Published on June 30, 2006 By O G San In Misc
I did alright last time predicting the last sixteen but the quarters are a trickier proposition, given that there is likely to be less between the teams.

Germany v Argentina, Friday 16:00
Such a shame that the two teams who have played the most attractive football have to meet so early. This would have made a great final. Argentina have so many match-winners that it's hard to bet against them. If Germany are to triumph, Ballack will have to play out of his skin.

Prediction: Germany 1 Argentina 2

Italy v Ukraine, Firday 20:00
Ukraine have been solid but unspectacular so far while the Italians have mixed moments of high class with moments of base cunning. Even with Shevy, I don't think Ukraine have enough to break through a typically cynical Azurri backline. Having siad that, Italy haven't been great going forward with Luca Toni yet to find the net. Still, they should have just about enough to see them through to the semis.

Prediction: Italy 1 Ukraine 0

England v Portugal, Saturday 16:00

England, who have produced some truly wretched performances thus far, will probably choose this game to finally put on a display worthy of their status as "the golden generation". But it still won't be enough to overcome the Portuguese. Deco and Costinha are suspended but in Maniche, Simao, Ronaldo and Figo, Portugal still have an abundance of talent in midfield. Crucially, they have Big Phil, who has easily outwitted Eriksson in the past two tournaments.

Prediction: England 1 Portugal 2 AET

Brazil v France, Saturday 20:00

Should be the tie of the round given all the talent on display. This game is given added poignancy by the fact that it could be Zidane's last. France have been transformed by their remarkable win over the Spanish. Suddenly an unlikely last hurrah for the heroes of 1998 looks plausible. Brazil meanwhile have won all four of their matches scoring ten and conceding one, yet still they haven't fully convinced.

Prediction: Brazil 1 France 2

Comments
on Jun 30, 2006
Darn!  And I was hoping for a German Cup.