Fifa World Cup Knockout Stages Preview and Predictions.

So here we are, the business end of the tournament. We have narrowed it down to 16 teams all within four games of glory. Will it be pre-tournament favourites Spain to win their first World Cup? Will it be Brazil winning their 6th World Cup? Can two time champions Uruguay turn back the clock? Let us have a look at how it is going to unfold below.

Game 1: Winner Group A v Runner up Group B

Uruguay v South Korea.

Both these teams come into this game on pretty good form, although Uruguay will be the favourites as they have two world class strikers in good form in Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, not to mention their defence has not let in a goal yet. South Korea though will be very confident after escaping a tough group with Argentina, Greece, and Nigeria. I think the South Koreans will sneak this one in extra time. South Korea 2-1 (ET).

Game 2: Winner Group C v Runner up Group D

USA v Ghana

Both these teams are pretty fortunate to be here as they both sneaked through courtesy of last ditch heroics (USA) and goal differential (Ghana). With the USA having played admirably in their first two games to only get two draws, and then to snatch it at the death versus Slovenia, they will go into this game full of confidence. Landon Donovan is in great form, and Clint Dempsey looks like he could be finding his shooting boots. Ghana is the last African team left in the tournament and will have the whole of Africa behind them. Unfortunately this will not be enough against a very good USA side. USA 1-0.

Game 3: Winner Group B v Runner up Group A

Argentina v Mexico

In what will be the most one sided affair in this last 16, Argentina will comfortably get past Mexico. Mexico managed to qualify in their group thanks to a 2-0 win over an out of sorts French side, but this will be a different kettle of fish. Lionel Messi, Diego Milito, and Carlos Tevez will be hungry for more goals. Argentina 3-0.

Game 4: Winner Group D v Runner up Group C

Germany v England

In the big match of the last 16, thanks to England’s second place finish in their group, they get the pleasure of facing their good friends, Germany in the first knockout phase. The Germans have had a successful group stage, with a slip up against the Serbians, but otherwise looking very strong. The English have stuttered to the knockout stages, but they did beat Slovenia when they had to. I think this may be just what England need to kick start their campaign. I hope for the sake of the English that it doesn’t go to penalties! England 1-0.

Game 5: Winner Group E v Runner up Group F

Holland v Slovakia

The Dutch have looked perhaps the form side of the tournament so far, qualifying with a perfect record. They come up against a Slovakian side who just knocked Italy out of the World Cup. Although on form Slovakia could produce an upset, I feel that Slovakia just played their big game against Italy and could come unstuck against a Holland side made for knock out games. Holland 2-0.

Game 6: Winner Group G v Runner up Group H

Brazil v Chile

This game has the potential to be the most entertaining game of the round. Chile gave Spain a run for their money, endured countless yellows and a red card, and still qualified for the knockout phase. Brazil coasted through their qualifying and look to be gearing up for a deep run. Although Chile will get their playmaker Matias Fernandez back, I can’t see them being able to stop Brazil. Brazil 3-1.

Game 7: Winner Group F v Runner up Group E

Paraguay v Japan.

Paraguay have had a great tournament to date and will be a really dangerous side to face. If we remember, they did beat Argentina AND Brazil in qualification to get to these finals. Japan have also had a great tournament in beating more fancied sides, Denmark and Cameroon to qualify for the knockout phase. Although Japan will be defiant and look to counter, Paraguay has too much height and power. Paraguay 1-0.
Game 8: Winner Group H v Runner up Group G

Spain v Portugal

What a game. If Portugal can open this up, this could be a fantastic game. If Portugal decide to play defensively, they will lose. Spain will try to dominate possession (and probably will) and if they do, they will win. The only chance for Portugal is to involve Christiano Ronaldo as much as possible. When you have one of the best players in the world on your side, it is wise to use them (just like Cameroon ignored Samuel Eto’o, looked what happened to them). Unfortunately for Portugal, Spain are just too good. Spain 2-1.

First Quarter Final

South Korea v USA

Both teams will be scared to lose this game as the winner of this will get to go on to the semi final. This will be a heavily defensive game and could well finish 0-0 and go to penalties. The USA will have the edge thanks to Tim Howard in goal and inform front men. If South Korea can get an early goal, they should park the bus and hope for the best. I just think USA will win this one in what will be a cagey affair. USA 1-0.

Second Quarter Final

Argentina v England

This is where Fabio Capello and England come unstuck. In what has been a dodgy defence all year, this will be their first real test, and don’t expect them to pass it. Argentina has far too many ball players for England and expect them to score at least once. If Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard can find some form, this could be a cracker. Otherwise, look to see Maradona running around like a crazy man again. Argentina 2-1.

Third Quarter Final

Holland v Brazil

In what will be the first real test for Brazil, they must hold their nerve. Holland are a great side, and with Wesley Sneider, Arjen Robben, and Van der Vaart (excuse the spelling!) in midfield, Brazil will not be able to control possession. Brazil do have speed on their side and look for Maicon and Dani Alves to stretch the Dutch as wide as possible. If Robin van Persie has a good game, Holland has a real chance of winning. I can’t really separate these teams and this has all the makings of going to penalties. Brazil can thank their lucky stars that they have Julio Cesar on their side. 1-1 (Brazil go through 5-3 on penalties).

Fourth Quarter Final

Paraguay v Spain

As good as Paraguay has been, they have no chance in this game. Spain will dominate this from start to finish. They have too much speed, skill, and big game players to lose this. Spain 3-0.

First Semi Final

USA v Brazil

A battle of the Americas. North America v South America. In almost every other sport and facet of life, North America would win this one. Well this is football and Brazil will romp this. USA will be so amped up for this though and it will be close for a while. I can see USA sneaking into half time at 0-0 but I think that they will be slightly overawed and become a bit nervous as the game goes on. Brazil will secure this in about the 78th minute though Luis Fabiano before Robinho pleases the fans with a second goal right on the 90th minute. Brazil 2-0.

Second Semi Final

Argentina v Spain

What a great game this could be. The two form sides of the tournament line up. Spain carrying Europe’s hopes, will have to be at their very best to keep Argentina at bay. Spain will try to dominate the ball again, to try and keep it out of the Argentinian playmakers. If Spain can control the ball, they should be ok. Argentina will need to press Spain as much as possible without leaving themselves exposed at the back if they are to have a chance. Spain’s back four are not the best in world football and if they are put under pressure, they could be undone. I really can’t pick this one and since Spain have only once reached a World Cup semi (1950) and never a final, they may just feel the pressure of being favourites. Argentina 2-1 (ET).

Final

Brazil v Argentina

In a much anticipated final, the top two attacking sides reach the final. Brazil go into the final as slight favourites, looking to secure their sixth Fifa World Cup title. Argentina will be hoping to win their third title and first since the Mexico World Cup in 1986. This game will be very tight like all finals and will be won on who takes their opportunities. Brazil will look to push and dictate the game, whereas Argentina will look to hit on the counter and use the likes of Messi through the middle to create havoc. Hopefully this is a great game, it certainly has the players to make it one. I just can’t resist seeing possibly the worst manager at these finals (Maradona) going mental if the Argentinians win. It is all too much for me, and that is why I have to go with the blue and white. For the second consecutive game Argentina win 2-1 in extra time and their third World Cup title.