The show starts to get better now

The second stage of the World Cup starts today and this is where the big boys will start to show their credentials, for the right to be at the Berlin stadium on July 9. I don’t see any major shock results or upsets, except for one game maybe. Still, it will be good to see the big guns fighting it out for the quarter finals stage. Here are my predictions for the second round:

June 24

• Germany v Sweden
  The host nation did well in the group stage to win all three matches to get into the second round. The Swedes however had a stuttering start which resulted in two draws and one win but they showed promise in their final game against England. I think the Germans, buoyed by a good home support and excellent play so far, will win this one.
• Argentina v Mexico
  I don’t see an upset here. This game will go according to the form book. The Argentineans showcased excellent football at the World Cup and should continue to do so to win this game comfortably.

June 25

• England v Ecuador
  There could be a major upset here. England has yet to get into top gear and could face a massive task in coping with the fast and forceful Ecuadorians. Set-piece frailties could prove costly for England and even if they win, it will be a hard-earned one goal victory.
• Portugal v Netherlands
  I predict this to be a highly entertaining game. Both teams are having a good run at the World Cup and both have flair and entertainment value in their game. This will be a close one but I think in Arjen Robben, the Dutch have a speedy winner.

June 26

• Italy v Australia
  This is a game which pits patience against brawl. Italy, for all their technical superiority, will have a tough time playing against the robust Aussies. Still, I think they have too much class and guile to win this match. This is where the Australian dream will end.
• Switzerland v Ukraine
  This can go either way. Ukraine had a bad start to this tournament but then went on to win the other two matches and can only grow stronger as a result. As for the Swiss, they play well for an unglamorous side but can they continue to do it against Ukraine? I don’t think so.

June 27

• Brazil v Ghana
  This could be the game of the round. Both sides play attractive football, attacking at every opportunity. Brazil, despite winning all their group matches, is only beginning to show their magical form. This will continue against the African outsiders who may cause some trouble, but nothing grave. At the end, it will be a good win for the defending champions.
• Spain v France
  Spain is progressing well in the tournament. Their players are finally showing their talents at the world stage. They play good football and should not have any problems in dispatching off France. On the other hand, the 1998 champions are playing uninspiring football, with their strikers failing to find the way to the goal. I think Spain will win this match. They are just too classy for the French.

The 16 teams in numbers:

• 6 of the 7 World Cup champions
• 8 seeded teams from this year’s tournament
• 10 teams are from Europe, 3 from South America, 1 from CONCAF, 1 from Africa and 1 from Oceania
• 4 teams advancing for the first time - Australia Ecuador, Ghana, and Ukraine
• 2 teams that lost their first match in group play - Ukraine and Ghana
• 1 team that kept a clean sheet in group play - Switzerland
• 3 teams that scored 8 goals - Spain, Argentina, and Germany
• 1 team with 12 yellow cards in group play - Ghana, second only to Tunisia’s 14
• 2 teams with 4 yellow cards in group play, the least of any teams tournament - England and Germany