It’s a sumptuous day of football today as old rivals meet at 10 and 2:30 Eastern time to continue the round of 16.  Here’s my overview:
England v Germany

England sputtered into the tournament with GK Green’s miscue against the US, followed up with a snoozer against Algeria only to save their campaign with a 1-0 win over Slovenia.  Germany came out strong with a huge win over Australia, then tailed right off with a loss to Serbia and a close win over Ghana.  It’s a question of which of these teams will show up today.  If the return of Klose up front for the Germans reverts them to their initial game form then this game is theirs.  Should the Germans play with the same skill they did in their most recent matches England has a decent chance, especially if they continue their improved play.  No lineup changes for England, although Carragher is back from suspension and is available should Capello choose to use him.  There’s been some memorable matches between these Euro-powers and most of them have ended in wins for the Germans, usually from the penalty spot.  Who am I to buck history?

FINAL – England 1 Germany 1 Germany wins on PKs
FLEAROY – England 1 Germany 0
MR. ERICA – GER 3 – ENG 3 – England yet again is elmininated on kicks  (Rooney misses his and is doomed ala Beckham)

Argentina v Mexico

For aficionados, this is the game of the day.  The flair of Central and South American football will be on display, and it should be game rife with emotion, especially for the Mexicans, who remember being handed their walking papers by the Argentines at the last world cup.  It comes down to Messi versus Marquez – which man up front can out dominate the other?  Argentina holds the all time record between these two teams with Argentina being the class of this world cup so far it, I think that trend continues.

FINAL – Argentina 2 Mexico 1
FLEAROY – Argentina 2 Mexico 0
MR. ERICA – Mex 1 – Arg 3 – Mexico puts in a good showing, but Argentina is on a roll

Gone are the pretenders, all that’s left now are the contenders.  Two will move on, two will go home….

Uruguay v S. Korea – so far this tournament has belonged to South American teams, with all five moving on into the round of 16.  Uruguay has been a bit of a surprise – they were the very last team to qualify for the Cup and had to win a playoff against Costa Rica to get here.  Since they arrived they’ve been a consistent unit, winning two and drawing one in the opening round, and did not allow a goal.

South Korea on the other hand have had a tougher run, with a win, a draw, and a drubbing at the hands of Argentina.  I have to go with Uruguay in a close match today – their skill level up front bests that of Korea and their pedigree in World Cups (winner of two) seems to be coming out.  Asian teams have come closest to  mastering the new ball and can be clinical with their set pieces, and if Korea are to win it will be with a deft free kick or two.

All said I have to apologize Hammy – it’s a Forlan conclusion….

FINAL Uruguay 2 Korea 0
FLEAROY Uruguay 1 Korea 0

US v Ghana – the US scored a stunning goal in extra time to see them go through as the top seed from Group C.  Ghana arrived at this point having played Germany tough, and should have come away with a victory had they been able to bury their chances.  All Africa’s hopes lay with Ghana, and in this close match up they could advance.  They’re moving the ball well and the US will find it tough to match their physicality.  On paper these two teams are a close match up, as both are strong in net and have suspect defences.  It will come down to who can be the hero for their respective teams – will it be Donovan or Dempsey for the US, or Ayew or Gyan for Ghana?  This one ends in a draw and comes down to penalties, where the US are the lucky ones.

FINAL US 1 Ghana 1, US win on penalties
FLEAROY Ghana 1, US 0

THIS JUST IN – live from his Moroccan honeymoon Mrs. Erica (aka Colin) lends his soccer prognostication prowess to my little game.

ERICA’S HUSBAND – US 3 Ghana 2

Only minutes ahead of game time – Group G and H today:

Brazil v Portugal – If there’s a winner in this game, they go through as the first seed from this group. Because both teams are essentially through (see below) this game could end up being a dud. Brazil will be without Kaka after his red card in the last game, and the question in the Portugal camp must be ‘has Ronaldo finally arrived for his nation’s squad?’. I am hopeful that Portugal will be playing for top seed and the street cred of playing the Brazilians hard, and I am hopeful that Brazil will stand up to the challenge. Time will tell.

FINAL Brazil 2 Portugal 1
FLEAROY see above

Cote D’Ivoire v N. Korea

Ivory Coast can advance if A) Portugal loses, and B) they somehow make up the goal differential gap, which if Portugal does not score is at 9. Can Ivory Coast win 9-0? I suppose anything is possible, but that’s truly improbable. N. Korea is not that bad a side, but Ivory Coast will be going for it all.

FINAL Cote D’Ivoire 4 N Korea 1
FLEAROY Cote D’Ivoire 6 N. Korea 0

Group H picks

Spain v Chile

Chile needs a draw or a victory against Spain to take top spot in Group H. A loss to Spain can put Chile in jeopardy of elimination, if the Swiss can beat the Hondurans and make up the goal difference which is at 2 goals. Spain has come in to the tourney as one of the favorites, and have hardly lived up to the billing. The Spanish coaching staff better have the team convinced that a dominating performance is required moving into the playoffs. Chile would be happy to draw as that will put them through in first place, avoiding a playoff match against Brazil. Until recently Spain had the habit of coming up short despite their talent, and the way they’re playing that’s a possibility today, but I see them squeaking through with a victory.

FINAL Spain 1 Chile 0
FLEAROY see above

Switzerland v Honduras

In order for Honduras to qualify they need a Chilean win and their own huge win against the Swiss (Spain has Honduras at 4 goals in differential heading into the games). After a rather shocking upset against the Spaniards in their opener the Swiss looked lacklustre against Chile. They certainly have the means to handle Honduras, especially since the central American squad will have to open it up if they stand any chance of moving on. Unless Chile upsets Spain Switzerland will have to win big to make up the goal differential. I think they’ll win, but whether or not the score is large enough is yet to be seen.

FINAL Switzerland 2 Honduras 0
FLEAROY see above

Are you scared Roy? Two of four scores identical!