FIFA World Cup 2010: USA, South Korea Crash Out As Uruguay And Ghana Progress.

Good afternoon from yet another very sunny day in Dublin. I had planned to continue painting my house today, but with nobody to hold the ladder, I thankfully have the day off.

The World Cup continued with the first two games of the knockout round yesterday. Uruguay and Ghana won their games to qualify for the quarterfinals. When Uruguay went up 1-0 early, they sat back in attempt to see the game out and possibly score a second goal on the break. However, a South Korean equalizer made it a game again until Uruguay's Suarez scored a fine second goal to put them through. I felt for South Korea as they gave it all they had. I thought at 1-1, it could have went either way.

In last night's game, Ghana did the exact same thing-sitting back after taking an early lead through a Boateng goal. In the second half, the USA really came at them and an equaliser seemed inevitable, which eventually came through a penalty. I thought that the U.S. might go on and win the game then, but regular time finished all square. 

In extra time, there wasn't much separating the two teams, however, the weakness at the heart of the USA defense was exposed again as Ghana scored early on and managed to hold onto the lead. They defended pretty well and it never really looked like they would crack. The USA can still be proud of their efforts as they gave it everything they had, just as South Korea had done earlier.

Today's games begin with England and Germany. It's a rerun of the 1966 World Cup final or the semi final of 1990-although those games had very different outcomes. England has not had a particularly good tournament so far, but Germany has played well despite losing one of their group games.

It's fair to say that Germany would be the favorites in many people's eyes, but England has enough good players to get the result they need. If they can get Shrek to play well, then anything is possible; the ogre has been very far from his best so far. If Germany comes at England, he might just get the space he thrives on to make something magical happen. Despite what Terry says, England has players that can pick him out with a pass.

The biggest problem for England is probably the weight of public and media expectations. Before the World Cup began, they were hyped as potential winners, but when they drew with the USA and then Algeria, they were suddenly seen as useless. The victory over Slovenia was then greeted with such joy that suddenly they were potential winners again. There seems to be no middle ground any more. It's all or nothing as far as the fans and media are concerned.

If England can keep themselves solid at the back and take what chances come their way, then it is quite possible they will win. How a win would be perceived in England is another thing altogether. I would imagine that with Argentina as a potential quarterfinal opponent, the talk will turn to "the hand of God." I'll deal with that if it happens, although I think Germany might just scrape through today. Of course, I hope England prevails.

In tonight's game it's Argentina against Mexico with the red-hot Argentinians as the favorites on the heels of their excellent play thus far and the seven goals they have to show for it.

In Arsenal news, the only real story of any note is that the boss has supposedly told Eduardo that he is not part of the team's plans for next season. If it's true, I genuinely feel for the man as he looked like the best finisher I had ever seen before that horrific injury he suffered over two years ago. If he leaves and plays in a less physical league, I hope he can regain that ability and flourish once more.

That's it for today as the England match starts in an hour.

Here's a few goals from an old favorite of mine - Alan Sunderland.

See You Tomorrow.