Round 2 Predictions:
Left Side of Bracket
Uruguay v. South Korea
I expect a good game and either team could sneak through. For the purposes of scoring myself later, I'm gonna go with the South American team since they've been doing so well this tournament. Either team could make it to the Semis though since the next round would be US/Ghana.
US v. Ghana
I'm going with USA on this one just because they have a knack of stepping it up when it's a do or die situation. Ghana's a good team but this might be the US's best chance in a while to go deep in the World Cup.
Netherlands v. Slovakia
The Dutch should handle this one easily, moving on to the winner of Brazil/Chile. If they can get past the quarterfinals, they have a good chance to make it to the finals.
Chile v. Brazil
Probably the best match-up of round 2 on this side of the bracket between two of the best teams in the bracket. The 3rd best team is arguably the Netherlands, who the winner of this match will probably meet in the next round. Look for Chile to continue pushing forward trying to catch Brazil's goalkeeper by surprise. Watch as Brazil tries to counter Chile's relentless attack by trying to expose a weak back line. In this match, I must not only root for Chile, but also predict the biggest upset of this tournament so far as La Roja pushes to the quarterfinals in its bid for a finals appearance.
Right Side of Bracket
Germany v. England
Two teams who have had their struggles. Two teams who can still be very good. Look for the Germans to advance, but not without a capable fight from the Englishmen.
Argentina v. Mexico
Mexico's had a nice run so far, but it will all end at the hands of the Argentine superpower as South America continues its dominance in this tournament.
Paraguay v. Japan
I see Japan as a big darkhorse in that if they win this game, they may be very scary for the winner of Spain/Portugal. Japan had a nice run through the group stages and proved it's got a capable defense mixed with an attacking offense. Paraguay, on the other hand, is also a good team and could very well advance. However, I'm going to go with Japan in this one, breaking the hearts of Paraguayans everywhere.
Spain v. Portugal
Biggest game on this side of the bracket. Not only because it will be filled with superstars, but also because of the history of these two countries. Neighbors in Europe, they were unable to evade each other colonizing the South American jungles. Now they meet on the soccer field for the ultimate prize, bragging rights. I expect the winner of this game to at least make the semis, possibly meeting Argentina for another star-power fight into the final match. Portugal is filled with talent and when they're on, can win versus anyone, but I see Spain as the slightly more experienced and more experienced team that has a little less flash. In this game, I expect Spain to push through and end Portugal hopes for history to be brought to their little piece of the isthmus.
Let's see how I did followed by my quarterfinal predictions(same scoring method as last time):
+Uruguay v. SK
Uruguay beat SK in a very good game that could've easily gone either way.
-US v. Ghana
US did score late to push it into extra time, but fell short to Ghana who is carrying the entire continent of Africa on their backs.
+Dutch v. Slovakia
Dutch won the game and that's about all I can say.
-Chile v. Brazil
All I can say about this one is FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-
+Germany v. England
Germans conquered their rivals across the sea as they marched into the next round.
+Argentina v. Mexico
Argentines soundly defeated Mexico and moved on as they continue their march to the cup.
-Paraguay v. Japan
Unfortunately, I didn't have enough faith in the South Americans coming into this game. However, they proved me wrong and got through thanks to a great defensive effort and the clutchness to make the PKs when Japan just couldn't hang on at the end.
+Spain v. Portugal
The Spanish get bragging rights over their neighbor for at least the next 4 years. Close game til the end and you have to admire the skill level of both teams.
So, I went like this in this round:
+5
-3
Not bad, but I can do better.
Anyway, now on my Quarterfinal picks:
Left Side:
Uruguay v. Ghana
I see this as a game that could end up very lopsided in Uruguay's favor or very close with Ghana possibly winning it. However, I'm gonna keep the faith for the South Americans and end the dreams of the African continent. Both teams can be very good at times and should be glad to be in the Elite 8, but someone has to win, and I'm going with Uruguay as the team to advance to the Final 4.
Netherlands v. Brazil
This should be a great game and what the Quarterfinals and on are about. Both teams can be great, only one can go on. I'm going to go with Brazil on this one, but expect the Dutch to fight hard til the end, maybe even forcing this game into extra time.
Right Side:
Germany v. Argentina
Europe meets South America once again in this quarterfinal matchup. Look for Germany to try to pound the ball into the net while Messi and Argentina will try to continue their elegance as they toss the ball around and eventually end up with at least one goal. This will be a very good game, and I'm going to keep with the theme and pick Argentina.
Paraguay v. Spain
The other -guay in this quarterfinal, they get a chance to meet up against the Spanish. Common knowledge tells me to pick Spain, my heart tells me to go for the South American takeover and send the 4th team from down South into the Semis. As much as I would love that result, I'm going to let my brain do the talking as Spain ends the hopes of a nation on its way to meet Argentina in another star studded match.
So there you have it, Leo's prediction for the next match. We'll see how I do, and when it's all over, I'll post my overall stats from every round so we can all mock my failure to pick the best teams.