2010 FIFA World Cup: South Africa Will See More of the Same (Part IV)

The Conclusion of a series previewing/predicting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

With a mere nine days left before the beginning of the biggest sporting event in the world, I'll take a few moments to take readers through the knockout stages of South Africa 2010. The article will follow what I believe the group stage is going to end up like. 

Round of 16

Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-up (1)

Based on firepower and a tough defensive unit that doesn't shy away from physical play, Uruguay are my favorite to win Group A. These "Charruas" do not play like the teams of years past. No. This team plays with tactics other than out-physical and out-hustle. 

Because Argentina is going to storm through the group, the runner-up spot is wide open. Opening against la "Albiceleste" may not be a bad thing for Nigeria as it faces its toughest test up front. Netting a win against either of the other two teams in the group and salvaging a tie against the other will get the "Super Eagles" into the round of 16.

When Uruguay and Nigeria face off, look for Uruguay's scoring capabilities and physical play to push it over the top against the "Super Eagles." Nigeria may be fast and physical, but the typical lack of technical skill of most African teams will cost them in this second round match. Look for Luis Suarez to score a double and Diego Forlan to cap the scoring. Prediction:  Uruguay 3- Nigeria 1.

Group B Winner vs Group A Runner-up (2)

In a rematch of Germany 2006, Argentina take on Mexico. Based on France's suspect shape, look for "El Tri" to get to the round of 16, but much like at Germany 2006, look for Argentina to keep Mexico from completing its quest to reach the quarterfinal round.

Most people agree that Diego Maradona has no business at the helm of such a star-studded team and that because of him and his super ego, Argentina could badly underachieve, but the players are just too good to lose this early in the tournament. Mexico will bring everything it has, but it won't be enough to get over the hump.

Based on the last time these two teams faced each other in an official match, I'd say Argentina have a field day vs. Mexico. Prediction: Argentina 3- Mexico 0.

Group C Winner vs Group D Runner-up (3)

In a major shocker, the United States will win group C and face Australia in the round of 16. The key to group C will be the United States ripping a point away from England in the opener. "Uncle Sam's Army" with confidence on their side can be a very dangerous team.

Australia will be a tough team in Group D given its performance from four years ago. On the verge of taking the eventual champions and likely beating them in overtime, only a phantom Penalty Kick against Italy sealed the "Kiwis" fate in Germany. 

Though Australia will prove to be a tough test, the United States will continue to dazzle the world as it did last year at the Confederations Cup. Prediction: US 2- Australia 1 (Overtime).

Group D Winner vs Group C Runner-up (4)

No surprises here. Germany wins group D hands down. The only surprise to many will be the fact that they're playing England in this spot.

Based on what I've seen so far from the "Three Lions," they should be making an early exit from South Africa 2010, although the Germans are missing five starters due to injury. England won't go down without a fight, given players like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and John Terry will be on the pitch at the same time.

Germany is the exact opposite of Brazil, style-wise, but when it comes to having complete squads, like the Brazilians they have an abundance of players to choose from. Even though Germany is missing five starters, it'll be nearly impossible to tell the difference. The German style of play runs like a well oiled-machine with parts being interchangeable. 

Prediction: Germany 3- England 2 (7-4 Penalty Kicks)

Group E Winner vs Group F Runner-up (5)

Group E winner Holland is a goal scoring machine, and it will mow down whoever gets in its path. Unfortunately for Paraguay, it faces a European powerhouse at the wrong time.

Holland will rely on the likes of Sneijder, Robben, and van Persie to light up the scoreboard, and this game will not be an exception. With play reminiscent of the football that captured hearts and minds in the '70s, this "Oranje Crush" should be a favorite to finally accomplish what Johan Cruyff never did.

Paraguay will get plenty of help from Lucas Barrios and Roque Santa Cruz, but the Dutch firepower will be too much for the "Guaranies" to handle. It'll put up a gallant effort, but it won't be enough. Prediction: Holland 3- Paraguay 1.

Group F Winner vs Group E Runner-up (6)

Italy should win group F with relative ease. The only thing that could hamper the "Azzuri" from winning the group is their own habit of starting slow. Though they will face tough tests in Serbia and Paraguay, Italy's experience and mystique should get them to win the group.

Denmark will be happy to know they've won a date with Italy in the second round. Though Italy is not the team of four years ago, Denmark is a squad that is no stranger to the Italians and their toughness. If the Danes can get over the initial shock of the blue jersey, they may push Italy to the limit.

Expect a good match in this one. Still, I'll take the Italians to move on to the quarterfinals. Prediction: Italy 2- Denmark 1.

Group G Winner vs Group H Runner-up (7)

In a rematch of South American qualifying, favorite Brazil meets upstart Chile in the round of 16.

With the scoring ability and knack for pulling out big wins on foreign soil, if there is a chance at an upset in the round of 16 it is here. In qualifying, Chile won 16 of its 33 points on the road. Will it be enough to knock out Brazil? No

Brazil come into the tournament with a more balanced style of play. There is less "Jogo Bonito" and more discipline on the pitch. With a deadly counterattack and the players who know how to win, Brazil should depose of pesky Chile in a tough match.

Prediction: Brazil 3-Chile 2

Group H Winner vs Group G Runner-up (8)

Las Vegas and World Cup favorite Spain should win group H with ease, but that will only earn it a match with European powerhouse Portugal. 

Spain has racked up an impressive record over the last four years, having lost just once in 48 matches. It is led by arguably the world's best creative midfielder in Xavi Hernandez and lethal strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa. With a well-balanced attack and stars up and down the roster, Spain look to make a deep run in the tournament. 

Portugal survive a difficult group only to find itself paired up against the favorite and second ranked team in the world. Portugal's arguments come in the name of Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco, and Pepe. Portugal should push Spain to the brink.

Prediction: Spain 2-Portugal 1 (Overtime) 

Quarterfinals

Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 3 (9)

Surprise quarterfinalist Uruguay vs surprise quarterfinalist USA. This is the end of the line for the South American squad as an inspired USA takes down the "Charruas" in a physical, well-played match. 

Prediction: USA 2-Uruguay 1

Winner Game 5 vs Winner Game 7 (10)

Here is where a big surprise comes. Heavily favored Brazil suffers a huge letdown as it gets bounced by the tournament by Holland. Avenging the quarterfinal elimination from USA 1994 and again in penalty kicks during a semifinal match at France 1998, the Dutch finally get over the hump against perennial power Brazil.

Prediction: Holland 3-Brazil 2 (Overtime)

Winner Game 2 vs Winner Game 4 (11)

This is where we finally begin to see the effects of the players lost to injury by the Germans. Faced with the tough task of taking down Argentina, Germany will drop a hard-fought, tight match. Led by Maradona's fiery sentiment against the Germans (he faced them twice in World Cup finals in 1986 and 1990), Messi and company will go through to the semifinals. 

Prediction: Argentina 2- Germany 1

Winner Game 6 vs Winner Game 8 (12)

This is the match where the world finds out there will be a new champion at the end of this tournament. The Italians' age along the back line will prove costly against the faster, hungrier Spanish. In what many will (wrongly) call the passing of the torch game, watch as the Spaniards take down the defending champions.

Prediction: Spain 2-Italy 0

Semifinals

Winner Game 9 vs Winner Game 10 (13)

Matching its deepest ever run at a World Cup tournament, the United States find itself in unfamiliar territory. Their reward for reaching the semifinal round? A meeting with overwhelming favorite Holland. The speed and power of the Dutch proves to be too much as they defeat the US in convincing fashion marking their return to a final for the first time since 1978. 

Prediction: Holland 3-USA 2

Winner Game 11 vs Winner Game 12 (14)

There are no surprises on this side of the bracket as usual powers Argentina and Spain find themselves fighting it out for the second ticket to the final. Despite Argentina's great individual players, the group game the Spaniards possess proves to be too much for the "Albiceleste." Spain makes history with a win in this match, reaching its first ever World Cup final. 

Prediction: Spain 3-Argentina 1

Final

Winner game 13 vs Winner Game 14

Holland will be making its third appearance in a World Cup final, while Spain are debutantes at this stage of the tournament. The difference between this final and previous finals the Dutch have played in is that the host country is not in the match. In 1974, the Dutch lost to Germany, and in 1978, they lost to Argentina.

A famous spanish language saying states, "Cero y van dos, a la tercera es la vencida " (translation: O for 2, third time's the charm). The Dutch play a fast paced, physical game in which they break the hearts of the Spanish faithful.

Prediction: Holland 3-Spain 2