World Cup Analysis

A case of 16

By Matthew Day ⋅ June 24, 2006 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Footballing World scours for the likely qualifiers into the quarter-finals, the matches of the round and one for the underdogs.

Into the round of eight

The host nation just about received an apathetic amount of support before the tournament began, with the locals fearing the worst of de hooligans. But now the country is buzzing, allowing the government to raise the rate of VAT, quietly, amongst the furore. But Germany look odds on for the last eight, but first have to overcome a resilient Swedish side that are slowly growing in confidence and goal-scoring ability. It will be their first major test, but with the defence much improved and Miroslav Klose again saving his best for the biggest stage it should be a case of Klinsmann jurgenating the opposition.

Argentina is the form side and the in-running favourites to lift the trophy in mid-July. They have strength in depth and a united side with incredible quality under the influential Jose Pekerman, and despite Mexico being a South American rival and having a player of Rafael Marquez’s quality, there is only team heading through, barring arguments and plenty of toughness from Mexico’s side.

Michael Owen is out, Wayne Rooney not yet match fit and the defence cannot cope with long throws. Nevertheless England goes in as the clear favourite, with talk of Carrick and Hargreaves starting in the same team, and Svennis going delirious at the thought. They are not coming up against Poland but Ecuador, whose style is to disable the likes of Rooney and then counter attack, and it has proved hugely successful – but England should be able to combat it, and put their deficiencies and worries behind them at least for 90 minutes.

Elsewhere, brave Ghana looks set for an exit, although perhaps not a humiliating one, at the hands of a resurgent Brazil, with Ronaldo equalling Gerd Muller’s 14-goal haul and looking to have reduced the level of room service and German chocolate. And Italy may not have the loudest and newest support, but they do have a superior side to Australia, plus a domestic scandal. Despite the resolve of the Aussie’s, and their brilliant match with Croatia, it surely will be a step too far – but do expect a vicious game.

Match of the Round

There are two mouth-watering ties, one as a result of the group of death and another due to the shortcomings of the World champions eight years ago. The winners of the Portugal versus Holland match may face England, and on one side is Scolari’s talented men, Deco, Ronaldo and all, making the knockout stages for only the second time; and the other a similarly capable nation that always seem to be intertwined with flattering to deceive. Portugal go in as slight favourites, and having beaten England two years ago, albeit on home turf, they will be confident of making the last four, but the Oranje are written off at your own peril.

The bigger and more exciting battle of Europe is between Spain and France, with the latter experiencing the blues currently, but back to scoring ways and always a threat with Thierry Henry up front and a solid defence. But Spain were able to win with a reserve side against Saudi Arabia and have a wonderful bench of substitutes – Raul, Fabregas, Joaquin and Reyes to name a few – and look far better than in recent tournaments, and wanting to dispel their negative repute. Beating France will go a long way to doing this, because even though the opposition aren’t world beaters, their status is undeniable.

One for the Romantics

France could not beat the efficiency of Switzerland, who finished on top of a group for the first time. They are the only side of the 32 to not have conceded a goal and will be looking to make it four in a row against fellow minnows Ukraine, who have endured a far more turbulent route – a hammering by Spain followed by a thrashing of Saudi Arabia and a far from convincing, but crucial, win over Tunisia. The Swiss are resilient at the back and can be lethal in attack, with Frei and Yakin able to net when necessary.

The Romantics may just back the Swiss, with their adorable mini-coach who is of stark contrast to Sven, living and breathing every moment of the game and his nation’s fortunes. It is a huge chance for them to make a name for themselves in the last-eight, but Ukraine with Sheva and all (they do have other players I’m told) have exactly the same opportunity and just as little to lose.

Tags: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Holland, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine

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