The 6 european teams actually face each other, so there will be 3 and only 3 euro teams in the final 8. There will be at most 4 south american teams because Brasil face Chile. That would be AWESOME if those 4 make it, plus USA. But let's look at how the round should play out, chronological order:
Uruguay - South Korea: Uruguay's defense is too strong, and Forlan is too great.
USA - Ghana: Team USA should be able to find creases in that Ghana defense.
Germany - England: England upsets a young German team that really is too inconsistent for my tastes. England gained some confidence in that last game...
Argentina - Mexico: I have to say Argentina, but this one scares me. Mexico are able to hang on to the ball, but can they finish?
Holland - Slovakia: Holland just has that look of a team that plays strong D and just wins. Slovakia could upset them with Vittek going off, but ehh, I dont think so..
Brasil - Chile: Fascinating game. Brasil of course has dominated them recently, but Chile does have a chance with that attacking style. Can Chile finally get over the hump? Is this like the Bucs finally beating the Eagles at the Vet?
Paraguay - Japan: I really like what I've seen from Japan. They control the ball well, score from set pieces, run all day. Maybe they're not physical, but physicality isn't winning in this world cup so far. That boy Honda is realllly nice.
Spain - Portugal: Spain should really mop the floor with these guys. I'm not impressed at all with Portugal (though here's a counterpoint that says Portugal plays good D actually). If they don't try to attack Spain, they'll get creamed.
So that would leave the following matchups for a chance to get into the semis:
USA - Uruguay
Holland - Brasil
England - Argentina
Spain - Japan
Those are some really tantalizing matchups. Anything can happen after that...
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