The final 8

It is now down to the final 8. However I am a bit dissapointed about the games of the second round.

During the first round we saw a number of exciting matches that were free flowing, exciting movement and some brilliant goals. Then as the tournament progressed, the games were more serious and teams started to play more conservative.

The pressure mounted, refs wilted and the goals also seemed to dissapear.

A typical world cup.

Now it is the final 8 and I hope to see more games like the Argentina and Mexico match. Attractive football being played where teams work the ball into attack instead of kicking it long (England) or wait for a counter attack (Italy).

Now to the final 8 matches and my thoughts:

Argentina versus Germany

What a match to start of the quarterfinals. The home team against one of the class acts from South America. It is a shame they meet so early rather than say the semi's but I believe that the the Argies have been playing good looking football during the tournament. Their team have a number of excellent players who aim to play as a team. Yet you can not discount the Germans with the home support. But the pressure and levels of expectations may hinder the Germans.

Prediction: Argies to beat the Germans after a 1-1 at full time, 2-2 at extra time.

Italy versus Ukraine

Well Italy were lucky to get through and Gosso should be back in time after his accepting his oscar for best actor. The Ukraine have the sublime skills of Shevchenko who if given the right service can do some damage. But the football umpires and the skill level of the Italians will win through. I am envisioning shades of Italy in 1994.

Prediction: Italy 3-1 in normal time against a 9 man Ukraine.

England versus Portugal

Look I am a huge fan of England but am so bored by their play. With the suspension of Portugese playmaker DECO and the potential no show of "crybaby" Ronaldo (a reason for ManUre fans to want him to go to Real Madrid, aren't you sick of him crying all the time?) makes it look like this will be a walkover for England.

But don't discount Phil Scolari, twice he has led his team to defeats of England, after being a goal down and even a man down (Brazil in 2002 and portugal in 2004). This is a key factor, he will ensure his players are motivated and throughly prepared for the match.

I do not see SVE being man enough to take off Lampard (who has not been scoring) to allow Stevvie G to play the attacking midfield role and have Carrick as the holding midfielder. This will ensure they win. If he keeps the same team then well they will just get through.

Prediction: England winning 4-3 penalties.

Brazil versus France

What matchups. Strikers of Ronaldo versus Henry (yep Ronaldo may have a bigger ass but his class is present and accounted for). The midfield of Zizou and Viera against Ronaldinho and Kaka.

Talking Ronaldinho, he has not been a stand out. The focus has been on some dubious decisions and Ronaldo. However it should be noted that he has created a couple of scoring opportunities for Brazil during this tournament. For this match he will need to show us some of that magic we see in the ads.

Time to show the world why he was world player of the year. While not discounting Les Blues it is going to be a crackerjack of a match and very exciting to watch.

Prediction: Brazil to samba their way to the semi finals 3-1