Now the fun really begins, The Final 8. I have the following match-ups:
Mexico vs. England
Holland vs. Brasil
Argentina vs. USA
Paraguay vs. Spain
Both the Cinderellas leave us at the point with Mexico and Paraguay unable to conjure any magic versus England or Spain. Spain now enter very unfamiliar territory at the World Cup and holding the nerves will be the challenge against Argentina, who sees off the Americans. The USA will look great here as they did at the Confederations Cup but just have too little for Messi and Co. (As much as that pains me to write but it will get worse-foreshadowing) Spain completes the Semi-Final contestants with Spain facing Argentina and Brasil playing England.
Now, before I go further, the next paragraph or two will be difficult to write. I'd go get my wife to write it for me but saying the words out loud for her to transcribe seems worse. So, I'll just power through it. England has waited a long time to reach a Final, since 1966 to be exact, and Brasil were in their way on the South Americans last title run but this time the English with Fabio Capello as guide find a way to the elusive end of the rainbow. A 2-1 win for England and disaster for Brasil becuase well if your Brasil and don't win it's a disaster. Remember when I said it would the nerves at question here for Spain, well they won't hold them or Lionel Messi either and Argetnina find themselves where they have not been for while as well. (Since 1990 versus Germany and a 1-0 loss in Rome)
The Final: The Faulklands War # Whatever; I will with every fiber of my being be cheering for England and the friends I've made there over the past decade or so, however, it just won't be enough as the darkest of days will come with an Argentina win. 3-1 to the inventers of the Tango. Yes, me, of all people, is picking the country that I despise more than any other in the world of soccer to be World Cup Champions. It is just simply their turn. Since 1990, three of the "Big Four" have won the title. Germany 1990, Brasil twice 1994 and 2002 and then Italy in 2006. (Yes, we had a hiccup in 1998 as France wins at home) Thus, it's Argentina's turn. Stats for the Big Four: In 18 Cups, no World Cup Final has ever been played without at least one of them playing in the match. Between them, they have won 14 of the 18 cups ever, and filled up 23 of the 36 all time final match places. I was reminded of these stats a few days ago. Unfortuantly, it is just Argentina's turn. Change comes slow in everyday life and in World Football-it comes at a glacial pace. Peace.
Now, before I go further, the next paragraph or two will be difficult to write. I'd go get my wife to write it for me but saying the words out loud for her to transcribe seems worse. So, I'll just power through it. England has waited a long time to reach a Final, since 1966 to be exact, and Brasil were in their way on the South Americans last title run but this time the English with Fabio Capello as guide find a way to the elusive end of the rainbow. A 2-1 win for England and disaster for Brasil becuase well if your Brasil and don't win it's a disaster. Remember when I said it would the nerves at question here for Spain, well they won't hold them or Lionel Messi either and Argetnina find themselves where they have not been for while as well. (Since 1990 versus Germany and a 1-0 loss in Rome)
The Final: The Faulklands War # Whatever; I will with every fiber of my being be cheering for England and the friends I've made there over the past decade or so, however, it just won't be enough as the darkest of days will come with an Argentina win. 3-1 to the inventers of the Tango. Yes, me, of all people, is picking the country that I despise more than any other in the world of soccer to be World Cup Champions. It is just simply their turn. Since 1990, three of the "Big Four" have won the title. Germany 1990, Brasil twice 1994 and 2002 and then Italy in 2006. (Yes, we had a hiccup in 1998 as France wins at home) Thus, it's Argentina's turn. Stats for the Big Four: In 18 Cups, no World Cup Final has ever been played without at least one of them playing in the match. Between them, they have won 14 of the 18 cups ever, and filled up 23 of the 36 all time final match places. I was reminded of these stats a few days ago. Unfortuantly, it is just Argentina's turn. Change comes slow in everyday life and in World Football-it comes at a glacial pace. Peace.
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