France v. Greece (or Nigeria)
Unless France is firing on all cylinders, Nigeria could prove a handful, but Greece is unlikely to have the firepower necessary to pull of the upset. Fifa says: France
A fast-paced Ghana, playing with plenty of confidence, could give England plenty of trouble - a sturdy Australia clogging up the middle and waiting for the counter-attack, not so much. Should Serbia hold, England should still prevail. Fifa says: England.
Netherlands v. Paraguay
The Dutch.
Italy v. Cameroon
This one makes me nervous, because I can't be certain that Italy can hold off Samuel Eto'o long enough to score two goals or hold onto their win. Eto'o plays in Italy and so should have plenty of experience unlocking an Italian defense. My heart says Italy, my brain says Cameroon. Fifa says: Italy
Germany v. USA
The US upset Spain last summer in a game that I'm sure the Germans will have watched numerous times and would do well not to underestimate the Americans. It could be tough, but should advance.
Spain v. Portugal (or Cote d'Ivoire)
This will probably be the most anticipated match of the round, regardless of who Spain have to play, heck it might even be Brazil. All sides are capable of playing attractive flowing football with an attacking focus (except maybe North Korea, who I won't pretend to understand anything about). Spain is easily the best team in Europe, but no team in history as ever one the European Championship and gone on to win the World Cup. Sorry Spain, but your journey has to end somewhere, and Portugal is as good a place as any. Fifa says: Spain, but so does Sports Illustrated, and that's the kiss of death. If Spain play Cote d'Ivoire then they should manage to win.
Brazil v. Switzerland (I almost forgot)
um, Brazil.
Round Three
France v. England
Seriously! It'd be epic! But who'd win? Who cares! For no other reason than Sports Illustrated is picking England to go to the final, I'll pick France, although, a lot of things have to be going right for France to have made it this far, and that might just give them the edge. Fifa says: England.
Netherlands v. Brazil
Brazil has been criticized a lot lately for it's more defensive tactics and the Dutch will really put it to the test. History suggests that it's easier to win the World Cup once you've already won it than it is to win it for the first time, so I'll say Brazil.
Argentina v. Germany
This is where we'll find out just how good is the rest of the Argentinian team. If Diego Maradona has gotten his team to place where they can truly play behind Lionel Messi, then they should be able to handle the Germans. Look for Germany to out-coach Argentina and for the match to be highly technical. I believe in Messi, so I believe in Argentina. Fifa says: Germany.
Italy (or Cameroon) v. Portugal (or Spain)
Again, history suggests that it is easier to win back-to-back World Cups than it is to win a first one. If Italy advances past Cameroon, then they should be able to take Portugal as well. Portugal is capable of fielding a more complete team than Cameroon, though the Eto'o v. Ronaldo match up is tantalizing. As is the slim possibility of a third round all Africa match guaranteeing an African team in the semi-final should Cote d'Ivoire somehow beat Spain. However, the Spanish defense is no stranger to Samuel Eto'o and should be able to neutralize him. Fifa says: Portugal (or Spain)
Semi-Finals
France v. Brazil
This would be a 1998 Finals rematch, as well as the 2006 semi-finals rematch. France has won both of them and you have to think their luck will run out. Let's say Brazil. Fifa says: Brazil
Italy v. Argentina
Both of these teams have six World Cups between them. Argentina will attack. Italy will defend. In my dreams Italy scores first and then miraculously scores again as if Jose Mourinho was behind the bench. Most likely, Argentina will score first and Italy will be pressed to try and score on their quick counter-attack, ensuring a highly exciting game. It also promises to be highly entertaining should Cameroon, Portugal, or Spain make it past Italy, however, in that case Argentina has "statistics" (and Lionel Messi) on their side.
Final
Brazil v. Argentina (or Cameroon, Portugal, or Spain)
Please let anyone other than Brazil win this. Maybe even Italy? It could happen, but I'm going with Argentina and will suggest that the only Brazil is going to win is if they have to play Spain (who we've already established have been marked by the Kiss of Death, twice).
*For the record, I am comfortable writing that Italy will not be in the finals, since I find it unreasonable to believe that they would do it twice in a row (even though there's that bit about it being easier to win back-to-back cups, it's just for show really - but that's not to say I wouldn't be horribly miserable if they do lose).
