We are into the win or go home stage of the World Cup, where the real fun begins. With upsets and heartbreaks are in commonplace, don't be surprised if there's a handful of them. Although the big shots appear pretty comfortable, make no mistake, from now on every team has little choice but to bring out their best. That is to say, they cannot afford screw-ups that could have been harmless in the group matches but not any more—teams know how to exploit lapses, defensive or otherwise on the field.
Knock-out games are typically less flowery and more conservative, particularly for the teams that lack penetration in the attacking third. Teams that are viewers' delight, like Brazil, Argentina and Spain, are hard-pressed to curb their natural instincts, while Italians are infamous for shutting down their defense and really who could blame them - with so much at stake coaches prefer to stay in their lose not attitude: to hell with the game.
Of course that's not always the case, creative teams like Brazil always find a way to win and to an extent not disappointing the audience but most European teams could care less.
So, it's time to roll dice and come up with our picks. We all love to make predictions. Chances are good that a few of them are going to come back and bite us later, and rest would make us look like Einstein. Since I've been told on many different occasions that I'm a complete idiot - no strings attached, I've nothing to lose. Add to it my current 1-0 winning streak, thanks to Miami Heat (and no, I never predict group stage outcomes, I have class), you can feel my growing confidence. Am I making sense here?
Well you can come at me—the Prognosticator, later.
Saturday, June 24
Germany over Sweden
No-brainer. Seriously, besides the Swedes, who else thinks Germany could lose? This is a classic open and shut case - why are we even talking about this? The only slightly interesting aspect of the match is the bad blood between the two sides since 1958 when Sweden defeated then West Germany 2-1 in the World Cup semifinals (in Sweden). But it's not even close to the level of traditional hatred between Brazil and Argentina for example.
Upset factor : 0/10 (I am going to rot in hell if Sweden wins)
Argentina over Mexico
The coach of Mexico, Ricardo Lavolpe knows a thing or two about Argentina: he was the second-choice goalkeeper of the World Cup-winning Argentina team in 1978. (Remember those guys - Mario Kempes, Daniel Pasarella, anyone? )
That might be of some help, but the overall record of Mexico against Argentina is not a morale-booster for them. Of the 14 played, Argentina won 5, lost 2 and 7 games have been drawn.
How does it look for the Mexicans? Not good, not good at all. Argentines are too sharp in their attack, controls the midfield with more assurance and simply put, are more talented.
On the top of it, Argentina has flourished, while Mexico has been far from being impressive so far.
Upset factor: 1/10.
To be continued...
Article comments
1 - RJ Elliott
You were right on both counts. Too bad I couldn't be in Germany to taunt the Mexicans with chants of "President Polk! President Polk!" during their national anthem...