Umschlag bitte... (The Final!)

France. Italy. Few probably predicted these two in the final game when the tournament started a month ago. Both teams have chalked up impressive wins in getting here, France having knocked off Spain, Brazil and Portugal and Italy downing Australia, Ukraine and Germany. Admittedly, the Italians had an easier road up until the Germans and still only barely managed to squeak by the Australians. The Italians have little to worry about on a backline that hasn't given up a single goal yet. Les Bleus is no slouch, with Thuram at the core of a very solid line. In goalkeeper, a slight edge has to go to Buffon for Italy, though, once again, Barthez certainly has been at this level before (in 1998) and has performed well throughout the tournament. So scoring will be difficult for both sides. Can Zidane pull more magic out of his hat? That will perhaps be the true test. If Zidane can keep up the pace in this game, his swan song, that could very well prove to be the difference. Ribery and Henry will have to dial it up a couple if France wants to win this game. The Italians haven't given up a goal yet ...but France appears to be a team of destiny and they won't be denied. The French win their second World Cup title with a tough 2-1 win!

Dritte besser als vierte (The 3rd place game)

Germany will meet Portugal in what will be a bit of bittersweet for both teams. Germany was disappointed in a loss to Italy after almost taking them to PKs, which would've clearly favored the Germans. Germany clearly has the upper hand here and should be able to dispose of Portugal. Portugal appears to have loads of individual talent but frequently fail to play cohesively as a team. After the 41st time running straight at a defender and falling down, perhaps Cristiano Ronaldo will realize that's not working. The swell of hometown fans will be more than enough to carry the Germans to a respectable 3rd place showing as Klose and Podolski strike frequently in a 3-0 win, capping off a very good run for a German team we should see success from in South Africa in 2010, especially if Klini stays on.

Vier oder weniger (Preview of the semi-finals)

From here on out it will be nothing but colossal clashes of world heavyweights. Germany and Italy will begin this round with some interesting statistics. Germany has never lost in Dortmund and Italy has never lost to Germany in World Cup play. The Italian back line has been impressive, allowing a grand total of zero goals with the exception of one own goal. With Nesta out, however, this could present a bit of difficulty. However, with a back line full of other players playing in the notoriously goal-stingy Serie A, Podolski, Klose and co. should have their challenges. Germany will need to tighten things up a bit in the back, but they should be inspired by the PK stand of Lehmann and Klinesmann has shown that he has his players prepared for their opponent so the worry for German fans should be minimal. Both Buffon and Lehmann are excellent goalkeepers and certainly two of the best who have attended the tournament. At the midfield, Ballack simply needs to show why he's wearing the captain band. To date he has been capable but far from impressive. Germany simply needs more output from this world class player. The Germans will miss Thorsten Frings, suspended after throwing a punch after the conclusion of the Argentina game. At the front line, the is almost even. Italy and Germany both look formidable up front, with Italy perhaps taking a slight advantage on set pieces and timing of runs and Germany better at positioning and pressing the attack. Both teams will come out playing cautionusly and that could be a mistake as whoever scores first in this one will win. Germany will need extra time to do it, but they squeak by Italy 1-0 and roll into the finals on a surge of support from the home crowd. Should this one go to PKs, the advantage is decidedly in Germany's favor; Germany has never lost a WC match on PKs while Italy has never won one.

France has surprised everyone with the late onset of their momentum. After a poor showing in group play, this team suddenly appears able to be able to do no wrong. In the process of reaching the semis, they have dismissed a stacked Spanish side 3-1 and beat Brazil in a huge 1-0 upset win. Portugal will be happy to have Deco back in the lineup and, at this stage, every weapon will be useful to the Portugese. Based on the talent that Portugal will be putting on the field it doesn't make any sense at all, but France will pull this one off in a 2-1 win that inches them that much closer to hoisting the FIFA trophy.

Kein mehr (Results of the quarter-finals)

Germany v. Argentina looked to be a sleeper until Argentina struck in the second half and radically changed the pace of the game. Suddenly Germany was forced to pour on the attack in an effort to find the equalizer. Find the equalizer they did, on a perfectly brilliant flick off the head of Borowski to the head of Klose, who promtly flicked the ball into the corner of the net, just inches from the outstretched hands of the substitute GK Franco. This strike hit doubly deep for Argentina; not only was it the equalizer, but Argentina was most certainly mismanaged at this point in the game after having removed Crespo and Riquelme which severly reduced the offensive punch of Argentina. With the Argentinean GK Abbondanzieri leaving the field in the 71st minute, ARG also had the unenviable task of bringing on their second stringer late in the game as the Germans were intensifying their assault. One can't help but wonder if the German goal that cleared by mere inches, if that, would've been saved had Abbondanzieri still been in the game. After two periods of scoreless overtime, the advantage was clearly with the Germans in the PKs. Germany had a clearly better GK in Lehmann, who had played brilliantly toward the end of regulation and in the OT to preserve the tie. Germany had survived several defensive lapses that almost cost them the game but in the PKs none of that mattered. The German kickers blasted every kick strong and true and Argentina faltered as Lehmann (in true German form referring to a sheet filled with scouting information on the PK habits for the opposing side) came up with some essential saves. Germany defeated their toughest opponent they've faced thus far in the tournament and Argentina has four years to ponder what might have been.

Italy finally seems to be realizing that goals are scored at the opposite end of the field from which their GK is standing. And score they did on the underwhelming Ukranian side. Ukraine simply didn't have enough firepower on the pitch to hold off the Italians. Toni finally found his mark in netting two goals within 10 minutes of each other. Despite a possession % far in favor of Ukraine and some threatening strikes on goal, it was clear who was in control for most of this one. But what a difference a couple minutes can make. After Ukraine came agonizingly close to scoring the eqalizer, Italy counterattacked and Toni netted his first goal of the tournament in the 59th minute, which appeared to break the backs of the Ukrainian side. Truthfully, it was a good run for Ukraine in their first appearance in the tournament. For Italy, they continue to display their almost impenetrable defense (no one has scored a goal on them yet; and own goal is the only GA on their balance sheet) and their offense appears to be on the move. Could Italy finally be willing to play exciting football?

Poor England. Owen out with injury. Lampard clearly off his mark. Rooney ousted after seeing red. Beckham largely ineffective outside of set plays and then down with an injury. The lonely Crouch lumbering around up top futiley trying to make something happen. Despite all these hardships England took Portugal to the limit and beyond to a PK session. But it was obvious this team simply didn't have the nails to make it into the next round as they were soundly stomped in the PK session. Portugal didn't look that impressive against the showless English side but, regardless, they escape with a win and look to be one of the weaker teams in the semi-finals despite a stacked roster sheet.

France seems to know a secret that many teams don't but they could probably sell for a significant percentage of most country's GDP. That secret is how to beat Brazil. France turns out to be the giant-killer yet again in dismissing Brazil with a brilliant Zidane-Henry strike in the 57th minute. Brazil was clearly stunned and played the part of a giant, lumbering after the ball and seemingly unaware that a 1-0 France score would send the pre-tournament favorites back to Rio. The Brazilian pace was clearly off and unable to create any of the magic that is normally typical of Brazil. Zidane seems to be ready to lead his squad to the final...does this 34 year old have enough gas to get there?

Verbesserung (The quarterfinals, part 2)

Portugal v. England

Will this finally be the match where England plays up to their level of talent? England can certainly play better...but will they? Portugal will prove to be the toughest competition England has faced thus far in the tournament. The English side gets a lucky break since Portugal will take the pitch without Deco and Costinha in the lineup due to yellow card accumulation. That could very well prove to be the deciding factor. With 5 other players on the Portuguese side playing with yellow cards, they may have to play more cautiously to avoid getting carded again and not being able to play in the next game should Portugal advance. But, truly, this game is in and of itself so that shouldn't affect strategy much. However, it may slightly alter play enough to give England a slight advantage. That is, if they hadn't been playing so poorly all tournament. With Portugal missing players, England still waiting to hit their stride, and Owen out for the duration this could swing widely either way. With the offensive punch of both teams diminished due to cards and injuries, Rooney finds the net for the first time in this tournament and England limps along to another unimpressive but bookable 1-0 win.

Brazil v. France

Brazil was probably surprised by the tenacity of Ghana. That may explain why they seemed to be off-pace a good portion of the game. But most teams in the tournament would like to be off-pace and score 3 goals. Brazil didn't look exactly vulnerable. However, there were subtle hints during that game that may provide future opponents some tips on how to match up against this Brazilian supersquad. Ghana had a lot of success in pressing the attack. When they did let up Brazil was able to counterstrike and score. Keeping Brazil on their heels may be a key to taking down this giant. Of course, easier said than done. France seems to be gathering steam now that they have one game between their lacklustre group play. They looked quite creative against Spain and as a result pulled off a stunning 3-1 win. Unfortunately for France they will discover, as Ghana discovered, they simply don't have the guns to keep Brazil on their heels long enough to get the tallies they will need to win. Sure, Henry, Vieira and Zidane are all world class players, but there is too much softness outside of these 3 that is just waiting to be exploited by the Brazilians. Brazil doesn't appear to play like they want to win. Rather, they just know they will. Yes, they're that good.. 3-1 Brazil!

Jetzt geht's los! (The quarterfinals, part 1)

Germany v. Argentina

This is the biggest clash in the tournament to date and this game is not to be missed regardless of who you are supporting. Germany comes into this game riding high on the wave created by their shelling of Sweden while Argentina went the distance with Mexico and pulled off a win with a strike deep in overtime. This match is already an instant classic which will be won or lost in a classic fashion with controlling the midfield, well-timed runs and taking advantage of dangerous set plays. One problem that Germany has had in past tournaments has been the reluctance to press the ball forward, instead being content to sit back a bit and play more conservatively. That certainly hasn't been a problem thus far and their strategy has been well managed by Juergen Klinsmann. Mexico proved that an aggresive team can put Argentina on its heels, temporary as that may be. This game is truly anyone's game. The nod goes to the Germans who will be playing on friendly turf. Germany pulls off a 2-0 thriller with the outcome in the balance until Germany gets their second strike late in the second half!

Italy v. Ukraine

Both of these teams have to be happy that they are at this stage in the tournament. Neither has looked entirely impressive and both have stumbled quite a bit in their trek to the quarterfinals. Nonetheless, here they both stand and one will be in the semi-finals. Ukraine had a tough game against the Swiss that went all the way to PKs. Can Shevchenko and co. pull off another mild upset and advance? The time to strike is now with Italy slightly vulnerable since two players (De Rossi and Materazzi) are sitting the sidelines due to yellow card accumulation. Also, Toni has had some brilliant shots but hasn't found the net yet. Will the quarterfinals be his time to shine? The luck has run out for the Azzurri. Ukraine wins a 1-0 victory with an inspirational blast that is heard round the world.

Besser oder schlechter (The aftermath of the Round of 16, part 2)

Italy continued to get a helping hand from the officials when they were awarded a very late, very questionable, penalty kick (more on that later) against Australia. It's a pity that such a good game was decided in such an anticlimactic fashion..but the Italians aren't complaining. Italy hasn't played well against lesser teams...USA and Australia come to mind. Yet, they advance over the much-loved tournament underdog. Australia had an inspiring game and came up just short, disappointing the legions of supporters they accumulated as they waded through their competition in the tournament. No one expected the Australians to go all the way even if they had beaten Italy but it's safe to say that millions wanted them to continue winnning just...one...more.

The Swiss went down gunning against the Ukraine. Unfortunely the gun they were using was loaded with blanks. There are two types of ties in football. There are those games where there is constant drama, ebb and flow, and it seems as if at any point either team could strike that one goal that will take them to victory. Then there are those games where they are, quite simply, boring almost beyond being watchable. This happens when both teams are playing too cautiously for fear of making a mistake that will give the other team the advantage. It boils down to a staring match which, while perhaps intense for the participants, leaves viewers wondering what's for dinner. The Switzerland v. Ukraine game was the latter. The Swiss clearly didn't have time to practice their PKs and the Ukraine was only marginally better in inching to the victory after 2+ hours of playing.

Ghana certainly didn't go down without a fight in their 3-0 loss against Brazil. They unfortunately fell behind early when Ronaldo tallied on a well-timed run and, in doing so, became the highest all-time scorer in the tournament. But Ghana didn't relent; after the early stumble they turned on the offense and the dumb luck on the part of Dida (standing in the right place at the right time) was the only thing that prevented Ghana from attaining the equalizer off a brilliant header by Mensah. Unfortunately for Ghana a late first half score by Brazil put the game out of reach. However, Ghana has to be proud of their showing. It leaves one wondering if the star midfielder for Ghana, Michael Essien, hadn't been on the bench as a result of yellow card accumulation, would the result have been any different? Much like Australia, fans of the tournament are sad to say goodbye to the inspiring Ghana side. However, the Brazilian march continues. Despite the win, their pace seemed off against Ghana which is the first indication of weakness Brazil has shown thus far in the tournament. Is this a sign of things to come or simply a testament to the feisty Ghana showing?

The Spanish implosion is complete. After a fiery start, the Spanish continued to lose team until they were sniped by France in the Round of 16. Spain struck first after being awarded a PK and, despite an overwhelmingly lopsided possession time in favor of Spain, France came back en force to notch up 3 goals on Spain. With the match stalemateing up until the 83rd minute, the game appeared destined for overtime. But star Vieira struck with a fantastic header and Zidane froze Spain's chance of advancement with a strike in stoppage time. France certainly appears to be gathering momentum at exactly the right moment. They appeared to be much more hungry than Spain, which at times played the match with the intensity of a casual friendly. There is still a question if France will have the weapons to take down the heavyweights to seize the title but at this point they have a better chance than the unhappy Spanish side at doing so.

Schade, nur acht (The aftermath of the Round of 16, Part 1)

Will the German side just continue to get better until they cap it all off by adding another World Cup title to their rich football history? They postively punished the Swedes, seemingly able to carve out the Swedish defense at will. Their runs culminated in resounding THUDs against the Swedish keeper Isaksson. 26 shots! The Swedes made a good run in getting into the second round but a missed PK by Larsson and a rolling German squad brought their run to an end.

Mexico played the match they needed to play against Argentina (aggressive, direct football) but unfortunately they didn't get the result that they needed in falling 2-1 to Argentina. Certainly Borgetti must wish he had a couple retries at shots that sailed just wide of the post. And perhaps the referee wishes he could reconsider the obvious foul Heinze committed when Fonseca caught him napping on a goal kick and Heinze was forced to purposely foul him on the way to goal and escaped with a yellow card. But there is nothing Mexico has to be shamed about in this game; they took one of the tournament favorites to the limit and beyond. Argentina advances and looks to be in quite good form although Mexico did make them look vulnerable on occasion. Argentina starts to look deadly when they get in the goal area so the threat of a fast paced counterattack from their opponent may be just the thing to keep the Argentina strikers from crashing the goal box and causing trouble for the defense.

The leaky boat that is England sails onward. It wasn't pretty, but it counts. All the ails that have been there throughout the tournament persisted in England's 1-0 win over Ecuador...Beckham ghosting on all but a few (admittedly important) set pieces, Lampard blasting souveniers into the stands, Rooney playing with spirit but still searching for that first goal, a brilliant defensive play (this time from Ashley Cole) the only thing separating England from trouble and, this time, Eriksson not even bothering to bring Crouch on the field. Luckily the defense has been solid and kept England in the game. England has been fortunate, in a way, they haven't faced any of the tournament heavyweights thus far. At some point England will need to score goals on a running play. Will they rise up to the task?

Portugal won a bruiser against a stubborn side from the Netherlands in what degenerated into the sloppiest and most foul-heavy game of the tournament. Both sides had numerous chances to convert but couldn't find the net. Even more frustrating for NED is that they had the better chances but couldn't convert. Oddly enough, Van Nistelroij didn't see any playing time, which should provide plently of topics of conversation among Dutch fans as their team is now forced to watch on the sidelines like everyone else. Portugal should certainly celebrate their advancement but they must also be concerned about the fact that Deco and Costinha will be unavailable for the next game after the red and yellow were flying in the most "colorful" World Cup game in tournament history. Many other players on the Portugese side will step onto the pitch with a yellow card and have to be concerned with acquiring another and, should the Portugese advance, missing the next game. Portugal will need to create more chances if they want to move further in this tournament.

Kommt wieder (The games of 6.27.2006)

Brazil v. Ghana

Ghana is happy to be here and will, of course, hope for a huge upset win which, if it were to happen, would truly be the biggest upset in the history of the tournament and make a great Disney movie, especially if one of the countries was communist. However, Disney will have to make that one up themselves. Brazil will samba all over Ghana with a convincing 2-0 win.

Spain v. France

France's play of late has been like two trains speeding toward each other on the same track. Something will happen but it probably won't be pretty. Spain threw their weight around in group play and should be well-equipped to take on Le Bleu. France will put up a bit of a fight but this one should make Spanish eyes smile. 2-0 Spain.

Spinnst Du oder was? (The games of 6.26.2006)

Italy v. Australia

No one expected the Australians to be here and no one expects them to win this game. But they'll do just that with a thrilling win over a shocked Italy. When a team has nothing to lose, they sometimes can't help but win. 2-0 Socceroos!

Switzerland v. Ukraine

The Ukranians don't have much gas left in the tank. After barely climbing out of their group play, the Swiss should make short work of Ukraine. Should. But in a surprise for all the Ukraine finds the extra tank and survives another game in a mildly shocking 1-0 upset win over the Swiss and a day of upsets and bracket busting is finally over.