Knockout Round Predictions

above: Miroslav Klose chases down the ball against USA in the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup in the Munsu Cup stadium in Ulsan, South Korea. Germany won that game 1-0, and went on to the final, where they lost to Brazil. Can the Americans respond and beat the European giants in South Africa?






The following match-ups are based on my Group Stage predictions. While the match-ups may differ slightly, the following eight teams are likely to win in the Round of 16, and advance to the quarterfinals:

Greece
England
Netherlands
Brazil
USA
Argentina
Italy
Spain


Group A Winner France vs. Group B Runner-Up Greece:

For France, a team that only qualified for the Cup because of a blatant hand-ball by their superstar Thierry Henry, being in the Knockout Round at all is quite an accomplishment. The listless, underwhelming performance in qualifiers did not impress any of the Les Bleus supporters.

Greece, meanwhile, are led by European World Cup qualifying goals leader Theofanis Gekas, who exploded for ten goals in 12 qualifiers. Greece's bend-but-don't-break back line will corral the talented but aging attackers Nikolas Anelka and Henry.

Greece wins 1-0 in an upset.

Group C Winner England vs. Group D Runner-Up Serbia:

England ought not be planning for the quarterfinals when they take on Serbia in the Knockout round. Center-back Nemanja Vidic of Serbia plays with Wayne Rooney at Manchester United and has the skill to harass the England Striker into a corner. Defender Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea and midfielder Dejan Stankovic of Inter Milan both have top-flight experience and will not cower to mighty England.

England will have too much class and will defeat talented Serbia 2-1.

Group E Winners Netherlands vs. Group F Paraguay

Netherlands will prove too strong in attack as the Flying Dutchman will rout the South Americans 4-1. The absence of Salvador Cabanas, who was shot in Mexico City in January exiting a night club, will prove costly for Paraguay against such a strong opponent.


Group G Winner Brazil vs. Group H Runner-Up Chile

Chile has a great coach, a strong attack and a unique 3-3-1-3 formation which demands defensive attention. Brazil 3, Chile 0.

Group D Winner Germany vs. Group C Runner-Up USA

One of only two predicted Knockout round upsets, the USA will prove they are for real in an upset win over 2006 hosts Germany. Without captain and midfield orchestrator Michael Ballack, the German side will falter in the Round of 16. The Americans will advance to the quarterfinals for only the third time ever.

USA wins 2-1 in a thriller.

Group B Winner Argentina vs. Group A Runner-Up Mexico

Rematch of a 2006 Knockout round match will see a similar result. Argentina will struggle but will pull off a late-game score that will give Argentina the win.
Argentina wins, 2-1.

Group F Winner Italy vs. Group E Runner-Up Denmark

Italy's effort in this Knockout round match will dispel any rumors that Italy is old and unmotivated. The Danes are certainly no pushovers, but they will struggle to score against a rigid Italian defense. Look for Italy to win one in classic il Azzurri fashion; Italy will score early, perhaps twice, then sit on their lead for 60 or so minutes.

Italy wins, 1-0.

Group H Winner Spain vs. Group G Runner-Up Portugal

It is a shame this Iberian showdown has to occur so early in the Cup. With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Alves of Portugal jousting in the midfield against Xavi and Andres Iniesta, there are certain to be many opportunities. Fantastic goalkeeping by Casillas could be the difference. The twin attack of Fernando Torres and David Villa will simply outscore Portugal.

Spain wins, 3-2.