Round of Sixteen Predictions

Uruguay and Korea is. 5 minutes in, and no one has scored, although Korea did just hit the post. Here are my predictions.

Uruguay will beat Korea. It will be close, but Korea showed a lot of nerves in their game against Nigeria, and Uruguay is more composed. Composure is a key trait that's becoming more and more important in this World Cup. (3 minutes after writing this, Uruguay scores with a very composed finish after a blunder by the Korea defense.)

USA over Ghana. Ghana scored 2 goals, both penalty kicks. The USA scored 4, and had 2 legit goals disallowed. Ghana's defense has been solid, but they wern't truly tested in their group.

England over Germany. Germany are really young, and it showed against Ghana. They have all the earmarks of a German team except the ability to be ruthless. Their Australia drubbing was a bit flukish. England will look deep into themselves to come out on top of this one.

Argentina over Mexico. Mexico just won't be good enough. I'm not saying that because I hate them. I'm saying that because it's true. Argentina is the most talented team. They'd really need a defensive blunder to blow this one. I also expect this one to get chippy.

Paraguay over Japan. Japan really seem like the weakest team to advance, and Paraguay are solid.

Netherlands over Slovakia. I expect this one to be good. I don't think Slovakia will come out and bunker. I think they'll try to take it to the Dutch. That said, not picking the Dutch to win is crazy. They are really gelling.

Brasil over Chile. It's really too bad that Chile has to play Brasil at this point. I think they could beat most of the other teams int he quarter-finals. Brasil is too stacked to lose.

Portugal over Spain. Spain just haven't looked that great and I think Portugal are on the upswing despite not looking that great as well. I think this one will be ugly with lots of fouls.