Brasil World Cup - the last 8:

OK.  Although on track for the most part, some of my key World Cup predictions didn't turn out as I was expecting. Time to eat some humble pie!  And apologize for my lack of belief in the US team.  But in all fairness, who in their right mind would have put money on Spain exiting early with only a consolation win against Australia?  Or the Ticos making it to the quarterfinals.  Wow!!

Yet, that has been the theme in the early group stages.  Italy is also out early (only two years ago they played the Euro final against Spain).  So are England and Portugal.  Big surprises, of course, but so far the teams that have gone through really showed a lot of heart, desire and drive.  That’s what I love about football; the ball is round, as they say… and in a major tournament “name” alone won’t get you too far.

Another factor that I blindly omitted in my initial write-up: THIS IS a South American World Cup.  It feels like a South American tournament everywhere you turn.  And I've ‘turned’ up in Argentina, Peru and Ecuador (where the Colombian contingent was phenomenal).  All the teams from the continent (and even Central America) are extremely well supported.  Like playing at home, which is why – with the exception of Ecuador – all have made it to the second round.  Not to mention the lowly Costa Rica is now in the top 8!

Here’s a few impressions from my live experience down in Rio:

I was astonished by the Argentinian presence at the Maracanã.  Yes, my childhood dream came true on June 15 when jet-lagged and all (flew in that morning) I stepped into that historic arena for the first time, to see no other than the best player of this generation – Leo Messi, of course – in action.  Bucket list stuff…

However… this very much anticipated emotion didn't go down just as planned…. Thanks mighty FIFA for screwing it up for me!

First, let me shout out to some of my new friends on the BigSoccer forums, who over the last few months have constantly helped each other, exchanged tickets, and actively planned for this one-in-a-lifetime event.  Hope you are all having a wonderful World Cup.  I know I am, even now back in the States.  But after this experience (that allowed me to witness the World Cup first hand in Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Ecuador) I only have one thing to say:  even though the next World Cup will be in Russia, I’m pretty sure I’d rather come back to South America to experience the love for the sport first hand!

I loved having a “duel” with Ghana fans in a restaurant in Leblon (Rio) as the US were getting revenge from 4 years ago.  Or watching Germany absolutely destroy Portugal at the Fan Zone on the Copacabana beach.  And Ochoa stopping Brazil from scoring in a bar half a block from our apartment, with Ken and his German friends at the next table, while we’re “serenaded” by samba music… Or Suarez ensuring a nasty welcome back to England as we were transitioning through the Sao Paolo airport… Or the subdued Argentinian audience in a bar across from Teatro Colon where all they managed was a late brilliant goal from Messi against lowly Iran… And the fantastic atmosphere in a very international bar in Buenos Aires where US were seconds away from sending Portugal packing… And the subsequent nail-biter against Germany at the wonderful Mantaraya Lodge in Ecuador… Or the Brazilian kid praying on his knees in a bar in Quito as Chile was agonizingly close to end all the fun for an entire nation.  The list can go on, but I’m telling you: South America is where soccer feels at home.  Absolutely mesmerized by the experience!

Germany - Portugal at the Fan Fest - Copacabana beach

Haft time at Brasil-Mexico: a beer with Ken and his German friends

Vamos Colooooombia! (in Quito/Ecuador)

But I digress... 

Back to pissing on FIFA for a while:

As I mentioned BigSoccer helped me and others secure the tickets we wanted, exchange the ones we didn't and so forth.  Thanks again to Ken, James, Jack, Meaghan, Felipe, André and Yaron for helping me sort ours out.  Unfortunately, I had a problem with my ticket that took almost 45 minutes to fix (darn chip didn't scan).  It could have been solved in 5 minutes (as I had enough proof that the ticket was real), but not only did they have a total of 2 (two) people in the ‘customer service’ booth (2 servicing 30-40 people that is), but neither of them spoke English (and my Spanish is rudimentary at best).  The other ‘service center’ they sent me to (where allegedly the guy spoke English) was even less help.

Small parenthesis.  If you’re ever in South America, you ask someone if they speak English and the answer is “more or less” it typically means “barely”.  True story.  Happened to us at least 3 times. 

So after countless minutes (that seemed like hours) and running back and forth between service centers I finally convinced them that the ticket was indeed legal and I was OK to get in the stadium.  But wait… as the game was now already well under way, and the Argentine crowd was getting loud (it was 1-0 by now) there was still a little paperwork to be filled out.  Yes.  Pen to paper.  In the 21^st century.  But that’s not all.  Between the two customer service reps I mentioned earlier, they were apparently sharing only ONE pen.  Because I had to stand there, fuming, while one guy was finishing writing down whatever stupid details he needed on one form, so that the woman helping me could use THE SAME pen.  No.  I’m not making any of this shit up.  Getting worked up just thinking back on that.  You can only imagine the amount of rage I had in me at THAT time.

So FIFA – and yes, you’ll hear from me directly on this matter: fuck off and get your act together!

Eventually, 22 minutes into the game (or was it 27?) I finally was living my dream.  Maracanã.  At last!

My recent rendition of this dream involved me pinching myself as I was watching Messi lead his team onto the field, the ovations of the crowd, and the emotional presentation of the Argentinian national anthem.  Instead, I had to settle for breathlessly running to my seat, short of breath and drenched in sweat, cursing the hell out of the aforementioned inept organization responsible for this event.

FIFA – you incompetent bastards – thank you for screwing up that experience.  I hope you collectively rot in Hell.

Yet, once my pulse returned to normal, there it was: Maracanã.  The Mecca for any football lover in all its modern splendor.  The place were dreams were born and hearts were broken.  Draped today in all its white-and-light-blue glory.  Fantastic fans, the Argentinians (take a quick peek).   Hated to death by the Brazilians.

In the end the game was OK… Argentina didn’t play that well and Bosnia could have tried harder, but it only took a moment of brilliance from Messi to give the fans a reason to sing and dance well into the night.

Three days later, we were back at the Maracanã hoping this time that I could live that whole hair-raising experience with the pinching and the crowd and all that.  This time, however, it wasn't FIFA that messed things up, but the Spanish themselves.  I don’t think I've ever seen a sorrier attempt to show up for a game.  If I were the coach I would have pulled the team out.  Pathetic performance.  As much as I anticipated this, it was so hard to watch that I really thought about walking out.  SHAME on all the Spanish so-called superstars.  They should be publicly flagged in Plaza Mayor in Madrid.  Simple as that!

But let’s rewind.

If three days earlier the number of Argentine supporters seemed overwhelming, the Chilean contingent was unreal.  Slightly over 74 thousand were in total attendance that day, 70 thousand of them were sporting the red Chilean jersey.  The tumultuous “CHI-CHI-CHI  LE-LE-LE” (click to get a taste of it) chant was so overwhelming that I knew Spain didn't have a chance while their valiant opponent had such a strong 12^th player behind them (not taking anything away from their team – of course – who with a little luck (and couple inches lower in the last minute of play) could have ‘sent’ Brazil home early).

It was amazing to live through that experience.  In the end, I did pinch myself.  The hair on the back of my neck did stand up.  My heart raced.  And I have a fantastic memory to carry with me for the rest of my life.  One way or another I lived my dream.  It wasn't quite the way I planned (or dreamt it) but nonetheless, bucket-list material that I will cherish forever.

FIFA – you’re not forgiven.  Especially since the next two world cups are going to take place in Russia (come ‘on… I ran as far away from that part of the world 25 years ago) or Qatar (really??  No, seriously… really??? I do hope that the ongoing investigation finds the bribes that were undoubtedly passed under the table and awards the 2022 World Cup to a place that’s more deserving of such a prestigious event.  Preferably somewhere in South America, if you ask me!

But let’s get back to the current World Cup and its excellent host.

Brasil (or at least Rio where we spent a few days) has been fantastic.  Just as I expected, all the polemic about money unwisely spent, crime, safety and so on went out the window the moment the tournament started.  People here eat, drink, breathe and live football.  It’s a universal language that everyone understands and everyone is fluent in.  Nothing else matters.  Nada mas.

But more on the overall Rio experience and the fantastic days we spent there in a separate post.

Now back to humble pie and pulling that proverbial foot out of my mouth…

Group A: Brazil topped the group, as expected, but for me Mexico coming in second was a surprise (especially after the way they squeezed through to qualify for the tournament against New Zealand).  With a bit more concentration – and less diving from a very gifted player that for some reason I simply can’t stand [maybe exactly for his diving panache] they would have still been in and sent Holland packing… Croatia was a letdown; I was wondering if Rakitić and Modrić could play well together.  Clearly, the answer was that they didn’t.  And why Sušić would play Rakitić (an offensive midfielder who had 15 goals and 17 assists in Spain this season) in a defensive role is beyond me…. I tell you, sometimes these coaches [glorified tacticians as some call them] simply lack common sense…

Group B: At every tournament there’s a big BIG surprise where the reigning champ (see France in 2002) or a big favorite (see Italy and France in 2010) manages to fall flat on their face in the group stages.  It was Spain’s turn this time, and clearly the end of an era for a team that quite possibly played the most beautiful football over the last 6 years or so.  They simply didn't show up.  Deplorable is the word I’m looking for.  As for the Dutch, as much as they started in force (driven by the desire to revenge their final loss from South Africa and make amends for leaving the Euros two years ago on zero points) and secured top spot with Spain out of the way, they looked out of ideas against Mexico.  All the “van Gaal is the greatest tactician” crap that’s in the news is just bullshit to me.  If he is such a great tactician, why didn't they have the game wrapped up by half time (like Germany against Portugal)?  They just got a bit lucky and the ref finally awarded a [dubious] penalty to Diving-Robben when in turn he should have already shown a yellow or two for his previous attempts… Sure… you’ll say… they destroyed Spain, but even Malta (no offense) could have destroyed Spain at this World Cup. 

Group C: Columbia has been brilliant, but frankly, they didn't have much competition.  Japan has been weaker than in previous competitions, Ivory Coast a bunch of individual talent that can’t play as a team if their life depended on it, and Greece barely scraped through…

Group D: Now there’s something for you.  Costa Rica on top, with England and Italy out.  It was all about heart in this group.  Clearly none bigger than the Ticos’.  And my doubts about England were proven right.  EPL should seriously look at their young talent coming through the ranks, as this batch doesn't look up to par… As for Suarez… oh boy… what a complete retarded idiot (not sorry if that in any way sounds offensive).  He’s clearly not welcome back in England after ensuring their elimination, and now with the 4 month ban not sure anyone would want him.  I hear rumors about Barça being interested and I cringe.  Fantastic goal scorer, no doubt, but clearly nothing “upstairs”…

Group E: No surprise here.  Ecuador and Honduras were just along for the party.  Never a serious chance…  France, however – for the first time in many years – has been playing attractive football.  Pretty impressed!

Group F: Argentina was expected to top the group, but as I predicted, over-reliance on a Messi that only shows up for moments during the game [albeit brilliant moments that pretty much carried the team so far and account for 5 goals and 1 assist out of the 7 goals scored by Argentina so far; 6 if you don’t count the own goal] can’t go on much longer.  They barely missed the penalty roulette by 2 minutes and a few inches to the right against the Swiss… Nigeria seemed the most serious of the African teams, but in the end France easily discarded them in the round of 16. 

Group G: I knew Germany would top the group, but surely another portion of humble pie is on my plate for the “zero-chance, zero-points, Klinsmann-out” prediction I had for the US team.  They had redefined fighting spirit, Howard was by far the goalie of the tournament, and the young team looks promising for 2018.  Portugal and their primadonna [yes, Ronaldo] would have gone home after 2 games had the US kept their concentration 1 more minute… In the end, the only good thing Ronaldo did was to score an otherwise pathetic goal that ensured US qualification without sweating it until the last minute… Ghana (like most African teams) another big disappointment.  Great individual talents, but crap in terms of team play.  Didn't help that Muntari and Boateng were sent home in the middle of things for disciplinary reasons.

I was also surprised by the support back home in the States.  The whole nation got behind the team; I saw images of a completely full Soldier Field in Chicago with people watching the game on a big screen.  Several other cities had similar massive gatherings.  And even the Wall Street Journal had their picture on the front page!  Respect.

Group G: I saw Belgium topping this one (I still stand by my surprise-of-the tournament prediction; watch out Argentina) but Russia only have themselves to blame for not progressing out of a relatively easy group.  Algeria deserved second place, and even put up a good fight against Germany…

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So now what’s left?

In general, there’s no team that really impressed (maybe with the exception of Columbia).  Some (like Germany, France and the Dutch) have started strong, but are fizzing out.  And Brazil and Argentina are yet to hit their stride…

For the quarterfinals, I’m on track with my Brazil prediction (only against Columbia now, instead of England or Uruguay).  It should be another firecracker of a game.  The Colombian play attractive attacking football.  Brazil is still not running on all cylinders.  But I think they’ll step it up tomorrow.  Too much is at stake and like I said before, La Copa will not be the same with Brasil eliminated… There sure will be drama one way or another.

France – Germany is spot on.  Just how I called it.  I still stand by the Germans on this one (although France has been surprisingly effective; and as I mentioned earlier, incredibly disciplined)

With Argentina – Belgium (another quarterfinal I called accurately) I stand by my initial Belgium-surprise win.  The South Americans have ridden their luck so far, yet played uninspired football and Messi might find it hard to deal with tight marking from Kompany, Fellaini & Co.

The Dutch – with their oh-so-mighty tactician van Gaal – have it easy.  Any of the small team surprises run out of gas prematurely because they don’t have the depth.  Costa Rica will put up a valiant fight, but by now the “surprise” factor is gone.  Won’t be able to hang with the big boys much longer…

In the end, Brazil will still make it to the final after defeating the Germans along the way.  I really think the Seleção will get better, and early goals in their upcoming matches will be key.  Looks like instead of Spain [RIP] they’ll play the other team from group B in the final: Holland (who I think will eventually end an impressive Belgium run).  That leaves Germany third, Netherlands losing their third World Cup final, and Brazil winning it for a record 6^th time!

But stranger thing have happened so far in this World Cup.  Brace yourselves for some surprises still!

...what everyone in Brasil believes... we'll know for sure in a few more days!

BRASIL!!!!! - The World Cup Before the First Whistle

As World Cups go, there can be no BIGGER tournament than one hosted in Brazil.  With such a football-crazed nation, it can't be anything short of an outstanding success.  Yet, something tells me that local authorities (seriously reinforced throughout the tournament's duration) and organizers will have their hands full.  Hopefully they learned a thing or two from last year's riots during the Confederations' Cup.  Clearly most of the locals are not happy about being burdened with all the financial repercussions that come with hosting such a massive event.  Especially since this (at a whopping overall investment of $14 Billion  - yes, with a "B") will be the most expensive one to date. [by comparison, Germany '06 cost $6 billion, South Africa $4 billion, and USA '94 - only $300 million].  Doubtful they'll be able to recuperate that cost...

In such a vast country, transportation between games will be a mess, especially for some of the more remote locations, and security issues will undoubtedly surface, despite promises from the organizers to beef up the ranks of police and security personnel.  And I'm sure Rio and São Paulo will be overcrowded beyond belief.  South Africa 4 years ago saw barely half a million foreign tourists; the projected numbers for Brazil are 8 times that!

And if you read some of the recent articles, the general mood in the country doesn't quite reflect excitement.  Some of that is due to the financial impact [or burden] I mentioned above, and some to the lack of "Brazil factor" that seems to have been stripped out on several fronts.  For example, the official song - J Lo and Pitbull - singing in English and Spanish (which doesn't sit that well with a Portuguese-speaking country) and barely featuring Cláudia Leitte (Brazilian) for a verse or two; frankly, not a big fan of the tune.  And I like this one better!

The Maracanã - once with a record attendance of almost 200,000 (in the legendary 1950 World cup final lost to Uruguay; apologies to Brazilians for bringing that up) - has been transformed into a modern venue that will hold just under 79 thousand.  I doubt the historical character of that legendary venue (a sort of Mecca for any football lover) will seep through... Oh, and the famous samba drums, that always pulse and pound throughout the games in Brazil, have been banned from the stadiums! [why didn't they do that with the vuvuzelas in South Africa?].  Instead, the percussion will be supplied by thousands of noisemakers called Caxirolas, which seem like nothing more than a baby's rattle toy.  What next??? And why the need for such trinketry?

I'm gonna say one more thing about the mascot, then we'll move on to the important stuff.  Fuelco the armadillo.  An armadillo??  Really?? And why Fuleco?? Why not a Jaguar (national animal) or a colorful macaw (would reflect the spirit of the country so much better... and the Rio animated series had so much success with the birds).  I'm sure so called "marketing experts" spent countless hours and money coming up with this thing... just like the colorful flowery theme I ranted about two years ago for the Euro 2012 tournament... but really??!

Still, I have a feeling all of this will become irrelevant once the World Cup gets under way.  The world is expecting a month-long party like only the Rio Carnival can deliver, and I'm sure they'll get it!  And judging by the latest reports, the excitement is already in full swing in Brasil.

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In keeping with tradition (preambles to the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros) here's my inflation-adjusted two cents on how I see this tournament go down...I'm two for two so far (calling Spain winners on both occasions) but something tells me my winning streak will stop here!

Group A:

Brazil and Croatia should top this group (in this order) without too many problems.  Sure, the Aztecs won the Olympic Gold against Brazil two years ago, but we all know the Cariocas won't allow that again.  Not on home soil, anyway.  And Mexico - despite some young talent - haven't been firing on all cylinders recently.  It took an act of God and playoff victory over New Zeeland to even get them here.  Cameroon finished last World Cup with 0 points.  I have a feeling they'll replicate that undesirable feat... Might snag one point from Mexico...

Brazil will be strong, no doubt.  And with the "home" support behind, we've all seen - in the Confederations Cup last year - the damage they can inflict when they hit their stride.  The challenge, however, is to get Neymar to up his game (frankly I don't think he impressed too many people in the inaugural season at Barça) and gel a team that has only played friendlies over the last few years.  Their Achilles heal - in my opinion - a midfield that lacks the inventiveness of some of the legends in that space (Ronaldinho, Kaka, Zico, Socrates, or Falcao, to name just a recent few).  Oscar has potential, but he's still young... I just hope they won't "choke" as they did against the Netherlands four years ago.  A World Cup without Brazil all the way to the final won't be as much fun (not to speak of potential riots)... 

Croatia - inexplicably absent from the last World Cup -  has a few strong players and will not go down easy.  Interesting to see if Modrić and Rakitić can be on the same sheet of music (I think they're very similar players, the latter slightly better).  Ditto for Mandžukić and Eduardo (although that coupling should be easier, as one is a point person and the other likes to attack from between the lines).  Their problem area: a somewhat inexperienced back 4 (aside from the veterans Srna and Ćorluka)

Group B:

The group opener should decide who comes in first.  Expect fireworks, as the Dutch are still sour after losing that final 4 years ago and being eliminated - with 0 points - in the group stages of Euro 2012.  Spain will be favorite - since they won the last 3 major tournaments - but age is starting to play a factor with some of the stars (Xavi in particular).  Yet despite a decline in form recently, they have a huge boost from a strong European season for the Spanish teams.  Just look at the finalists for the Champions League and UEFA Europa League winners.  It's up to del Bosque now to find the right mix and they should be able to go all the way through to the final.  Interesting to see how Brazil will react to Diego Costa, who switched allegiances in order to play for Spain...if he will get fit, that is...

Back to Holland for a second: they're clearly in rebuilding mode and I think the young apprentices have a lot to prove.  But with all of Van Persie's recent injuries, inconsistency from the fickle Robben, and the duo of van der Vaart (who I hear might not make it) and Sneijder past their prime, I don't see them going far.  Not with that inexperienced defensive block, despite the outstanding Tim Krul.

Chile should be entertaining to watch, and will put in a good fight...but even though they did well in the qualifiers, there's lack of solid players in the squad, aside from Arturo Vidal (Juve), Alexis Sánchez (Barça) and maybe Eduardo Vargas (Valencia).  As for the Aussies, I know they'll go down swinging and have a blast regardless of what the scorelines will show.   I love that about them!  And I don't think I've yet met an Aussie I didn't like.  I'm sure I'll meet one or two in Rio!

Ooops!  Cat's out of the bag!  Yes, I'll be down there for some of the action.  Bucket list material...  Experience of a lifetime... Dream come true... Kid in a candy store... All that! But i'll come back to that and the "live" personal impressions in a separate post...

Group C then...

This one's tricky.  I see Columbia and Japan go through, with their direct match deciding the order.  But Ivory Coast can spur a surprise here.  With a midfield orchestrated by Yaya Touré and Tioté, the "secret sauce" will be in the ability for Drogba, Kalou and Gervinho to find the net (something they're all very comfortable with).  Oh and Greece... sorry, but they'll be lucky with 1 point out of this group... In the end, regardless of who qualifies, they won't get past the round of 16 (against Italy and England and/or Uruguay)

Group D:

On paper, Italy and England should fill the top spots.  But it will come down to the direct England - Uruguay encounter.  Remember, Uruguay came in 3rd place 4 years ago, with Forlan et. Co. in amazing form.  Most of those players are still in the squad and have the experience.  The Three Lions, on the other hand, are bringing a rather young [read inexperienced] team who hasn't impressed in recent friendlies.  And that defensive block will have a lot of trouble against the likes of Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani.  It will be a matter of how hungry the young lads are in terms of making a name for themselves... Game on, Wilshere, Oxley-C [who's doubtful], Raheem, Sturrige and Welbeck!

As for Italy... That 4-0 defeat from Spain in the last Euros final must still be stinging!  They have something to prove, but this should be the swan song for Pirlo (35) and there are doubts about whether or not he can still deliver at this level... And then, there's the matter of the most volatile attacking partnership of Cassano and Balotelli... Imploding much?

Group E: 

The French and the Swiss have it easy in this group, and despite Ecuador being somewhat of a surprise in the qualifiers, the gap is seriously too big.  Unfortunately for Switzerland, they'll likely meet Argentina after the group stage...

Group F:

Naturally, Argentina should top this group.  The question is, do they have what it takes to go all the way?  Despite a solid squad, and some great names in the attaching portion of the roster, the over-reliance on Messi will hurt them.  And as much as I love Leo, he's not a leader, not in the sense that he can carry a team in the way Maradona used to [sure, most of you will cite troubled drug addiction and an explosive personality, but frankly, he single-handedly won titles for Napoli ('87 & '90) and Argentina ('86); quite possibly the greatest ever talent in the sport].  Plus, Messi has seen a lack of form (and/or interest) lately.  I hope he was saving it all for the World Cup and he proves me wrong.  Bosnia-Nigeria will decide second place, but neither of those two will go beyond the round of 16.  

Group G:

Germany first, Portugal second.  In any other group Ghana may have had a chance (I think they're the most complete African team) but here they'll come in 3rd, unfortunately.  The US will come back "pointless" which will see the departure of Jurgen Klinsmann.  OK.  Go on.  Accuse me of lack of patriotism.  I'm just being realistic here... This is a sport that in the US gets little attention (after the gridiron thing, baseball, basketball, hockey and even NASCAR).  Until that changes, can't have much more hope than that... 

Group H:

Russia and Belgium will play for the top spot.  Frankly, Belgium looks better on paper, and they may push harder just to avoid playing Germany/Portugal in the round of 16.  Something tells me it wouldn't matter beyond the group stage anyway... But as each World Cup seems to have a surprise team (Bulgaria '94, Croatia '98, Turkey '02, Portugal '06, Uruguay 2010) I see Belgium being the one this time around.  Courtois has grown into a huge keeper, Kompany, Vertonghen and Vermaelen defensive stalwarts, Dembélé and Fellaini strong in midfield, and up front, not too many teams have the options of Lukaku, Januzaj, Mirallas, and the "slippery" Hazard.  I think it's time for the Red Devils to once again reach the heights once set by Preud'homme, Pfaff, Gerets, Ceulemans and Scifo.

Round of 16:

Brazil will beat Holland and England (or Uruguay, because I'm not entirely convinced yet) will eliminate the winner of Group C (whether that's Columbia, Japan or Ivory Coast).

France will dispense of Bosnia (or Nigeria) and Germany of Russia.  Spain will eliminate Croatia and Italy will take out the second placed in "C".  Argentina will displace the Swiss and Portugal should move past Belgium... although I see the potential for it to go the other way around in this one... Frankly, the more I think about it (and based on my aforementioned "surprise") I'm gonna go with Belgium here...

QF and beyond:

Now the "big boys" start playing.  Mouth-watering matches all around.  Brazil will move on, either by getting that revenge against Uruguay, or beating England.  France-Germany has always been a classic (especially that semifinal in '82.  If you're too young to remember, try this).  I'll be pulling for the Germans (I loved them at the last World Cup and I think they're more of a "team" than the French (who always seem to implode when the pressure is on, and are now hurt by the absence of Ribery).  Spain will beat Italy once more, and Argentina will be eliminated by the winner of that other round of 16 game (the "surprise" Belgium); I just think Argentina lack the leadership and depth.  On the other hand, they [almost] have the home field advantage, since after Brazil and US they are the 3rd country in terms of tickets bought.  That could play a big factor!

Off to semifinals: Brazil vs. Germany will be hard fought, but home turf advantage will prevail.  Spain will win the other one comfortably, as Belgium will eventually run out of steam (the 'prerequisite' for any of these "surprise" teams that don't have much depth beyond the starting 11).  If by any chance Argentina beats Belgium (meaning the Red Devils run out of steam earlier) I'll still go with the Furia Roja, but a game against Argentina will be one for the ages!

Which brings us to a Germany third place and a fantastic final between Spain and Brazil.  Two teams that love to attack.  That should be a cracking game!  And we'll leave it at that.  Brazil will win, because they can't afford to lose another World Cup final on home turf, and because the Spain dominance has to stop at some point... but me, siempre voy a estar con la Furia Roja!

¡Arriba España!