads that are very difficult to beat because they do not beat themselves. Uruguay, who luckily made it out of South American qualifying, are compact defensively and led by the skillful Forlan, control possession extremely well. South Korea, while lacking in size, are quick on the ball and know how to force turnovers in their offensive end as well as anyone. Based on current form, Uruguay has been one of the best squads in the tournament and should win this game with no trouble. However, something about the way South Korea plays together intrigues me and this game will come down to the wire and could easily go either way. I want to say S Korea will pull off the upset, but based on the superb form of Forlan, I have to go with Uruguay 1-0 victors.
Sam - I really like Korea, and I do think that the South American bubble is going to pop in the next couple of days, however, Uruguay just look really solid at the back, something I can't say about Chile, Mexico, etc. I'll take the Uruguayans 1-0 as well.
Deyan - USA vs Ghana has everything going for it to be a classic. There is the recent history of Ghana knocking the US out of the tournament four years ago which is still in the minds of many of the US players. Both sides like to get on the attack and can use the speed of their forward lines to make this potentially a high scoring affair. Then there is the way US progressed, with the last minute goal by Donovan, and the fact that Ghana is the only African team to progress which means they will have the backing of the entire African continent. The fans will be going crazy and I will too. I believe the US will ride the momentum of the Algerian victory and win this one by a hair in extra periods 2-1.
Sam - Something not many people are talking about is the recovery time. The US has to have expended a little more energy, at least emotionally coming off that Algerian game only 3 days ago. But let's not forget the Ghanaians played even later that night, and had plenty to play for as well. I dont really like how the US matches up with Ghana, because they are disciplined, and loads more athletic than us. We'll need to hope for some more woeful African finishing, something this tournament's had plenty of, and for the big calls to go our way, which you have to think is in the back of referee's minds. I think this will go to extra time as well, and I hate to do it, but I think Ghana will outlast us. 2-1.
Deyan - Argentina vs Mexico is another match that is closer than people think. Based on form, Argentina has been the best squad in the tournament, and while he hasn’t scored yet, Messi, has been hands down the best player. He has finally replicated his stellar club form for his national squad, and more and more it is shaping up to be the tournament where he cements himself as one of the best players of all time. However, he needs to win the World Cup for that to happen and Argentina has far too many question marks on the defensive end. The key to Mexico pulling off this huge upset is getting the ball to Dos Santos alone on the wing to use his speed and beat Heinze 1 v 1. I do see this happening to good effect once or twice but not enough for a Mexico win. Signs all point to a dominant world class performance by the best player in the world, Messi, and an Argentina victory 3-1.
Sam- Mexico? Get real. 3-0 to the Argies!
Deyan - Germany vs England is a second round game soccer fans drool over. While both squads have underperformed, especially England, they both made it out of two tricky groups. Knocks to key players on both teams will probably decide who wins this game. For England, Wayne Rooney is playing with an ankle problem that has been continuing to bother him. His form needs to get back to what it was all season for Man U and quickly for England to win this game and eventually what was expecting from them, the tournament. For Germany, Schweinsteiger picked up a knock at the end of their last game against Ghana which has ruled him doubtful for this clash of European titans. He has been the rock in the center of the pitch for them all tournament and if he is playing hurt, or not able to play at all, then Germany will find it extremely difficult to hold on to possession. This game is so close to call that I will have to go with experience- England to squeak out a victory in a hard-tackling, intense encounter in penalty shootout. (and yes I know I just put England winning in a shootout I’m insane I know)
Sam- Aside from Messi, the best player in the tournament so far has been Mesut Özil. With the face of a 35 year old, even though he's only 21, the Bremen man has done it all. I really am not immediately put off by this German team as I am to most. No asshole captain Ballack, and the ethnic diversity make this Germany almost likeable. England can keep their wimbeldon and Emile Hesky. Germany in penalties.
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