Saturday, June 24, 2006

World Cup-Last 16!!

The last sixteen will be amazin' to watch.
Here's how the last sixteen will shape up.

Brazil-Ghana
Ronaldo recaptured his scoring touch and Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 4-1 on Thursday at to last show signs why it was a longtime favorite. Ronaldo is now tied with former German great Gerd Mueller for the most goals in World Cup history with 14 and could go past him by hitting the target against upstart Ghana.
The Ghanaians have earned their place in the second round but, with Chelsea star Michael Essien suspended for the game, won't go any further.
Prediction: Brazil 4, Ghana 0.

Argentina-Mexico
The fact Argentina was held 0-0 by the Netherlands in group play Wednesday disguised the truth that Jose Pekerman's players totally outplayed the Dutch for most of the game after he had rested five regulars.
Pekerman will recall Javier Saviola and Hernan Crespo to start the game, with Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez coming off the bench. That means the Mexicans likely will face the players who crushed Serbia-Montenegro 6-0 as Argentina takes another step toward the final.
The Mexicans looked inept in their 0-0 tie with the Angolans and badly need to improve if they are to run Argentina even close.
Prediction: Argentina 2, Mexico 0.

Germany-Sweden
Under Juergen Klinsmann, the Germans have improved with every performance and are sharp in attack.
With four goals from Miroslav Klose(probabaly will get golden boot,Who knows?), the host nation charged into the second round on the back of victories over Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador. By contrast, the Swedes' form is puzzling,since they came back after they were two down against England(2-2)
Germany figures to get through to the last eight but, with Argentina looming, that could be the end for the host team.
Prediction: Germany 2, Sweden 0.

England-Ecuador
Michael Owen's departure with a serious knee injury has cast a cloud over England's camp and co-striker Wayne Rooney is under pressure to recapture his best form. The England midfield is starting to hit its peak with Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard performing well.Beckham is also strikin the ball well
Ecuador has done well to get this far and Agustin Delgado and Carlos Tenorio have scored two goals each. But England has its most talented lineup in more than 30 years, and the players know second-round elimination is unacceptable.
Prediction: England 3, Ecuador 0.

Netherlands-Portgual
This is a close game to call and likely will go to extra time and even a penalty-kick shootout.
Rested for the game against Argentina, Arjen Robben should return to attack the Portuguese defense with his fast runs and accurate shooting. But the biggest failure for the Dutch has been Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has barely made an impact despite his goal against the Ivory Coast.
Portugal's talented forwards, with Luis Figo still going strong at age 33, have created plenty of chances and will give the Dutch defense much trouble. Portugal trying to take coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's World Cup winning streak to 11.
Prediction: Portugual 2, Netherlands 1, extra time.

Italy-Australia
Italy has shutout victories over Ghana and the Czechs. Daniele De Rossi's red card for elbowing U.S. striker Brian McBride in the face has cost him a four-game ban and now Marcello Lippi's team takes on the Kangaroos in Kaiserslautern.
The Australians fear no one, with stars such as Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell, and they have the talent to beat the Italians. But the experience and professionalism of Lippi's team should be the deciding factor to capture a place in the final eight.
Prediction: Italy 2, Australia 1.

Spain-France
Spain has three wins and looks strong enough to end France's late recovery.
Coach Luis Aragones of Spain rested most of his frontline players for the third group game against Saudi Arabia. They will have had five more days recovery time than the French stars, who had to beat Togo on Friday, and that will tip the balance when they meet in Hanover.
Prediction: Spain 2, France 1.

Switzerland-Ukraine
Ukraine lost its first World Cup game 4-0 to the Spaniards, but rebounded with two shutout victories. Andriy Shevchenko and his team will make it to the last eight by beating a Swiss team which is overachieving.
Prediction: Ukraine 1, Switzerland 0.

I'll update ya'll on the tournament from round to round.
Till then..
Tadaa..

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