Qualified for Quarters

Well, all the quarter-finalists have been decided, with France beating Spain to claim their place against Brazil.

So far it has been a predictable World Cup, and France beating Spain, though surprising, was no shock again. The French did answer their critics - myself included - by outscoring Spain 3 goals to 1. Zidane sure answered my questions about him when he played an inspirational game, setting up both goals and scoring one himself. Frank Ribery also had a lively game, another of the players who I had thought was overhyped. He is starting to show what he can do on the world stage, and he and Zidane might just be the inspiration France need.

Now, it is just a small matter of Brazil to get to the semi-finals.

Spain for all their possesion failed to create much. David Villa and Raul were rightfully subbed off because I hardly saw them touch the ball. Fernando Torres had a quiet game too by his standards. Still, Spain have no excuses for losing as they looked to go into extra-time then penalties towards the end.

It's quite amazing how few shocks there are in this competition. Most of the big guns are there in the last 8. 6 of them are former winners. Only Portugal and Ukraine haven't won the World Cup before. Ukraine overcame Switzerland - which isn't exactly a football superpower - by boring them to death. Though it was surprising they got this far, its really no shock if you look at their easy group and easy draw against Switzerland. While ironically, the one who finished top of the group - Spain got knocked out by a better opposition in France. Portugal have done well to reach this far, though they didn't beat Holland convincingly. A game with 4 red cards and was it 20 yellows? That can't be taken seriously...

Now to recap the quarter-finalist and my predictions:
Germany v Argentina
This one could go either way, but I hope Germany wins for my money's sake. Germany 2-1 (could take extra-time)

Italy v Ukraine
I never liked Italian football. I think they are boring and play dirty - as the world saw against Australia. Well, this is one match I would be missing given how boring Ukraine play as well. My call: 0-0 after extra-time. It would go down to penalties, if which I'm sure the Italians are good at taking.

England v Portugal
The English might scrape through this one given the suspensions that Portugal have. But boring boring England will keep pumping their long balls forward. It's not a match that's going to be a spectacle. 1-0 after extra-time.

Brazil v France
This would arguable be on par with the Germany v Argentina match. I don't know who to back for this game, but I guess Brazil would be the favourites wouldn't they? Brazil 2-0 or 2-1.