Knockout Stage

 

This will be short and simple; Mexico has several stars, young and old, whereas South Korea has less than a handful. The only thing that will keep it close is South Korea's work ethic. Mexico often play lazy at points and if South Korea manages to recognize each period early enough, they will put El Tri in a hole quickly. However, Blanco and Guardado will not go down without a fight and want desperately to make it into the quarterfinals for the first time since being banned by FIFA in 1986. If Ochoa is on form, not even Park Chu-Young on his best day will be able to get a shot by him, and with the X-factor of dos Santos in the mix, South Korea appeared doomed.

 

After blowing through the group stage, England will be raring for a real challenge; Australia, while expecting to make it to the second round, will nevertheless be somewhat surprised after routing Ghana to make it here. England will come out firing on all cylinders and could score three or more in the first half. Australia just won't have the pace or power to keep up, as Cahill and Kewell will make a valiant effort and probably score one or two in spectacular fashion. Yet England will cement their claim to the title with this goal-fest, while the Socceroos will be sent back down under a bit confused with the result.

 

The Netherlands' creativity and tough play will wreak havoc on Paraguay's precision-oriented gameplan. Even more polar than Mexico-South Korea, the Netherlands will pit an entire team of stars against the relative unknowns of Paraguay. The result will not be pretty, and the Dutch will await their opponent to be determined in the next match.

 

Brazil are clearly, as always, a top contender for the trophy, and after clawing to get out of the Group of Death on top, they will be a little weary, especially after topping Portugal on the final day of the stage. The Chileans will know this and, after qualifying for the next round after only two matches and thus resting during the Spain matchup, will be ready to give Brazil yet another tough match. Despite Brazil's obvious advantage in star power, attack-minded Chile will catch Julio Cesar and the old central backs (Lucio and Juan) by surprise early and take the lead. The pressure will wear on Brazil through the half but after the break Dunga will talk sense into his squad and, with a key sub or two (perhaps Adriano or Nilmar) his team will recover to take the match into extra time. Another smart substitute will give Brazil the fresh legs they need to right the ship and finish off the upstarts in one of the more compelling matches of the tournament.

 

 

 

 

There is the possibility that France manage to take first in Group A and thus face England here, but the result will be similar. Like France, Mexico have a distinct gap in generational talent, led by several past-prime stars and infused with promising youth, but practically no talent is aged 25-30. England, however, have experienced veterans still in their prime (Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand) and talented youngsters (Walcott, Aaron Lennon) too, but the backbone of the team is made up of those in between (Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and John Terry). The star power at all ages of England is overwhelming and only the best in the world will be able to even push the Three Lions; Mexico are not ready to handle that yet, but will learn what they can become in 2018.

 

 

 

This will be the biggest match of the tournament yet; two of the top four title contenders locked in an epic match to become the first team into the semifinals. Neither team has a weak spot in the starting XI, both have a deep bench and each has its own star power. While Brazil may have the top talent, the Netherlands easily sandwiches the rest of its squad in between that and the bottom of Brazil's lineup, making for a spectacular match. Anything can and probably will happen as Brazil try to extend their run at a sixth title and the Dutch hope to continue the quest for their first. Brilliance and controversy will abound and the game will be played at the fastest of paces, with both teams bent on scoring the first goal. A quick strike is unlikely, as neither defense will back down easily, and an extended game is almost a certainty. Extra time will not be enough to break the deadlock, however, and the most nerve-racking of shootouts will eventually fell volatile Brazil, as they are built to win on ball handling and athleticism, whereas the Dutch prefer the one-on-one with the keeper.

 

 

 

 

The first semifinal will pit two countries desperate to raise the trophy, as England have only once (on home soil) and the Netherlands have yet to. Each team is solid from front to back with a powerful attack, explosive wings, controlling midfield, staunch defense and uncertainty at goalkeeper. Playing 10 matches, they may draw at 5-5; but this is only one, and one team must win. Regardless of the outcome, this match will be played as professionally as any, as both sides consider honor equal with victory. The Dutch could overpower the English with a flurry of attacking options, but so could England infuriate Holland with their tactical precision and overlapping. In the end, England's superior fitness by virtue of an easier road to this point will prove to be the decider late in the game.