ROUND OF 16
GERMANY
SWEDEN
Quick look: Exactly 48 years after Sweden upset West Germany in the 1958 semifinals, the two sides meet with the Swedes once again the underdogs. Germany’s Miroslav Klose leads World Cup scorers with four goals. Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic (groin) is questionable
Prediction: Germany 3-2.
The “score more than the opponent” approach of German coach Juergen Klinsmann will allow the host to fight another day.
ARGENTINA
MEXICO
Quick look: Argentina has capitalized on scoring chances and will keep Mexico’s defense on edge with Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez likely coming off the bench. Mexico’s Jared Borgetti returns, though Francisco Fonseca is expected to start.
Prediction: Argentina 3-1.
With little confidence left from its recent slide, Mexico can’t counter Argentina’s 1-2 punch of playmaker Juan Riquelme and goal scorer Hernan Crespo.
ITALY
AUSTRALIA
Quick look: After three games of shoving and hard tackles, Italy faces one of the most bruising teams. Australia’s Harry Kewell, who scored the tying goal against Croatia, says it’s the fight inside of each player that got the Socceroos to the second round.
Prediction: Italy 2-0.
Australia managed two comebacks in the group stage, but chasing the game against a well-coached Italian squad won’t work this time.
SWITZERLAND
UKRAINE
Quick look: After losing to Spain 4-0 and beating Saudi Arabia by the same score, the group stage’s version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde takes on a Switzerland team coming off three shutouts. Ukraine’s Andriy Shevchenko has scored in both of his team’s victories.
Prediction: Switzerland 1-0.
Ukraine’s dependence on Shevchenko will enable the Swiss defense to focus on “Sheva” and take out the opposition’s No.1 scoring threat.
ENGLAND
ECUADOR
Quick look: It’s underachiever vs. overachiever. England’s defense looked vulnerable against Sweden, which is why Ecuador’s Carlos Tenorio says, “When the monster is far away, you always fear it must be terrible. It’s only when you see it up close that you realize it’s not so terrible.”
Prediction: England 2-1.
Wayne Rooney shakes off his rust and, unlike against Sweden, finishes on long-range strikes.
PORTUGAL
NETHERLANDS
Quick look: Neither side lost during the group stages, though Portugal, led by a reborn Luis Figo, faced far lesser competition. Netherlands’ Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored against Ivory Coast but hasn’t played up to expectations, according to coach Marco Van Basten.
Prediction: Portugal 1-0.
Netherlands’ defense will play well, but Portugal’s gifted dribbler Cristiano Ronaldo finds a crack in its back line for the score.
BRAZIL
GHANA
Quick look: Ronaldo’s two goals against Japan show he’s regaining his touch, but Japan is no Ghana. The “Black Stars” shut down the No. 2-ranked Czech Republic and will use its size and speed in hopes of taking down the No.1 team.
Prediction: Brazil 2-0.
The absence of Michael Essien (two yellow cards) leaves Ghana without its main playmaker to counter Brazil’s Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos.
SPAIN
FRANCE
Quick look: Led by Fernando Torres’ three goals, Spain hopes to continue its dominance in this World Cup and shed its “underachiever” reputation. France’s Thierry Henry also will want to silence critics and disprove the notion that he can’t perform on the international level.
Prediction: Spain 2-1.
France looks old and tired. It will be unable to compete with Spain’s combination of youth (Torres) and experience (Raul).
