World Cup: KNOCKOUT!

So, it’s here. Just 16 games remain in the World Cup, and you don’t need an expert, or even me, to tell you that they’re all important. With France and Italy falling short, there are some surprise teams hanging around, and of course Landon Donovan and company are through as group C winners, so you’ll see bandwagon-hoppers multiply as well as columns like this drivel be hashed and re-hashed as writers tell us how far they have their fingers in their ears.

Let’s get to the games before I get any more upset.

Saturday, June 26
10:00 AM: Uruguay v. South Korea
I’ll admit I don’t know much about either of these teams. Uruguay has looked impressive in the group stages, but was facing poor competition in a disgruntled France, inconsistent Mexico, and South Africa, who’s only there because they’re the home side. They’re likely the best of that group, but have certainly had a lucky run of opponents so far.

I haven’t watched any of South Korea’s games. Sorry. But, I didn’t expect them to do much and I think they’ll lose against Uruguay. They were second, but only had four points, beating a poor Greece team, getting trounced by Argentina, and drawing with Nigeria with help from Nigeria’s striker Yakubu missing the easiest chance of the tournament (though he did get a penalty moments later).

2:30 PM: United States v. Ghana
While the USA barely made it into the knockout stage, it does seem that they are a dangerous team, as two goals were disallowed and they had numerous other chances. While finishing is a skill, I can’t help but think that they got unlucky with both the bad calls and the ball just not bouncing the right way, and if they can produce as many quality chances against Ghana as they have this tournament so far, they should be able to put more of them away.

Most of the odds-makers have this match as close to even, but I’d give the edge to the USA. I think the odds-makers are overrating the “home continent” effect, as it’s not a particularly short trip for Ghanaians, there are a lot of Americans at the World Cup, and it’s questionable how many South Africans would root for Ghana. Some prediction systems don’t even account for Michael Essien being out, and he is one of the best players in the world. I also think the U.S. is being underrated. But it should be a good match, as both teams play positive football, and while they’ll both be wary of mistakes, they should move forward.

Sunday, June 27
10:00 AM: England v. Germany
I’m very excited for this game. Germany has played well this tournament (they always do) and play a skilled yet physical game, and while England hasn’t played as well, they have numerous star players and it just takes them working together to produce a great performance. I kind of doubt that will happen, as I think there are a lot of egos on that England team, but it will be fun to watch them implode.

I’d like to direct your attention to German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and point out first, his awesome name, and second, this outfit he is wearing. The English blog I link to makes fun of it, but I’m kind of into it. Kind of Elfish. Let your freak flag fly, Bastian.

2:30 PM: Mexico v. Argentina
I think Argentina can lose in this tournament against a team with a strong defense which can keep Lionel Messi somewhat in check and score with quick counterattacks. Mexico isn’t that team, though. Argentina is really fun to watch, however, and it’s worth it to watch the Best Player in the World in every game he plays. So do it. Or else.