GROUP 3 - WINNERS B & D, RUNNERS-UP A & C
ARGENTINA
The only team to be really flawless in the group stage, they have great strength in depth. All of the controversy over Maradona's management and their wobbly qualification seems to have disappeared. Then again, the Dutch looked similarly indestructible two years ago. Have they peaked too early?
GERMANY
Pretty Jekyll & Hyde stuff from the Germans: explosive against Australia, limp against Serbia and average against Ghana. They've certainly got enough great players to make it to the latter stages, but the group stage suggests that there is a way to stop them, and should anyone figure it out, the Germans will be in big trouble.
MEXICO
Mexico were thoroughly unspectacular in escaping their rather average group: they did well not to lose on the opening night, and made light work of a disintegrating France side before having little heart to really trouble Uruguay, given that they were almost guaranteed passage.
ENGLAND
Their turnaround wasn't quite as spectacular as Slovakia's, but then again expectations were much higher for the Three Lions. Two desperately poor games against less-than-special opposition brought serious criticism, but a much improved performance in the final game saw them finish the group with only one goal conceded, a freak error. Momentum is crucial for a good run in a very tough group.
ARGENTINA vs MEXICO
El Tri have exited at the Second Round at the last four World Cups. Now they're playing the same team that beat them last time, but now they seem unstoppable. Ah, damn it.
ARGENTINA WIN
GERMANY vs ENGLAND
Ugh... we don't want to call it. But we'll go for England. Why not? It has to happen eventually. Whether it's on penalties or not is another matter.
ENGLAND WIN
POTENTIAL QF: ARGENTINA vs ENGLAND
If England can actually get past the Germans, they'll have a real job getting past the Argies. Time to be realistic.
ARGENTINA WIN
GROUP 4 - WINNERS F & H, RUNNERS-UP E & G
PARAGUAY
They lazily ambled through their group, clearly not in any danger having drawn a poor group, especially with the collapse of Italy. The term 'dark horses' is used in every tournament, and these guys could be the ones.
SPAIN
There was a rude awakening in their opening match, but they found their feet afterwards, but have yet to look as magnificent as they did when they won in Europe two years ago. They can still do it, though.
JAPAN
Only the Japanese coach thought they'd make good progress through the competition, but they've surprised everyone else with some very confident performances, and could be a real surprise package. Of course, they won't be underestimated now.
PORTUGAL
Don't let the demolition of North Korea fool you: Portugal, with 0-0 draws against their other two opponents, have been very flat. Thankfully, Ronaldo has shown effort and promise, but few others have done so.
PARAGUAY vs JAPAN
A very tough call: Japan have improved with each game, Paraguay haven't really shown their full potential. We'll go for a tight Paraguay win.
PARAGUAY WIN
SPAIN vs PORTUGAL
Portugal haven't look all that special, and although Spain had a scare against the Swiss, they've looked a lot more solid. The Spanish should get through this Iberian derby, but it won't be a walkover.
SPAIN WIN
POTENTIAL QF: PARAGUAY vs SPAIN
Paraguay will do very well to make the Quarter-Finals, but Spain should be hitting their stride by this point.
SPAIN WIN
And that's all for now. See you for the Semi Finals.
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