And the World Cup goes on

After the first round I made my analyzes on each group. Now, that the first stage is over, I would like to write a little bit about the teams which will continue at the competition.

Germany – They are improving during the competition. Each game, they get a little better. This is what a champion normally does. However, they might face Argentina and Italy on their way, and these games we can’t predict.

Ecuador – They reached further than anybody expected. They could play a hard game against England but they shall fall like heroes.

England – I really believe in England but I don’t know if that’s because I’m watching the games in a British Pub. Before the World Cup I used to say they have the best squad after Brazil. Their midfield has the potential to break any defense. Rooney is back but they still very unlucky.

Sweden – This is the worst Sweden since 90 and yet they made their way through the round of 16 but against Germany they won’t go any further. They showed a glitter of the old Sweden against England but they still need a little more.

Argentina – What a team. Consistent, balanced, skillful, talented. Watch out for the Argentineans because this could be their World Cup.

Holland – Another great team but too young and too inexperienced. They are very fast and dangerous but they need to get better balance back there.

Portugal – They look like any other Scolari’s team: not playing great (even having the potential to do it) but always winning. Portugal could go very far but we will have the worst road to the final. Each lion at its time.

Mexico – What a deception. They were lucky to qualify. With Ukraine they are the worst team at the round of 16. It’s outrageous to name a team like this to head a group. They have no creativity at their midfield and will miss Borgetti a lot. They will be lucky if they loose by little to Argentina.

Italy – The Azzurra is back. If Portugal has the worst road to the final, Italy has the best one. They will make at least to the semi-finals with a potential of winning this tournament. If Totti improves his game, it won’t be easy to stop them.

Ghana – They showed us a great game on first stage, even when they lost to Italy. As any other African team, they could easily beat Brazil or gets beaten by 5 goals.

Brazil – They are also improving through the games. With Robinho on the team, its gets really fast. Juninho, Cicinho and Gilberto also improved a lot its speed against Japan. However, nobody knows if Parreira will repeat the team which played against Japan or if the old starters will return to it. I believe on the second choice. Brazil stills a big incognita. They could play like champions and if they do, they are unstoppable or play like they did against Croatia and get defeat by any other team.

Australia – Never underestimate the power of Gus Hiddink. He built a very consistent team but with very few skilled players they will fall against Italy.

Switzerland – Another WC surprise. The WC’s best defense will advance to the quarter-finals and won’t loose easily. They will be the Greece of this WC, but this time, they are better now than Greece was at the Euro04.

France – The team is old and totally incompetent of scoring goals. At least their defense stills strong. With Henry and Trezeget, they could advance but they will need to show a better game. I couldn’t realize why they like Ribery so much.

Spain – Like Holland, another young and fast team. But Spain has key players like Raul, Puyol and Xabi who could lead the young ones to the victory. But could they win this cup? I don’t think so.

Ukraine – They were lucky at the draw and now they shall loose to Switzerland. One Schevchenko doesn’t make a whole team.