...and then there were 8
Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 4:28 am
Friday's Games:
Argentina vs. Germany
A matchup of probably the two most explosive attacks remaining in the tournament. Mexico gave Argentina all they could handle and it took a brilliant goal in overtime to put them through to the next round. On the other hand, Germany literally put the game on ice just a dozen minutes into their match with Sweden. The Germans lead all teams in shots and shots on goal. Klose, Podolski and Ballack will put plenty of pressure on Argentina and I see them in front of their home fans move onto the semifinals.
My pick: Germany 2, Argentina 1
Italy vs. Ukraine
This probably the least attractive of the four quarterfinals. Italy has yet to put together one complete game. Italy has yet to yield a goal...the only ball to get past Buffon so far was off the foot of Zaccardo in the game against Team USA. Italy and Ukraine met in a friendly just before the start of the tournament...finished in a scoreless draw. I see this being a defensive struggle with Italy winning on a goal late in the second half.
My pick: Italy 1, Ukraine 0
Saturday's Games:
England vs. Portugal
You have to wonder how much Portugal will miss Deco, who got a red card in the match against the Dutch. Both teams have gotten most of their offense from the midfield. England needs to push the play much more than they have. When they have done it in this tournament, they're much more dangerous of a side. They've been able to do enough to get this far but they're capable of so much more. Sweden showed their defense isn't inpenetrable. I think Portugal will be able push forth and get more than their fair share of opportunities on Robinson and the English backline. I like their finishes just a little bit more than I like England's. They really could use a second striker to help free up Rooney. Just from what we've seen so far in this tournament, Portugal has shown it's full potential and I see them moving on.
My pick: Portugal 2, England 0
Brazil vs. France
I think this is potentially the best of the quarterfinals matches because both of these sides are peaking at the right time. France struggled to get through Group G. It took them putting on a late barrage against Korea to advance to the knockout round. Brazil had a fairly easy road to the knockout rounds but their offense really didn't come alive until their match against Japan. Ronaldo has come alive and with him finally becoming the all-time leader scorer in Cup history, he can focus solely on the real goal, getting Brazil another World Cup. In the battle of the last three World Cup winners, I see this being a goal fest with Brazil prevailing. This game will be the easiest on the eyes of the four matches...plenty of skill and offense will be on display in this one and not a lot of defense.
My pick: Brazil 3, France 2
Argentina vs. Germany
A matchup of probably the two most explosive attacks remaining in the tournament. Mexico gave Argentina all they could handle and it took a brilliant goal in overtime to put them through to the next round. On the other hand, Germany literally put the game on ice just a dozen minutes into their match with Sweden. The Germans lead all teams in shots and shots on goal. Klose, Podolski and Ballack will put plenty of pressure on Argentina and I see them in front of their home fans move onto the semifinals.
My pick: Germany 2, Argentina 1
Italy vs. Ukraine
This probably the least attractive of the four quarterfinals. Italy has yet to put together one complete game. Italy has yet to yield a goal...the only ball to get past Buffon so far was off the foot of Zaccardo in the game against Team USA. Italy and Ukraine met in a friendly just before the start of the tournament...finished in a scoreless draw. I see this being a defensive struggle with Italy winning on a goal late in the second half.
My pick: Italy 1, Ukraine 0
Saturday's Games:
England vs. Portugal
You have to wonder how much Portugal will miss Deco, who got a red card in the match against the Dutch. Both teams have gotten most of their offense from the midfield. England needs to push the play much more than they have. When they have done it in this tournament, they're much more dangerous of a side. They've been able to do enough to get this far but they're capable of so much more. Sweden showed their defense isn't inpenetrable. I think Portugal will be able push forth and get more than their fair share of opportunities on Robinson and the English backline. I like their finishes just a little bit more than I like England's. They really could use a second striker to help free up Rooney. Just from what we've seen so far in this tournament, Portugal has shown it's full potential and I see them moving on.
My pick: Portugal 2, England 0
Brazil vs. France
I think this is potentially the best of the quarterfinals matches because both of these sides are peaking at the right time. France struggled to get through Group G. It took them putting on a late barrage against Korea to advance to the knockout round. Brazil had a fairly easy road to the knockout rounds but their offense really didn't come alive until their match against Japan. Ronaldo has come alive and with him finally becoming the all-time leader scorer in Cup history, he can focus solely on the real goal, getting Brazil another World Cup. In the battle of the last three World Cup winners, I see this being a goal fest with Brazil prevailing. This game will be the easiest on the eyes of the four matches...plenty of skill and offense will be on display in this one and not a lot of defense.
My pick: Brazil 3, France 2
