Features, Ian John, World Cup 2010 POSTS

Deciphering the World Cup : Part Two : The Second Round

Published by Ian John on June 9, 2010

Our Sixteen Qualifiers from the Group Stages as shown in the last article, gives us the following second round draw :

Uruguay V Nigeria
Argentina V Mexico
England V Germany
Serbia V United States
Holland V Paraguay
Italy V Denmark
Brazil V Chile
Spain V Portugal

And yes, it is enough to make the mouth water in anticipation of a couple of those games in particular… So let’s continue deciphering our way toward the final by looking at each of the potential second round match ups…

England V Germany
Life in two European countries will come to a temporary halt should this be Match 1 of the second round. The old enemies will clash in Rustenberg in what could be an epic encounter. Form will go out of the window and one team will end up bitterly disappointed. England won in Germany last time they met and the three lions can win again, if they avoid penalties! Winner : England

Uruguay V Nigeria
Not the most enthralling encounter of the World Cup this, but once again Uruguay’s strength in attack should see them through, even if it is via the medium of penalty kicks. It’s much easier to believe that Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez would get better results against Nigeria’s defence than Yakubu and co would against the Uruguayan back line. Winner : Uruguay

Argentina V Mexico
Diego Maradona’s men will have happy memories of recent World Cup victories over Mexico and they should prove to be too strong once again. However I foresee Match 3 being a much closer game than perhaps many people would expect with Mexico’s clever attackers causing Argentina’s defence real problems. Argentina will edge it, just. Winner : Argentina

Serbia V United States
The American’s will start as underdogs against Serbia, but will put up a dogged and determined display against the Europeans, however it is hard to see how Landon Donovan and co will progress at the expense at one of the most talented and underrated teams of the tournament. It will be about now that some critics start to say that Serbia could be the surprise package at the World Cup Finals. Winner : Serbia

Brazil v Chile
Match Five of the second round sees an All-South American clash as Brazil take on the improving Chile at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Chile are an improving team but it is hard to see how they would manage to defeat Brazil, who will be in their stride at this point and have their eyes firmly fixed on the Quarters, Semi’s and final. Winner : Brazil

Holland V Paraguay
The Dutch won’t be too displeased with their second round draw. Having rested key first team members in their final group game, having already qualified, the Dutch will be fresh against a spirited but ultimately limited Paraguayan side and Wesley Sneijder and co will progress into the quarter finals from Match 6 with little difficulty. Winner : Holland

Spain V Portugal
Spain’s first real test in the finals will come against their fierce rivals and neighbours Portugal. Both teams will come to the match having rested key personnel and the game will be a classic, with Portugal soaking up Spanish pressure and trying to hit the Spanish defence on the counter attack. You know what? It will work too, despite plenty of pressure and brilliant football at times, Spain will succumb due to their defensive frailties and Ronaldo’s brilliance keeping Portugal in the game enough to force penalties, where Spanish dreams will end in tears… Winner : Portugal

Italy V Denmark
The final match of the second phase will see defending Champions Italy take on Denmark. The Italians, boosted by the news of Spain’s elimination will finally get into gear against a workmanlike Denmark and Andrea Pirlo will pull the strings alongside Claudio Marchisio to propel the Italians into another quarter finals. Winner : Italy

Join us again tomorrow as we head through the quarter finals and semi finals before announcing which team will be crowned the 2010 World Champions in Johannesburg on July 11th!

Image Courtesy of ***Masha3l*** on Flickr.com

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