Knockout Stage Preview

Less than two weeks into the 2010 World Cup, and we already have three-fourths of our match-ups for the Knockout Round. Groups A through F have concluded their matches, with Argentina, Germany and Uruguay all looking like contenders. The other nine teams that have secured a place in the Round of 16 have had more precarious journeys through their groups. These squads will begin the Knockout Stage starting this weekend, June 26th and 27th.

Saturday, June 26




7:00 a.m.- 1AUruguay vs 2B South Korea

Prediction: Uruguay, 3-1



Group A winners Uruguay managed to sidestep South American neighbors Argentina, while recording three successive clean sheets. Forwards Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have been lethal, with Forlan scoring twice against South Africa, and Suarez netting the game-winner against Mexico.

Meanwhile, South Korea's form has been erratic throughout the group stage. Park Ji-Sung and his teammates came out firing against Greece, winning in style, 2-0. South Korea were unable to capitalize on their momentum, however, as they were spectators in a 4-1 demolition by Argentina. Finally, South Korea teetered on the brink of elimination against a hungry Nigerian side. South Korea gave up an early goal but responded with two of their own. Finally, South Korea conceded a penalty in the 69th minute that leveled the score. The game ended 2-2, and the South Koreans advanced to the Knockout Stage having scored five goals while conceding six.

If South Korea are to get passed Uruguay, South Korean coach Huh Jung-Moo must tighten up his back-line. The porous South Korean defense gave up a six goals by way of a hat-trick, an own goal, a defensive miscue and a penalty. Blood is in the water, and a hungry Uruguay will be in attack early. Diego Forlan and his goal-scoring partner Luis Suarez overwhelm South Korea, 3-1.

11:30 a.m. 1C USA vs. 2D Ghana



Where to Go:

330 Ritch
360 Ritch St
San Francisco, CA 94107

This SOMA area club was a great venue to watch the much anticipated USA vs England match. The game is projected on to several large screens around the bar, giving all patrons a great view. A $5 ticket gets you entry into the bar and four drinks. Go to http://usavsghana.eventbrite.com/ to reserve your spot for tommorow.
Prediction: USA, 2-1

After winning Group C in fairy-tale fashion, the United States will have to manage a dangerous Ghana. An epic, injury-time goal began with a 45 yard throw by goalkeeper Tim Howard and was scored by Landon Donovan, giving USA the win. The Americans cannot afford to give up early opportunities, as they have all Cup. Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has scored twice and will take advantage of open space and time. The decision by USA coach Bob Bradley to bench central defender Oguchi Onyewu was effective, as Tim Howard recorded his first clean sheet, albeit against Algeria. Bradley also replaced forward Robbie Findley with Herculez Gomez. It is unclear what lineup Bradley will commit to, as he must consider the speed and size of the Black Stars.

Ghana entered the World Cup with tempered expectations, having lost their captain and best player, Michael Essian. The 28 year-old Chelsea midfielder has been the engine in the midfield for the past several years, so it was unclear if Ghana could contend without him. A collection of Ghana play makers have all contributed. Asamoah Gyan has scored twice on penalties. Ghana have kept games close, but at times have seemed to lack cohesion on the pitch. The only African team to qualify for the Knockout Stage, Ghana will have the home-field support. There will be incredible pressure for the Black Stars as well.

The resilient Americans will outlast Ghana in a 2-1 thriller.


Sunday, June 27


7:00 a.m.- 1D Germany vs. 2C England


Where to Go: If you are an England supporter, the Mad Dog in the Fog is where you want to be in San Francisco. On the East Bay, the Speisekammer will be packed with a large German contingent.

Speisekammer
2424 Lincoln Avenue,
Alameda, CA
510) 522-1300

Mad Dog in the Fog
530 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA

Prediction: Germany, 2-1

Two traditional football superpowers square off as an anemic England take on a robust German side. England will try to channel some of the rich British footballing DNA the Three Lions boast. In a rematch of the 1966 World Cup final (a game England won, 4-2), oddsmakers have given both sides even odds to win.

Germany have played well, dominating possession and scoring opportunities in their first three games. Their only hiccup was a red card send-off given to Miroslav Klose in Germany's 1-0 loss to Serbia. The red card was questionable, and a disciplined German contingent is not likely to receive any further reds. Germany are efficient and opportunistic, and can score in bunches.

England, on the other hand, struggled to navigate through Group C. Scoring just two goals in three matches, England must find their rhythm in attack, or face an early elimination. England sputtered out of a group that should have been much easier, and the midfield is a mess. Following two listless performances by Emile Heskey, England coach made the switch to Jermaine Defoe. The replacement was well warranted, even before Defoe scored England's only goal in a 1-0 win over Slovenia.

The Germans have too much firepower, and will pull out a great win, 2-1.

11:30 a.m.- Argentina vs. Mexico

Prediction: Argentina, 2-1

The Albiceleste won their group in convincing fashion, earning nine points and outscoring opponents seven goals to one. Lionel Messi, although yet to score a goal, has created opportunities for others. Messi has frequently attracted two or even three defenders, leaving Gonzalo Higuain and others with point-blank shots at goal. Coach Diego Maradona, never one to shy away from controversy, has kept his group loose. Argentina have yet to feel the tension that has plagued other camps in South Africa. Argentina are on a roll, and their talent is matched only by Brazil, Spain and perhaps Germany.

Mexico's critical 2-0 win over France helped El Tri advance into the Round of 16. Mexico will need to be at top form to beat Argentina. Mexico were eliminated by Argentina in the Round of 16 in 2006. Four years ago, Argentina were red-hot coming out of their group matches. Giovani Dos Santos has searing pace and can create opportunities for Mexico. Javier Hernandez can do the same, when given the chance. It will be interesting to see which players coach Javier Aguirre entrusts with the future of Mexican football. Expect a closely-fought battle. In the end, Lionel Messi will be the difference maker, if not the goal scorer. Argentina will win by a goal, 2-1.



Monday, June 28th

1E Netherlands vs 2F Slovakia

Prediction: Netherlands, 4-1

7:00 a.m.- Slovakia stunned reigning Cup holders Italy on the final day of Group F qualifying, 3-2. Marek Hamsik, the 23-year old captain for Slovakia, created numerous opportunities against the veteran Italy defense. Coach Vladimir Weiss made the difficult of taking his 20 year-old son out of the lineup for the Italy match. The coach's objective strategic planning paid dividends. Slovakia were up, 2-0, following a second Robert Vittek goal in the 73rd minute. On the play, Hamsik made a perfectly placed cross to the lumbering Vittek. Up two goals, there were a flurry of goals, as Slovakia conceded twice and netted once more themselves, before finally seeing a desperate Italian shot miss just left in 93rd minute. Hamsik, who plays in the Italian Serie A for Napoli, played his best game of the World Cup. Now, Slovakia must prepare for Group E winners.

Netherlands have earned nine points out of nine, scoring five goals while conceding just one. The Dutch have controlled ball possession and the tempo of play. With the return of Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben, Netherlands will start to show their full potential in the next round. Netherlands will dismantle a Slovakia defense that allowed five goals in three games of group play. Netherlands wins running away, 4-1.


Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

7:00 a.m.- 1F Paraguay vs 2E Japan

Paraguay became the third South American side to win their group, as they played New Zealand to a grinding 0-0 draw. With a a win and two draws, Paraguay has yet to peak. This is a solid side that for several weeks were first in South American qualifying. Paraguay entered the World Cup without their star striker Salvador Cabanas. Cabanas, who plays professionally for America in the Mexican Primera Liga, was shot in the head at a Mexico City nightclub. Cabanas survived, but his career is in doubt. Paraguay rallied around their fallen friend and finished as the surprise group winner.

In group F, Japan headed into today's match with Denmark knowing that a spot in the Round of 16 was on the line. In the 17th minute, star midfielder Keisuke Honda scored on a deep free-kick. The Jabulani came off his left-foot and started to curve before straightening out its course. Having already scored arguably the best goal of the World Cup, the CSKA Moscow star earned Man of the Match, after dribbling around glacial Danish defenders and crossing the ball to a wide open Shinji Okazaki. Okazaki finished the play, and the Blue Samurai won, 3-1.

Japan have been one of the truly surprising squads in the group. Picked by many to finish last in their group, the Japanese won two games and kept it close in a 1-0 loss to Netherlands. Paraguay will be the more physical of the two teams, and will create scoring opportunities in the open-field. Japan have relied on set-pieces for scoring opportunities in the Cup, In the end, Paraguay will outlast Japan in a 1-0 battle.