2010 World Cup Predictions: Round of 16 to the Finals

After weeks and weeks, months and months of buildup, we have officially reached the opening week of the 2010 World Cup! We’ve been previewing every single group here on FA Daily, and now we reach a very exciting portion of our World Cup previews……predicting the knockout stage! That will get us to a winner in South Africa, and it certainly won’t be an easy task. So without any further ado, let’s get to the predictions, and try to pick a winner in this year’s event!

Here are my group by group previews, which include my predictions for who will advance from each group:

Group A – France, Mexico
Group B – Argentina, Nigeria
Group C – England, USA
Group D – Germany, Serbia
Group E – Netherlands, Cameroon
Group F – Italy, Paraguay
Group G – Brazil, Portugal
Group H – Spain, Chile

So with those being my predicted teams that will advance to the knockout stage, here is what the schedule would look like for the Round of 16, along with my prediction:

1st A – France vs. 2nd B – Nigeria

I did think that Nigeria could be the team that makes a surprise run in this tournament, but now that John Obi Mikel has been ruled out of the World Cup, it makes their run a little less likely. France will struggle with the style, but I’ll predict that they find a way to advance.

1st C – England vs. 2nd D – Serbia

Ahh, a tricky Round of 16 match for England, as Serbia is a team that could get a roll and cause problems for this team. I happen to believe that England is going to make a deep run though, and they’ll come out firing in this one. They end a possible sleeper run for Serbia, and move on.

1st D – Germany vs. 2nd C – USA

This is probably going to sound like a homer pick, but I just think that this is the year for the United States to make their run in this tournament. One team always makes an exit earlier than expected, and I’m going to say that the US makes Germany that team this year.

1st B – Argentina vs. 2nd A – Mexico

Maradona’s squad should have no problems scoring goals against this Mexico team, as I think this is a great spot for Argentina. They could build a comfortable lead early, and have some great momentum heading into the quarterfinals.

1st E – Netherlands vs. 2nd F – Paraguay

While the Netherlands have lost their star player (Arjen Robben), they are still good enough to knock off a Paraguay squad that may struggle to score goals. But while they are good enough, I’m taking the upset here. Paraguay with the surprise victory in this one.

1st G – Brazil vs. 2nd H – Chile

I find this to be maybe the most intriguing matchup of the Round of 16. I would be crazy to pick against Brazil, but I like the makeup of Chile’s team. I expect this one to go to penalty kicks, as this one should be a goal-fest. Again, can’t pick against Brazil though.

1st F – Italy vs. 2nd E – Cameroon

I can’t see Italy having much trouble with Cameroon, as I think Cameroon was once a team that could make a deep run, but it doesn’t seem like their star Samuel Eto’o is too happy right now. That’s not good for this team, since he is the key to success for them. Italy advances.

1st H – Spain vs. 2nd G – Portugal

I’m hesitant to pick Spain here, and I’m not sure why. Portugal doesn’t have that much depth, and are clearly counting on tons of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo to keep them in this thing. Spain’s depth will be too much, and they’ll be moving on to the quarterfinals.

And as for the quarterfinals:

France vs. England

In all honesty, I think these two teams have the biggest potential to be upset in the Round of 16, because I think Nigeria or Serbia could play the sleeper role well. But in this matchup, England seems to be the team with less weaknesses. They’ll be advancing to the semis!

Paraguay vs. Brazil

I was so, so, so set to make the Netherlands my pick to win the 2010 World Cup, but the Robben injury has taken me off that path. So that’s why Paraguay is now in their spot here, and therefore, while this may be closer than people expect, I have to pick Brazil to advance to the final four.

USA vs. Argentina

Unfortunately, it seems as though this is where the the road ends for the United States. If they are to have a cinderella run to the finals, they will certainly be doing it against a few of the best teams in the cup. I want to pick them here, but Argentina is too talented and will expose the U.S. defense.

Italy vs. Spain

The most exciting matchup of the quarterfinals without a doubt, and while most believe that Spain is going to be upset, I don’t see it happening. Italy is going to struggle in this one, and Spain will prove their incredible depth and talent in this game.

Let’s go to the semifinals:

England vs. Brazil

A dominant final four without a doubt, but I just think these teams will set themselves apart from the rest. For some reason, I’m hesitant to even have England this far, so Brazil is the natural choice here. This seems like a World Cup that will boast a pretty spectacular final, and Brazil will be in that game after a nice win over England here.

Argentina vs. Spain

The Maradona factor has yet to kick in, but perhaps it does here. Spain has the most talent and the number-one ranking, so this choice is easy right? Nope, not necessarily. Somehow, someway, Maradona doesn’t mess this one up either, and the Argentinians find themselves in the final.

THE FINAL

Brazil vs. Argentina

Maybe it’s not fun to pick two of the heavy favorites to be in the final, but both Brazil and Argentina will find a way to get here. In the end though, this is the year for Brazil. Dunga has a squad that is better than the rest, and they’ll show that with a 2-1 win over Argentina in the 2010 World Cup Final.

Now it’s your turn! Who do you think will win the World Cup?