06-24-2006, 07:48 AM
(This post was last modified: 06-24-2006, 07:49 AM by the Langolier.)
Round of 16 begins in 7.5 hours. Here's my predictions:
Germany over Sweden
Argentina over Mexico
Italy over Australia
Switzerland over Ukraine
England over Ecuador
Portugal over the Netherlands
Brazil over Ghana (I just can't see a dark horse Cup victory meeting up with Brazil so early.)
Spain over France.
Ok so I just realized I have EVERY group winner advancing. I wouldn't be suprised if England loses to Ecuador, but I do see them advancing to the quarterfinals. The Aussie's may put some good pressure on the Italians, but I don't think it will be enough. Argentina is looking solid. The Ukraine is weak. I think the Netherlands will fare well versus Portugal so it should be a close game, maybe we'll even get to see a shoot out! Brazil is brazil. Spain won't have much trouble with France. Oliver Khan did so well in the last world cup that his mere presence on the sideline (a unfortunate happenstance in itself) will garuntee a semifinal appearence. Maybe we'll get lucky and someone will kick Lehmann in the face or land on his ankle - at leat that is what I am rooting for. In all seriousness, however, I really really want to see him play this year.
Germany over Sweden
Argentina over Mexico
Italy over Australia
Switzerland over Ukraine
England over Ecuador
Portugal over the Netherlands
Brazil over Ghana (I just can't see a dark horse Cup victory meeting up with Brazil so early.)
Spain over France.
Ok so I just realized I have EVERY group winner advancing. I wouldn't be suprised if England loses to Ecuador, but I do see them advancing to the quarterfinals. The Aussie's may put some good pressure on the Italians, but I don't think it will be enough. Argentina is looking solid. The Ukraine is weak. I think the Netherlands will fare well versus Portugal so it should be a close game, maybe we'll even get to see a shoot out! Brazil is brazil. Spain won't have much trouble with France. Oliver Khan did so well in the last world cup that his mere presence on the sideline (a unfortunate happenstance in itself) will garuntee a semifinal appearence. Maybe we'll get lucky and someone will kick Lehmann in the face or land on his ankle - at leat that is what I am rooting for. In all seriousness, however, I really really want to see him play this year.