The convergence has begun. The world is descending on South Africa for the newest version of the World Cup. Four years in the making and the world awaits the crowning of a new champion. So, with that phrase, "new champion", I'll begin my prognogtications. The current holdrs are Itlay and current means until the end of this month. The Italians will make the round of 16 will be home by July, as Italy falters in group play, comes 2nd in the group to draw the Dutch and lose to be home early. Yes, my first surprise of this tournament begins with Paraguay as Group Winners and drawing the Indomitable Lions from Cameroon in the first knock phase. Paraguay were fantastic in qualifying, only a point behind Brasil, and will advance to the Final 8. Cameroon will again delight early but not have the depth to get by one of the stingiest defenses at the tournament. Yes, Paraguay in the last 8, get used to the South American/Latin/Spanish flavor of this tournament BTW. I'll move to the upper bracket and return to the Spain and Brasil groups. The upper side has Germany, England, France and the USA. I'll add Mexico only because I'm dropping France at the group stages. The host nation has always pushed through, including weak ones like the USA '94 and Mexico '86 both Korea and Japan '02. So, someone has to go and I'm going with France to exit early and bring to an end the ridiculous reign of Domenech as France's manager. He and the nation don't belong there and justice will be served after three matches.
In the easiest group to call, Argentina and Nigeria push on 1st and 2nd respectively. Thus, setting up Mexico (1st-A) vs. Nigeria (2nd-B) and Argentina (1-B) vs. South Africa (2-A). I'm taking Argentina and Mexico in these games, I warned you. The atmoshpere in South Africa, inside the stadiums are so like that of each countries dometic stadiums that they each will thrive. I know that Argentina's player are not playing at home anymore but they will remember, not that I trust Madonna to out-coach anyone but she's able to bring up old ghosts at the very least. So, this brings us to Groups C and D. England and the USA highlight here with Germany as a clear favorite to go on into the Round of 16. I do believe the USA will fight the English to the end but ultimately fall to Wayne and Co. (And the WAGS of course) The Australians join the Germans in the next round as Ghana falls this time round. The crossover in the knock out pits the English with their bannished cousins, while the USA and Germany meet again as in 2002, a round earlier for this go. However, this time the USA will shock the World and move passed the Germans and in doing so keeping the Germans away from the Final 8 for the first time in decades. England marches on here as well as the Aussies just won't have the fire power to break through as Rooney runs wild. As I go forward, a step back; the Germans, even with the "Bayern 7", still look as mechanical as ever and the reaching the Qtrs. and/or Semis streak needs to end.
Finally, Groups G and H. The Group of Death and the Goup with the Favorite.
First, Brasil-They will advance from this group as every "Big" nation has from the "Group of Death" before. As I write, the status of Didier Drogba is in question, thus I'll go with Portugal as runners-up. Bothersome at best to be sure but what is worse is that with CIV knocked out the Portuguese get a Round of 16 appearence. Nightmare!!! Ronaldo and his whinny, diving play to endure for another week of the tournament. Yes, I pick Spain to take 1st in the group to draw Portugal with that being the end of his (Ronaldo) and Portugal's days in South Africa. Brasil draws Chile in all Western Hemisphere match-up, that sees Brasil thorugh to the Qtrs. Next post the Final 8 to the Final. Peace.
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