Round of 16 Part II

Italy vs Australia

Italy have been unconvincing until their 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, but of course the Czechs have looked a different side since Jan Koller stepped off the field in the first game. That Lokvensc guy is hopeless. But anyway, Italy have a much better squad then the under-performers 4 years ago. They brought a proper strike-force this time. But I’m still waiting for Luca Toni to score.

Best Player: Andrea Pirlo/Alessandro Nesta
Over-hyped: Luca Toni

Australia did well to get to the round of 16, performing above expectation for a country who were in football wilderness a few years ago. Their journey might end against the Italians though, but they have to take heart in the fact that Italy have a neck for screwing up simple games. And they need that die-hard Aussie spirit to see them to the next round at least.

Best Player: Harry Kewel
Over-hyped: Mark Viduka (come on, you have to agree on this one!)

Switzerland vs Ukraine

Switzerland feature in this possibly the lowest key second round match of all eight. Nevertheless, Switzerland deserved their place in the round of 16. Like Australia, Switzerland have come a long way in their football too. Earning an easy tie against Ukraine should see them through to the next round.

Best Player: Philip Senderos
Over-hyped: Alexander Frei (I know he scored, he was lucky)

Ukraine are in for big trouble though, they were lucky to proceed because they were up against an easy group. Come on, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia? They whacking of 4-0 at the hands of Spain show they cannot compete against the world super-powers of football. Wait, Switzerland didn’t even fit that bill.

Best Player: Andriy Shevchenko
Over-hyped: Andriy Shevchenko (yes, that’s how sad I rate the Ukrainians)

Brazil vs Ghana

Brazil have finally got a big win under their belt after an initial scare against Japan. Many expected them to do much better in a relatively easy group. I was wondering if Ronaldo to score, but good for him, he silenced his critics (including me). Their ‘B’ team impressed me more though, they should just get rid of Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo. – but it would take a very brave Brazilian coach indeed. But after that ‘B’ team showing they now look like they might go all the way, first up is the underdogs Ghana.

Best Player: Kaka
Over-hyped: Adriano/Ronaldinho (only because so much more is expected from them)

Ghana face a tough test against the world champions. Many have written off their chances; but I agree they would have to improve dramatically to overcome the Brazilians. I like Afrian football for it’s freedom and flair, but they just need more than that to win football matches. But it really is quite unthinkable to see Brazil get knocked-out at this stage of the competition.

Best Player: Stephen Appiah/ Michel Essien
Over-hyped: none (the big names played well, not much to over-hype)

Spain vs France

Spain play the most mouth-watering tie of the second round. And saving the best for last isn’t it? Spain have played tremendously well over the games I’ve watched them in. I missed the Saudi Arabia game, but I heard it was a second-string side anyway. As for the first-teamers of Torres, David Villa and Puyol, to name a few who have been inspirational, they look set to beat a French side who failed to get going.

Best Player: Carlos Puyol/Fernando Torres
Over-hyped: Joaquin

France have stumbled into the second round. Somehow they did so by winning unconvincingly over Togo, a team who we expected to get thrashed 5-0 on paper, and drawing with Korea Rep and Switzerland. Nevertheless, they have class on paper, but if they continue to play that underperforming Zidane, who I’m actually a big fan of, they might suffer against the Spanish.

Best Player: Patrick Vieira
Over-hyped: Zinedine Zidane (never thought I would say this)

I hope you are looking forward to the round of 16 as much as me!