We have our World Cup quarterfinals set to begin in the morning with Brazil-Netherlands in the match that I believe will produce the tournament winner. In these quarterfinals, we have a good mix of traditional powers and interlopers with one former power resurgent.
Let's get to the power rankings. Remember that these are to this point in the tournament. I believe the Netherlands are going to win the tournament, but they haven't been the most impressive team meaning they aren't number one here... yet
1. Argentina - The machine rolls on. Despite getting a controversial goal to open the scoring against Mexico, Argentina was clearly the better team and deserved to win. Messi has been driving this team despite not scoring. What happens if he starts to find the bag of the net?
2. Brazil - Only a meaningless, scoreless draw with Portugal stains the records of the Brazilians who did their usual job of taking Chile apart (just the same as in qualifying). In Brazil, the question if this team wins the tournament is will they be beloved like many of their predecessors or looked upon with disdain like the defensive minded 1994 champs?
3. Netherlands - This has not been a typical Dutch tournament. No massive goal scoring barrage in the group stage and no displays of 'Total Football' yet the Dutch are in the quarterfinals with no blemishes on the record. Can this team really do what its much more heralded predecessors failed to?
4. Germany - Quarterfinals for Germany and now the tournament really starts. This is 13 trips to this stage in a row for the Germans who looked very strong in two of their four games and average at best in the other two. Which German team will show up for the Argentina challenge?
5. Spain - Spain seem to not really have it all together. They aren't scoring with their usual panache but the defense looks nearly impenetrable. Only Chile with its super power attack and Switzerland with one of the flukiest goals scored in the tournament have even managed to score so far.
6. Uruguay - Looked shaky against South Korea and somehow managed to gift France a point with a 0-0 draw at the start of the group stage. Should continue to enjoy living on the easy side of the bracket.
7. Ghana - Fortunate to survive the United States, Ghana seems to be on borrowed time. Only the lack of a true powerhouse in the next round gives the Black Stars a chance.
8. Paraguay - That game against Japan was pathetic. Can we send them home with the Japanese? Too bad someone had to win, even on penalties. After that display, one can only hope they go home soon. Welcome in the tournament: OVERSTAYED
QF Predictions
Brazil vs Netherlands - Brazil is the better team man for man, but Dunga's squad seems to have something missing. Whatever intangible that might be is going to cause a Brazilian unraveling as the Dutch attack revs itself up for the first time all tournament.
Netherlands 3, Brazil 2
Uruguay vs Ghana - Uruguay has the better strikers and defense while Ghana owns the midfield. The fantastic contrast of styles should produce an interesting if at times boring tactical game. Uruguay 1, Ghana 0
Argentina vs Germany - A rematch of their quarterfinal from four years ago, Argentina was the better team that day in Germany four years ago but for stupidity from its coach subbing out Juan Roman Riquelme with a one goal lead, neutering the attack. Maradona might be crazy, but he won't make the same mistake and Messi is due. Argentina 3, Germany 1
Spain vs Paraguay - Paraguay looked like the moment overwhelmed them against the Japan and they are only here because Japan was just as freaked. Spain on the other hand looked incredible against Portugal using its short passing game as a defensive weapon to kill the game once David Villa scored. Here, Paraguay will still likely be overwhelmed while Spain seem to be hitting their stride. Expect an easy win. Spain 2, Paraguay 0
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